The Black Tattoo | 
 enlarge | Author: Sam Enthoven
Publisher: Razorbill
Category: Book
List Price: $10.99
Buy New: $4.99
You Save: $6.00 (55%)
New (26) Used (18) from $1.50
Avg. Customer Rating:  18 reviews
Sales Rank: 332142
Media: Paperback
Reading Level: Young Adult
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 528
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.6
ISBN: 1595141332
EAN: 9781595141330
ASIN: 1595141332
Publication Date: January 10, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: BRAND NEW PAPERBACK
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Product Description
Jacks best friend, Charlie, is in serious trouble, possessed by an ancient demon called the Scourge who plans to use Charlie to bring about its evil endswhich, unfortunately, involve the destruction of the entire universe. Now Jack and the butt-kicking, sword-wielding Esme must contend with floating sharks, intelligent jelly, oversized centipedes, gladiator pits, and vomiting bats, all for the sake of saving Charlie from the Scourge. And, hopefully, saving the universe from total and utter annihilation.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 13 more reviews...
Courtesy of Teens Read Too August 14, 2008
Jack Ferrell wishes he would have listened to his instincts, to have made his friend, Charlie, turn away. But since Charlie was already having a bad time, what with his dad leaving, he went along with it.
He met Nick, a guy who just casually asked if the boys wanted to take a test that they supposedly were fit for. Without hesitation, Charlie accepted, making Nick lead them to the beautiful Esme. Turns out Nick is part of a brotherhood that had to look after a demon that was captured, making sure that it didn't escape. Unfortunately, they weren't successful, since one of their members betrayed them and let the demon take over his body.
Which means Charlie and Jack were their new recruits.
Even though Charlie was showing great progress, developing powers, and getting close to defeating the demon, something unexpected happens and he lands himself in Hell.
Jack then finds himself in Hell, too, even though he would rather be somewhere, anywhere else. It is the perfect opportunity to save his friend. At least he has Esme by his side, but can he save Charlie before the demon fully controls him -- or will this be a battle both boys will lose?
THE BLACK TATTOO isn't only creative but also adventurous and gripping. Every page is full of detail, causing the reader to feel like they are on the adventure with Jack, which is a scary thought. Sam Enthoven is in a league of his own, and definitely knows how to create a thriller that would be a blockbuster hit.
Reviewed by: Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen
 Welcome to Apocalyptic Horror "Light" July 24, 2008
This novel is a snappily-written, funny, thought-provoking read... especially if the reader is a teenager or "young adult" - this book's intended audience. With that in mind, I highly recommend this to that category of reader.
If, however, you are a "not so young anymore" adult, you'll probably find yourself doing what I did as I read: asking Enthoven to get a little more down and dirty and to tone down the humor a bit. For instance, it's one thing have the stereotypical idiot commando leader, gonzo to the point of insanity over "the mission"... it's quite another to let said leader get so many lines in a story that really barely even needs him.
The ironic tone that Enthoven uses for his protagonist, Jack, is superb; don't get me wrong. The writing really is excellent. But I found myself wanting Jack to be - well, a little less of a sarcastic teenager and a lot more of a ... well, of what he finally becomes in the end. That's actually a good indication of the skill that Enthoven possesses: he definitely hooked me with a great character with a strong voice that I was rooting for, from beginning to end.
Lastly, regarding the existential stuff, I found myself fascinated with the depiction of hell and its denizens. It wasn't offensive to my sensibilities in the least to see God's "real job", and frankly I found myself often laughing at the ways in which the residents of hell were often laughing at "us". I think my own beliefs are solid enough to withstand a few hours of entertainment with a book as imaginative and as fun as this one!
 Imaginative effort that falls painfully short July 2, 2008
I picked this book up somewhat serendipitously, having acquired it from a friend who was discomfited by some of its views and being fascinated with all things macabre, demonic and occult in general. Now, I understand that this is intended for a much younger audience than my own twenty-three years but I have read and enjoyed Harry Potter, The Golden Compass and its sequels, and read and to some extent enjoyed even Twilight. All that to say, I am disappointed enough with it that I have no plans to finish it.
First, the good: Enthoven creates a highly imaginative world that plays with concepts of demonic possession and hell in some rather original ways. His young hero is rather likable, particularly as one views his own struggle with feeling "ordinary" and left out of things, only to be thrust into events in the effort to save his friend (this is about as far as I got).
Now, the bad: throughout the book I was almost paralyzed by the lack of empathy created with the characters. They seemed unconvincing, flat, and contrived somehow, like cartoon talking heads. The author filled their speech-bubbles with dialog but I never felt as though I really connected profoundly with any character. I grant you there are many ways to do this and some authors certainly do it much better than others, but I don't believe that Enthoven's style was merely lost on me as I've read everything from the aforementioned "young adult" works to my more usual fare of Lovecraft, Lumley and Matheson (of these days). The plot suffered as a result of the poor characterization: it seemed random and "jumpy": for those who have read the book, what led the fellow Nick (host of the demon called the Scourge) to seemingly randomly select the two boys Charlie and Jack off the street? The whole concept of a secret brotherhood intended to keep the world safe from the demon the Scourge is interesting but comes off rather glib and cliched. Nothing wrong with using a concept like that, but you have to make it your own, and I'm rather at a loss as to how Enthoven really did that.
In summation, then: two stars for imaginative effort, but pass this one over. If you're into things of this sort stick to the Golden Compass and its sequels, and Garth Nix's Sabriel and its sequels. Both series are far better written and far more compelling reads.
 wonderful book June 5, 2008
This was a wonderful book. Came to me in excellant condition. Couldnt believe it. Thank you so much.
Black Tattoo October 20, 2007
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Jack and Charlie are two ordinary kids who find themselves fighting demons in Hell. They become gladiators and they join forces with the dark side. What else could go wrong?
Charlie had to think really hard about whether he wanted to rule Hell or not? Would he rather rule Hell or go back to his home? He thought about all the bad things in his life. He thought about his father abandoning him. Then he thought about what ruling Hell would be like. He chose to help the Scourge (a demon). How could Charlie do that? What reasons in his life drove him to that decision?
Eventually, Jack and, Charlie return to earth. They all say goodbye and leave. They all felt relieved that their adventure was worth while and that they had saved the earth from evil.
Find out how Jack and Charlie battle the demons in hell and in the process find themselves and overcome all the sad things in their lives.
I think the book was very interesting. It was a little hard to follow at times. I would recommend this book to kids that like adventure and fast-paced books. I would also recommend it to kids who enjoy kung-fu and martial arts. The book was a little long, but it kept my attention.
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