Showing posts with label Ink. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ink. Show all posts

Saturday, 15 July 2017

Ink by Alice Broadway (2017)

Title: Ink
Author: Alice Broadway
Series: The Skin Books #1
Pages: 366
Published: Feb 2nd 2017
Publisher: Scholastic Ltd.


I have mixed feelings about this book. First of all, I went in with no knowledge at all. I had no clue what it was about except that people ink their skin based on the things they do in life. Sounds intriguing. And the cover was gorgeous. I really worked up excitement for this book and got really high expectations. And it was such a let down.

Absolutely nothing happened during the first 200 pages. It was boring. I felt like I was just reading about Leora's everyday life where nothing was happening. I suppose it was meant for world building but I don't feel like there was an interesting world. And this world irritated me. These people's view on their society was disturbing. There are no secrets in this world because people ink their every action onto their skin. Everything bad and good. So everything is visible for everyone all the time. Where is the privacy?! And then in order to keep someones soul eternal after their death they make books out of their skin. OUT OF THEIR SKIN! This creeped me out so much I wanted to stop reading. And it felt like this was so out of place in this world as well because it wasn't dystopian enough either. So weird. It reminded me of this tv show where a man came in to try and trade this wallet made of human skin (that was meant to bring luck) and all the traders rejected him cause it's so gross.

I did ending got much better but I was unsure what Leora's decision was in the end. Which side did she choose. I didn't like her attitude and couldn't tell how it actually ended. It was not satisfying at all, but it wasn't a cliffhanger either. I'm so confused.

It was a light read which I'm happy about. It only took about a day and a half to read, and I didn't want it to take any longer. The story was altogether weak and I felt like this dystopian world didn't have enough to offer. It looked like it had potential (yes I judged it by its cover) and it was just so unimpressive. With my thoughts for the book at the moment I don't think I'm going to read the rest of the books.

Plot Summary:

Every action, every deed, every significant moment is tattooed on your skin for ever. When Leora's father dies, she is determined to see her father remembered forever. She knows he deserves to have all his tattoos removed and made into a Skin Book to stand as a record of his good life. But when she discovers that his ink has been edited and his book is incomplete, she wonders whether she ever knew him at all.

My Rating:

4/10

Thursday, 1 June 2017

The Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (2016)

Title: The Girl of Ink and Stars
Author: Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Pages: 228
Published: May 5th 2016
Publisher: Chicken House


This lovely book was given to me by my mum when I wasn't feeling too well. I was lacking enthusiasm in reading any of my books at home and this book really got me back on track.

Although this is a middle grade book I personally think it is a book for all ages. It is full of magic, friendship and love and full of imagination. It is a cozy read and reminds you of how magical it is to read books for younger readers. There is a serious under tone but it does not limit the magical setting or plot.

If you haven't read the book and are planning to read it I suggest that you do not read this paragraph as I suggest that everyone reads this book without any expectations or foreknowledge. I didn't and it helped me picture this world completely with my own imagination. When I read it I had at first a hard time to picture the time period and setting. I later decided that the Island is Spanish inspired, due to the names of people and the how the setting was built up. In the beginning I believed that it was set in the middle 1800's but I later go the impression that it was mid 1900's.

I would strongly recommend this book. Especially, if you're low, want an easy read, want something magical or just want to be reminded of what it's like to be young again. Beautifully written.

If you need more convincing this book includes: maps, waterfalls, inks, stars, huge beasts, underground tunnels, myths and legends, and of course an adventure. 

Plot Summary:

Forbidden to leave her island, Isabella Riosse dreams of the faraway lands her father once mapped. 
When her closest friends disappears into the island's Forgotten Territories, she volunteers to guide the search. As a cartographer's daughter, she's equipped with elaborate ink maps and knowledge of the stars, and is eager to navigate the island's forgotten heart.
But the world beyond the walls is a monster-filled waste land - and beneath the dry rivers and smoking mountains, a legendary fire demon is stirring from its sleep. Soon, following her map, her heart and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers the true end of her journey: to save the island itself.
-Goodreads

Favourite Quote:

"India is a place where colour is doubly bright. Pinks that scald your eyes, blues that you could drown in."

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books by this Kiran Millwood Hargrave:

The Island at the End of Everything