[Review] Inked by Eric Smith

ABOUT

Title: Inked

Author: Eric Smith

Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark

Release Date: January 20th 2015

Get it Here: Indigo Amazon B&N

Goodreads Page

Source: e-ARC via NetGalley

Synopsis:
Tattoos once were an act of rebellion.

Now they decide your destiny the moment the magical Ink settles under your skin.

And in a world where Ink controls your fate, Caenum can't escape soon enough. He is ready to run from his family, and his best friend Dreya, and the home he has known, just to have a chance at a choice.

But when he upsets the very Scribe scheduled to give him his Ink on his eighteenth birthday, he unwittingly sets in motion a series of events that sends the corrupt, magic-fearing government, The Citadel, after him and those he loves.

Now Caenum, Dreya, and their reluctant companion Kenzi must find their way to the Sanctuary, a secret town where those with the gift of magic are safe. Along the way, they learn the truth behind Ink, its dark origins, and why they are the only ones who can stop the Citadel.
Eric Smith takes you on a high-octane fantasy adventure, perfect for anyone who has dreamed of being different… only to discover that fate is more than skin deep.

I received an e-ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This fact in no shape or form affects my review. Except for the existence of the review itself. I received no compensation for this review in any way.This is my honest opinion of the work.

This book is a really great starter book for beginner fantasy readers. It's world building is quite simple and doesn't give a super complicated world with different countries and the like. However, it has the elements of fantasy required to ease beginners into the world of fantasy.

My favourite bit of this book has to be the magic system. When youth are of age, "scribes" come to the town to ink them. Essentially they are magical tattoos that come alive on the skin and take on the form of whatever occupation you would be suited best to. One of the main character's ink takes on the form of flowers and so she helps run the greenhouse. Later as the book progresses, we learn more about the magic system, it gets a little more complex. It's very clear that Eric Smith put a lot of thought into the system.

The plot was highly enjoyable and I only wish it had been longer or just slightly more drawn out, because it felt a little short to me. But then again, I am an avid fantasy reader and I'm used to reading the super long fantasies. However, I liked the ambiguous ending that leaves room for adding another book should the occasion arise, as at this moment in time, Inked is a standalone.

I think my favourite character is Kenzi. He isn't outright good in the beginning and doesn't see the merit of being "good" when it could get them killed. Kenzi has to be steered in the right direction by Caenum who is outrageously good. I also find it quite hilarious how absolutely smitten he is later with Rhys, a character that is introduced later on in the story.

Inked is an easy, quick fantasy read that's a lot of fun. It doesn't ask a big commitment of you, but still has you drawn into the world and characters. I really hope there's a continuation to this! I would love to read it!

Happy Reading!