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| The Black Tattoo | 
 enlarge | Author: Sam Enthoven
Publisher: Razorbill
Category: Book
List Price: $10.99
Buy Used: $1.50
You Save: $9.49 (86%)
New (26) Used (19) from $1.50
Avg. Customer Rating:  18 reviews
Sales Rank: 320997
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
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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...
Gladiator meets The Matrix March 8, 2007
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
It took me weeks to read this book
Much longer than it should
It's long and sometimes rambles, though
It's basically quite good
For several thousand years or more
Entrapped beneath a tree
There lies the evil demon Scourge
Who's yearning to get free
He snares an unsuspecting host
To help with his escape
The Black Tattoo's his trademark
And it's always changing shape
A battle with the Brotherhood
Soon puts them to the test
Can Esme and the loyal Jack
Derail the Scourge's quest?
A tale of evil and of good
With other stuff as well
A floating shark, a bat and
Gladiators down in hell
The dialogue is sometimes weak
The plot may be confusing
But though this novel is quite dark
You'll find some parts amusing
For readers who are 9 and up
And know what they're about
It isn't Harry Potter
But it's well worth checking out
Amanda Richards, March 8, 2007
 Very Enjoyable Read. October 7, 2006
9 out of 11 found this review helpful
I was in need of something a little different than what I typically would read on a Trans-Pacific flight back to the states, and having previously picked up a copy of 'The Black Tattoo' at the BEA show, had packed Sam Enthoven's book with my for the long flight home. I am very glad I did.
Sam Enthoven has written a wonderfully interesting and enjoyable read that is was as enjoyable to me as the Harry Potter books, but perhaps, a bit more interesting in the pronouncement of darkness and gaits of humor the author splashes throughout the story. Filled with expected thrills of the genre' that make up young adult science-fiction, readers will cheerish this story of friendship, of good v. evil, and of the many important ethical and moral issues all readers can relate to.
When Jack Farrell notices a dark spot on the back of Charlie Farnsworth's neck - a moving tattoo - the reader is soon taken onto Enthoven's fascinating story. The tattoo that Charlie bears on his neck came from a demon known as the Scourge. Scourge wants to use Charlie for his own wicked plans which would change the world forever. When Charlie and Jack join forces with Esme, a girl trained to fight demons, in order to stop the Scourge, the three new companions adventures into a spell-binding, fast moving plot keep the reader turning through the pages. After Esme's father is killed, she, Jack, and Charlie follow the Scourge straight into Hell, where Charlie falls deeper under the Scourge's spell, while Esme and Jack try to find a way to defeat the Scourge and save Charlie's life.
I am a big fan of Ms. Rowling, Mr. Paolini, Mr. Jordan, and the Eddings, and of course, the late Tolkien. I am now a fan of Sam Enthoven and look forward to the awaiting adventures that may hopefully ensue. Regardless if you are a young adult reader or an adult who enjoys coming of age science fiction, 'The Black Tattoo' delievers on all levels.
Mixed feelings about this one October 28, 2006
9 out of 10 found this review helpful
I really am scratching my head. The premise of the book sounded fascinating - The Scourge, an evil entity is released to awaken a dragon in Hell to destroy the universe. I started reading and must say that the book captured you and kept you reading. But do the characters make you like them? Do you want to read its sequel?
This is one dark book - most of the action takes place in Hell. Charlie has been duped by the Scourge into thinking he will rule Hell, and goes with him into the realm, Jack, his best mate, follows to rescue him, and then Esme, the last member of an ancient organization to imprison the Scourge, follows them to contain the Scourge and place him back in his prison.
I didn't like the varied demons. I didn't like that God joined Hell because he was bored with things. I didn't like the French secret group how were supposed to 'save' Esme.
The trio of Esme, Jack and Charlie have the potential to create an interesting series, but I do not think I will be reading them.
This is not Hogwarts. This is not Harry, Ron and Hermione. I do not see any comparisons other than there are 3 young people.
As a fan of sci-fi, thrillers, I can tell you this is one heck of a book. (sorry I had to do that) But it did not click for me.
Well written, good cover and poster.
You may really like the book - it has potential and you may like this struggle between light and dark. But I did not, and cannot see a young person reading this without being disturbed by the beings and the action in Hell.
Why am I giving the book 5 stars? It is an excellent read, and many will like it, but I am honest in telling you this was not my kind of book.
Best book I've read so far this year! May 13, 2007
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
This book is simply excellent. I had expected this book to be a good read, but not THAT good of a read. This book is filled with fantasy, magic, a wonderful plot, twists and turns, interesting characters that come alive, magic and more. Anybody that graded this three stars or lower...well? I don't know why. Hmm?
This story starts with two normal teenage boys, Charlie and Jack. Even though they are both ENTIRELY different people they've still been best friends for as long as they can remember. They end up running into a man named Nick who is the leader for a small group of people called "The Brotherhood". The Brotherhood's job is to keep a demon called the Scourge from escaping and going back to Hell. They don't exactly KNOW his intentions but they do know that they are very bad. The Scourge has been let out and it's up to Jack, Charlie (?), and a butt-kicking woman from the Brotherhood, Esme to stop the caos and save the world from the forces of Hell. They'll be going on an adventure they'll NEVER forget.
I hope that you all at least try this book and I hope that you enjoy as much as I did.
HAPPY READING!
 Good story for kids. Much less for adults. January 18, 2007
3 out of 6 found this review helpful
This book will appeal to kids who are fantasy fans but offers far less crossover appeal to adults than the classics of the genre (e.g. Harry Potter or A Wrinkle in Time). While there are many creative bits (Godfrey, for example) the writing is *very* straight-forward and plodding. This is not to say it is poor, but it offers little to keep an older mind engaged. Recommended for kids 9-16 or so, but if you are an adult fantasy fan or precocious child I'd recommend you give it a miss.
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