The Black Tattoo

by Sam Enthoven

Book Overview

Jack doesn't know what he's got himself into. One minute he and his best friend Charlie were up in Chinatown having crispy duck with Charlie's dad (and Jack was having to listen to Charlie shouting at... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1595141146
• ISBN13: 9781595141149
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: Razorbill
• Length: 503 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.7" x 6.5" x 9.2"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

Avery Wiese...=)

The Black Tattoo By: Sam Enthoven WARNING!! THIS MIGHT BE A SPOILER!! The Black tattoo starts out with two kids named Charlie and jack. They have a regular life in England. Then they run into a guy named Nick. Nick tricks them into thinking they are going to be leader of this group but charlie ends up getting possesed by a demon and jack has to follow him around as he flies every where. Then they have to defeat the "Scourge" so he doesn't get to hell and end time. The scourge is actually the demon who possesses charlie. So charlie has to defeat him self basically and he doesn't even know it. So charlie and jack travel to hell to intercept the demon but the demon was in charlie so it was basically getting a ride there. Then the scourge leaves charlie and actually tricks charlie into helping him rule hell (the void [End of the universe]). So jack is the only one who can save them. So charlie is about to complete the deathness ritual and jack talks to the dragon (the destroyer of the universe) and actually persuades the dragon to let the universe live. =)

wonderful book

This was a wonderful book. Came to me in excellant condition. Couldnt believe it. Thank you so much.

Best book I've read so far this year!

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!

Mixed feelings about this one

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.

Very Enjoyable Read.

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.