The Black Tattoo
by Sam Enthoven
Published by Razorbill/Penguin Group (October release)
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Reviewed by Nick Capo, Assistant Professor of English, Illinois College
(This is Science Fiction/Fantasy)
Fourteen-year-old Jack Farrell has a problem--several problems, in fact. He and his best friend, Charlie Farnsworth, now belong to an ancient society--the Brotherhood of Sleep. Upon joining, Charlie received superhuman powers, whereas Jack remained a typical teenager. There's also a beautiful girl, and with Charlie already acting unwisely because of his powers, Jack is feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Jack likes Esme, a girl who has trained for her entire life to battle a powerful demon. She's an intimidating girl to have a crush on, and even though Jack has something of a knack for making friends, he faces an uphill battle in getting her attention.
After all, Khentimentu the Scourge, an ancient demon that escaped from imprisonment after nine thousand years of captivity, is angry. The Scourge is fiendishly clever, subtly evil, and obsessively ruthless. Add its gleeful wickedness and its moments of perhaps--humanity, perhaps--deceit, and you have a villain worthy of legend.
At one level, The Black Tattoo is a coming-of-age tale with several twists. It is also a cautionary tale about how easily normal human failings lead to evil and corruption. In the novel's world, power certainly does corrupt, and our saving graces are love and friendship. Jack's loyalty and level-headedness are virtues that he comes to appreciate as the story unfolds.
Set in modern London and Hell, The Black Tattoo successfully creates its own reality. A London pub holds the gateway to Hell. A character named Godfrey (God, for short) plays a key role. A group of ferocious gladiators entertains the denizens of Hell. And the Sons of the Scorpion Flail crash about, providing ample comic relief.
Woven into this tale is an irreverent consideration of orthodox religion. The novel's depiction of Hell is endlessly inventive and visually satisfying. But, readers, be warned: food might never look the same after a dinner in Hell.
The Black Tattoo is a feast. It is packed with rewarding subplots and memorable characters, including a brave protagonist and one of the nastiest villains you'll find in recent fantasy fiction.
Armchair Interviews says: An imaginative romp through religion and mythology geared to young adults.