So, I don’t want to put out knitting posts without some photos, which would require some blocking. Hopefully I’ll get to the blocking this week and have a chance to shoot some decent photos this weekend. Hang in there!
Also, in cause you couldn’t tell, I cannot stop reading! Should I be concerned about this?
Title: Ink
Author: Isabelle Rowan
Format: Kindle eBook
Overall rating: 4 (out of 5)
I will admit that the cover art was the first thing that drew me to this novel. I mean, how, I ask you, could I resist?
Next, the description intrigued me. Roman centurions, you say? Yes, please. Vampires? Lovely! Tattoos? I enjoy those… It sounded like it could be interesting. On the other hand, it also sounded like it had the potential to be a corny cliché-ridden disaster. Thankfully, what I found was a tastefully written novel that explores the nuances and nature of love, friendship and humanity through the story of a vampire romance.
If you’re looking for an action-packed read, sexual or otherwise, this may not be the book for you. While there is certainly a main story line that introduces situational tension into the mix, Ink really focuses on and shines in the areas of character development and exploration of its main themes. Rowan writes descriptive prose that is able to bring the characters, locations and situations to life, without being overly wordy. The relationships between the characters feel real and their struggles personal. Consequently, though, the pace of the novel drags a bit, especially around the middle sections.
Although this is definitely a character- and relationship-driven book, it also heavily focuses on the nature of vampires and, by association, humanity. Ink explores questions like: Can vampires retain their humanity? What constitutes humanity? Can vampires have relationships with other vampires and humans that aren’t about power? Can the essential nature of a vampire change over the vast expanse of their existence? Are vampires really so emotionally different from humans? In short, if you are not into vampires, you may find the whole thing boring.
Fortunately, I enjoy vampires. I was moved by the complex relationships between the novel’s three vampires as well as between the vampires and their various human relations. I heartily hope that a sequel is in the works.
The cover art that appears as part of this review remains under the protection of the original copyright owner. It is used here in accordance with fair use guidelines. If you are the copyright owner and you would like this image removed, please contact me.
