Branded {by Eric Smith}

Title: Branded
Author: Eric Smith
Series: Inked #2
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Genre: YA Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
source: NetGalley

Eric Smith returns to the world of Inked in this adventurous new sequel. No longer a sheltered farmboy, Caenum is caught in the crossfire of the rebellion he ignited. As the final battle with the Citadel approaches, he must choose his own destiny one last time…or let the Citadel choose it for him.

I loved Inked, so when I heard there was a sequel I was very excited to continue this story. Unfortunately, this story fell way flat for me. Although it kept me interested enough at the time to continue reading it, even now trying to write this review I find that I'm having a hard time even remembering what happened.

The story starts a few months after the ending of the first. Caenum is leading the rebellion, and they are going from town to town, spreading the rebellion and freeing the conduits. Unfortunately, nothing really happened? Inked set up for some great worldbuilding, but that wasn't really expanded on in this one, which was some really wasted potential.

The other thing was that I was kind of confused on the rebels and what was going on with them. I kind of felt like no one was really...doing anything? Also the prejudice against Inked/unInked/whatever was really confusing. They hated you if you had Ink, but they also hated you if you didn't?? Huh?? Whatever the difference may have been, it wasn't explained well.

While this was a quick read, it ultimately felt like a let down. Although I will continue to read more of Eric's work, as I think he has potential and a great writing style, this one was a no from me.

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Inked {by Eric Smith}

Title: Inked

Author: Eric Smith

Genre: YA Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Received via NetGalley

 

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.

 

This was definitely an interesting book. When I first heard about this book, I was drawn in because it sounded unique and different. Then I saw the cover, which sealed the deal. I don't read much fantasy, but I fully enjoyed this one.

 

I liked the world-building, as it wasn't so complex and confusing. My biggest issue with fantasy novels is that the world is so confusing, not explained well, or things don't add up. But this one was explained well, telling us what we needed to know without info-dumping.

 

This was an interesting concept as well. Tattoos that control your fate. Caenum doesn't know what he wants to do with this life, and sure doesn't want some ink telling him what to do with his life. But before he can run away, trouble comes to his small town. He flees to the secret town with his childhood friend Dreya, and Kenzi, a scribe, with the corrupt government at their heels.  

 

The plot was fast paced without being overwhelming. There weren't times when I was confused as to what was going on because it was too much. Smith achieved the perfect balance of neither underwhelming nor overwhelming us either.

 

This was definitely a great read, and I hope there ends up being a sequel because I will definitely read it.

 

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