If you like your literature dark, gritty and violent, then you’ve come to the right place ... Maberry’s seemingly inexhaustible imagination uses a style --- short chapters, each of which presents an alternating point of view --- that lends itself to rapid reading, particularly when his characters begin painting the walls with each other. I guarantee that readers will be unable to walk past a tattoo parlor or see someone who has sunk the ink without thinking of one or more passages from this frightening and memorable novel ... While Ink<.em> has been described repeatedly as a stand-alone work, the primary characters are so striking that literary retirement will not suit them. I predict that Maberry’s output, which never sacrifices quality at the altar of quantity, will almost certainly find a way to bring back Monk and the inhabitants of Pine Deep --- those who survive to the end of the book, that is --- for another round. Or two.
Maberry, who has never shied away from serious, complex subjects, here tackles one of the most fundamental themes of them all: the nature and transience of memory. Yes, there is a monster in the book, but this is no one-track monster story, though the idea of people losing pieces of their identities, and how they respond to the loss, packs a monstrous wallop. Maberry, who was no slouch as a storyteller back in the days of the first Pine Deep novel, Ghost Road Blues (2006), continues to hone his craft. What’s especially interesting about Ink is its texture ... strikingly vivid imagery. This tactile realism makes the story’s horror even more visceral and haunting. A brilliant and supremely scary novel.
... fascinating ... I have read a couple of books about memories and loss of memories, and it was this unique element of someone stealing memories that drew me to this book. I am happy to say that it did not disappoint though it was much darker than I had expected ... a well written story that kept me guessing at a number of aspects of the storyline ... The kind of twisted mind that would explore and exploit these powers and take pleasure in reliving memories is well portrayed by the book. He was so well written that I hated him with a passion ... an engaging read. It took a while to get into it because of the sheer number of perspectives ... spooky in its own unique manner and portrays the importance of memories and how the supernatural is integrated into our world in an interesting way.
... a disquieting standalone adventure ... Moments of gruesome violence and abuse mark this as not for the faint of heart, though Maberry’s focus on the strength and resilience of his heroes offers a glimmer of light in the darkness. The unhinged and unrepentant Lord of the Flies is a striking villain who will haunt readers long after the book is through. Horror fans should take note.
