The Black Tattoo

By: Sam Enthoven

Narrated by: John Lee

Jack’s best friend, Charlie, is in serious trouble, possessed by an ancient demon called the Scourge who plans to use Charlie to bring about its evil ends—which, unfortunately, involve the destruction of the entire universe.

Now Jack and the butt-kicking, sword-wielding Esme must contend with floating sharks, intelligent jelly, oversized centipedes, gladiator pits, and vomiting bats, all for the sake of saving Charlie from the Scourge.

And, hopefully, saving the universe from total and utter annihilation.

Critic reviews

“Sam Enthoven’s clearly loving telling this story and his energy creeps into the words on every page.”—The Guardian

“Imagine a literary world where Philip Pullman meets Darren Shan.”—Books for Keeps

“Vomiting bats? I’m sold.”—Neil Gaiman

I read this book as a teen.

This is a great book to dive into. I enjoyed it as a teen but I have not listened to the audiobook. Really wonderful world building and a great story.

Ecstatic in Niagara Falls

This would make an amazing film or series (if done correctly). Also, the narrator John Lee kept me captivated the entire time. Great book. Great narrator.

It was good for a teen read

I have had this book for a long time and just now decided to give it a listen. It was good for what it was. As an adult I thing a teen or kid would enjoy it more

Vanhelsing

Being an avid reader of both the Science Fiction and Fantasy genre and a High School English teacher, I am excited by Sam Enthoven's book. It is an engaging tale that even non-readers will be hard pressed to put down. Interesting, empathetic characters to which teens can relate, fast paced action scenes, delightfully wicked bad guys and a vision of hell and its creatures worthy of Simon R.Green. My particular favorite was the regurgitating bat like creatures that are more than what they seem. The main characters Charlie, Jack and Esme survive their trip to hell, save the world and even manage to make some interesting new friends in the process.

FUN!

The Black Tattoo is a fun, rollicking adventure tale. The action and imagery is very well described and there are parts that are laugh-out-loud funny. The narration is a joy to hear and the production values are crisp and clear. There are parts that are a bit slow but they don't last very long and you can tell that they've ended because suddenly you're laughing on the bus and people are staring at you! Recommended for ages 12 and up due to the violence- lots of fighting in this one!