A review by devilndisguise
Strange Ink by Gary Kemble
4.0
This book first caught my eyes while I was browsing the Sci-fi/Fantasy genre section like I normally do every Friday at one of my nearest bookstores. The cover intrigued me, as did the title, so I sat down and read the prologue. Realizing it apparently consisted of my favorite things; tattoos and horror, I bought it immediately.
Personally, it never crossed me as horror, though. I think it seems more fitting as a paranormal mystery/thriller. But I wasn’t specifically seeking the horror genre; this book simply just called out to me. And for myself not caring much about the paranormal genre in general, this was very well-done and I actually really enjoyed it.
The story intrigued me right from the beginning, but I will admit that it felt slow-paced at times, mostly at the start of it all. It didn’t really grip my desire to not put the book down until I made it about halfway through, but it really started to pick up for me at that point and then all I wanted to do was find out what came next.
I liked Harry’s character development and the way he handled and reacted to everything that was happening to him. To me, nothing ever really seemed all that far-fetched. He didn’t immediately take to the “oh, must-be-ghosts” theory, but instead actually sought mental help before continuing to unravel, then realizing that something more was definitely going on.
I also really enjoyed how he and Rob started to become one. Very subtle at first, and then he entirely takes over. But Harry is still there, trying to fight him off. A good take on basically being possessed, but not being overbearing about it or trying to get the “ghoulish-spooks” out.
There’re also his relationships with the ladies in his life. Being heartbroken, lonely, and under a lot of stress, he definitely needed and wanted some type of comfort. But the ending didn’t give him a happily-ever-after with either of the women in question, which I appreciated. Though it did hint at the possibility of having another chance with his ex, but that’s left for the readers to create in their own minds afterwards.
Everything fell into place, while not being rushed or feeling like it was a perfect ending. Harry still has things he needs to deal with, things he needs to let go, and yet probably a lot to look forward to.
Overall, the plot was really good and very well-executed, and I loved the writing style.
Personally, it never crossed me as horror, though. I think it seems more fitting as a paranormal mystery/thriller. But I wasn’t specifically seeking the horror genre; this book simply just called out to me. And for myself not caring much about the paranormal genre in general, this was very well-done and I actually really enjoyed it.
The story intrigued me right from the beginning, but I will admit that it felt slow-paced at times, mostly at the start of it all. It didn’t really grip my desire to not put the book down until I made it about halfway through, but it really started to pick up for me at that point and then all I wanted to do was find out what came next.
I liked Harry’s character development and the way he handled and reacted to everything that was happening to him. To me, nothing ever really seemed all that far-fetched. He didn’t immediately take to the “oh, must-be-ghosts” theory, but instead actually sought mental help before continuing to unravel, then realizing that something more was definitely going on.
I also really enjoyed how he and Rob started to become one. Very subtle at first, and then he entirely takes over. But Harry is still there, trying to fight him off. A good take on basically being possessed, but not being overbearing about it or trying to get the “ghoulish-spooks” out.
There’re also his relationships with the ladies in his life. Being heartbroken, lonely, and under a lot of stress, he definitely needed and wanted some type of comfort. But the ending didn’t give him a happily-ever-after with either of the women in question, which I appreciated. Though it did hint at the possibility of having another chance with his ex, but that’s left for the readers to create in their own minds afterwards.
Everything fell into place, while not being rushed or feeling like it was a perfect ending. Harry still has things he needs to deal with, things he needs to let go, and yet probably a lot to look forward to.
Overall, the plot was really good and very well-executed, and I loved the writing style.