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magencorrie's review against another edition
3.0
2.5/3 stars out of 5
*received this book from Netgalley for an honest review*
My thoughts:
Now, I did, in a way, enjoy Ink. Once I started it, I had to see how it would end. I think what really drew me in was the mythology that Sun intertwined within her story. It was interesting and pulled me in. I also liked that the setting was Japan. I’m a lover of Japanese things; however, some of their culture and customs are very different from ours. Since I have kind of a limited knowledge of that, I wasn’t too thrown; however, if someone is not familiar, the actions and customs of the characters probably would see weird.
I think the author really only aimed her book to a certain crowd, or group of people. This book felt too much like a Japanese/ Korean drama, or even along the lines of an anime show. The actions of some of the character were way too dramatic. I actually shouted a few times at the characters, at why they were acting like that!! So, if you aren’t into J-Dramas or Anime, I wouldn’t really pick this one up.
I also felt that the story moved at a very fast paced, making some of the events unbelievable. I also felt that the developing romance, between Katie and Tomo to feel unnatural. Their interest in each other felt a bit forced, but it did have its sweet moments. Though, I do like how Sun intertwined their connection. It was very unique.
I honestly don’t know what to say about the characters. I did enjoy them, to an extent. Katie reacted a lot to her emotions, and some of her actions just didn’t connect, like there was no reason behind them. I couldn’t feel, or understand why she did some things. Then Tomo, he was a poo-poo head. Like Katie, his actions were random at times. And he was a very dramatic guy. He definitely had some sekrits. I did like the mythology based on what Tomo was. That was one of the coolest thing in the entire book.
Amanda Sun did create an interesting series, and one that I will have to continue. I have to see where she takes the story. And since I am a lover of Japanese things, I did like getting lost in a book that was based in Japan. Though I did find a few things I didn’t enjoy, Sun did a good job creating a book with a decent mythology twist to it.
*received this book from Netgalley for an honest review*
My thoughts:
Now, I did, in a way, enjoy Ink. Once I started it, I had to see how it would end. I think what really drew me in was the mythology that Sun intertwined within her story. It was interesting and pulled me in. I also liked that the setting was Japan. I’m a lover of Japanese things; however, some of their culture and customs are very different from ours. Since I have kind of a limited knowledge of that, I wasn’t too thrown; however, if someone is not familiar, the actions and customs of the characters probably would see weird.
I think the author really only aimed her book to a certain crowd, or group of people. This book felt too much like a Japanese/ Korean drama, or even along the lines of an anime show. The actions of some of the character were way too dramatic. I actually shouted a few times at the characters, at why they were acting like that!! So, if you aren’t into J-Dramas or Anime, I wouldn’t really pick this one up.
I also felt that the story moved at a very fast paced, making some of the events unbelievable. I also felt that the developing romance, between Katie and Tomo to feel unnatural. Their interest in each other felt a bit forced, but it did have its sweet moments. Though, I do like how Sun intertwined their connection. It was very unique.
I honestly don’t know what to say about the characters. I did enjoy them, to an extent. Katie reacted a lot to her emotions, and some of her actions just didn’t connect, like there was no reason behind them. I couldn’t feel, or understand why she did some things. Then Tomo, he was a poo-poo head. Like Katie, his actions were random at times. And he was a very dramatic guy. He definitely had some sekrits. I did like the mythology based on what Tomo was. That was one of the coolest thing in the entire book.
Amanda Sun did create an interesting series, and one that I will have to continue. I have to see where she takes the story. And since I am a lover of Japanese things, I did like getting lost in a book that was based in Japan. Though I did find a few things I didn’t enjoy, Sun did a good job creating a book with a decent mythology twist to it.
sea_su's review against another edition
5.0
This book was really interesting from the start. I love how it took place in Japan. Uunfortunately for me I didn't find the Japanese glossary till I finished the book.
Katie's character at first drove me insane. She was literally a stalker. I was just like wtf. Are you doing. She also was a bit annoying, couldn't really make up her mind a lot.
Katie's character at first drove me insane. She was literally a stalker. I was just like wtf. Are you doing. She also was a bit annoying, couldn't really make up her mind a lot.
harleyrae's review against another edition
2.0
I am very disappointed in this book. I was very excited to read it, but once I began to read it I just wanted it all the end.
What I liked:
1. The idea. I though it was an interesting idea, that could have been brilliant.
2. The culture. I'm not Japaneses it was interesting reading a book set in japan.
What I didn't like:
1. The characters. Especially the main character. I just felt her priorities were not in order.
2. The love. It was very insta-lovey, I didn't like it at all.
3. The amount of YA cliques there was. Nothing about this book was original.
All in all I really did not like this book. I am very disappointed with how it turned out and don't plan on continuing with the series.
What I liked:
1. The idea. I though it was an interesting idea, that could have been brilliant.
2. The culture. I'm not Japaneses it was interesting reading a book set in japan.
What I didn't like:
1. The characters. Especially the main character. I just felt her priorities were not in order.
2. The love. It was very insta-lovey, I didn't like it at all.
3. The amount of YA cliques there was. Nothing about this book was original.
All in all I really did not like this book. I am very disappointed with how it turned out and don't plan on continuing with the series.
nadine_booklover's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! I really can't believe I had this book on my shelf for so long and always choose other books over it. This is a wonderful story with an interesting plot. Japanese culture and myths are obviously a great setting! I had so much fun reading it, that I can't wait to get my hands on the two sequels!
This book is definitely a keeper and not only because of its gorgeous cover and the awsome sketches inside!
This book is definitely a keeper and not only because of its gorgeous cover and the awsome sketches inside!
lilwiccankitten's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
caseyflemingo's review against another edition
2.0
I picked this book up because I saw a Tiktok which said that this book would be good for people who like Fruits Basket. I can see the similarities between the two, but this book did not click for me. The setting of Japan is interesting, and one of the best parts of the book, but the story was boring and dull to me. I cared a lot about Katie's friends and her adjusting to her new life, but almost as soon as you meet Tomohiro, all of the stuff I liked was gone. Overall this book was not for me, sadly.
nitzanschwarz's review against another edition
I know Megs (my co-blogger) doesn't do DNF reviews, but I do, when I feel like I need (and can) explain why I didn't finish a book.
On the surface, Ink is the perfect book for me. It's in Japan, a place I love and dream to visit. It's anime-ish, and I love anime. And to top it all, it's fantasy. A fantasy, anime-ish story set in Japan? Sign me up!
Or maybe not. Because I just couldn't finish this book. At page 97, after 97 pages of pure frustration, I decided to call it quits, which I don't normally do. But from page one, more or less, I was considering putting this book down.
From the start, I saw I didn't like how Japan was portrayed in this book. It just... didn't feel authentic, you know? It felt like what someone like me, who loves Japan and anime but doesn't really understand it might write. It didn't feel real. It felt like it was trying too hard to grasp Japan.
The writing itself wasn't a favorite, either. I felt like there were over descriptions, like that delicate balance between too much and too little hasn't yet been mastered (but it is hard). Then there was the trying to intricate Japanese words into the story. It just wasn't well done. A Japanese person doesn't say Ketai Phone. It's like saying Cell Phone Phone. Ketai is, on itself, "cell phone". There were other examples where I felt the usage was wrong, even if slightly.
Or maybe not. Because I just couldn't finish this book. At page 97, after 97 pages of pure frustration, I decided to call it quits, which I don't normally do. But from page one, more or less, I was considering putting this book down.
From the start, I saw I didn't like how Japan was portrayed in this book. It just... didn't feel authentic, you know? It felt like what someone like me, who loves Japan and anime but doesn't really understand it might write. It didn't feel real. It felt like it was trying too hard to grasp Japan.
The writing itself wasn't a favorite, either. I felt like there were over descriptions, like that delicate balance between too much and too little hasn't yet been mastered (but it is hard). Then there was the trying to intricate Japanese words into the story. It just wasn't well done. A Japanese person doesn't say Ketai Phone. It's like saying Cell Phone Phone. Ketai is, on itself, "cell phone". There were other examples where I felt the usage was wrong, even if slightly.
(And I'd just like to point out I may be the one in the wrong, as my knowledge comes from watching and listening to anime, but it still ended up bothering me, the individual)
Now, I will backtrack a bit. This writing may be intentional. The main character is an outsider. She may make these mistakes, be slightly off. And if that was all that bothered me with this book, I would've overlooked it, but it wasn't.
First, there was Katie herself. Even 100 pages into the story, I couldn't pin her down. I didn't know her. And when you don't have the slightest idea about a character even 100 pages later, it means something.
Then there was the "romance". Pfft. More like "worst case of insta love eveeeer". She's thinking of Tomohiro, and how pretty he is, and "understanding" him, when she's had maybe one decent conversation with the guy, and the other encounters were mostly compiled of grunts and looks (which, by the way, I don't believe you can glean that much from a look when you don't know the person...) and him being mostly a jerk.
In fact, it was Katie thinking "The wildness of it drove fear into my heart, as if I didn't really know him at all--and maybe I didn't" that convinced me to drop this book. No shit, Sherlock? You might not know him? what DO you know about the guy? I could sum it in three sentences, and most of it ain't good. Did you think you know him? The guy you truly spoke withtwice, who spends his time trying to intimidate you and--according to you--blowing up you pens?!
Give. Me. A Break.
I'm so done with insta love it ain't even funny, and I'm not suffering through yet another book with it for anything, especially one that hasn't impressed me in any other way either. Sign me out.
Now, I will backtrack a bit. This writing may be intentional. The main character is an outsider. She may make these mistakes, be slightly off. And if that was all that bothered me with this book, I would've overlooked it, but it wasn't.
First, there was Katie herself. Even 100 pages into the story, I couldn't pin her down. I didn't know her. And when you don't have the slightest idea about a character even 100 pages later, it means something.
Then there was the "romance". Pfft. More like "worst case of insta love eveeeer". She's thinking of Tomohiro, and how pretty he is, and "understanding" him, when she's had maybe one decent conversation with the guy, and the other encounters were mostly compiled of grunts and looks (which, by the way, I don't believe you can glean that much from a look when you don't know the person...) and him being mostly a jerk.
In fact, it was Katie thinking "The wildness of it drove fear into my heart, as if I didn't really know him at all--and maybe I didn't" that convinced me to drop this book. No shit, Sherlock? You might not know him? what DO you know about the guy? I could sum it in three sentences, and most of it ain't good. Did you think you know him? The guy you truly spoke withtwice, who spends his time trying to intimidate you and--according to you--blowing up you pens?!
Give. Me. A Break.
I'm so done with insta love it ain't even funny, and I'm not suffering through yet another book with it for anything, especially one that hasn't impressed me in any other way either. Sign me out.
thelibrarylady42's review against another edition
2.0
*Copy provided by NetGalley*
This is probably a 2.5 for me. It’s a book I really wanted to love because of the concept but just couldn’t because of the execution. I mean who doesn’t love a book about old Japanese gods and drawings coming to life and love, true love. Apparently me.
I was not in love with the characters. Katie was just meh. She wasn’t spineless or useless she just kind of was. Nothing really bad but nothing that made her a really good character either. She just was. Then there was Tomohiro, he is kind of a butthead. He is the super-hot, brooding, moody, and dangerous so I’m going to push you away but I really love you, male lead character that seems so prevalent in YA today. This makes me even more annoyed with Katie for putting up with it.
I wanted the story line to be so much more. I wanted magic and amazing things but I mostly got sleight of hand and kind of neat things.
Overall I see this book being popular with fans of Twilight and the Fallen series. If romance is big in your high school library you might want to check it out. If I recall there is a little bit of pressure to have sex but I can’t remember if it actually happens. I’d say safe for upper middle school as well.
This is probably a 2.5 for me. It’s a book I really wanted to love because of the concept but just couldn’t because of the execution. I mean who doesn’t love a book about old Japanese gods and drawings coming to life and love, true love. Apparently me.
I was not in love with the characters. Katie was just meh. She wasn’t spineless or useless she just kind of was. Nothing really bad but nothing that made her a really good character either. She just was. Then there was Tomohiro, he is kind of a butthead. He is the super-hot, brooding, moody, and dangerous so I’m going to push you away but I really love you, male lead character that seems so prevalent in YA today. This makes me even more annoyed with Katie for putting up with it.
I wanted the story line to be so much more. I wanted magic and amazing things but I mostly got sleight of hand and kind of neat things.
Overall I see this book being popular with fans of Twilight and the Fallen series. If romance is big in your high school library you might want to check it out. If I recall there is a little bit of pressure to have sex but I can’t remember if it actually happens. I’d say safe for upper middle school as well.
bookishmadness's review against another edition
4.0
What I thought: Ink is a story very different to anything I've read before. Katie is a westerner stuck in Japan after a family tragedy. Very early on she meets Tomohiro, a gorgeous but mean boy at her school. Tomo is hiding a very big secret and Katie seems to bring out the worst in him. While Ink is definitely a story about the Kami and the moving ink pictures, I thought it was more about Katie's time in Japan and her connection with Tomo. This wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but I was more interested in the ink drawings. As this was the first in a series, it left me with many burning questions, which will hopefully be answered in future books. Tomohiro is a character that I loved then hated then loved again. He is a diverse character and we see many different sides to him throughout the story. Amanda Sun has also added some humor to the story, just to give it something extra and you can't help but love Tanaka and Yuki, the form the humor comes in.
This is a pretty great novel, despite how long it took me to get through. The Japanese terms slowed me down, and I was constantly having to turn to the glossary at the back of the book. Despite this, I am looking forward to the next one.
The Good: I just loved the premise of the story - unlike anything I've read before.
The Bad: A lot of the Japanese terms flew straight over my head, making it a bit slow for me to read.
Rating: 4 bookstacks
This is a pretty great novel, despite how long it took me to get through. The Japanese terms slowed me down, and I was constantly having to turn to the glossary at the back of the book. Despite this, I am looking forward to the next one.
The Good: I just loved the premise of the story - unlike anything I've read before.
The Bad: A lot of the Japanese terms flew straight over my head, making it a bit slow for me to read.
Rating: 4 bookstacks