Ink: a YA novel finally set in Japan

Ink by Amanda Sun
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It seems like a lot of reviewers were disappointed by this book, but I think it all depends on what you expect going into it. To that end, I'll do my best to give you a good idea of what you should...and should not...expect.

This isn't highly artistic writing, or deeply thoughtful, or intensely provocative. This is lighthearted fun, written with a lot of manga/anime qualities to the storyline and characters. I thought that the characterization style was highly appropriate, given the Japanese setting, but it could be annoying and unbelievable if you expect a serious story when you start reading it. Katie's reactions are over the top, her love with Tomo instantaneous and not entirely explainable, her thinking a bit silly and illogical, but the overall plot is intriguing and the character interactions amusing. It very much reminds me of the Manga I've read, only I don't have to deal with short sentences and having to read five books to get anywhere in the plot.

Essentially, Katie is an American teenager forced to move across the world because of guardianship issues after her mother's death. She has trouble acclimating to Japan at first, but after meeting Tomo, quickly discovers a whole other side to living in Japan that both intrigues and frightens her. For some reason, drawing start to move, and it seems to be linked to both Tomo and herself.

The book's ending definitely wasn't final enough--I'm going to be impatient about wanting to read the next one. I wouldn't say this was my favorite book of the year, but it was a quick, enjoyable read, with some cute drawings in addition.

This digital copy of Ink was given to me by NetGalley & Harlequin TEEN in exchange for an honest review.

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