Review: Beautifully written story about love and finding your place in the world
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 6, 2013
This book is an alternate history of sorts that brings you into a world unlike anything that I have ever read before.  It is written just beautifully, like a classic.  I loved the way it was written.  The idea of magical tattoos that turn the human body into a mobile canvas for a work of art is intriguing.  Amazing tattoos are being created these days but the thought of them being imbued with something more?  That's pretty unbelievable.  I didn't enjoy all of the things that Etan went through as his story progresses but the story was lovely even with all of the things that I found squicky.  Etan's "sister" Adorned was a bit rough to read.  She could be nearly bipolar flipping from kind and caring to jealous and hateful.  Etan, however, maintains his innocence and positive outlook even in the face of the utter destruction of his entire world.  He's just such a lovely character.  I loved how becoming Adorned made it possible for him to gain a new family- a family of his own choosing by living with Roberd.  The chemistry between Roberd and Etan exists nearly from the beginning.  You can feel it as a tangible undercurrent throughout the story.  I do need to give a heads up that there are semi explicit scenes, violence and one scene that could be seen as prostitution.  So if those are triggering for you- be aware.