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Broken Ink #1
Broken Ink
Carrying a tattoo on your skin no longer just comes with a risk of infection. Get the composition right, you have the latest mind-control drug on the market. It’s the sex-traders’ dream, or worst nightmare, depending on the concentrated dose of the ink—and just who’s wearing it.
For Kiyen, the ink means he’s able to strip raw the minds of the best and worst of society. He’s one of MI7’s top killers and never more driven to select and take down a target. For Falen, the ink has ensured he’s spent his early years as a willing sex slave and low-grade empath. Hiding out in a small town and trying to bury the needs running through his body, Fal’s hoping to stay under the radar of MI7 and their specialist killers. But the ink itself has a mind of its own, wanting to ignite the natural dynamics driving a Dom and sub, so when Kiyen is forced into Fal’s small world, prejudice battles a pure need to touch. Only problem is: Kiyen’s on the run, and in a world where thought can be the worst crime of all, Fal’s in for a fight for his sanity to find out just what it is that’s making a young killer run for his life.
For Kiyen, the ink means he’s able to strip raw the minds of the best and worst of society. He’s one of MI7’s top killers and never more driven to select and take down a target. For Falen, the ink has ensured he’s spent his early years as a willing sex slave and low-grade empath. Hiding out in a small town and trying to bury the needs running through his body, Fal’s hoping to stay under the radar of MI7 and their specialist killers. But the ink itself has a mind of its own, wanting to ignite the natural dynamics driving a Dom and sub, so when Kiyen is forced into Fal’s small world, prejudice battles a pure need to touch. Only problem is: Kiyen’s on the run, and in a world where thought can be the worst crime of all, Fal’s in for a fight for his sanity to find out just what it is that’s making a young killer run for his life.
334 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 2014
29 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
Jack L. Pyke
21 books682 followersJack blames her dark writing influences on living close to one of England’s finest forests. Having grown up hearing a history of kidnappings, murders, strange sightings, and sexual exploits her neck of the woods is renowned for, Jack takes that into her writing, having also learned that human coping strategies for intense situations can sometimes make the best of people have disastrously bad moments. Redeeming those flaws is Jack’s drive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 5, 2014
3.5 stars. Full review posted December 5, 2014
Quotes approved by author
When Kiyen was five-years-old, he'd been abducted and inked. Though it's a very special ink that takes on a life of its own. Provided with a smart mouth and one hell of an attitude, Kiyen's also a 'fuck-puppet' who slips into minds and exchanges pleasure for pain and life for death. As it is, mind games are a daily fare. For years on end, Kiyen fulfilled contracts as a killer, working for MI7 until his getaway. Finding himself on the run, Kiyen meets Falen who, due to the ink, spent many years as a sex slave and empath. Now Fal is keeping a low profile, hiding out in a small town and hoping MI7's killers won't track him down. Why is Kiyen on the run? Will his past catch up with him?
Due to the rather heavy PNR aura of Broken Ink, I must admit that parts of the story were somewhat out of my comfort zone. Having said that, I'll be reading anything Jack writes because her voice and style appeal very much to me. Readers should be aware that Broken Ink is not your standard m-m romance. Besides, if you're familiar with Jack's work then you know she never writes run-of-the-mill stories anyway. Fact was, I expected to see a relationship developing between Fal and Kiyen but I couldn't have been more wrong. They strongly gravitate to one another yet stubbornness, mistrust and other reasons--I will not delve deeper into this here in order to not spoil it for you--prevent them from forming a true bond upon which they could have built a connection.
After a while I was wondering about the purpose of a specific character and tried to convince myself the author wouldn't go there; wouldn't do that but she friggin' did it regardless. Objections overruled, Baba. However, the twist itself and the ensuing resolution thereof came simply too late for me and how everything panned out was too convenient. There's still such a huge conflict potential present that hasn't been explored enough, IMO. I still think that "twist" prevented Fal and Kiyen from getting a real chance at building something deep and unbreakable prior to the conclusion. Also, I would have preferred a tighter story; it felt a bit long-winded at times. Nevertheless, from my standpoint, Broken Ink is a very solid and engaging read.
Not a particular fan of YA/NA myself, I liked Kiyen and Falen who, despite their heavy baggage, came off as pretty mature considering their young age (Kiyen is 18 and Falen 21). Again, I'm not someone who reads PNR excessively but I found the author's concept of the ink very intriguing and well-executed which was my very favorite aspect of Broken Ink. There's an undeniable pull present, seeing the ink coming alive and slithering and crawling all over Kiyen's body. It's creepy and fascinating all at once.
Considering Jack's previous books, I felt the BDSM part and the Dom/sub aspect were very low-key. On the other hand, the plot thrives strongly on mind manipulation and Kiyen's highly messed up character. I should also mention that I was very fond of Matt whose position wasn't enviable at all. Harry, another secondary character, pretty much wowed me until he took a mind-boggling decision that left me stunned and disappointed. Thankfully, he made up for his crappy deed, though. Overall, I think the hurt overshadowed the comfort; in that regard it was out of balance, at least to me. But maybe it's me and not the book because deep down in my heart I will always be a romance reader.
Friendly heads up to sensitive readers: the first few chapters hint at child abuse. Compared to some of her other work, however, Broken Ink is much easier to read.
Issues aside, Broken Ink is a somewhat bizarre and surreal read. Yet it's well-written and provides a diversified cast of characters that might guarantee you a few hours of solid entertainment.
Recommended read.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy.
ARC courtesy of Jack L. Pyke in exchange for an honest review**
Quotes approved by author
When Kiyen was five-years-old, he'd been abducted and inked. Though it's a very special ink that takes on a life of its own. Provided with a smart mouth and one hell of an attitude, Kiyen's also a 'fuck-puppet' who slips into minds and exchanges pleasure for pain and life for death. As it is, mind games are a daily fare. For years on end, Kiyen fulfilled contracts as a killer, working for MI7 until his getaway. Finding himself on the run, Kiyen meets Falen who, due to the ink, spent many years as a sex slave and empath. Now Fal is keeping a low profile, hiding out in a small town and hoping MI7's killers won't track him down. Why is Kiyen on the run? Will his past catch up with him?
Due to the rather heavy PNR aura of Broken Ink, I must admit that parts of the story were somewhat out of my comfort zone. Having said that, I'll be reading anything Jack writes because her voice and style appeal very much to me. Readers should be aware that Broken Ink is not your standard m-m romance. Besides, if you're familiar with Jack's work then you know she never writes run-of-the-mill stories anyway. Fact was, I expected to see a relationship developing between Fal and Kiyen but I couldn't have been more wrong. They strongly gravitate to one another yet stubbornness, mistrust and other reasons--I will not delve deeper into this here in order to not spoil it for you--prevent them from forming a true bond upon which they could have built a connection.
After a while I was wondering about the purpose of a specific character and tried to convince myself the author wouldn't go there; wouldn't do that but she friggin' did it regardless. Objections overruled, Baba. However, the twist itself and the ensuing resolution thereof came simply too late for me and how everything panned out was too convenient. There's still such a huge conflict potential present that hasn't been explored enough, IMO. I still think that "twist" prevented Fal and Kiyen from getting a real chance at building something deep and unbreakable prior to the conclusion. Also, I would have preferred a tighter story; it felt a bit long-winded at times. Nevertheless, from my standpoint, Broken Ink is a very solid and engaging read.
Not a particular fan of YA/NA myself, I liked Kiyen and Falen who, despite their heavy baggage, came off as pretty mature considering their young age (Kiyen is 18 and Falen 21). Again, I'm not someone who reads PNR excessively but I found the author's concept of the ink very intriguing and well-executed which was my very favorite aspect of Broken Ink. There's an undeniable pull present, seeing the ink coming alive and slithering and crawling all over Kiyen's body. It's creepy and fascinating all at once.
Considering Jack's previous books, I felt the BDSM part and the Dom/sub aspect were very low-key. On the other hand, the plot thrives strongly on mind manipulation and Kiyen's highly messed up character. I should also mention that I was very fond of Matt whose position wasn't enviable at all. Harry, another secondary character, pretty much wowed me until he took a mind-boggling decision that left me stunned and disappointed. Thankfully, he made up for his crappy deed, though. Overall, I think the hurt overshadowed the comfort; in that regard it was out of balance, at least to me. But maybe it's me and not the book because deep down in my heart I will always be a romance reader.
Friendly heads up to sensitive readers: the first few chapters hint at child abuse. Compared to some of her other work, however, Broken Ink is much easier to read.
Issues aside, Broken Ink is a somewhat bizarre and surreal read. Yet it's well-written and provides a diversified cast of characters that might guarantee you a few hours of solid entertainment.
Recommended read.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy.
ARC courtesy of Jack L. Pyke in exchange for an honest review**
December 19, 2014
What. A. Ride.
There should be t-shirts printed up that say, 'I've been Pyked.' and on the back, 'And survived… Sort of.' I'd buy one.
My second Pyking was much the same as the first-entertaining, mind bending, kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. Yeah, I needed a cocktail afterwards. What can I say? Pyke has a gift for mindfuckery. I formed and discarded so many theories I felt a little like my boy.
Only less composed.
Now, it's well documented and partially accepted that I'm not the biggest fan of crazy trains. Thankfully, the saving grace of Broken Ink was the relationship between Yen and Fal was secondary. Broken Ink is much more a psychological thriller than a romance. I'm not going to try to explain the ink or this world that Pyke has developed because it should be experienced individually and there's a glossary. Seriously, anything that has a glossary to explain the terms and… you're on your own, kids. Suffice to say, Pyke gave me something I could sink my teeth into with covert government agencies, amnesia, possibly hallucinatory characters and freakish powers.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: CHILD ABUSE and RAPE
If these are triggers for you, you've been warned. I have a hard time with child abuse so I basically choked down the first three chapters (with a break), but they are vital to the plot. This alt-reality is complex with different levels of ink and powers associated with it coupled with deciphering what's truth from what's fabrication along with who knows and how much they know. Pyke weaves it all together skillfully with interesting characters.
Yen is a survivor, though not particularly likable. He's cagey, standoffish and lacks compassion. He's also quick to anger and has a tendency to be ruthless when crossed even if the "betrayal" is simply his perception. I suspect he's a genius but it's never confirmed. Why he reacts the way he does is completely understandable given his history and age. For him to have done otherwise would've been inconsistent with his character, but deep down he just wants someone to be on his side, to believe him, to be on #TeamYen, if you will. Why he latches on to Fal is still a mystery to me and Fal's history isn't all that much better making the two of them together…
A couple of whackadoodles. Whackadoodles who like the word 'fuck' a little too much. Now, I'm a card carrying member of the 'Fuck is so Versatile' club, but there is such a thing as overkill. I was rolling with it as lending credence to their difficult childhoods/characterization up until the final scene where it entered ridiculous territory. There are over 500 instances of some form of the word in this book. My kindle maxed out on the fuck search. That's never happened before. Heavy handed? You decide. When it becomes a distraction during that important final scene and your readers start skimming I'd say that's not a desired outcome and I cuss like a sailor.
Why not 5 stars?
Aside from the couple things I've previously mentioned and shying away from spoilersville, I don't see the point of running; it doesn't make sense to me. There seemed to be consistenty issues with Yen's power/ink that never were explained other than them being anomalies which seemed like a cop out to me. There were sentences that I read three and four times that I couldn't make heads or tails out of not to mention SPaG errors and a couple of trivial continuity errors. But mostly it was the final scene. It dipped into melodramatic waters for me and seemed tidy, definite HFN territory here.
Lest I leave you with the wrong impression, Broken Ink really is one helluva mind-bending, sci-fi thriller with a little bit of kink (mostly D/s in the consensual/erotic realm, dips into other areas in the non-con realm). Now, if you happen to like psychological thrillers with a couple of crazy train MCs you are going to feel like a kid at Christmas. Enjoy!
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.
March 29, 2021
What the hell was this?
Fantasy? Paranormal? Science Fiction?
I'm not really sure, but this was such a rush!
Jack L. Pyke can do no wrong with me. Her writing style it's different, sharp, dry, dark, mysterious, thrilling and never predictable.
The heavy dose of twisted psychologicalelement Pyke's voodoo entwined strongly in the plot is the cherry on top of my cake, my brain responds to it. Seriously, all those kinks and mind games, so wickedly done, are an incredible turn on!
I was a bit disappointed with the end. Hence my 4 stars. Everything fell too easily into place in the last few pages. That said, I am very excited about the sequel. I have big hopes that it will be a great complement to Ki and Fal's story.
Fantasy? Paranormal? Science Fiction?
I'm not really sure, but this was such a rush!
Jack L. Pyke can do no wrong with me. Her writing style it's different, sharp, dry, dark, mysterious, thrilling and never predictable.
The heavy dose of twisted psychological
I was a bit disappointed with the end. Hence my 4 stars. Everything fell too easily into place in the last few pages. That said, I am very excited about the sequel. I have big hopes that it will be a great complement to Ki and Fal's story.
dnf
August 2, 2020Dnf...it's 100% me and not the book.
I hate that I don't have the brain power for this author's books. The stories are interesting but I find them hard to follow.
If you like dark and complicated M/M, I definitely recommend you give this author a try.
I hate that I don't have the brain power for this author's books. The stories are interesting but I find them hard to follow.
If you like dark and complicated M/M, I definitely recommend you give this author a try.
September 4, 2020
The Don't series is just effin' brilliant and it is - by FAR - my favorite m/m series. Truly, a must read!
However, Don't's brilliance doesn't detract in any way from what Broken Ink masterfully achieves. Ink is a stunningly beautiful book with fresh and completely inventive ideas, captivating characters, engaging dialogue, and it's all flawlessly executed.
Broken Ink only further cements Jack's 'auto buy' status and I couldn't be more thrilled.
Jack, your talent is nothing short of staggering and I'm SO grateful we get the supreme pleasure of enjoying it!
Peace,
JLT =)
#fanboyforever #mustread #effinamazing #teamfal
However, Don't's brilliance doesn't detract in any way from what Broken Ink masterfully achieves. Ink is a stunningly beautiful book with fresh and completely inventive ideas, captivating characters, engaging dialogue, and it's all flawlessly executed.
Broken Ink only further cements Jack's 'auto buy' status and I couldn't be more thrilled.
Jack, your talent is nothing short of staggering and I'm SO grateful we get the supreme pleasure of enjoying it!
Peace,
JLT =)
#fanboyforever #mustread #effinamazing #teamfal
March 17, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Jack Pyke is an auto buy for me. Her writing is always dark and pushes boundaries that I suspect make a lot of people uncomfortable. I love her well developed characters, I become invested in them and I have yet to pick up one of her books that I can put down easily. If you have read the Don’t… series you will know how Jack’s stories go, there is a lot of pain, sometimes trauma, definitely abuse, quite often situations that will prevent you from sleeping soundly and then finally a chance at happiness – this book is the same!
This book starts with a kick as 5 year old Kiyen is taken from school, sold by his father, and marked with an ink that ‘lives’. It is child abuse at its worst as the ink manipulates their minds and leaves them open to any and all suggestion. Kiyen is not the only child involved that day. Eight young boys and girls are in that small bedroom, surrounded by greedy and uncaring men who have no compunction to slapping these kids around to make them compliant. There is overwhelming fear in that room and by the end of the night only three children will be alive.
For Matt Chambers, a tattoo artist, this is his worst nightmare as he is forced to tattoo a group of children at gun point. The memories and traumatic scars will live with him for years and come back to haunt him in the worst way. His link to Kiyen is special as he feels responsible for him being there even though he was clueless as to what he had gotten himself involved in and that feeling hasn’t gone away when they run in to each other again over a decade later.
Kiyen spends the next decade or so with the two other children who survived, Erin and Connor, working for M17 a nonexistent Government Department, under the leadership of a mysterious man called Jules. They are known as the ‘firsts’ and are feared by many for their skills at entering people’s minds, stripping out information, and leaving them dead. Not many people are known to have survived a visit from a first and those that do are not left sane enough to be believable.
Roll forward and Kiyen is eighteen trapped in a burning building and with no memories of the previous week. He has left the safety of M17 and is running from whatever his memories are hiding. He has taken something, has no idea what, and Connor is intent on torturing him through his mind until he remembers. Kiyen, usually dominant in any sexual act, finds his will bending to Connor but even worse his ink has been locked and it is causing him to lose his mind. A lucky rescue from a fire-fighter finds Kiyen with somewhere to live but Connor is lurking around every corner.
At his new home Kiyen runs into a neighbour, a boy a couple of years older, who has his own traumatic story to tell with regards to the ink. Where the firsts are killers the seconds are sex objects. The ink has them becoming compliant to kink and sexual practices with the dregs of society. Fal was stolen and sold into the sex trade. He was also one of the luckier ones and had a father who rescued him. Never spending too long in one place for fear of recapture they live life in seclusion and the very last thing Fal needs is a locked and confused Kiyen landing on his doorstep. Land though he does and Fal feels compelled to help him.
As much as Fal and Kiyen are drawn together they also rub each other the wrong way. They each hold beliefs about what the other has done or is capable of doing and there are strong emotions, aided by the ink, that get in the way. They are both deeply damaged by their pasts but the strength their individual traumas have left them with makes them both fighters.
This is a complex story, not always easy to follow, and it almost takes on a life of its own – a bit like the ink.
Although not a love story, it is Jack Pyke after all, there is an element of love and that will be the factor that helps them survive. They end up in a small band of people, a pack of rebels almost like a family, who help each other escape and look forward to surviving the future. When you discover the missing ‘information’ that Connor is so desperate to find it all makes sense!
Jack Pyke is an auto buy for me. Her writing is always dark and pushes boundaries that I suspect make a lot of people uncomfortable. I love her well developed characters, I become invested in them and I have yet to pick up one of her books that I can put down easily. If you have read the Don’t… series you will know how Jack’s stories go, there is a lot of pain, sometimes trauma, definitely abuse, quite often situations that will prevent you from sleeping soundly and then finally a chance at happiness – this book is the same!
This book starts with a kick as 5 year old Kiyen is taken from school, sold by his father, and marked with an ink that ‘lives’. It is child abuse at its worst as the ink manipulates their minds and leaves them open to any and all suggestion. Kiyen is not the only child involved that day. Eight young boys and girls are in that small bedroom, surrounded by greedy and uncaring men who have no compunction to slapping these kids around to make them compliant. There is overwhelming fear in that room and by the end of the night only three children will be alive.
For Matt Chambers, a tattoo artist, this is his worst nightmare as he is forced to tattoo a group of children at gun point. The memories and traumatic scars will live with him for years and come back to haunt him in the worst way. His link to Kiyen is special as he feels responsible for him being there even though he was clueless as to what he had gotten himself involved in and that feeling hasn’t gone away when they run in to each other again over a decade later.
Kiyen spends the next decade or so with the two other children who survived, Erin and Connor, working for M17 a nonexistent Government Department, under the leadership of a mysterious man called Jules. They are known as the ‘firsts’ and are feared by many for their skills at entering people’s minds, stripping out information, and leaving them dead. Not many people are known to have survived a visit from a first and those that do are not left sane enough to be believable.
Roll forward and Kiyen is eighteen trapped in a burning building and with no memories of the previous week. He has left the safety of M17 and is running from whatever his memories are hiding. He has taken something, has no idea what, and Connor is intent on torturing him through his mind until he remembers. Kiyen, usually dominant in any sexual act, finds his will bending to Connor but even worse his ink has been locked and it is causing him to lose his mind. A lucky rescue from a fire-fighter finds Kiyen with somewhere to live but Connor is lurking around every corner.
At his new home Kiyen runs into a neighbour, a boy a couple of years older, who has his own traumatic story to tell with regards to the ink. Where the firsts are killers the seconds are sex objects. The ink has them becoming compliant to kink and sexual practices with the dregs of society. Fal was stolen and sold into the sex trade. He was also one of the luckier ones and had a father who rescued him. Never spending too long in one place for fear of recapture they live life in seclusion and the very last thing Fal needs is a locked and confused Kiyen landing on his doorstep. Land though he does and Fal feels compelled to help him.
As much as Fal and Kiyen are drawn together they also rub each other the wrong way. They each hold beliefs about what the other has done or is capable of doing and there are strong emotions, aided by the ink, that get in the way. They are both deeply damaged by their pasts but the strength their individual traumas have left them with makes them both fighters.
This is a complex story, not always easy to follow, and it almost takes on a life of its own – a bit like the ink.
Although not a love story, it is Jack Pyke after all, there is an element of love and that will be the factor that helps them survive. They end up in a small band of people, a pack of rebels almost like a family, who help each other escape and look forward to surviving the future. When you discover the missing ‘information’ that Connor is so desperate to find it all makes sense!
June 7, 2017
Well this was something different... a paranormal edge with some choppy character interchanges at the start that had me wonder WTF ? Once I began to understand the book things started making sense. Without giving away this storyline I have to say it was really unique. There was angst, LOTS of angst with some very harsh moments but if you're a Pyke fan you won't be disappointed.
my-works
October 29, 2018Just a quick note: this is only light on BDSM content, but dark in other areas.
December 8, 2014
4.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
There are certain authors who just have a quality and style of writing that just clicks. For me, that is Jack Pyke. There is so much depth to her stories – they grab hold and don’t let go until long after the book is closed, if at all. This is why Jack is an auto-read author for me, and to say I was super excited when I saw this new story, Broken Ink, is a gross understatement. I am thrilled to report that status has not changed.
Broken Ink is, much like the name and blurb indicate, a very intricate story. While I felt as though I didn’t understand what was going on at all times, the writing just captivated me. From the get go, when the children are taken and forced to be tattooed by Matt, I was riveted. Aside from that, there is something very sinister going on where the ink is concerned, but it really takes the whole story to fully understand what that entails. How can you not feel for the three surviving original inked children, Kiyen (Yen), Collin and Erin? How can you not feel something for Matt, the man forced those many years ago to tattoo those kids and who is now trying his hardest to make things right? And then there is Jules, the man who oversees them, their caretaker, “leader” and seeming mastermind behind the program.
Kiyen is on the run, hiding away from MI7, though they seem to be allowing it at the time. He has taken something important from Collin and Erin, and they want it back. Unfortunately, Yen seems to have blocked this out, not having any idea what they could be after. It is a big game of cat and mouse which leads to many twists and turns as the mystery unfolds. They each have unique “skills” from their ink, and they each use them against each other at one time or another. Yen’s bigger problem at first is that his ink has been locked. Matt enlists the aid of Falen (Fal), a young man who is somewhat hiding as well.
Fal was inked after the ink had been altered from its original, mostly lethal state, forcing him to be a sex slave. He’s also a low-level empathy, but he has the ability to unlock Yen, and they are drawn together via their different inks. They spend a lot of time fighting this and each other. Sounds a bit crazy, I know.
Like I said, this story is as intricate as the ink itself. There are twists and turns and lots of page turning, sometimes emotional, sometimes edge of your seat, action. Yen and Fal do not have the typical romantic relationship. Though they do seem to have things a bit more worked out at the end, there are still many issues in the way. But, it ends with them working together and forming a small family unit with a few others, in a way that leaves you to hope there are brighter skies ahead for them.
I didn’t want to put this story down once I started, and I absolutely was not ready for it to end. This is the kind of story that you can easily imagine took quite a bit of energy for the author to white. The blurb states this is a BDSM read, but honestly, I didn’t recall that being a very big element. There is so much going in here that anything of that nature, and even anything sexual, really takes a back seat to the rest of the plot. If you like paranormal/dystopian/futuristic type stories, you will not want to miss out on this one. It’s a very creative world, indeed.
must-review-read
April 15, 2015*ARC from author*
Review to come closer to release date.
Review to come closer to release date.
April 11, 2016
I only read one review before going into this but I do wish I had read a few more only for the helpful information that there is a short glossary at the end of the e-book (and I agree it should be in the beginning). I have to admit to being a bit confused, mostly about the "ghosting" during the first 20% of the story, but finding the description in the glossary definitely clarified things for me.
That being said, Jack Pyke does not ease you into this story. The opening actually gave me Stephen King feels. This is a very detailed story, with lots of twists and mind fuckery (literally). Not always easy to read (as I have come to expect and love from the author), I was drawn in by Kiyen and his struggle. His lack of memory as to what led him to run from the only life he has knows just adds to the mystery. The Ink he has carried since he was a child is an entity in and of itself and now that even seems to be working against him. Fal is a ray of light and unexpected source of strength. While I wouldn't characterize this as a romance, it doesn't take long for Fal to get under Kiyen's skin. Now Kiyen finds himself not only trying to protect himself from his MI7 boss and family, but doing what he must to keep Fal out of harm's way.
Broken Ink is a paranormal, psychological thriller, with plenty of action and a HFN ending. While I still had some minor questions in the end, I really enjoyed the this departure from Jack Pyke's usual contemporary writing. If you've enjoyed the Don't... books, and like paranormal/sci fi, you'll definitely want to check this one out.
That being said, Jack Pyke does not ease you into this story. The opening actually gave me Stephen King feels. This is a very detailed story, with lots of twists and mind fuckery (literally). Not always easy to read (as I have come to expect and love from the author), I was drawn in by Kiyen and his struggle. His lack of memory as to what led him to run from the only life he has knows just adds to the mystery. The Ink he has carried since he was a child is an entity in and of itself and now that even seems to be working against him. Fal is a ray of light and unexpected source of strength. While I wouldn't characterize this as a romance, it doesn't take long for Fal to get under Kiyen's skin. Now Kiyen finds himself not only trying to protect himself from his MI7 boss and family, but doing what he must to keep Fal out of harm's way.
Broken Ink is a paranormal, psychological thriller, with plenty of action and a HFN ending. While I still had some minor questions in the end, I really enjoyed the this departure from Jack Pyke's usual contemporary writing. If you've enjoyed the Don't... books, and like paranormal/sci fi, you'll definitely want to check this one out.
November 21, 2014
One more of Jack L. Pyke's that I can't review due to my proximity , but I still can say I loved it, dammit!
Cover reveal at the below blogspot:
http://sinfullysexybooks.blogspot.co....
This is very different than the Don't series but just as fantastic. You'll want to join me in begging Jack Pyke to make this a series as well.
Release date is December 9th. Enjoy the ride.
Cover reveal at the below blogspot:
http://sinfullysexybooks.blogspot.co....
This is very different than the Don't series but just as fantastic. You'll want to join me in begging Jack Pyke to make this a series as well.
Release date is December 9th. Enjoy the ride.
Want to read
September 15, 2014I'm gonna read at least one book of his, come hell, or high water.
December 14, 2014
Just perfect. A truly original story that kept me awake as there was no possible way that I could put this down until I had finished.
Wonderful cast of characters and unique world building. Broken Ink is a true treasure that I will re-read again and again.
Wonderful cast of characters and unique world building. Broken Ink is a true treasure that I will re-read again and again.
December 18, 2016
First of all, I cannot believe I’ve not read this before as I love Jack L Pyke’s style and adore her work.
The warnings were all there right up front, and with this author I expect nothing less. Dark, edgy subject matter and not for the feint hearted. So, I roll up my sleeves and dive straight in. Right from the start I was wondering what was going on, and where we would be taken during this rollercoaster ride. My heart ached for the ‘First’s’ who were only children when they were subjected to inking which would leave physical and emotional scars on not only their lives, but those they encountered forever.
The ‘hero’ of this story is Kiyen, or Yen as he is also called and he’s on the run from the people who control the ‘Firsts’. He’s such a damaged soul, and you can’t help but fall in love with him. He’s hiding away and desperate not to be found but the connection of the ink which has scared him makes this almost impossible. The story takes so many twists as he comes into contact with another inked person, but they aren’t the same as him, as Fal is a second, someone who is seen as lower in importance.
When you put these two together sparks fly, there is a great amount of push and pull, with neither wanting to back down. Despite not wanting to admit it, Yen needs Fal’s help and the result is a fantastic scene between these two.
Just when you think it’s safe and things are looking like these two might, just might have a shot at a HEA, Yen’s past and those searching for him come crashing in to spoil the party.
The thing I love about Jack’s writing style is that the world you are immersed into feels so real, I could picture the scene in my head, see the houses, streets etc and that to me is the sign of a fantastic book. Also, difficult and challenging subject matter is handled well, and it’s used for effect, the amount of research and care that is poured into them in palpable.
I am sad that this book ended, and would dearly love some more from these two one day.
A totally outstanding read.
The warnings were all there right up front, and with this author I expect nothing less. Dark, edgy subject matter and not for the feint hearted. So, I roll up my sleeves and dive straight in. Right from the start I was wondering what was going on, and where we would be taken during this rollercoaster ride. My heart ached for the ‘First’s’ who were only children when they were subjected to inking which would leave physical and emotional scars on not only their lives, but those they encountered forever.
The ‘hero’ of this story is Kiyen, or Yen as he is also called and he’s on the run from the people who control the ‘Firsts’. He’s such a damaged soul, and you can’t help but fall in love with him. He’s hiding away and desperate not to be found but the connection of the ink which has scared him makes this almost impossible. The story takes so many twists as he comes into contact with another inked person, but they aren’t the same as him, as Fal is a second, someone who is seen as lower in importance.
When you put these two together sparks fly, there is a great amount of push and pull, with neither wanting to back down. Despite not wanting to admit it, Yen needs Fal’s help and the result is a fantastic scene between these two.
Just when you think it’s safe and things are looking like these two might, just might have a shot at a HEA, Yen’s past and those searching for him come crashing in to spoil the party.
The thing I love about Jack’s writing style is that the world you are immersed into feels so real, I could picture the scene in my head, see the houses, streets etc and that to me is the sign of a fantastic book. Also, difficult and challenging subject matter is handled well, and it’s used for effect, the amount of research and care that is poured into them in palpable.
I am sad that this book ended, and would dearly love some more from these two one day.
A totally outstanding read.
January 25, 2015
4.5 stars, rounding up because, DAMN, that was such a cool concept! I won't go into the plot here, since so many other reviewers already have, but suffice it to say it's original and a blend of sci fi/fantasy set in the present day.
It took me a while to wrap my brain around the universe (and I agree, the glossary would have been more helpful up front since it hid while I read on Kindle and I discovered it at the end). Even after I finished, I had several unanswered questions that felt like threads of the story had been dropped. Not the most important threads, but enough that I went back and re-read to try to figure it out and still didn't learn the answers. The ending was both wonderful (from an emotional standpoint) and a little too pat (from a plot perspective).
Even more than understanding the universe, it took me a while to follow the language and rhythm of the writing. It's unusual, with sentences that drop parts of speech, body parts acting of their own accord, that sort of thing. This is the first Jack Pyke book I've read, so I'm not sure that's her usual writing style. It wasn't a turnoff, but it did take some adjusting to.
The characters and the underlying mystery were all very well done. I felt for these people, cared for them, screamed at them, and ended up loving them.
This is a rough read, with non-con/rape, horrible crimes committed against children on the page, and lots of rage. I highly recommend it, but it's not for the squeamish. It's beautiful and brutal, all at the same time.
It took me a while to wrap my brain around the universe (and I agree, the glossary would have been more helpful up front since it hid while I read on Kindle and I discovered it at the end). Even after I finished, I had several unanswered questions that felt like threads of the story had been dropped. Not the most important threads, but enough that I went back and re-read to try to figure it out and still didn't learn the answers. The ending was both wonderful (from an emotional standpoint) and a little too pat (from a plot perspective).
Even more than understanding the universe, it took me a while to follow the language and rhythm of the writing. It's unusual, with sentences that drop parts of speech, body parts acting of their own accord, that sort of thing. This is the first Jack Pyke book I've read, so I'm not sure that's her usual writing style. It wasn't a turnoff, but it did take some adjusting to.
The characters and the underlying mystery were all very well done. I felt for these people, cared for them, screamed at them, and ended up loving them.
This is a rough read, with non-con/rape, horrible crimes committed against children on the page, and lots of rage. I highly recommend it, but it's not for the squeamish. It's beautiful and brutal, all at the same time.
December 31, 2016
So far everything I've read by Jack Pyke I've rated highly. This is no different, yet it starts with child abductions for sexual trafficking and I almost stopped reading at this point.
A couple of bdsm/mm group readers suggested I give it a chance.
I'm glad I did. Yes, I got angry on the children's behalf. Was bemused by the capabilities of the tattoo ink...and needed to remind myself that this is the futuristic sci-fi aspect.
The storyline as with all of Jack's stories are complex, and I have often reread her stories and found so much more...never to be rushed, only read when time pressures are off and intrusions of reading time minimal. Behind all is a romance developing between the main characters, and I'm always wary as things rarely seem to go how I want them to, as in HEA. I thought he we go all pear shaped again, but in the end I liked it, and had hope.
Emotionally, I was a mess, I laughed, I cried, I got angry, so much that it's a good job that certain characters are fictitious as I wanted to f******g throttle certain bar stewards.
I have one added advantage when reading these books by Jack, I live close to the area they are set in. And now I look twice as I pass Cannock Wood. And yes, I know dogging went on there, and probably still does :)
Just into the five stars for me.
A couple of bdsm/mm group readers suggested I give it a chance.
I'm glad I did. Yes, I got angry on the children's behalf. Was bemused by the capabilities of the tattoo ink...and needed to remind myself that this is the futuristic sci-fi aspect.
The storyline as with all of Jack's stories are complex, and I have often reread her stories and found so much more...never to be rushed, only read when time pressures are off and intrusions of reading time minimal. Behind all is a romance developing between the main characters, and I'm always wary as things rarely seem to go how I want them to, as in HEA. I thought he we go all pear shaped again, but in the end I liked it, and had hope.
Emotionally, I was a mess, I laughed, I cried, I got angry, so much that it's a good job that certain characters are fictitious as I wanted to f******g throttle certain bar stewards.
I have one added advantage when reading these books by Jack, I live close to the area they are set in. And now I look twice as I pass Cannock Wood. And yes, I know dogging went on there, and probably still does :)
Just into the five stars for me.
December 12, 2014
AS ALWAYS BLOODY BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW JUST WOW.......... REVIEW TO COME JUST GOT TO LET IT SINK IN....
GIVEN TO ME BY AUTHOR..THANK YOU
REVIEW TIME.....
ANYTHING THIS LADY WRITES IS A ONE CLICK BUY FOR ME!!!! THAT'S HOW GOOD HER STUFF IS....+ I STALK HER LOTS LOL...
If you have read her DON'T.... series you know nothing is as it seems and its not all hugs and puppy's its dark brutal and harsh...
She is like phoebe from friends when she was singing to the kids about the hard truth...this is not as good as the don't series but that is because its only just begun........... BE WARNED it hard dirty harsh and gritty but at the end of it all its strength of the main MC that make this so good and the will to get through anything no matter how bad it HURTS.. and trust me MS Pyke all ways i mean all ways makes her main MCS hurt...... HOPE IT TURNS INTO A SERIES CANT WAIT TO READ MORE OF THESE FANTASTIC GUYS AND THERE FAMILY'S....
THANKS JACK FOR THE COPY LOVED IT...
WOW JUST WOW.......... REVIEW TO COME JUST GOT TO LET IT SINK IN....
GIVEN TO ME BY AUTHOR..THANK YOU
REVIEW TIME.....
ANYTHING THIS LADY WRITES IS A ONE CLICK BUY FOR ME!!!! THAT'S HOW GOOD HER STUFF IS....+ I STALK HER LOTS LOL...
If you have read her DON'T.... series you know nothing is as it seems and its not all hugs and puppy's its dark brutal and harsh...
She is like phoebe from friends when she was singing to the kids about the hard truth...this is not as good as the don't series but that is because its only just begun........... BE WARNED it hard dirty harsh and gritty but at the end of it all its strength of the main MC that make this so good and the will to get through anything no matter how bad it HURTS.. and trust me MS Pyke all ways i mean all ways makes her main MCS hurt...... HOPE IT TURNS INTO A SERIES CANT WAIT TO READ MORE OF THESE FANTASTIC GUYS AND THERE FAMILY'S....
THANKS JACK FOR THE COPY LOVED IT...
January 24, 2015
Wow, this book really made me think.
I will admit that I am not very good sometimes at figuring out what is happening in reality and what is happening in the mind link in this book.
I found myself reading very sliwly, this book took me 3 days to finish, and having to concentrate. That said, I still found myself unsure of what was really gappening.
That said if you like a book to make you think and paranormal at that, then this is your book.
I will admit that I am not very good sometimes at figuring out what is happening in reality and what is happening in the mind link in this book.
I found myself reading very sliwly, this book took me 3 days to finish, and having to concentrate. That said, I still found myself unsure of what was really gappening.
That said if you like a book to make you think and paranormal at that, then this is your book.
January 13, 2015
4.5/4.75 stars. My only real complaint is I wish 'they'd' put the glossary at the beginning of the book. It does sweet fuck all at the end, know what I mean.
Read
April 17, 2020Now available on Kindle Unlimited. 2nd Edition with new edits. Cover art by Adrienne Wilder.
dnf
January 24, 2023dnf @ 15%
I made it through those first few chapters (even though the child abuse made my skin crawl), but the literal mind fucking is too much for me. I don’t enjoy reading books that make me feel stupid for not having the brainpower to follow the outlandish plot, and this is one of them. 🤷♀️
I made it through those first few chapters (even though the child abuse made my skin crawl), but the literal mind fucking is too much for me. I don’t enjoy reading books that make me feel stupid for not having the brainpower to follow the outlandish plot, and this is one of them. 🤷♀️
August 6, 2023
OMG, so many kinks and mind games....
This story was an absolute mind fuck, dark and brutal. But I needed to keep reading, I needed to know the secrets!
This story was an absolute mind fuck, dark and brutal. But I needed to keep reading, I needed to know the secrets!
February 22, 2015
This book was a total surprise! I generally think it a long time over before buying a book where the price is a bit more than the usual 4/5$ if I don't know the author and none of my friends have read one of her/his books.
I don't regret taking a bet on Jack L. Pyke and buying this one though. It wasn't what I expected. It was better, way better.
Oh I expected dark and twisted and it was, it was even sick at times but it also had a dreamlike texture with a depth of ideas that was backed up by a lovely writing.
The more I read m/m, the more I try to avoid books that promise lot of sex scenes for the sake of sex so I went into this one labelled as erotica thinking I will probably have to skim over some pages if it was getting too repetitive but it wasn't what this book was about.
It was about control through sex, it was about different forms of rape, it was about learning to fight inside your head because there is a lot of mind-fucking moments. So it can be read for some as a book with a lot of sex scenes, especially in the beginning and not really useful but I disagree. For me there is only one sex scene and it's between Kiyen and Fal, all the rest is about control ( but not the good kind of control you can find in well-written Bdsm books) and possession through the mind and the body (I don't think the author chose to write sex only to have plenty of hot scenes or she would have wrote one with but the fact she didn't proves she really chose to wrote these scenes to make the plot move forward.
Another thing I loved was the multiple sides of her characters, they weren't cardboard characters here to give the spotlight to Kiyen then Fal. The more we go on into the story, the more this is shown. They have flaws, they seem nice on the surface but they all do bad things, take bad decisions, don't always realise the gravity of their acts or words and still don't realize what they did wrong until the end, and this goes for important secondary characters like Harry and Matt but also characters that appear at one point like Brian and obviously for Fal, Connor and Kiyen. They are humans.
I especially loved being in Fal's head, the guy just feels so ...pure, not innocent or naive but calm and strong, a rock for Kiyen to lean on even if he has his share of shit in the book.
I regret not seeing more of the dynamics and powers of the seconds but overall, all the backstory was great and the idea of sentient ink just plain awesome. I really appreciated the author's note and the concept behind the book because the way of writing rape is becoming too much of a kink or isn't treated seriously and it shouldn't be written as such. So it was a good thing to see it written as the traumatic experience it is, with the scars it leaves at different levels
I just scraped the surface of all the thoughts this book gave me. So it was good, twisted, it doesn't treat serious themes lightly, the characters were great (and Fal and Kiyen really sweet and strong together) and I loved all the mind-fucks and plot twists.
I don't regret taking a bet on Jack L. Pyke and buying this one though. It wasn't what I expected. It was better, way better.
Oh I expected dark and twisted and it was, it was even sick at times but it also had a dreamlike texture with a depth of ideas that was backed up by a lovely writing.
The more I read m/m, the more I try to avoid books that promise lot of sex scenes for the sake of sex so I went into this one labelled as erotica thinking I will probably have to skim over some pages if it was getting too repetitive but it wasn't what this book was about.
It was about control through sex, it was about different forms of rape, it was about learning to fight inside your head because there is a lot of mind-fucking moments. So it can be read for some as a book with a lot of sex scenes, especially in the beginning and not really useful but I disagree. For me there is only one sex scene and it's between Kiyen and Fal, all the rest is about control ( but not the good kind of control you can find in well-written Bdsm books) and possession through the mind and the body (I don't think the author chose to write sex only to have plenty of hot scenes or she would have wrote one with but the fact she didn't proves she really chose to wrote these scenes to make the plot move forward.
Another thing I loved was the multiple sides of her characters, they weren't cardboard characters here to give the spotlight to Kiyen then Fal. The more we go on into the story, the more this is shown. They have flaws, they seem nice on the surface but they all do bad things, take bad decisions, don't always realise the gravity of their acts or words and still don't realize what they did wrong until the end, and this goes for important secondary characters like Harry and Matt but also characters that appear at one point like Brian and obviously for Fal, Connor and Kiyen. They are humans.
I especially loved being in Fal's head, the guy just feels so ...pure, not innocent or naive but calm and strong, a rock for Kiyen to lean on even if he has his share of shit in the book.
I regret not seeing more of the dynamics and powers of the seconds but overall, all the backstory was great and the idea of sentient ink just plain awesome. I really appreciated the author's note and the concept behind the book because the way of writing rape is becoming too much of a kink or isn't treated seriously and it shouldn't be written as such. So it was a good thing to see it written as the traumatic experience it is, with the scars it leaves at different levels
I just scraped the surface of all the thoughts this book gave me. So it was good, twisted, it doesn't treat serious themes lightly, the characters were great (and Fal and Kiyen really sweet and strong together) and I loved all the mind-fucks and plot twists.
August 27, 2015
Jack Pyke is my second favorite author these days (Manna Francis being my number one). I'll read anything she writes - I just wish she'd write more! It's difficult having to wait for her next book in the Don't series.
Broken Ink is her most recent work. It's a dark story, dark in a different way than in Don't. There's child abuse and rape which will keep most mainstream readers away, and even those who enjoy dark and twisted plots may not be able to handle this book. The idea that tattoo ink could be composed of some sort of chemical that would allow mind control over the person inked may seem far fetched, but with some of the off-the-books funding of government experiments, I find it certainly believable.
The opening three chapters lay the foundation of the story and are difficult to read. Several times I was brought to tears by the childrens' plight and the decision the one main character is forced to make.
The rest of the book takes place thirteen years later. I was somewhat confused as to what was going on as I began to read the forth chapter, but that was because the main character, Kiyen, was confused, not knowing where he is or why because he'd lost his short term memory. It's an amazingly powerful, explicit, dub-con sex scene. The descriptions the author uses is like reading poetry. I only wish I was an artist so I could draw the image of ink and ice with the mirror.
The story is fast paced with twists and turns, sex, death, and love. There is a scene towards the end that was definitely hard to read because of the rape involved, but it's not gratuitous and I think is necessary to the plot.
But what stays with me is the death of one of the characters. I still cannot think about it without getting tears in my eyes. There is so much love and regret in that scene - it simply breaks my heart.
I've read this book twice now, picking up on things during my second read that I'd missed on the first. The cover art is beautiful and even though I don't buy books anymore (no where to store them!), this is one I want to have on my self.
Actually, I want all of Jack Pyke's books on my shelf, right there next to my Administration books.
(And Jack, please hurry up with Grey Matters! I'm dying here waiting to read it!)
Broken Ink is her most recent work. It's a dark story, dark in a different way than in Don't. There's child abuse and rape which will keep most mainstream readers away, and even those who enjoy dark and twisted plots may not be able to handle this book. The idea that tattoo ink could be composed of some sort of chemical that would allow mind control over the person inked may seem far fetched, but with some of the off-the-books funding of government experiments, I find it certainly believable.
The opening three chapters lay the foundation of the story and are difficult to read. Several times I was brought to tears by the childrens' plight and the decision the one main character is forced to make.
The rest of the book takes place thirteen years later. I was somewhat confused as to what was going on as I began to read the forth chapter, but that was because the main character, Kiyen, was confused, not knowing where he is or why because he'd lost his short term memory. It's an amazingly powerful, explicit, dub-con sex scene. The descriptions the author uses is like reading poetry. I only wish I was an artist so I could draw the image of ink and ice with the mirror.
The story is fast paced with twists and turns, sex, death, and love. There is a scene towards the end that was definitely hard to read because of the rape involved, but it's not gratuitous and I think is necessary to the plot.
But what stays with me is the death of one of the characters. I still cannot think about it without getting tears in my eyes. There is so much love and regret in that scene - it simply breaks my heart.
I've read this book twice now, picking up on things during my second read that I'd missed on the first. The cover art is beautiful and even though I don't buy books anymore (no where to store them!), this is one I want to have on my self.
Actually, I want all of Jack Pyke's books on my shelf, right there next to my Administration books.
(And Jack, please hurry up with Grey Matters! I'm dying here waiting to read it!)
May 15, 2021
Well...Jack certainly knows how to mess with your head...I've loved all of Jack's books and this one brings me up to date.....Kiyen my heart broke for him...Sold at the age of five and tattoed with this weird ink...His life was just a mess....Fal...I liked Fal...I really thought deep down at the beginning that Fal would help Kiyen....Matt I was up in arms about. I didn't know if he was going to be a good guy or a bad guy but I won't say which he turned out to be........Those kids that were tattooed and the whole mystery of what Connor wanted back from Kiyen will hold you till the end of the book and when you find out what Kiyen had forgotten it will break your heart and then make you smile.....Jack always gives us books to think about...Books that will rip you apart before putting you back together......This is a hard one to read because it can be so complicated but once you get past the half way mark everything falls into place....Another great read from Jack and a definite re-read x
March 9, 2015
My thoughts at 10% of this book -
...at 40%
...at 65%
allll the way up to 85% or so of this book. Of this very long book.
Now, I love Jack Pyke's writing. Her Don't series is one of my top favorites. But Broken Ink was a very different, and a very weird read. The romance (if you can call it such) didn't work for me. The heroes were so young, angry, prickly, hurtful...I was uncomfortable reading their scenes. The mystery and world-building were too convoluted, and very little made sense. Even in the end. Add to this the disturbing sense of violence toward kids - and this book was out of a comfort zone for me.
Still, I got through it and enjoyed parts of it.
...at 40%
...at 65%
allll the way up to 85% or so of this book. Of this very long book.
Now, I love Jack Pyke's writing. Her Don't series is one of my top favorites. But Broken Ink was a very different, and a very weird read. The romance (if you can call it such) didn't work for me. The heroes were so young, angry, prickly, hurtful...I was uncomfortable reading their scenes. The mystery and world-building were too convoluted, and very little made sense. Even in the end. Add to this the disturbing sense of violence toward kids - and this book was out of a comfort zone for me.
Still, I got through it and enjoyed parts of it.
April 16, 2021
Once this picked up, it really picked up. Such a fascinating and unique story.
I'm not sure how I feel about a second for it honestly. I think this is great as a stand alone. But I'll probably check it out, depending on one very specific criteria...
This also really wears out the word "fuck" in all its forms.
Read one other by this author and this one reminded me why I kept meaning to check out more.
I'm not sure how I feel about a second for it honestly. I think this is great as a stand alone. But I'll probably check it out, depending on one very specific criteria...
This also really wears out the word "fuck" in all its forms.
Read one other by this author and this one reminded me why I kept meaning to check out more.
July 28, 2015
2 stars because it was just okay. The language was odd and there was some plot points that sort of left me hanging a bit. A lot of reviews and most love the story, but it just wasn't for me.
September 16, 2018
WARNING: Graphic rape scenes, severe child abuse, torture, sexual assault, violent death/murder. It’s not just an 18-year old teenager who suffers throughout this book, the children in the beginning of the story (the episode is mentioned again closer to the end) are anywhere from 4 to 9 years old.
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