Enthoven, Sam 1974–

Personal

Born 1974. Education: University of Manchester, B.A. Hobbies and other interests: Tai chi, playing guitar.

Addresses

Home—London, England.

Career

Writer. Blackwell's, London, England, bookseller, 1995-2005.

Writings

The Black Tattoo (fantasy novel), Razorbill (New York, NY), 2006.

Sidelights

Bookseller-turned-novelist Sam Enthoven is the author of The Black Tattoo, "a mix of fantasy horror, martial arts, comedy and (young) teenage angst," observed Philip Ardagh on the Guardian Unlimited Web site. In the work, an evil entity named Scourge, trapped for thousands of years in the roots of an ancient tree, escapes its confinement and plans to destroy the universe. London teenagers Charlie Farnsworth and Jack Farrell are recruited by warrior-girl Esme, a member of the Brotherhood of Sleep, to combat the demon. The Scourge, however, invades Charlie's body, manifesting itself as a writhing black tattoo, and leads him into Hell. Jack and Esme follow their companion to the underworld, where they do battle with a host of grotesque, vicious gladiators.

Critics praised the book's vivid settings and nonstop action. "Fantasy fans will undoubtedly appreciate all the detailed descriptions of the creatures in Hell," noted Kliatt reviewer Paula Rohrlick, and School Library Journal contributor Anthony C. Doyle remarked that the author "has created an interesting and original universe and a gripping story." The author is "clearly loving telling this story—there are some pleasing twists—and his energy creeps into the words on every page," Ardagh stated. Other reviewers noted Enthoven's sensitive handling of his characters, particularly the relationship between the two boys. According to Thomas M. Wagner, writing on SF Reviews.net, "The Black Tattoo is the story of both Charlie's and Jack's personal growth; Charlie has to overcome the impetuosity and fiery temper that allowed him to be so easily led into evil, and Jack learns to step out of Charlie's shadow and conquer his own feelings of inferiority in order to do the kind of crucial decision-making that marks passage into adulthood." Armchair Interviews Web site reviewer Nick Capo called the novel "a cautionary tale about how easily normal human failings lead to evil and corruption. In the novel's world, power certainly does corrupt, and our saving graces are love and friendship."

Biographical and Critical Sources

PERIODICALS

Booklist, September 1, 2006, Cindy Dobrez, review of The Black Tattoo, p. 125.

Bookseller, March 25, 2005, "Random Signs up Blackwell's Bookseller," interview with Enthoven, p. 7.

Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 2006, review of The Black Tattoo, p. 951.

Kliatt, November, 2006, Paula Rohrlick, review of The Black Tattoo, p. 10.

School Library Journal, January, 2007, Anthony C. Doyle, review of The Black Tattoo, p. 126.

ONLINE

Armchair Interviews,http://www.armchairinterviews.com/ (March 30, 2007), Nick Capo, review of The Black Tattoo.

Black Tattoo Web site,http://www.theblacktattoo.com (March 30, 2007).

Fantasy Bookspot.com,http://www.fantasybookspot.com/ (March 30, 2007), review of The Black Tattoo.

Guardian Unlimited,http://books.guardian.co.uk/ (October 21, 2006), Philip Ardagh, "To Hell and Back," review of The Black Tattoo.

sffworld.com,http://www.sffworld.com/ (October 10, 2006), Rob H. Bedford, review of The Black Tattoo.

SF Reviews.net,http://www.sfreviews.net/ (March 30, 2007), Thomas M. Wagner, review of The Black Tattoo.