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Sketch
What happens when the world's newest superhero is also its last hope?
On a study trip to Egypt, art student Charles meets Heba, a street peddler guarding an ancient magic ink that can transform imagination into reality. When Charles returns home and sketches his own superhero, he doesn't just finish a drawing. He brings it to life.
Too bad Sketch's first day on the job is a disaster. His grand attempt at flight ends in a four-foot face-plant, his strength sputters in and out, and even the cops chasing him are more annoyed than afraid. As Sketch fumbles his way through powers he can't fully control and emotions he's never felt before, he starts to learn what it really means to be human...and a hero.
Then the Finger Gunman appears, a ruthless villain determined to steal the magic ink and use it to unleash an army of superpowered criminals. To stop him, Sketch must travel to Egypt, find Heba, and reclaim his abilities-before the Finger Gunman becomes his final mistake.
On a study trip to Egypt, art student Charles meets Heba, a street peddler guarding an ancient magic ink that can transform imagination into reality. When Charles returns home and sketches his own superhero, he doesn't just finish a drawing. He brings it to life.
Too bad Sketch's first day on the job is a disaster. His grand attempt at flight ends in a four-foot face-plant, his strength sputters in and out, and even the cops chasing him are more annoyed than afraid. As Sketch fumbles his way through powers he can't fully control and emotions he's never felt before, he starts to learn what it really means to be human...and a hero.
Then the Finger Gunman appears, a ruthless villain determined to steal the magic ink and use it to unleash an army of superpowered criminals. To stop him, Sketch must travel to Egypt, find Heba, and reclaim his abilities-before the Finger Gunman becomes his final mistake.
- GenresFantasy
328 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 25, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This was a fun story to read. I enjoyed most how this story makes you think about your relationships with the things you create. In this case, it was a drawing that came to life, it it really makes you think about attachments, connections and bonds yiu feel when creating something from scratch with your hands.
It also brings up the question, what makes someone a superhero? Is it the clothes they wear, the powers they possess, the way other see them? Where does the super power come from? Is it learned or is it instant?And what happens if a super hero loses that power?
Overall, this was a solid thought provoking read.
This was a fun story to read. I enjoyed most how this story makes you think about your relationships with the things you create. In this case, it was a drawing that came to life, it it really makes you think about attachments, connections and bonds yiu feel when creating something from scratch with your hands.
It also brings up the question, what makes someone a superhero? Is it the clothes they wear, the powers they possess, the way other see them? Where does the super power come from? Is it learned or is it instant?And what happens if a super hero loses that power?
Overall, this was a solid thought provoking read.
August 25, 2026
This was a really fun take on super heroes. I loved the mix of ancient Egyptian gods, magic, heroes and villains. I really enjoyed the idea of magic ink too and I can’t stop thinking about what I would draw with it.
Sketch was a great character and it was interesting seeing him come to life and learn how to be a super hero. I enjoyed the humour throughout, it’s filled with action and surprisingly emotional in places.
The story was fun and intriguing but a little slower than I would have liked at times.
Overall, I rate this 3.5⭐️
Sketch was a great character and it was interesting seeing him come to life and learn how to be a super hero. I enjoyed the humour throughout, it’s filled with action and surprisingly emotional in places.
The story was fun and intriguing but a little slower than I would have liked at times.
Overall, I rate this 3.5⭐️
July 11, 2026
In 1967, Charles, an illustrator, while on a trip to Egypt received a bottle of magic ink. Heba, the mysterious seller, suggests that with all of the problems in the world, he should draw a superhero. He does and creates Sketch who comes to life and is given powers through Charles' drawings. However, where there are superheroes, there are always supervillains and Sketch is no exception. His archenemy is the Finger Gunman who knows about the ink and wants to use it for his own destructive means. This rivalry ends in grief and tragedy.
Forty years later, Sketch finds Sid, a young man with a connection to all of the goings on from the past and needs him to confront his former enemy once more for their final battle.
Opinion:
Sketch is on the surface a witty, metafictional satire about superheroes and the comic industry, but underneath, it is a deeply nuanced, clever work about creativity, free will, and finding one's own purpose and agency
There is some brilliant commentary about superheroes and comic book culture. At times Sketch and the Finger Gunman play the usual tropes that are found in such stories for all that they are worth. For example, near the end, when the Finger Gunman has Sketch and Sid held captive in his secret lair, he can't resist gleefully boasting about the trap that he spent 40 years planning and building. (Even The Joker is telling him to calm the freak down.)
There is also a wry ongoing gag about how Sketch and the Finger Gunman come to life in a world that doesn't have superheroes and supervillains because this is the real world. You know their real world that has an ancient magical ink that is a gift from the Egyptian gods and brings drawings to life. Just like real life!
Despite the humorous references, there are some interesting questions raised about the creative process, maturity, and choosing one's path. In their first few minutes of creation, Sketch and the Finger Gunman only possess the knowledge their creators gave them. They know names and goals but don't have the ability to understand why or how to act towards them. In fact, the Finger Gunman was originally created to be a superhero before Sketch. He is idealistic, compassionate, and ethical. However, he chooses a darker path after a traumatic experience. He rejects the cause in which he was originally created for and becomes its opposite. Sketch doesn't have any powers until Charles has to create them for him. He is in a way like a small child who needs to be educated to understand his place in the world. Once he receives strength, super speed, and flight, he can and chooses to save lives. His path is so intrinsic within him that he continues 40 years after his creation and aids Sid. This shows that a creator, or a parent, gives the tools, but those who receive them have to decide what to do with them. Charles may have drawn and wrote Sketch's powers, but he had to choose to use them and take the path of a hero. The Finger Gunman was created for the same purpose, but he chose the alternative.
Forty years later, Sketch finds Sid, a young man with a connection to all of the goings on from the past and needs him to confront his former enemy once more for their final battle.
Opinion:
Sketch is on the surface a witty, metafictional satire about superheroes and the comic industry, but underneath, it is a deeply nuanced, clever work about creativity, free will, and finding one's own purpose and agency
There is some brilliant commentary about superheroes and comic book culture. At times Sketch and the Finger Gunman play the usual tropes that are found in such stories for all that they are worth. For example, near the end, when the Finger Gunman has Sketch and Sid held captive in his secret lair, he can't resist gleefully boasting about the trap that he spent 40 years planning and building. (Even The Joker is telling him to calm the freak down.)
There is also a wry ongoing gag about how Sketch and the Finger Gunman come to life in a world that doesn't have superheroes and supervillains because this is the real world. You know their real world that has an ancient magical ink that is a gift from the Egyptian gods and brings drawings to life. Just like real life!
Despite the humorous references, there are some interesting questions raised about the creative process, maturity, and choosing one's path. In their first few minutes of creation, Sketch and the Finger Gunman only possess the knowledge their creators gave them. They know names and goals but don't have the ability to understand why or how to act towards them. In fact, the Finger Gunman was originally created to be a superhero before Sketch. He is idealistic, compassionate, and ethical. However, he chooses a darker path after a traumatic experience. He rejects the cause in which he was originally created for and becomes its opposite. Sketch doesn't have any powers until Charles has to create them for him. He is in a way like a small child who needs to be educated to understand his place in the world. Once he receives strength, super speed, and flight, he can and chooses to save lives. His path is so intrinsic within him that he continues 40 years after his creation and aids Sid. This shows that a creator, or a parent, gives the tools, but those who receive them have to decide what to do with them. Charles may have drawn and wrote Sketch's powers, but he had to choose to use them and take the path of a hero. The Finger Gunman was created for the same purpose, but he chose the alternative.
August 30, 2026
"Welcome to the supernatural." ~~Sketch
First Impression
From ancient Egypt to modern-day America and beyond, Sketch delivers magical, mystical, heroic fun. As a reluctant reader of supernatural fiction, I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but the story quickly surpassed my expectations. With smart writing, engaging characters, compelling plotlines, surprising twists, an immortal love story, a sinister villain, and a convincing hero, this book offers all that and more.
Inventive Storytelling
Ros Hill's wild imagination and creativity are extraordinary. His ability to connect characters, events, storylines and timelines gives Sketch its momentum and depth. From Egyptian legacies and falcon imagery to black ink blood, a living vs. fictional superhero, imaginative energy, ATWAS, generational artistic talent, Apep, silver venom, The Lure, Finger Gunman and GFL Super Bowl 100, Hill fills the story with vivid details and bold ideas.
Magic Moments
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis: "SKETCH WAS HERE"
Kryptonite Komics: "THE LITTLE BOY ALMOST GOT IT RIGHT." S.
"Pop's" life lesson to Sid: "Always stay humble."
Heba's reminder: "All the world's a stage. Like theatre, do not veer from the lines because that is where the magic is."
Sketch's reflection: "I have a heart and a brain, and I laugh and cry, but I'm not human because my veins flow with ink."
Heba's warning: "You can never trust a snake."
And, finally, ANGIE.
Final Takeaway
Sketch is a fun, imaginative read that will leave your heart smiling. Kudos to author Ros Hill for turning this reluctant superhero reader into a true believer in all things Sketch. Your fans can't wait for the sequel.
First Impression
From ancient Egypt to modern-day America and beyond, Sketch delivers magical, mystical, heroic fun. As a reluctant reader of supernatural fiction, I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but the story quickly surpassed my expectations. With smart writing, engaging characters, compelling plotlines, surprising twists, an immortal love story, a sinister villain, and a convincing hero, this book offers all that and more.
Inventive Storytelling
Ros Hill's wild imagination and creativity are extraordinary. His ability to connect characters, events, storylines and timelines gives Sketch its momentum and depth. From Egyptian legacies and falcon imagery to black ink blood, a living vs. fictional superhero, imaginative energy, ATWAS, generational artistic talent, Apep, silver venom, The Lure, Finger Gunman and GFL Super Bowl 100, Hill fills the story with vivid details and bold ideas.
Magic Moments
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis: "SKETCH WAS HERE"
Kryptonite Komics: "THE LITTLE BOY ALMOST GOT IT RIGHT." S.
"Pop's" life lesson to Sid: "Always stay humble."
Heba's reminder: "All the world's a stage. Like theatre, do not veer from the lines because that is where the magic is."
Sketch's reflection: "I have a heart and a brain, and I laugh and cry, but I'm not human because my veins flow with ink."
Heba's warning: "You can never trust a snake."
And, finally, ANGIE.
Final Takeaway
Sketch is a fun, imaginative read that will leave your heart smiling. Kudos to author Ros Hill for turning this reluctant superhero reader into a true believer in all things Sketch. Your fans can't wait for the sequel.
September 28, 2026
(3.5 / 5)
Sketch isn't like other people. For one, he's a superhero, at least when his powers are working. Also, he's not really human. He's a drawing brought to life by ancient magic imbued into a batch of ink. Sketch has been created to stop the Finger Gunman, who is trying to find all of the ink and use it for his own nefarious purposes.
This is a really creative, inventive book, from the ancient Egyptian magic that imbues the ink with the ability to bring some drawings to life to the results of some of those drawings. The story spans centuries, with 2 main stopping points: when Sketch's creator receives the ink and brings him to life and when Sketch must find a new artist in the hopes of getting his lost superpowers back. The author had some interesting ideas for how to keep the ink, or its creations, from being overpowered. At times, I was a little confused about the limitations, because I don't think they were conveyed very well to the reader.
The pacing of the book is a little slow at times, but most of the time I was engaged. I have to admit that the villain was a bit underwhelming, though. For one thing, his name, the Finger Gunman, is out of place in this book that is overall pretty serious in nature. It seems better suited for a middle-grade book or a parody story. But besides that, he spends a lot of the book doing very little and then suddenly becomes over-the-top evil near the end.
Overall, the book was enjoyable and unique. Fans of super hero stories and speculative fiction should definitely consider reading this book.
I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Sketch isn't like other people. For one, he's a superhero, at least when his powers are working. Also, he's not really human. He's a drawing brought to life by ancient magic imbued into a batch of ink. Sketch has been created to stop the Finger Gunman, who is trying to find all of the ink and use it for his own nefarious purposes.
This is a really creative, inventive book, from the ancient Egyptian magic that imbues the ink with the ability to bring some drawings to life to the results of some of those drawings. The story spans centuries, with 2 main stopping points: when Sketch's creator receives the ink and brings him to life and when Sketch must find a new artist in the hopes of getting his lost superpowers back. The author had some interesting ideas for how to keep the ink, or its creations, from being overpowered. At times, I was a little confused about the limitations, because I don't think they were conveyed very well to the reader.
The pacing of the book is a little slow at times, but most of the time I was engaged. I have to admit that the villain was a bit underwhelming, though. For one thing, his name, the Finger Gunman, is out of place in this book that is overall pretty serious in nature. It seems better suited for a middle-grade book or a parody story. But besides that, he spends a lot of the book doing very little and then suddenly becomes over-the-top evil near the end.
Overall, the book was enjoyable and unique. Fans of super hero stories and speculative fiction should definitely consider reading this book.
I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2026
Thank you to LBT for having me on this read along tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.
For me this was a really different read. I liked that I just got into this book so fast. I liked how it felt like I was a kid again and really made me think what if what I drew came to life ?! I mean how cool. Well Charles gets to experience this while he’s in Egypt he gets some magical ink and the things he thinks comes to life. I mean that’s so cool.
While on this trip he creates a superhero and names him sketch which I think is a great superhero name. I wouldn’t be able to come up with a good one to save my life lol. I just am not that creative!!
I really liked how the author wrote it was super engaging and just really good and I loved all the different characters POV really made the story. Oh did I mention we also go back in time too was a really well done book. Like wasn’t confusing flowed really easy and just something I couldn’t put down.
I liked the pace of this book it read so fast and was action packed. Definitely a good read and I can’t wait to read more from this author !!
For me this was a really different read. I liked that I just got into this book so fast. I liked how it felt like I was a kid again and really made me think what if what I drew came to life ?! I mean how cool. Well Charles gets to experience this while he’s in Egypt he gets some magical ink and the things he thinks comes to life. I mean that’s so cool.
While on this trip he creates a superhero and names him sketch which I think is a great superhero name. I wouldn’t be able to come up with a good one to save my life lol. I just am not that creative!!
I really liked how the author wrote it was super engaging and just really good and I loved all the different characters POV really made the story. Oh did I mention we also go back in time too was a really well done book. Like wasn’t confusing flowed really easy and just something I couldn’t put down.
I liked the pace of this book it read so fast and was action packed. Definitely a good read and I can’t wait to read more from this author !!
August 25, 2026
I loved this book! The idea of creating a superhero with magic ink was unique and I can definitely see this being turned into a TV series or movie. It had the classic themes of good verses evil but it also tackled the idea of worthiness. Heba had to make a decision on who she felt would be worthy to have the magic ink and create a formidable and true superhero.
I liked the pace of the story. We start in ancient Egypt, jump to the 1960s and then 2000s and back to the 1960s. I found it easy to follow and was eager to keep reading. I really liked the way the author made connections throughout the years linking certain characters. I got excited when these were revealed! (no spoilers here).
This story really did evoke a lot of emotion in me. I won't go into details as I don't want to spoil anything but the author's storytelling really hit a spot!
I am a complete Marvel nerd and this story definitely scratched an itch until Doomsday in Dec!
All in all, this was a satisfying read and I'm glad I met Sketch!
I liked the pace of the story. We start in ancient Egypt, jump to the 1960s and then 2000s and back to the 1960s. I found it easy to follow and was eager to keep reading. I really liked the way the author made connections throughout the years linking certain characters. I got excited when these were revealed! (no spoilers here).
This story really did evoke a lot of emotion in me. I won't go into details as I don't want to spoil anything but the author's storytelling really hit a spot!
I am a complete Marvel nerd and this story definitely scratched an itch until Doomsday in Dec!
All in all, this was a satisfying read and I'm glad I met Sketch!
August 1, 2026
Thank you to LibraryThing and BooksForward for this ARC copy!
This book answers a question that I think a lot of us had as kids -what if the things I draw could come to life? Charles is an art student who receives some magical ink that can turn the things he imagines into reality, whilst on a trip to Egypt. He brings his own superhero, Sketch, to life with the magical ink. Sketch struggles to be a superhero at first, but begins to learn how to be a hero, and what exactly makes a hero, as the story goes on. He must combat a villain called the Finger Gunman who wants the ink for himself.
The writing style in this book is engaging and I was intrigued from the beginning. I feel like my teenage students would really enjoy this book and it's unique concept. I will be recommending it to them.
This book answers a question that I think a lot of us had as kids -what if the things I draw could come to life? Charles is an art student who receives some magical ink that can turn the things he imagines into reality, whilst on a trip to Egypt. He brings his own superhero, Sketch, to life with the magical ink. Sketch struggles to be a superhero at first, but begins to learn how to be a hero, and what exactly makes a hero, as the story goes on. He must combat a villain called the Finger Gunman who wants the ink for himself.
The writing style in this book is engaging and I was intrigued from the beginning. I feel like my teenage students would really enjoy this book and it's unique concept. I will be recommending it to them.
July 22, 2026
Sketch does a wonderful job exploring how art can become a lifeline during difficult times. Ros Hill captures the uncertainty and emotion of adolescence with honesty, and I really connected with the way the story uses drawing as both a form of expression and a way to process grief, change, and identity. The characters felt authentic, and their struggles never came across as forced or overly dramatic.
What I enjoyed most was how quietly powerful the story was. It doesn't rely on big twists or over-the-top moments—instead, it lets the relationships and emotional growth take center stage. By the end, I was genuinely invested in the characters and left feeling hopeful. It's a heartfelt, beautifully written novel that will stay with me for a long time.
What I enjoyed most was how quietly powerful the story was. It doesn't rely on big twists or over-the-top moments—instead, it lets the relationships and emotional growth take center stage. By the end, I was genuinely invested in the characters and left feeling hopeful. It's a heartfelt, beautifully written novel that will stay with me for a long time.
August 2, 2026
The idea of Sketch was cool, superheroes are a hugely popular topic, and with the ink and the rules surrounding it all it gave this superhero story an intriguing edge.
The first third or so of the story contained so much information, and flicked about in time and place a little which I didn’t think was made the clearest so was a bit confusing. I felt that once we met Sid things were a bit smoother.
I really liked the characters and their relationships, particularly Sergeant Perkins and Sketch.
There's lots of action throughout which keeps the pace feeling very quick.
I like the feeling of the ending, this tale is over but the world always needs hope and I definitely see that here.
This isnt something I would ordinarily pick up but I'm glad I did as it was a fun read with a nice story.
The first third or so of the story contained so much information, and flicked about in time and place a little which I didn’t think was made the clearest so was a bit confusing. I felt that once we met Sid things were a bit smoother.
I really liked the characters and their relationships, particularly Sergeant Perkins and Sketch.
There's lots of action throughout which keeps the pace feeling very quick.
I like the feeling of the ending, this tale is over but the world always needs hope and I definitely see that here.
This isnt something I would ordinarily pick up but I'm glad I did as it was a fun read with a nice story.
August 24, 2026
I was so lucky to have received a digital copy of this book from the author and LoveBookTours and this was definitely up my street as a superhero fan! The plot was so unique in how superhero characters come into existence from a person drawing them, I loved that!
It was comical and unique and kept me intrigued and having to read that one more chapter. I really enjoyed the interesting and magical concept and have never read anything like this before. The character development was so strong and I would definitely recommend this book and read more from this author.
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
It was comical and unique and kept me intrigued and having to read that one more chapter. I really enjoyed the interesting and magical concept and have never read anything like this before. The character development was so strong and I would definitely recommend this book and read more from this author.
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
August 20, 2026
Sketch is a read where you not only get to see good fighting evil, but experience a different way these superheroes are created.
We use ink to draw superheroes, bringing them to life with our imaginations, but what if the ink you use is magic? What if you actually bring them to life? This story does exactly that, but where theres good theres evil.
This story brings a nice mix of how good and evil can come together. Even when the good is destroyed or if evil is beaten it always comes back around in time.
We use ink to draw superheroes, bringing them to life with our imaginations, but what if the ink you use is magic? What if you actually bring them to life? This story does exactly that, but where theres good theres evil.
This story brings a nice mix of how good and evil can come together. Even when the good is destroyed or if evil is beaten it always comes back around in time.
August 26, 2026
Sketch is a cool book with a creative premise and one last little surprise at the end! I loved the characters (well, not the bad guy, obviously), and watching Sketch grow throughout the story took me through feelings of happiness, amusement, and joy but also compassion and sadness. I like when a book can take me through my emotions like that! If you’re a fan of superheroes like Superman or The Flash, you’ll likely be a fan of Sketch! 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 16, 2026
I wanted to like this book, I really did. The beginning few chapters just didn't grab me. I think the writing style was just not to *my* taste. That said, the concept is original, the plot is solid, and there are some humorous bits, which I always appreciate.
I want to thank BooksForward for providing a copy of this book.
I want to thank BooksForward for providing a copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Sketch" is a whimsical superhero origin story in which the hero must earn his powers. The best part has to be the incredibly unique magic system that blends art, imagination and ancient Egyptian history. Definitely a great read!
August 6, 2026
Although fantasy/fiction/superhero is not my go to genre, after reading the synopsis, I had to step out of my comfort zone and give it a read…and I’m glad did! The story line is so different than the normal superhero theme. I could not put it down! 👍
August 27, 2026
Disappointing. A decent premise, but I never really got caught up in the story. Slow pacing. After getting through about 3/4 of the book, I gave up and jumped to the end. Not a terrible book, but not that engaging.
July 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read, but still impactful.
Hill's writing has a way of pulling you in. There was even one point I was yelling into the pages of my book! The author's experiences of writing children's books and short stories was evident in this debut novel, and I mean that as a compliment. The story was fantastical yet simple and charming like that of a children's book. And, with the switching POVs and going back in time, it was like watching multiple short stories unfold into one long journey. I also thought that the use of so many character's POVs was tastefully done and made for a unique experience.
The story had an interesting concept that Sid summarized best: What If There Were A Magic Ink? Superheroes and villains created with magic ink and the imaginations and wills of their creators. Feeling human while not quite being one. The emotional toll of immortality. All of these concepts and more were covered in this book. It was an unexpectedly emotional read that explored grief, love, and overcoming struggles.
I do feel like there were some random details and scenes that could have been left out, but I enjoyed the book nonetheless. I'd love to see more fantasy novels from Hill in the future.
Thank you to Books Forward for sending me and advance copy of Sketch .
Hill's writing has a way of pulling you in. There was even one point I was yelling into the pages of my book! The author's experiences of writing children's books and short stories was evident in this debut novel, and I mean that as a compliment. The story was fantastical yet simple and charming like that of a children's book. And, with the switching POVs and going back in time, it was like watching multiple short stories unfold into one long journey. I also thought that the use of so many character's POVs was tastefully done and made for a unique experience.
The story had an interesting concept that Sid summarized best: What If There Were A Magic Ink? Superheroes and villains created with magic ink and the imaginations and wills of their creators. Feeling human while not quite being one. The emotional toll of immortality. All of these concepts and more were covered in this book. It was an unexpectedly emotional read that explored grief, love, and overcoming struggles.
I do feel like there were some random details and scenes that could have been left out, but I enjoyed the book nonetheless. I'd love to see more fantasy novels from Hill in the future.
Thank you to Books Forward for sending me and advance copy of Sketch .
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews