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Skin Trade
The Great Undead Uprising of 1870 devastated the western frontier and destroyed the Indian Nations. Though the Army was able to contain the menace before it could devour the entire country, the United States lost claim to her western territories as the survivors fled to the relative safety of the east coast.
Samantha Martin is among the rare folks traveling west, seeking asylum within the infected territories. Running from a past that threatens to consume her, the young Sam dons the mantle of a male and hides in an all boys’ workhouse that borders these Badlands. From there she is thrust into the service of the skin trade; the terrible deed of trapping and skinning zombies for profit. The work is grueling and perilous, but along the way she finds out what it takes to be a man, why she misses being a woman, but most of all she learns what it means to be human.
Can Sam keep her masquerade up long enough to flee the Badlands, or will the outlaws that rule the western frontier find out she’s female before she can escape?
Samantha Martin is among the rare folks traveling west, seeking asylum within the infected territories. Running from a past that threatens to consume her, the young Sam dons the mantle of a male and hides in an all boys’ workhouse that borders these Badlands. From there she is thrust into the service of the skin trade; the terrible deed of trapping and skinning zombies for profit. The work is grueling and perilous, but along the way she finds out what it takes to be a man, why she misses being a woman, but most of all she learns what it means to be human.
Can Sam keep her masquerade up long enough to flee the Badlands, or will the outlaws that rule the western frontier find out she’s female before she can escape?
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Tonia Brown
84 books101 followersTonia Brown is a Southern author with a penchant for Victorian dead things. She lives in North Carolina with her genius husband and an ever fluctuating number of cats. When not writing she raises unicorns and fights crime with her husband under the code names "Dr. Weird and his sexy sidekick Butternut."
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 12, 2012
Ever want to read about the horror that occurs in a world where the undead walk? Oh, you've read a lot of zombie books? You know what happens? Hmmm, well...guess again, because Tonia Brown's Skin Trade, shows a new way of living with the undead and it's messed up! Just imagine the already intense horror of living in a world of the undead, now add in that you are attempting to hide that you're actually a girl all while being kidnapped, skinning the flesh of the undead, seducing your captors in order to gain trust and hoping and praying your mentor shows up in time to save you. Pretty crazy stuff, huh?
Well that, and so much more, is what we are given when entering the Skin Trade. The character are excellently written with great dialogue that is both witty and thought provoking, at times. Our main character, Sam, is a strong young woman who has been forced to endure much more than any young lady should no matter the time period or the fact that the world has been completely turned upside down with the undead. The dynamic between the various characters was excellently portrayed as characters usually are when under the pen of Tonia Brown and the change in the dynamic is nearly tangible as Sam learns more about those she encounters.
Highly detailed and described, the universe of Skin Trade is horrific and brutal. Great lengths are taking to give a vivid and detail description of the landscape and actions of those living in the Badlands. Skin Trade is definitely not a book for the feint of heart.
So the verdict is, Tonia Brown's Skin Trade is a "knock down drag your doggie through the dirt, pour lemon juice on a papercut" hellava ride.
Definitely Doubleshot Reviews approved
August 11, 2016
Tonia Brown's writing never ceases to amaze me! Her latest release, Skin Trade, follows the life of Samantha Martin. After being pushed into an unwanted life, Samantha is determined to free herself from her owner's grasp, even if that means masquerading as a boy in the Badlands - a place that is not for the weak.
The West has been over run with zombies and their skins quickly became a commodity and so the skin trade was born. The art of trapping and skinning zombies is not only a way to survive (the skins of zombies fetching a nice profit) but the Badlands provide the perfect sanctuary for Samantha to hide.
Skin Trade pulled me in from the first page and wouldn't let me go. Samantha is a strong character that I found easy to relate too. She has had a difficult past and is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that nobody can control her again. While she has a tough exterior, she still enjoys the feminine pleasures in life like wearing dresses and being treated like a lady. Ms. Brown does a wonderful job at blending the two sides of Samantha, creating a believable character.
If you haven't had the pleasure of reading Tonia Brown's writing before, I suggest starting with this one! Skin Trade is engaging, adventurous and refreshing! I strongly encourage Ms. Brown to continue the tale!
The West has been over run with zombies and their skins quickly became a commodity and so the skin trade was born. The art of trapping and skinning zombies is not only a way to survive (the skins of zombies fetching a nice profit) but the Badlands provide the perfect sanctuary for Samantha to hide.
Skin Trade pulled me in from the first page and wouldn't let me go. Samantha is a strong character that I found easy to relate too. She has had a difficult past and is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that nobody can control her again. While she has a tough exterior, she still enjoys the feminine pleasures in life like wearing dresses and being treated like a lady. Ms. Brown does a wonderful job at blending the two sides of Samantha, creating a believable character.
If you haven't had the pleasure of reading Tonia Brown's writing before, I suggest starting with this one! Skin Trade is engaging, adventurous and refreshing! I strongly encourage Ms. Brown to continue the tale!
October 7, 2012
Skin Trade takes place in the imagined old west where the dead have risen and made much of the country has been left uninhabitable, while the United States remains little more than a sliver of land along the east coast that is zombie-free. Beyond that are the Borderlands, where the government promises new growth and a life for those willing to risk it, though the fear of revenants keeps most people living in squalor out east rather than taking the risk. Beyond the Borderlands are the lands where revenants roam free. That is also where the trappers ply their trade, but it isn’t animals their after.
Samantha, a girl who has escaped a wretched life in a brothel down south, has made it to the borderlands where she has disguised herself as a boy so she can go to a workhouse with other boys desperate to find a way to make a living. There she is recruited by a trapper who needs apprentices to learn his trade. Sam realizes that there is great danger in going west, but knows this may be her best chance to put the past behind her and learn a trade that could set her free. But little does she know about all the dark secrets of the skin trade, though she’ll soon find out.
Skin Trade is quite an intriguing entry into the zombie pantheon of literature, with the undead see as animals to be slaughtered and skinned for the valuable leather they can offer up. They are dangerous and to be feared, but it is the men who ply this trade who represent the real darkness in this story. Sam is a tough, scrappy young lady who has escaped one horrible life to be potentially thrust right into another, but her adventures are fascinating ones, where she discovers a great deal about herself and her fellow man.
Tonia Brown knows how to craft a story, and her fertile imagination does not disappoint, whether it has to do with the undead or steampunk…or both. She is one of the most creative authors out there working her magic on traditional zombie lore, easily intermingling romance, adventure, horror, and intrigue with ease. Skin Trade is no exception. Her characters are vivid, fun, and compelling, her stories always entertaining. Definitely give this one a whirl if you are a fan of zombie lit-it’s a bit different than the traditional apocalyptic tale, and well worth checking out.
Samantha, a girl who has escaped a wretched life in a brothel down south, has made it to the borderlands where she has disguised herself as a boy so she can go to a workhouse with other boys desperate to find a way to make a living. There she is recruited by a trapper who needs apprentices to learn his trade. Sam realizes that there is great danger in going west, but knows this may be her best chance to put the past behind her and learn a trade that could set her free. But little does she know about all the dark secrets of the skin trade, though she’ll soon find out.
Skin Trade is quite an intriguing entry into the zombie pantheon of literature, with the undead see as animals to be slaughtered and skinned for the valuable leather they can offer up. They are dangerous and to be feared, but it is the men who ply this trade who represent the real darkness in this story. Sam is a tough, scrappy young lady who has escaped one horrible life to be potentially thrust right into another, but her adventures are fascinating ones, where she discovers a great deal about herself and her fellow man.
Tonia Brown knows how to craft a story, and her fertile imagination does not disappoint, whether it has to do with the undead or steampunk…or both. She is one of the most creative authors out there working her magic on traditional zombie lore, easily intermingling romance, adventure, horror, and intrigue with ease. Skin Trade is no exception. Her characters are vivid, fun, and compelling, her stories always entertaining. Definitely give this one a whirl if you are a fan of zombie lit-it’s a bit different than the traditional apocalyptic tale, and well worth checking out.
September 15, 2012
The question is, what would happen in a post apocalyptic world...set in the Wild West? Read Skin Trade by Tonia Brown and find out. You most certainly will not be disappointed.
This is more than a horror story set in the west, and certainly more than your average zombie book. In fact, the Great Undead Uprising of 1870 is the perfect backdrop for a tale about a young woman's coming of age through peril, perseverance, and grit. Samantha Martin, our heroine narrator, is one tough cookie!
Skin Trade is a well crafted book that will stick with you long after you finish reading it. The characters breathe, they live, and you want to know what happens to them. In a Wild West made only wilder with the onslaught of a zompocalypse, Samantha must be weary and careful with whom she places trust, because she has a secret that is more valuable in the Badlands than the zombie hides harvested in the skin trade, and a past that she desperately wants to get away from.
This is more than a horror story set in the west, and certainly more than your average zombie book. In fact, the Great Undead Uprising of 1870 is the perfect backdrop for a tale about a young woman's coming of age through peril, perseverance, and grit. Samantha Martin, our heroine narrator, is one tough cookie!
Skin Trade is a well crafted book that will stick with you long after you finish reading it. The characters breathe, they live, and you want to know what happens to them. In a Wild West made only wilder with the onslaught of a zompocalypse, Samantha must be weary and careful with whom she places trust, because she has a secret that is more valuable in the Badlands than the zombie hides harvested in the skin trade, and a past that she desperately wants to get away from.
January 15, 2015
YAYYYYYY! Another editing project is now a published book!
April 4, 2013
Nineteenth-century America was dangerous enough I'm sure without any zombies roaming the countryside. So with Tonia Brown's horror/western novel, Skin Trade, the bleak and foreboding landscape upon which it is set came as no surprise. That's not to say, however, the book didn't offer a bevy of twists and turns.
Centered on a young girl named Samantha Martin, Skin Trade opens up on a workhouse employing young men and boys toiling under a hot sun and grueling taskmaster, bordering the Badlands to the west. The Badlands carry endlessly westward, overrun with the walking dead following some alluded-to cataclysm. Girls are a rare commodity in this backdrop, and as such Samantha disguises herself as a boy to earn her way toiling in the fields and avoiding monstrous advances from the boys and men that surround her. Through her hardships, she is befriended by a boy named Stinky Pete, as the two share in their outcast roles among the other boys. A bit of a Tom and Huck vibe there.
Then, Sam and Pete are offered an escape when a man by the name of Boudreaux comes by the fields and recruits them as assistants while he hunts and traps in the Badlands. Dangerous work, but promising in pay. Hopes are quickly dashed though, when Boudreaux's trade and methods and brought to bear, and Sam finds herself in even more danger than what the zombies offer. I mean, how well are things going to end for you when your new job is killing and skinning the undead for their pelts?
Skin Trade comes with a discretionary warning to start out, as Tonia warns prospective readers that the nineteenth century was a little less progressive towards those of the female persuasion. Given my surface-level grasp on history, I was expecting this horror novel to offer some downright repellant scenes inflicted upon Sam. However, the story is grim more in its insinuation than anything else. Oh, when the action scenes occur, they are certainly gruesome and gripping, but nothing feels exploitative.
Tonia Brown also possesses a keen grasp of her characters, with their mindsets and motivations playing out pitch perfectly. There were moments where I thought Sam might turn into a damsel, especially towards the end when it looked like she'd need to rely on someone else for her own attempts at escape, but if Sam is a princess, she is of the self-saving kind. Heck, it's not like the world she lives in has any real knights coming to her rescue.
If you are a fan of weird westerns, you should check this one out. Zombie nuts will have plenty to enjoy, with a really good story that doesn't occupy itself too greatly on shambling hordes as its source of horror. Fainthearted folks may want to steer clear, though I think you'd be missing out. It seems each story Tonia Brown gets a little bit better than the last, so I'll be looking forward to reading more of her work down the line.
Centered on a young girl named Samantha Martin, Skin Trade opens up on a workhouse employing young men and boys toiling under a hot sun and grueling taskmaster, bordering the Badlands to the west. The Badlands carry endlessly westward, overrun with the walking dead following some alluded-to cataclysm. Girls are a rare commodity in this backdrop, and as such Samantha disguises herself as a boy to earn her way toiling in the fields and avoiding monstrous advances from the boys and men that surround her. Through her hardships, she is befriended by a boy named Stinky Pete, as the two share in their outcast roles among the other boys. A bit of a Tom and Huck vibe there.
Then, Sam and Pete are offered an escape when a man by the name of Boudreaux comes by the fields and recruits them as assistants while he hunts and traps in the Badlands. Dangerous work, but promising in pay. Hopes are quickly dashed though, when Boudreaux's trade and methods and brought to bear, and Sam finds herself in even more danger than what the zombies offer. I mean, how well are things going to end for you when your new job is killing and skinning the undead for their pelts?
Skin Trade comes with a discretionary warning to start out, as Tonia warns prospective readers that the nineteenth century was a little less progressive towards those of the female persuasion. Given my surface-level grasp on history, I was expecting this horror novel to offer some downright repellant scenes inflicted upon Sam. However, the story is grim more in its insinuation than anything else. Oh, when the action scenes occur, they are certainly gruesome and gripping, but nothing feels exploitative.
Tonia Brown also possesses a keen grasp of her characters, with their mindsets and motivations playing out pitch perfectly. There were moments where I thought Sam might turn into a damsel, especially towards the end when it looked like she'd need to rely on someone else for her own attempts at escape, but if Sam is a princess, she is of the self-saving kind. Heck, it's not like the world she lives in has any real knights coming to her rescue.
If you are a fan of weird westerns, you should check this one out. Zombie nuts will have plenty to enjoy, with a really good story that doesn't occupy itself too greatly on shambling hordes as its source of horror. Fainthearted folks may want to steer clear, though I think you'd be missing out. It seems each story Tonia Brown gets a little bit better than the last, so I'll be looking forward to reading more of her work down the line.
January 27, 2016
Skin Trade: A Historical Horror (book 1) Tonia Brown
Set is the late 1880's the story takes place after the Great Undead Uprising that destroyed the Western Frontier and Indian nations. The government was able to contain the virus as people all tried to flee to the East. But not everyone headed East.
Samantha Martin is doing the opposite, fleeing to the West to escape her horrible life. She disguises herself as Sam a boy in the workhouses in the Badlands. She ends up in the Skin Trades trying to stay alive and keep her gender a secret. Will she be able to stay alive, keep her secret and flee the badlands?
An interesting twist on zombie stories, set in the past, during an already difficult Era. The plot is original, with attention to detail, drama, danger, lack of trust, and learning to survive. I got a vivid feel of exactly what was going on, which made the story and edge-of-you seat read.
Sam is very likable, she gets to experience the hardships of being a young woman and a young man in this dangerous time. She will be forced to make decisions and not knowing who to trust, just adds to the tension. Overall I found Skin Trade: A Historical Horror and action packed, thrilling read. I recommend to those who love zombies and horror stories.
Set is the late 1880's the story takes place after the Great Undead Uprising that destroyed the Western Frontier and Indian nations. The government was able to contain the virus as people all tried to flee to the East. But not everyone headed East.
Samantha Martin is doing the opposite, fleeing to the West to escape her horrible life. She disguises herself as Sam a boy in the workhouses in the Badlands. She ends up in the Skin Trades trying to stay alive and keep her gender a secret. Will she be able to stay alive, keep her secret and flee the badlands?
An interesting twist on zombie stories, set in the past, during an already difficult Era. The plot is original, with attention to detail, drama, danger, lack of trust, and learning to survive. I got a vivid feel of exactly what was going on, which made the story and edge-of-you seat read.
Sam is very likable, she gets to experience the hardships of being a young woman and a young man in this dangerous time. She will be forced to make decisions and not knowing who to trust, just adds to the tension. Overall I found Skin Trade: A Historical Horror and action packed, thrilling read. I recommend to those who love zombies and horror stories.
July 1, 2015
I love zombie books and I love Westerns so when I saw the cover and read the blurb for Skin Trade by Tonia Brown I knew I wanted to read it. I was pulled quickly under the enchantment of the author’s powerful storytelling. The characters interacted together believably as young orphans Sam and Pete begin an unusual apprenticeship and travel from the borderlands into the Western Badlands.
I was quickly pulled into the enchantment of the well-told story – eagerly following the orphans as they learn a terrible deception has been played upon them. Sam’s sassy wit and intelligence keeps the youngster in trouble, especially after Pete is lost. I loved the alternate history that Tonia created to explain the zombie infestation – it made sense in an evil, conspiratorial way that I easily bought into.
This is an exciting, fast moving adventure that kept me up late last night because I just could not put the book down to go to sleep until I had finished it.
This book was provided in exchange for my honest Review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
I was quickly pulled into the enchantment of the well-told story – eagerly following the orphans as they learn a terrible deception has been played upon them. Sam’s sassy wit and intelligence keeps the youngster in trouble, especially after Pete is lost. I loved the alternate history that Tonia created to explain the zombie infestation – it made sense in an evil, conspiratorial way that I easily bought into.
This is an exciting, fast moving adventure that kept me up late last night because I just could not put the book down to go to sleep until I had finished it.
This book was provided in exchange for my honest Review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
August 6, 2012
Honestly, I thought the story itself was fantastic. I was both surprised and pleased every step of the way as I read it. My girlfriend downloaded it when it was available for free and she and I both feel that it would, if adapted correctly, make for one hell of an interesting movie.
The visceral quality of the narrative is both captivating and unsettling at points, and I loved it.
That's really all there is to say, I think.
The visceral quality of the narrative is both captivating and unsettling at points, and I loved it.
That's really all there is to say, I think.
March 8, 2016
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a lot better than I expected it to be and boy it is perfect nightmare fuel, which I totally loved! This isn't your average zombie book. The plot kept me fully on my toes and everything I expected or assumed went right out the window. If you're a horror fan, Skin Trade is right up your alley and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
This book is a lot better than I expected it to be and boy it is perfect nightmare fuel, which I totally loved! This isn't your average zombie book. The plot kept me fully on my toes and everything I expected or assumed went right out the window. If you're a horror fan, Skin Trade is right up your alley and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
July 13, 2013
Wild west. Zombies. It wasn't terrible. I'd be willing to give a sequel a go. The language was not always focused some phrases were to modern. The time period seemed to be 1865 maybe later. It never said. I wasn't sure if this was alt history or if the undead outbreak set everything back. Either way the concept of zombie leather is neat.
December 30, 2015
This was the first book By Tonia I read, and I fell in love with the story. I am re-reading it now before I read Skin Deep because it is such an amazing world. If you love a good story that draws you in and makes you feel for the characters, this is a good one. I won't give spoilers, but trust me, it is worth the read.
August 15, 2015
Ah, a breath of fresh air in the world of zombie stories!
Nice plot, well rounded with unforeseen developments. Well-written characters. Random character deaths. Interesting world-building. A little unrealistic on the historical accuracy aspect, but then it is a zombie story.
Nice plot, well rounded with unforeseen developments. Well-written characters. Random character deaths. Interesting world-building. A little unrealistic on the historical accuracy aspect, but then it is a zombie story.
May 26, 2012
Not your usual zombie tale, this was a lot of fun. Hoping for a sequel!
June 6, 2013
This was a great story in the zombie genre. It shows how people are making their lives after the zombie apocalypse. A good story and I look forward to reading the sequels.
January 14, 2016
Skin Trade
A different twist to the zombie story. A story that will keep you reading all night long. A story that actually has such a different read that you can't put down.
A different twist to the zombie story. A story that will keep you reading all night long. A story that actually has such a different read that you can't put down.
September 28, 2016
The story is set in the late 1880's after the uprising of the Great UnDead which has left much of the Country uninhabitable. But the United States is Zombie free. The story centers on Samantha Martin a young Girl who disguises herself as a Boy in order to work. Not your average Zombie end of the world book. The plot kept me reading just to see what would happen next. If you love to read about Zombies or end of the world stories i highly recommend you read Skin Trade.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews