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Skinner: Special Edition
406 pages, Paperback
Published December 12, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 11, 2024
I enjoy this author’s work tremendously, but this book is not among his very best. Hopefully as the series develops it will improve and I am certainly anxious to see where the story goes.
The action takes a bit long to “get there”, almost 30% of the book in fact which is not the norm for this author from my experience with his other works. The writing is good and there is certainly a compelling story to tell but I felt it got dragged down by too much forced “diversity” that undermined the characters themselves and caused some obvious errors in logic. Granted this is total fiction, but still some consistencies have to be upheld, such as the male/female strength dynamic, (were-animal or not!) Also if you’re going to go the “diversity” route, (which I don’t particularly like), then have it serve a purpose, don’t just throw it in pointlessly and then have these characters act generically like any regular old “non-diverse” people.
The idea of different “spirit animals” for different people is a good idea, and I especially love the idea of werecats. The characters themselves were a mixed bag of likeable and annoying and the gore factor when it did kick in was about right for this type of book. I did sense though that the “hardcore” elements that I associate with Jesse D’Angelo felt a little bit muted or restrained somehow as if he was told to “tone it down” or something. The artwork at the end of the book was excellent and would have been better put to use at the beginning or end of chapters I think. Regardless, I did enjoy this book a lot and will read the follow up for sure, but I can’t give this book 5 stars like some of his other works, notably “Dying Sheep” because to do so would be dishonest.
The action takes a bit long to “get there”, almost 30% of the book in fact which is not the norm for this author from my experience with his other works. The writing is good and there is certainly a compelling story to tell but I felt it got dragged down by too much forced “diversity” that undermined the characters themselves and caused some obvious errors in logic. Granted this is total fiction, but still some consistencies have to be upheld, such as the male/female strength dynamic, (were-animal or not!) Also if you’re going to go the “diversity” route, (which I don’t particularly like), then have it serve a purpose, don’t just throw it in pointlessly and then have these characters act generically like any regular old “non-diverse” people.
The idea of different “spirit animals” for different people is a good idea, and I especially love the idea of werecats. The characters themselves were a mixed bag of likeable and annoying and the gore factor when it did kick in was about right for this type of book. I did sense though that the “hardcore” elements that I associate with Jesse D’Angelo felt a little bit muted or restrained somehow as if he was told to “tone it down” or something. The artwork at the end of the book was excellent and would have been better put to use at the beginning or end of chapters I think. Regardless, I did enjoy this book a lot and will read the follow up for sure, but I can’t give this book 5 stars like some of his other works, notably “Dying Sheep” because to do so would be dishonest.
December 22, 2023
There is so much mind-blowing stuff happening in this book. D'Angelo takes the reader on one heck of an action-packed thrill ride. Seriously, there is never a dull moment. The descriptive writing really amplifies everything that is happening within the story. Every scene plays out perfectly and vividly. Skinner has so many unexpected turns. I loved how it kept me engrossed yet guessing the whole time.
The characters are also amazing. They really brought this story to life. I enjoyed the uniqueness that D’Angelo gave each Skinner and wait until you see the artwork that goes with each one.
Skinner is a must-read for anyone that enjoys action, skin walkers, horror, and a great cast of characters. I thought the story was unique, and I cannot wait to dive back into the Skinner Saga.
The characters are also amazing. They really brought this story to life. I enjoyed the uniqueness that D’Angelo gave each Skinner and wait until you see the artwork that goes with each one.
Skinner is a must-read for anyone that enjoys action, skin walkers, horror, and a great cast of characters. I thought the story was unique, and I cannot wait to dive back into the Skinner Saga.
December 9, 2023
Wow! The cinematic prose, the large scale visuals, the terrific characters, and the wonderful ending! This is an awesome book, fast-paced, full of action, chases, fights, spicy scenes, sharp dialogue, and amazing world-building. If one can handle violence against minors (not merely for the sake of it, it's an integral part of the plot) and some dark twists, this is simply a must-read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 1, 2025
Wow… This was a really good book. Action packed with some really interesting stuff packed in. Gory good.
December 31, 2023
This is absolutely one of my favorite books of all time. I don’t care what kind of genera you are into, you’ve got to read this one! I fell in love with this story a little over a year ago and I’m so excited that Jesse made it into a special edition. Jesse’s talent is absolutely phenomenal, he never disappoints. You’ll definitely have to be ready to buckle up, because the action doesn’t stop. If this story was ever made into a movie, the Diehard movies would be put to shame and wouldn’t stand a chance. Will Shaw is a native that abandoned the reservation and his people so that he could enlist into the army. Will has a very special talent and is very close and personal with his native folklore. Others see him as a threat, an evil spirit or some kind of black magic curse. But, Will is more of a visual - ante per se. He joins forces with his animal spirit and fights against the evil of the spiritual and non spiritual world, even risking his own life to save the lives of others. This book is so brilliantly written, it will pull you right into the middle of the action. So, enjoy your journey with Will Shaw and look forward to the sequel coming soon. Also, you get to enjoy the beautiful artwork by the talented Jesse himself, and it brings this story to life, way beyond your imagination. Happy reading yall!
December 19, 2023
As I’ve come to expect from this author, this was another epic thrill ride. I have to say, I felt some Doomsday Dogs vibes (my favorite by Jesse D’Angelo, one of my top 5 best reads this year and easily one of my top 10 faves books of all-time) and obviously, that made me enjoy this one even more…
There was this expertly crafted synchronization of seemingly incompatible plot lines that really appealed to my brain.
Who would’ve ever thought to combine a crime thriller, an action adventure and shape shifters into one book? Before I read this, I would’ve rolled my eyes at thought of such trope plot lines forced into a single story…
I’m happy to admit, I was wrong and it kept me glued to every word.
My only problem is that, I want to know what happens next with these dexterously-crafted, nuanced cast of characters…
This one was non-stop action and intrigue; so grab it and buckle up!
There was this expertly crafted synchronization of seemingly incompatible plot lines that really appealed to my brain.
Who would’ve ever thought to combine a crime thriller, an action adventure and shape shifters into one book? Before I read this, I would’ve rolled my eyes at thought of such trope plot lines forced into a single story…
I’m happy to admit, I was wrong and it kept me glued to every word.
My only problem is that, I want to know what happens next with these dexterously-crafted, nuanced cast of characters…
This one was non-stop action and intrigue; so grab it and buckle up!
January 25, 2024
🐾😱 A total “must read”!
Under the pouring rain, the motorcycle continued its journey through the dark night.
Its driver was on the lookout for her prey.
She lost sight of him briefly only to see him again far in front of her...
********
An astonishing and very original reading of "shapeshifter" to discover, with a dark and dangerous universe, inimitable characters and lots of action and unexpected events.
I particularly enjoyed the main character of Will and the enigmatic Janae, as well as the author's unique writing style.
A total must read for fans of the genre!
Under the pouring rain, the motorcycle continued its journey through the dark night.
Its driver was on the lookout for her prey.
She lost sight of him briefly only to see him again far in front of her...
********
An astonishing and very original reading of "shapeshifter" to discover, with a dark and dangerous universe, inimitable characters and lots of action and unexpected events.
I particularly enjoyed the main character of Will and the enigmatic Janae, as well as the author's unique writing style.
A total must read for fans of the genre!
February 12, 2024
Thank You Jesse D'Angelo
This was a very fast paced action pack read.. The descriptions are so well done you believe your in the middle of the Action and Gore. This writer is getting better which each book I read of his.
Horror
Creatures
This was a very fast paced action pack read.. The descriptions are so well done you believe your in the middle of the Action and Gore. This writer is getting better which each book I read of his.
Horror
Creatures
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 31, 2024To anyone who didn't like this book and left it a 3-star or below review,
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please don't just leave a rating, leave a review as well! Reviews and critiques are very useful. They help me grow and improve, and see what readers want and don't want. So please feel free to talk smack and explain why you think this book sucks! I assure you, I can take it!
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please don't just leave a rating, leave a review as well! Reviews and critiques are very useful. They help me grow and improve, and see what readers want and don't want. So please feel free to talk smack and explain why you think this book sucks! I assure you, I can take it!
July 18, 2025
Action-packed, really fun lore, and a bloody good time. I highly enjoyed this first entry in Will Shaw's story and I can't wait to get my hands on the second book!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews