What do you think?
Rate this book
A Novel of Secrets #2
Skin of the Wolf
In Sam Cabot’s exhilarating new novel, a vicious murder in Sotheby’s begins a series of inexplicable events surrounding an Iroquois ritual mask—and a secret that could unleash the most terrifying chaos and destruction the world has ever seen.
Father Thomas Kelly, art historian Livia Pietro, and scholar Spencer George shared shocking, life-changing events in Blood of the Lamb; in that thriller, Father Kelly learned of the existence of the Noantri—a community of vampires—and that Livia and Spencer were among them. Now, a year later, all three are together again in New York City where Livia is attending a conference on Native American art. But when Spencer is attacked in Central Park by a wolf, the trio are thrown deep into a world where money, Native American lore, and the doctrines of the Catholic Church collide, revealing an alarming secret: the wolf is a Shapeshifter. He is searching for a sacred Iroquois mask with power that, badly wielded, could destroy millions of lives. But as they enter the search for the mask, the three narrowly escape becoming the Shapeshifter’s prey. Will they be able to prevent catastrophe from rising with the next full moon?
In Skin of the Wolf, Sam Cabot weaves riveting suspense into a world that blends historical fact with his signature all-encompassing alternate reality. It is a heart-stopping novel in which the Noantri discover they aren't the only humans set apart by their natures: there are Others.
Father Thomas Kelly, art historian Livia Pietro, and scholar Spencer George shared shocking, life-changing events in Blood of the Lamb; in that thriller, Father Kelly learned of the existence of the Noantri—a community of vampires—and that Livia and Spencer were among them. Now, a year later, all three are together again in New York City where Livia is attending a conference on Native American art. But when Spencer is attacked in Central Park by a wolf, the trio are thrown deep into a world where money, Native American lore, and the doctrines of the Catholic Church collide, revealing an alarming secret: the wolf is a Shapeshifter. He is searching for a sacred Iroquois mask with power that, badly wielded, could destroy millions of lives. But as they enter the search for the mask, the three narrowly escape becoming the Shapeshifter’s prey. Will they be able to prevent catastrophe from rising with the next full moon?
In Skin of the Wolf, Sam Cabot weaves riveting suspense into a world that blends historical fact with his signature all-encompassing alternate reality. It is a heart-stopping novel in which the Noantri discover they aren't the only humans set apart by their natures: there are Others.
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
7 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Sam Cabot
6 books33 followersSam Cabot is the author of the novel,
Blood of the Lamb
and
Skin of the Wolf
.
Sam Cabot is a pseudonym for:
S.J. Rozan is the author of many critically-acclaimed novels and short stories which have won crime fiction's greatest honors, including the Edgar, Shamus, Anthony, Macavity, and Nero awards. Born and raised in the Bronx, Rozan now lives in lower Manhattan.
Carlos Dews is Professor and Chair of the Department of English Language and Literature at John Cabot University where he directs the Institute for Creative Writing and Literary Translation. He lives in Rome, Italy.
Sam Cabot is a pseudonym for:
S.J. Rozan is the author of many critically-acclaimed novels and short stories which have won crime fiction's greatest honors, including the Edgar, Shamus, Anthony, Macavity, and Nero awards. Born and raised in the Bronx, Rozan now lives in lower Manhattan.
Carlos Dews is Professor and Chair of the Department of English Language and Literature at John Cabot University where he directs the Institute for Creative Writing and Literary Translation. He lives in Rome, Italy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 13, 2016
4 Stars
A werewolf, a vampire and a priest walk into a bar....
Okay not really. This was different than I expected and I enjoyed the story quite a bit. It was a very interesting twist on the Vampire/Werewolf lore and throw in a Jesuit Priest and a murder over a priceless artifact that may or may not have the ability to unlock an ancient power, just for good measure. The cast of characters also includes a police duo investigating the crime that are similar to a Mulder and Scully combo if Mulder was British and Skully was Indian.
With jumping PoVs the story progresses pretty fast and it is much like a Criminal Intent episode in so much as you know everyone’s motivations in the story and they alternate so quickly at the end that it becomes very intense until the resolution of the story.
I really would consider this Paranormal Lite. Sure there are Vampires and Werewolves but that is secondary to the rest of the story and mostly glossed over. I’m usually not a huge fan of Native American lore, but what was incorporated into the story was interesting and engaging and I enjoyed the tie in with the Werewolf characters.
This reads a lot like a Dan Brown novel with a side of paranormality added to it. Good if you like more mystery/suspense and less sexy vampires lusting after blood. This was very well written without a lot of extras that don’t pertain to the actual story.
I have not read the first book Blood of the Lamb that included a few of the characters and more backstory to the Vampire and Catholic Church connections and probably a little sexual tension between a few characters, but I think I will in the near future. There was enough recap that you didn’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one as a stand-alone novel.
Recommended to fans of: Criminal Intent, X-files, The Davin Chi Code
ARC provided by Penguin Books and Blue Rider Pres.
A werewolf, a vampire and a priest walk into a bar....
Okay not really. This was different than I expected and I enjoyed the story quite a bit. It was a very interesting twist on the Vampire/Werewolf lore and throw in a Jesuit Priest and a murder over a priceless artifact that may or may not have the ability to unlock an ancient power, just for good measure. The cast of characters also includes a police duo investigating the crime that are similar to a Mulder and Scully combo if Mulder was British and Skully was Indian.
With jumping PoVs the story progresses pretty fast and it is much like a Criminal Intent episode in so much as you know everyone’s motivations in the story and they alternate so quickly at the end that it becomes very intense until the resolution of the story.
I really would consider this Paranormal Lite. Sure there are Vampires and Werewolves but that is secondary to the rest of the story and mostly glossed over. I’m usually not a huge fan of Native American lore, but what was incorporated into the story was interesting and engaging and I enjoyed the tie in with the Werewolf characters.
This reads a lot like a Dan Brown novel with a side of paranormality added to it. Good if you like more mystery/suspense and less sexy vampires lusting after blood. This was very well written without a lot of extras that don’t pertain to the actual story.
I have not read the first book Blood of the Lamb that included a few of the characters and more backstory to the Vampire and Catholic Church connections and probably a little sexual tension between a few characters, but I think I will in the near future. There was enough recap that you didn’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one as a stand-alone novel.
Recommended to fans of: Criminal Intent, X-files, The Davin Chi Code
ARC provided by Penguin Books and Blue Rider Pres.
June 27, 2014
This is the second book I have read by Sam Cabot, the first being Blood of the Lamb, a book I found refreshing in its take on vampires. It reminds me a little of Dan Brown mixed with paranormal elements.
The second book, Skin of the Wolf is no exception. I love how in this book history is mixed with the supernatural to create an engaging story. This one focuses on Native American culture and tradition, a topic I find interesting and want to know more about.
The characters are not given a lot of back story in this book, as it is a sequel, but I did enjoy seeing things from multiple characters' points of view to complete the picture. The writing is beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Very well done.
The second book, Skin of the Wolf is no exception. I love how in this book history is mixed with the supernatural to create an engaging story. This one focuses on Native American culture and tradition, a topic I find interesting and want to know more about.
The characters are not given a lot of back story in this book, as it is a sequel, but I did enjoy seeing things from multiple characters' points of view to complete the picture. The writing is beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Very well done.
November 9, 2015
How I ended up reading a vampire novel: The author, Sam Cabot, is a team, and I knew I liked SJ Rozan, one-half the team; so when she said, Buy the book in my new series, I bought it. I didn't realize what it was until I started reading.
At first, I thought, What the hey; this could be fun.
It wasn't. Fantasy should have a strong internal logic, and this book had none. Nobody, human or "changed," would act the way these characters act. Also, there was way too much exposition about how the vampire world works, the rules of that world, the consequences of actions. Too much exposition for the Indian (Native American) world, too, whose shapeshifters interact with the vampires in the book.
There were endless conversations in which some people are trying to persuade other people of something, and the latter people always give in by the end of the conversation. Murders are shrugged off in a most implausible way by the culprits. Meanwhile, the opportunity for the reader to actually learn something about art history or Indian cultures was wasted. I can't imagine anyone believing the cultural tidbits here even if some are true.
The story centers around a powerful wolf mask, which, if used in the right ceremony by people who know what they are doing, can call forth latent alter egos of people who don't realize they are shapeshifters but who hope they might be so they can spend part of their time as eagles, deer, or wolves. The vampires get mixed up in the sale of such a mask partly because the male vampire has a beau who turns out to occasionally take the shape of a werewolf.
I have no problem with the bare bones of the story, but it is just so badly written and incapable of sticking to its own rules. What a disappointment!
At first, I thought, What the hey; this could be fun.
It wasn't. Fantasy should have a strong internal logic, and this book had none. Nobody, human or "changed," would act the way these characters act. Also, there was way too much exposition about how the vampire world works, the rules of that world, the consequences of actions. Too much exposition for the Indian (Native American) world, too, whose shapeshifters interact with the vampires in the book.
There were endless conversations in which some people are trying to persuade other people of something, and the latter people always give in by the end of the conversation. Murders are shrugged off in a most implausible way by the culprits. Meanwhile, the opportunity for the reader to actually learn something about art history or Indian cultures was wasted. I can't imagine anyone believing the cultural tidbits here even if some are true.
The story centers around a powerful wolf mask, which, if used in the right ceremony by people who know what they are doing, can call forth latent alter egos of people who don't realize they are shapeshifters but who hope they might be so they can spend part of their time as eagles, deer, or wolves. The vampires get mixed up in the sale of such a mask partly because the male vampire has a beau who turns out to occasionally take the shape of a werewolf.
I have no problem with the bare bones of the story, but it is just so badly written and incapable of sticking to its own rules. What a disappointment!
July 15, 2014
I finished reading my Goodreads copy of Sam Cabot’s Skin of the Wolf, and something unexpected happened. It had ended too soon; I wanted to read more. I had anticipated liking and enjoying the book because I am familiar with some of S. J. Rozan’s work (one half of the Sam Cabot team) – well written and researched books like Shanghai Moon and Ghost Hero. But up until now I have only been left searching for more to read from a book when reading a selection from Robert Crais’s Elvis Cole series.
It was also surprising because the reason was not the same as what I have experienced with Elvis Cole books. The Elvis Cole series, while very entertaining, appeals to my sense of team heroes and payback (think Equalizer). This was different. It was because of the engaging storytelling and interesting handling of issues by the writers through the characters. Visually, the writing kept me interested like a good Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch) or Jim Butcher (Dresden Files) novel. I hesitate to make comparisons because a good writer is his/her own person, but for those of us not familiar with Sam Cabot it may be useful to hear how this team compares to someone else they may already know. The fluidity was like what I’ve come to expect from Peter Brett’s Demon Cycle series.
The writing was clean and grown up even when talking about vampires and werewolves. Coming from a recent stint reading everything I could find by Robert Crais and Lee Child, I was mentally tuned for a faster start to the story. But not all writers or works flow the same way, and it is important to recognize that sometimes a bit of time is required to set up the story properly. I was happy that I kept an open mind, and continued on, because, as I mentioned above, I found myself not wanting the book to end. You find that you want to read more about vampires, werewolves, Native Americans, even the Catholic Church and its secrets from Sam Cabot.
Besides offering a fresh take on vampires and werewolves, Sam Cabot (S. J. Rozan and Carlos Dews) tackle contemporary issues with boldness and subtlety. I am trying not to get into very specific details about the story because I do not want to take away the element of discovery from any future readers, but I can say that the book revolves around a Native American mask for sale and the implications of such an artifact on the world as we may know it. Within that premise, they approach issues from modern relationships to the desecration of the environment with clarity and understanding that these are current problems, but they do not preach or advocate. The message is subtle and simple: these are issues facing our society.
This I found to be of importance, because, while I may disagree with the side some of the characters chose on these issues, it came across not as promoting any agenda but as simply part of the tapestry that is humanity. In so doing, these served to lend more credence and realism to other thoughts in the story, such as shape shifting and eternals. It all worked together to make for a very enjoyable reading and leave me wanting to read more about the world of shape-shifters, werewolves, and vampires, and the mystical aspects of native American history.
It was also surprising because the reason was not the same as what I have experienced with Elvis Cole books. The Elvis Cole series, while very entertaining, appeals to my sense of team heroes and payback (think Equalizer). This was different. It was because of the engaging storytelling and interesting handling of issues by the writers through the characters. Visually, the writing kept me interested like a good Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch) or Jim Butcher (Dresden Files) novel. I hesitate to make comparisons because a good writer is his/her own person, but for those of us not familiar with Sam Cabot it may be useful to hear how this team compares to someone else they may already know. The fluidity was like what I’ve come to expect from Peter Brett’s Demon Cycle series.
The writing was clean and grown up even when talking about vampires and werewolves. Coming from a recent stint reading everything I could find by Robert Crais and Lee Child, I was mentally tuned for a faster start to the story. But not all writers or works flow the same way, and it is important to recognize that sometimes a bit of time is required to set up the story properly. I was happy that I kept an open mind, and continued on, because, as I mentioned above, I found myself not wanting the book to end. You find that you want to read more about vampires, werewolves, Native Americans, even the Catholic Church and its secrets from Sam Cabot.
Besides offering a fresh take on vampires and werewolves, Sam Cabot (S. J. Rozan and Carlos Dews) tackle contemporary issues with boldness and subtlety. I am trying not to get into very specific details about the story because I do not want to take away the element of discovery from any future readers, but I can say that the book revolves around a Native American mask for sale and the implications of such an artifact on the world as we may know it. Within that premise, they approach issues from modern relationships to the desecration of the environment with clarity and understanding that these are current problems, but they do not preach or advocate. The message is subtle and simple: these are issues facing our society.
This I found to be of importance, because, while I may disagree with the side some of the characters chose on these issues, it came across not as promoting any agenda but as simply part of the tapestry that is humanity. In so doing, these served to lend more credence and realism to other thoughts in the story, such as shape shifting and eternals. It all worked together to make for a very enjoyable reading and leave me wanting to read more about the world of shape-shifters, werewolves, and vampires, and the mystical aspects of native American history.
April 22, 2016
The Otahyohnee mask, a highly coveted Native American ceremonial mask is about to be auctioned for millions of dollars at Sotheby’s in New York, except it’s a fake. No one knows it’s not the original except for those who have special abilities and can tell the difference. On the night before the bidding, a werewolf sneaks inside to steal it, only to leave the murdered body of a museum assistant who had the grave misfortune of discovering the intruder. While police investigate the murder, the hunt for the real mask is set in motion by those who either want to possess it for its power or others who want to prevent that power from being unleashed.
In Sam Cabot’s Skin of the Wolf, a second novel that began with Blood of the Lamb, the story continues beginning from the perspective of a werewolf, Edward Bonnard or Tahkweso, an Abenaki Indian of the Mohawk tribe and wolf clan, who recounts how he and his fraternal twin, Michael, were both born with a prophesy and the power to shift. Yet, despite being twins and possessing the same ability, Edward and Michael are different in most everything except for their love for their people.
The authors Carlos Dews and S.J. Rozan who write under the pseudonym of Sam Cabot, alternate the narrator from character-to-character in an effort to afford the reader a variety of perspectives. Thus, we are introduced to the unchanged characters of art historian Father Thomas and NYPD detectives Charlotte Hamilton, a Lenape Indian, and her sidekick Framingham. Moreover, we are introduced to the eternally changed Noantri or vampires, art historian Livia Pietro and aristocrat Spencer George. Together the Noantri with Shifter Michael Bonnard, a scientist tracking the Shifter gene under the guise of small pox research, join forces to attempt to prevent Edward, from obtaining the real mask.
This thriller was also an unconventional love story between werewolf Shifter Michael Bonnard and Noantri vampire Spencer George. Both are ignorant of what the other’s true identity is, but must suddenly reveal themselves to each other knowing that they are breaking the rules of their respective communities by unveiling secrets. However, it is a necessary risk needed to understand what they are dealing with and how they agree to tackle the impending disaster that threatens everyone’s ability to live openly, but with their natures still hidden.
At times, the story was slow going and dragged a bit, but once connections started being made and the truth finally comes out, the story really shines. I enjoyed it. It was a nice blend of history, science, and mystery all combined in one interesting story. I would recommend it to those who like solving mysteries. I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley for a review.
In Sam Cabot’s Skin of the Wolf, a second novel that began with Blood of the Lamb, the story continues beginning from the perspective of a werewolf, Edward Bonnard or Tahkweso, an Abenaki Indian of the Mohawk tribe and wolf clan, who recounts how he and his fraternal twin, Michael, were both born with a prophesy and the power to shift. Yet, despite being twins and possessing the same ability, Edward and Michael are different in most everything except for their love for their people.
The authors Carlos Dews and S.J. Rozan who write under the pseudonym of Sam Cabot, alternate the narrator from character-to-character in an effort to afford the reader a variety of perspectives. Thus, we are introduced to the unchanged characters of art historian Father Thomas and NYPD detectives Charlotte Hamilton, a Lenape Indian, and her sidekick Framingham. Moreover, we are introduced to the eternally changed Noantri or vampires, art historian Livia Pietro and aristocrat Spencer George. Together the Noantri with Shifter Michael Bonnard, a scientist tracking the Shifter gene under the guise of small pox research, join forces to attempt to prevent Edward, from obtaining the real mask.
This thriller was also an unconventional love story between werewolf Shifter Michael Bonnard and Noantri vampire Spencer George. Both are ignorant of what the other’s true identity is, but must suddenly reveal themselves to each other knowing that they are breaking the rules of their respective communities by unveiling secrets. However, it is a necessary risk needed to understand what they are dealing with and how they agree to tackle the impending disaster that threatens everyone’s ability to live openly, but with their natures still hidden.
At times, the story was slow going and dragged a bit, but once connections started being made and the truth finally comes out, the story really shines. I enjoyed it. It was a nice blend of history, science, and mystery all combined in one interesting story. I would recommend it to those who like solving mysteries. I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley for a review.
September 1, 2014
SKIN OF THE WOLF was a fascinating thriller that reunites Father Thomas Kelly, Livia Pietro and Spencer George in New York where they get involved in a case that includes deeply hidden secrets, ancient Native artifacts, and a people who have been as hidden as the Noantri.
Livia is excited to be allowed to view a very rare and ancient Iroquois mask of a wolf at Sotheby's as it is getting ready to go to auction. However, her Noantri skills lead her to believe that the mask is a fake. When a young woman who is getting the artifacts ready is brutally murdered by what looks like and animal attack and Spencer and his new boyfriend Dr. Michael Bonnard are attacked by a wolf in Central Park, things get more and more complicated.
Michael and his brother Edward are twins and Mohawk Indians. They have gone their separate ways, though, with Michael taking the path of science and becoming a researcher and Edward following his Indian roots and beliefs. Both are also shapeshifters. Michael has been using science to try to understand why shapeshifting occurs and trying to identify others who might possess the gene. Edward is more interested in recreating the ceremony that made them shifters and making new shifters wholesale so that they can throw the white men off the continent.
All parties are in a mad dash to try to find the real Iroquois wolf mask, though each has a different agenda. Michael fears that Edward's plan will set up Indian people for persecution whether or not they have the shifting gene. The Noantri know what it is like for those who are different to be exposed and are eager to help keep that exposure from happening. Edward needs the mask to fulfill his vision for an Indian controlled future.
The pace in this thriller was fast. The information about Indian Art and those who collect it added richness and depth to the story. And, who doesn't want to believe that the Catholic Church is filled with secrets? I haven't read the first book in this series but, now, I really want to. I need to find out how these three characters became friends and what it was that brought them together.
Livia is excited to be allowed to view a very rare and ancient Iroquois mask of a wolf at Sotheby's as it is getting ready to go to auction. However, her Noantri skills lead her to believe that the mask is a fake. When a young woman who is getting the artifacts ready is brutally murdered by what looks like and animal attack and Spencer and his new boyfriend Dr. Michael Bonnard are attacked by a wolf in Central Park, things get more and more complicated.
Michael and his brother Edward are twins and Mohawk Indians. They have gone their separate ways, though, with Michael taking the path of science and becoming a researcher and Edward following his Indian roots and beliefs. Both are also shapeshifters. Michael has been using science to try to understand why shapeshifting occurs and trying to identify others who might possess the gene. Edward is more interested in recreating the ceremony that made them shifters and making new shifters wholesale so that they can throw the white men off the continent.
All parties are in a mad dash to try to find the real Iroquois wolf mask, though each has a different agenda. Michael fears that Edward's plan will set up Indian people for persecution whether or not they have the shifting gene. The Noantri know what it is like for those who are different to be exposed and are eager to help keep that exposure from happening. Edward needs the mask to fulfill his vision for an Indian controlled future.
The pace in this thriller was fast. The information about Indian Art and those who collect it added richness and depth to the story. And, who doesn't want to believe that the Catholic Church is filled with secrets? I haven't read the first book in this series but, now, I really want to. I need to find out how these three characters became friends and what it was that brought them together.
June 28, 2014
What makes us who we are? Is it our heritage, our DNA, or something else? These are questions that mankind has struggled with for centuries - questions that are only more complicated when one is...Other. When an extremely rare Native American artifact goes up for auction, it's big news. Big enough to draw the interest of bidders from around the world - and big enough to draw the interest of one man in particular. He dreams of using this ancient wolf mask to begin a ritual once though dead - a ritual that would allow Natives to become Shifters. In the middle of his private war is his brother Michael, another Shifter, who has been involved with Spencer George. When an employee of the auction house is brutally murdered, and Spencer and Michael have a run-in with a wolf in the middle of Central Park the same night, events begin to spiral out of control.
I had not read the prior book in what appears to be a series, so Sam Cabot's world was new tdn't stop me from getting wrapped up in the story and regretting any need to put it down fo me. While this book would work fine as a stand-alone, I definitely came out of it feeling like there were a few things I had missed and might need to check out. However, that didn't stop me from regretting any time I had to put the story down for other things. The characters are very well-drawn, and the idea of Vampires and Werewolves has been firmly upended - which I greatly enjoyed. I plan to read the first book in the series so that I can catch up on the characters, and then I plan to wait anxiously for the next book in the series. Definitely an author to keep my eye on!
I had not read the prior book in what appears to be a series, so Sam Cabot's world was new tdn't stop me from getting wrapped up in the story and regretting any need to put it down fo me. While this book would work fine as a stand-alone, I definitely came out of it feeling like there were a few things I had missed and might need to check out. However, that didn't stop me from regretting any time I had to put the story down for other things. The characters are very well-drawn, and the idea of Vampires and Werewolves has been firmly upended - which I greatly enjoyed. I plan to read the first book in the series so that I can catch up on the characters, and then I plan to wait anxiously for the next book in the series. Definitely an author to keep my eye on!
June 3, 2014
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley for a review.
I have to say that I really enjoyed Skin of the Wolf. It captured my attention from the very beginning when Edward Bonnard or Tahkweso, an Abenaki Indian of the Mohawk tribe and wolf clan, who recounts how he and his fraternal twin, Michael, were both born with a prophesy and the power to shift. We soon realize the two brothers are polar opposites and not just in the looks department either. When Edward was basically explaining the prophecy I thought since Edward was born late and his father wanted nothing to do with him, he's going to turn out good and Michael was going to be bad. Nope, I was completely wrong, and I couldn't help but say, 'Really Edward!'
Livia, Father Thomas and Spencer thought that the Nonatri were the only supernatural beings out there, but when Spencer is attacked by a wolf in the park, then soon realize they're not.
The love story between Spencer, a Noantri, and Michael (yes the same Michael), is an unconventional one. The fact that they revealed who they truly are because of a crazy power driven brother seeks to kill millions. I loved those two together and can't wait to read more about them.
The last page was, wow, no words, in a good way. I can't wait to see how that plays out.
In the first few chapters it was a bit slow and boring, I wanted to put it down, but I pushed through and continued.I enjoyed it, it has a nice blend of history, science, and mystery all combined. I would recommend it to those who like solving mysteries.
I have to say that I really enjoyed Skin of the Wolf. It captured my attention from the very beginning when Edward Bonnard or Tahkweso, an Abenaki Indian of the Mohawk tribe and wolf clan, who recounts how he and his fraternal twin, Michael, were both born with a prophesy and the power to shift. We soon realize the two brothers are polar opposites and not just in the looks department either. When Edward was basically explaining the prophecy I thought since Edward was born late and his father wanted nothing to do with him, he's going to turn out good and Michael was going to be bad. Nope, I was completely wrong, and I couldn't help but say, 'Really Edward!'
Livia, Father Thomas and Spencer thought that the Nonatri were the only supernatural beings out there, but when Spencer is attacked by a wolf in the park, then soon realize they're not.
The love story between Spencer, a Noantri, and Michael (yes the same Michael), is an unconventional one. The fact that they revealed who they truly are because of a crazy power driven brother seeks to kill millions. I loved those two together and can't wait to read more about them.
The last page was, wow, no words, in a good way. I can't wait to see how that plays out.
In the first few chapters it was a bit slow and boring, I wanted to put it down, but I pushed through and continued.I enjoyed it, it has a nice blend of history, science, and mystery all combined. I would recommend it to those who like solving mysteries.
July 30, 2014
Book Review & Giveaway: What do you get when you mix an award-winning crime fiction author with a literature professor? Sam Cabot – a kick-butt writing duo! Just when I thought no one could possibly think of another winning angle for vampire novels, along came Blood of the Lamb, the first novel we reviewed by Sam Cabot, a pseudonym for the writing team of S.J. Rosen and Carlos Dews. That novel was amazing so it was a no brainer to opt in for Skin of the Wolf, the second novel in this genre-bending series. Think Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code meets the world of the paranormal and you’ve got the elevator spiel for this series.
Skin of the Wolf features non-stop action with our favorite characters from Book #1 mixed with more conspiracies, excellent historical research, and Native American shape-shifting myths. If you liked Blood of the Lamb, hang onto your hat! And I’m excited to be able to offer a copy that someone will win in our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=7556!
Skin of the Wolf features non-stop action with our favorite characters from Book #1 mixed with more conspiracies, excellent historical research, and Native American shape-shifting myths. If you liked Blood of the Lamb, hang onto your hat! And I’m excited to be able to offer a copy that someone will win in our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=7556!
August 1, 2014
I received an advance copy of this book from First to Read.
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book once I started it. Werewolves and vampires...it's been done. But I thoroughly enjoyed the historical/Native American pieces of the book and liked how that was incorporated into the actual shapeshifter piece. Spencer also seems like someone I would love to meet in person. His wit and personality just make him a great character. I had no idea going into this though that it was sequel and I feel a bit cheated about that. There were a couple of references in the book that made me think I was missing something or I should have known that these characters had interacted at another time, and that was clearly the case. Overall, I thought this book was interesting and I plan to go back and read the first book to get caught up!
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book once I started it. Werewolves and vampires...it's been done. But I thoroughly enjoyed the historical/Native American pieces of the book and liked how that was incorporated into the actual shapeshifter piece. Spencer also seems like someone I would love to meet in person. His wit and personality just make him a great character. I had no idea going into this though that it was sequel and I feel a bit cheated about that. There were a couple of references in the book that made me think I was missing something or I should have known that these characters had interacted at another time, and that was clearly the case. Overall, I thought this book was interesting and I plan to go back and read the first book to get caught up!
July 26, 2016
Two words... great book
May 27, 2017
Not as good as the first book. Interesting though
January 8, 2019
loved this book.
March 13, 2021
A page turner.
September 16, 2014
After reading the first book in this series, "Blood of the Lamb," I had high expectations for this one. The intensity of Sam Cabot's novels is one of the things that made me so interested in the first novel and I had hoped that would continue in this book. It not only continued, but intensified.
This book is full of suspense, danger, history, mythology and most of all the purely brilliant writing that has become synonymous with the author's name. This author has a way of creating storylines that are unbelievable--but then makes you believe in them.
I loved the Native American lore that was the background for this novel. The civilisations of those who are not quite human but not quite monster were well described with intriguing detail and kept me eagerly turning pages.
The pace of this book never stops and it is one event after another, all leading to a fantastic climax. I liked that there were new characters to be discovered, but that the characters from the previous book also had new things going for them.
I didn't want this book to end. :(
If you have read the first book, get your hands on this one as soon as you can. If you haven't, then please go get a copy today.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This book is full of suspense, danger, history, mythology and most of all the purely brilliant writing that has become synonymous with the author's name. This author has a way of creating storylines that are unbelievable--but then makes you believe in them.
I loved the Native American lore that was the background for this novel. The civilisations of those who are not quite human but not quite monster were well described with intriguing detail and kept me eagerly turning pages.
The pace of this book never stops and it is one event after another, all leading to a fantastic climax. I liked that there were new characters to be discovered, but that the characters from the previous book also had new things going for them.
I didn't want this book to end. :(
If you have read the first book, get your hands on this one as soon as you can. If you haven't, then please go get a copy today.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
July 9, 2014
First, I will share with you that I am composed with the outercovering --- the illustration is a one-of-a-kind, it could antecedent to possibilities beyond the imagination at one glare.
However, this story unfolds with a decent start, only, to then further-on finding myself from the perspectives of a few characters born from separate walks--of--life, & ethnic groups, with their additional backgrounds compelling my interest. I'd have to say the Natives were the most riveting.
[I believe the people from Rome could've not made an appearance in the book, period, & you would've had a more fascinating story to tell]
The book had suddenly taken its turn right after the first kill. You'd think right after that, the entire book is more about Vampires, regardless the lack of werewolfism that was displayed, the Vampires made a larger impression.
Over'all, the story in itself was forever a drag. It just would not pull me in enough, to where I could admit that I was living every moment of the book. I had to force myself to the finish.
Likewise- the extended ending was literally saved best for last.
To My Appreciation A "Thankyou" For My Beings Apart Of Your First Reads, & For The Penguin Bumper Sticker ~ Sam Cabot."
However, this story unfolds with a decent start, only, to then further-on finding myself from the perspectives of a few characters born from separate walks--of--life, & ethnic groups, with their additional backgrounds compelling my interest. I'd have to say the Natives were the most riveting.
[I believe the people from Rome could've not made an appearance in the book, period, & you would've had a more fascinating story to tell]
The book had suddenly taken its turn right after the first kill. You'd think right after that, the entire book is more about Vampires, regardless the lack of werewolfism that was displayed, the Vampires made a larger impression.
Over'all, the story in itself was forever a drag. It just would not pull me in enough, to where I could admit that I was living every moment of the book. I had to force myself to the finish.
Likewise- the extended ending was literally saved best for last.
To My Appreciation A "Thankyou" For My Beings Apart Of Your First Reads, & For The Penguin Bumper Sticker ~ Sam Cabot."
October 3, 2014
Skin of the Wolf by Sam Cabot
(ARC from First to Read)
The plot of this story revolved around an Indian ledge of shifters, (deer, wolf, and eagle) and an old Indian mask carved out of wood that would make the power of the Awakening ceremony more powerful.
The main 'good' guys were Livia, Spencer, vampires, Thomas, a Jesuit priest, and Michael a shifter (wolf). The main 'bad' guy was Edward Michael's brother and also a shifter (wolf). It was he who wanted the mask to 'Awaken' other shifters, and would kill to get it, and it was up to the good guys to stop him and his friends so the world wouldn't end.
It was an okay story. There were so many characters to keep track of, and of what they were, but with each chapter being a different character's point of view made it easy. But the ending was to quick and simple.
The thing that bothered me the most was what happened in Rome between Livia, Spencer, and Thomas, it was never explained, and of course that story is a different book. (Will I read it? Only if I can find it cheap, Skin of the Wolf wasn't that good.)
Three out of five stars.
(ARC from First to Read)
The plot of this story revolved around an Indian ledge of shifters, (deer, wolf, and eagle) and an old Indian mask carved out of wood that would make the power of the Awakening ceremony more powerful.
The main 'good' guys were Livia, Spencer, vampires, Thomas, a Jesuit priest, and Michael a shifter (wolf). The main 'bad' guy was Edward Michael's brother and also a shifter (wolf). It was he who wanted the mask to 'Awaken' other shifters, and would kill to get it, and it was up to the good guys to stop him and his friends so the world wouldn't end.
It was an okay story. There were so many characters to keep track of, and of what they were, but with each chapter being a different character's point of view made it easy. But the ending was to quick and simple.
The thing that bothered me the most was what happened in Rome between Livia, Spencer, and Thomas, it was never explained, and of course that story is a different book. (Will I read it? Only if I can find it cheap, Skin of the Wolf wasn't that good.)
Three out of five stars.
Read
July 3, 2014I seem to be in the minority but I couldn't finish this book. I got to page 170 before I gave up. My problems with it are these:
The characters are pretty flat and all sounded pretty much the same. The one character that was unique was only in it for a few pages and he was so annoying I just wanted to slap the shit out of him.
There is no action to speak of. It's mostly boring people doing boring things. Sure, someone gets murdered but it's an event that's glossed over to the point where it's almost a non-event. There's also a fight in a park between werewolves but again, details are glossed over and the next thing we know, people are back home recuperating.
There's so much repetition! I kept thinking to myself that I had just read something. Why is it being repeated?
And finally, while I have an ARC and I know they aren't the finished product, this one was so bad it didn't help the book any. Every other page was blank and the formatting was so off, I often had to stop to try to figure out who was speaking. No easy task given that the characters all sounded alike.
The characters are pretty flat and all sounded pretty much the same. The one character that was unique was only in it for a few pages and he was so annoying I just wanted to slap the shit out of him.
There is no action to speak of. It's mostly boring people doing boring things. Sure, someone gets murdered but it's an event that's glossed over to the point where it's almost a non-event. There's also a fight in a park between werewolves but again, details are glossed over and the next thing we know, people are back home recuperating.
There's so much repetition! I kept thinking to myself that I had just read something. Why is it being repeated?
And finally, while I have an ARC and I know they aren't the finished product, this one was so bad it didn't help the book any. Every other page was blank and the formatting was so off, I often had to stop to try to figure out who was speaking. No easy task given that the characters all sounded alike.
November 15, 2014
For once, paranormal involving vampires and werewolves without an obligatory love triangle! This is a pretty straightforward thriller-mystery, which happens to involve a Jesuit priest, and two vampires, tangentially involved in a murder mystery about a native american wolf mask.
For the most part, this isn't a mystery -- not every identity is nailed down, but very early on we know who committed murder, why they did it, and something about shapeshifters. The meat of the story is how the characters deal with each other and work through what it would mean. Because parts of the story are tied in to the early European colonization of North America, the 'immortality' of the vampires actually comes into play.
The one big issue in the book is the authors seem to be tiptoing around the minefield of Native American history in the US. Having every character seemingly hypersensitive about tribal affiliation, beliefs, and past wrongdoings seemed a little strained.
For the most part, this isn't a mystery -- not every identity is nailed down, but very early on we know who committed murder, why they did it, and something about shapeshifters. The meat of the story is how the characters deal with each other and work through what it would mean. Because parts of the story are tied in to the early European colonization of North America, the 'immortality' of the vampires actually comes into play.
The one big issue in the book is the authors seem to be tiptoing around the minefield of Native American history in the US. Having every character seemingly hypersensitive about tribal affiliation, beliefs, and past wrongdoings seemed a little strained.
August 24, 2014
I read this based on the fact that i enjoyed the characters from the first book although not the story of the first book. Italy has a beautiful history but sometimes u find there are just too many books about the Catholic church, italy ancient society and their ancient deities and i got bored with his first book although it was written well. But this one i loved from the beginning to the end. Despite the Catholic church keeping yet another secret it was refreshing to read about Native Americans, werewolves, and seers. But like the first i didnt like the police chapters. I know you have to have them a murder has taken place but they dont add to the story progression, in this one nor the first one. With that said i love his fast pace the books happen within a few days. Im just surprise that Father Kelly hasnt lost his mind by now first vampires, now werewolves what is next to test him.
September 10, 2014
This was good, and in a lot of ways it was a stronger book than the first in the series, Blood of the Lamb. This one follows some of the characters and expands on the universe created in that book, but I was surprised by how different it felt. Whereas the first book was a thought-provoking religious thriller, this felt much more like a crime thriller. So fans of the first book may not enjoy the second, while those who didn't care for the first might like this one a lot more.
You can read an extended review on my blog:
Review: Skin of the Wolf
(review copy received via NetGalley)
You can read an extended review on my blog:
Review: Skin of the Wolf
(review copy received via NetGalley)
January 9, 2015
Sam Cabot writes a compelling novel. I was entranced by "Blood of the Lamb". I was even more enthralled with "Skin of the Wolf". With his scientific explanations, he makes the unbelievable believable, as he explains shape shifters as being passed on a genetic image at birth. In this novel, Livia Pietro and Father Thomas Kelly team up again with Spencer George to help Spencer's lover, Michael, find his shape shifting twin brother. What they uncover as part of their search is amazing and the suspense keeps you on the edge of your chair. I am giving this novel four stars. I can't wait for Sam Cabot to write a new novel!
July 31, 2014
Fantastic thrill of a read. It's a para-normal suspense tale with vampires, shape-shifters with a lot Native American focus taking place in and around New York City and it was a great time. I think it was even better than the first book by Sam Cabot (Blood of the Lamb which was centered in Italy and the Vatican) which I also gave five stars. And you don't have to have read the first book to enjoy this one! If you like books written with intelligence, fun and excitement, "Skin of the Wolf" is for you.
April 6, 2015
Father Thomas Kelly, Livia Pietro, and Spencer George (all characters from Blood of the Lamb) are in New York City. Each end up intertwined in a mystery involving murder, American Indian artifacts, shapeshifters, and secret societies. Of course the police are working at cross purposes with the main characters. It all comes to grief with a confrontation at a ceremonial bonfire. Enough ends are dangling for the next volume to weave another good tale. If you want a different vampire/werewolf story, read Skin of the Wolf!
May 2, 2016
Published 2015. Sam Cabot is actually two writers contributing as one. I think the most interesting part of the book is the material about American Indian culture and history within the storyline. I didn't find the characters to be that unique or exciting. I haven't read the first book published by these authors - "Blood of the Lamb". Perhaps I should as sometimes subsequent works don't capture the verve of the first work even tho characters carry over.
July 28, 2014
THE STORY WAS GREAT, I LOVED THE CHARACTERS, BUT THE MUCH OF THE BOOK WAS WORDS I COULDN'T PRONOUNCE. EVEN THOUGH I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND SOME OF THE WORDING, I WANTED TO FINISH THE BOOK AND FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CHARACTERS.
August 9, 2014
Wow! Amazing book... Great plotting and characters. Love, love, love! Sam Cabot (a.k.a Carlos Dews and S.J. Rozan) does it again. Can stand on it's own without having read Blood of the Lamb, but I'd recommend you read both.
March 23, 2016
Again, this was a: grab a book off the shelf because I was taking to long according to my four year old.
I would really give this book 2.5 stars. This wasn't really my cup of tea and only at the very end did I get caught up in the story.
I would really give this book 2.5 stars. This wasn't really my cup of tea and only at the very end did I get caught up in the story.
September 4, 2014
Great story. A mix of old Rome and old Native American myths and rituals told in a way that makes them all believable. REad it!
September 12, 2014
Much better than Blood of the Lamb. Original story and voice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews