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Skin Hunter #1
Skin Hunter
She didn't want to do it... But she was desperate.
Trying to escape the dangerous streets of Old Triton, the buried city, Milla takes the ultimate risk
Could a dead girl's identity be her way out? A ticket to a richer, brighter world high above the muck and gloom of her old life?
Now she's part of a high tech contest, with a prize beyond money, fame and everything she has ever known. A chance to become something... new.
But if anyone finds out who Milla really is, she's dead.
The other competitors come from privilege, their faces and bodies tweaked to perfection. Rich and handsome Cale could be the most dangerous of all. Why is he so interested in a scarred, ugly "sinker" like Milla?
To survive, she needs to be brave.
To win, she needs to evolve.
Just try and stop her.
Skin Hunter is an upper YA science fiction novel - a futuristic, dystopian thrill-ride with a spark of romance.
Trying to escape the dangerous streets of Old Triton, the buried city, Milla takes the ultimate risk
Could a dead girl's identity be her way out? A ticket to a richer, brighter world high above the muck and gloom of her old life?
Now she's part of a high tech contest, with a prize beyond money, fame and everything she has ever known. A chance to become something... new.
But if anyone finds out who Milla really is, she's dead.
The other competitors come from privilege, their faces and bodies tweaked to perfection. Rich and handsome Cale could be the most dangerous of all. Why is he so interested in a scarred, ugly "sinker" like Milla?
To survive, she needs to be brave.
To win, she needs to evolve.
Just try and stop her.
Skin Hunter is an upper YA science fiction novel - a futuristic, dystopian thrill-ride with a spark of romance.
298 pages, Paperback
Published June 18, 2019
206 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 8, 2019
4.5 stars for The best YA dystopian I've read in years.
The Hunger Games meets Avatar.
The world is divided into two livable over-populated sections. This first book focuses on the section called Triton which itself has two levels. The wealthy live in the upper levels and the poor live in the factory ridden lower levels. Milla, our heroine, is a lower level "stinker". A wild twist of fate along with some quick thinking and scrambling gives her an unheard of opportunity to enter an upper level contest with a 1st prize of five million credits.
I love the way Milla is presented to us. She is not some badass courageous beautiful character who steamrolls her way to fame and fortune. Instead, Milla is scared, worried, almost hopeless and just desperate enough to find the strength she needs to take a wild risk. There isn't anything beautiful about her other than maybe her soul.
The world building is done so well that you don't even notice it. You're exposed little by little to this futuristic dystopian society through Milla's hardships. The focus in this first book is wholly on her so that you don't realize how immersed you are in her world until the story is over and you have this perfect picture of the world she lives in.
I urge you to come see for yourself this world full of amazing technology including real life avatars, handheld devices controlled by thought alone and wristbands that wholly identify each person. You'll be treated to action, suspense, and a heart stopping physical contest that may determine the fate of this wild and weird world.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
The Hunger Games meets Avatar.
The world is divided into two livable over-populated sections. This first book focuses on the section called Triton which itself has two levels. The wealthy live in the upper levels and the poor live in the factory ridden lower levels. Milla, our heroine, is a lower level "stinker". A wild twist of fate along with some quick thinking and scrambling gives her an unheard of opportunity to enter an upper level contest with a 1st prize of five million credits.
I love the way Milla is presented to us. She is not some badass courageous beautiful character who steamrolls her way to fame and fortune. Instead, Milla is scared, worried, almost hopeless and just desperate enough to find the strength she needs to take a wild risk. There isn't anything beautiful about her other than maybe her soul.
The world building is done so well that you don't even notice it. You're exposed little by little to this futuristic dystopian society through Milla's hardships. The focus in this first book is wholly on her so that you don't realize how immersed you are in her world until the story is over and you have this perfect picture of the world she lives in.
I urge you to come see for yourself this world full of amazing technology including real life avatars, handheld devices controlled by thought alone and wristbands that wholly identify each person. You'll be treated to action, suspense, and a heart stopping physical contest that may determine the fate of this wild and weird world.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
September 26, 2020
This is the second book I have read in the last few days that looks at being able to transfer people's consciousness into another body. In this case it is into a human-made, hi-tech and powerful animal skin. The dystopic world is reasonably developed but I felt like the characters were a bit 'forced' at times. As in, 'I am tough, so I will speak in a tough way, using tough sounding words, so you all know my levels of toughness'. I thought the competition concept was cool but we didn't really get to see enough of it in my opinion. Another case where I think the scene is set for quite a cool book two.
I am pointedly not saying anything about the feline romance but let's just say there is nipping and belly rubbing.
I am pointedly not saying anything about the feline romance but let's just say there is nipping and belly rubbing.
June 27, 2019
Milla has always lived the harsh life of a sinker. Now, she has the chance to steal a dead girl's identity, and win more than she could ever dream.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Milla lives in Old Triton, the dangerous, run-down city that squats in the dark foundation of their over-populated country. Milla and other "sinkers" have to fight for work, fight for food and safety. Theirs is a miserable existence, with no chance of improvement. Milla is already scarred from the poor working conditions, and things are never going to get better.
Above them, New Triton exists. A place of endless wealth and perfection, where people are always looking for the next popular trend, the next body mod or technological advancement.
Seeing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, when a New Triton girl dies in her arms, Milla steals her identity. Milla soon gets swept up into the mysterious Skin Hunter competition run by the Morelle Corporation.
It turns out that Skins are a leap forward in technological advancement, part machine and part animal, which accepts the users consciousness.
It was great to watch Milla get used to her skin, and quickly fall in love with how powerful and whole it makes her feel.
I loved how she never took anything for granted, and remained wary that any moment, everything would get ripped away. It was understandable that she was slow to trust those around her, having to fight years of survival instinct.
I loved the world that Skin Hunter was set, and how it was expertly laid out for the reader.
It always felt like there was a lot of depth and history going on, but the background builds slowly, when necessary, and never overwhelms the reader.
Likewise, the plot gradually builds on the foundation, and at the end you realise there is a much bigger story about to unfurl. Part of me expected to feel at least a little robbed, that the whole of Skin Hunter only brought us to the beginning of this story; but I was really enjoying following Milla, and how she was adapting to the new world.
I definitely recommend this, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Milla lives in Old Triton, the dangerous, run-down city that squats in the dark foundation of their over-populated country. Milla and other "sinkers" have to fight for work, fight for food and safety. Theirs is a miserable existence, with no chance of improvement. Milla is already scarred from the poor working conditions, and things are never going to get better.
Above them, New Triton exists. A place of endless wealth and perfection, where people are always looking for the next popular trend, the next body mod or technological advancement.
Seeing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, when a New Triton girl dies in her arms, Milla steals her identity. Milla soon gets swept up into the mysterious Skin Hunter competition run by the Morelle Corporation.
It turns out that Skins are a leap forward in technological advancement, part machine and part animal, which accepts the users consciousness.
It was great to watch Milla get used to her skin, and quickly fall in love with how powerful and whole it makes her feel.
I loved how she never took anything for granted, and remained wary that any moment, everything would get ripped away. It was understandable that she was slow to trust those around her, having to fight years of survival instinct.
I loved the world that Skin Hunter was set, and how it was expertly laid out for the reader.
It always felt like there was a lot of depth and history going on, but the background builds slowly, when necessary, and never overwhelms the reader.
Likewise, the plot gradually builds on the foundation, and at the end you realise there is a much bigger story about to unfurl. Part of me expected to feel at least a little robbed, that the whole of Skin Hunter only brought us to the beginning of this story; but I was really enjoying following Milla, and how she was adapting to the new world.
I definitely recommend this, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
May 31, 2019
I recieved an advanced copy if this book in exchange for an honest review of this book.
I just want to say wow. I was pulled in by the cover of this book. Skin Hunters was not exactly what I expected off the description, but it turned out to be better.
This book turned out to be a modern day Avatar with so much more detail this had me drawn it at the drama and pain at the start of the story with Milla and her desperation to make her own life tolerable just for the sake of her family. Twist of fate lands her on the most popular new competition to land herself a new Skin.
The pain and determination feels so real for this character and I couldn't stop reading. Their was enough information to keep me reading and enough left out that I will be anxiously awaiting to preorder the next. A little love and a little deception, a little war and possible allies. who knows what comes next.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes futuristic drama and likes a good story that leaves you in suspense through the whole ride.
I just want to say wow. I was pulled in by the cover of this book. Skin Hunters was not exactly what I expected off the description, but it turned out to be better.
This book turned out to be a modern day Avatar with so much more detail this had me drawn it at the drama and pain at the start of the story with Milla and her desperation to make her own life tolerable just for the sake of her family. Twist of fate lands her on the most popular new competition to land herself a new Skin.
The pain and determination feels so real for this character and I couldn't stop reading. Their was enough information to keep me reading and enough left out that I will be anxiously awaiting to preorder the next. A little love and a little deception, a little war and possible allies. who knows what comes next.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes futuristic drama and likes a good story that leaves you in suspense through the whole ride.
November 5, 2019
Wow. Just Wow. Hands down 5.stars.
June 16, 2019
Milla has worked for most of her life so that she can make things better for her family. Every penny she makes goes to her plan of having her family with her again and all of them living a better life than the one they have been dealt. Milla wants nothing more than to have her family back together again. So when that opportunity falls in her lap Milla jumps on with both feet.
Taking the identity of a dead girl could get Milla closer to having her family back if she plays her cards right. All she has to do is pretend to be this dead girl long enough to enter a contest where the winner will receive one million credits. If anyone finds out that Milla is not who she says she is then she is dead.
I like how we got to see both worlds that were created in Skin Hunter. Milla was from Old Triton where everyone live in shelters and work all the time leaving then no time for doing fun things much less the money. Not enough water for drinking much less taking a bath. I could just see Milla with dirt all over her face and clothes so old and worn they were probably hanging in threads.
But then New Triton is the total opposite of Old Triton with all of the futuristic technology. In my mind I could just see the walls and the equipment in New Triton in all its white and silver glory shinning like a new penny.
Skin Hunter will suck you in from the beginning following Milla from the old to the new rooting for her the whole way hoping she wouldn’t get caught knowing that she deserved it all with how hard she has fought to make a life for her family never once thinking about herself and that she could keep her money or credits all for herself.
Even after entering her new world in New Triton she still though about others and about helping them but you know sometimes you can try as hard as you might to help someone and it turns out that they won’t accept your help and turn on you then you have to fight for number one.
I have truly enjoyed reading Skin Hunter tremendously and can’t wait for the next book in the series Skin Rebellion. Skin Hunter is one book that I highly recommend to anyone that likes dystopian, science fiction, futuristic technology, and young adult novels with a bit of romance and an overall fantastically great story of the future.
Taking the identity of a dead girl could get Milla closer to having her family back if she plays her cards right. All she has to do is pretend to be this dead girl long enough to enter a contest where the winner will receive one million credits. If anyone finds out that Milla is not who she says she is then she is dead.
I like how we got to see both worlds that were created in Skin Hunter. Milla was from Old Triton where everyone live in shelters and work all the time leaving then no time for doing fun things much less the money. Not enough water for drinking much less taking a bath. I could just see Milla with dirt all over her face and clothes so old and worn they were probably hanging in threads.
But then New Triton is the total opposite of Old Triton with all of the futuristic technology. In my mind I could just see the walls and the equipment in New Triton in all its white and silver glory shinning like a new penny.
Skin Hunter will suck you in from the beginning following Milla from the old to the new rooting for her the whole way hoping she wouldn’t get caught knowing that she deserved it all with how hard she has fought to make a life for her family never once thinking about herself and that she could keep her money or credits all for herself.
Even after entering her new world in New Triton she still though about others and about helping them but you know sometimes you can try as hard as you might to help someone and it turns out that they won’t accept your help and turn on you then you have to fight for number one.
I have truly enjoyed reading Skin Hunter tremendously and can’t wait for the next book in the series Skin Rebellion. Skin Hunter is one book that I highly recommend to anyone that likes dystopian, science fiction, futuristic technology, and young adult novels with a bit of romance and an overall fantastically great story of the future.
October 21, 2019
Wow! That is the easiest way to describe how I felt about this book. It was a rush of interesting tidbits that built an amazing world around Milla who can be seen training to win a competition that would change her life forever. Now this sounds very familiar and actually quite… boring once you hear it but the minute you delve into the world that Hutley has created you know this book is nothing like the ones you are thinking of. Of course there will be similar premises in many books but as long as the author can create a world and list of characters that are different… you have a fantastic book about a whole new thing.
The dystopian love has seemed to pitter out over the last few years and that is such a shame because it brings a new light to the world we live in today. Lois Lowry, Suzanne Collins, and Veronica Roth are the usual few you think about when you think Dystopian (or even Utopian). These ladies have created a fantastic genre that is filled with hope and horror all at the same time. Hutley has come into her own here with Skin Hunter and can easily join the above group of amazing dystopian writers. She creates such a fantastic world that combines everything we tend to love with competition and throws it at us like a curveball on fire.
Milla mainly focuses on her training within this book and that can be the main downfall of this book as it throws the competition into the final bits of the book. We want more action, more competition, more blood earlier on. But that is my only true critique of this book as it really caught my attention just a few pages in. I would absolutely provide this book to my students and absolutely suggest it for my upcoming book club.
ARC is provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The dystopian love has seemed to pitter out over the last few years and that is such a shame because it brings a new light to the world we live in today. Lois Lowry, Suzanne Collins, and Veronica Roth are the usual few you think about when you think Dystopian (or even Utopian). These ladies have created a fantastic genre that is filled with hope and horror all at the same time. Hutley has come into her own here with Skin Hunter and can easily join the above group of amazing dystopian writers. She creates such a fantastic world that combines everything we tend to love with competition and throws it at us like a curveball on fire.
Milla mainly focuses on her training within this book and that can be the main downfall of this book as it throws the competition into the final bits of the book. We want more action, more competition, more blood earlier on. But that is my only true critique of this book as it really caught my attention just a few pages in. I would absolutely provide this book to my students and absolutely suggest it for my upcoming book club.
ARC is provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2020
Absolutely Brilliant 5*
For starters I am an avid sci-fi and dystopian fan. I love things set in the future, be it books, films or games - don’t matter I love them.
Initially I was a bit apprehensive about reading this series it gave nothing away until you read it. And wow, I really enjoyed this book especially as I read on chapter after chapter - it is a slow burner but it’s really good!
Hutley has a way with words, she brings these characters to life and makes them feel real. The plot and characters all work together and make this book amazing.
As with many in the dystopian genre- there is always more then meets the eye. Although we didn’t see as much in this book other than the Skins and the competition, I do have high expectations for the next book, especially due to how this one ended.
Would recommend this book to any dystopian/sci-fi lovers out there!
For starters I am an avid sci-fi and dystopian fan. I love things set in the future, be it books, films or games - don’t matter I love them.
Initially I was a bit apprehensive about reading this series it gave nothing away until you read it. And wow, I really enjoyed this book especially as I read on chapter after chapter - it is a slow burner but it’s really good!
Hutley has a way with words, she brings these characters to life and makes them feel real. The plot and characters all work together and make this book amazing.
As with many in the dystopian genre- there is always more then meets the eye. Although we didn’t see as much in this book other than the Skins and the competition, I do have high expectations for the next book, especially due to how this one ended.
Would recommend this book to any dystopian/sci-fi lovers out there!
June 29, 2019
What an amazing story this is and it's only the beginning of this dystopian fantasy. I loved Milla's character and I don't blame her one bit for taking advantage of a golden opportunity that would take her away from the dark despair and hopelessness that was her life. A very riveting story with intense emotions and even a sweet romance for Milla and Cale. Although there is a cliffhanger ending, this book is worth reading. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2019
This was an accidental picking for me to read but I am so glad I did. Sometimes, steep out of your comfort zone I suppose. This book was so compelling I read it straight through (all-nighter). Good thing I am a teacher and off for the summer. I could not put it down. It had fabulous characters and a story so awesome, I can not wait for the next book! Hurry, please!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2019
I absolutely loved this story. Milla and Cale were so good for each other as they prepared for the competition. This story kept me reading and I did not want to put it down. I definitely have to read the next one because there are just too many variables to imagine what’s going to happen now. Will she get her skin back or does she even need it? Will anything come of her and Cale?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2019
Wow—this was an exciting read! I can’t believe the world the author created. So much detail, so realistic, yet futuristic, and so many great details! I enjoyed this very much. This is a great read if you like action, and you like seeing the main character grow and become strong as you read. It truly is like Hunger Games and Avatar, with a bit of The Belles thrown in for good measure. I can’t wait to read the next one!
April 16, 2021
A good start
Many reviews have stated this book is a mix of the hunger games and avatar and I quite agree. I also agree what a refreshing change of pace to have the main character not be a typical beautiful girl but rather a quite flawed one both inside and out. The book has a good pace and I look forward to continuing on with the series.
Many reviews have stated this book is a mix of the hunger games and avatar and I quite agree. I also agree what a refreshing change of pace to have the main character not be a typical beautiful girl but rather a quite flawed one both inside and out. The book has a good pace and I look forward to continuing on with the series.
January 5, 2020
An interesting sci-fi story that reminded me a tad bit of the Hunger Games. I didn't think there was enough of a solid ending for a first book in a series, and it took quite a while to get to the actual competition. Readers who devour series will be anxiously awaiting the sequel.
June 6, 2021
Action packed read
A bit Golden Compass-y mixed with traditional dystopian YA gladiator combat. An interesting twist on the genre and I'm looking forward to the rest of the trilogy 👍
A bit Golden Compass-y mixed with traditional dystopian YA gladiator combat. An interesting twist on the genre and I'm looking forward to the rest of the trilogy 👍
October 4, 2021
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I have to state that I am not normally a fan of Dystopian novels.
But this just grabbed me right from the start.
The world was well developed and the characters just kept me totally engaged.
A great read.
I have to state that I am not normally a fan of Dystopian novels.
But this just grabbed me right from the start.
The world was well developed and the characters just kept me totally engaged.
A great read.
March 18, 2023
Exceptional author
Highly recommended imaginative story with excellent description of characters and action. It is so good to read this story which has excellent English grammar and spelling, that promises an interesting plot in the rest of the series.
Highly recommended imaginative story with excellent description of characters and action. It is so good to read this story which has excellent English grammar and spelling, that promises an interesting plot in the rest of the series.
June 20, 2019
I enjoyed following Milla as she struggled in a world that wasn't her own to win the ultimate prize freedom for her family
July 2, 2019
The first in a series, this book is excellent. A captivating story with a bit of 'Hunger Games' flare. I couldn't stop reading it. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 6, 2019
I absolutely loved the story it was easy to get drawn in from the beginning and the end left me wanting more
November 21, 2019
Excellent book
January 27, 2020
An enjoyable sci-fi read with some interesting world building from the author. I would definitely recommend it.
October 11, 2020
this was a pretty standard YA dystopian book, which I sometimes really enjoy, but this time I just wasn't that into it.
June 30, 2024
interesting
August 2, 2024
Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset. Borrowed this edition on July 30, 2024. Kindle Unlimited Books. Woman get mind transfer options into new body.
February 26, 2020
Loved this book!
Read
February 21, 2020couldn't finish not for me :(
June 26, 2019
An interesting dystopian
This didn't feel like the standard dystopian society. It was very interesting. Dealing with the social classes and gaming the system. YA.
This didn't feel like the standard dystopian society. It was very interesting. Dealing with the social classes and gaming the system. YA.
July 13, 2019
Fabulous first book in this outstanding fantasy series. Taking a dead girl’s identity to have a new life is exciting or is it. Don’t miss out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews