All I had to do was find the missing parts of some little trinket, what could possibly go wrong?
It turns out the answer was just about everything.
I thought I’d finally escaped the worst danger I would face—but I was wrong, very wrong. Only after leaving the safe confines of Lorida behind did I discover the true depths of the evils that plagued my new home.
But my problems weren’t limited to fending off the bloodthirsty bandits and creatures roaming the untamed lands of Arrika. I’d barely had time to come to terms with who I really was before being confronted with a new mystery about myself—one that I was unable to face alone.
What began as a simple quest to recover the pieces of a lost artifact quickly became a journey to discover even deeper secrets. Secrets that would perhaps be best left undisturbed. Yet the path to my own future required that I uncover the hidden past of this world, no matter the cost.
Amid constant conflict, I struggled to understand just what was happening. But this time, the outcome wouldn’t affect only me; my companions would bear the impact as well… and possibly countless others as well.
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of graphic violence and deals with mature/adult themes.
SECOND SKIN series order
1. Fractures
2. Pieces
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of graphic violence and deals with mature themes.
M Damon Baker lives in sunny Florida with his family, dog, and 8.5 million alligators. M Damon was inspired to write his first novel after discovering the LitRPG genre, but has since moved on to explore other categories. Keep up with him and be the first to discover his new releases by following M Damon on Amazon and his social media sites:
Dreya is a lesbian!!!!! I am so loving this fact right now. Not only does she kick arse but she is a lady loving lesbian too. Oh, and there's a baby dragon!!!!!!
DNF at 71% honestly don't know why i forced myself to get that far. I suppose I kept thinking it would get better but as another reviewer described it... "Devolves into an overly emotional melodrama with elements of harem" couldn't put it better.
The first book is pretty good and makes you want to carry on with the series, but this is just trash.
This is the first LitRPG book I actually hated. The first book was well written with a story and characters that caught my interest. Unfortunately, book two devolves into an overly emotional melodrama with elements of harem. Toxic garbage.
The first novel, while having some weaknesses was very enjoyable to read. Sadly this second novel repeatedly ruined my immersion to the point that I finally have up about midway.
While there are other problems in the story, I considered them minor and easy to overlook. What I could not overlook was the horrible character interaction. The author seemed intent on focusing the story around his characters relationships but did not manage to pull it off this time. The interactions often seemed forced, self righteous and preachy. I can only guess that this novel was more rushed and lacked the same level proofreading that the first received.
While an overall possible entry into this adventure series this book was not without its weaknesses. Mainly the training if "control" and the touchy-feely nature of the protagonist's powers. They spent a lot of time in their night clothes discussing emotions and it came off a bit strong and melodramatic. This was offset a bit by the conclusion of the amulet quest, but overall the novel felt very aimless and weak. Where the first book had a nice twist and original concept, the harem the main character is gathering makes me uncomfortable and the author is falling into many tired litRPG wish fulfillment tropes.
I ended up dropping this book at 86%. I got tired of the emotional talks with her friends. The sexual nature of her mere touch, and it’s addictive nature, like it’s a drug. The way one of her companions husband was absolutely fine with everything. All of it combined made the story uninteresting to me. 5/10
I struggled to finish the second book and abandoned it in the end. The main character's actions just felt like heavy handed virtue signalling for the author. His interactions between key characters simply didn't ring true and stalled out the main story line rather than being interwoven with action of some kind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Dreya and her companions find themselves on another mission. They must unite the amulet pieces. Venna also has a task to complete, with the addition of two new acolytes. The missions take them to parts unknown and against many foes.
While the story is good, i have a hard time with the character relationships. Every woman seems attracted to Dreya, even the married ones. Venna gets jealous and Dreya reacts way harsher than was necessary. Did Venna say hurtful things? Yes she did. But her feelings were hurt. And then you have the husband who doesnt seem to mind the feelings his own wife has for her. While understand this was set up for Dreya's benefit, it just struck me as odd.
When I read, I get a sense of vibe of the book, it my pleasure to read this book which feel in sync with the vibe it was written with. Enjoyable characters, a moment of reincarnation (in my mind at least) in the first book it progresses further while leading the reader with a hunger for more.
First I have to say I don't play these games. However, I found myself drawn into this book and series. I enjoy the battles, trials and excitement of them. From page to page the excitement builds and you really can't put the book down.
The story continues and the MC seems to be on the way to become godlike. Not as satisfiying as the first book and a bit too much deus ex machina. No real antigonist. The end hints on further books of this series but i think i end it for me here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I found this book to be a really good sequel, wonderful new characters: especially Bane. The epilogue though - WOW!! goosebumps time. Can't wait for book 3
Um. Um. Um. Um. Um. Very good story. It is beginning to grow on me. The character development is great. Setting is ok. Basically what you would expect with LitRPG
One, I like the authors style of putting together the inevitable fight scenes and ultimately the stories progression. Two, the relationships forming between the main character and one of her companions is steamy and exciting.
I now understand the negative reviews, but this story so far has not gone into porn. I too hated what happened to “Anita Blake and others like stories”her when she got the SuccubusTouch to not feel cautious. So far this story of a widower giving up on life and going into a game world that was not a game is Awesome. The guy who becomes a woman that likes girls and is on a quest to take out rapist bandits is fascinating. The stats, loot, and leveling is a little whorish for page counts, but really does add to this Great Story.
I enjoyed the book, and it reflected a person playing an online game. I found the character and equipment updates a bit tedious, but some of them were interesting. The character grows in the novel and builds relationships, and this sets the stage for the next novel.
In this book, we return to see Dreya and her companions traverse the country to find all the pieces of the talisman. During the trip you find Dreya is more than just a deathless.
It is from this new attribute that the story develops and feels quite different than the first. It feels like a romance wrapped in an litrpg. While it still maintains many litrpg elements, the author really focuses on the sexual tension between characters. Action scenes are dealt with quickly.
The romantic/sexual sections seem well done (all F/F). Though, I am a bit frustrated with Dreya’s constant insecurity. Everyone seems okay with it, which in someways surprises me. Actually the totality all the interactions with her friend and their responses seems a bit too convenient.
It wasn’t my favorite direction, but the story is well written. The prose maintain a slow, elegant pace that feels right. The next stage seems set to be a bit epic. I am curious where it will go.
Everytime I think the story has gotten too big to hold it togrthrr, the writer has a subtle way of making it all work. Like when bane made its first appearance I was like oh no this has been done before but bane quickly grew on me and that thought faded away. I love the journey and the companions interaction but the very end with the gods talking is perhaps my fav part as it tied a lot of things together. I so want to read more as I feel I am the 8th companion and I want to find out what happened to us. One thing not mentioned which I wish it was discussed is there is no reaction to dreya touching bane? It's kinda her whole thing this book and wish it was not overlooked.
I really appreciate the author's ability run headlong into mature topics and treat readers like the mature adults I assume most readers will be. There are mature themes, and not just sexuality, and I find the way the author addresses them refreshing. I look forward to continuing the story, as I am interested as to where it goes. The harem aspect of this genre rears its head, and we will see how that goes, but at least there is a much more reasoned and emotional approach compared to most - not to mention the take of the MC being female and gathering a female harem.
M Damon Baker does it again in the second book of his Second Skin Series. I'm rendered speechless when it comes to these books. To point out everything I love about it would take a novel itself. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about our band of hero's as they traveled to finish their quest of unity. The character development was the best part. We also gain a couple amazing new characters that I am so excited to see develop in the group. I am yet again left on edge waiting for the next one!
I've forgotten part of the setup from book 1. Even so this made for a good story. I'm not usually fond of traveling adventure stories but this one worked for me. Has a fair amount of sensuality but not terribly explicit. A slow burn. Assemble the McGuffin pieces. Check. The characters are great and was interesting seeing them work through their issues.
I've been enjoying the series so far, looking forward to see what's coming next. The only thought I had was that she's considered one of the Deathless, but it's never been tested. Usually at the early levels on MMO'S you die easily so was surprised that never happened.
Decent second book. Fun ability progression and battling. The only thing that bothered me was it was a bit heavy on the band holding at the end. To many easy gifts. However I like the grind and progression as well as the discovery of new abilities. Looking forward to the new aspect and story arc at the end. Will read more.
This book is so great, and this series is quickly becoming one of my new favorites! I love that Dreya’s destiny is becoming so much more important in the bigger picture. Can’t wait for the next one!
Highly recommend this book. I think it was better than the first book and cannot wait for the next one. Great fantasy and litRPG book. Good character development.
Definitely looking foreword to book three, the characters have developed much more in-depth than the first book, I also loved that plot twist at the end and can’t wait to see the gods intentions.