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Second Skin
The moon was being devoured.
Estranged from birth and raised on tales of the great mountain castle of Idrith-Core, where her distant father serves as Lord Commander and confidante of the King, Aledra Jewel-Wing was now going there to court.
As one of the Drakkoni, a race of powerful shape-shifters and conquerors of a wild land, she joins herstepmother at the festival for all peoples. But when in attempting to save a life, Aledra shifts into her Drakkoni Secondskin – her beautiful second a giant flighted lizard with flaming breath – she breaksan ancient oath, and the tremulous peace between the Drakkoni and Esrans is shattered.
Branded a fugitive, hunted by her father, and aided in escape by the master-mancer who raised her, Aledra begins a journey for survival across a war-torn continent.
Praise for Sue
‘Sue Bentley’s dark, sensual, magical story will catch you in the gut, move your heart and set your imagination on fire. It’s unmissable.’ – Thea Bennett, Radio Times.
Sue Bentley lives in Northamptonshire. She is the author of over seventy books, published in her ownname and using a pen name. She is a bestseller both as herself and as another persona. Her books foryoung readers have sold over two million copies and have been translated into over twenty languages.
Estranged from birth and raised on tales of the great mountain castle of Idrith-Core, where her distant father serves as Lord Commander and confidante of the King, Aledra Jewel-Wing was now going there to court.
As one of the Drakkoni, a race of powerful shape-shifters and conquerors of a wild land, she joins herstepmother at the festival for all peoples. But when in attempting to save a life, Aledra shifts into her Drakkoni Secondskin – her beautiful second a giant flighted lizard with flaming breath – she breaksan ancient oath, and the tremulous peace between the Drakkoni and Esrans is shattered.
Branded a fugitive, hunted by her father, and aided in escape by the master-mancer who raised her, Aledra begins a journey for survival across a war-torn continent.
Praise for Sue
‘Sue Bentley’s dark, sensual, magical story will catch you in the gut, move your heart and set your imagination on fire. It’s unmissable.’ – Thea Bennett, Radio Times.
Sue Bentley lives in Northamptonshire. She is the author of over seventy books, published in her ownname and using a pen name. She is a bestseller both as herself and as another persona. Her books foryoung readers have sold over two million copies and have been translated into over twenty languages.
- GenresParanormal
380 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2019
13 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Sue Bentley
185 books163 followersSue was born in Northampton where she still lives. For many years she worked for Northamptonshire libraries and remains a passionate supporter of Public Libraries. Sue loves everything about books, the feel of them, their smell. the way they look. And has a habit of matching a bookmark to the cover of each book she's reading. The process of reading, the feel of the book, carrying it around in her shoulder bag, sitting in favourite cafes reading all make for a complete sensory experience.
Browsing bookshops old and new, talking all things bookish with other book lovers, spending time with other writers and meeting with fans of her own books at author events are her favourite things. That and eating good quality dark chocolate, while writing.
Browsing bookshops old and new, talking all things bookish with other book lovers, spending time with other writers and meeting with fans of her own books at author events are her favourite things. That and eating good quality dark chocolate, while writing.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 15, 2019
A roller-coaster ride of a story set in the landscapes of the land of Esra, this book was packed with both action and political power plays.
2 hearts and 2 skins were the Drokonni, powerful dragon (giant lizard) shape-shifters who had taken control of the land and other clans, where the peace treaty made it clear that the Drakkoni could never shift into their second skin. The rules of the various tribes also held that the races were forbidden to mate with each other. Yet love snuck in and Aledra was born, a hybrid who was a pure Drakkoni.
Given to her father Artor, a larger than life Commander, when she was a wee babe, she grew up with powers immense yet untapped. This book was her story which started when an aid given to her stepmother caused her to become a prisoner and then a fugitive hunted/seeked by her own father.
My first book by Sue Bentley, I had fun watching Aledra grow up from a young girl to a powerful warrior with a heart of goodness and a temper to match. The changes shown in the circumstances of her life were quite dramatic. She had to think on her feet without giving in to her basic need of transforming into her second skin.
Love did find her in form of Jubal from a different clan, but that did not form the crux of the book. I quite liked that, their bond was sweet and innocent, and they went through trials and tribulations together.
There were a lot of characters, at some point I got confused, but it soon became layered. The vividness of the world she lived in could have been better described. Twists were very few as villains were well identified at the beginning.
This was an Aledra book through and through. The characters and relationships played a part in modulating her actions. I would love to see where she goes with the next book in the series.
Overall, a fun fantastical read.
2 hearts and 2 skins were the Drokonni, powerful dragon (giant lizard) shape-shifters who had taken control of the land and other clans, where the peace treaty made it clear that the Drakkoni could never shift into their second skin. The rules of the various tribes also held that the races were forbidden to mate with each other. Yet love snuck in and Aledra was born, a hybrid who was a pure Drakkoni.
Given to her father Artor, a larger than life Commander, when she was a wee babe, she grew up with powers immense yet untapped. This book was her story which started when an aid given to her stepmother caused her to become a prisoner and then a fugitive hunted/seeked by her own father.
My first book by Sue Bentley, I had fun watching Aledra grow up from a young girl to a powerful warrior with a heart of goodness and a temper to match. The changes shown in the circumstances of her life were quite dramatic. She had to think on her feet without giving in to her basic need of transforming into her second skin.
Love did find her in form of Jubal from a different clan, but that did not form the crux of the book. I quite liked that, their bond was sweet and innocent, and they went through trials and tribulations together.
There were a lot of characters, at some point I got confused, but it soon became layered. The vividness of the world she lived in could have been better described. Twists were very few as villains were well identified at the beginning.
This was an Aledra book through and through. The characters and relationships played a part in modulating her actions. I would love to see where she goes with the next book in the series.
Overall, a fun fantastical read.
July 15, 2019
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2019...
I was really excited to read this. I mean, come on, dragons. Who doesn’t love dragons/fire breathing lizards/fire breathing anything [let’s be real]?
This is also the start of the Bridge of Fire books, so it’s great when you get to start off with a new series.
In this book, Bentley gives us a pretty awesome take on dragons. They’re shapeshifters, their flying fiery forms are called their ‘second skins’ and they have two hearts, essentially they are two souls, their two-legged human-looking forms and their dragon forms. These shapeshifters had to leave their homeland and make a new land home, crossing a land bridge that is now gone, they made it to the lands where human tribes have ruled. These tribes all have their own cultures and leaders and ways of life, but they’re quickly conquered with a peace treaty put in place.
You all know me, I love world building, this did cause the pacing for Aledra and her story to slump a bit in the middle but I would say that the ending more than made up for it.
That’s another thing, it took me a while to appreciate Aledra after sh leaves the comforts of her people, but, I really enjoyed her as she developed, especially in the last four chapters. I love the choices she makes and how Bentley steers her toward something that allows her room to grow.
I was really excited to read this. I mean, come on, dragons. Who doesn’t love dragons/fire breathing lizards/fire breathing anything [let’s be real]?
This is also the start of the Bridge of Fire books, so it’s great when you get to start off with a new series.
In this book, Bentley gives us a pretty awesome take on dragons. They’re shapeshifters, their flying fiery forms are called their ‘second skins’ and they have two hearts, essentially they are two souls, their two-legged human-looking forms and their dragon forms. These shapeshifters had to leave their homeland and make a new land home, crossing a land bridge that is now gone, they made it to the lands where human tribes have ruled. These tribes all have their own cultures and leaders and ways of life, but they’re quickly conquered with a peace treaty put in place.
You all know me, I love world building, this did cause the pacing for Aledra and her story to slump a bit in the middle but I would say that the ending more than made up for it.
That’s another thing, it took me a while to appreciate Aledra after sh leaves the comforts of her people, but, I really enjoyed her as she developed, especially in the last four chapters. I love the choices she makes and how Bentley steers her toward something that allows her room to grow.
July 30, 2019
I have always loved reading about dragons so you can imagine how excited I was for Second Skin when I read the synopsis. And I must say, it really lived up to my high expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and it was one of those books which got better and better with each chapter. The wide scope of the events was so immersive and I felt like I travelled through the world along with Aledra and the other characters.
I found the protagonist really interesting, Aledra really does undergo a massive character development over the course of the book. And I feel like as a reader I grew to love her more and more as each chapter passed. I love books that focus on character development, and Aledra’s character arc is one of my new favourites.
There are several villains in the book, and each played on a different kind of evil, the most interesting of which was another young female Drakkoni. I found her journey just as interesting as Aledra’s. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling things, but I will say that those odd chapters dotted through the books which focus on other characters are just as interesting as those that focus on Aledra.
The focus of the novel is very much on the development of characters and relationships, which is how I like my books but it may be a little slow for some. I love books which focus on characters as I find them the most interesting piece of any story. Aledra truly grows over the course of the book, she learns and becomes a better person because of her journey, because of her decisions and most importantly because of her mistakes.
The world building was incredible, I really cannot wait to find out more about this world and its inhabitants in the later books. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, our protagonist made some interesting choices towards the end of the book and I need to know what happens to her next.
I would definitely recommend Second Skin to any fantasy fans, especially those who love character focused books with unique worlds to explore.
I found the protagonist really interesting, Aledra really does undergo a massive character development over the course of the book. And I feel like as a reader I grew to love her more and more as each chapter passed. I love books that focus on character development, and Aledra’s character arc is one of my new favourites.
There are several villains in the book, and each played on a different kind of evil, the most interesting of which was another young female Drakkoni. I found her journey just as interesting as Aledra’s. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling things, but I will say that those odd chapters dotted through the books which focus on other characters are just as interesting as those that focus on Aledra.
The focus of the novel is very much on the development of characters and relationships, which is how I like my books but it may be a little slow for some. I love books which focus on characters as I find them the most interesting piece of any story. Aledra truly grows over the course of the book, she learns and becomes a better person because of her journey, because of her decisions and most importantly because of her mistakes.
The world building was incredible, I really cannot wait to find out more about this world and its inhabitants in the later books. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, our protagonist made some interesting choices towards the end of the book and I need to know what happens to her next.
I would definitely recommend Second Skin to any fantasy fans, especially those who love character focused books with unique worlds to explore.
June 7, 2024
Mild Spoilers 3 🌟
I enjoyed the concept of the dragons in this book having a human form and a dragon form. Interesting world building and a decent main character that grew along with the story. 🐉
There were small plot holes/errors that I couldn’t ignore though. For example the MC thinks her mother is dead… it’s revelry she’s not… however there’s no shocking revelation about that… no conversation. The MC just accepts the information and moves on. It’s almost like the author forgot that she’d written the mother dead in the first place 🤣 the mother is also mentioned maybe twice after this then completely forgotten about after the story made out there was going to be a massive quests to find her… was all a bit odd
That being said I do think this would be a great starter fantasy book, it was super easy to read/follow and pretty fast paced. If we ignore the minor plot holes it’s still a good classic adventure book with some fun dragons
I enjoyed the concept of the dragons in this book having a human form and a dragon form. Interesting world building and a decent main character that grew along with the story. 🐉
There were small plot holes/errors that I couldn’t ignore though. For example the MC thinks her mother is dead… it’s revelry she’s not… however there’s no shocking revelation about that… no conversation. The MC just accepts the information and moves on. It’s almost like the author forgot that she’d written the mother dead in the first place 🤣 the mother is also mentioned maybe twice after this then completely forgotten about after the story made out there was going to be a massive quests to find her… was all a bit odd
That being said I do think this would be a great starter fantasy book, it was super easy to read/follow and pretty fast paced. If we ignore the minor plot holes it’s still a good classic adventure book with some fun dragons
May 29, 2024
An absolutely brilliant and enthralling book by an incredible author!
July 22, 2019
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK. 5 STARS! THE END.
Just kidding, I’ll actually review Second Skin, but if you couldn’t tell, this is going to be a glowing review. This is my first read from Sue Bentley, and it certainly won’t be my last. I cannot wait to continue on in this series.
I absolutely love Aledra. Her journey from a young child to a powerful badass warrior was fun to read about. I think Sue Bentley handled the amount of characters in this story really well. It took me a bit to get them all straight, but when it all came together it made sense.
I really enjoyed the world-building in this novel. The clans were interesting, the cultures and rules. I love how put together and consistent it all was. Sue Bentley has created a really cool world in Second Skin, and I think it will only get better with future novels in the series.
I highly recommend checking out Second Skin! Now go get your copy!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Random Things Tours. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://jessicabelmont.wordpress.com/
Just kidding, I’ll actually review Second Skin, but if you couldn’t tell, this is going to be a glowing review. This is my first read from Sue Bentley, and it certainly won’t be my last. I cannot wait to continue on in this series.
I absolutely love Aledra. Her journey from a young child to a powerful badass warrior was fun to read about. I think Sue Bentley handled the amount of characters in this story really well. It took me a bit to get them all straight, but when it all came together it made sense.
I really enjoyed the world-building in this novel. The clans were interesting, the cultures and rules. I love how put together and consistent it all was. Sue Bentley has created a really cool world in Second Skin, and I think it will only get better with future novels in the series.
I highly recommend checking out Second Skin! Now go get your copy!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Random Things Tours. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://jessicabelmont.wordpress.com/
January 29, 2024
I can not even remember where the title of this book popped up....it may have been on FB, and after reading the brief blurb, I was instantly drawn to it. I have been reading so many "Dragon" books and have loved most of them. I think this one immediately interested me because it came with a different take. It kind of gave me a Bryan Davis YA book series, "Dragons in our Midst", vibe.
I liked all of the different characters in this book, and I liked the way the author has more than one story going on at the same time, yet fuses them together through different events that take place. There were a few characters that you just absolutely despise, and of course the few that warm your heart whenever you are reading about them.
I gave this book a 4 star rating, due to the fact that there was a little too much back and forth going on sometimes...everything was going great and then everything was awful and falling apart, several different times. Never having even heard of this book, I had no idea if this was just going to be a standalone or a series. (should have done my research, but I just charged right in). Therefore, after finally catching on towards the end there would be more to this story, I understood the back and forth a little better. I will admit the storyline was good ...a fair amount of adventure, with several
different relationships...that of parent/child, friendship, master/student, captor/captive and of course a little romance thrown in.
So, if you want to read a different take on Dragons, try Second Skin. I think you will enjoy it. I am absolutely not a very good book critic...just like to share my opinion every now and then.
I liked all of the different characters in this book, and I liked the way the author has more than one story going on at the same time, yet fuses them together through different events that take place. There were a few characters that you just absolutely despise, and of course the few that warm your heart whenever you are reading about them.
I gave this book a 4 star rating, due to the fact that there was a little too much back and forth going on sometimes...everything was going great and then everything was awful and falling apart, several different times. Never having even heard of this book, I had no idea if this was just going to be a standalone or a series. (should have done my research, but I just charged right in). Therefore, after finally catching on towards the end there would be more to this story, I understood the back and forth a little better. I will admit the storyline was good ...a fair amount of adventure, with several
different relationships...that of parent/child, friendship, master/student, captor/captive and of course a little romance thrown in.
So, if you want to read a different take on Dragons, try Second Skin. I think you will enjoy it. I am absolutely not a very good book critic...just like to share my opinion every now and then.
February 17, 2020
Gripping story
I really enjoyed the effortless story telling and the very intriguing world of Esra. Looking to the next book to see how the story advances.
I really enjoyed the effortless story telling and the very intriguing world of Esra. Looking to the next book to see how the story advances.
January 19, 2024
I had to push myself to finish it 😔😔
August 21, 2019
I read this book as part of an Instagram tour and I have to say I'm glad I got this one! I thought this book was really unique and I really loved the concept of the Drakkoni. They are beings that have both a human and dragon form. This was really cool and something I've not really seen before. I really loved the worldbuilding in this book and getting to know the world, culture, politics and people of Esra. The plot was action packed and kept me hooked, there was so much going on and it was interesting to see how each storyline played out. I liked the main character Aledra and that she was still trying to find where she fit in. This book also had a really interesting insight into war. We see boths sides and we can see that both are kind of the same, both have the potential to be bad and good. There is no good vs evil its just different people not getting along. Overall a good read and a good start to a series.
July 23, 2019
I loved this book! The world building was fantastic with so many original ideas. The author did a brilliant job of fleshing out the warring cultures.
The main character Aledra was endearing in her naivety and I loved how her outlook on life developed throughout the book. The politics of the world was fascinating and there were so many interesting characters it was hard to pick a favourite!
A brilliant start to a series and I’m looking toward to book 2.
Thanks to Endeavour Media for the free copy in exchange for an honest review
The main character Aledra was endearing in her naivety and I loved how her outlook on life developed throughout the book. The politics of the world was fascinating and there were so many interesting characters it was hard to pick a favourite!
A brilliant start to a series and I’m looking toward to book 2.
Thanks to Endeavour Media for the free copy in exchange for an honest review
October 18, 2019
Second Skin is an epic fantasy which draws in the reader through its strong characterization and vivid imagery. From the outset you find yourself drawn to Aledra and can’t help but will her on in her plight; yet she is such a determined character she needs little help. Its rich descriptive language immerses you in another world, but one which is at the same time believable which I personally like. It brought to mind the infamous Game of Thrones, but is more tender and less violent.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews