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Skeletal
In the last city in the world, a young woman tries to find the truth when everything she's ever been told is a lie...
When females reach adulthood in Gale City, they're given the chance to compete at Showcase for the honor of becoming surrogates for the Morbihan--a highly intelligent, obese race of people unable to procreate naturally. All the other girls are excited to become hosts, but not Megan Skyla.
Convinced there's more to life than living under the control of the enigmatic Centrals, Skyla teams up with an unlikely friend and they go in search of a cure for the Morbihan condition. But things don't go according to plan and their journey becomes a harrowing quest fraught with danger and deceit. She is about to discover that freedom has a price and she's going to have to fight to survive...
When females reach adulthood in Gale City, they're given the chance to compete at Showcase for the honor of becoming surrogates for the Morbihan--a highly intelligent, obese race of people unable to procreate naturally. All the other girls are excited to become hosts, but not Megan Skyla.
Convinced there's more to life than living under the control of the enigmatic Centrals, Skyla teams up with an unlikely friend and they go in search of a cure for the Morbihan condition. But things don't go according to plan and their journey becomes a harrowing quest fraught with danger and deceit. She is about to discover that freedom has a price and she's going to have to fight to survive...
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2017
26 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 29, 2017
I have to admit that I was fully out of my comfort zone with this book. Books in the Dystopian genre is not something I really go for, so wasn’t quite sure what I was going to make of this book. I didn’t have to worry though as it wasn’t long before the author had drawn me into Skyla’s world and I was well and truly hooked.
I have to admit the story did remind me slightly of the film Wall-E. The overweight Morbihan’s who are to obese to do a lot of things themselves having to rely on in this case, the Skels. Skels are underweight humans due to the living conditions and food they have to eat.
You can’t help but feel for the characters in this novel. Skyla is pretty much on her own in the world and is fighting for survival whilst also wanting to change the world she lives in. There are so many wrongs going on that I could very much feel her frustration.
There were three characters that really stood out to me through out the novel and they were Skyla, Bunce and Kian. All are fighting their own battles whilst trying to make sense of what is going on within their city. Bunce is someone that Skyla takes under her wings and she reluctantly allows him to help her. He isn’t a strong character like Kian and Skyla but I think that is what drew me to him. Kian is a bit of a guardian angel to Skyla. He watches out for her and even though in his job he should have nothing to do with her their friendship is to strong for him not to help her out every now and again.
Skeletal is a story that will appeal to the young adult market and upwards. It is a scary take on what life could be like in the future. Skyla’s journey is one that will have the reader gripped through the injustices she has to endure and the unlikely friendships that she strikes up, which added some warmth to the cruel world and made for emotional reading in part. Sure to be a hit with dystopian fans as well as other readers who fancy something a bit different.
I have to admit the story did remind me slightly of the film Wall-E. The overweight Morbihan’s who are to obese to do a lot of things themselves having to rely on in this case, the Skels. Skels are underweight humans due to the living conditions and food they have to eat.
You can’t help but feel for the characters in this novel. Skyla is pretty much on her own in the world and is fighting for survival whilst also wanting to change the world she lives in. There are so many wrongs going on that I could very much feel her frustration.
There were three characters that really stood out to me through out the novel and they were Skyla, Bunce and Kian. All are fighting their own battles whilst trying to make sense of what is going on within their city. Bunce is someone that Skyla takes under her wings and she reluctantly allows him to help her. He isn’t a strong character like Kian and Skyla but I think that is what drew me to him. Kian is a bit of a guardian angel to Skyla. He watches out for her and even though in his job he should have nothing to do with her their friendship is to strong for him not to help her out every now and again.
Skeletal is a story that will appeal to the young adult market and upwards. It is a scary take on what life could be like in the future. Skyla’s journey is one that will have the reader gripped through the injustices she has to endure and the unlikely friendships that she strikes up, which added some warmth to the cruel world and made for emotional reading in part. Sure to be a hit with dystopian fans as well as other readers who fancy something a bit different.
September 4, 2018
I had received the sequel to this, Avian, from NetGalley before realising that there was a previous book (for some reason they are not linked as a series on here) then fortuitously saw a post in the (wonderful) UK Crime Book Club Facebook page, that this was free for the day. Avian is actually being published today, and I had hoped to get through both books by now, but this is longer than is usual for a YA book, and so bleak that I will need something lighter to read first, before I can continue. Initially presenting like a cross between The Hunger Games and The Handmaid’s Tale, this is actually darker than either of those books, a mix of dystopian, horror, sci-fi and action thriller.
Skyla, always known by her second name, is a Skel, part of the worker class in the last city left after apocalyptic climate change has decimated the planet. Named for their starved physique, Skels exist to provide for the upper class of Morbihans, whose enhanced intelligence allows them to rule and live in luxury, but a genetic flaw makes them all so obese that they are dependent on life support machines, and they are unable to reproduce naturally. Once a year, young skel women compete for the opportunity to become “hosts”, surrogates who will bear morb babies, in exchange for a life of comfort. Skyla doesn’t want to leave her job in the meat processing plant, but is forced to enter the competition, and is selected to be a host for the odious Mrs Vable. The only consolation to her is meeting Bunce, younger brother of her “employer”. He has not yet completed puberty, so is merely plump, and desperate to escape his biological fate. Hearing about an experimental cure for the obesity, they go on the run in the filthy underbelly of the city to try and find the serum, which Skyla believes will free her from reproductive slavery.
There was an awful lot going on here, and plenty that didn’t make sense in terms of the world-building and characters. It’s possible/likely that more will be revealed in the sequel, but I was left slightly dissatisfied. While in some ways quite original, all the usual YA tropes, omnipresent since the aforementioned Hunger Games, are there - first person present narration, spiky independent heroine, evil if nonsensical society, technological advances alongside primitive living conditions, a love triangle, a shock betrayal... There were some good shock twists, and plenty of fast-paced action. Skyla was not a likeable heroine, driven by ego and selfishness, who convinces herself that she cares deeply for the weak in her community, but readily abandons them to pursue her reckless plans. She treats both Bunce and Kian, her supposed best friend, appallingly, and her other friends don’t fare much better.
I’m not saying this wasn’t a good book, but it could’ve been shorter, tighter and less convoluted, and was rather too dark and gory for my taste. 3.5 rounded down for the ending.
Skyla, always known by her second name, is a Skel, part of the worker class in the last city left after apocalyptic climate change has decimated the planet. Named for their starved physique, Skels exist to provide for the upper class of Morbihans, whose enhanced intelligence allows them to rule and live in luxury, but a genetic flaw makes them all so obese that they are dependent on life support machines, and they are unable to reproduce naturally. Once a year, young skel women compete for the opportunity to become “hosts”, surrogates who will bear morb babies, in exchange for a life of comfort. Skyla doesn’t want to leave her job in the meat processing plant, but is forced to enter the competition, and is selected to be a host for the odious Mrs Vable. The only consolation to her is meeting Bunce, younger brother of her “employer”. He has not yet completed puberty, so is merely plump, and desperate to escape his biological fate. Hearing about an experimental cure for the obesity, they go on the run in the filthy underbelly of the city to try and find the serum, which Skyla believes will free her from reproductive slavery.
There was an awful lot going on here, and plenty that didn’t make sense in terms of the world-building and characters. It’s possible/likely that more will be revealed in the sequel, but I was left slightly dissatisfied. While in some ways quite original, all the usual YA tropes, omnipresent since the aforementioned Hunger Games, are there - first person present narration, spiky independent heroine, evil if nonsensical society, technological advances alongside primitive living conditions, a love triangle, a shock betrayal... There were some good shock twists, and plenty of fast-paced action. Skyla was not a likeable heroine, driven by ego and selfishness, who convinces herself that she cares deeply for the weak in her community, but readily abandons them to pursue her reckless plans. She treats both Bunce and Kian, her supposed best friend, appallingly, and her other friends don’t fare much better.
I’m not saying this wasn’t a good book, but it could’ve been shorter, tighter and less convoluted, and was rather too dark and gory for my taste. 3.5 rounded down for the ending.
October 27, 2017
What a surprise read for me!! I found the premise extremely interesting but was a bit dubious going into yet another YA dystopian type read. They all tend to veer to the same thing: strong female protagonist who goes against the grain, a love triangle and a quest to try and bring down the obvious suppressors in society. Yes, this book also has all of these but it veered in such a different direction that I wasn't expecting.
The author takes you down a darker alley with Skyla and the world that she lives in. Skyla is a rebel and curses about as much as I do. While the other girls WANT to win the chance to be surrogates, she cringes at being a living incubator. Not surprisingly, she gets chosen (otherwise what kind of book would we have right?) - it's what she does afterwards and the world that the author builds that becomes most intriguing. The Morb's want everything to be so pristine and to procreate using these surrogates since they cannot do this themselves. Skyla's schooling and doctor examinations made me flinch a couple of times... as did the revelation of what exactly was going on between Skels and the Morbs. 😲 The timed revelations of each stage of the book was outstanding - I really didn't see most of these coming.
Overall a fantastic read for those who love these types of books... and I do. I love the darker side and how this went into a sci-fi feel. The ending seemed to leave it open to another book so I wonder if this will be a series? What will Skyla do next???
The author takes you down a darker alley with Skyla and the world that she lives in. Skyla is a rebel and curses about as much as I do. While the other girls WANT to win the chance to be surrogates, she cringes at being a living incubator. Not surprisingly, she gets chosen (otherwise what kind of book would we have right?) - it's what she does afterwards and the world that the author builds that becomes most intriguing. The Morb's want everything to be so pristine and to procreate using these surrogates since they cannot do this themselves. Skyla's schooling and doctor examinations made me flinch a couple of times... as did the revelation of what exactly was going on between Skels and the Morbs. 😲 The timed revelations of each stage of the book was outstanding - I really didn't see most of these coming.
Overall a fantastic read for those who love these types of books... and I do. I love the darker side and how this went into a sci-fi feel. The ending seemed to leave it open to another book so I wonder if this will be a series? What will Skyla do next???
October 28, 2017
I don’t usually read Dystopian genre but I like to read outside my comfort zone occasionally so gave this book a chance. I think it will appeal to all readers of Crime Fiction and Contemporary Fiction as well as Dystopian.
It is a fast paced read with plenty of action and twists and turns. The story is a very realistic one and portrayed a believable scenario of what the future could look like.
I love Sky she is an independent character who refuses to conform to what the authorities dictate and starts on a mission to find a new life. She is joined in her quest by Bunce who also wants a different future to the one he is destined for. He is a unique character that grows on you as the book progresses.
I am in total awe of the writer of this book. How you think up the characters and plot for a book like this I have no idea but it has been done brilliantly. There are a lot of ‘hidden’ issues that brought new dimensions to the story.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for the advance copy.
It is a fast paced read with plenty of action and twists and turns. The story is a very realistic one and portrayed a believable scenario of what the future could look like.
I love Sky she is an independent character who refuses to conform to what the authorities dictate and starts on a mission to find a new life. She is joined in her quest by Bunce who also wants a different future to the one he is destined for. He is a unique character that grows on you as the book progresses.
I am in total awe of the writer of this book. How you think up the characters and plot for a book like this I have no idea but it has been done brilliantly. There are a lot of ‘hidden’ issues that brought new dimensions to the story.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for the advance copy.
October 24, 2017
Skeletal, for me, was a real surprise of a novel. Set in a dystopian future, but one that is entirely plausible, Skeletal isn't your typical Bloodhound novel, at least not on the surface.
Drawing on the influences of Philip K Dick, Suzanne Collins and Koushun Takami, Pullar has succeeded in forging something entirely new and utterly engaging in Skeletal.
Pullar's dystopian world is well-drawn, desolate, threatening, dark in tone and seemingly hopeless, but somehow the reader is pulled along the narrative with hope and even humour as the string tugging them along despite the apparent bleakness of the setting And circumstances of the main character.
In Skeletal, Pullar presents her readers with a world that smacks of her obvious influences; but whilst Pullar’s dystopia runs parallel to that of the worlds explored by Collins or Takami- presenting a split society of have and have nots, rich and poor, gluttonous and starving- unlike those authors mentioned previously, Pullar tackles these familiar settings, the social commentary associated, and the juxtapositions with a refreshing, often deliciously-dark humour.
Pullar’s main protagonist is downtrodden, for sure, she’s suffered and is aghast at the life led on the other side of the fence, but what she has in spades is vigour, the darkest of dark humour and a self-awareness that the much grimmer Katniss’s of the world have never possessed.
Utilising first-person, present-tense throughout, Pullar’s narrative coveys an urgency to the reader. It’s an excellent choice of narrative and suits the plotting perfectly, drawing the reader into the ever-present danger and fear of sky’s world and her position in it. For me, it lent a degree of suspense the novel may have lacked if written in a different Point of view or tense.
Pullar writes like a screenwriter. She introduces characters and scenes in a very visual manner, presenting them in their current circumstance or setting with no preamble or forced exposition. She asks that the reader accept unfamiliar terms and places and hierarchies and rules. She demands that the reader trust her and lose themselves completely in what’s unfolding. This works beautifully for Pullar and- for me- was a particular strength in her writing style.
This type of episodic, scene writing doesn’t always work in a novel, and can be difficult for some writers to pull off; Pullar makes it look easy and my God, it worked perfectly for this character and this plot.
Skeletal was, as I said earlier, a real surprise for me, simply because the genre is a slight (but welcome) departure from the type of novel I’ve come to expect from Bloodhound’s rapidly growing catalogue. What remains consistent though is Bloodhound have yet again discovered a skilled writer, who has crafted a very accomplished, imaginative and skilled novel.
Drawing on the influences of Philip K Dick, Suzanne Collins and Koushun Takami, Pullar has succeeded in forging something entirely new and utterly engaging in Skeletal.
Pullar's dystopian world is well-drawn, desolate, threatening, dark in tone and seemingly hopeless, but somehow the reader is pulled along the narrative with hope and even humour as the string tugging them along despite the apparent bleakness of the setting And circumstances of the main character.
In Skeletal, Pullar presents her readers with a world that smacks of her obvious influences; but whilst Pullar’s dystopia runs parallel to that of the worlds explored by Collins or Takami- presenting a split society of have and have nots, rich and poor, gluttonous and starving- unlike those authors mentioned previously, Pullar tackles these familiar settings, the social commentary associated, and the juxtapositions with a refreshing, often deliciously-dark humour.
Pullar’s main protagonist is downtrodden, for sure, she’s suffered and is aghast at the life led on the other side of the fence, but what she has in spades is vigour, the darkest of dark humour and a self-awareness that the much grimmer Katniss’s of the world have never possessed.
Utilising first-person, present-tense throughout, Pullar’s narrative coveys an urgency to the reader. It’s an excellent choice of narrative and suits the plotting perfectly, drawing the reader into the ever-present danger and fear of sky’s world and her position in it. For me, it lent a degree of suspense the novel may have lacked if written in a different Point of view or tense.
Pullar writes like a screenwriter. She introduces characters and scenes in a very visual manner, presenting them in their current circumstance or setting with no preamble or forced exposition. She asks that the reader accept unfamiliar terms and places and hierarchies and rules. She demands that the reader trust her and lose themselves completely in what’s unfolding. This works beautifully for Pullar and- for me- was a particular strength in her writing style.
This type of episodic, scene writing doesn’t always work in a novel, and can be difficult for some writers to pull off; Pullar makes it look easy and my God, it worked perfectly for this character and this plot.
Skeletal was, as I said earlier, a real surprise for me, simply because the genre is a slight (but welcome) departure from the type of novel I’ve come to expect from Bloodhound’s rapidly growing catalogue. What remains consistent though is Bloodhound have yet again discovered a skilled writer, who has crafted a very accomplished, imaginative and skilled novel.
February 15, 2018
CAW blimey!! Pardon the pun but it's perfect for this book; crows that will attack on demand and used as instruments of torture, terrifying Mutils, gang warfare and a sneaky love triangle. I loved this dystopian tale and it is totally different to anything else in its genre. Think The Hunger Games and Maze Runner for adults - blood and guts galore and some pretty horrific scenes that will leave you reeling.
Skyla (a Skel) is the heroine of the tale; she is determined to break free from the system by whatever means necessary. This is how she ends up with sweet, innocent Bunce (a Morb) on a quest to escape both their fates and find a cure for the Morb's condition. I loved watching their relationship grow and there were laughs and tears along the way as they struggled to adapt to each other's differing beliefs and customs. The third wheel in this blossoming relationship is Kian/Crow - friends since childhood and now on opposite sides of the "system", Kian risks his career in attempting to help Skyla and Bunce on their mission.
Skeletal is a gripping read and I can't wait to get my claws into the rest of the series!
Skyla (a Skel) is the heroine of the tale; she is determined to break free from the system by whatever means necessary. This is how she ends up with sweet, innocent Bunce (a Morb) on a quest to escape both their fates and find a cure for the Morb's condition. I loved watching their relationship grow and there were laughs and tears along the way as they struggled to adapt to each other's differing beliefs and customs. The third wheel in this blossoming relationship is Kian/Crow - friends since childhood and now on opposite sides of the "system", Kian risks his career in attempting to help Skyla and Bunce on their mission.
Skeletal is a gripping read and I can't wait to get my claws into the rest of the series!
February 17, 2020
DNF, left a really bad taste in my mouth. Not for me.
May 25, 2020
This is a confusing mess of a book. Lets see if I can break it down.
So the idea is that there is white, obese race that floats around in those hover chairs from Wall-E. They are called Morbs.
They have enslaved a race of very thin dark skinned 'Skels' who produce their food etc and act as surrogates providing them with children.
Our protagonist is a Skel called Skyla, she has an attitude problem and is a loner whose only friend uses birds as murder weapons.
And if you're thinking 'calling the morbidly obese race 'morbs' and the skeletally thin race 'skels' is really not subtle' well wait til you meet a 'Mutil' who is a Skel who has been MUTILated.
The plot starts with Skyla being chosen to become a surrogate for a Morb family and having to move in with them. She doesn't actually meet any of the requirements that most Morb families will have - but the plot must be moved on whether it likes it or not! She hears a rumour that there is a cure for the obesity experienced by the Morbs and teams up with a young Morb who doesn't want to get fat to go find it! She and this young Morb fall in love which causes her tension between her and that bff who can communicate with crows and has been secretly in love with her.
Along the way we find out the meat the Morbs are eating is people! Yes it's the old Soylent Green twist. No explanation on how they're eating the Skels - whose main characteristic is that they're very thin....Skeletal in fact. You'd think there would not be a lot of meat in them. A very inefficient food source.
Also I'm sure you expected this was set on Earth? Well Surprise! It's all happening on Mars! Yes! It's a reverse Planet of the Apes! Why is this important? Who knows. It doesn't actually seem to change anything.
There are also a mysterious 'Central' group who have some kind of power and control everything which mostly seems to see them posing as regular people and living in slums. Which I suppose is effective at....something? Yeah I don't really see the point of them. Maybe they're important in the next book? But I won't be reading it.
This book has a very....odd....treatment of race. So....like I said the morbs are white and the skels are not. During the Mars reveal we are told that there are no white Skels cos they died out during the move to Mars. There's a very heavy handed talk about whether it's better to have all the colours possible or if mixed is better. But what bothers me about this is that Skyla's appearance is specifically and repeatedly noted as being pale. She is in the palest of the surrogates. She is blond. She is variously described as 'olive' or 'honey' coloured. So....is Skyla not white? And if she's not supposed to be read as white why go to such lengths to hammer home how pale she is? (if this is answered in the next book by her being the result of a genetic experiment to bring back white people I will be PISSED) Overall there's a strong vibe of 'this one white girl is the hero this planet of black slaves need' and I am DEEPLY uncomfortable with that. I'd love for someone with the knowledge and vocabulary around race that I do NOT have to read this book and really go into this stuff. Like - are the more sympathetic characters more coded as white? Like how Tess has red hair? Or a character later revealed as a traitor is 'black as night and twice as deadly', 'a smiling charcoal face'?
Returning to the plot - they do find the cure for obesity in Morbs - and Skyla is forced to drink it. Oh no! It's gone! No wait...she can cure her Morb friend by shagging him! I am not making this up. This genuinely happens. They are told that he can now cure other Morbs by shagging THEM. I'm sure this HAS to be a porno plot. But anyway a brief imprisonment, a crow-nado and an untimely death later and none of this really seems to matter.
Skyla is a WEIRD character. Though we're seeing the plot from her point of view we also don't seem to know everything she knows.
Skyla completely forgets about her 'sister' Tess until she is getting on the train to leave her behind forever. If Skyla hadn't escaped her Morb family she would have had no way of seeing her again. And we never get an explanation of how they became 'sisters' cos they don't live in the same part of the city and they're not actually related. So when she gives over her guardianship to someone else it feels anti climatic even though I'm sure it's supposed to be a big deal. Cos we don't know WHY she's this kid's 'sister'. Or why she's never met her mother or been inside her house before.
Or how Skyla knew all along that Kian could talk to crows and used them for an actual mass murder but never really said anything or was bothered by it. I dunno about you but if my bff re-enacted The Birds and killed loads of people I'd have some issues with that. I'd maybe bring it up occasionally. It would be in the forefront of my mind at various times when he was around. I certainly wouldn't be encouraging him to practice his powers!!
Kian never really has any character development so that when he goes all 'there is no Kian only CROW' it lacks impact because we don't really know what the difference is. Kian's only features are that he has brothers we never meet, uses crows to murder people, recently joined up as a guard and has a blinding jealousy towards anyone Skyla might be interested in.
Plot points are dropped from the sky with no real build up and characters appear and disappear almost at random. Like how Cara just suddenly appears in the very dangerous and remote place they are? Then flounces off as soon as the plot no longer needs her? Or how a healer who they urgently need is only 20 minutes away at the time they need her? Despite them having been on the run for ages? And Kian just appears anywhere he's needed whether it makes sense for him to be there or not. He's everywhere! Or there will be info dumps like a character in the last pages suddenly revealing that they were involved in the creation of the cure. Long past the point where that information does any good or fills in any gaps.
Overall this is a heavy handed mess of a book that seems to be pulling together bits from different books and movies. I'm pretty sure it's racist, it's DEFINITELY fatphobic and it's just not very well written.
I have the second book - it was free as part of Amazon unlimited but I think it will go unread. Even free, even with all this extra time to read during lockdown even THEN I don't want to find time to endure a second book of this.
So the idea is that there is white, obese race that floats around in those hover chairs from Wall-E. They are called Morbs.
They have enslaved a race of very thin dark skinned 'Skels' who produce their food etc and act as surrogates providing them with children.
Our protagonist is a Skel called Skyla, she has an attitude problem and is a loner whose only friend uses birds as murder weapons.
And if you're thinking 'calling the morbidly obese race 'morbs' and the skeletally thin race 'skels' is really not subtle' well wait til you meet a 'Mutil' who is a Skel who has been MUTILated.
The plot starts with Skyla being chosen to become a surrogate for a Morb family and having to move in with them. She doesn't actually meet any of the requirements that most Morb families will have - but the plot must be moved on whether it likes it or not! She hears a rumour that there is a cure for the obesity experienced by the Morbs and teams up with a young Morb who doesn't want to get fat to go find it! She and this young Morb fall in love which causes her tension between her and that bff who can communicate with crows and has been secretly in love with her.
Along the way we find out the meat the Morbs are eating is people! Yes it's the old Soylent Green twist. No explanation on how they're eating the Skels - whose main characteristic is that they're very thin....Skeletal in fact. You'd think there would not be a lot of meat in them. A very inefficient food source.
Also I'm sure you expected this was set on Earth? Well Surprise! It's all happening on Mars! Yes! It's a reverse Planet of the Apes! Why is this important? Who knows. It doesn't actually seem to change anything.
There are also a mysterious 'Central' group who have some kind of power and control everything which mostly seems to see them posing as regular people and living in slums. Which I suppose is effective at....something? Yeah I don't really see the point of them. Maybe they're important in the next book? But I won't be reading it.
This book has a very....odd....treatment of race. So....like I said the morbs are white and the skels are not. During the Mars reveal we are told that there are no white Skels cos they died out during the move to Mars. There's a very heavy handed talk about whether it's better to have all the colours possible or if mixed is better. But what bothers me about this is that Skyla's appearance is specifically and repeatedly noted as being pale. She is in the palest of the surrogates. She is blond. She is variously described as 'olive' or 'honey' coloured. So....is Skyla not white? And if she's not supposed to be read as white why go to such lengths to hammer home how pale she is? (if this is answered in the next book by her being the result of a genetic experiment to bring back white people I will be PISSED) Overall there's a strong vibe of 'this one white girl is the hero this planet of black slaves need' and I am DEEPLY uncomfortable with that. I'd love for someone with the knowledge and vocabulary around race that I do NOT have to read this book and really go into this stuff. Like - are the more sympathetic characters more coded as white? Like how Tess has red hair? Or a character later revealed as a traitor is 'black as night and twice as deadly', 'a smiling charcoal face'?
Returning to the plot - they do find the cure for obesity in Morbs - and Skyla is forced to drink it. Oh no! It's gone! No wait...she can cure her Morb friend by shagging him! I am not making this up. This genuinely happens. They are told that he can now cure other Morbs by shagging THEM. I'm sure this HAS to be a porno plot. But anyway a brief imprisonment, a crow-nado and an untimely death later and none of this really seems to matter.
Skyla is a WEIRD character. Though we're seeing the plot from her point of view we also don't seem to know everything she knows.
Skyla completely forgets about her 'sister' Tess until she is getting on the train to leave her behind forever. If Skyla hadn't escaped her Morb family she would have had no way of seeing her again. And we never get an explanation of how they became 'sisters' cos they don't live in the same part of the city and they're not actually related. So when she gives over her guardianship to someone else it feels anti climatic even though I'm sure it's supposed to be a big deal. Cos we don't know WHY she's this kid's 'sister'. Or why she's never met her mother or been inside her house before.
Or how Skyla knew all along that Kian could talk to crows and used them for an actual mass murder but never really said anything or was bothered by it. I dunno about you but if my bff re-enacted The Birds and killed loads of people I'd have some issues with that. I'd maybe bring it up occasionally. It would be in the forefront of my mind at various times when he was around. I certainly wouldn't be encouraging him to practice his powers!!
Kian never really has any character development so that when he goes all 'there is no Kian only CROW' it lacks impact because we don't really know what the difference is. Kian's only features are that he has brothers we never meet, uses crows to murder people, recently joined up as a guard and has a blinding jealousy towards anyone Skyla might be interested in.
Plot points are dropped from the sky with no real build up and characters appear and disappear almost at random. Like how Cara just suddenly appears in the very dangerous and remote place they are? Then flounces off as soon as the plot no longer needs her? Or how a healer who they urgently need is only 20 minutes away at the time they need her? Despite them having been on the run for ages? And Kian just appears anywhere he's needed whether it makes sense for him to be there or not. He's everywhere! Or there will be info dumps like a character in the last pages suddenly revealing that they were involved in the creation of the cure. Long past the point where that information does any good or fills in any gaps.
Overall this is a heavy handed mess of a book that seems to be pulling together bits from different books and movies. I'm pretty sure it's racist, it's DEFINITELY fatphobic and it's just not very well written.
I have the second book - it was free as part of Amazon unlimited but I think it will go unread. Even free, even with all this extra time to read during lockdown even THEN I don't want to find time to endure a second book of this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2018
Going into Skeletal it's clear that it takes it inspiration from a number of other sources, some on genre and some surprisingly not. From the forced use of the female body to reproduce in a nod to the Handmaids Tale to the Morbihan's use of the hover chairs as they are so overweight which reminded me of Disney's Wall-E - but Disney this really is not. I have to say there was a lot about about this book which was fantastic but unfortunately it just missed the mark for me. I very much enjoyed the darker parts, I think because I have been reading a lot of YA recently it made these moments all the more shocking. The world outside of the Morbihan area of Gale City is harsh, filled with outcasts, gang culture and drug addiction. It's very much a society of "have and have not's" with the have not's suffering more than they perhaps should. It's this lack of understanding as to how the cultural hierarchy came about which left me feeling a little confused. I get that it's a dystopian future and we eventually get some answers in a twist that sadly doesn't feel as shocking as it should, but I would have liked more background. There is a lot of violence and scenes that are vividly technicolour at times when you would rather they weren't! The Mutils are horrifying to imagine and the authors use of aroma's to paint a picture really bring the true extent of the world home. It's incredibly descriptive and not at all for the faint hearted, it feels more horror than thriller at times.
Character wise, Skyla is a difficult one. To start you really feel for her, she just wants to be left alone and has no interest in becoming a host. However, as her character progresses she becomes pretty unlikeable, but the author does seem to give her some sense of self realisation of that fact. Sadly though it does mean that a lot of impact in the closing stages was lost for me. Personally, I hate triangles so that probably didn't help with my feelings towards her. Bunce is an interesting character, as a younger Morb he still has all his faculties and it's his character which becomes the most enriched as he seems to be as unwilling to accept his future as Skyla but for very different reasons. Kian is one which I want to know so much more about, given that book 2 is "Avian" i'm hoping we'll get more of his story as there is certainly a lot more going on which created an almost fantasy element to the story, and why am I feeling so strangely drawn towards Bullet?
Where did it fall short then? The revelation involving Clover left me feeling confused and "what's next" it didn't seem to really factor into much. Tess's arc felt rushed and to be honest, I thought there would be much more to arise out of an underworld bargain made by Skyla. The sex wasn't particularly well written which surprised me as earlier connections in the story felt organic, but when this level was reached with the characters the writing just felt cringy. Maybe I'll revisit some of these points after reading book 2 however, I have to accept that it was very much a page turner with imagary that stays firmly entrenched in the mind, with thriller style pacing and situations which individually did get my heart thumping.
One big issue, which is I would assume down to the publisher and not the author (so i'm not deducting anything for it) is that the way book looks isn't great. The chapter openers offer a baffling use of drop caps and the scene breaks are huge and took up half a page of my kindle! This was very distracting (perhaps more so as i'm a formatter) and something that perhaps needs to be looked at.
I certainly want to know how the ends get tied together and for the most part it did find this a great read so it gets a solid 4*
Character wise, Skyla is a difficult one. To start you really feel for her, she just wants to be left alone and has no interest in becoming a host. However, as her character progresses she becomes pretty unlikeable, but the author does seem to give her some sense of self realisation of that fact. Sadly though it does mean that a lot of impact in the closing stages was lost for me. Personally, I hate triangles so that probably didn't help with my feelings towards her. Bunce is an interesting character, as a younger Morb he still has all his faculties and it's his character which becomes the most enriched as he seems to be as unwilling to accept his future as Skyla but for very different reasons. Kian is one which I want to know so much more about, given that book 2 is "Avian" i'm hoping we'll get more of his story as there is certainly a lot more going on which created an almost fantasy element to the story, and why am I feeling so strangely drawn towards Bullet?
Where did it fall short then? The revelation involving Clover left me feeling confused and "what's next" it didn't seem to really factor into much. Tess's arc felt rushed and to be honest, I thought there would be much more to arise out of an underworld bargain made by Skyla. The sex wasn't particularly well written which surprised me as earlier connections in the story felt organic, but when this level was reached with the characters the writing just felt cringy. Maybe I'll revisit some of these points after reading book 2 however, I have to accept that it was very much a page turner with imagary that stays firmly entrenched in the mind, with thriller style pacing and situations which individually did get my heart thumping.
One big issue, which is I would assume down to the publisher and not the author (so i'm not deducting anything for it) is that the way book looks isn't great. The chapter openers offer a baffling use of drop caps and the scene breaks are huge and took up half a page of my kindle! This was very distracting (perhaps more so as i'm a formatter) and something that perhaps needs to be looked at.
I certainly want to know how the ends get tied together and for the most part it did find this a great read so it gets a solid 4*
August 30, 2018
A dystopian story set in Gale City. A city of distinct areas depending on who you are. Privileged Morbihan, the workers or Skels, the guards, and the Mutti. Each has a purpose and for the female Skels if they are fortunate to be chosen, becoming a surrogate is something that is to be looked forward to, to elevate them from their harsh lives, but then Skyla isn’t most girls.
I am always a little bit wary when I begin to read a dystopian story, I wonder if it will be too technologically based and complex or being a bit too far-fetched. No worries with Skeletal, the author got it spot on for me.
Skeletal is addictive and from the very first pages I was drawn in an found myself eagerly turning the pages in this brilliant story. Skyla is a great character, she is strong-willed and eternally cautious. She doesn’t want to follow the herd but also has to appear to be like everyone else.
When she is placed with a Morbihan family she finally gets a glimpse at how the other half live and also gets to meet Bunce. Bunce is a Morbihan but as he nearing adulthood he is scared about what will happen to him. Skyla and Bunce are in some ways very alike and also different, you will get what I mean when you read the book. Between them they build up a bigger picture of how each other live, and I have to say that privileged doesn’t always mean having the better life.
I could really go on about this story a lot, but I am doing my usual vague ramble because I really do not want to spoil anything for other readers. What the author has achieved with this book is an ability to bring not only the characters but, also the setting of the story out with some vivid and imaginative descriptions. I found it easy to imagine the setting as I read. The city is one of contrasts between several groups of its inhabitants, it is brutal, harsh, and definitely not a place you would want to visit, but wrapped up within this is a sense of belonging to a community, of being part of something, it is a small sense, but it is there as the truth and trust is not freely given.
As the story progresses there is a real sense of something needed to be achieved by some of the characters, but a society that is oblivious to or that chooses to ignore the truth is one that will not willingly accept change. There are always those who would rather bury their heads in the sand than risk the unknown. As well as those that need change for various reasons.
This is a fantastic read that is at times shocking in its brutal nature but also has an emotional side to it. It shows “human” nature at its very best and at its very worst.
If you like dark and disturbing dystopian fiction then this is a book that you really need to read, I read this in two sittings but could have easily read it in one. It is a story that I would highly recommend and left me eagerly awaiting the next one; Avian.
I am always a little bit wary when I begin to read a dystopian story, I wonder if it will be too technologically based and complex or being a bit too far-fetched. No worries with Skeletal, the author got it spot on for me.
Skeletal is addictive and from the very first pages I was drawn in an found myself eagerly turning the pages in this brilliant story. Skyla is a great character, she is strong-willed and eternally cautious. She doesn’t want to follow the herd but also has to appear to be like everyone else.
When she is placed with a Morbihan family she finally gets a glimpse at how the other half live and also gets to meet Bunce. Bunce is a Morbihan but as he nearing adulthood he is scared about what will happen to him. Skyla and Bunce are in some ways very alike and also different, you will get what I mean when you read the book. Between them they build up a bigger picture of how each other live, and I have to say that privileged doesn’t always mean having the better life.
I could really go on about this story a lot, but I am doing my usual vague ramble because I really do not want to spoil anything for other readers. What the author has achieved with this book is an ability to bring not only the characters but, also the setting of the story out with some vivid and imaginative descriptions. I found it easy to imagine the setting as I read. The city is one of contrasts between several groups of its inhabitants, it is brutal, harsh, and definitely not a place you would want to visit, but wrapped up within this is a sense of belonging to a community, of being part of something, it is a small sense, but it is there as the truth and trust is not freely given.
As the story progresses there is a real sense of something needed to be achieved by some of the characters, but a society that is oblivious to or that chooses to ignore the truth is one that will not willingly accept change. There are always those who would rather bury their heads in the sand than risk the unknown. As well as those that need change for various reasons.
This is a fantastic read that is at times shocking in its brutal nature but also has an emotional side to it. It shows “human” nature at its very best and at its very worst.
If you like dark and disturbing dystopian fiction then this is a book that you really need to read, I read this in two sittings but could have easily read it in one. It is a story that I would highly recommend and left me eagerly awaiting the next one; Avian.
October 29, 2017
I really enjoy reading a dystopian story every so often so when I saw the description for Skeletal I just had to read it. Emma Pullar writes in a brilliantly descriptive way that really sets the scene and draws you in. Skeletal has such an interesting premise and after reading a couple of chapters I couldn't wait to find out even more.
Skyla is an intriguing character she knows her own mind and I loved that. She doesn't want to follow the crowd and the rules that govern them even though she has to. Skyla's world is bleak and it's down to the fact she is a Skel and you can feel that desperation coming from the pages. Especially at the Showcase where everyone is hoping to be picked. I enjoyed seeing the tentative friendship between Skyla and Bunce play out. There is also dark humour within the book mainly coming from Skyla's observations but it made this book even more entertaining. It feels as if Skyla is alone in her thinking making her character even more isolated in this upside down society. Where there is such a divide as the Morbs live in luxury and comfort but the Skel are left to starve.
The pacing of the story is pretty good and I really enjoyed the insights into both the Skels and Morbs lifestyles. There were a few times where I cringed and had to try hard not to think about what had just happened. These parts just added to the overall dark and desperate situation that Skyla and her friends find themselves in. There were a few surprises in Skeletal that really helped to keep me on my toes. I don't want to go into too much detail regarding the plot as it really is worth reading yourself.
A dark and intriguing look into a desperate future with engaging characters that will have you rooting for them every step of the way.
With thanks to Sarah at Bloodhound Books for my copy and invite to join the tour. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Skyla is an intriguing character she knows her own mind and I loved that. She doesn't want to follow the crowd and the rules that govern them even though she has to. Skyla's world is bleak and it's down to the fact she is a Skel and you can feel that desperation coming from the pages. Especially at the Showcase where everyone is hoping to be picked. I enjoyed seeing the tentative friendship between Skyla and Bunce play out. There is also dark humour within the book mainly coming from Skyla's observations but it made this book even more entertaining. It feels as if Skyla is alone in her thinking making her character even more isolated in this upside down society. Where there is such a divide as the Morbs live in luxury and comfort but the Skel are left to starve.
The pacing of the story is pretty good and I really enjoyed the insights into both the Skels and Morbs lifestyles. There were a few times where I cringed and had to try hard not to think about what had just happened. These parts just added to the overall dark and desperate situation that Skyla and her friends find themselves in. There were a few surprises in Skeletal that really helped to keep me on my toes. I don't want to go into too much detail regarding the plot as it really is worth reading yourself.
A dark and intriguing look into a desperate future with engaging characters that will have you rooting for them every step of the way.
With thanks to Sarah at Bloodhound Books for my copy and invite to join the tour. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
March 10, 2018
I received this book as a Christmas present. First things first. The cover. I love it. It's the kind of book that grabs your attention. The story is centred on Skyla. A young Skel, horrified that her body is to be used against her will to please her superiors. The setting is bleak, a grey backdrop of a dystopian future that no one would want to dwell in.
The story sets off at a steady pace, building the characters with clever touches from the author, who creates this vivid world with ease. There are elements of dark fantasy in the pages, with foul creatures lurking in the background. I especially liked Bunce. A flawed hero. I won't spoil the rest of the plot, suffice to say that the pages really start turning themselves.
The ending was not abrupt, nor was it dragged out. It makes me think that more is to come.
I would strongly recommend this book.
Well done!
The story sets off at a steady pace, building the characters with clever touches from the author, who creates this vivid world with ease. There are elements of dark fantasy in the pages, with foul creatures lurking in the background. I especially liked Bunce. A flawed hero. I won't spoil the rest of the plot, suffice to say that the pages really start turning themselves.
The ending was not abrupt, nor was it dragged out. It makes me think that more is to come.
I would strongly recommend this book.
Well done!
April 28, 2018
I love the world-building in this novel, and hope this story is just the beginning of many more visits to Gale City and beyond. I enjoy dystopian fiction;my only issue is that so many times it is written for the YA audience with an emphasis on "Y," and I like more depth, more grit, sometimes. This book doesnt shy away from adult themes, such as starvation, slavery, sexual need, love and loss. Sometimes, good folks die & the bad go on living... Looking forward to more from this author. (less)
March 17, 2018
I love reading books from new authors - something special about it. The 20 reviews suggest it's not flying off the shelves, but deserves to be, it's a great read.
It's a gruesome, captivating and the characters are written with a belief. Be one of the first to discover this book. Jut shy of a 5. A great debut book.
It's a gruesome, captivating and the characters are written with a belief. Be one of the first to discover this book. Jut shy of a 5. A great debut book.
July 5, 2018
Not my usual genre of reading but really enjoyed this book, great characters and could picture the setting
October 27, 2017
*Thanks to Sarah Hardy and the team at Bloodhound Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*
At the beginning of the book, we are introduced to Megan Skyla, who is a Skeletal. In the world they live in, the Skeletals do all the manual and menial work.
This evening is the annual Showcase, where surrogates are picked for the more intelligent and obese Morbihans. Most Skeletals dream of this day, and are desperate to be picked as hosts. Skyla is an exception to the rule – she believes there is more to life.
Unfortunately, Skylar’s plan to not get picked fails miserably, and she finds herself living in a Morbihan home.
Teaming up with several others, she plans to show the world that there is more to life. Can they do it?
When I heard about this book, I was intrigued. I wouldn’t count myself as a literary thriller reader, however I do like dystopian novels, so I was delighted when asked to review it.
Whilst I wouldn’t necessarily call it a thriller, it was a very enjoyable plot. I enjoyed the Showcase element and the introduction to Skylar’s new life, but the plot really gets going once the adventure starts.
Skylar is an unusual character. She doesn’t trust others easily, and with her strong opinions it takes her a while to find a group who think like she does. She does a great job of leading the gang and being the one to keep her cool.
There are some quite gruesome and gory parts to the story, and I had to skim read them as I’m quite squeamish!
Overall, a good book.
At the beginning of the book, we are introduced to Megan Skyla, who is a Skeletal. In the world they live in, the Skeletals do all the manual and menial work.
This evening is the annual Showcase, where surrogates are picked for the more intelligent and obese Morbihans. Most Skeletals dream of this day, and are desperate to be picked as hosts. Skyla is an exception to the rule – she believes there is more to life.
Unfortunately, Skylar’s plan to not get picked fails miserably, and she finds herself living in a Morbihan home.
Teaming up with several others, she plans to show the world that there is more to life. Can they do it?
When I heard about this book, I was intrigued. I wouldn’t count myself as a literary thriller reader, however I do like dystopian novels, so I was delighted when asked to review it.
Whilst I wouldn’t necessarily call it a thriller, it was a very enjoyable plot. I enjoyed the Showcase element and the introduction to Skylar’s new life, but the plot really gets going once the adventure starts.
Skylar is an unusual character. She doesn’t trust others easily, and with her strong opinions it takes her a while to find a group who think like she does. She does a great job of leading the gang and being the one to keep her cool.
There are some quite gruesome and gory parts to the story, and I had to skim read them as I’m quite squeamish!
Overall, a good book.
October 28, 2017
This book is set in a dystopian future where Skels and Morbihans live in Gale City which is controlled by the Centrals. When Skel girls reah twenty they take part in the Showcase for the opportunity to become a host for a Morbihan family - Morbihans can't breed so Skel women carry their babies. All Skel girls find this an exciting opportunity apart from Skylar. The book follows Skylar from the Showcase and her decision that there is more to life than being a host. Not the usual genre I read - reminded me of The Hunger Games and Insurgent. Good enough read but felt it was more of a young adult read.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and Emma Pullar for the opportinity to read and review this book.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and Emma Pullar for the opportinity to read and review this book.
April 3, 2020
This book is a mess, a major rip off from the Wall-E movie the 'Morbs' are in floating chairs (hope you paid Disney a fee for the idea!) it was an uncomfortable read for me it felt offensive and so so wrong, racist you name it I struggled with it in this book. All the white people are morbidly obese the black people are worked like slaves, super slim but oh so beautiful SO much wrong with this authors mind! Poor ideas, not original, poorly written (needs better editing), lack of characterisation, a few ideas were 'borrowed' from other books on a similar theme (which were done SO Much better!).
Poorly written, simple/narrow minded & offensive.
Poorly written, simple/narrow minded & offensive.
December 11, 2020
This dystopian thriller is different from anything I’ve read before & I found it quite easy to imagine the plot as a film, set sometime in the future with a distorted world far beyond the one we know now. Skyla, the main character, is feisty & brave, seeking to cure the Morbihan of their obesity in order to release herself from the situation of ‘host’ that she finds herself in. This is well-written & imaginative although I would have liked more description of the scenes. There are grammar errors too, but this doesn’t detract from the story. Very enjoyable.
November 5, 2017
I love dystopia.. and was excited by the cover blurb. My bad! This was awful. The main character was highly unlikeable, the story jumped about and eventually went... nowhere. It was sheer force of will that made me finish, half hoping that the premise would actually deliver.. but no. The very idea that it’s ‘handmaids tale meets Hunger Games’ is a massive disservice to both those novels. Redeeming feature? It was on KU so didn’t involve wasting any money ! Avoid!
October 24, 2017
I’ll be honest and say this book really wasn’t for me.
At first it reminded of the Hunger Games but it was a bit too futuristic and didn’t really grab me.
I liked the characters Sklar and Bunce and the style of writing is very creative.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for sending me an advance copy to read.
At first it reminded of the Hunger Games but it was a bit too futuristic and didn’t really grab me.
I liked the characters Sklar and Bunce and the style of writing is very creative.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for sending me an advance copy to read.
August 20, 2020
Enjoyable
I liked the book, it kept my interest, it was different from any other dystopian books I've read, apart from a couple of errors with words, the writing was ok, I will be reading the follow up to find out how it all works together.
I liked the book, it kept my interest, it was different from any other dystopian books I've read, apart from a couple of errors with words, the writing was ok, I will be reading the follow up to find out how it all works together.
July 23, 2019
Disappointed
Not tense, made little sense and none of the characters were likeable. I felt characters were killed off so that they wouldn't need developed
Not tense, made little sense and none of the characters were likeable. I felt characters were killed off so that they wouldn't need developed
April 26, 2020
The first 30% was good and I had high hopes because it's an interesting concept but everything after that was a slog and got weird, not in the good way. Will give the follow up book a miss I think!
November 7, 2017
This is not my usual genre of book but having read The Hunger Games, The Divergent series and Maze Runner and enjoying those I thought i'd give it a go. I am so glad I did, the author manages to pull you in from page 1 - the prologue had me hooked.
This book has a familiarity that I think comes with dystopian novels but its also completely unique and takes the whole "New world order" in a very different way than I've read before.
The detail the author has gone into is amazing - she completely immerses you within the world of Skeletal. The world itself has such depth and description, there's the Skel's, the Eremites, the Morbians, the High-Host's, Guards, Central, the Rock Vault, Gale City and so much more! I love how descriptive this book is and not with just sight and sound the vivid imagination the author has and the imagery she uses when describing smell was enough to make me want to vomit in places, it is really fantastic albeit kind of gross!
The story itself is also good and although its been done before (protagonist is unhappy with the way certain things are in his or her life and decides to do something about it - follow a little death, destruction and action and hopefully they come out the other side of adventure better people with a better world to live in) the way this author does it is different. I liked not knowing where the story was going and meeting new people just as Skyla did because it made you feel as though you were going along on the journey with her.
The overall feeling of the book is quite dark and repressive, it doesn't instill hope at all but somehow this works to make the story more believable.
As odd as it sounds I didn't like Skyla at all - she's selfish, brash, rude and a mess but I can understand why she's like that and she works great as the main character. Kian is a mystery and while I don't get Skyla's love of him I can understand her need of him, to feel safe even for just a few minutes must bring great relief to someone who has lived her life. Bunce was by far my favorite character - that sweet fat little boy stole my heart instantly and I believe it's his innocence and naivety that draws you in and makes you want to love him and want to protect him.
The author did a great job with this book and I think it's hard to believe it's her debut! I can not wait to read the next book - there has to be a sequel!
This book has a familiarity that I think comes with dystopian novels but its also completely unique and takes the whole "New world order" in a very different way than I've read before.
The detail the author has gone into is amazing - she completely immerses you within the world of Skeletal. The world itself has such depth and description, there's the Skel's, the Eremites, the Morbians, the High-Host's, Guards, Central, the Rock Vault, Gale City and so much more! I love how descriptive this book is and not with just sight and sound the vivid imagination the author has and the imagery she uses when describing smell was enough to make me want to vomit in places, it is really fantastic albeit kind of gross!
The story itself is also good and although its been done before (protagonist is unhappy with the way certain things are in his or her life and decides to do something about it - follow a little death, destruction and action and hopefully they come out the other side of adventure better people with a better world to live in) the way this author does it is different. I liked not knowing where the story was going and meeting new people just as Skyla did because it made you feel as though you were going along on the journey with her.
The overall feeling of the book is quite dark and repressive, it doesn't instill hope at all but somehow this works to make the story more believable.
As odd as it sounds I didn't like Skyla at all - she's selfish, brash, rude and a mess but I can understand why she's like that and she works great as the main character. Kian is a mystery and while I don't get Skyla's love of him I can understand her need of him, to feel safe even for just a few minutes must bring great relief to someone who has lived her life. Bunce was by far my favorite character - that sweet fat little boy stole my heart instantly and I believe it's his innocence and naivety that draws you in and makes you want to love him and want to protect him.
The author did a great job with this book and I think it's hard to believe it's her debut! I can not wait to read the next book - there has to be a sequel!
October 27, 2017
Set in a dystopian future, it follows the story of a Skel named Skyla. Skels are seen as workers, to use and abused until their usefulness runs out but certain ones are used as ‘hosts’ to bear the children of the so-called superior race called the Morbihan’s. Skyla is selected to be one of these hosts but she has never been good at following rules. With the help of Bunce, a young morb who doesn’t want to become immobile and overweight like the rest of his race, she sets out to find a cure for the Mobihan condition.
Now I’ve been reading Bloodhound books for a few months now, and I can safely say this book is nothing like anything I’ve ever read from this publisher before.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me, making me angry, teary and occasionally a little nauseous.
Emma Pullar has created a very disturbing and vivid world. I’m not going to lie, it’s not the easiest of reads and is a little slow to start off with, but stick with it, it’s worth it.
Skyla seems to be a product of this harsh world. Frankly at the beginning of the novel, I didn’t find her that likeable (that’s it’s understandable when you’re seen as either disposable or as an incubator) but as the story went on and we find out more about her, I grew to like her a bit more. I absolutely loved Bunce, he’s clumsy and naive but it’s obvious that he cares for Skyla.
I hope this is not the last I’ll be reading about Skyla.
If you enjoyed the Hunger Games or Maze Runner and are looking for something a little more adult, this is the book for you.
Now I’ve been reading Bloodhound books for a few months now, and I can safely say this book is nothing like anything I’ve ever read from this publisher before.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me, making me angry, teary and occasionally a little nauseous.
Emma Pullar has created a very disturbing and vivid world. I’m not going to lie, it’s not the easiest of reads and is a little slow to start off with, but stick with it, it’s worth it.
Skyla seems to be a product of this harsh world. Frankly at the beginning of the novel, I didn’t find her that likeable (that’s it’s understandable when you’re seen as either disposable or as an incubator) but as the story went on and we find out more about her, I grew to like her a bit more. I absolutely loved Bunce, he’s clumsy and naive but it’s obvious that he cares for Skyla.
I hope this is not the last I’ll be reading about Skyla.
If you enjoyed the Hunger Games or Maze Runner and are looking for something a little more adult, this is the book for you.
October 28, 2017
The world has been destroyed; all that is left is Gale City. The city is under the strict rule of the Central. This world is divided between the Skeletal and the Morbihan. The Morbihan have everything they could want, are obese, and infertile. The Skeletal resemble their name and are the slaves and workers for the Morbihan.
It is time for Showcase where Skels are lined up and chosen to bear the children for the Morbihan. This is the only chance the Skels have a better life. But Skylar is different; she questions her world and wants out. She is going to learn more about this world than she ever thought and will open more than just her eyes.
This is an amazing dystopian story. The world has become deeply divided between the haves and have nots. Skylar is a have not and does whatever she can to survive. But she wants out of this world. With her invitation for Showcase she thinks that she has found the way out. I loved Bunce, he is that opposite view point that Skylar needs and she is the breath of reality he needs.
This is a great story. It has one heck of an ending and makes it feel like the first in a series. I hope it is, I would love to read more about Skylar.
I received Skeletal from Bloodhound Books for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
It is time for Showcase where Skels are lined up and chosen to bear the children for the Morbihan. This is the only chance the Skels have a better life. But Skylar is different; she questions her world and wants out. She is going to learn more about this world than she ever thought and will open more than just her eyes.
This is an amazing dystopian story. The world has become deeply divided between the haves and have nots. Skylar is a have not and does whatever she can to survive. But she wants out of this world. With her invitation for Showcase she thinks that she has found the way out. I loved Bunce, he is that opposite view point that Skylar needs and she is the breath of reality he needs.
This is a great story. It has one heck of an ending and makes it feel like the first in a series. I hope it is, I would love to read more about Skylar.
I received Skeletal from Bloodhound Books for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
October 27, 2017
Skeletal is an action packed thriller with a difference.
We follow the journey of Skyla who is a Skel. Which means she has a difficult life, and it is about to take a turn for the worse.
Having to be showcased and work for a system that is unjust.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, especially through Skyla's point of view, She is a fascinating character and doesn't sit back and let the choices made for her stop her from being what she wants.
There is an unlikely friendship between her and Bunce, who was a character like no other.
Emma has crafted a masterpiece and led us through an alternative life, it was beautifully descriptive and graphic.
The characters were brought to life so clearly and cleverly, explanations were given in such a way that flowed within the storylines without jarring.
An extremely twisted thriller with action and tension on every page.
I highly recommend that if you haven't tried a dystopian novel, this is the one you must pop your cherry to and read.
It isn't my go to genre, but since the Hunger Games Trilogy I have read a few more than I would have previously, and I can honestly say that this is the best that I have read and you will be alongside Skyla on her journey.
We follow the journey of Skyla who is a Skel. Which means she has a difficult life, and it is about to take a turn for the worse.
Having to be showcased and work for a system that is unjust.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, especially through Skyla's point of view, She is a fascinating character and doesn't sit back and let the choices made for her stop her from being what she wants.
There is an unlikely friendship between her and Bunce, who was a character like no other.
Emma has crafted a masterpiece and led us through an alternative life, it was beautifully descriptive and graphic.
The characters were brought to life so clearly and cleverly, explanations were given in such a way that flowed within the storylines without jarring.
An extremely twisted thriller with action and tension on every page.
I highly recommend that if you haven't tried a dystopian novel, this is the one you must pop your cherry to and read.
It isn't my go to genre, but since the Hunger Games Trilogy I have read a few more than I would have previously, and I can honestly say that this is the best that I have read and you will be alongside Skyla on her journey.
November 29, 2017
I love sci-fi, fantasy and horror so this book was right up my dark alley. Dystopian stories are all the rage at the moment. It seems that the human race has already accepted that we are completely screwed if we continue down this particular path. Our fascination with dystopian possibilities must be a defence mechanism, as if we are preparing for the inevitable.
The author (Emma Pullar) manages to add her own unique spin on a tale which initially treads some familiar ground but then veers off into unexplored avenues in a unique, bleak landscape. I do enjoy reading a story which keeps me guessing, engaged and slightly off-edge. Skeletal manages to do all three, although for me it was a little predictable early on. Once this story finds its feet, it sets a pounding, unpredictable rhythm that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The book is darker and much more visceral than some of the more famous dystopian novels out there but it never feels gratuitous and helps it to stand out amoung the crowd. Nothing that occurs in the story feels out of place or forced. There's just enough dark humour and hope to lighten the despicable elements and balance out the horrific aspects.
I look forward to the exploring more of this world and journeying further with the characters in the next book.
The author (Emma Pullar) manages to add her own unique spin on a tale which initially treads some familiar ground but then veers off into unexplored avenues in a unique, bleak landscape. I do enjoy reading a story which keeps me guessing, engaged and slightly off-edge. Skeletal manages to do all three, although for me it was a little predictable early on. Once this story finds its feet, it sets a pounding, unpredictable rhythm that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The book is darker and much more visceral than some of the more famous dystopian novels out there but it never feels gratuitous and helps it to stand out amoung the crowd. Nothing that occurs in the story feels out of place or forced. There's just enough dark humour and hope to lighten the despicable elements and balance out the horrific aspects.
I look forward to the exploring more of this world and journeying further with the characters in the next book.
January 27, 2018
I am addicted to this book! Emma is such a great writer and wow, she's drawn me and I can not stop reading. Her writing style is very easy to understand and she brings out a lot of different emotions in her words. The storyline and universe are soo unusual but it's amazing how much I've fallen in love. It kind of reminds me of our world where some people don't have the option to make their own choices.
Fortunately, it doesn't remind me of anything I've read, which actually I think is a good thing as I hate books where you can tell that it's tried ripping off another book. We need more unusual storylines as I feel most books out there could be similar if not the same. I love the action that's included from the start. You can certainly tell that Skyla is not happy with her new life and she's going to do everything in her power to change it.
Books that create a host of questions in my mind are definitely the best! They get you thinking about everything and wondering about what's actually going to happen. Is there a cure for the Morbihan condition? Will she find it in time? Will her life easily just go back to how it used to be? What will happen to all the people with the Morbihan condition? What will be her happily ever after?
Fortunately, it doesn't remind me of anything I've read, which actually I think is a good thing as I hate books where you can tell that it's tried ripping off another book. We need more unusual storylines as I feel most books out there could be similar if not the same. I love the action that's included from the start. You can certainly tell that Skyla is not happy with her new life and she's going to do everything in her power to change it.
Books that create a host of questions in my mind are definitely the best! They get you thinking about everything and wondering about what's actually going to happen. Is there a cure for the Morbihan condition? Will she find it in time? Will her life easily just go back to how it used to be? What will happen to all the people with the Morbihan condition? What will be her happily ever after?
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