Scaled

Deep Skin #1

by J.T. Ashmore

A meteor explodes over the Midwest, and teens exposed to the fragments break out in a rash of glittering scales. Among the affected are a homophobic bully, an honor student, and a witty gay guy. Zack, Hilde, and Silas overcome their initial antagonism to form an unlikely alliance. As the scales spread over their bodies, they must work together to combat their self-loathing, accept their alienness, and escape the forces bent on crushing them.

Genres: LGBT, Science Fiction, Fantasy

359 pages, Paperback

First published August 2, 2020

About the author

J.T. Ashmore is a fiction writer, poet, college professor, and editor. When not writing, Ashmore enjoys painting, reading, and exploring the Loess Hills that border the Missouri River.

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very compelling read. Hard to put down. The plot moves along at a good clip but not at the expense of character development, so realistic that the teenagers remind me of some I have known. Many good themes for YA (and other) readers — the pain of being different, the longing to belong, alienation from family and society, the threat of drug addiction and sexual abuse, homophobia, teen pregnancy, and more. No doubt this novel was conceived and written before the Age of COVID-19, but it hits some familiar chords as the infected are vilified and quarantined, and everybody is hoping for a vaccine and return to normalcy. For this series I will break my rule of reading only the first novel of a YA trilogy. I look forward to the second in the Deep Skin series by J.T. Ashmore.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. The pacing and the tension was fantastic, to the point where I read it in only two sittings, one of those resulting in me forgetting to eat dinner.

The main characters, Hilde, Silas, and Zack, are well-fleshed out and believable as characters. What I especially appreciated was how well the author integrated real issues like identity, sexuality, pregnancy, violence, political dystopia, and found-family with fun science fiction elements. It reads like a story should.

Definitely recommend to anyone who is interested in science fiction, well-done dystopia (this avoided a lot of the tropes you see in YA dystopia these days), LGBT identity, found family, or great depictions of the upper Midwestern U.S. I'll definitely read the sequel as soon as it comes out.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend clued me in to this knowing I enjoyed a good YA Sci-Fi novel, and Scaled didn't disappoint. It hit my favorite part of the genre (honing of newly discovered powers, multiple characters providing narration, and fugitive teens on the run from an antagonist government) but mixed in a new element rarely seen in Sci-Fi of a well rounded LGBT character that felt authentic and fresh. Looking forward to Book 2.

[Barbara Clifton Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scaled is a young adult sci-fi novel, the first book in a trilogy, and a great read even for those who don’t always choose sci-fi or YA. The premise is science fiction – a meteor that contains alien DNA strikes the earth and “infects” teenagers – but the essence of the book is how three well-developed teen characters grapple with what happens to them when they develop iridescent scales all over their bodies.

It’s about the pain of being different; the fear that drives people to try to destroy what they don’t understand; the hate and prejudice that are invariably directed at those who don’t look like us; and the bonds of love and friendship that can allow human beings to transcend even the darkest days. In many ways, Scaled is a story for our times.

The story moves quickly, with plenty of action, a little romance, and all of the angst of a good coming-of-age tale.

I loved it! I look forward to reading the next two novels.

[Charles Bill McKenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant concept. A meteor falls to earth and infects only teenagers who grow iridescent scales and develop mysterious powers. Focus becomes on a small group of fugitives who have an interesting a provocative interaction. A lot of underlying on otherness and the way the world reacts to it. I'm familiar with the area where the story begins and it's fun to be able to visualize where they are. Some deep speculation went into constructing this world. This is definitely book one of a series. There are many unanswered questions in the end and a lot of doors are left opened to lead into book two, which is yet to come at this date. Very visual and seems custom made for a film adaptation. Narration switches back and forth between three first person accounts and occasional chapters in the third person that focuses on a nemesis. Impressive accomplishment and it will be fun to see if it finds a wide audience.

[Eleanor Frisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This YA science fiction novel is a wonderful read for either teenagers or adults. If you're looking for a book with punchy, beautiful prose that expertly navigates the thorny issues of identity and coming of age in the modern world, you've found it. One could label this book "dystopian," but in fact the dystopian aspects of the book reflect our real society. The three young adult protagonists, Zach, Silas, and Hilde, are three-dimensional characters struggling with what it means to feel like an outsider in a world that discriminates against and stereotypes them simply because of who they are. But the book isn't your typical mushy "coming of age" story. It is full of fun action as the characters race across the midwest to escape the forces--from both the government and hateful private citizens--that wish to persecute them. Not to mention (very mild early spoiler alert)... SUPERPOWERS!!!! This book offers the best kind of balance between action and character development. Highly recommend!

[Lori J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scaled is a fast-paced dystopian novel with well-developed and sympathetic characters. It reminded me of the Ashfall series which is also set in Iowa. Contemporary issues are imbedded throughout but do not deter from the plot. We realize that we don’t really learn from our errors in the past as in the internment camps where we tried to shut away our fears with no concern for humanity.
My favorite part was when the ‘underground’ was forming a way to give the protagonists (and the reader) hope in their struggles to understand their plight.
Th scaled concept makes the reader realize how we view the ‘different’ people in our society and how we soon develop an hysteria of fear, similar reactions to COVID or AIDS.
I give it a 5-star rating for its ability to entrance the reader with the plot line and preparation of the revelation of what’s really happening. I am very excited that the next book will be published soon.

[Robert P]

I enjoyed Scaled a great deal. I did not know if I would like it before I began but once I started, I wanted to learn more and more and became captivated with each chapter. I really loved the various perspectives of each character weaving the chapters and stories together. I found the book very enticing and wanting for more. Very suspenseful and thrilling. The metaphors of this work of fiction and our reality of our country today are eerie while being heartfelt, instructional, and entertaining. A must-read!

[Adam J. Frisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Scaled” is a quick, exciting read. It features three “outlier” young adult characters who become infected by a virus from a meteoroid that crashes onto one of their farms. All three are authentic portrayals of those of us who are or once were youngsters desperately seeking to discover how to turn our “alien” personalities into meaningful adult roles.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It's dystopian sci fi, and it feels very timely. There's something like an alien pandemic, but it results in internment camps for kids with superpowers. The book mostly follows the lives and perspectives of three teenagers, who have great character development and are fun to get to know. Looking forward to book #2!

[Winfred Emmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great premise. A fast paced look at mutliple current issues thru the lens of a cosmic arrival. wWell delineated characters. LIZARD LIVES MATTER!

[Sally Ashmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the character development and am looking forward to reading the next installment. The descriptions of each character's heightened senses added much to the story.

[Amos Soma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading Scales two weeks ago and have kept it on my nightstand since, thinking about it. It is worth, and of, our time. It moves - spatially, mentally, and emotionally, and it's about the future -promise and doom.

Plot summary: Zack, Zoe, Hilde, Silas, Suzy, and other oddballs experience a meteoric event and are drawn together. Dr. Clausen steeples his fingertips and schemes. Hate, love, and uncertainty swirl til heads spin and long for peace, excepting Clausen's head.

Pivotal quote, minus spoiler: "...The thought of it made my scales stand on end."

Do check this out and get an eyeful, before some filmmaker ruins it.