Skinner: The Saga Begins

by Jesse D'Angelo

Will Shaw just wants a simple life. A former Army Ranger and ex-con, he's trying to leave his past and demons behind... But he can't escape what he is. Something inside of him wants to come out. Children have been going missing. When the mysterious and seductive Janae Jones comes to Will for help taking down a ring of child traffickers known as "The Pack," Will knows he can't refuse.

Everyone has an animal spirit, but very few can call upon their primal power. Some are heroes, others monsters. They are Skinwalkers... Skinners. Will must come to terms with who and what he is, and uncover the secret of his family's violent past. But can he control the beast inside of him? His saga begins here.

364 pages, Paperback

Published December 12, 2023

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

To quote the great Kang, “Holy flurkin’ schnit!” For some reason, I went into this fully expecting something akin to Adam Howe’s One Tough Bastard. The first scene was like something out of a Matrix film, so, again, I thought that I had a solid handle on this book. However, I was quickly surprised when everyone started morphing into talking animals (Wolves, vipers, hyenas, and cheetahs, oh my!) and busting up human traffickers, rekindling old familial grudges, and going on this wild, action-packed adventure. Now it’s rare to see a writer tackle all of these types of scenes with so much going on, and not confuse the reader. But D’Angelo just did it masterfully. And each character was so unique, fun, and interesting that you wanted to binge this story in one sitting. The depth in the plot was also surprisingly done well, and capitalized on a well known phenomenon in certain cultures, but also ran in a different direction with it. There are a fair amount of sensual and lighthearted notes in here, and it does not limit its range, but it all just felt so right. Oh, and there’s also plenty of car chases, gun fights, and gore galore (It rhymes!). It is also the first book in a series, which I normally steer clear of, but this one, folks, has me Hooked Like Helen (Who can figure that reference out?). A solid 4.5 stars!!

[Jesse D'Angelo]

To anyone who didn't like this book and left it a 3-star or below review,

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please don't just leave a rating, leave a review as well! Reviews and critiques are very useful. They help me grow and improve, and see what readers want and don't want. So please feel free to talk smack and explain why you think this book sucks! I assure you, I can take it!

[Joshua Jonah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you want something that is akin to Taken meets Animorphs, this is that book. With interesting main characters that feel like genuine people, both Will and Janae are written with fleshed out plot and as well as a complicated relationship (spicy!). The plot of the book loves relatively fast and is always on its toes, as the reader is waiting for the next big thing to happen. With an easy to follow storyline, this book makes for an almost perfect read, my only issue is that some scenes mainly the last one and a little bit of another dragged for a bit too long, but I will say most of these scenes had wonderful resolutions and I was eager to flip to the next page.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

[DA · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like action packed horror then this book is for you. Two skinwalkers team up to stop a child human trafficking ring. Plenty of guns and things that go boom. Plenty of cool creatures and kills. Characters that make you feel for them.

[John Durgin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a blast with this book! It’s definitely a genre mashup, part action/thriller, part dark urban fantasy? Regardless of what genre you would consider it, it’s nonstop action. I try to avoid spoilers in my reviews, so I’m afraid to say too much about the plot. But there are some darker themes involved such as child abduction (although D’Angelo handles them tastefully). I’m looking forward to the sequel and where it takes us on Will’s journey!

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This is my review of the book's 2023 Special Edition* Wow! The cinematic prose, the large scale visuals, the terrific characters, and the wonderful ending! This is an awesome book, fast-paced, full of action, chases, fights, spicy scenes, sharp dialogue, and amazing world-building. If one can handle violence against minors (not merely for the sake of it, it's an integral part of the plot) and some dark twists, this is simply a must-read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erin Sterett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why I waited so long to read Skinner, but I really enjoyed it! It was action packed from the get go. I went into it not knowing much about the story, but if Jesse wrote it I knew it would be a hit. One thing that I really liked was the how well the characters were written and how it fit the story as it unfolded. It is more of a mix of thriller and fantasy (I think is an appropriate description), so you get people morphing into animals - wolves, cheetas, etc. which was very well done and just kept the book interesting. I really can't wait to see where Will's story takes us next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lynn Dignan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly enjoyed it. Lots of non stop action. Cannot wait to read the next installment. If you are into metamorphic changes and the while the person is undergoing their change from being to another this author does an amazing job in the transition. Highly recommend. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ryan Dejong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petitioning for a movie adaptation

[Shannon Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I’ve come to expect from this author, this was another epic thrill ride. I have to say, I felt some Doomsday Dogs vibes (my favorite by Jesse D’Angelo, one of my top 5 best reads this year and easily one of my top 10 faves books of all-time) and obviously, that made me enjoy this one even more…

There was this expertly crafted synchronization of seemingly incompatible plot lines that really appealed to my brain.
Who would’ve ever thought to combine a crime thriller, an action adventure and shape shifters into one book? Before I read this, I would’ve rolled my eyes at thought of such trope plot lines forced into a single story…
I’m happy to admit, I was wrong and it kept me glued to every word.

My only problem is that, I want to know what happens next with these dexterously-crafted, nuanced cast of characters…

This one was non-stop action and intrigue; so grab it and buckle up!

[Leah Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this phenomenal story in less than 24 hours and let me just tell you ... it was amazingly awesome!! If you want a great story that has you on the edge of your seat the ENTIRE time .. well, this is it! The brilliant talent that Jesse has will, honestly, make you forget that you’re even reading words out of a book and make you become a part of the story! So, go!! Run and follow the adventure of Will Shaw and the ending will definitely blow your mind and keep you wanting more!! So, keep your eyes peeled for the sequel coming soon!!

[Joan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank You Jesse D'Angelo and BookSirens

This was a Action Packed, Indigenous Peoples, Gore Feast novel. Its full of bloody fights and car chases.
The atmosphere is dark and gloomy like in the television series Grimm. It held my attention from page one. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.


Native beliefs explain that a totem animal is one that is with you for lifetime, both in the physical and spiritual world. It is this one totem animal that acts as the main guardian spirit.


Dysfunctional Family Conflicts
Adult Content
Whodunit / Crime

[Sherri Sellers McCune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a fantastic book! Skinwalkers, saving children and a love story, what could be better? This is a fast paced and exciting book I didn't want to put down. Jesse D'Angelo has a way of grabbing the readers attention from the beginning and keeping it until the very last page. He makes his readers feel like a part of the story watching from the sidelines. I fully recommend this story- just don't plan on putting it down once you've started!

I have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. I love how these Skinners, as they call themselves, are not your usual "shifter" animals. Two are - Wolf and Bear - but the majority aren't. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Skinner: The Saga Begins through BookSirens, and have chosen to leave a review.

[Dan Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an epic book this has been and i was lucky to have read it. From the start to finish has been a blast. It's filled with action and has great pace. The story is easy to follow with no boring moments. I say this book is a must have.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the author's other books, Skinner: Special Edition was well-written and fantastic.