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Skins #1
Skins
Following the eight protagonists of series 3 and the forthcoming series 4 over the course of the college summer break, this novel features brand new storylines that do not and will not feature in the series or the upcoming film in 2010. Effy, Freddie, JJ, Cook, Naomi, Pandora, Thomas and Katie are all dealing with the aftermath of the events at the end of series 3. Effy has fled to Italy with her mum, where she tries to put her feelings for Freddie, and the guilt she feels for stealing him from Katie, out of her mind. The perfect distraction come in the form of sophisticated older man, Aldo... Naomi and Emily are struggling with spending time apart when Em goes to France with her parents and battles with her stubborn twin sister, Katie. Back in Bristol, Naomi pines for Emily while wondering about her future education, and Thomas and Pandora are sweetly in love, and finding it difficult to consummate their feelings for each other. Freddy and Cook are engaged in a vigorous game of sexual one-upmanship with a frustrated JJ as referee.
By the end of the summer, the gang will have resolved some issues and brought up some more, but always in the raw, uncompromising, contradictory and authentic narrative style that makes the series so popular and compelling.
By the end of the summer, the gang will have resolved some issues and brought up some more, but always in the raw, uncompromising, contradictory and authentic narrative style that makes the series so popular and compelling.
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
48 people are currently reading
1372 people want to read
About the author
Ali Cronin
31 books59 followersHello. I write YA / NA novels, I’m tall, and my hair is now shorter and redder than in this pic. Other than that, we’re good.
My books have been translated into several languages and have reached the top 10 of both the Amazon and iBooks charts. My LinkedIn page has more CV stuff, plus editorial endorsements.
My favourite food is Thai curry with coconut rice and Christmas cake, tho’ not at the same time HAHA.
I love a stud, of the metal-on-clothes-and-shoes variety. I don’t like studly men. They’re weird and serious. I like silly men, who are weird and lovely.
If I could have anyone over for tea, it’d be Vanessa Bell (for talking about sex in posh accents), Diana Athill (ditto, plus books), Mary Wesley (ditto again, plus the war), Lee Mack (he funny) and Don Draper (he sexy. And, yes, a bit studly. But he’s from the ‘60s so it’s OK).
My books have been translated into several languages and have reached the top 10 of both the Amazon and iBooks charts. My LinkedIn page has more CV stuff, plus editorial endorsements.
My favourite food is Thai curry with coconut rice and Christmas cake, tho’ not at the same time HAHA.
I love a stud, of the metal-on-clothes-and-shoes variety. I don’t like studly men. They’re weird and serious. I like silly men, who are weird and lovely.
If I could have anyone over for tea, it’d be Vanessa Bell (for talking about sex in posh accents), Diana Athill (ditto, plus books), Mary Wesley (ditto again, plus the war), Lee Mack (he funny) and Don Draper (he sexy. And, yes, a bit studly. But he’s from the ‘60s so it’s OK).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
February 25, 2010
So first off, I love Skins. I love it like I've never loved a TV series before. It's just, in one word, amazing. And this book does the opening to series 4 alot of justice. Series 4 has started, and I'd seen the first three episodes before reading this book in just under a week, so it's been fascinating to read up on what went down in Italy and France with Katie, Emily and Effy out and about. Katie as a character has really spoken to me through the novel, which was a great introduction to the latest episode of Skins since it was about her.
Though the book was centrally focussed on Effy, Emily and Naomi, it was worth the read. I would have liked more JJ and Pandora action.
A note on the author's writing: it was well written, and each of the characters were amazingly true and real. Ali has done a fantastic job!
Though the book was centrally focussed on Effy, Emily and Naomi, it was worth the read. I would have liked more JJ and Pandora action.
A note on the author's writing: it was well written, and each of the characters were amazingly true and real. Ali has done a fantastic job!
February 16, 2010
I was really impressed with how true to the characters voices the novel was. A must read for any Skins fan.
April 6, 2010
I have to admit, that I absolutely love Skins. There is something about it's rawness that makes it so captivating and I thought that Ali Cronin did a very good job at capturing that characters voices, it really did seem like we were inside their heads. But I do have a bit of a problem with the story line, it seems like the whole book was too wrapped up in sex, everything was about sex. Even Naomi and Emily's relationship which I always found to be very loving seemed to completely evolve around it. Yes, Skins has a lot of sex in it but that is not ALL it is about. Also the story seemed to stop right before everything was getting good, when we seemed to really be getting into the summer drama. Otherwise the book was entertaining and it was good to hear from the characters again.
June 23, 2010
Skins: The Novel is the first book to be released based on the popular E4/Channel 4 programme, Skins. Based in Bristol, the book takes off from Series 3 of the tv series, and tells the story of the summer that passes in-between Series 3, and Series 4 (currently airing on E4 on Thursday nights at 10pm).
The book was written by Ali Cronin, a freelance writer from the UK, and captures the characters brilliantly. It feels exactly like watching the programme. The characters sound right in your head. You can believe that it's them speaking. It seems to have come easy to Cronin. It doesn't feel like too much thinking has gone into the dialogue, because it matches the characters perfectly.
The only downfall of the book is that some scenes go far too quickly, taking a page or less.
I recommend this book very highly, although only for 18+. It does feature a fair bit of swearing, and there are a few sex scenes that aren't really appropriate for younger readers.
The book was written by Ali Cronin, a freelance writer from the UK, and captures the characters brilliantly. It feels exactly like watching the programme. The characters sound right in your head. You can believe that it's them speaking. It seems to have come easy to Cronin. It doesn't feel like too much thinking has gone into the dialogue, because it matches the characters perfectly.
The only downfall of the book is that some scenes go far too quickly, taking a page or less.
I recommend this book very highly, although only for 18+. It does feature a fair bit of swearing, and there are a few sex scenes that aren't really appropriate for younger readers.
Want to read
February 10, 2011OH MY FUCKING GOD. SOOO... I was in FullyBooked a while ago, then I heard this girl freakin' out "OHMIGOSH" because of the book she found. She was like "OMG. Can't believe I found it!"... so when she was about to pay for the book, I had a glimpse of it and I saw the effin' face of Effy, Freddie and Cook of SKINS.
Unfortunately, there are no stocks left. BUT.. BUT... FUUUCK. SKINS is one of the most amazing shows ever created. EVER.
OHMY.OHMY.OHMY.
Unfortunately, there are no stocks left. BUT.. BUT... FUUUCK. SKINS is one of the most amazing shows ever created. EVER.
OHMY.OHMY.OHMY.
August 9, 2023
Bro this is LITERALLY fan fiction I am going insane this does not do the show ANY justice. What about capturing each character? What about not just making it sound so superficial and like everyone is a sex-addicted, selfish, emotionally-immature delinquent? Like ok those might be main topics on the show, but contrary to this book, the show is very well executed, not cringe asf and A LOT more entertaining and real. Tbh it would be more tolerable if independent from the show and slightly better written.
I don’t mean to be harsh but I do actually. I just feel so disappointed bc I love the show sm but whatever :(
2 stars for being a little entertaining sometimes and for the effort ig
I don’t mean to be harsh but I do actually. I just feel so disappointed bc I love the show sm but whatever :(
2 stars for being a little entertaining sometimes and for the effort ig
February 2, 2010
So it's a little embarrassing that I've read this book, but I am totally obsessed with the show so I guess it makes sense. I thought the book did a pretty good job of capturing the voices of the characters, although I don't know if this book was really necessary as a precursor to the 4th season/series, because not a lot happens. I did enjoy this as a companion, but let's be honest I would rather watch these characters and listen to the awesome soundtrack than read about them.
October 23, 2012
Seriously, this is what they put out after that great series? I didn't even finish this it was so boring. R18, you've got to be joking. Just because it's got swearwords and some lame sex scenes doesn't make it R18. I'm not going to say anymore, because I wasted my money, so it doesn't deserve a real review.
May 13, 2022
could effy stop being so annoying for like 5 seconds (i still wanna be her tho)
February 28, 2011
Some parts were good, some parts were right well terrible. I would have much rather watched the show, than read this sorry excuse for fan-fiction. Still gave it three stars because I love Skins. That is all.
August 24, 2010
Oft, this is terrible. It's in the style of really terrible fanfiction. It's really really bad. Please, for the sake of your sanity, for the sake of your brain cells, don't read it.
August 21, 2018
I feel like this book wasn’t necessary, nothing about it in anyway needed to be written. What I loved about skins (the emotional turmoil and differing set of characters) was there but it got so tedious reading about sex and drugs and parties which normally come in montages in the show. It seemed a little overworked and arbitrary reading constantly about various sexual exploits and I got bored of it very quickly.
Also, I tend to really hate story lines with young girls and older men having a sort of romantic relationship and effy didn’t deserve to be constantly thirsting over an old man.
I did like seeing the friendships evolve, specifically the Katie and Effy and JJ, cook and Freddie and how they interacted.
I guess it wasn’t the books fault, but for me personally there’s a reason why skins was a TV show and not a book in the first place
Also, I tend to really hate story lines with young girls and older men having a sort of romantic relationship and effy didn’t deserve to be constantly thirsting over an old man.
I did like seeing the friendships evolve, specifically the Katie and Effy and JJ, cook and Freddie and how they interacted.
I guess it wasn’t the books fault, but for me personally there’s a reason why skins was a TV show and not a book in the first place
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2016
2.5/5
Espero que esta vez no tenga problemas con la reseña porque hace desde ayer a las 5 de la mañana que estoy tratando de hacerla y mi pc e internet me lo impidieron
Fue muy difícil calificar este libro.
Primero que nada, hay que decir que este libro se desarrolla entre el final de la 3ra temporada y el principio de la 4ta. Si viste la serie, podes leerlo tranquilamente, pero si no, no es recomendable porque se tocan muchos temas desarrollados entre esas temporadas.
Tengo que aclarar que las 2.5/5 estrellas no quiere decir que no me haya gustado. Me gustó pero hasta ahí nomás. Fueron más que nada porque hasta casi el 80% del libro me aburrí mucho y quería terminarlo de una vez, incluso pensé en dejarlo.
Menos mal que no lo dejé, porque los capítulos finales fueron los que más me gustaron y los que más valieron la pena.
Creo que Ali Cronin hizo un excelente trabajo porque captó perfectamente los sentimiento y pensamientos de cada personaje, el lenguaje, los hechos y lugares, etc. Además de que mantuvo el ritmo que se mantiene en la serie: primero todos capítulos de cada personaje y al final un capítulo "Everyone".
Sin embargo hay muchas cosas que me faltaron de la serie. Por ejemplo, los que la hayan visto tal vez sepan de qué estoy hablando, al ser contado cada episodio desde el punto de vista de cada personaje, combinado con el guión etc etc te hace sentir, creer y pensar como lo hace el personaje en el momento. Y acá me faltó eso.
Yo no soy fan de la primera persona, y por ahí en este libro fue bastante difícil porque eran muchos personajes, con personalidades distintas y creo que hizo que no lograra conectarme tanto con los personajes porque yo veía lo que pensaba y sentía sin necesidad de imaginármelo o descubrirlo por mí misma.
Otra cosa que me pasó fue que en la serie por ahí ver siempre sexo, drogas, alcohol etc (y de la manera que la enseñan en la serie) no me molesta ni me aburre. Pero acá me pasó todo lo contrario. Por ahí eran tantas descripciones de lo mismo que se me hacían muy repetitivas y aburridas, eso influyó bastante en mi perspectiva final del libro, porque ¿qué es Skins sin esos ingredientes? Y a mí me faltó ese toque Skins.
Como ya dije antes, los capítulos finales fueron los que más me gustaron, cuando se juntaron "todos" los personajes. Fue la parte más divertida y la que más disfruté de leer, además de que te deja unos cuantos mensajes por ahí.
En fin, el libro no estuvo mal, pero creo que no fue lo que yo esperaba si comparamos con la serie, cosa que no me gusta hacer pero en este caso tenía que hacerlo porque el libro se basa en ella.
Pero si vieron la serie y les interesa leerlo, digo que le den alguna oportunidad porque creo que a muchos puede llegar a gustarle. Por mi parte, me faltó mucho de meterte en "la piel" de cada personaje, cosa que más destaca si vemos la serie.
PD: Me olvidé de mencionar que me faltó mucho de algunos personajes, porque claramente se basaba en algunos temas, pero me faltó mucho de JJ, Thomas y Pandora (que son algunos de mis favoritos) y de los chicos en general me faltó mucho mucho.
2015 Reading Challenge:
"All that frustration. Like a caged animal for days. And now this..."
Fue muy difícil calificar este libro.
Primero que nada, hay que decir que este libro se desarrolla entre el final de la 3ra temporada y el principio de la 4ta. Si viste la serie, podes leerlo tranquilamente, pero si no, no es recomendable porque se tocan muchos temas desarrollados entre esas temporadas.
Tengo que aclarar que las 2.5/5 estrellas no quiere decir que no me haya gustado. Me gustó pero hasta ahí nomás. Fueron más que nada porque hasta casi el 80% del libro me aburrí mucho y quería terminarlo de una vez, incluso pensé en dejarlo.
Menos mal que no lo dejé, porque los capítulos finales fueron los que más me gustaron y los que más valieron la pena.
Creo que Ali Cronin hizo un excelente trabajo porque captó perfectamente los sentimiento y pensamientos de cada personaje, el lenguaje, los hechos y lugares, etc. Además de que mantuvo el ritmo que se mantiene en la serie: primero todos capítulos de cada personaje y al final un capítulo "Everyone".
Sin embargo hay muchas cosas que me faltaron de la serie. Por ejemplo, los que la hayan visto tal vez sepan de qué estoy hablando, al ser contado cada episodio desde el punto de vista de cada personaje, combinado con el guión etc etc te hace sentir, creer y pensar como lo hace el personaje en el momento. Y acá me faltó eso.
Yo no soy fan de la primera persona, y por ahí en este libro fue bastante difícil porque eran muchos personajes, con personalidades distintas y creo que hizo que no lograra conectarme tanto con los personajes porque yo veía lo que pensaba y sentía sin necesidad de imaginármelo o descubrirlo por mí misma.
Otra cosa que me pasó fue que en la serie por ahí ver siempre sexo, drogas, alcohol etc (y de la manera que la enseñan en la serie) no me molesta ni me aburre. Pero acá me pasó todo lo contrario. Por ahí eran tantas descripciones de lo mismo que se me hacían muy repetitivas y aburridas, eso influyó bastante en mi perspectiva final del libro, porque ¿qué es Skins sin esos ingredientes? Y a mí me faltó ese toque Skins.
Como ya dije antes, los capítulos finales fueron los que más me gustaron, cuando se juntaron "todos" los personajes. Fue la parte más divertida y la que más disfruté de leer, además de que te deja unos cuantos mensajes por ahí.
En fin, el libro no estuvo mal, pero creo que no fue lo que yo esperaba si comparamos con la serie, cosa que no me gusta hacer pero en este caso tenía que hacerlo porque el libro se basa en ella.
Pero si vieron la serie y les interesa leerlo, digo que le den alguna oportunidad porque creo que a muchos puede llegar a gustarle. Por mi parte, me faltó mucho de meterte en "la piel" de cada personaje, cosa que más destaca si vemos la serie.
PD: Me olvidé de mencionar que me faltó mucho de algunos personajes, porque claramente se basaba en algunos temas, pero me faltó mucho de JJ, Thomas y Pandora (que son algunos de mis favoritos) y de los chicos en general me faltó mucho mucho.
"This is precisely what I totally fucking hate about relationships. Attachment. You don't belong to yourself any more. You're sharing with someone else. So when they're not there, a part of you fades out with them"
2015 Reading Challenge:
Estuve pensando mucho en qué categoría incluirlo y aunque el triángulo amoroso no se toca explícitamente en el libro, creo que es lo que más predomina desde el principio hasta el final.
January 23, 2024
3.4/5 ✩
‘Attachment; you don’t belong to yourself anymore. You’re sharing with someone else. So when they’re not there, a part of you fades out with them.’ - Naomi
‘I knew what it was like to feel like everyone else is on some big joke that you’re not getting. I’ve felt like that pretty much all my life.’ - JJ
Leuk om te kruipen in de gedachtegang van de karakters als verdieping van de tv-serie ‘Skins’ <3
‘Attachment; you don’t belong to yourself anymore. You’re sharing with someone else. So when they’re not there, a part of you fades out with them.’ - Naomi
‘I knew what it was like to feel like everyone else is on some big joke that you’re not getting. I’ve felt like that pretty much all my life.’ - JJ
Leuk om te kruipen in de gedachtegang van de karakters als verdieping van de tv-serie ‘Skins’ <3
August 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this! I'm a huge Skins fan, and I'm currently in the middle of rewatching the series. I figured it'd be nice to finally read this in between Series 3 and 4. The characterization was fairly on point. There /were/ a few times when I thought, "Would Effy really say/think that?" But that's a minor issue. I mean, it's Effy Stonem; writing her POV in first person is a pretty solid thing to attempt, and I feel the author for the most part succeeded.
Either way, I really had fun with this story! I just really needed some new Skins in my life. The show has been off the air for two years now, and it was just nice to breath in some new Skins. During reading, it was really interesting to see some details while knowing the characters' futures, namely Naomi and Emily's characters. Especially Naomi's. I'll leave that there, because I don't wanna get too far into spoiler territory for the final series of the show!
After reading this, I really wish they would release another novel or two, focusing on the first two generations of characters! It'd be so awesome to read about their lives post-college, before the final series of the show. I'd love to read about Tony (hey, he got three mentions in this book; score!), Effy, Naomi, Emily, Cassie, and Sid! And those are only a few of the characters the novels could revisit. The final series of the show touched on some of them, but it left the door wide open to explore all of their lives at some point. That's my dream, you know, if we can't get a reunion film in a few years. (Please?)
So my verdict is: you'll enjoy this book if you're a big fan of Skins. If you're a casual fan, you probably won't enjoy it as much. And if you haven't seen the show, you'll definitely be lost. Bonus like points if you're a fan of Effy, Katie, and/or Naomily, as they have a lot of focus in this story. And I also hope you enjoy lesbian smut, because there's a few hardcore scenes in this. Hey, I'm not complaining! 5/5 stars for filling the lack of new Skins in my life.
Either way, I really had fun with this story! I just really needed some new Skins in my life. The show has been off the air for two years now, and it was just nice to breath in some new Skins. During reading, it was really interesting to see some details while knowing the characters' futures, namely Naomi and Emily's characters. Especially Naomi's. I'll leave that there, because I don't wanna get too far into spoiler territory for the final series of the show!
After reading this, I really wish they would release another novel or two, focusing on the first two generations of characters! It'd be so awesome to read about their lives post-college, before the final series of the show. I'd love to read about Tony (hey, he got three mentions in this book; score!), Effy, Naomi, Emily, Cassie, and Sid! And those are only a few of the characters the novels could revisit. The final series of the show touched on some of them, but it left the door wide open to explore all of their lives at some point. That's my dream, you know, if we can't get a reunion film in a few years. (Please?)
So my verdict is: you'll enjoy this book if you're a big fan of Skins. If you're a casual fan, you probably won't enjoy it as much. And if you haven't seen the show, you'll definitely be lost. Bonus like points if you're a fan of Effy, Katie, and/or Naomily, as they have a lot of focus in this story. And I also hope you enjoy lesbian smut, because there's a few hardcore scenes in this. Hey, I'm not complaining! 5/5 stars for filling the lack of new Skins in my life.
February 19, 2018
I love this book. It was good to jump back into the world of Skins. I really missed the world. My favourite bits were Effy. She's my queen. It felt like an episode of Skins. I would recommend this to any skins fan. I read this book really fast. This definitely one of my favourite books of the year and the year isn't even over. So that says something. Anyway I love this book. So I've reread this book a few times because I like to revisit my favourite bits. While I was reading, it dawned on me that some characters were a bit out of character. Which me got me thinking, like how Effy was interested in a middle aged man. Was it supposed to convey that she was lonely or that she missed Freddie? She didn't even ring Panda or go to any clubs. That's so unlike her. It made me laugh when the three musketeers were talking. That made me smile. I liked how Panda stood up for herself. I realised how Thomas screws her over a lot. I have a feeling that they didn't last. It was nice to see the twins dynamic explored. I have an unpopular opinion. I'm not the biggest fan of naomily. I won't deny that they have chemistry. They just lie and deceive each other. I believe that trust is most important thing in a relationship. If you don't have it, what's the point? It was also kind of creepy reading the Effy and Aldo bits like he totally led her on. I love the scenes with Effy and Anthea, it gave me more insight about their relationship. I think there's a lot of tension and grudges wavering over them. I have a couple of questions about the book. Is everything that happened considered canon? I don’t recall there ever being any mention of what happened in the book, the exception being Freddie said something about him and Cook both getting chlamydia. Like how Katie and Effy reconciled in a way. Then again they became friends. I love skins with all my heart.
August 14, 2011
Il primo romanzo - inedito in Italia - tratto dalla serie britannica Skins. Si tratta di un mero filler che va a colmare il salto tra la terza e la quarta stagione, narrando l'estate di Effy e compagnia.
Qualche cenno sulla trama per chi fosse curioso: Effy e la madre trascorrono l'estate in Italia (interessante riscontrare tutti i luoghi comuni che di noi hanno oltremanica); le gemelle perpetuano i loro litigi in Francia, salvo poi fuggire in direzioni diverse (Katie, inspiegabilmente, trova rifugio presso Effy, mentre Emily, naturalmente, torna dall'amata Naomi); a Bristol rimane Naomi, a far compagnia suo malgrado a Cook e Freddie, impegnati a dimenticare senza successo Effy, mentre JJ sta per lo più a guardare; vita di coppia infine per Thommo e Panda.
Più di una fanfiction, certo, ma per nulla all'altezza della serie televisiva. Se da un lato restituisce più o meno intatte le stesse atmosfere della serie, lo stesso non si può dire per la caratterizzazione dei personaggi, discontinua ed altalenante, aderente per alcuni e totalmente fuori campo per altri.
Per veri fan della serie, insomma, e giusto per ingannare l'attesa.
Qualche cenno sulla trama per chi fosse curioso: Effy e la madre trascorrono l'estate in Italia (interessante riscontrare tutti i luoghi comuni che di noi hanno oltremanica); le gemelle perpetuano i loro litigi in Francia, salvo poi fuggire in direzioni diverse (Katie, inspiegabilmente, trova rifugio presso Effy, mentre Emily, naturalmente, torna dall'amata Naomi); a Bristol rimane Naomi, a far compagnia suo malgrado a Cook e Freddie, impegnati a dimenticare senza successo Effy, mentre JJ sta per lo più a guardare; vita di coppia infine per Thommo e Panda.
Più di una fanfiction, certo, ma per nulla all'altezza della serie televisiva. Se da un lato restituisce più o meno intatte le stesse atmosfere della serie, lo stesso non si può dire per la caratterizzazione dei personaggi, discontinua ed altalenante, aderente per alcuni e totalmente fuori campo per altri.
Per veri fan della serie, insomma, e giusto per ingannare l'attesa.
August 30, 2012
A big disappointment, the series was so MUCH better (I love the telly programme). This story (what there was) really went nowhere. It had some amusing parts, but they were few and far between. Plus, the use of the f word was monotonous, and this is coming from ME! Not someone that has a problem with swearing in books, but really, it was extremely overused and in areas where it really wasn't necessary. It's like, "Do you want some story with those swearwords?" Because you pretty much didn't get it here. It took ages (months) for me to finally finish this book. Also, I didn't like Effie's point of view. I don't really like her in the series either, but definitely prefer her mind to stay a mystery. She was just a selfish person, someone that I really didn't think deserved Freddie. However, the other characters in the book were fine, Emily and Cookie standing out the best, and of course my favourite, Freddie.
Sorry to anyone that likes this book, it really wasn't to my taste.
Sorry to anyone that likes this book, it really wasn't to my taste.
September 3, 2013
'everyone betrays you, in the end.'
the novel takes place between the third and fourth season, every few pages told from the perspective of a different character. so it makes it possible to see a certain situation from two different point of views which is definitely interesting.
but the different characters weren't described really well - and they definitely did not match their screen-equivalents.
all the girls and their thoughts sounded the same, there were no different traits or characteristics. and the guys weren't much better. all of them were pretty one-dimensional and i wouldn't be able to tell who was talking if it didn't say at the beginning of each chapter.
the only character described perfectly was jj - the author got his behaviour and eloquent vocabulary down really well.
otherwise the book was rather a disappointment, so the two stars are solely for the content, not the writing style.
the novel takes place between the third and fourth season, every few pages told from the perspective of a different character. so it makes it possible to see a certain situation from two different point of views which is definitely interesting.
but the different characters weren't described really well - and they definitely did not match their screen-equivalents.
all the girls and their thoughts sounded the same, there were no different traits or characteristics. and the guys weren't much better. all of them were pretty one-dimensional and i wouldn't be able to tell who was talking if it didn't say at the beginning of each chapter.
the only character described perfectly was jj - the author got his behaviour and eloquent vocabulary down really well.
otherwise the book was rather a disappointment, so the two stars are solely for the content, not the writing style.
January 26, 2012
Skins UK (Sorry I have to specify, because well I like it better than US), is one of my favorite tv show. This booked was released one or two years ago, I was devastated because I can't find a copy in any bookstore here in the Philippines. Just this year, Fullybooked was on sale so I went, while looking through books, I found this. And to be honest, I was shock and at the same time happy.
The best thing about this book is while you read it, you'll be able to imagine Cook, Effy, Freddy, Naomi, Emily, Panda, Thomas, JJ, and Katie saying their lines. You can hear them in your head. It's amazing. Panda, for example, is exactly the same Pandora in the series; same way they speak and they construct their sentences, so English.
I gave it a three star because well, the ending left me hanging.
The best thing about this book is while you read it, you'll be able to imagine Cook, Effy, Freddy, Naomi, Emily, Panda, Thomas, JJ, and Katie saying their lines. You can hear them in your head. It's amazing. Panda, for example, is exactly the same Pandora in the series; same way they speak and they construct their sentences, so English.
I gave it a three star because well, the ending left me hanging.
March 24, 2012
The novel was everything I expected it to be.
Having a dysfunctional life myself, I found myself relating to most of the characters.
I loved Effy here. Effy is, well, Effy. Perfectly imperfect. Beautiful.
The course of their lives in the novel is enchanting in a messed up teenage way. The secrets and the lies and the hurt and the sexuality and sex itself. All of these mixed with anger and love and passion. Everything in a novel. I loved it! Going to look out for another one of these babies soon.
Having a dysfunctional life myself, I found myself relating to most of the characters.
I loved Effy here. Effy is, well, Effy. Perfectly imperfect. Beautiful.
The course of their lives in the novel is enchanting in a messed up teenage way. The secrets and the lies and the hurt and the sexuality and sex itself. All of these mixed with anger and love and passion. Everything in a novel. I loved it! Going to look out for another one of these babies soon.
September 7, 2012
Books based on TV shows/movies are usually boring, corny and completely irelvant to the thing its based on. The only reason I read this was because I'm so obbsessed with skins that I can't get enough of it. So, I did not have massive expectations for skins: the novel, but it was actually pretty good. The diologe was well done. The characters were alot like they were in the series with the exception of Effy, but she was close enough. This was no master piece, but it was a nice quick read and I had alot of fun with it.
July 7, 2013
I honestly felt like this book was fanfiction that poorly portrayed the characters as we know them. Disappointing. The use of first person was also quite awkward to read. The only parts I enjoyed were Naomi and Emily's scenes (admittedly biased) however, some elements of their characters were off to read, as with the rest of the characters.
July 22, 2015
"Skins: the Novel" is just what you'd expect - it stays true to the voice of each character from the original TV series and doesn't reveal too much about what happens after the group's summer break. I really enjoyed reading it. Sure, some of the plot lines are a bit wacky, but it's quick and easily read and definitely worth it. Thanks Cronin!
January 27, 2014
I love Skins. I read this with a British accent in my head. End of story.
April 20, 2018
This might literally be the worst book I've ever read. Every characters thinks, sounds, and acts in the same shallow, vicious way despite POV switches throughout.
December 8, 2021
This was the first TV show to movie book which I'd ever read, so my expectations were admittedly quite low. This was strengthened by the fact that the secondhand copy I purchased came with a bookmark left on page thirty-six, leaving me to assume that whoever'd owned it before me had gotten to that point and then been unable to bear anything further. However, I found myself pleasantly surprised.
The first half of the book was quite rough. There are some technical errors which can be quite irritating at times. I understand what the author was going for when she chose to write from the alternating first person point-of-view of all of the characters, but the constantly changing viewpoints felt sloppy and juvenile; not unlike bad fanfiction I might've written in middle school. A third person all knowing narrator would've been much more cohesive.
Definitely one of the biggest draws of the show is that the first episode of every season always starts off with a bang. This was the opposite, with the plot and characterization gradually improving throughout the narrative. Only Effy's characterization was consistent. Once the story found itself though, it was a very enjoyable read.
I knew going into this that there would be sex, and I've seen all of the first and second generations so I'm by no means a prude. However, there were several instances that felt unnecessarily and sometimes even uncomfortably explicit. For example, Naomi vividly describing watching Freddie's animalistic hookup outside of a nightclub or Katie mentioning having so much sex in one day that it physically hurt. Literally the first scene in the prologue is Effy listening to her mother have sex with a man in the bedroom next door and touching herself because she wishes the man was with her instead. Absolutely no chill.
The portrayal of Effy and Katie's respective mental health struggles/familial relationships, the tension between the three musketeers, and a more nuanced look at Cook's heavily implied but never addressed romantic feelings for both Effy and Freddie make this book worth reading above all else.
The first half of the book was quite rough. There are some technical errors which can be quite irritating at times. I understand what the author was going for when she chose to write from the alternating first person point-of-view of all of the characters, but the constantly changing viewpoints felt sloppy and juvenile; not unlike bad fanfiction I might've written in middle school. A third person all knowing narrator would've been much more cohesive.
Definitely one of the biggest draws of the show is that the first episode of every season always starts off with a bang. This was the opposite, with the plot and characterization gradually improving throughout the narrative. Only Effy's characterization was consistent. Once the story found itself though, it was a very enjoyable read.
I knew going into this that there would be sex, and I've seen all of the first and second generations so I'm by no means a prude. However, there were several instances that felt unnecessarily and sometimes even uncomfortably explicit. For example, Naomi vividly describing watching Freddie's animalistic hookup outside of a nightclub or Katie mentioning having so much sex in one day that it physically hurt. Literally the first scene in the prologue is Effy listening to her mother have sex with a man in the bedroom next door and touching herself because she wishes the man was with her instead. Absolutely no chill.
The portrayal of Effy and Katie's respective mental health struggles/familial relationships, the tension between the three musketeers, and a more nuanced look at Cook's heavily implied but never addressed romantic feelings for both Effy and Freddie make this book worth reading above all else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2025
I went into this novel knowing nothing about the Skins TV show, but I ended up really loving it. It was a fast, engaging read that captured the essence of being a teenager in an honest and relatable way. Themes like insecurity, love, college, drugs, family dynamics, and sexuality were all portrayed with honesty.
I appreciated how all the characters had noticeable flaws and hidden struggles—it made them feel more human and grounded in reality.
It's a great book, especially for newer readers, because it reads more like a TV show than a traditional novel. The writing focuses more on actions and dialogue than deep emotional introspection, which makes it fast-paced and easy to follow. That said, I would’ve loved to dig deeper into the characters’ backgrounds and their internal reactions to certain moments.
4.1 stars!
I appreciated how all the characters had noticeable flaws and hidden struggles—it made them feel more human and grounded in reality.
It's a great book, especially for newer readers, because it reads more like a TV show than a traditional novel. The writing focuses more on actions and dialogue than deep emotional introspection, which makes it fast-paced and easy to follow. That said, I would’ve loved to dig deeper into the characters’ backgrounds and their internal reactions to certain moments.
4.1 stars!
July 20, 2025
I finally got round to reading this on my like 4th rewatch of the show, I haven't actually sat down and watched it for years though so I thought I might aswell check this out after hearing mixed stuff about it.
I mean, it's just fine in my opinion, just scraping 3 stars to me. If you like the show (specifically Gen 2 like me) then I would say give it a try but do not be expecting a masterpiece or anything lmao.
also don't be expecting a steamy book either, that 18+ explicit content warning is just for show, it's not that graphic really besides swearing and some odd scenes :)
This is just a really forgotten book made for teens from early 2010, it's not a good book in my opinion, but it will keep you entertained most likely and you should be able to get through it pretty quick like me :)
I mean, it's just fine in my opinion, just scraping 3 stars to me. If you like the show (specifically Gen 2 like me) then I would say give it a try but do not be expecting a masterpiece or anything lmao.
also don't be expecting a steamy book either, that 18+ explicit content warning is just for show, it's not that graphic really besides swearing and some odd scenes :)
This is just a really forgotten book made for teens from early 2010, it's not a good book in my opinion, but it will keep you entertained most likely and you should be able to get through it pretty quick like me :)
February 2, 2021
3.5
As a fan of the series, I did enjoy this book. I was particularly impressed with how the characters translated into this medium - it never felt like they strayed from what made them so special on TVs Some of the storylines were incredibly poignant as well and this made the book a really enjoyable read, it bridged the gap between series 3 and 4 perfectly. It’s only not a higher score because there were some flat bits where it felt a bit meh even the writing was consistently entertaining - some characters definitely got more love than others. If you’re as into Skins as I am, you’ll enjoy this.
As a fan of the series, I did enjoy this book. I was particularly impressed with how the characters translated into this medium - it never felt like they strayed from what made them so special on TVs Some of the storylines were incredibly poignant as well and this made the book a really enjoyable read, it bridged the gap between series 3 and 4 perfectly. It’s only not a higher score because there were some flat bits where it felt a bit meh even the writing was consistently entertaining - some characters definitely got more love than others. If you’re as into Skins as I am, you’ll enjoy this.
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