January 22, 2010

Skin Hunger - Kathleen Duey




Young Adult
Pages: 368
Publisher: Atheneum
Release Date: July 24, 2007

*A Resurrection of Magic, Book 1*

Sadima lives in a world where magic has been banned, leaving poor villagers prey to fakes and charlatans. A "magician" stole her family's few valuables and left Sadima's mother to die on the day Sadima was born. But vestiges of magic are hidden in old rhymes and hearth tales and in people like Sadima, who conceals her silent communication with animals for fear of rejection and ridicule. When rumors of her gift reach Somiss, a young nobleman obsessed with restoring magic, he sends Franklin, his lifelong servant, to find her. Sadima's joy at sharing her secret becomes love for the man she shares it with. But Franklin's irrevocable bond to the brilliant and dangerous Somiss traps her, too, and she faces a heartbreaking decision.
Centuries later magic has been restored, but it is available only to the wealthy and is strictly controlled by wizards within a sequestered academy of magic. Hahp, the expendable second son of a rich merchant, is forced into the academy and finds himself paired with Gerrard, a peasant boy inexplicably admitted with nine sons of privilege and wealth. Only one of the ten students will graduate -- and the first academic requirement is survival.


This is an awesome start to a series. I really, really liked this book. When I had just finished reading it, I gave it 4 stars but then I spent like 3 days in which I could not stop thinking about it and, of course, wondering what will happen next. So I decided it has 5 stars.

I do want to make something clear: it is NOT a fast paced book. Not for me. But it worked perfectly. One thing I noticed while reading: I was anxious, nervous. I couldn't stop being worried about both characters. It was driving me crazy.

What I loved the most? The cover, the writing, the world, the characters and the story. I cant pick one. The characters were so incredible. Against all odds (as usual) I love the character we're supposed to hate: Somiss! He is unique. And great!

This book is dark and unique and fantasy in its best. If it fits with you, I really recommend it.


5 comments:

  1. I do want to read this one some day, so I'm glad it's good. I agree with you about the cover - it's brilliant!

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  2. I've seen this one around and always thought it looked good. It also sounds along the spooky lines of The Devouring. Thanks for the review on it. I'll have to pick it up now.

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  3. I listened to it so the slow pace didn't agree with me as much. But I think reading it would have been better. It was a really good book though.

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  4. I haven't heard of this one, but it sounds like something I'd like. Of course I'm also always loving character you're supposed to hate, lol

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  5. Yes, the cover does look really good. The synopsis made me more intrigued. And your review...well, let's just say I have to read it. :)

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