laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Skinwalker
4 Stars
Khristine Hvam is rapidly becoming my favorite narrator. She is so skilled at imparting character, tone and atmosphere with her vocal range. The only voice that I struggled with was that of Leo Pellesier, who sounded vaguely effeminate for such a powerful vampire (this is one of the reasons for my difficulty viewing him as a possible romantic interest for Jane).
Jane is my favorite type of independent, fearless and snarky heroine. She knows precisely when to stand her ground and when to keep silent, and never allows anyone to intimidate or undermine her. That said, there is still something vulnerable about her attempts to recall her past and discover her true identity and place in the world. The relationship between Jane and her Beast is one of the highlights of the story - their separate almost adversarial identities is original and fascinating.
The male characters are the weakest aspect of the book. None of them is particularly appealing and they actually come across as sordid and sleazy at times.
The word building is detailed with an emphasis on Native American lore, which adds an extra dimension to the compelling vampire mythology that unravels slowly as the story progresses. The mystery is absorbing, albeit quite gruesome and gory, and it is fun discovering the clues and trying to unravel the threads along with Jane. Nevertheless, one irritating aspect of the investigation is the lack of follow up on some of the clues, such as the secret meeting at the theatre, the search of the rogue's lair and the questioning of Anna. There is also a dearth of information regarding the individual vampires, their actions and their possible motives. Given these facts, it is not surprising that Jane barely manages to figure things out before it is too late (although as the reader, it is possible to make an educated guess).
In sum, an exciting and action packed introduction to the series and I look forward to finding out what happens next.
4 Stars
Khristine Hvam is rapidly becoming my favorite narrator. She is so skilled at imparting character, tone and atmosphere with her vocal range. The only voice that I struggled with was that of Leo Pellesier, who sounded vaguely effeminate for such a powerful vampire (this is one of the reasons for my difficulty viewing him as a possible romantic interest for Jane).
Jane is my favorite type of independent, fearless and snarky heroine. She knows precisely when to stand her ground and when to keep silent, and never allows anyone to intimidate or undermine her. That said, there is still something vulnerable about her attempts to recall her past and discover her true identity and place in the world. The relationship between Jane and her Beast is one of the highlights of the story - their separate almost adversarial identities is original and fascinating.
The male characters are the weakest aspect of the book. None of them is particularly appealing and they actually come across as sordid and sleazy at times.
The word building is detailed with an emphasis on Native American lore, which adds an extra dimension to the compelling vampire mythology that unravels slowly as the story progresses. The mystery is absorbing, albeit quite gruesome and gory, and it is fun discovering the clues and trying to unravel the threads along with Jane. Nevertheless, one irritating aspect of the investigation is the lack of follow up on some of the clues, such as the secret meeting at the theatre, the search of the rogue's lair and the questioning of Anna. There is also a dearth of information regarding the individual vampires, their actions and their possible motives. Given these facts, it is not surprising that Jane barely manages to figure things out before it is too late (although as the reader, it is possible to make an educated guess).
In sum, an exciting and action packed introduction to the series and I look forward to finding out what happens next.
lyndz_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
garbutch's review against another edition
1.0
This is not only cultural appropriation, but you just don't talk about [redacted] lightly (or at all) if you have any respect for the Indigenous people for whom this is a thing.
marpesea's review against another edition
3.0
Really fun paranormal romp-- gore, vampires, politics, and witches in New Orleans.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Listened for Fun (Audible)
Tracking Books Read Review
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.75
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 5.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Skinwalker was not what I expected at all and I liked it! The split personality (for lack of a better description)of the lead character Jane made me not only like her but sort of understand her potential "love triangle" (though I am not a fan of them so I am hoping for quick resolution). I loved the mystery and side characters so very much (hoping we get more of the BF and daughter). This is a series I will stick with!
Audio Thoughts: Narrated By Khristine Hvam and she knocked it out the freaking park! I really felt she was Jane/Beast. She pretty much nailed the guys voices too. IMPRESSED! I already know this will be an audio series for me!
Tracking Books Read Review
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.75
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 5.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Skinwalker was not what I expected at all and I liked it! The split personality (for lack of a better description)of the lead character Jane made me not only like her but sort of understand her potential "love triangle" (though I am not a fan of them so I am hoping for quick resolution). I loved the mystery and side characters so very much (hoping we get more of the BF and daughter). This is a series I will stick with!
Audio Thoughts: Narrated By Khristine Hvam and she knocked it out the freaking park! I really felt she was Jane/Beast. She pretty much nailed the guys voices too. IMPRESSED! I already know this will be an audio series for me!
teri_b's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Skinwalker series by Faith Hunter is one of the urban fantasy series, that I have come to love. Diving back into a reread from the beginning onwards feels so rewarding as we see Jane arrive in New Orleans, getting her new quarters and getting acquainted with the supernatural beings that live here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Gore
reasonpassion's review against another edition
4.0
There's something about this story that settles in, wraps around you and won't let you go, but I can't for the life of me figure out just what that one thing is. Perhaps because it isn't just one thing. Any of the elements alone would be obnoxious, used by other authors or just come across as yet another urban fantasy. Together, the pieces make for a story that is compelling and inspires a fair bit of curiosity as to where Hunter is going to take this heroine of femininity and sheer panache. The beast angle allows for an exploration of a female character that is often reserved for males, setting up some interesting situations.