edelm's review against another edition
4.0
More 3.5 but overall a really enjoyable read. Full review to come.
sjj169's review against another edition
2.0
This book just was not for me. I couldn't get on the kool-aid train.
Under Tate's skin and in her mind was a very boring place for me. The inner dialogue just never clicked into place. So many questions that I had just didn't get answered fast enough. I HAS no patience. I want all the answers!
This book didn't need any stinking romance. Why throw in romance to every young adult book? Why are the resistance dumb as a bag of rocks?
Why am I so nosey?
It is a good premise for a book and this author doesn't write badly. I just didn't connect with the main character. I may just be a bitch.
I'm giving it 2 stars because the writing didn't suck and that cover is awesome.
Under Tate's skin and in her mind was a very boring place for me. The inner dialogue just never clicked into place. So many questions that I had just didn't get answered fast enough. I HAS no patience. I want all the answers!
This book didn't need any stinking romance. Why throw in romance to every young adult book? Why are the resistance dumb as a bag of rocks?
Why am I so nosey?
It is a good premise for a book and this author doesn't write badly. I just didn't connect with the main character. I may just be a bitch.
I'm giving it 2 stars because the writing didn't suck and that cover is awesome.
raven168's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I'm sure there are other books out there where more than one consciousness fights for control of a body, but this is the first one I have read and it was pretty fascinating. The arguing with herself, and the physical battle to control the body were all entertaining. The world created here wasn't all that complex on the outside with it primarily being just the Guild in control of the people. And the resistance who makes an appearance here and there. Inside the guild though, is where things get more complicated and the story really takes place.
Tate is our heroine. She's from a relatively poor fishing village and we begin in line with her for some sort of test to become a water bearer. It never really gets explained if this test is required or at what age they go or anything, just that it is. Her family has never passed, so while she still is afraid that she will, she doesn't actually expect to. That will be the first of many surprises in store for her. She not only passes, but she is highly desired by the Guild. Everyone grows up being shown certain things and being told that working for the Guild is like a privilege, so most of the others who pass are pretty excited. But Tate just feels like something is wrong about the whole thing. Especially when each one of them gets auctioned off to the highest bidder. Her being the prize. Later when she's about to be taken to her new home, the resistance attacks to try and get her. I wondered throughout so much of the book what exactly it was that made both the resistance and especially the Guild want her so badly. When we finally find out what it was, it makes sense for the Guild but not so much for the resistance. During the attack, she waits too long to make an escape attempt and gets shot in the back. Waking up in her new home to a nightmare. It takes her a while to figure out exactly what happened to her, but once she does, she's determined to keep control. Also motivating her, is all that she learns about what really goes on in the Guild and what they do to people. She is appalled and wants the world to know the truth. As determined as she is though, it still doesn't prevent the general from taking over full control and her completely losing time or being witness to all he does in her body. During all her fights for control though, she is not alone. The general's master of blades is there with comforting words and touches. After doing a favor for him, he tries to help her free herself. The general is a ruthless and clever man though, so a lot of things happen that make Tate despair. The ending was great for the most part and I really forward to finding out what she's going to do next.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
Tate is our heroine. She's from a relatively poor fishing village and we begin in line with her for some sort of test to become a water bearer. It never really gets explained if this test is required or at what age they go or anything, just that it is. Her family has never passed, so while she still is afraid that she will, she doesn't actually expect to. That will be the first of many surprises in store for her. She not only passes, but she is highly desired by the Guild. Everyone grows up being shown certain things and being told that working for the Guild is like a privilege, so most of the others who pass are pretty excited. But Tate just feels like something is wrong about the whole thing. Especially when each one of them gets auctioned off to the highest bidder. Her being the prize. Later when she's about to be taken to her new home, the resistance attacks to try and get her. I wondered throughout so much of the book what exactly it was that made both the resistance and especially the Guild want her so badly. When we finally find out what it was, it makes sense for the Guild but not so much for the resistance. During the attack, she waits too long to make an escape attempt and gets shot in the back. Waking up in her new home to a nightmare. It takes her a while to figure out exactly what happened to her, but once she does, she's determined to keep control. Also motivating her, is all that she learns about what really goes on in the Guild and what they do to people. She is appalled and wants the world to know the truth. As determined as she is though, it still doesn't prevent the general from taking over full control and her completely losing time or being witness to all he does in her body. During all her fights for control though, she is not alone. The general's master of blades is there with comforting words and touches. After doing a favor for him, he tries to help her free herself. The general is a ruthless and clever man though, so a lot of things happen that make Tate despair. The ending was great for the most part and I really forward to finding out what she's going to do next.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
chllybrd's review against another edition
4.0
I had absolutely ZERO issue getting into UNDER MY SKIN. Not only did I really enjoy the characters, but the world was awesome and the whole concept of the story was unique and interesting. Even with the blurb I didn't fully GET what was going to happen. I had an idea but I didn't realize how much more there was to my idea. I don't want to spoil anything for the reader so I won't go further into the details.
Tate can't possibly understand why she was picked to be a water bearer. She finds nothing special about herself and has no clue what the fuss over her is. She had no want to be a water bearer, but she is thankful that her cousin Zoe was picked along with her. Tate was great. She doesn't do anything quietly and refuses to give up on herself and Zoe even though the odds are stacked against her. Don't get me wrong she has her moments of weakness, but she was a bad-ass and she knew it.
I wanted a little more out of the romance between Tate and Quinn. There were plenty of feelings there, but I wasn't totally able to fall into their story as a couple. I also felt the final showdown between Tate and General Dagon was lacking. The whole book leads up to this point. Tate has her chance to be free of him and it's just over in a few moments. I wanted more out of it.
I am very interested in seeing how book 2 will start out. Tate has some big shoes to fit into and I can't wait to see if she pulls off her deception.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tate can't possibly understand why she was picked to be a water bearer. She finds nothing special about herself and has no clue what the fuss over her is. She had no want to be a water bearer, but she is thankful that her cousin Zoe was picked along with her. Tate was great. She doesn't do anything quietly and refuses to give up on herself and Zoe even though the odds are stacked against her. Don't get me wrong she has her moments of weakness, but she was a bad-ass and she knew it.
I wanted a little more out of the romance between Tate and Quinn. There were plenty of feelings there, but I wasn't totally able to fall into their story as a couple. I also felt the final showdown between Tate and General Dagon was lacking. The whole book leads up to this point. Tate has her chance to be free of him and it's just over in a few moments. I wanted more out of it.
I am very interested in seeing how book 2 will start out. Tate has some big shoes to fit into and I can't wait to see if she pulls off her deception.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
alienor's review against another edition
4.0
Well, well... How can I do justice to that original and alluring book?
First I think I can say without a doubt that the writing is compelling, as it was such a page turner for me - even with the sleepy way I acted the whole week - Last event : falling asleep on my couch and waking up in the middle of the night, believing my boyfriend who said to me it was 7a.m. Yes. I was that tired.
Second I grew fond of these characters : We follow Tate's journey in the Guild, and well, that's difficult to tell you more without spoiling you - really difficult - but let's say she has a hard time staying herself and to see her fight for her believes is truly fascinating and heart-breaking, as slightly creepy her situation is. Because trust me, that's fucking creepy. That kind of horror which brings me chills. Not ghosts. Not vampires. Not even a doll or a clown, and the whole world knows how much I'm afraid of those bulging eyes - What? Aren't you?
No. Just the very kind of monsters I despise the most, the regular ones : those who walk on two legs, you know, humans.
So, Tate. She's not far from the kind of heroines I love the most : strong-minded, courageous, yet relatable because she goes through moments of doubts - and trust me, she does has valid reasons to. Yet she's a fighter, and I'm always incredibly pleased to see that side in a character.
Therefore, do I want more female leads like Tate in the books I read?
Yes, pretty please.
As for the love interest, hummm. 3 words, guys : Master. Of. Blades.
"Die trying?" Wow, he was a piece of work.
"Isn't that a bit harsh, Captain Belfry?"
" That's the reality of your situation. The name's Quinn, by the way."
Whaaaat? Don't you see where I go with that? Come onnnn. Master. Of. Blades. Nope? Is it only me? Naaaaah, I can't believe that. Okay, let's move on.
Quinn is such a mysterious character. Apart from the fact I told you before (master of blades, you know, and no I'm not obsessing here. Nope.), I must admit we spend the major part of the book without learning many information about him. But even if I get it can be taken as a flaw, it never really bothered me because I loved every single apparition of him. He even succeeded in waking me up when I struggled to keep my eyes open. Yes. He had that effect on me.
I sighed. "Still offering me an out? You make a great hero, Quinn."
"All in a day's service."
Plus, I kind of share his vision of the dreadful effect the power has on people, even if well, that's pretty pessimistic : it reminds me of Stello, a classic French book from Alfred de Vigny I studied when I was in college : one of the main character, the "Docteur Noir" - black or dark doctor, explains that in his opinion if we'd choose any person and give him too much power, that person could become a tyrant, no matter how kind he's been at first.
Yes, that's depressing and yes I think it's almost always true.
"He laughed. "You still believe in the human race. I like that about you. But that's not the way the real world works."
Oh, and before I forget : no instalove, no What-is-the-plot-I-don't-care-I-saw-a-cute-boy-let-me-dream-of-his-eyes. Quinn is here, he's interesting, even adorable sometimes, but he never owns the show. Tate does.
Let's talk about the plot : In a word? Captivating. And, yes, that's the only thing you'll get because I strongly believe the book is actually better if you begin it without any clue. So nooo, that's not because I'm lazy. I guess.
Why didn't I give it 5 stars though?
- The
- I didn't laugh. I know, I knooow, all the books aren't written to make me laugh but still, it stays something I seek out in the books I read and that's definitely a plus this one didn't offer me. How can I explain? In dystopias, and harsh stories in general, I need bubbles of laughter to reduce the pressure. What can I say? Funny comments are one of my main peeves.
With this being said, let me answer to the two most important questions :
Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
Will I read the sequel? What don't you understand in the words "kind of heroines I love" and "Master of Blades"? Huh?
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
gabs_myfullbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
After Under My Skin ended, I closed the book on my kindle and wondered, "Why didn't I like this as much as everyone else?"
Because I have read all the glowing reviews of this book. They are the reason that I was so excited to read the story. And yet, I, a person who usually agrees with the hype, was underwhelmed. That barely ever happens to me, and I wasn't expecting it.
I think the problem that I didn't love this as much as everyone else was that I expected to much from it. While this is a very exciting novel to get into, at the end of the day, it is not extremely different from much of the other dystopians out there. It is good, but it doesn't stand out to me like I was expecting it to.
Sure, it does have a unique plot, but that plot ends up following a similar formula like many dystopians do.
1.) Girl gets singled out in her society in some way.
2.) This always is a bad thing, though many times it seems good at first.
3.) Girl learns her society is corrupt. This shocks her.
4.) Girl rebels against society that she has come to hate.
Dystopian stories are starting to bother me with this a lot. I used to overlook it because this was once my favorite genre ever, but now, it has been harder and harder to, and is rapidly becoming a huge pet peeve of mine. So that may have something to do with why I didn't love this book.
The other problem is that I ended up predicting a lot of things before they happened. This always takes away some of the thrill of a story. It wasn't all that hard to see what was coming next, and so I wasn't as interested to see where the book was going.
It sounds so far like I hated this book, but that is not the case. This was enjoyable despite its flaws. The main character, Tate, for example, was quite likeable. I desperately wanted her to succeed in her plan to live. She was intelligent, stubborn, and she wasn't overly stupid when it came to her love interest, Quinn.
Speaking of which, an I just say thank you to the author for not making the romance distracting to the overall story? Because I was quite happy that this didn't happen. I was quite happy that the plot focused more on Tate's struggle, rather than on Tate and Quinn. It was beautiful.
And, despite being a bit predictable, the plot still did hold my interest most of the time, because the story idea was so different from anything I had read before. I can't really give away what happens to Tate, but it is definitely not something typically put into Dystopian novels.
My thoughts on this book are a bit conflicted, because while I liked it, it could have been better. However, I still think that it will be appealing to readers, so I will still recommend it.
Because I have read all the glowing reviews of this book. They are the reason that I was so excited to read the story. And yet, I, a person who usually agrees with the hype, was underwhelmed. That barely ever happens to me, and I wasn't expecting it.
I think the problem that I didn't love this as much as everyone else was that I expected to much from it. While this is a very exciting novel to get into, at the end of the day, it is not extremely different from much of the other dystopians out there. It is good, but it doesn't stand out to me like I was expecting it to.
Sure, it does have a unique plot, but that plot ends up following a similar formula like many dystopians do.
1.) Girl gets singled out in her society in some way.
2.) This always is a bad thing, though many times it seems good at first.
3.) Girl learns her society is corrupt. This shocks her.
4.) Girl rebels against society that she has come to hate.
Dystopian stories are starting to bother me with this a lot. I used to overlook it because this was once my favorite genre ever, but now, it has been harder and harder to, and is rapidly becoming a huge pet peeve of mine. So that may have something to do with why I didn't love this book.
The other problem is that I ended up predicting a lot of things before they happened. This always takes away some of the thrill of a story. It wasn't all that hard to see what was coming next, and so I wasn't as interested to see where the book was going.
It sounds so far like I hated this book, but that is not the case. This was enjoyable despite its flaws. The main character, Tate, for example, was quite likeable. I desperately wanted her to succeed in her plan to live. She was intelligent, stubborn, and she wasn't overly stupid when it came to her love interest, Quinn.
Speaking of which, an I just say thank you to the author for not making the romance distracting to the overall story? Because I was quite happy that this didn't happen. I was quite happy that the plot focused more on Tate's struggle, rather than on Tate and Quinn. It was beautiful.
And, despite being a bit predictable, the plot still did hold my interest most of the time, because the story idea was so different from anything I had read before. I can't really give away what happens to Tate, but it is definitely not something typically put into Dystopian novels.
My thoughts on this book are a bit conflicted, because while I liked it, it could have been better. However, I still think that it will be appealing to readers, so I will still recommend it.
thewoollygeek's review against another edition
4.0
A slow start, but an interesting read once you get into it, so much so you can’t put it down , a great heroine and a very different read from a lot of other dystopian stories. Darker and more complex than a lot of other reads of this genre, well worth the read
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
etoiline's review against another edition
4.0
Hurrah Missouri author! I've missed out on a few of Shawntelle Madison's books on Netgalley, so I was glad to finally snag one.
This book creeps me out--but in a good way. It makes me squirm to imagine what the protagonist goes through: sharing her brain with a hostile intelligence that wants to basically boot her out and take over her life. The writing is descriptive but not overly so, and I found myself wanting to know if Tate would prevail in her fight against her own mind. Body-snatching...it just makes me shiver. I bet you can guess that I've never seen Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
I'm always a little disinclined to read dystopians, but this world wasn't filled to the brim with bleakness. Clearly there's been some sort of apocalyptic event, but it hasn't created zombies--just some machine that transfers consciousness from freaky rich people to younger hosts so the rich people can go on being rich and essentially immortal. I still sort of found myself resisting liking the book, but that's just my dislike of dystopia (Hunger Games I'm looking at you).
Even though it's dystopian, I'm interested in finding out what happens to Tate (and Quinn, he of the romantic subplot) and if she manages to keep control of her own skin, so I'll be on the lookout for the next book in the series. Hopefully its cover will be as awesome as this one!
Received as a free digital ARC via Netgalley and the publisher. Read from January 12 to 15, 2015.
This book creeps me out--but in a good way. It makes me squirm to imagine what the protagonist goes through: sharing her brain with a hostile intelligence that wants to basically boot her out and take over her life. The writing is descriptive but not overly so, and I found myself wanting to know if Tate would prevail in her fight against her own mind. Body-snatching...it just makes me shiver. I bet you can guess that I've never seen Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
I'm always a little disinclined to read dystopians, but this world wasn't filled to the brim with bleakness. Clearly there's been some sort of apocalyptic event, but it hasn't created zombies--just some machine that transfers consciousness from freaky rich people to younger hosts so the rich people can go on being rich and essentially immortal. I still sort of found myself resisting liking the book, but that's just my dislike of dystopia (Hunger Games I'm looking at you).
Even though it's dystopian, I'm interested in finding out what happens to Tate (and Quinn, he of the romantic subplot) and if she manages to keep control of her own skin, so I'll be on the lookout for the next book in the series. Hopefully its cover will be as awesome as this one!
Received as a free digital ARC via Netgalley and the publisher. Read from January 12 to 15, 2015.
bookaddictbritt's review against another edition
5.0
5 kickass-and-take-no-prisoners stars (Spoiler free as I can get review)
Shawntelle Madison has created an intricate world, phenomenal characters, and a story so thrilling you won't want to put it down.
I LOVED it!
OK first off, I have to say how beautiful is this book cover!? Seriously gorgeous.
Under My Skin is set in a dystopian world where the world was run ravage by illness and disease. Now the Guild rules and every year, at the age of 16, the youths in Myria are tested to become Water bearers and serve for the Guild. Most find it a privilege, but Tate Sullivan wants nothing to do with it. Living in a small impoverished coastal town with her family, Tate has plans for her future and career. Her life takes a twisted turn when her and cousin Zoe pass their tests and are swept away from all they know and love. Beneath the world they thought they knew, lives secrets and lies Tate could have never imagined, and now she has to fight for the life she so desperately wants to keep.
I've been avoiding YA dystopian for awhile but I read the blurb and just had to read this. So worth it.
Onto the characters, because aside from the amazing plot, the characters really sealed the deal in this being an epic new YA Dystopian series. Yup, I said it...epic.
Tate is the heroine and I really couldn't think of one thing I disliked about her. Which doesn't happen often I might add. She's a fighter through and through, courageous, smart-an absolute warrior. Quinn, the Master of Blades- there's so much going on with him that I think we have yet to see, and trust me when I sat I can't wait to find out. I enjoyed his character a lot. The main villain, Master Dagon is written exquisitely. Sinister, evil, commanding, everything you need in an antagonist.
There's nothing more you could ask for in a book from this category. Move over Katniss and Tris, Tate Sullivan has arrived and her story has just begun!
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Shawntelle Madison has created an intricate world, phenomenal characters, and a story so thrilling you won't want to put it down.
I LOVED it!
OK first off, I have to say how beautiful is this book cover!? Seriously gorgeous.
Under My Skin is set in a dystopian world where the world was run ravage by illness and disease. Now the Guild rules and every year, at the age of 16, the youths in Myria are tested to become Water bearers and serve for the Guild. Most find it a privilege, but Tate Sullivan wants nothing to do with it. Living in a small impoverished coastal town with her family, Tate has plans for her future and career. Her life takes a twisted turn when her and cousin Zoe pass their tests and are swept away from all they know and love. Beneath the world they thought they knew, lives secrets and lies Tate could have never imagined, and now she has to fight for the life she so desperately wants to keep.
I've been avoiding YA dystopian for awhile but I read the blurb and just had to read this. So worth it.
Onto the characters, because aside from the amazing plot, the characters really sealed the deal in this being an epic new YA Dystopian series. Yup, I said it...epic.
Tate is the heroine and I really couldn't think of one thing I disliked about her. Which doesn't happen often I might add. She's a fighter through and through, courageous, smart-an absolute warrior. Quinn, the Master of Blades- there's so much going on with him that I think we have yet to see, and trust me when I sat I can't wait to find out. I enjoyed his character a lot. The main villain, Master Dagon is written exquisitely. Sinister, evil, commanding, everything you need in an antagonist.
There's nothing more you could ask for in a book from this category. Move over Katniss and Tris, Tate Sullivan has arrived and her story has just begun!
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
urlphantomhive's review against another edition
2.0
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
I think in the end I just didn't want to be under Tate's skin. But the cover was so beautiful!
It's a Dystopian that starts with a simple aptitude test. Tate's results aren't normal, and she's selected for serving the Guild. No one seems to mind that selection is done via this very weird form of applying. It's more like a sort of slavery.
Immediately Tate, who's the special snowflake from around the corner, starts thinking something must be off. What exactly is a 'water bearer'? Why does the water taste funny? I don't mind Tate having a mind of her own (ironical pun intended) but what annoys me is that it's yet another novel where the heroin is the only person to have this questions. The rest is just a meek flock of water bearers.
The idea is of course shocking, distasteful and highly unethical, but these are not even my biggest problems with it. It didn't make any sense. I'm supposed to believe that no-one except a lucky few are aware that people are taking possession of other people's body in order to stay young? How do you explain the differences in person? The General for example now suddenly is a woman? What's the strategical purpose of that? Don't tell me it is because he likes to wear a dress.
And besides, if you're able to create this system, why not find ways to upgrade your normal body? It would definitely make more sense.
Then there's a romance. I did not see that coming! I didn't like it, that's all I'm going to tell about it.
The writing wasn't that bad but the story bored me quite quickly. It just wasn't for me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I think in the end I just didn't want to be under Tate's skin. But the cover was so beautiful!
It's a Dystopian that starts with a simple aptitude test. Tate's results aren't normal, and she's selected for serving the Guild. No one seems to mind that selection is done via this very weird form of applying. It's more like a sort of slavery.
Immediately Tate, who's the special snowflake from around the corner, starts thinking something must be off. What exactly is a 'water bearer'? Why does the water taste funny? I don't mind Tate having a mind of her own (ironical pun intended) but what annoys me is that it's yet another novel where the heroin is the only person to have this questions. The rest is just a meek flock of water bearers.
The idea is of course shocking, distasteful and highly unethical, but these are not even my biggest problems with it. It didn't make any sense. I'm supposed to believe that no-one except a lucky few are aware that people are taking possession of other people's body in order to stay young? How do you explain the differences in person? The General for example now suddenly is a woman? What's the strategical purpose of that? Don't tell me it is because he likes to wear a dress.
And besides, if you're able to create this system, why not find ways to upgrade your normal body? It would definitely make more sense.
Then there's a romance. I did not see that coming! I didn't like it, that's all I'm going to tell about it.
The writing wasn't that bad but the story bored me quite quickly. It just wasn't for me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!