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Rend the Dark #2
Skinshaper
Barricades broken.
A mining town empty.
One survivor swings in a cage, waiting to die.
Ferran’s tattoos burn as horrors near. They should run. They should seek help. But to save a few, they must journey deeper into the heart of the nightmare to face an ancient foe.
A mining town empty.
One survivor swings in a cage, waiting to die.
Ferran’s tattoos burn as horrors near. They should run. They should seek help. But to save a few, they must journey deeper into the heart of the nightmare to face an ancient foe.
102 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2016
About the author
Mark Gelineau
12 books403 followersEver since the day he discovered his grandfather's stacks of pulps,comics, and sci-fi and fantasy novels, Mark was fascinated. When he saw his first movie, Star Wars, he was hooked. Stories of adventure and far off worlds thrilled him then and inspire him now. It was this passion for imaginative storytelling that led him to writing and education. In addition to his own writing work, Mark has taught middle school English for the last thirteen years, and is excited to share his stories with his young son, Bryce.
Mark has partnered with Joe King, and the two have formed Gelineau and King, in order to bring an exciting new approach to the genre fiction that inspired him as a kid
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 20, 2017
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.
Skinshaper is a stellar continuation of the story begun in Rend the Dark ; Episode II (if you will) gifting readers with yet another horror-infused fantasy, which delivers more than enough action, world lore, and characterization to fully entertain a newcomer to this series or a faithful follower.
The opening here is pure gold. The viewpoint that of a woman suspended in a cage high above an abandoned mine and its attending small settlement. All her attention on the frantic flight of a lone man across the snow-covered landscape. The woman’s every instinct telling her he isn’t moving fast enough, isn’t going to make it, but her heart hoping he will be the first one to finally outrun the monsters from the darkness.
Then the gibbering voices from the tunnel begin, and she sees the nightmarish shapes moving across the whiteness. Even in their horrible, mismatched forms they quickly narrow the distance until the woman closes her eyes, trying unsuccessfully to block out the sounds that herald the races inevitable end.
The scene shifts in place and time. Our trio of companions (Ferran, Mireia, and Riffolk) following Mireia’s growing sense of horror and pain toward an abandoned mining village; a local which haunts her every waking moments and awakens her in screams when she tries to rest. But the trios determination to continue with their quest to destroy mankind’s unseen tormentors is undeterred, even as their partnership begins to fray at the edges due to Ferran and Riffolk’s constant bickering. Indeed, if not for Mireia’s patience and peacemaking, the companions would have long been torn apart in the face of the horrors they are hunting.
Once our heroes enter the eerily quiet village of Mireia’s nightmares, no sign or sound of people can be found, though there are signs of a desperate and sudden flight. That is until she discover the solitary figure twisting in the wind in an iron cage. Cautiously they rescue her, tend her, and question her. The answers they receive validating their arrival, but also setting off warning bells in Ferran and Mireia’s minds, for they have stumbled upon something far worse than they ever dreamed: a skinshaper from the ancient days, whose power is far above them all!
Creepy, suspenseful, emotional and pulse-pounding in equal measures, Skinshaper has the perfect mixture to satisfy every fantasy aficionado. Coupled with Mr. Gelineau and Mr. King’s tight plot and flowing, easily digested prose, this story sweeps along faster than any speeding bullet, dragging a reader behind the characters with ease. All of it ending in a conclusion which demands yet another episode as soon as the authors can put the finishing touches upon it. And that is why I highly recommend this and all the other Echo of the Ascended novella series, because they are pure fantasy fun which never fail to deliver.
I received this book from the authors and Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank both of them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
Skinshaper is a stellar continuation of the story begun in Rend the Dark ; Episode II (if you will) gifting readers with yet another horror-infused fantasy, which delivers more than enough action, world lore, and characterization to fully entertain a newcomer to this series or a faithful follower.
The opening here is pure gold. The viewpoint that of a woman suspended in a cage high above an abandoned mine and its attending small settlement. All her attention on the frantic flight of a lone man across the snow-covered landscape. The woman’s every instinct telling her he isn’t moving fast enough, isn’t going to make it, but her heart hoping he will be the first one to finally outrun the monsters from the darkness.
Then the gibbering voices from the tunnel begin, and she sees the nightmarish shapes moving across the whiteness. Even in their horrible, mismatched forms they quickly narrow the distance until the woman closes her eyes, trying unsuccessfully to block out the sounds that herald the races inevitable end.
The scene shifts in place and time. Our trio of companions (Ferran, Mireia, and Riffolk) following Mireia’s growing sense of horror and pain toward an abandoned mining village; a local which haunts her every waking moments and awakens her in screams when she tries to rest. But the trios determination to continue with their quest to destroy mankind’s unseen tormentors is undeterred, even as their partnership begins to fray at the edges due to Ferran and Riffolk’s constant bickering. Indeed, if not for Mireia’s patience and peacemaking, the companions would have long been torn apart in the face of the horrors they are hunting.
Once our heroes enter the eerily quiet village of Mireia’s nightmares, no sign or sound of people can be found, though there are signs of a desperate and sudden flight. That is until she discover the solitary figure twisting in the wind in an iron cage. Cautiously they rescue her, tend her, and question her. The answers they receive validating their arrival, but also setting off warning bells in Ferran and Mireia’s minds, for they have stumbled upon something far worse than they ever dreamed: a skinshaper from the ancient days, whose power is far above them all!
Creepy, suspenseful, emotional and pulse-pounding in equal measures, Skinshaper has the perfect mixture to satisfy every fantasy aficionado. Coupled with Mr. Gelineau and Mr. King’s tight plot and flowing, easily digested prose, this story sweeps along faster than any speeding bullet, dragging a reader behind the characters with ease. All of it ending in a conclusion which demands yet another episode as soon as the authors can put the finishing touches upon it. And that is why I highly recommend this and all the other Echo of the Ascended novella series, because they are pure fantasy fun which never fail to deliver.
I received this book from the authors and Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank both of them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
March 12, 2016
"Barricades broken.
A mining town empty.
One survivor swings in a cage, waiting to die.
Ferran’s tattoos burn as horrors near. They should run. They should seek help. But to save a few, they must journey deeper into the heart of the nightmare to face an ancient foe."
I loved "Rend the Dark". I loved "Skinshaper" even more. Mireia is amazing. I pronounce her my official girl crush for the month of March.
The story is as scary and awesome as ever. I really enjoyed reading about the trio's adventures. They are all amazing and interesting and each of them is trying to solve this mysterious case in their own way. I am seriously looking forward to the sequel because that ending left me breathless.
*E-copy provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.*
You can read this review on BookishFever.
March 16, 2016
An excellent little horror story with a character driven plot. Short and visceral, griping from the beginning to the end.
The only real negative is the length. It's way to short. You start reading, get in the groove and then it's already over. With a mild cliffhanger.
Still eagerly waiting for more.
PS. And an excellent first chapter. Sets the mood marvelously.
The only real negative is the length. It's way to short. You start reading, get in the groove and then it's already over. With a mild cliffhanger.
Still eagerly waiting for more.
PS. And an excellent first chapter. Sets the mood marvelously.
June 29, 2017
Mireia has been waking up in the middle of the night screaming, Ferran's tattoos burn, and Riffolk wonders why he ever followed along. The trio have entered a deserted mining town and sense a horrid Ruin is near. When they find a survivor hanging from a cage, they vow to enter the mine to rid the world of the horror.
Skinshaper felt more frightening than Rend the Dark, but somewhat less enjoyable. Perhaps it's my own fault as Rend the Dark has been my favorite novella of the Echoes of the Ascended series. Perhaps I put too my pressure on the sequel. It delivered just not quite as I envisioned.
The Ruins are absolute monsters and the Skinshaper was no exception. I found myself a bit grossed out contemplating the results of the Ruins powers. It was disturbing.
Skinshaper like all the stories in the Echoes of the Ascended seem to be a tease. The writing draws me in, but ends too quickly for me to get fully enthralled. I do hope to see a larger book instead of the smaller novellas in the future.
Skinshaper felt more frightening than Rend the Dark, but somewhat less enjoyable. Perhaps it's my own fault as Rend the Dark has been my favorite novella of the Echoes of the Ascended series. Perhaps I put too my pressure on the sequel. It delivered just not quite as I envisioned.
The Ruins are absolute monsters and the Skinshaper was no exception. I found myself a bit grossed out contemplating the results of the Ruins powers. It was disturbing.
Skinshaper like all the stories in the Echoes of the Ascended seem to be a tease. The writing draws me in, but ends too quickly for me to get fully enthralled. I do hope to see a larger book instead of the smaller novellas in the future.
Read
February 23, 2016Howdy everybody,
Joe and I are back with book 2 of Rend the Dark, Skinshaper.
Skinshaper continues the story of Ferran and his team as they continue their hunt for ancient and hidden demons across the world of Aedaron. Like the first novella, we try and capture that same mix of dark, creeping horror with bursts of tense action. There are new faces and we go deeper into the stories of the cast of the first book.
The series follows Ferran, a young man who was haunted by visions of demons as a child, but learned to channel those visions into power at the Order of Talan, where he was trained. He is not alone in this fight against the darkness.
Each story has new terrors to be faced, new evils to fear, but at its heart, Rend the Dark is about the unlucky few who, for their own reasons, choose to hunt the dark and fell things of ancient days. It’s about who they once were, who they are, and who they might yet become.
If they live that long :)
The complete story is told through a series of novellas. Think of it like your favorite episode-based TV show. Each novella can stand on its own, but when read together, it tells the fuller story.
Rend the Dark is one of the four series in Echoes of the Ascended.
Echoes of the Ascended is a series of series.
It follows the lives of five orphans. Each series features different characters. Each is a different kind of tale.
Read one, two, three, or all the series to customize your own unique, personal experience into the grander story of Aedaron.
Be sure to check out more information about all the other series, us, and our mailing list at our webpage: www.gelineauandking.com
We’ll be releasing a new book #2 every month for one of our series in Echoes of the Ascended before heading onto books #3.
If you enjoyed this story, then good news, there’s lots more to come.
Mark & Joe
Joe and I are back with book 2 of Rend the Dark, Skinshaper.
Skinshaper continues the story of Ferran and his team as they continue their hunt for ancient and hidden demons across the world of Aedaron. Like the first novella, we try and capture that same mix of dark, creeping horror with bursts of tense action. There are new faces and we go deeper into the stories of the cast of the first book.
The series follows Ferran, a young man who was haunted by visions of demons as a child, but learned to channel those visions into power at the Order of Talan, where he was trained. He is not alone in this fight against the darkness.
Each story has new terrors to be faced, new evils to fear, but at its heart, Rend the Dark is about the unlucky few who, for their own reasons, choose to hunt the dark and fell things of ancient days. It’s about who they once were, who they are, and who they might yet become.
If they live that long :)
The complete story is told through a series of novellas. Think of it like your favorite episode-based TV show. Each novella can stand on its own, but when read together, it tells the fuller story.
Rend the Dark is one of the four series in Echoes of the Ascended.
Echoes of the Ascended is a series of series.
It follows the lives of five orphans. Each series features different characters. Each is a different kind of tale.
Read one, two, three, or all the series to customize your own unique, personal experience into the grander story of Aedaron.
Be sure to check out more information about all the other series, us, and our mailing list at our webpage: www.gelineauandking.com
We’ll be releasing a new book #2 every month for one of our series in Echoes of the Ascended before heading onto books #3.
If you enjoyed this story, then good news, there’s lots more to come.
Mark & Joe
February 22, 2016
*Received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Book 2 in the Rend the Dark series kicks off several months after the events of book 1. We find Ferran, Mireia and Riffolk on the trail of something dark and evil. Heading ever deeper into the snow covered mountains in order to destroy whatever is causing Mireia's disturbing visions.
*Mild spoilers for Book 1*
Riffolk is by far my favourite character from this 'mini series',
I got exactly as I expected to in this book, good solid fantasy with great characters. I'm not sure how the authors manage to fit so much in 48 pages, but they did. Like it.
Book 2 in the Rend the Dark series kicks off several months after the events of book 1. We find Ferran, Mireia and Riffolk on the trail of something dark and evil. Heading ever deeper into the snow covered mountains in order to destroy whatever is causing Mireia's disturbing visions.
*Mild spoilers for Book 1*
Riffolk is by far my favourite character from this 'mini series',
I got exactly as I expected to in this book, good solid fantasy with great characters. I'm not sure how the authors manage to fit so much in 48 pages, but they did. Like it.
February 27, 2016
Holy Jesus that was amazing!!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
My review can also be found on our blog Paein and Ms4Tune
Popsugar Challenge #40. A book that’s guaranteed to bring you joy
I couldn’t have asked for a better continuation from my favourite book so far in the series, An Echo of the Ascended. For those of you who don’t know, An Echo of the Ascended is broken down into four mini series’. Each mini series follows a different character but they are all set in the same fantasy realm so they come together under one larger series title. My favourite book so far has to be, Rend the Dark. I loved its dark and mysterious storyline and the balanced combination of characters. If you would like to read my review of Rend the Dark you can find it HERE.
Skinshaper is the perfect blend of fantasy, horror and gore! We continue to follow Ferran, Mireia and Riffolk as they travel across Aedaron to hunt out evil Ruins (ancient monsters) that are terrorising the Marches (or Counties). Riffolk is filled with self-doubt. He doesn’t believe he is brave enough to accompany Ferran and Mireia on their quest. He fears the monsters he’s encountered so far and with every vision Mireia has, he fears more and more what is in store for them next! Before he is able to think about leaving, the three come across an abandoned mining community. But all is not what it seems. Soon they find themselves travelling deep underground in search of the missing miners and the secrets that are held within the shadows of the deepest parts of the mine.
Much of the story is told from Riffolk’s point of view and it allowed us to feel his fear and apprehension, much as we did with Hil in Rend the Dark. I enjoyed getting to know him more and watching him grow in confidence. Mireia is still really mysterious, we never get to see through her eyes which really intensifies her peculiarities but we do learn a lot about the link between her and Ferran in this novella. We get to understand why they are so close and why they are such an amazing team. And don’t worry as well as all the character development we have one heck of a storyline! Be prepared for stomach churning monsters and pulse racing situations, which will have you wide-eyed and unable to put this book down till you’ve read the very last page.
It baffles me how Mark Gelineau and Joe King managed to fit so much into such a short novella but wow, do they do it well! I am totally in love with this series, it has fast become one of my favourites and I count down the days till I can get my hands on the next one! The only thing that makes me sad is that I will have to wait 4 months to get my hands on the next book about Ferran and Mireia. :( Skinshaper is the best book so far in my opinion!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
My review can also be found on our blog Paein and Ms4Tune
Popsugar Challenge #40. A book that’s guaranteed to bring you joy
I couldn’t have asked for a better continuation from my favourite book so far in the series, An Echo of the Ascended. For those of you who don’t know, An Echo of the Ascended is broken down into four mini series’. Each mini series follows a different character but they are all set in the same fantasy realm so they come together under one larger series title. My favourite book so far has to be, Rend the Dark. I loved its dark and mysterious storyline and the balanced combination of characters. If you would like to read my review of Rend the Dark you can find it HERE.
Skinshaper is the perfect blend of fantasy, horror and gore! We continue to follow Ferran, Mireia and Riffolk as they travel across Aedaron to hunt out evil Ruins (ancient monsters) that are terrorising the Marches (or Counties). Riffolk is filled with self-doubt. He doesn’t believe he is brave enough to accompany Ferran and Mireia on their quest. He fears the monsters he’s encountered so far and with every vision Mireia has, he fears more and more what is in store for them next! Before he is able to think about leaving, the three come across an abandoned mining community. But all is not what it seems. Soon they find themselves travelling deep underground in search of the missing miners and the secrets that are held within the shadows of the deepest parts of the mine.
Much of the story is told from Riffolk’s point of view and it allowed us to feel his fear and apprehension, much as we did with Hil in Rend the Dark. I enjoyed getting to know him more and watching him grow in confidence. Mireia is still really mysterious, we never get to see through her eyes which really intensifies her peculiarities but we do learn a lot about the link between her and Ferran in this novella. We get to understand why they are so close and why they are such an amazing team. And don’t worry as well as all the character development we have one heck of a storyline! Be prepared for stomach churning monsters and pulse racing situations, which will have you wide-eyed and unable to put this book down till you’ve read the very last page.
It baffles me how Mark Gelineau and Joe King managed to fit so much into such a short novella but wow, do they do it well! I am totally in love with this series, it has fast become one of my favourites and I count down the days till I can get my hands on the next one! The only thing that makes me sad is that I will have to wait 4 months to get my hands on the next book about Ferran and Mireia. :( Skinshaper is the best book so far in my opinion!
March 17, 2016
I did not read the previous novella and I'm sorry I missed it. Although this is a serial and the story is brief, it is action packed and worth the read. In this novella were following Mireia, Riffolk and Ferran." These acolytes had faced nightmares in Groveland Down without faltering or wavering in the slightest." They have survived Groveland Down and are now following Mireia and her visions in to a place where horrid madness dwells. They are searching for this place with foreboding lingering in the air.
"This place festers", "she said There was such revulsion and horror in her words that Riffolk's throat went dry." "It wears the taint of the Dark like a stain."
Mireia can feelbthe suffering of those that are in this place, and Riffolk's is frightened out of his mind a plagued with doubts about what they are doing and why, he sees himself as a coward and wants to run.
"He had wanted to be a hero, but after traveling for two months with the acolytes, it had become clear Riffolk was not the man for this. He was no hero, nor did he want to be."
Just as he makes up his mind to leave, they arrive at an Illegal mining operation that appears to be abandoned. When they find a women (Clyne) hanging in a giant bird cage, she has a story to tell and they now have a better idea of what they are dealing with. "They were maddness. Twisted. Broken. A mishmash of parts like someone had taken scraps from a workbench and tried to make something new from them," "she said with a rippling shudder." So they have to fight, but is there more happening that they don't yet understand?
"Maybe what's buried there should remained buried."
"This place festers", "she said There was such revulsion and horror in her words that Riffolk's throat went dry." "It wears the taint of the Dark like a stain."
Mireia can feelbthe suffering of those that are in this place, and Riffolk's is frightened out of his mind a plagued with doubts about what they are doing and why, he sees himself as a coward and wants to run.
"He had wanted to be a hero, but after traveling for two months with the acolytes, it had become clear Riffolk was not the man for this. He was no hero, nor did he want to be."
Just as he makes up his mind to leave, they arrive at an Illegal mining operation that appears to be abandoned. When they find a women (Clyne) hanging in a giant bird cage, she has a story to tell and they now have a better idea of what they are dealing with. "They were maddness. Twisted. Broken. A mishmash of parts like someone had taken scraps from a workbench and tried to make something new from them," "she said with a rippling shudder." So they have to fight, but is there more happening that they don't yet understand?
"Maybe what's buried there should remained buried."
March 14, 2016
Ferran, Mireia and Riffolk have been drawn into the mountains by Mireia's dreams. But the trap and the risk is far greater than they can know. Soon they will face a Ruin beyond their darkest dreams. Can they defeat a monster the like of which has never been seen since the Ascended walked Aedaron?
I raced into Skinshaper because I enjoyed Rend the Dark so much. Sadly, I didn't feel the sequel was as good. It's a serviceable episode with an interesting development at the very end - but I found myself less engaged by it, the characters not developed sufficiently to deliver the impact that the authors achieved in Rend the Dark and Broken Banners. It's not bad by any means (the detail on Talan, the Order's tattoos and the 'interesting development' are all intriguing), but it didn't live up to my high expectations. I think part of my problem was our new narrator, Riffolk, who I never warmed to. I'm hoping we may get to see future instalments through Ferran's eyes directly.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full review.
I raced into Skinshaper because I enjoyed Rend the Dark so much. Sadly, I didn't feel the sequel was as good. It's a serviceable episode with an interesting development at the very end - but I found myself less engaged by it, the characters not developed sufficiently to deliver the impact that the authors achieved in Rend the Dark and Broken Banners. It's not bad by any means (the detail on Talan, the Order's tattoos and the 'interesting development' are all intriguing), but it didn't live up to my high expectations. I think part of my problem was our new narrator, Riffolk, who I never warmed to. I'm hoping we may get to see future instalments through Ferran's eyes directly.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full review.
March 19, 2016
Review to come!
March 26, 2016
ARC kindly provided by Gelineau and King via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review
Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!
Review
Yet another intriguing novella by Mark Gelineau and Joe King that left me breathless. I was extremely excited for ‘Skinshaper’ – the continuation of 'Rend the Dark' – and I can't say that I was disappointed. Like every novella in the 'Echoes of the Ascended' and the 'Rend the Dark' series, this one captured me instantly with the beautiful and enchanting – yet horrifying – prologue. It drew me in with powerful imagery which the authors, Gelineau and King, used liberally yet masterfully. Some new minor characters were also introduced which really picked up the story and made me enjoy it so much more.
The novella continued the frightening yet gripping story of Ferran and his ability to see through the disguises of monstrous creatures. It was full of tension, drama and anticipation. I loved the way the authors pulled and reeled me into Ferran's world once again despite the long time since I've read the very first novella, 'Rend the Dark'. They were able to quickly re-established the world and I didn't feel lost when while reading. That gave the story a BIG plus.
The novella was told in third person past tense, much like 'Rend the Dark'. I enjoyed the consistency the authors had in their writing which showed great planning on their behalf and great storytelling. This style of writing – whilst being the most popular – is amongst my favourites because it captures so much detail and allows for a clear and untarnished view of the story due to a more abstract look into it.
I couldn't spot any typos or spelling mistakes. The grammar was superb as always and left me wanting for nothing more. The novella's prose was just excellent and really helped carry the story across.
I LOVED the ending! As always, the authors duo wrapped up the story beautifully and with finesse. Yet they also left the ending open for more to happen. I can't wait for the third instalment in the 'Rend the Dark' series!
Congratulations to Mark Gelineau and Joe King on publishing yet another small masterpiece!
Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!
March 16, 2016
"But it is one thing to think yourself a coward and another thing entirely to be proven one."
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review! Thank you, NetGalley!!
3.5 Stars
This novella I enjoyed, but significantly less than the others, I found. I don't think there was enough action for me in this one, which is a shame! The characters offer great plots and great storylines and developments, but this Novella felt, sort of, like a filler. It was just a transition story into the next one. That being said, the phenomenal writing was still perfect, as were the characters,I just felt the plot of this one was less to their standards than the previous one had been.
"She shut her eyes as they dragged the screaming man back into the mine. Then all was silent. The woman didn't cry. She just sat still and waited for her turn to die."
This story started off with a small mining town being under attack by misshapen and hellish creatures from inside their mine. Reaping the small town of all it's residence in their path, dragging them back to the mine.
As Ferran, Acolyte in the Order of Talan, left the last town to follow the trail of symbols shielding his eyes from the creatures he wishes to wipe off the planet, he comes to this town.
His sidekick, Mireia, also an acolyte, and the mortal, Riffolk, who joined them in the last town when his friend was brutally murdered, to reap the world of all the demons and seek justice for his friend's death.
I think the characters are out of their depth in this novella, and they know it.
When they are begged by the last of the free people of the town to help find her sister, she has been dragged into the mine, of course they help.
But what they find in the mine is Ancient. Something that they would need numbers to defeat. Something that, even the idea of it, is terrifying.It's true, reading it set my stomach upside-down
"For too long, you have hidden in the shadows, creature of the Dark," she said, her voice fierce with accusation. "I intend to drag you screaming into the light."
Like I said, there was just something missing from this Novella, still worth the read! As there are important plot details that would be imperative to the next one, but I felt it only picked up with the last....10-5%
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review! Thank you, NetGalley!!
3.5 Stars
This novella I enjoyed, but significantly less than the others, I found. I don't think there was enough action for me in this one, which is a shame! The characters offer great plots and great storylines and developments, but this Novella felt, sort of, like a filler. It was just a transition story into the next one. That being said, the phenomenal writing was still perfect, as were the characters,I just felt the plot of this one was less to their standards than the previous one had been.
"She shut her eyes as they dragged the screaming man back into the mine. Then all was silent. The woman didn't cry. She just sat still and waited for her turn to die."
This story started off with a small mining town being under attack by misshapen and hellish creatures from inside their mine. Reaping the small town of all it's residence in their path, dragging them back to the mine.
As Ferran, Acolyte in the Order of Talan, left the last town to follow the trail of symbols shielding his eyes from the creatures he wishes to wipe off the planet, he comes to this town.
His sidekick, Mireia, also an acolyte, and the mortal, Riffolk, who joined them in the last town when his friend was brutally murdered, to reap the world of all the demons and seek justice for his friend's death.
I think the characters are out of their depth in this novella, and they know it.
When they are begged by the last of the free people of the town to help find her sister, she has been dragged into the mine, of course they help.
But what they find in the mine is Ancient. Something that they would need numbers to defeat. Something that, even the idea of it, is terrifying.
"For too long, you have hidden in the shadows, creature of the Dark," she said, her voice fierce with accusation. "I intend to drag you screaming into the light."
Like I said, there was just something missing from this Novella, still worth the read! As there are important plot details that would be imperative to the next one, but I felt it only picked up with the last....10-5%
July 28, 2016
'Skinshaper' is the sequel novella to 'Rend the Dark' - a horror/fantasy tale of the brave individuals fighting against the terrors hidden in the darkness. I was extremely impressed with the pacing of the original. The authors balanced character development, world building and action with almost expert precision.
In this sequel however, I found there was a lack of character development. Although arguably there is a huge change for one particular character, for me this didn't so much progress their character so much as act as a gateway to the next novella in the series. Also I personally found the intriguing character interactions of 'Rend the Dark' were sacrificed in favour of adding shocking descriptions of gore. Rather than being intrigued, I just felt a bit ill.
As 'Rend the Dark' was so fantastic I will be looking out for the third in this series, in the hopes that the sequel will return to its roots.
2.5 stars
Dislaimer: I received this book for free from netgalley.
In this sequel however, I found there was a lack of character development. Although arguably there is a huge change for one particular character, for me this didn't so much progress their character so much as act as a gateway to the next novella in the series. Also I personally found the intriguing character interactions of 'Rend the Dark' were sacrificed in favour of adding shocking descriptions of gore. Rather than being intrigued, I just felt a bit ill.
As 'Rend the Dark' was so fantastic I will be looking out for the third in this series, in the hopes that the sequel will return to its roots.
2.5 stars
Dislaimer: I received this book for free from netgalley.
March 16, 2016
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
I think I might have mentioned before that I'm enjoying this monthly series that consists of four series set in the same universe but which feature different genres and people.
Skinshaper is the second book after Rend the Dark and it continues to be a great story. Ferran and co encounter an abandoned mine and village, completely empty save for one survive hanging in a cage.
This series is by far the darkest of the four, but very nice to read. The one thing I really, really liked is the references that I start to notice between the different series. I'm looking forward a lot to the next story (both in this series and the next Echo of the ascended which will be more of an urban fantasy).
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I think I might have mentioned before that I'm enjoying this monthly series that consists of four series set in the same universe but which feature different genres and people.
Skinshaper is the second book after Rend the Dark and it continues to be a great story. Ferran and co encounter an abandoned mine and village, completely empty save for one survive hanging in a cage.
This series is by far the darkest of the four, but very nice to read. The one thing I really, really liked is the references that I start to notice between the different series. I'm looking forward a lot to the next story (both in this series and the next Echo of the ascended which will be more of an urban fantasy).
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
March 3, 2016
This was definitely the darkest of the novellas but it was the most engaging of the ones I have read. I tore through this so quickly and was constantly intrigued and horrified by what happened. It should definitely not be read late at night, a mistake I now know of, but a very quick read. The lack of world building was excused this time by much more in depth look at characters and a compelling plot line.
April 12, 2016
5 Words: Dark, monsters, loyalty, courage, friendship.
The Rend the Dark books are perhaps the darkest of all of the books set within the Echoes of the Ascended universe.
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
The Rend the Dark books are perhaps the darkest of all of the books set within the Echoes of the Ascended universe.
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
August 20, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley, Gelineau and King, Mark Gelineau and Joe King for an advanced copy of Skinshaper for an honest review.
Ferran, Mireia, and Riffolk continue in Skinshaper, the second book in the Rend the Dark series. Drawn by Mireia's nightmares, the trio head even deeper into the snow covered mountains. Ferran's tattoos burning they come to a seemingly abandoned mining town. Finding a survivor hanging in a cage waiting to die they head into the mines to battle what awaits them. Another action packed, horror filled, fantasy novella I enjoyed reading Skinshaper.
Ferran, Mireia, and Riffolk continue in Skinshaper, the second book in the Rend the Dark series. Drawn by Mireia's nightmares, the trio head even deeper into the snow covered mountains. Ferran's tattoos burning they come to a seemingly abandoned mining town. Finding a survivor hanging in a cage waiting to die they head into the mines to battle what awaits them. Another action packed, horror filled, fantasy novella I enjoyed reading Skinshaper.
September 23, 2020
Horror and fantasy combined
Good introduction into what these two authors are capable of. Fast paced fantasy/ horror in bite size books. Entertainment for an hour or so.
Good introduction into what these two authors are capable of. Fast paced fantasy/ horror in bite size books. Entertainment for an hour or so.
June 1, 2016
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publish Date: 15th of March 2016
Full review can also be found on: Paein and Ms4Tune’s Book Blog
I have to say that this series is my 3rd favourite of the 4 - or so I've worked out so far. (I'm yet to read book 2 of the next two series). But having said that, I still found it enjoyable - if horrifying! Though I've given this book the same Voodoo rating as the first, I enjoyed this one less. Perhaps because I felt like it wasn't long enough. I know I complain about this a lot, but this time I have a more legitimate reason other than just wanting more! This is the heavy storyline, the one that deals the most with the horrors of the past. It feels like this is the one that is likely to reward us with the most information about the history of this world. Getting this in tiny sections along with the horror of this story works well, but we get so little with each instalment it's kind of hard to know what to do with it.
We're also leave our heroes in a sticky situation, not a cliff hanger per se, but it's a little rockier than the other 5 books - or, at least that's what it seemed to me. They've also separated from their 'third wheels'. In Rend the Dark they had with them 3 civilians. They kept one and gained another, but they're currently of little use to them. As previously with this section, this is told from the point of view of an outside character, Riffolk instead of Hil this time, as Rif was the one to stay with them. This keeps the mystery of Ferran and Mireia going, though we see some things through Ferran's eyes. And even Rif is initiated a little further into their world than he thought he would ever be, which I found fascinating.
We do find out something big in this story, something I don't know what to do with yet, but I'm actually pretty sure it will link in with the 'luck' that Elinor has been having over in the A Reaper of Stone section of this series. I'm holding out for a big, giant group finale with lots of magic and lightening and luck and smarts. After all this is AN ECHO of the Ascended.
June 20, 2019
Great follow-up to Rend the Dark
I thought this was a pretty good follow-up to Rend the Dark. Skinshaper picks up a couple of months after the events in Rend the Dark. Ferran, Mireia and Riffolk have been traveling to find and destroy the Ruins or creatures of the dark. Mireia can sense the evil and her visions lead them to a mining town that is seemingly empty save for a woman in a cage. They find out that the town was attacked by hideous creatures that are now hiding in the mine. They enter the mine to search for survivors and confront and destroy these creatures, but they find themselves facing an ancient and far more horrific monster.
Like the previous novella in the series, Skinshaper is fast-paced and exciting. And, of course, you still have the diverse, interesting and complex characters that you can’t help but root for. The book gives us more bits and pieces about their backstories and more insights into their personalities. We also discover just how strong and powerful they are in their own ways, especially Mireia.
The story is somewhat darker and the creatures even more hideous and scary – and I mean freakishly scary. The ending promises of more intriguing and exciting things to come and it makes you wonder about the fates of Ferran, Mireia and Riffolk.
I really think fans of horror and fantasy will love this one. This series continues to be one of my favorites and I can’t wait to read more.
I received a review copy of this book at no cost and with no obligations. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I thought this was a pretty good follow-up to Rend the Dark. Skinshaper picks up a couple of months after the events in Rend the Dark. Ferran, Mireia and Riffolk have been traveling to find and destroy the Ruins or creatures of the dark. Mireia can sense the evil and her visions lead them to a mining town that is seemingly empty save for a woman in a cage. They find out that the town was attacked by hideous creatures that are now hiding in the mine. They enter the mine to search for survivors and confront and destroy these creatures, but they find themselves facing an ancient and far more horrific monster.
Like the previous novella in the series, Skinshaper is fast-paced and exciting. And, of course, you still have the diverse, interesting and complex characters that you can’t help but root for. The book gives us more bits and pieces about their backstories and more insights into their personalities. We also discover just how strong and powerful they are in their own ways, especially Mireia.
The story is somewhat darker and the creatures even more hideous and scary – and I mean freakishly scary. The ending promises of more intriguing and exciting things to come and it makes you wonder about the fates of Ferran, Mireia and Riffolk.
I really think fans of horror and fantasy will love this one. This series continues to be one of my favorites and I can’t wait to read more.
I received a review copy of this book at no cost and with no obligations. All opinions expressed here are my own.
November 7, 2016
It's about time I wrote this review. I've been putting it off for too long now and these authors don't deserve that kind of treatment. True, these stories weren't my favorite, but they still fit fantastically to the whole world and are definitely worth reading if you want to see the whole picture.
I received copies of these stories from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"Skinshaper"
The second part of these stories moves on with the trio's adventure. This time they'll have much harder evil to defeat. They are following Mireia's dark visions into mountains, little they know what awaits them.
This story felt even darker than the first one. It was filled with action and horror, although the little character development we've got was rather interesting. The struggles they got through were very believable and tough, so even though the story was too rushed, it's still worth the time.
~~~~
These stories were darker than the other two series I've read. More bloody and scary, the characters felt a bit hopeless at times. Maybe that's what bothered me. It is good to throw heroes the impossible task from time to time, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. Maybe it's the RPG session talking right now, but... well it felt like they have no choice whatsoever, that they have only one, dark path they can follow.
Still, these are good stories filled with action and worth checking out.
I received copies of these stories from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"Skinshaper"
The second part of these stories moves on with the trio's adventure. This time they'll have much harder evil to defeat. They are following Mireia's dark visions into mountains, little they know what awaits them.
This story felt even darker than the first one. It was filled with action and horror, although the little character development we've got was rather interesting. The struggles they got through were very believable and tough, so even though the story was too rushed, it's still worth the time.
~~~~
These stories were darker than the other two series I've read. More bloody and scary, the characters felt a bit hopeless at times. Maybe that's what bothered me. It is good to throw heroes the impossible task from time to time, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. Maybe it's the RPG session talking right now, but... well it felt like they have no choice whatsoever, that they have only one, dark path they can follow.
Still, these are good stories filled with action and worth checking out.
April 5, 2016
'Skinshaper' by Mark Gelineau and Joe King is book 2 in the Rend the Dark novella series. It's the 5th book I've read in this world and they are building an interesting world, but not one I'd necessarily want to live in.
In this one, Ferran and Mireia and their young protege Riffolk find themselves on a rescue mission. There is something happening in a nearby mine. Something horrid dwells beneath and it must be stopped. The problem is stopping it may cost more than they can willingly pay. Before the end, they have to rescue some trapped villagers, find a missing sister and even try to outrun and outsmart something that is vicious and fast.
It's a short book and I dare not say much else, except that I'm enjoying this series. The characters are interesting, the horrible creatures are truly horrible and the friendships and bonds are interesting. It's a book two, so do yourself the favor of picking up the first novella, Rend The Dark, before you read this one.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Gelineau and King, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
In this one, Ferran and Mireia and their young protege Riffolk find themselves on a rescue mission. There is something happening in a nearby mine. Something horrid dwells beneath and it must be stopped. The problem is stopping it may cost more than they can willingly pay. Before the end, they have to rescue some trapped villagers, find a missing sister and even try to outrun and outsmart something that is vicious and fast.
It's a short book and I dare not say much else, except that I'm enjoying this series. The characters are interesting, the horrible creatures are truly horrible and the friendships and bonds are interesting. It's a book two, so do yourself the favor of picking up the first novella, Rend The Dark, before you read this one.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Gelineau and King, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
February 18, 2017
Another very good short dark story
Another very good short dark short story. There is no running around the bushes in the scenarios, but the story fell a little too short, specifically both witch hunters are lacking a little bit more of development, hopefully it will be done in the next book since this one leaves an interesting hookup for book 3
Another very good short dark short story. There is no running around the bushes in the scenarios, but the story fell a little too short, specifically both witch hunters are lacking a little bit more of development, hopefully it will be done in the next book since this one leaves an interesting hookup for book 3
April 4, 2016
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review of it. The opinions stated are solely my own.
Even though this story is short it grabs you by the throat and leaves you begging for more when you finish. Skinshaper picks up where the first book left off and it only gets better. Riffolk is accompanying Ferran and Mireia still as they hunt for more of the Dark ones to destroy. Mireia is having visions of something and they are heading toward it. What they find is more than they can handle...will they survive it?
This book is great! The twist that authors throw in it caught me so off guard that I was immediately wanting to know more about it! I couldn't get enough of this book and I honestly cannot wait for the next in this series. These authors have really done a great job spinning these tales and this book compliments Rend the Dark beautifully. If you haven't read any of their work I suggest starting with Rend the Dark and then Skinshaper and branching out from there.
Even though this story is short it grabs you by the throat and leaves you begging for more when you finish. Skinshaper picks up where the first book left off and it only gets better. Riffolk is accompanying Ferran and Mireia still as they hunt for more of the Dark ones to destroy. Mireia is having visions of something and they are heading toward it. What they find is more than they can handle...will they survive it?
This book is great! The twist that authors throw in it caught me so off guard that I was immediately wanting to know more about it! I couldn't get enough of this book and I honestly cannot wait for the next in this series. These authors have really done a great job spinning these tales and this book compliments Rend the Dark beautifully. If you haven't read any of their work I suggest starting with Rend the Dark and then Skinshaper and branching out from there.
April 22, 2016
Skinshaper is the second novella in a series where witch hunters of the Order of Talan destroy ancient monsters that threaten the populace. In this story, the monsters are miners. The surprise twist in the tale, which I will not reveal, was unexpected and one of the best parts of this story. However, because I found the monster in the prologue to be silly, and the novella so short, I couldn’t get myself to feel the shivery horror that the monstrosities in the story should invoke and that the authors intended. I was put-off by Mireia’s behavior early in the book, since we know from the first novella that she is pure bad-ass. I’m not sure that I want to read a series of novellas; there simply isn’t much time to care or develop much of a connection with the characters. Although I did enjoy this story, overall I was disappointed having loved the first novella, Rend the Dark.
December 18, 2016
Skinshaper (Rend the Dark book 2) by Mark Gelineau and Joe King is the second book in the series by can be read as a stand alone. These books are each such wonders in that they are filled with vast amount of fantasy and action in only about 120 pages! The reader feels very satisfied once finished reading it as if reading a 500 page book! In this book, the trio come across an invested mine of pure evil, an ancient evil that takes humans and turns them into other things, horrible things. The first scene will draw you in. The ending will make you think long and hard and make you come back for more... I love their books! I received this book for a honest review from NetGalley and it in no way effected my review or rating.
June 2, 2016
I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways. I tend to enter a great deal of them, trying to get new books for my classroom library. This one seemed to fit the genre that a few of my students enjoy, so I decided to give it a shot.
It probably would have helped me to have read the first book in this series, but overall I was able to fill in the missing information so that the plotline made sense. The descriptions were really clear, but (perhaps due to missing out on book 1) I just didn't connect. The plot seemed incredibly accelerated, which could be because of the slim size - lots to do in a short amount of pages.
I'll add it to my shelf, but I don't know that I'll be particularly recommending it.
It probably would have helped me to have read the first book in this series, but overall I was able to fill in the missing information so that the plotline made sense. The descriptions were really clear, but (perhaps due to missing out on book 1) I just didn't connect. The plot seemed incredibly accelerated, which could be because of the slim size - lots to do in a short amount of pages.
I'll add it to my shelf, but I don't know that I'll be particularly recommending it.
March 3, 2016
This story takes place a while after Rend the Dark and is mostly from the perspective of the young man who joined the two witch hunters. He is struggling with his conviction and fear. The life is hard and frightening, especially when they find a settlement that has been attacked by a particular horror. In fighting it all three have to face and make life-changing choices. This series in this world is pretty dark, and this story is dark as well, though it is not tragic.
I received a copy for review through NetGalley.
I received a copy for review through NetGalley.
May 29, 2016
It is really hard to leave a good review for these novella's without giving everything away!
The characters are well rounded, the plot twists are wild, the monsters
are grotesque. Everything they produce is beautifully written,
formulated to draw you in and keep you coming back while keeping the
story short enough to read in one setting. I would definitely recommend
reading the first novella in the series before this one, otherwise some of
the details you read about won't be as meaningful.
See this and other reviews at: www.preciousbooks.co
The characters are well rounded, the plot twists are wild, the monsters
are grotesque. Everything they produce is beautifully written,
formulated to draw you in and keep you coming back while keeping the
story short enough to read in one setting. I would definitely recommend
reading the first novella in the series before this one, otherwise some of
the details you read about won't be as meaningful.
See this and other reviews at: www.preciousbooks.co
April 16, 2016
In this second installment we find our heroes in search of the evil that attack the town in the first Novella, the search will take them to a path where the acolytes will face a much dangerous and ancient force that could be the end for Ferran and Mireia.
A fast paced story with no waste and full of tension. A creepy, skin crawling descriptions of horrors and nightmarish images to fill the night.
Note: I received a copy from Netgalley for review purposes.
A fast paced story with no waste and full of tension. A creepy, skin crawling descriptions of horrors and nightmarish images to fill the night.
Note: I received a copy from Netgalley for review purposes.
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