Sue Bentley's Blog
January 20, 2024
Second Skin - new edition
I am delighted that my book Second Skin is now released in a new edition. It was a wonderful surprise for my publisher to commission a new cover, and for the book to be made so widely available. You can read it as an eBook, buy it print-on-demand from Amazon, or very soon get the paperback from all good bookshops.
This book is very dear to my heart. The themes of characters overcoming dangers and challenges, often in fear for their lives, and somehow in the midst of the chaos falling in love, are universal.
But the difference in Second Skin is that the story revolves around shape-shifting dragons, and a perilous journey across a war-torn continent. Aledra Jewel-wing, is Drakkoni, a race of fierce, proud and pitiless conquerors of Esra, an unspoilt land. How can she and Jubal, a native Esran, whose family were killed by the Drakkoni, ever be together?
Aledra's kind guard their bloodlines well. They have a saying. "Your firstskin is what you allow the world to see, and your second skin is the true expression of your soul."
This book is very dear to my heart. The themes of characters overcoming dangers and challenges, often in fear for their lives, and somehow in the midst of the chaos falling in love, are universal.
But the difference in Second Skin is that the story revolves around shape-shifting dragons, and a perilous journey across a war-torn continent. Aledra Jewel-wing, is Drakkoni, a race of fierce, proud and pitiless conquerors of Esra, an unspoilt land. How can she and Jubal, a native Esran, whose family were killed by the Drakkoni, ever be together?
Aledra's kind guard their bloodlines well. They have a saying. "Your firstskin is what you allow the world to see, and your second skin is the true expression of your soul."
November 16, 2019
New Year mood.
SECOND SKIN if you love Fourth Wing then discover this enthralling fantasy novelHi Bookish folk of Goodreads!
It's been a while since I last updated my blog. The end of Summer rushed past on a tide of family drama and illness, so everything was on hold until the tsunami retreated. Happily all is back on track and I'm making up for lost time. I'm delighted to have a short horror story, entitled 'Old Gods' included in The Third Corona Book of Horror Stories edited by Lewis Williams, and happy to say this dark and creepy anthology is getting great reviews. It has just been entered for selection for the Bram Stoker Award. So fingers crossed. Wish me and all fellow contributors luck!
The Anniversary edition of We Other, with a beautiful new green and gold cover and specially written introduction is now available in paperback and still at reduced price for a few more days. Also on kindle and kindle unlimited.
On to my current novel Second Skin, published this summer.
Check out these thoughts from @julie_embleton on Instagram who hosts #selfpromotionsunday. "Second Skin is set in a world of shapeshifters that go beyond the norm - with fantastic reviews for this series starter it's worth checking out for your TBR. Anyone else crushing on this cover? "
Finally - work is progressing on my dark gothic novel inspired by the Northampton shoe trade. Frozen Charlotte is getting more twisted and mysterious, as I write! How I love it when that happens! My main character, Neva (short for Minerva) has become much darker, more troubled and complex. I'm enjoying going along with her on her difficult journey through this book.
I'm presently reading Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver - and loving it! That's all for now - see you when Winter had spread her silver magic across the landscape and the bones of trees are stark against the skies.
with best wishes and bookish thoughts - Sue Bentley
It's been a while since I last updated my blog. The end of Summer rushed past on a tide of family drama and illness, so everything was on hold until the tsunami retreated. Happily all is back on track and I'm making up for lost time. I'm delighted to have a short horror story, entitled 'Old Gods' included in The Third Corona Book of Horror Stories edited by Lewis Williams, and happy to say this dark and creepy anthology is getting great reviews. It has just been entered for selection for the Bram Stoker Award. So fingers crossed. Wish me and all fellow contributors luck!
The Anniversary edition of We Other, with a beautiful new green and gold cover and specially written introduction is now available in paperback and still at reduced price for a few more days. Also on kindle and kindle unlimited.
On to my current novel Second Skin, published this summer.
Check out these thoughts from @julie_embleton on Instagram who hosts #selfpromotionsunday. "Second Skin is set in a world of shapeshifters that go beyond the norm - with fantastic reviews for this series starter it's worth checking out for your TBR. Anyone else crushing on this cover? "
Finally - work is progressing on my dark gothic novel inspired by the Northampton shoe trade. Frozen Charlotte is getting more twisted and mysterious, as I write! How I love it when that happens! My main character, Neva (short for Minerva) has become much darker, more troubled and complex. I'm enjoying going along with her on her difficult journey through this book.
I'm presently reading Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver - and loving it! That's all for now - see you when Winter had spread her silver magic across the landscape and the bones of trees are stark against the skies.
with best wishes and bookish thoughts - Sue Bentley
July 22, 2019
Second Skin
Hi fellow bookaholics
What a roller coaster ride it's been with all things bookish and beyond. After blood, sweat and tears Second Skin, my new novel about a different type of shapeshifter, burst into the world fully formed and flaming into life on 18th July 2019. A blog tour on twitter and an Instagram tour are still underway. If you check out my social media and website you'll see reviews and initial thoughts about Second Skin. Giving the book into the hands of readers is something authors approach with both excitement and trepidation, as the book must make its way 'out there' and is no longer a private, protected, nurtured, sometimes feared entity all of their own. Recent health challenges have made it difficult for me to concentrate and at the same time have provided a deep shift in focus, as everything must take second place to the process of healing. But all that's happened lately will no doubt end up in a book. Writers cannot help storing away every action, emotion, happening - even at the worst of times. We're literary leeches at best, voyeurs at worst. It goes with the job. And then there's the letting go. Bringing a book to life really is a bit like giving birth. Not as physically painful perhaps, but the long labour and ultimate reward of producing something new and unique is similar. Second Skin is book one in the Bridge of Fire series. If you enjoy dragons this book may tempt you - my 'dragons' are different to what you might be expecting. Better or worse? Or something else entirely? I'm sure you'll let me know! Don't hold back! I'll be delighted to answer your questions. Wishing you happiness, health and much good reading. Until next time... Sue Bentley
twitter - @suebentleywords
Insta - @therealsuebentley
FB - suebentleyauthor
website www.suebentley.co.uk
What a roller coaster ride it's been with all things bookish and beyond. After blood, sweat and tears Second Skin, my new novel about a different type of shapeshifter, burst into the world fully formed and flaming into life on 18th July 2019. A blog tour on twitter and an Instagram tour are still underway. If you check out my social media and website you'll see reviews and initial thoughts about Second Skin. Giving the book into the hands of readers is something authors approach with both excitement and trepidation, as the book must make its way 'out there' and is no longer a private, protected, nurtured, sometimes feared entity all of their own. Recent health challenges have made it difficult for me to concentrate and at the same time have provided a deep shift in focus, as everything must take second place to the process of healing. But all that's happened lately will no doubt end up in a book. Writers cannot help storing away every action, emotion, happening - even at the worst of times. We're literary leeches at best, voyeurs at worst. It goes with the job. And then there's the letting go. Bringing a book to life really is a bit like giving birth. Not as physically painful perhaps, but the long labour and ultimate reward of producing something new and unique is similar. Second Skin is book one in the Bridge of Fire series. If you enjoy dragons this book may tempt you - my 'dragons' are different to what you might be expecting. Better or worse? Or something else entirely? I'm sure you'll let me know! Don't hold back! I'll be delighted to answer your questions. Wishing you happiness, health and much good reading. Until next time... Sue Bentley
twitter - @suebentleywords
Insta - @therealsuebentley
FB - suebentleyauthor
website www.suebentley.co.uk
September 2, 2018
Website Update
Hi fellow bookaholics
Been a while since I posted, so hope you all had an amazing Summer. Welcome to Autumn - my favourite season. Love the colours, the food, the clothes and cuddling up with hot chocolate, thick socks and a fleece throw to read, read, read.
My new website is looking great, but is still a work in progress. I have added a newsletter which goes out on the 1st of every month, so do go along and sign up. It's free and I'd love you to join my community. Posts to come will include writers tips and updates. Be sure to choose the html option, not just text, or you'll miss out on photos, videos etc. here's the link.
https://www.suebentley.co.uk
I'm presently having a Victorian moment - actually it's lasted for many years - I have a huge TBR pile with Victorian settings. One I re-read every now and then is the amazing Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber. My love of Victoriana inspired some scenes in We Other - the Gothic mansion of Windroth - in particular, as readers may have guessed. And I'm working on a new novel with strong Victorian threads. More about that later - it's early days. But here's a title preview - Frozen Charlotte. Also working on Scar You, another novel set in the world of We Other, with original characters and some exciting new ones.
What are you reading folks?
BTW in case you missed it - I'm on Instagram https://instagram.com/@therealsuebentley so you can follow me there too. Have a brilliant September. Bookish love to all xxxxx
Been a while since I posted, so hope you all had an amazing Summer. Welcome to Autumn - my favourite season. Love the colours, the food, the clothes and cuddling up with hot chocolate, thick socks and a fleece throw to read, read, read.
My new website is looking great, but is still a work in progress. I have added a newsletter which goes out on the 1st of every month, so do go along and sign up. It's free and I'd love you to join my community. Posts to come will include writers tips and updates. Be sure to choose the html option, not just text, or you'll miss out on photos, videos etc. here's the link.
https://www.suebentley.co.uk
I'm presently having a Victorian moment - actually it's lasted for many years - I have a huge TBR pile with Victorian settings. One I re-read every now and then is the amazing Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber. My love of Victoriana inspired some scenes in We Other - the Gothic mansion of Windroth - in particular, as readers may have guessed. And I'm working on a new novel with strong Victorian threads. More about that later - it's early days. But here's a title preview - Frozen Charlotte. Also working on Scar You, another novel set in the world of We Other, with original characters and some exciting new ones.
What are you reading folks?
BTW in case you missed it - I'm on Instagram https://instagram.com/@therealsuebentley so you can follow me there too. Have a brilliant September. Bookish love to all xxxxx
June 13, 2018
We Other giveaway
Hi fellow bookaholics and Goodreads friends
Now that the We Other blog tour has ended I'm planning on retreating into serious writing for the rest of the summer. I have a few projects in progress. Firstly a short story which I'm presently making into a novella and I'm already at work on Scar You, a kind-of sequel and also able to be read as a stand-alone, to We Other. I also have a completed 1st draft of Second Skin, which needs more work. So I may be less visible on social platforms for a while. There will be a couple of special highlights when I'll be hosted as a guest by two of my favourite book bloggers during July and Sept, so look out for those.
I also have a stack of books to read. Can't wait to dive into those. First up is The Surface Breaks by Louis O'Neill, courtesy of a friend who hasn't yet read it herself so have to get that back to her. And then Wild Beauty by Anne-Marie McLemore. And then...all the many others!
Remember - there are only a few hours left to enter for the #WeOther giveaway. Entries close tomorrow. Better hurry. Poised with my pen to sign the book/ write a personal letter to the winner, before sealing the package and dashing to the PO! I'm excited to think of where the giveaway will be going...
Open worldwide - entry via the link http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp... …
Good Luck - Sue Bentley
Now that the We Other blog tour has ended I'm planning on retreating into serious writing for the rest of the summer. I have a few projects in progress. Firstly a short story which I'm presently making into a novella and I'm already at work on Scar You, a kind-of sequel and also able to be read as a stand-alone, to We Other. I also have a completed 1st draft of Second Skin, which needs more work. So I may be less visible on social platforms for a while. There will be a couple of special highlights when I'll be hosted as a guest by two of my favourite book bloggers during July and Sept, so look out for those.
I also have a stack of books to read. Can't wait to dive into those. First up is The Surface Breaks by Louis O'Neill, courtesy of a friend who hasn't yet read it herself so have to get that back to her. And then Wild Beauty by Anne-Marie McLemore. And then...all the many others!
Remember - there are only a few hours left to enter for the #WeOther giveaway. Entries close tomorrow. Better hurry. Poised with my pen to sign the book/ write a personal letter to the winner, before sealing the package and dashing to the PO! I'm excited to think of where the giveaway will be going...
Open worldwide - entry via the link http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp... …
Good Luck - Sue Bentley
June 7, 2018
We Other Giveaway
The Blog tour has finished. Wow! What a ride. A million Thank Yous to all who took part.
You can still enter for the giveaway of a signed book and a personal hand-written letter to the winner - open worldwide. Entry via this link http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...
Keep up to date with progress on my WIP entitled 'Scar You' the exciting sequel to We Other, and other news, by signing up for my newsletter on the 1st of every month beginning July 2018 - via
https://suebentley.co.uk
Happy reading fellow bookaholics of Goodreads
Sue xxxx
You can still enter for the giveaway of a signed book and a personal hand-written letter to the winner - open worldwide. Entry via this link http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...
Keep up to date with progress on my WIP entitled 'Scar You' the exciting sequel to We Other, and other news, by signing up for my newsletter on the 1st of every month beginning July 2018 - via
https://suebentley.co.uk
Happy reading fellow bookaholics of Goodreads
Sue xxxx
June 3, 2018
Made speechless by blog tour
It's not often that I'm lost for words, but this review by @karlou on the #WeOther blog tour stop-off had that effect on me. I'm reproducing it here. And include a link below so you can check-out her fabulous book blog.
She says:
"I'm not sure quite how to describe We Other but I can say without any hesitation that I loved this book and am already looking forward to the next instalment. Sue Bentley has combined the drama of a YA coming of age tale with the suspense of a thriller and the intrigue and magic of a fantasy novel - one which crosses effortlessly between its urban and otherworldly settings.
The book begins with a quote from Keats' 'La Belle Dame Sans Merci' which gives a poetical hint to lyricism of the story contained within the pages. Though undoubtedly a contemporary novel, We Other also has the timeless feel of folklore and of stories handed down for years which tell of the power of fey folk and the resulting trouble which ensues when they deign to mix with mortals. For these are not the fairies of childhood tales and Disney movies, the beings who inhabit Faery do not use magic, they are magic. Their Dark Court is ruled by a powerful and malevolent woman, Catelysma who demands obedience. This is a dark and twisted place where weaker creatures - including mortal children - are tortured for cruel entertainment.
Jess Morgan though has her own troubles; her alcoholic single mother has never recovered from the cot death of Jess' twin sister, Stella or the subsequent abandonment by the girls' father, Rob. Locked into a downward spiral of addiction, she has dragged her teenage daughter into a life of misery and shame. Jess is forced to search for food in the skips behind supermarkets and wear clothes found at the cheapest charity shops. Her strange allergies to chemicals and metals and her downtrodden appearance mark her as different and she is shunned by most of her college peers. When her mum's violent boyfriend turns his attentions towards Jess, it seems as though things couldn't get any worse but as she discovers long held secrets she is in more danger than she could ever imagine.
Meanwhile Caleb Farmer has to reluctantly work behind the counter of his domineering father's failing hardware store but dreams of becoming an artist. When his dad destroys his sketch book and dozens of his drawings, it seem he many never leave but a chance meeting with an irascible old woman, Ivy Stark changes his life forever.
In Faery, a hudskin called Ninka - the last of her kind - is tasked with raising a mortal baby, the latest of Catelysma's playthings. Unable to resist the infant's charms, Ninka makes a decision which could place both her and the child at a huge risk should their secret be discovered. However, she knows another deep secret which could have the power to change Faery forever.
For much of the book the three narratives are told separately, although it is obvious that they are somehow tied together. There is sometimes a risk with books with separate storylines that one will be more engaging than the other but not so with We Other. I was equally engrossed in Jess' journey of discovery, Caleb's struggles to find his place in the world and Ninka's perilous dealings. The characterisation in the book is superb, Jess and Caleb are both hugely likeable and have that necessary 'otherness' which makes them somehow relatable to anybody who has ever felt they don't quite fit in. A word here too for Ivy Stark who despite her rather spiky personality became one of my favourite characters, particularly as her full story and reason for her rather detached demeanour becomes apparent.
We Other is a beautifully written book filled with rich and vivid imagery. Whether describing the abject hopelessness of the sink estate where Jess and Alice live, the treacherous world of the Dark Court or the Gothic sadness of Windroth Hall, Sue Bentley adroitly conjures each setting from the familiar to the extraordinary. This is very clearly the first book of a series but never falls prey to the trap of too much world building at the expense of a captivating story. Though I am desperate to find out what happens next, I was engrossed throughout by this brilliant novel and highly recommend it to anybody who is looking for a book packed with magic and suspense. "
https://hairpastafreckle72.blogspot.c...
There's also a giveaway to enter on the blog. It's worldwide so enter now.
Thanks for reading. Keep the book-faith bookaholics - Sue x
She says:
"I'm not sure quite how to describe We Other but I can say without any hesitation that I loved this book and am already looking forward to the next instalment. Sue Bentley has combined the drama of a YA coming of age tale with the suspense of a thriller and the intrigue and magic of a fantasy novel - one which crosses effortlessly between its urban and otherworldly settings.
The book begins with a quote from Keats' 'La Belle Dame Sans Merci' which gives a poetical hint to lyricism of the story contained within the pages. Though undoubtedly a contemporary novel, We Other also has the timeless feel of folklore and of stories handed down for years which tell of the power of fey folk and the resulting trouble which ensues when they deign to mix with mortals. For these are not the fairies of childhood tales and Disney movies, the beings who inhabit Faery do not use magic, they are magic. Their Dark Court is ruled by a powerful and malevolent woman, Catelysma who demands obedience. This is a dark and twisted place where weaker creatures - including mortal children - are tortured for cruel entertainment.
Jess Morgan though has her own troubles; her alcoholic single mother has never recovered from the cot death of Jess' twin sister, Stella or the subsequent abandonment by the girls' father, Rob. Locked into a downward spiral of addiction, she has dragged her teenage daughter into a life of misery and shame. Jess is forced to search for food in the skips behind supermarkets and wear clothes found at the cheapest charity shops. Her strange allergies to chemicals and metals and her downtrodden appearance mark her as different and she is shunned by most of her college peers. When her mum's violent boyfriend turns his attentions towards Jess, it seems as though things couldn't get any worse but as she discovers long held secrets she is in more danger than she could ever imagine.
Meanwhile Caleb Farmer has to reluctantly work behind the counter of his domineering father's failing hardware store but dreams of becoming an artist. When his dad destroys his sketch book and dozens of his drawings, it seem he many never leave but a chance meeting with an irascible old woman, Ivy Stark changes his life forever.
In Faery, a hudskin called Ninka - the last of her kind - is tasked with raising a mortal baby, the latest of Catelysma's playthings. Unable to resist the infant's charms, Ninka makes a decision which could place both her and the child at a huge risk should their secret be discovered. However, she knows another deep secret which could have the power to change Faery forever.
For much of the book the three narratives are told separately, although it is obvious that they are somehow tied together. There is sometimes a risk with books with separate storylines that one will be more engaging than the other but not so with We Other. I was equally engrossed in Jess' journey of discovery, Caleb's struggles to find his place in the world and Ninka's perilous dealings. The characterisation in the book is superb, Jess and Caleb are both hugely likeable and have that necessary 'otherness' which makes them somehow relatable to anybody who has ever felt they don't quite fit in. A word here too for Ivy Stark who despite her rather spiky personality became one of my favourite characters, particularly as her full story and reason for her rather detached demeanour becomes apparent.
We Other is a beautifully written book filled with rich and vivid imagery. Whether describing the abject hopelessness of the sink estate where Jess and Alice live, the treacherous world of the Dark Court or the Gothic sadness of Windroth Hall, Sue Bentley adroitly conjures each setting from the familiar to the extraordinary. This is very clearly the first book of a series but never falls prey to the trap of too much world building at the expense of a captivating story. Though I am desperate to find out what happens next, I was engrossed throughout by this brilliant novel and highly recommend it to anybody who is looking for a book packed with magic and suspense. "
https://hairpastafreckle72.blogspot.c...
There's also a giveaway to enter on the blog. It's worldwide so enter now.
Thanks for reading. Keep the book-faith bookaholics - Sue x
May 31, 2018
More Highlights from #WeOther blog tour
Hi Goodreads friends and bookaholics - forgive me for another post so soon about the #WeOther tour, but just had to share this post from @duvetdweller who says "This book is pure magic. It lured me in like a faerie charming me into stepping into their faery kingdom" - so lovely for an author to read that.
For the rest of the post, here's the link... https://duvetdwellersbooks.wordpress....
Have a brilliant day GR folks!
May the words dance before your eyes, rain twinkle on your footsteps and the sun shine blessings upon you - old faerie proverb. (Well it is now!) Sue x
For the rest of the post, here's the link... https://duvetdwellersbooks.wordpress....
Have a brilliant day GR folks!
May the words dance before your eyes, rain twinkle on your footsteps and the sun shine blessings upon you - old faerie proverb. (Well it is now!) Sue x
May 30, 2018
We Other blog tour highlights
Hi fellow bookaholics. I'm totally blown away by this stellar review today.
"I am just going to come out and say it. I loved this book!!! I was excited to read it and the author did not disappoint! I am going to gush on the story for a bit. I hope you don't mind."
(No I don't mind at all! )
Thanks for hosting me on your fab blog Allie. Read the rest of the review, a guest feature AND watch an exclusive video on...https://girlwithagoodbookandherdog.bl...
Enjoy! Sue Bentley xxx
"I am just going to come out and say it. I loved this book!!! I was excited to read it and the author did not disappoint! I am going to gush on the story for a bit. I hope you don't mind."
(No I don't mind at all! )
Thanks for hosting me on your fab blog Allie. Read the rest of the review, a guest feature AND watch an exclusive video on...https://girlwithagoodbookandherdog.bl...
Enjoy! Sue Bentley xxx
May 29, 2018
We Other blog tour
Delighted to be featured by @polesofie on the #WeOther tour. Thank you for the amazing review and for having me as your guest. It's just great when someone really 'get's' your book!
This is what was said - " Written with much purpose and research, Bentley delivers a love letter to painting, artistry and words with her novel " Read the full review here
https://romanticsrebelsandreviews.wor...
Book bloggers are the best!
Check out my new updated website and sign up for the newsletter
www.suebentley.co.uk
This is what was said - " Written with much purpose and research, Bentley delivers a love letter to painting, artistry and words with her novel " Read the full review here
https://romanticsrebelsandreviews.wor...
Book bloggers are the best!
Check out my new updated website and sign up for the newsletter
www.suebentley.co.uk
