What do you think?
Rate this book
Wildlings #1
Under My Skin
For the past six months, something has been happening to teens in Santa Feliz. Seventeen-year-old Josh Saunders has seen the news reports, but he is still unprepared when it happens to him. One minute he’s arguing with his mother’s boyfriend and the next, he’s looming over the man, blood dripping from his claws—he has transformed into a mountain lion.
When Josh switches back to his human body, he knows his life has changed forever. He has become a Wildling. Pursued by both government authorities and criminal factions, Wildlings must hide their newfound abilities to avoid being locked up for study and experimentation. When an accidental betrayal reveals Josh’s secret, his carefully constructed cover is ripped apart, forcing his friends to intervene. They must grudgingly put their trust in other Wildlings—and, most challenging, each other— if they ever hope to save him.
When Josh switches back to his human body, he knows his life has changed forever. He has become a Wildling. Pursued by both government authorities and criminal factions, Wildlings must hide their newfound abilities to avoid being locked up for study and experimentation. When an accidental betrayal reveals Josh’s secret, his carefully constructed cover is ripped apart, forcing his friends to intervene. They must grudgingly put their trust in other Wildlings—and, most challenging, each other— if they ever hope to save him.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
30 people are currently reading
849 people want to read
About the author
Charles de Lint
446 books3,989 followersCharles de Lint is the much beloved author of more than seventy adult, young adult, and children's books. Renowned as one of the trailblazers of the modern fantasy genre, he is the recipient of the World Fantasy, Aurora, Sunburst, and White Pine awards, among others. Modern Library's Top 100 Books of the 20th Century poll, conducted by Random House and voted on by readers, put eight of de Lint's books among the top 100.
De Lint is a poet, folklorist, artist, songwriter and performer. He has written critical essays, music reviews, opinion columns and entries to encyclopedias, and he's been the main book reviewer for The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction since 1987. De Lint served as Writer-in-residence for two public libraries in Ottawa and has taught creative writing workshops for adults and children in Canada and the United States. He's been a judge for several prominent awards, including the Nebula, World Fantasy, Theodore Sturgeon and Bram Stoker.
Born in the Netherlands in 1951, de Lint immigrated to Canada with his family as an infant. The family moved often during de Lint's childhood because of his father's job with an international surveying company, but by the time Charles was twelve—having lived in Western Canada, Turkey and Lebanon—they had settled in Lucerne, Quebec, not far from where he now resides in Ottawa, Ontario.
In 1980, de Lint married the love of his life, MaryAnn Harris, who works closely with him as his first editor, business manager and creative partner. They share their love and home with a cheery little dog named Johnny Cash.
Charles de Lint is best described as a romantic: a believer in compassion, hope and human potential. His skilled portrayal of character and settings has earned him a loyal readership and glowing praise from peers, reviewers and readers.
Charles de Lint writes like a magician. He draws out the strange inside our own world, weaving stories that feel more real than we are when we read them. He is, simply put, the best.
—Holly Black (bestselling author)
Charles de Lint is the modern master of urban fantasy. Folktale, myth, fairy tale, dreams, urban legend—all of it adds up to pure magic in de Lint's vivid, original world. No one does it better.
—Alice Hoffman (bestselling author)
To read de Lint is to fall under the spell of a master storyteller, to be reminded of the greatness of life, of the beauty and majesty lurking in shadows and empty doorways.
—Quill & Quire
His Newford books, which make up most of de Lint's body of work between 1993 and 2009, confirmed his reputation for bringing a vivid setting and repertory cast of characters to life on the page. Though not a consecutive series, the twenty-five standalone books set in (or connected to) Newford give readers a feeling of visiting a favourite city and seeing old friends.
More recently, his young adult Wildlings trilogy—Under My Skin, Over My Head, and Out of This World—came out from Penguin Canada and Triskell Press in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Under My Skin won 2013 Aurora Award. A novel for middle-grade readers, The Cats of Tanglewood Forest, published by Little Brown in 2013, won the Sunburst Award, earned starred reviews in both Publishers Weekly and Quill & Quire, and was chosen by the New York Times Editors as one of the top six children's books for 2013. His most recent adult novel, The Mystery of Grace (2009), is a fascinating ghost story about love, passion and faith. It was a finalist for both the Sunburst and Evergreen awards.
De Lint is presently writing a new adult novel. His storytelling skills also shine in his original songs. He and MaryAnn (also a musician) recently released companion CDs of their original songs, samples of which can be heard on de Lin
De Lint is a poet, folklorist, artist, songwriter and performer. He has written critical essays, music reviews, opinion columns and entries to encyclopedias, and he's been the main book reviewer for The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction since 1987. De Lint served as Writer-in-residence for two public libraries in Ottawa and has taught creative writing workshops for adults and children in Canada and the United States. He's been a judge for several prominent awards, including the Nebula, World Fantasy, Theodore Sturgeon and Bram Stoker.
Born in the Netherlands in 1951, de Lint immigrated to Canada with his family as an infant. The family moved often during de Lint's childhood because of his father's job with an international surveying company, but by the time Charles was twelve—having lived in Western Canada, Turkey and Lebanon—they had settled in Lucerne, Quebec, not far from where he now resides in Ottawa, Ontario.
In 1980, de Lint married the love of his life, MaryAnn Harris, who works closely with him as his first editor, business manager and creative partner. They share their love and home with a cheery little dog named Johnny Cash.
Charles de Lint is best described as a romantic: a believer in compassion, hope and human potential. His skilled portrayal of character and settings has earned him a loyal readership and glowing praise from peers, reviewers and readers.
Charles de Lint writes like a magician. He draws out the strange inside our own world, weaving stories that feel more real than we are when we read them. He is, simply put, the best.
—Holly Black (bestselling author)
Charles de Lint is the modern master of urban fantasy. Folktale, myth, fairy tale, dreams, urban legend—all of it adds up to pure magic in de Lint's vivid, original world. No one does it better.
—Alice Hoffman (bestselling author)
To read de Lint is to fall under the spell of a master storyteller, to be reminded of the greatness of life, of the beauty and majesty lurking in shadows and empty doorways.
—Quill & Quire
His Newford books, which make up most of de Lint's body of work between 1993 and 2009, confirmed his reputation for bringing a vivid setting and repertory cast of characters to life on the page. Though not a consecutive series, the twenty-five standalone books set in (or connected to) Newford give readers a feeling of visiting a favourite city and seeing old friends.
More recently, his young adult Wildlings trilogy—Under My Skin, Over My Head, and Out of This World—came out from Penguin Canada and Triskell Press in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Under My Skin won 2013 Aurora Award. A novel for middle-grade readers, The Cats of Tanglewood Forest, published by Little Brown in 2013, won the Sunburst Award, earned starred reviews in both Publishers Weekly and Quill & Quire, and was chosen by the New York Times Editors as one of the top six children's books for 2013. His most recent adult novel, The Mystery of Grace (2009), is a fascinating ghost story about love, passion and faith. It was a finalist for both the Sunburst and Evergreen awards.
De Lint is presently writing a new adult novel. His storytelling skills also shine in his original songs. He and MaryAnn (also a musician) recently released companion CDs of their original songs, samples of which can be heard on de Lin
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Read
May 11, 2012A fast-paced tale for older teens, trading off first person chapters by Josh, a normal surfer guy in a coastal California city until his mom's scuzzball of a boyfriend tries to hit him, and he turns into a mountain lion and mauls the guy, and Marina, his best friend, who has a couple of secrets--one of which is her crush on Josh.
Josh has become a Wilding, a shapeshifter who can switch back and forth between his animal shape and human. For some reason it's been happening to local teens, no one knows why--including the older Wildings, hitherto living under the radar as far as Josh was concerned.
Josh, Marina, and a surfer named Desmond have a band, though they haven't played for anyone but themselves, or even picked a name. They surf and skate together. Josh goes to them first, once he learns a bit about Wildings. He is scared to tell his mom, even after she kicks out the boyfriend when Josh tells her about the abuse.
The supposed attack of a wild lion at Josh's home, and his having gone missing, nets media news, which in turn gets all over high school. Josh has to cope with that, and with his new ability, and then with meeting a Wilding girl, Elzie, with whom he shares instant attraction. That's when the FBI shows up, and starts stalking everyone. Josh tries to keep his head down and act normal, not easy when he's confronted at school, has to deal with secrets and emotional issues--and that's when he gets snatched.
The pacing goes ballistic at that point, and stays strong to the end. I liked the characters (especially the fact that not everybody is white bread, which is true to most SoCal high schools today), I liked the entanglement of secrets and emotions, and how the kids tried to deal. The whole Wildings thing is exciting, well thought out, and while this tale ends on a satisfactory note (yay!) there are plenty of questions left open for a series.
I would have loved this as a teen--there is some teen sex, but it's true to the age, handled matter-of-factly and not graphic. More graphic was one horrific scene, which would have disturbed me as a younger teen, but mileage varies on these things: as always, adults ought to read it first and decide whether or not to share it with their kids. I would have no hesitation recommending it to my son. (And this book might actually be a way in for boys to read urban fantasy.)
Josh has become a Wilding, a shapeshifter who can switch back and forth between his animal shape and human. For some reason it's been happening to local teens, no one knows why--including the older Wildings, hitherto living under the radar as far as Josh was concerned.
Josh, Marina, and a surfer named Desmond have a band, though they haven't played for anyone but themselves, or even picked a name. They surf and skate together. Josh goes to them first, once he learns a bit about Wildings. He is scared to tell his mom, even after she kicks out the boyfriend when Josh tells her about the abuse.
The supposed attack of a wild lion at Josh's home, and his having gone missing, nets media news, which in turn gets all over high school. Josh has to cope with that, and with his new ability, and then with meeting a Wilding girl, Elzie, with whom he shares instant attraction. That's when the FBI shows up, and starts stalking everyone. Josh tries to keep his head down and act normal, not easy when he's confronted at school, has to deal with secrets and emotional issues--and that's when he gets snatched.
The pacing goes ballistic at that point, and stays strong to the end. I liked the characters (especially the fact that not everybody is white bread, which is true to most SoCal high schools today), I liked the entanglement of secrets and emotions, and how the kids tried to deal. The whole Wildings thing is exciting, well thought out, and while this tale ends on a satisfactory note (yay!) there are plenty of questions left open for a series.
I would have loved this as a teen--there is some teen sex, but it's true to the age, handled matter-of-factly and not graphic. More graphic was one horrific scene, which would have disturbed me as a younger teen, but mileage varies on these things: as always, adults ought to read it first and decide whether or not to share it with their kids. I would have no hesitation recommending it to my son. (And this book might actually be a way in for boys to read urban fantasy.)
June 20, 2012
I am a great fan of Mr. de Lint's work, and have been since I first read "Riddle of the Wren". Over the years, I have come to expect a certain level of excellence from him in terms of being able to convey a sense of wonder, write believable characters (in spite of their otherworldly natures), and to give his characters voice.
Unfortunately, this one falls flat on at least two of those counts. Yes, I know that this book is written for young adults - this, to me, does not justify wooden prose, a lack of depth in characters, and a lack of variation in voice between characters - sins which are all committed here.
Mr. de Lint attempts to tell his story from the points of view of two of his main characters: Josh, and one of his best friends, Marina. While this tactic serves well to describe the action that is happening in different places, Mr. de Lint fails to make either of the character's voices different from the other: Josh could have been narrating Marina's sections and vice versa for all that could be told from the prose.
Mr. de Lint also falls into the trap of using several time-worn tropes: the "girl next door" who seems to be destined to be relegated to "best friend" while pining to be more, the goofy sidekick who is more like an eager puppy than a whole person, the independent alternative chick who's just too cool for school, the tough guy who has more brains than anyone gives him credit for and who really has a heart of gold underneath his tough exterior... Add in the requisite wise old woman who only give half-answers but is a powerful mystic, and the cop who's really not as bad and authoritarian as he first seems, and let's not forget the hard-working single mom...
I think that part of this that bothers me so much is that I know de Lint is capable of so much more. He has written some beautiful works, with characters who surpass their tropes, stories that convey a sense of wonder, amazement, and joy, along with uncertainty and darkness. I don't know whether it is because this was aimed at teens (although having read "The Blue Girl", I would suggest that it is not the reason), or because he is taking on something that is such a popular subject these days (the idea of a young person suddenly confronted with being a shapeshifter). All I know is that the MTV series "Teen Wolf" is doing a much better job of this story - which is rather disappointing.
I
Unfortunately, this one falls flat on at least two of those counts. Yes, I know that this book is written for young adults - this, to me, does not justify wooden prose, a lack of depth in characters, and a lack of variation in voice between characters - sins which are all committed here.
Mr. de Lint attempts to tell his story from the points of view of two of his main characters: Josh, and one of his best friends, Marina. While this tactic serves well to describe the action that is happening in different places, Mr. de Lint fails to make either of the character's voices different from the other: Josh could have been narrating Marina's sections and vice versa for all that could be told from the prose.
Mr. de Lint also falls into the trap of using several time-worn tropes: the "girl next door" who seems to be destined to be relegated to "best friend" while pining to be more, the goofy sidekick who is more like an eager puppy than a whole person, the independent alternative chick who's just too cool for school, the tough guy who has more brains than anyone gives him credit for and who really has a heart of gold underneath his tough exterior... Add in the requisite wise old woman who only give half-answers but is a powerful mystic, and the cop who's really not as bad and authoritarian as he first seems, and let's not forget the hard-working single mom...
I think that part of this that bothers me so much is that I know de Lint is capable of so much more. He has written some beautiful works, with characters who surpass their tropes, stories that convey a sense of wonder, amazement, and joy, along with uncertainty and darkness. I don't know whether it is because this was aimed at teens (although having read "The Blue Girl", I would suggest that it is not the reason), or because he is taking on something that is such a popular subject these days (the idea of a young person suddenly confronted with being a shapeshifter). All I know is that the MTV series "Teen Wolf" is doing a much better job of this story - which is rather disappointing.
I
April 5, 2016
A finished unsolicited copy was provided by the publisher for review.
If you're looking for an action-packed novel, then you found it. Because where else would you be able to find teenagers who could shape-shift into animals. From a mountain lion, to an otter, and even a rat! It was interesting to hear what the government knew about these kids, yet I didn’t fully trust what their intentions were.
There are enough characters in here that it made me feel like I was reading a Michael Grant novel. Sure it was a little hard to keep track of all the names and who did what, or whether they were a good or bad guy, but at least there were two developed characters.
As you read along, you are placed into Josh and Marina’s point of views, which is refreshing. I like reading through both a male and female’s perspectives, but in this case, Marina just acted like a love-sick fool which I guess she kind of is.
What sickened me were the methods the evil ones performed on the Wildlings, and I couldn’t stand reading some of the pages, I honestly skipped those detailed paragraphs. I did think there was a lot more dialogue than plot development, and there were some parts that could have been edited down, but other than it was a great urban fantasy read. I hope to read more about the Wildlings and where they came from and why they exist in the first place.
If you're looking for an action-packed novel, then you found it. Because where else would you be able to find teenagers who could shape-shift into animals. From a mountain lion, to an otter, and even a rat! It was interesting to hear what the government knew about these kids, yet I didn’t fully trust what their intentions were.
There are enough characters in here that it made me feel like I was reading a Michael Grant novel. Sure it was a little hard to keep track of all the names and who did what, or whether they were a good or bad guy, but at least there were two developed characters.
As you read along, you are placed into Josh and Marina’s point of views, which is refreshing. I like reading through both a male and female’s perspectives, but in this case, Marina just acted like a love-sick fool which I guess she kind of is.
What sickened me were the methods the evil ones performed on the Wildlings, and I couldn’t stand reading some of the pages, I honestly skipped those detailed paragraphs. I did think there was a lot more dialogue than plot development, and there were some parts that could have been edited down, but other than it was a great urban fantasy read. I hope to read more about the Wildlings and where they came from and why they exist in the first place.
September 30, 2016
Как же мне понравилось! Де Линт никогда меня не разочаровывает, и эта книга не исключение. Он умеет создавать такую волшебную и одновременно реалистичную атмосферу, в которую окунаешься с головой и не хочешь выныривать. Конечно, серия про Зверлингов отличается от историй Ньюфорда, она другая и рассчитана на поколение подростков, в чем-то проще, не настолько жестокая и суровая, хотя этого тоже хватает. И все же де Линт себе не изменяет - все то же вкусное, интересное, динамичное, живое городское фэнтези. Необычайная смесь магического реализма, которая удается только ему. Читается на одном дыхании и в этом не последняя заслуга переводчика. Одним словом, я хочу еще!
February 4, 2018
В малкия град Санта Фелиз се случват необикновени неща. От половин година сред тийнейджърите върлува свръхестествена епидемия. Един по един те придобиват силата да се превръщат в животни по собствено желание. Никой не е на ясно какво се случва, но всеки иска да се докопа до новите суперхора – правителство, корпорации, полиция, ФБР - всички.
Джош се озовава в средата на цялата каша, когато след сблъсък с гаджето на майка си се превръща в планински лъв. Животът му се обръща с главата надолу, когато почват да го преследват не само човешките фракции, а и редица такива от вече превърнатите деца и старите превръщенци, бродещи по земята от векове. Това се преплита с чисто юношеските му проблеми с родители, приятели, училище и гаджета. Авторът успява ненатрапчиво да повдигне и редица въпроси, засегнат и в другите му произведения, като расизъм, насилие над деца, експлоатация и прочие.
Голям фен съм на де Линт, особено на нюфордския му цикъл произведения, и ми беше интересно как се е справил с предизвикателството на юношеската проза, как е успял да опрости идеите си и да премахне жилото им, както и да ги разреди с известно количество пълнеж. За щастие не се е справил много добре и всеки читател с афинитет към инфантилните, „полезни“ и „разбиращи“ младите мозъчета четива, не е добре да посяга към тази книга.
Все пак книгата до някъде страда то гореизброените клишета, но ако насочи някой млад читател към „по-зрелите“ произведенията на автора, значи си е свършила работата.
Ще прочета и следващите две, да видим как се развиват историята и идеите вътре. Имам добри очаквания, особено след като във втората част на книгата мекотата отстъпи на сериозни теми и доста кървав екшън.
Джош се озовава в средата на цялата каша, когато след сблъсък с гаджето на майка си се превръща в планински лъв. Животът му се обръща с главата надолу, когато почват да го преследват не само човешките фракции, а и редица такива от вече превърнатите деца и старите превръщенци, бродещи по земята от векове. Това се преплита с чисто юношеските му проблеми с родители, приятели, училище и гаджета. Авторът успява ненатрапчиво да повдигне и редица въпроси, засегнат и в другите му произведения, като расизъм, насилие над деца, експлоатация и прочие.
Голям фен съм на де Линт, особено на нюфордския му цикъл произведения, и ми беше интересно как се е справил с предизвикателството на юношеската проза, как е успял да опрости идеите си и да премахне жилото им, както и да ги разреди с известно количество пълнеж. За щастие не се е справил много добре и всеки читател с афинитет към инфантилните, „полезни“ и „разбиращи“ младите мозъчета четива, не е добре да посяга към тази книга.
Все пак книгата до някъде страда то гореизброените клишета, но ако насочи някой млад читател към „по-зрелите“ произведенията на автора, значи си е свършила работата.
Ще прочета и следващите две, да видим как се развиват историята и идеите вътре. Имам добри очаквания, особено след като във втората част на книгата мекотата отстъпи на сериозни теми и доста кървав екшън.
April 22, 2012
Come by my blog, Forever Lost in Books, for MORE reviews, giveaways, interviews and memes!
Title : Under My Skin
Series : Wildlings #1
Author : Charles de Lint
Pages : 409
Release Date : March 6th 2012
Publisher : Razorbill Canada / Penguin Canada
Format : Harcover
Source :
** a copy was provided by Penguin Canada in exchange of an honest review**
My Opinion :
Under My Skin is Charles de Lint's newest novel. He has published many others (which I have not read).
Under My Skin was a pretty good book. I enjoyed it quite a lot! Don't let the cover scare you away (because it kind of did with me...). The cover doesn't do the book justice; the book is great.
Under My Skin is about Wildlings, or Cousins, or, if you want, shapeshifters. The story revolves around Josh, a new shapeshifter, and Marina, his best friend and 5 months old shifter. Marina didn't tell Josh about hr being a Wildling... but Josh told her right away. What is she supposed to do? The Wildlings are becoming more popular, due to the outburst of new Wildlings in Santa Féliz, and they are in danger. Then, they meet other shapeshifters, and everything changes.
Under My Skin is the first novel in the Wildlings series, and I have to say, I can't wait to see what happens afterwards.
Fans of Kelley Armstrong's The Darkest Powers series will love this! I thought Kelley Armstrong'S series resembled this book a little. Just... the feel to it seemed the same. And, even though in Wildlings, they aren't running away from crazy people (they kind of are..), it just felt... the same. And, just so you you, I love that series, so, it'S a compliment!
Although the book was a good 409 pages, it was pretty much fast-paced, although sometimes it was a little boring, it was really great. I enjoyed most parts of it :D The writing was pretty simple; nothing that specail, but it was a really entertaining story, and I wanted to read the book faster to know what would happen (although, we didn't discover that much :S). I would ahve wanted to know why there had been an outburst of new Wildlings in Santa Féliz...
Although... there was something weird. Elzie, another Wildling girl, meets Josh, and after a day... they hook up. I mean, really? You were jsut saying Josh wasn't really confident and didn't really know how to talk to girls, and now he's hooking up with a girl he barely knows? I mean, first, you don't do tht in normal life. I mean, even though you feel like you are soulmates, you wait before hooking up (I mean, isn't that obvious!)!
Marina... I liked her enough. She was pretty much okay, although I wish she ahd told Jodh that she was a Wildling before! And I hope she ends up with him!
The other character were pretty okay, although some annoyed me, like Elzie kind of did... she said she didn't want a boyfriend, but... then she'S like a girlfriend to Josh? I mean, just try and make a real decision!
Title : Under My Skin
Series : Wildlings #1
Author : Charles de Lint
Pages : 409
Release Date : March 6th 2012
Publisher : Razorbill Canada / Penguin Canada
Format : Harcover
Source :
** a copy was provided by Penguin Canada in exchange of an honest review**
My Opinion :
Under My Skin is Charles de Lint's newest novel. He has published many others (which I have not read).
Under My Skin was a pretty good book. I enjoyed it quite a lot! Don't let the cover scare you away (because it kind of did with me...). The cover doesn't do the book justice; the book is great.
Under My Skin is about Wildlings, or Cousins, or, if you want, shapeshifters. The story revolves around Josh, a new shapeshifter, and Marina, his best friend and 5 months old shifter. Marina didn't tell Josh about hr being a Wildling... but Josh told her right away. What is she supposed to do? The Wildlings are becoming more popular, due to the outburst of new Wildlings in Santa Féliz, and they are in danger. Then, they meet other shapeshifters, and everything changes.
Under My Skin is the first novel in the Wildlings series, and I have to say, I can't wait to see what happens afterwards.
Fans of Kelley Armstrong's The Darkest Powers series will love this! I thought Kelley Armstrong'S series resembled this book a little. Just... the feel to it seemed the same. And, even though in Wildlings, they aren't running away from crazy people (they kind of are..), it just felt... the same. And, just so you you, I love that series, so, it'S a compliment!
Although the book was a good 409 pages, it was pretty much fast-paced, although sometimes it was a little boring, it was really great. I enjoyed most parts of it :D The writing was pretty simple; nothing that specail, but it was a really entertaining story, and I wanted to read the book faster to know what would happen (although, we didn't discover that much :S). I would ahve wanted to know why there had been an outburst of new Wildlings in Santa Féliz...
Although... there was something weird. Elzie, another Wildling girl, meets Josh, and after a day... they hook up. I mean, really? You were jsut saying Josh wasn't really confident and didn't really know how to talk to girls, and now he's hooking up with a girl he barely knows? I mean, first, you don't do tht in normal life. I mean, even though you feel like you are soulmates, you wait before hooking up (I mean, isn't that obvious!)!
Marina... I liked her enough. She was pretty much okay, although I wish she ahd told Jodh that she was a Wildling before! And I hope she ends up with him!
The other character were pretty okay, although some annoyed me, like Elzie kind of did... she said she didn't want a boyfriend, but... then she'S like a girlfriend to Josh? I mean, just try and make a real decision!
December 11, 2012
Hmm. (There are times when I am so glad I run a book blog so I can write things like "hmm" in my reviews. Booklist or Kirkus Reviews wouldn't dig that, for sure.) This one was... odd. I'm going to try and break it down.
» The concept. It's nothing new, for sure, but here we get modern shape-shifting backed up by a solid steeping in First Nations folklore. References to the trickster Raven and the Coyote clan add authenticity to the Wildlings, or "cousins". As the characters spout the requisite questions, however -- why are we like this? how can do this? who else can do this? -- we're still left with dozens of questionable aspects ot the concept.
» The characters. Cory, Dillon, Chaingang, Tomas, Auntie Min, Rico, Solena, Elzie... is your head spinning yet? And don't forget the protagonists. We start off in Josh's head, which goes along nice and dandy until Marina's POV comes around. Her mooning puke-on-the-page feelings towards him ("...Josh. My Josh.") paired with the secret she hides hardly make her an appealing friend. Then as characters, one after the other, recite numberous shining qualities re:Josh, I grew more and more turned off by the obvious effort to make Josh the good guy. No. Not buying it.
» The credibility. From the dialogue to the (apparently) violently menacing villain, the credibility level wavers below believable. Occasional slang phrases that seem off cause winces, while the lack of a single evil face makes it difficult to fear the "bad guy". Altogether, Under My Skin did not make for an enjoyable read.
*Review originally published on Pass the Chiclets.
» The concept. It's nothing new, for sure, but here we get modern shape-shifting backed up by a solid steeping in First Nations folklore. References to the trickster Raven and the Coyote clan add authenticity to the Wildlings, or "cousins". As the characters spout the requisite questions, however -- why are we like this? how can do this? who else can do this? -- we're still left with dozens of questionable aspects ot the concept.
» The characters. Cory, Dillon, Chaingang, Tomas, Auntie Min, Rico, Solena, Elzie... is your head spinning yet? And don't forget the protagonists. We start off in Josh's head, which goes along nice and dandy until Marina's POV comes around. Her mooning puke-on-the-page feelings towards him ("...Josh. My Josh.") paired with the secret she hides hardly make her an appealing friend. Then as characters, one after the other, recite numberous shining qualities re:Josh, I grew more and more turned off by the obvious effort to make Josh the good guy. No. Not buying it.
» The credibility. From the dialogue to the (apparently) violently menacing villain, the credibility level wavers below believable. Occasional slang phrases that seem off cause winces, while the lack of a single evil face makes it difficult to fear the "bad guy". Altogether, Under My Skin did not make for an enjoyable read.
*Review originally published on Pass the Chiclets.
December 4, 2022
Always love a new de Lint... this one bridges into the Newford universe b/c it takes place in the same city as the first "modern" Cerin & Meran story before they moved to Newford AND one of the main FBI agents grew up in Santo del Vado Viejo !
Can you imagine as a teenager one day just *poof* turning into a mountain lion? Several kids are having to deal with this phenomena in this first? of a new series
I had to order my copy from CANADA, then they released it in the US, but I'll keep mine
Can you imagine as a teenager one day just *poof* turning into a mountain lion? Several kids are having to deal with this phenomena in this first? of a new series
I had to order my copy from CANADA, then they released it in the US, but I'll keep mine
February 18, 2019
Under my Skin is really, really good. I think De Lint is underrated and deserves to be better known. This is a YA series, so not as rich and in depth as his Adult novels, but it's still very well written, enjoyable and not at all dumbed down. This is no doubt the best teen novel I've read for a while. It's kind of the same style as the Percy Jackson series but IMO a lot better. The premise is based on the idea of "Animal People" in the mythology of many First Nations. As in many of De Lints adults novels they live secretly among humans.
October 8, 2014
The thing about Charles de Lint is that you don't notice that you're reading. Instead, you're transported into his characters and what's happening. Your heart pounds. You gasp with wonder. You worry and fret, or run like mad! Best of all, you go away with the story inscribed on your heart. Unforgettable.
Heading off to find the rest of this series. (I'm always late. I blame the to-read pile. It grows all by itself!)
Heading off to find the rest of this series. (I'm always late. I blame the to-read pile. It grows all by itself!)
October 4, 2012
This book brings new meaning to spirt Animal. Once you get past the Teen issues, and view on the world this story is pretty good. A fast read, short chapters. I liked the two point of views in the story, giving the reader a different vantage point to all the action going down. I will say this however, I really want to go surfing now.
Want to read
March 7, 2012Came out two days before my birthday. Coincidence? I think not.
May 13, 2014
Loving this series!
November 10, 2017
I love Charles de Lint. He is among my top 5 favorite authors. This book did not disappoint. I enjoyed the sense of magic in the urban world we live in. Every time I read him, I find myself watching sparrows out of the corners of my eyes for signs of above-average intelligence or magic. His writing just makes you want to be better. As a human, as a creative soul, and as a creature living among other creatures on this big, beautiful earth we share. It makes you want to live more naturally and magically. I try to read him regularly, to constantly re-ignite this feeling.
That being said, this is not my favorite of his books that I've read. Probably because my favorite book of all time is a book that he wrote. It was intense, and interesting, and the characters are awesome and flawed and wonderfully developed. I love how real his characters are. They are so relatable and you really root for them the whole time.
This book is told in two different view points, although there is a dominant view point. The majority of the story is told from the point of view of Josh, a regular teenage skater/surfer/guitarist who loves hanging with his friends, jamming with his band, and has an unrequited crush on the school hottie. He lives with his mom, who sucks at boyfriends. When one of these lowlife boyfriends hits him, he finds himself transformed into an angry mountain lion- surprising both he and the lowlife boyfriend. This is not the first time this has happened in this town, but that doesn't stop Josh from being thoroughly freaked out. He has to decide what to do with this new secret, and finds himself drawn into a whole world of people, magic, and causes that he has to navigate while still remaining true to himself and his own values.
Meanwhile, you hear from his best friend, Marina. She sees Josh struggling with all that has suddenly happened to him, and wants to help him, while dealing with a pretty big secret herself. Or two. And then things get crazy, and they both have to fight for survival and for each other and their friends and the lives they've known.
It is intense and just twisty enough to keep you on your toes. It makes you happy and angry and wish that you could turn into an animal at will. It also think about how you treat others, how you judge others, and how we all treat this giant planet we call home but often take for-granted.
Like I said, I don't like it as much as his Newford stuff, but that is not really saying anything, because I absolutely love his Newford stuff. This book is awesome and worth checking out.
That being said, this is not my favorite of his books that I've read. Probably because my favorite book of all time is a book that he wrote. It was intense, and interesting, and the characters are awesome and flawed and wonderfully developed. I love how real his characters are. They are so relatable and you really root for them the whole time.
This book is told in two different view points, although there is a dominant view point. The majority of the story is told from the point of view of Josh, a regular teenage skater/surfer/guitarist who loves hanging with his friends, jamming with his band, and has an unrequited crush on the school hottie. He lives with his mom, who sucks at boyfriends. When one of these lowlife boyfriends hits him, he finds himself transformed into an angry mountain lion- surprising both he and the lowlife boyfriend. This is not the first time this has happened in this town, but that doesn't stop Josh from being thoroughly freaked out. He has to decide what to do with this new secret, and finds himself drawn into a whole world of people, magic, and causes that he has to navigate while still remaining true to himself and his own values.
Meanwhile, you hear from his best friend, Marina. She sees Josh struggling with all that has suddenly happened to him, and wants to help him, while dealing with a pretty big secret herself. Or two. And then things get crazy, and they both have to fight for survival and for each other and their friends and the lives they've known.
It is intense and just twisty enough to keep you on your toes. It makes you happy and angry and wish that you could turn into an animal at will. It also think about how you treat others, how you judge others, and how we all treat this giant planet we call home but often take for-granted.
Like I said, I don't like it as much as his Newford stuff, but that is not really saying anything, because I absolutely love his Newford stuff. This book is awesome and worth checking out.
March 31, 2019
I have loved almost every de Lint book I have ever read. I wasn’t sure if I’d like this one because of the suggestion of it being another “warewolf” story. However, de Lint brings his spiritual sensibilities to this story that he has used in his Newford books. The teenagers who are suddenly changed to animal forms have to figure out how to adjust with each other, their families and authorities as well as the old ones who have been around, in some cases, for centuries. It nicely turns the warewolf story trope on its head, and he has written it in his normal engaging way. If I have any issues at all, it is with his persistent intent to set his stories now in the US. His first books were set in Canada, which then morphed to Newford which is somewhere more south, but remains unlabelled. I’m sad that somehow Canada is not interesting enough to be set in. However, that being said, it doesn’t take away from the quality of the writing. Ostensibly, it is listed as young adult, but I found it quite enjoyable. I look forward to reading the rest in the series.
May 28, 2013
First in the Wildlings urban fantasy series for Young Adults and revolving around a core group of kids who have been infected. Somehow. Set in Santa Feliz, California.
My Take
Not at all what I was expecting. For one thing, it was located in California, and it focuses on middle-class high school kids. However, it quickly picks back up with Native American myths, supportive friends, and hey, it's urban and fantastic---all in typical de Lint fashion.
The chapters alternate between Josh and Marina's points-of-view, and each has their own big concern in this story: Josh's new abilities and Marina's love interest. Both characters are complex, warmhearted, and loyal with secrets that create most of the conflict. Of course, it's the outside forces that rev the conflict up even more, adding plenty of twists and turns.
It's an interesting twist on the shapeshifter genre, blending in Native American myths with mystery and conspiracy. And de Lint gives just enough to intrigue, just not enough to answer all the questions I have, and, dang it, I hate having to wait until the next story comes out!
Parents, you'd like this for the integrity and leadership qualities Under My Skin promotes. Normal kids with positive hobbies and interests who step up when its necessary. Respectful to their parents as well! Who knew…*grin*...
It's a case of hiding in plain sight, trying to protect oneself and the others. With chases, kidnappings, and attempted rescues.
That's lame...if the FBI is so hot to "help" those kids who are changing, what does it gain them to treat the kids this badly? Josh got a bit irritating with his attitude during his and Rico's escape. I mean, hullo, what's it gonna take to open his eyes?
As always, de Lint writes beautifully, and he's created a story that appeals to kids of all ages. I do adore a young adult novel that doesn't talk down to its target audience!
The Story
For the past six months, random kids are shifting into animals. No one knows why, and many kids are trying to hide what's happening to them. The government is "helping"; they're taking kids to government-run camps from which they never emerge.
Fellow classmates are accidentally killing each other, even as Josh finds allies. Except the bad guys get to him, and his allies will have a difficult time finding him, let alone rescuing him.
Too much is changing, too much is wrong, too many people are learning their secrets.
The Characters
Josh Saunders is seventeen and one of the old ones, a Wildling who will be able to command respect. He's fed up, again, with his mom's poor choices in the matter of boyfriends---Steve this time. Mom, Naomi, runs Dr. Esposito's office.
Marina Lopez, a surfer madly in love and hiding her own secrets, and loose-lips Desmond are Josh's friends. All three of them skate and play together in a band: Marina's on drums, Desmond plays bass and keys, and Josh is lead guitar. Ampora is Marina's sister.
Dillon Harner is a classmate who hates the shape shifters, but is great to jam with. Bobby White is another classmate, and his brother Chaingang takes an interest in Josh. Theodore "Chaingang" Washington heads up the Ocean Avenue Crips. Mike Castle is a bully. Cindy Hudson is a blonde surfer Desmond meets. Kevin Blain is freaking about what Castle and Canfield do. Barry Stewart is an older student and a whiz on the computer. Erik Gess is president of the Sunny Hill High Purity Club and a bigot. Rachel Armstrong seems to be attracted to Josh, now that he isn't attracted to her anymore.
Ms. Chandra is the guidance counselor, and Hayden is the school principal.
Cory appears to be one of the old ones, Coyote Clan. A shapeshifter who gives out tips on surviving as a shifter. Elizabeth "Elzie" Moore is homeless and another shifter, a jaguarundi. Danny Reed is a deer of some sort, but he's betrayed his friends. Auntie Min is a force to reckon with, la Mariposa de la Muerte. Rico has survived some nasty stuff in the illegal lab. Jenny didn't, and the video feed Barry rigs catches it all. Tomás is up from L.A. to help.
Nira is a shifter who runs a secret blog offering advice to shifters. Her mother doesn't know and believes fervently in Clayton Householder, a congressman and religious zealot campaigning to "quarantine" any child infected with this disease. Congresswoman Cohen is against him.
Detective Foley is investigating the attack on Steve. Police Chief Ted Neufield. Special Agents Paul Matteson, his partner Solana, and McCloud are with the FBI. Jason Lindel is the bureau chief for the FBI in Santa Feliz. Einhorn is Homeland Security.
ValentiCorp is making excellent use of strip malls and underground tunnels. Gaillard is in charge of Black Key Securities a ValentiCorp, their contracted security.
Spiritlands are another plane of existence, from whence the original shifters came.
The Cover
The cover is a close-up of a teal jungle with a focused shot of Josh's face and his beloved dreads. I love the overlay showing Josh's shift!
The title is what the newspapers have christened those who change, the Wildlings, as the general public, the FBI, corporations, the unknown all gets Under My Skin.
My Take
Not at all what I was expecting. For one thing, it was located in California, and it focuses on middle-class high school kids. However, it quickly picks back up with Native American myths, supportive friends, and hey, it's urban and fantastic---all in typical de Lint fashion.
The chapters alternate between Josh and Marina's points-of-view, and each has their own big concern in this story: Josh's new abilities and Marina's love interest. Both characters are complex, warmhearted, and loyal with secrets that create most of the conflict. Of course, it's the outside forces that rev the conflict up even more, adding plenty of twists and turns.
It's an interesting twist on the shapeshifter genre, blending in Native American myths with mystery and conspiracy. And de Lint gives just enough to intrigue, just not enough to answer all the questions I have, and, dang it, I hate having to wait until the next story comes out!
Parents, you'd like this for the integrity and leadership qualities Under My Skin promotes. Normal kids with positive hobbies and interests who step up when its necessary. Respectful to their parents as well! Who knew…*grin*...
It's a case of hiding in plain sight, trying to protect oneself and the others. With chases, kidnappings, and attempted rescues.
That's lame...if the FBI is so hot to "help" those kids who are changing, what does it gain them to treat the kids this badly? Josh got a bit irritating with his attitude during his and Rico's escape. I mean, hullo, what's it gonna take to open his eyes?
As always, de Lint writes beautifully, and he's created a story that appeals to kids of all ages. I do adore a young adult novel that doesn't talk down to its target audience!
The Story
For the past six months, random kids are shifting into animals. No one knows why, and many kids are trying to hide what's happening to them. The government is "helping"; they're taking kids to government-run camps from which they never emerge.
Fellow classmates are accidentally killing each other, even as Josh finds allies. Except the bad guys get to him, and his allies will have a difficult time finding him, let alone rescuing him.
Too much is changing, too much is wrong, too many people are learning their secrets.
The Characters
Josh Saunders is seventeen and one of the old ones, a Wildling who will be able to command respect. He's fed up, again, with his mom's poor choices in the matter of boyfriends---Steve this time. Mom, Naomi, runs Dr. Esposito's office.
Marina Lopez, a surfer madly in love and hiding her own secrets, and loose-lips Desmond are Josh's friends. All three of them skate and play together in a band: Marina's on drums, Desmond plays bass and keys, and Josh is lead guitar. Ampora is Marina's sister.
Dillon Harner is a classmate who hates the shape shifters, but is great to jam with. Bobby White is another classmate, and his brother Chaingang takes an interest in Josh. Theodore "Chaingang" Washington heads up the Ocean Avenue Crips. Mike Castle is a bully. Cindy Hudson is a blonde surfer Desmond meets. Kevin Blain is freaking about what Castle and Canfield do. Barry Stewart is an older student and a whiz on the computer. Erik Gess is president of the Sunny Hill High Purity Club and a bigot. Rachel Armstrong seems to be attracted to Josh, now that he isn't attracted to her anymore.
Ms. Chandra is the guidance counselor, and Hayden is the school principal.
Cory appears to be one of the old ones, Coyote Clan. A shapeshifter who gives out tips on surviving as a shifter. Elizabeth "Elzie" Moore is homeless and another shifter, a jaguarundi. Danny Reed is a deer of some sort, but he's betrayed his friends. Auntie Min is a force to reckon with, la Mariposa de la Muerte. Rico has survived some nasty stuff in the illegal lab. Jenny didn't, and the video feed Barry rigs catches it all. Tomás is up from L.A. to help.
Nira is a shifter who runs a secret blog offering advice to shifters. Her mother doesn't know and believes fervently in Clayton Householder, a congressman and religious zealot campaigning to "quarantine" any child infected with this disease. Congresswoman Cohen is against him.
Detective Foley is investigating the attack on Steve. Police Chief Ted Neufield. Special Agents Paul Matteson, his partner Solana, and McCloud are with the FBI. Jason Lindel is the bureau chief for the FBI in Santa Feliz. Einhorn is Homeland Security.
ValentiCorp is making excellent use of strip malls and underground tunnels. Gaillard is in charge of Black Key Securities a ValentiCorp, their contracted security.
Spiritlands are another plane of existence, from whence the original shifters came.
The Cover
The cover is a close-up of a teal jungle with a focused shot of Josh's face and his beloved dreads. I love the overlay showing Josh's shift!
The title is what the newspapers have christened those who change, the Wildlings, as the general public, the FBI, corporations, the unknown all gets Under My Skin.
May 8, 2024
This book have a lost of faults.
Character and character development isn't one of them.
The escalation of the conflict is doing more or less righ and the payoff is good...
But here's no worst sin for a book that being boring, there's no worst sin that the entire plot only work because information is entierly not conveyed to the reader in any shape or form, misunderstandings, whitholding information that the reader should know, a setting that is not explained in any way...
I understand that the first person narration meand that the reader only knows that the character knows, but everything happening offscreen make a boring story and the characters even more boring and alienated the reader out of the story, in a way like... "The story is that way, why the characters aren going that way?" I was very, very puzzle and infuriated.
Not recomended at all.
Character and character development isn't one of them.
The escalation of the conflict is doing more or less righ and the payoff is good...
But here's no worst sin for a book that being boring, there's no worst sin that the entire plot only work because information is entierly not conveyed to the reader in any shape or form, misunderstandings, whitholding information that the reader should know, a setting that is not explained in any way...
I understand that the first person narration meand that the reader only knows that the character knows, but everything happening offscreen make a boring story and the characters even more boring and alienated the reader out of the story, in a way like... "The story is that way, why the characters aren going that way?" I was very, very puzzle and infuriated.
Not recomended at all.
December 29, 2019
Read a couple chapters one night and found myself finishing the book the next day. I found this to be a relatively quick read, as the actions flow fluidly into each other, especially once the major conflict picks up. Personally, I loved this novel. It’s told in the main perspectives of Josh and his best friend, Marina. Although I found their voices to be similar, I think that it helped to show how similar they really are, despite Josh not knowing otherwise.
Not sure what I was expecting when I picked this book up, but was pleasantly surprised. I honestly loved this different take on shape shifters and “their world”, and this idea of how would people react in our society if something like this happened. Very enjoyable read, I feel like I flew right through it.
Not sure what I was expecting when I picked this book up, but was pleasantly surprised. I honestly loved this different take on shape shifters and “their world”, and this idea of how would people react in our society if something like this happened. Very enjoyable read, I feel like I flew right through it.
September 27, 2021
Yet again, de Lint writes a masterful piece of fantasy which, while aimed at teen readers, will certainly keep adult fans more than interested. In Santa Feliz, teens are changing. Something is awakening their deep animal selves, leaving them confused and uncertain. And as if this isn't enough, both government officials and shadowy civilians are looking to take advantage of the situation, with little or no regard for the teenagers involved, other than how to best use them for gain. Now, even the cousins, those beings who have always known about this, are taking sides. Somehow, these teens must find a way to survive with almost every hand turned, or willing to turn, against them.
June 18, 2022
I love much of what Charles De lint has written and have continued to read his work over the past 30 years. I had not read his "Wildlings" series and was looking for something for vacation reading. What I didn't to know is the book is a YA title. If I had I would not have purchased it. If I was 13 or 14 years old I think I would have found it wonderful, but now I want something deeper and more complex. I did know that De lInt writes for children and YA audiences as well as his adult novels and stories, I just wish in this case the book was clearly marked for its intended audience.
June 20, 2020
This was one of those slow burn books. I thought I was really enjoying it but it was a book I could set down easily and go back to later. Until I was up a 2 a.m. not able to stop reading! I really like the kids and the beach-side setting. As always, CdL delivers the good stories.
December 11, 2017
People turning into animals. And its done well too! What more could I ask for? :D
August 15, 2017
Another solid effort by the master of realistic fantasy, Charles de Lint.
October 8, 2017
Anything Charles de Lint writes I will read. The man's writings have threaded my life with joy for more than 20 years and I still search for novels that I may have missed or new ones that may appear.
January 2, 2019
Great book. Reminiscent of the Animorphs books but meant for a more mature audience.
DeLint is my favorite fantasy author!
DeLint is my favorite fantasy author!
December 13, 2019
Teenagers. Animal natures. Liked it. Quick read, right time, right place. Better than expected series.
November 28, 2022
Really enjoyed the concept of the storyline starting this way and can’t wait to see how it continues.
May 1, 2023
Definitely read all 3 in the series.
June 10, 2014
Under My Skin is a complex story for the young teens of Santa Feliz.
Josh Sanders is a seventeen year old who is often picked on because of his size. Josh is known to have a bit of a temper, and one night when his mothers boyfriend Steve pushes things too far for accusing Josh for using his computer and when Josh tells him the truth that he didn’t touch it, Steve pushes Josh. All of a sudden Josh feels this rage in him and without any warning Josh snaps and transforms into a mountain lion right in front of Steve. Josh attacks Steve and then panics and runs out of the house. When Josh is outside and he’s this animal he is amazed by how much stronger his senses are. The next thing Josh remembers is waking up naked behind a dumpster the following day.
As Josh is trying to get his bearings his suddenly notices a boy watching him. Josh thinks there’s something wrong with him when he can see this boy has a coyote head but it switches back to human. The boy introduces himself as Cory, and that Josh is a wildling and so is he. Cory tells Josh that they are sort of cousins through their blood.
While Josh is trying to absorb what Cory has just told him they go get something to eat, and Josh finds out that he is wanted for hurting Steve. Josh is shocked to hear that he didn’t kill him, and relieved at the same time. Cory tells Josh that he needs to keep a low profile until things are sorted out.
Marina is Josh’s friend, and Josh and Marina are both wildlings but neither one know about each other. When Marina hears about Josh’s moms boyfriend she soon get’s herself right in the middle of the police investigation. Marina doesn’t know where Josh is so she just tells them he hangs around his friends mostly but that is all she knows.
When Josh shows up shortly after Marina is questioned, the police have a lot of questions for him. Steve told them that a Mountain lion attacked him, so they aren’t taking his statement very seriously. They actually rather make sure that Josh is ok living with them his mom and Steve. When Josh tells the police what Steve is like they ask if they’d like to press charges on Steve because they believe he’s being abusive to Josh, but they say no.
Josh, Marina and their friend Elzie that Josh met on the pier one day all have secrets, but as soon as Josh can, he shares with Marina that he is a Wildling. Marina and Josh are really close, and Marina likes Josh more than friends, but is afraid of hurting their friendship. It doesn’t take long for Elzie and Josh to really like each other, and it kills Elzie inside. Marina is an Otter and hasn’t told anyone yet. Marina doesn’t like seeing Josh with Elzie, but soon Elzie can feel the tension ans tries to make things smooth between her and Marina. Elzie can tell that Marina and Josh are changelings, because she can sense with others are around. Marina ends up writing a blog about being an otter and it doesn’t take long to track it down that it was Marina.
The FBI come to question Josh at school one day to see if he knows any wildlings. Josh denies knowing anyone, but he can tell they aren’t going anywhere.
To break it down in Santa Feliz the authorities have been noticing teens are disappearing and Wildlings are around. They want to quarantine them to prevent any contamination through out the town.
Along the way Josh and Marina find out they are not alone. There are more Wildlings than they could ever imagine.
Josh’s friend Cory that he met the first night he changed tells Josh to not Change in front of anyone. That way they can’t confirm what he is and they cant take him away.
With the FBI following them they have to come up with plan on what to do next. A man by the name of Jason Lindel speak with Josh to see if Josh know any one the changlings. When Josh denies knowing anything about Wildlings. He doesn’t know anyone, they continue to follow him around.
With Marina’s, Josh’s lives on the line they search to find out how far back the changelings have be around and they find out they have been around forever. They have to work together to find out what happens in their lives belong a Changeling .
When Josh is with Marina and Des, in the library he sees that there are half a dozen men in suits
waiting for him. All Josh wants to do is change and run off but remembers what Chaingain said about making sure he doesn’t change in front of anyone, but they still tazer him.
All Marina wanted to do was change and go after them but she knew that wouldn’t help anyone. Marina, Elzie and Des know they have to go save Josh.
This kids work together and save josh
Josh Sanders is a seventeen year old who is often picked on because of his size. Josh is known to have a bit of a temper, and one night when his mothers boyfriend Steve pushes things too far for accusing Josh for using his computer and when Josh tells him the truth that he didn’t touch it, Steve pushes Josh. All of a sudden Josh feels this rage in him and without any warning Josh snaps and transforms into a mountain lion right in front of Steve. Josh attacks Steve and then panics and runs out of the house. When Josh is outside and he’s this animal he is amazed by how much stronger his senses are. The next thing Josh remembers is waking up naked behind a dumpster the following day.
As Josh is trying to get his bearings his suddenly notices a boy watching him. Josh thinks there’s something wrong with him when he can see this boy has a coyote head but it switches back to human. The boy introduces himself as Cory, and that Josh is a wildling and so is he. Cory tells Josh that they are sort of cousins through their blood.
While Josh is trying to absorb what Cory has just told him they go get something to eat, and Josh finds out that he is wanted for hurting Steve. Josh is shocked to hear that he didn’t kill him, and relieved at the same time. Cory tells Josh that he needs to keep a low profile until things are sorted out.
Marina is Josh’s friend, and Josh and Marina are both wildlings but neither one know about each other. When Marina hears about Josh’s moms boyfriend she soon get’s herself right in the middle of the police investigation. Marina doesn’t know where Josh is so she just tells them he hangs around his friends mostly but that is all she knows.
When Josh shows up shortly after Marina is questioned, the police have a lot of questions for him. Steve told them that a Mountain lion attacked him, so they aren’t taking his statement very seriously. They actually rather make sure that Josh is ok living with them his mom and Steve. When Josh tells the police what Steve is like they ask if they’d like to press charges on Steve because they believe he’s being abusive to Josh, but they say no.
Josh, Marina and their friend Elzie that Josh met on the pier one day all have secrets, but as soon as Josh can, he shares with Marina that he is a Wildling. Marina and Josh are really close, and Marina likes Josh more than friends, but is afraid of hurting their friendship. It doesn’t take long for Elzie and Josh to really like each other, and it kills Elzie inside. Marina is an Otter and hasn’t told anyone yet. Marina doesn’t like seeing Josh with Elzie, but soon Elzie can feel the tension ans tries to make things smooth between her and Marina. Elzie can tell that Marina and Josh are changelings, because she can sense with others are around. Marina ends up writing a blog about being an otter and it doesn’t take long to track it down that it was Marina.
The FBI come to question Josh at school one day to see if he knows any wildlings. Josh denies knowing anyone, but he can tell they aren’t going anywhere.
To break it down in Santa Feliz the authorities have been noticing teens are disappearing and Wildlings are around. They want to quarantine them to prevent any contamination through out the town.
Along the way Josh and Marina find out they are not alone. There are more Wildlings than they could ever imagine.
Josh’s friend Cory that he met the first night he changed tells Josh to not Change in front of anyone. That way they can’t confirm what he is and they cant take him away.
With the FBI following them they have to come up with plan on what to do next. A man by the name of Jason Lindel speak with Josh to see if Josh know any one the changlings. When Josh denies knowing anything about Wildlings. He doesn’t know anyone, they continue to follow him around.
With Marina’s, Josh’s lives on the line they search to find out how far back the changelings have be around and they find out they have been around forever. They have to work together to find out what happens in their lives belong a Changeling .
When Josh is with Marina and Des, in the library he sees that there are half a dozen men in suits
waiting for him. All Josh wants to do is change and run off but remembers what Chaingain said about making sure he doesn’t change in front of anyone, but they still tazer him.
All Marina wanted to do was change and go after them but she knew that wouldn’t help anyone. Marina, Elzie and Des know they have to go save Josh.
This kids work together and save josh
April 22, 2012
For the past six months, something strange has been happening to the young people of Santa Feliz. Week after week, there are reports of teens transforming into wild animals. Josh has seen the news, but he's totally unprepared when it happens to him, when one moment he's arguing with his mother's boyfriend and the next standing over him with bloody claws. Trusting on his friends Marina and Desmond, he tries to return to a normal life, but an encounter with a few more Wildlings and an accidental betrayal shatter his carefully constructed cover story. His friends are forced to trust other Wildings, and themselves, in order to save Josh.
Under My Skin is action-packed and thrilling, never once stopping to let the reader take a full breath before jumping right back into the story. I almost feel bad, saying that this is my first foray into Charles de Lint's writing, but everything was crafted perfectly. The setting, the characters, the fantasy world-building, all of it was amazing.
The book starts off so quickly with just a little bit of background info before Josh is standing over his mother's jerk of a boyfriend after transforming into a mountain lion and clawing him. Everything was fast-paced, and everything felt so immediate, like there was no time to stop and think about what just happened. There were small moments for Josh to try and catch his breath, to hopefully understand how he needed to hide to survive, and then something else would pop up and amp up the speed of the book.
What isn't said in the summary is that the book changes narrators, that it goes back and forth between Josh and Marina. There were a few times when it changed from a Josh chapter to a Marina chapter and I didn't notice, but it's possible that's because I got so caught up in the story. Of course, it might also have something to do with the fact that Josh and Marina felt so similar in my mind.
There have been a lot of novels just focusing on werewolves, but I found this to be a welcome change, an intriguing twists on shapeshifters and skinwalkers. The whole book had a Native American/First Nations (if you're from Canada) feel to it that I enjoyed. It's possible that I don't read a lot of books that draw on those kinds of stories, myths about coyotes and ravens, but I think I'd like to read more.
What was rather important in this book was the reaction the general public got to the teens suddenly turning into wild animals. It was important because it was the reaction that should've occurred. The fear, the distrust, the government stepping in thinking they know what's best, all of those things can be seen as a wider observation of the world in general, of the prejudices people have against those who look different or believe in different things. Human beings have this fear of the unknown and the strange, of what they don't understand, and in this book, it's only right that most of the general public would fear the Wildlings. I'm not saying it's right, just that it was what I expected. Of course, if the world was more open to change, perhaps this wouldn't have been the expected reaction. Why fear them when they had no control over the transformation?
The California setting and the different ethnicities of the characters added so much depth and life to the story. It felt so real, and the voices of Josh and Marina and everyone else felt so authentically teenager. This book is like a coming-of-age story, only instead it's more like the transformation of Josh into a mountain lion as the metaphor for the young boy coming into adulthood story. Shapeshifters, mystery and intrigue, government agents, real life or death consequences, this book was wonderful rough and gritty YA urban fantasy.
Under My Skin is action-packed and thrilling, never once stopping to let the reader take a full breath before jumping right back into the story. I almost feel bad, saying that this is my first foray into Charles de Lint's writing, but everything was crafted perfectly. The setting, the characters, the fantasy world-building, all of it was amazing.
The book starts off so quickly with just a little bit of background info before Josh is standing over his mother's jerk of a boyfriend after transforming into a mountain lion and clawing him. Everything was fast-paced, and everything felt so immediate, like there was no time to stop and think about what just happened. There were small moments for Josh to try and catch his breath, to hopefully understand how he needed to hide to survive, and then something else would pop up and amp up the speed of the book.
What isn't said in the summary is that the book changes narrators, that it goes back and forth between Josh and Marina. There were a few times when it changed from a Josh chapter to a Marina chapter and I didn't notice, but it's possible that's because I got so caught up in the story. Of course, it might also have something to do with the fact that Josh and Marina felt so similar in my mind.
There have been a lot of novels just focusing on werewolves, but I found this to be a welcome change, an intriguing twists on shapeshifters and skinwalkers. The whole book had a Native American/First Nations (if you're from Canada) feel to it that I enjoyed. It's possible that I don't read a lot of books that draw on those kinds of stories, myths about coyotes and ravens, but I think I'd like to read more.
What was rather important in this book was the reaction the general public got to the teens suddenly turning into wild animals. It was important because it was the reaction that should've occurred. The fear, the distrust, the government stepping in thinking they know what's best, all of those things can be seen as a wider observation of the world in general, of the prejudices people have against those who look different or believe in different things. Human beings have this fear of the unknown and the strange, of what they don't understand, and in this book, it's only right that most of the general public would fear the Wildlings. I'm not saying it's right, just that it was what I expected. Of course, if the world was more open to change, perhaps this wouldn't have been the expected reaction. Why fear them when they had no control over the transformation?
The California setting and the different ethnicities of the characters added so much depth and life to the story. It felt so real, and the voices of Josh and Marina and everyone else felt so authentically teenager. This book is like a coming-of-age story, only instead it's more like the transformation of Josh into a mountain lion as the metaphor for the young boy coming into adulthood story. Shapeshifters, mystery and intrigue, government agents, real life or death consequences, this book was wonderful rough and gritty YA urban fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews