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Beneath the Skin
Almost two centuries ago, humans created Homo varii to help fend off alien invaders. varii are mostly human, but with enough animal DNA thrown in to give them special advantages. Now that the aliens are gone, the varii remain among us. They bag our groceries and service our cars, file our taxes and mow our lawns. Most pure-blooded sapiens don’t care one way or the other, but some feel threatened and want them destroyed.
Although he’s worked alongside several dozen varii for years, Dan Blocker hasn’t bothered to make friends with any of them. They’re unfamiliar and strange, and they sometimes smell. The varii have their own confusing social structure, and Dan has enough trouble figuring out his own species.
Bo Taylor is a battle- varius , the largest, most intimidating class of genetic recombinant. He works a machine in the same manufacturing plant where Dan works, and for years the two men pass each other in the hallway without exchanging more than a grunted greeting.
One day, despite every cultural, intellectual and physical barrier that separates them, they begin talking to one another, and through each other, the two men discover how little they really know about the worlds they live in.
This version of Beneath the Skin contains several scenes of homosexual sexual activity. A sanitized version which will be safe for all ages will be made available at a later date. Thank you. 2/8/14
Although he’s worked alongside several dozen varii for years, Dan Blocker hasn’t bothered to make friends with any of them. They’re unfamiliar and strange, and they sometimes smell. The varii have their own confusing social structure, and Dan has enough trouble figuring out his own species.
Bo Taylor is a battle- varius , the largest, most intimidating class of genetic recombinant. He works a machine in the same manufacturing plant where Dan works, and for years the two men pass each other in the hallway without exchanging more than a grunted greeting.
One day, despite every cultural, intellectual and physical barrier that separates them, they begin talking to one another, and through each other, the two men discover how little they really know about the worlds they live in.
This version of Beneath the Skin contains several scenes of homosexual sexual activity. A sanitized version which will be safe for all ages will be made available at a later date. Thank you. 2/8/14
- GenresScience Fiction
826 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2013
8 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 13, 2024
3 stars
What an odd book.
Endearing characters and great concept but the rest of it flounders.
It's not quite that there's no plot, more that there are a lot of random plot threads that go literally nowhere, and many others that are raised then quickly resolved.
This book is over 800 pages long, and I think it was originally released serially which explains some of that, but still. I can't believe I read an 800 page book that doesn't have a solid plot, what am I even doing with my life at this point.
But then there's a load good stuff too: I loved the cultural learning and gaffes, the struggles of their bond, sharing not just good things but also pain and nightmares. Really great world concept.
I was initially a bit annoyed at getting Ken and Jackson's story too, but they grew on me. It was pretty light on though, and I am not convinced that they're going to be happy together, or at least not without more angst.
What the actual fuck: no need to mention . Please.
Unfortunately some of the illustrations were broken but they were a cool addition.
I've just realised that this is continued online on the author's page and I am so torn. I don't know if I have it in me to read another 800 pages but also I am intrigued. UGH.
Some other spoilery thoughts/ranting below.
What an odd book.
Endearing characters and great concept but the rest of it flounders.
It's not quite that there's no plot, more that there are a lot of random plot threads that go literally nowhere, and many others that are raised then quickly resolved.
This book is over 800 pages long, and I think it was originally released serially which explains some of that, but still. I can't believe I read an 800 page book that doesn't have a solid plot, what am I even doing with my life at this point.
But then there's a load good stuff too: I loved the cultural learning and gaffes, the struggles of their bond, sharing not just good things but also pain and nightmares. Really great world concept.
I was initially a bit annoyed at getting Ken and Jackson's story too, but they grew on me. It was pretty light on though, and I am not convinced that they're going to be happy together, or at least not without more angst.
What the actual fuck: no need to mention . Please.
Unfortunately some of the illustrations were broken but they were a cool addition.
I've just realised that this is continued online on the author's page and I am so torn. I don't know if I have it in me to read another 800 pages but also I am intrigued. UGH.
Some other spoilery thoughts/ranting below.
February 19, 2014
I followed this story back when it was a serial novel posted on an online community. Now that it's in print, 2 years later, it's refreshing to read it again on my Kindle. The story feels like it's been improved through the author's edits. The story follows Dan Blocker and Bo Taylor, a human and a varius (anthropomorphic animal), respectively, as they cultivate a friendship. It's very much a slice-of-life story that's been layered over a military science fiction story. The story has its highs and lows and you feel the growth between the two characters as their little family expands and they learn more about each other... while at the same time, there is this constant tension in the background. Bigotry is one of the "lesser evils" one finds in the world that's been crafted by Tank, and you quickly learn that the army, the government, and the impending feeling that the aliens will one day return are always in the background, just at the edge of the characters' vision.
I would have rated this book a 5/5, but there were instances of broken images and missing punctuation that impacted the reading experience. Though I've given this 4 stars out of 5, I'd really rather give it 4.5 / 5 instead, but I don't think I can. ;)
All in all, it's a great book for Tank Jaeger's debut novel, and we all hope that his second and third books are soon to follow.
I would have rated this book a 5/5, but there were instances of broken images and missing punctuation that impacted the reading experience. Though I've given this 4 stars out of 5, I'd really rather give it 4.5 / 5 instead, but I don't think I can. ;)
All in all, it's a great book for Tank Jaeger's debut novel, and we all hope that his second and third books are soon to follow.
July 18, 2024
A good exploration of relationships between people whose culture and bodies are drastically different. It has a plethora of fun and moving moments to keep one engaged while reading. The world building is a good set up and leaves room to expand in later entries, while allowing for the story to progress without grinding to a halt. A good tale all around.
April 25, 2014
A very long book(462 pages), boring and lack of spark between the characters.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews