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rocketiza's review against another edition
3.0
Written in a much more traditional style than his other books, which was disappointing. Also felt like the book didn't advantage of some of the character traits it introduced, and even the characters in the end ask jeez, did the plot have to be that complicated?
Recommend passing this one over for his other books.
Recommend passing this one over for his other books.
matosapa's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
daveinyourface's review against another edition
4.0
Not one of Huston's best, but still worth reading if you are a fan of his.
alice2000's review against another edition
4.0
Skinner didn't end up being the sort of read I thought it would. It took a bit to get into the way Huston wrote, but I was thoroughly engaged by the end. A unique set of characters and a story that has current significance. I will definitely pick up more of Huston's work.
nettiedeijah's review against another edition
1.0
I really tried but just couldn't get into this book. Really like his other work.
deehaichess's review
5.0
Huston's Skinner would make a great action film. "Taut, fast-paced international spy thriller with on-point premise", the film review subs would read. I'm already pitching it in my head. There's action, romance, a redeemable anti-hero, a strong central female figure, a fatherly figure with a shadowy secret, and a suitably 3-dimensional antagonist. There's chase scenes, fight scenes, exotic locations, drama, and intrigue, all packaged up in a twisty modern plot-line involving activism, terrorism, national security, global politics, the internet (of course!), and information and who controls it and how it shapes the way we see things and what we care about.
The reason I think it'd make a good movie is that I think it'd probably translate well. Everything they'd have to leave out to make the film coherent and palatable for the LCD would be the parts of Huston at his most intense. Toned down, it's practically made for cinema.
As a Huston book, it's got a lot of the trademarks and may be a little challenging for readers new to his style. I'm a fan from way back though, so in some sense I know to just hold fast and enjoy the ride. It's perhaps a little less controlled in its unravelling than his Henry Thompson books, and maybe a little more frenetic than his great zombie-apocalypse tale Sleepless but it's ok to trust in him and where he's taking you, because he doesn't disappoint.
Thank you, Charlie, for never being boring. I hope Hollywood options you soon. Let me know if you need some help with casting.
The reason I think it'd make a good movie is that I think it'd probably translate well. Everything they'd have to leave out to make the film coherent and palatable for the LCD would be the parts of Huston at his most intense. Toned down, it's practically made for cinema.
As a Huston book, it's got a lot of the trademarks and may be a little challenging for readers new to his style. I'm a fan from way back though, so in some sense I know to just hold fast and enjoy the ride. It's perhaps a little less controlled in its unravelling than his Henry Thompson books, and maybe a little more frenetic than his great zombie-apocalypse tale Sleepless but it's ok to trust in him and where he's taking you, because he doesn't disappoint.
Thank you, Charlie, for never being boring. I hope Hollywood options you soon. Let me know if you need some help with casting.
fleurette's review against another edition
3.0
I have never heard about Charlie Huston before. I have read this book because I read the blurb and found it interesting. I have many very mixed feelings about this book.
I don't think I liked the writing style of the author. After some time I got used to it but still it was wearing. What I definitely liked are the characters who are unique and fascinating. Skinner with his past is definitely not an ordinary hero. With Jae they make an interesting couple.
I only wish the ending is different. I would like to see Skinner find his peace at least a bit and not being so lonely again after all the things that happened. Also, I didn't see any hints about the continuation of this story, that's a pity.
I don't think I liked the writing style of the author. After some time I got used to it but still it was wearing. What I definitely liked are the characters who are unique and fascinating. Skinner with his past is definitely not an ordinary hero. With Jae they make an interesting couple.
I only wish the ending is different. I would like to see Skinner find his peace at least a bit and not being so lonely again after all the things that happened. Also, I didn't see any hints about the continuation of this story, that's a pity.
silentjohn's review against another edition
2.0
Charlie Huston is one of my favorite authors... I loved his Joe Pitt and Caught Stealing series, as well as all of his other books.
Skinner is so different than all his other books. It's serious. It's tedious. None of the quirk and badassedness that exists in his other books. I rarely write reviews (if ever?), but I feel like people need to be made aware that this book is completely unlike all of his others.
If you like a slow-paced espionage-esque book, by all means read this one. However, I got more than halfway through and had no idea where the book was going and didn't care for any of the characters.
Skinner is so different than all his other books. It's serious. It's tedious. None of the quirk and badassedness that exists in his other books. I rarely write reviews (if ever?), but I feel like people need to be made aware that this book is completely unlike all of his others.
If you like a slow-paced espionage-esque book, by all means read this one. However, I got more than halfway through and had no idea where the book was going and didn't care for any of the characters.