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A Skinful of Shadows

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A Skinful of Shadows

By: Frances Hardinge
Narrated by: Tuppence Middleton
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About this listen

Shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year 2017.

'A Skinful of Shadows confirms Hardinge's status as one of our finest storytellers. It's rare to find a book which is every bit as intelligent and stylish as it is riveting - I was enthralled' - Sarah Perry, author of The Essex Serpent.

Frances Hardinge weaves a dark, otherworldly tale in A Skinful of Shadows, her first book since the Costa Award-winning The Lie Tree.

When a creature dies, its spirit can go looking for somewhere to hide.

Some people have space inside them, perfect for hiding.

Makepeace, a courageous girl with a mysterious past, defends herself nightly from the ghosts which try to possess her. Then a dreadful event causes her to drop her guard for a moment.

And now there's a ghost inside her.

The spirit is wild, brutish and strong, but it may be her only defence in a time of dark suspicion and fear. As the English Civil War erupts, Makepeace must decide which is worse: possession – or death.

 Action & Adventure Fantasy Fiction Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy Magic War Heartfelt

Critic reviews

Everyone should read Frances Hardinge. Everyone. Right now. (Patrick Ness)
'A Skinful of Shadows confirms Hardinge's status as one of our finest storytellers. The striking originality of its magical element is matched by a thrilling depiction of a 17th century England riven with political and religious unease. At the centre of the novel, young Makepeace is a vital and engaging presence amid a cast of extraordinary and villainous characters, and she had my heart from the first. It's rare to find a book which is every bit as intelligent and stylish as it is riveting - I was enthralled' (Sarah Perry, author of The Essex Serpent)
Hardinge is a talent who deserves to be read by children and adults alike.
Hardinge's hypnotic prose and resourceful heroine will appeal to young adults and adult readers alike.
Hardinge’s tale of ghosts, puritans and shaping your own destiny is an unmissable, hypnotic treat.
Creepy, clever and mind-blowing.
Chillingly atmospheric, historically fascinating, it’s also blackly comic in parts and beautifully written.
Frances Hardinge’s latest novel, A Skinful of Shadows has a plot every bit as strange as her last, Costa-winning The Lie Tree. The thrilling story follows a 12-year-old girl who has imbibed the spirit of a bear, and is in danger from demonically possessed aristocrats.
Electrifyingly good, A Skinful of Shadows dances between reason, compassion and the supernatural with exceptional artistry. Even in a remarkable year for children's books, it strikes gold.
All stars
Most relevant
incredible, I'm still reeling from the brilliance of the story line to the beauty of it's delivery. I'm.off to buy the other two books on here right now. thank you Frances & Tuppence.

My favourite ever audiobook

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Having read Hardinge's 'The Lie tree' I was happy to try another read/listen from the same author. I was very pleased and grateful that I did. The protagonist is worthy of maintaining interest throughout and the narrative is equally sustaining. The Narrator suits the novel well and her performance is flawless. Sympathy is regularly drawn and fascination, too, at what the next turn of events will come next. The book had one "Oh no, please not that" episode late-on, but was thankful for it as all it did was to increase and cement my loyalty the main character, Makepeace. This reads well as a grown-ups' novel, so do not be concerned if you see Hardinge as a young adult author. Chapters are well thought out and none are over-long, easily allowing you to 'chunk' your listening. My immediate reaction after completing the novel was, "Which next?" I decided to have gap between 'Skinful' and my next Hardinge, to allow 'Skinful' time to come back at me on reflection. I have quietly started listening to a Rose Tremain. Tempted by 'Skinful'? You will enjoy the journey.

Better Than 'The Lie Tree'?

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I very much enjoyed this book.This tale gives a very different spin on the traditional ghost story. Until now we've only ever thought of ghosts being in our mind well this book will have them in your head. Masterful.

A truly different ghost story.

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Really enjoyed this book and the narrator did a great job. Have now moved on to Frances's newest publication.

Great read. Wonderful Production

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Thoroughly enjoyed this step back in time with a fantastical twist of darkness. Wonderfully narrated too and had to keep listening into the wee hours.

Imaginative and dark

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