Skin

I am Welsh and proud of my Celtic heritage. I read this book after reading Conn Iggulden's 2nd book of the life of Julia's Caesar. Julia's sacked the Gaul (france and Germany) lands and made his way to Britain as it was. His 1st trip was a disaster but he came back the following year (and the rest is history......pun intended).I wanted to find a historical fiction novel that would paint 'the other perspective' and came across reviews of this book.Whilst Skin does give quite a bit of the other side of the coin. .......it quickly became redundant to me. This is a truly wonderful book that captivated me and I was unable to stop. The writing quality is pure joy and I am sad that the novel has come to its end. I am left wanting to read the next book as soon as possible, even though it's not yet published.I am skin of the Dog without any doubt. I'm quite certain that Neja in this book is a Welsh border collie.This is (and I've surprised myself because I read a lot), possibly In the top 10 of close to 1,000 plus historical fiction novels I've read. Wonderful. Do not hesitate .....buy this wonderful book.

I've not quite finished reading this book yet so a further star could be added if the remainder of the book continues to make me think. It's a book that when you start to read you think along the lines of other books of a similar timeline, but the further you get into the book, it becomes clear that it's quite different. The central character becomes a strong figure, but without spoiling the plot, as you read you're not sure if their lifestyle is real or a dream. It's not a book I could just read without analysing it as I went along, therefore I wouldn't say it was a quick or easy book to read but I am enjoying it and I look forward to finishing to see if I'm right in my thoughts of it!

A mixture of realism and fantasy, this is not a novel for those who delight in historical accuracy. Indeed a main premise that the Dorset hill-forts were sites of occupation at the time of the Roman invasion of Britain seems to have been debunked in the last year or so. Having said that, this is a work of fiction and the hill-fort life evoked by Tampke is believable and detailed. I especially enjoyed the recreation of Beltane and other festivals: one person's take on what might have been. The interface with the "other world" is suitably liminal and we care about the main characters and what happens to them. If the author were to write a sequel based on other parts of the Roman invasion, I would definitely buy it.

I don't often leave reviews because I'm lazy, but this book has compelled me.I often find it difficult to become fully immersed in a story. Editor brain is usually there, picking away - "That sentence is clumsy," "This writer is trying too hard," "How amateurish."Editor brain didn't even whisper with this one. I was instantly transfixed. Bewitched from the first page to the last. I was so deeply enveloped in this story I wanted to devour it, cover to cover, in one sitting.When I'm reading a book, I often find myself uncomfortably aware of the writer. The characters seem transparent, and I can see through them to the writer's intentions. But in Skin, the characters are solid, so real that that wonderful magic happens where you forget you're simply reading words on a page.Also, the pacing is perfect. Not once did I labour through the prose. I didn't slow or become distracted. It held me. Tampke is a masterful writer, with a style that is strong and truly her own.I think I was going to say something else but I can't remember. The important thing for you to know is that this book is magic and you should read it.

Not the greatest of writing (especially the cod olde-worlde language that everyone speaks in) but, I enjoyed the story and the world-building.

There is no sentimentality in Skin. It isn't a story that is set over a thousand years ago but given a 21st century 'makeover'. Skin is brutal, honest, gripping & wonderfully written. It is as if Ilka Tampe, the author, went on a trip to the past, came back & wrote about she has seen. Would definitely recommend this book.

I thought this was ok

thank you