The Horn Book Guide

OLDER FICTION

Hardinge, Frances

A Skinful of Shadows

419 pp. | Abrams/Amulet | October, 2017 | Trade ISBN 978-1-4197-2572-2 $19.99

(1) YA In this fantasy set during the 1600s English Civil War, orphaned Makepeace is sent to live with her aristocratic Fellmotte family relations. When her half-brother (and only friend) runs away and is then made an unwilling vessel for the spirits of their dead Elders, Makepeace (who shares this ability) sets off to rescue him. Makepeace is a resourceful, brave, and intelligent protagonist, and Hardinge's prose is unfailingly original and invigorating.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2018