I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Snakeskins by Tim Major Published by Titan Books on May 7 2019
Genres: Adult, Science fiction
Pages: 416
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: A twisty tale that starts slow but increases the tension as it goes along, skillfully crafted and guaranteed to make you think.
I have to admit I accepted a review copy of Snakeskins based on this cover. And I was lucky enough to get a finished paperback, and let me tell you it’s stunning. Those copper streaks on the cover are actual foiled copper, and I was excited to start reading to find out more about what was going on. Who were those two girls and what was falling on them? I’m happy to say these questions and more were answered. Snakeskins took me a long time to get into, I’m not going to lie. We follow three main characters in alternating chapters, who at first don’t appear to have any connection to each other, and it’s only as we near the last twenty-five percent of the story that their connections become clear. Readers are going to need some patience in the beginning, but I’m so glad I kept reading because I adored the ending and the last quarter of the story is pretty intense!
Caitlin Hext is a Charmer, one of the select few people who experience spontaneous cloning every seven years. At the age of seventeen, Charmers experience their first “shedding” which produces an exact replica of themselves. Snakeskins, or “skins” as these clones are called, live for mere minutes, then vanish in a poof of dust. The benefits of this are that the Charmer is rejuvenated, and after the shedding their skin reverts to that of a much younger person, any flaws like bruises or scars are completely gone, and they even have more energy. The older a Charmer gets, the more beneficial shedding becomes, and Charmers have been elevated over the years to an elitist group. When the story opens, Caitlin is about to experience her first shedding, but something goes wrong and her skin doesn’t turn to dust.
Gerry Chafik is a journalist who is fascinated with Charmers, and after losing her job at a magazine for refusing to write “fluff” pieces, she embarks on a quest to uncover their secret history. She’s particularly interested in the Great British Prosperity Party, which basically runs the entire country and is made up mostly of Charmers. Gerry’s inquisitive nature leads her deep into the Charmer world where she finds unexpected answers to her questions.
And finally, Russell Handler is an assistant to a high powered Charmer named Ellis Blackwood. One day he’s approached by a mysterious, hooded figure who urges him to spy on Ellis, who is secretly planning something big that involves Charmers. Eventually, all three of these stories converge, as Ellis’ plans, Caitlin’s still-alive skin, and Gerry’s investigation all culminate in an event that could change all their lives for good.
Tim Major has created an interesting, alternate history UK where time seems to be stuck in the 80s. Cell phones are rare but pagers and floppy discs are in style. Britain is also cut off from the rest of the world and has been since the emergence of Charmers in the early 1800s, which gives the story a claustrophobic, insulated feel. I really loved the low-tech feel of Snakeskins, and the subtle science fiction vibes and slowly building mystery made it feel like an old black-and-white Alfred Hitchcock movie at times.
The idea of snakeskins is pretty weird, at least in the beginning, but I have to admit when we get to know some skins later in the story, I changed my mind completely about them. Caitlin’s skin turned out to be a favorite character of mine (we eventually learn she’s named herself Kit) and I loved the interactions between the two girls. I don’t want to give too much away, but there is a big conspiracy about skins that is revealed about halfway through the story, and it really added another layer that I wasn’t expecting.
We also learn about a mysterious occurrence called the Fall which corresponds with the emergence of Charmers, and Gerry’s chapters in particular were interesting as she slowly and methodically uncovers all the mysteries behind the event, which eventually leads to the exciting finale. Major brilliantly weaves all these parts together—the skins, Ellis’s evil scheme, the developing relationship between Caitlin and Kit—and the ending was truly satisfying.
However, there is that slow beginning to contend with, and I think part of my problem with the pacing is that I just didn’t like Russell very much. He turns out to be a bumbling but sneaky guy who is almost a caricature in the way he tries to spy on his boss, going so far as to record his conversations and other things like that. He also has a crush on Ellis’ wife Nell, which actually made me a little sad. Overall I thought his story arc was the least interesting and I just wanted to get back to the other characters whenever his chapters popped up.
Ultimately, readers who enjoy thoughtful speculative fiction with a dash of danger and some pretty big surprises will really enjoy this book. Major raises ethical questions about cloning and comes to some unique, thought-provoking conclusions. Despite the slow beginning, I’m so impressed with Tim Major and I’ll be keeping an eye out for his next book.
Big thanks to Titan Books for supplying a review copy.
This sounds really interesting. I love that floppy discs are in fashion. I miss those little things
Ha ha, I think I still have some around somewhere, lol.
Fantastic review! This sounds good! I love when slow books pay off.
Nadine recently posted…A Perfect Lie – L.R. Jones
Me too, it’s the sign of a good writer:-)
I’ve seen this one around and am very interested. Uhh, if I came across my own clone, I would give him a weekly stipend to reads all of my books, write all my reviews, and give me a Sparknotes rundown.
Ha ha, I think I need a clone like that too:-)
“What would you do if you were face to face with your clone?” I’ve seen one or two people in the past who I thought looked like me, and it just makes me recoil! How dare they!
Ha ha, I think it would be freaky!
This was not on my radar, but having read your review, I’ve changed my mind. Looks fascinating!
Riley Moreland recently posted…Breaking the Dance (A World of Spies Mystery, #2) by Clare O’Donohue – Review
It was pretty unique, glad I could convince you:-)
I’ve been seeing this one around a lot and it does sound pretty interesting. Thanks for sharing it!
It’s definitely getting publicity, which is good:-)
Great review!!! It looks like something I’d really like.
It was really good, and so well written.
On to my TBR!
Ah that cover is defo eye candy!
I have a love/hate relationship with spec fiction that is also a slow burn… usually takes me forever to read, but eventually, when i finish, i keep thinking about them for a long time 😀
Norrie recently posted…7 Books I Wish I Could Discuss With You
Sometimes I give up, I have to admit. But I’m glad I stuck with this one, it paid off:-)
I have no idea what I’d do. Stare, I guess, then maybe start asking questions. Thanks!
It’s weird to think about, right?
Awesome! Now I’m even more excited to read this. Working on Pariah now, but this might be my next after that.
I hope you enjoy it:-)
I’d probably scream and run away…I am not a brave person.
Ha ha, me either!
Oh wow, foiled copper on the cover, that does sound really pretty! (Plus just the image on the cover is pretty.) And what a unique idea! I’m glad you ended up getting into it as the book went on.
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight recently posted…Sims Shenanigans: A Compilation of Tweets about Weird Things that Have Happened in My Sims 3 Games
Me too, the author definitely took some time to set things up, but I’m actually glad he did.
That cover really is amazing. And I appreciate your head’s up about it starting off slow but building to a pretty amazing conclusion. That’s always good to know so I don’t bail too soon on a book that I might end up loving. The pagers and floppy discs comment made me chuckle, lol.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra recently posted…Review: THE NIGHT BEFORE by Wendy Walker
I loved the old school vibe, it definitely wasn’t what I was expecting:-)
This sounds pretty darn awesome! Great review! 😀
Thanks Mayri, it was unique!
Can’t blame you for picking this for the cover, it’s a gorgeous cover!
I love the cover – it gives me Chrysalids vibes somehow.
Good luck to everyone who enters 😀
Lynn 😀
Face to face with my clone? I’d completely freak out.
I cannot keep up with yer coolness and how many awesome books ye keep finding me! This one sounds weird and awesome! Arrrr!
x The Captain
What a concept! Spontaneous cloning every seven years?! It’s good to know that the author pulls it off. Great review!
The cloning in this sounds very original and intriguing!
The premise sounds really interesting and I like that there are some good twists. I had not heard of this book before. Thanks.