A Skinful of Shadows

A Skinful of Shadows follows twelve-year-old Makepeace, a girl who possesses the supernatural ability to host ghosts within herself. Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, the story tracks her journey from a Puritan village to her ancestral home of Grizehayes, where she discovers dark secrets about her father's family. The plot combines historical fiction with supernatural elements, as Makepeace navigates both the political tensions of 17th century England and her own dangerous inheritance. Her quest for survival leads her to Oxford, where she becomes caught between the warring Parliamentarians and Royalists while managing the spirits that inhabit her. The novel explores themes of identity, power, and self-determination through its unique blend of historical events and supernatural fiction. It raises questions about family loyalty, the weight of inheritance, and the cost of maintaining one's autonomy in a world shaped by forces beyond individual control.

Readers highlight the imaginative ghost possession concept, historical English Civil War setting, and dark atmosphere. Many note the strong character development of protagonist Makepeace and praise how her relationships evolve throughout the story. Readers appreciated: - Unique magic system and supernatural elements - Period-accurate historical details - Complex moral questions about loyalty and family - Gothic tone that avoids being too frightening - Female protagonist who grows in confidence Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in first third of book - Some plot points feel unresolved - Secondary characters could be more developed Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (8,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (180+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4.5/5 Multiple readers compared the tone to Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell but noted this book is more accessible. Several reviewers mentioned struggling with the opening chapters but finding the story picked up significantly after page 100.

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🔷 The English Civil War (1642-1651) saw families literally divided against each other, with brothers sometimes fighting on opposite sides - a central theme reflected in the book's exploration of divided loyalties. 🔷 Author Frances Hardinge wrote her first novel, "Fly By Night," at age 13 and went on to win the Costa Book of the Year in 2015 for "The Lie Tree" - only the second children's book to win this prestigious award. 🔷 The belief in spirit possession was widespread during the 17th century England, and those accused often faced severe persecution - much like the witch trials of the same period. 🔷 The name "Makepeace" was commonly used by Puritans in 17th century England, who often chose names reflecting virtues or religious concepts. 🔷 The Bear Inn at Oxford, mentioned in the book, was a real establishment that served as a Royalist headquarters during the English Civil War, and still exists today as a hotel.