Second Skin

sue bentley

All about my latest novel

Second Skin is a stand-alone novel, currently number one in a new series entitled Bridge-of-Fire. The main character, Aledra, in one of a race of shapeshifters called The Drakkoni. While outwardly human in form, some of the Drakkoni harbour a secret. Like others of her race Aledra has a soul-double hidden deep inside her, and can switch between two-personas or skins, hence the title, Second Skin. The Drakkoni are the fierce and proud conquerors of a beautiful wild continent named Esra, and are hated by the oppressed indigenous people.

I started out with the germ of an idea for Second Skin which became more complex, far reaching, and darkly sinister as I developed it. This happens most of the time when I’m writing for a Young Adult and older readership! Fascinating things happen when cultures collide. There’s so much material for a writer to explore. I’m also very interested in the many stories and rich lore of Native American Culture. Within it, I found inspiration for some of the themes and characters for Second Skin.

I found 500 Nations and Empire of the Summer Moon totally fascinating. The books made me think about the dynamics that happen when races collide; how complex the whole thing is and how tragedy so often follows. The visuals in the 500 nations were compelling and inspired me to wonder about the people I saw on those pages. It’s always been stories about individual people in impossible circumstances that intrigue, move me and get me thinking. So the genesis of Second Skin sparked when I read Empire of the Summer Moon, and met Quanah Parker, last great chief of the Comanche and mixed-blood son of the famous and tragic pioneer woman Cynthia Anne Parker.

Aledra is one of a race of shape-shifters; the Drakkoni, powerful warriors and conquerors of a wild and beautiful continent. She is estranged from her cold and distant father, who is Lord Commander and confidante of the King. When her attempt to save a life goes tragically wrong, she becomes a fugitive, hunted both by her father and a pitiless bounty hunter. She teams up with Jubal, a young man from an indigenous tribe, who has witnessed the slaughter of his people by the hated Drakkoni. Aledra and Jubal journey across the war-torn continent, surviving as best they can while their greatest challenge is how to exist as sworn enemies.

I hope to return to the world of Esra sometime in the future. Bye for now!

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Thoughts and ramblings for the weekend.

By sue bentley • March 16, 2024

It's almost proper Spring - lighter mornings making it easier to get up, and head straight to my writing desk. My book in progress The Making is going well, after a lot of cuts, and re-writes. I'm planning on delivering it to my agent before too long. There are bound to be more changes that need making, some tightening up that needs doing. But I'm a perfectionist, and have learned to expect this work which will make my book come alive. I want my reader to empathise with my characters, feel immersed in the world they inhabit. It is though, one of the things most authors struggle with. I doubt any one of them, even a winner of the Booker prize, is ever completely satisfied with their finished book. When I pick up one of mine that has sold very well - sometimes around the world, had great reviews, even been featured on the Sunday Times best-seller listing, I still criticise the writing. Making imaginary new edits. Wishing that I'd chosen this word over that one. That's the thing about being meticulous, and I know I owe my readers that level of detail. Only my best is good enough. It comes with the writing territory! Or it should, if you're doing your job well?