From the award-winning author of The Lie Tree, Frances Hardinge offers "a delicious combination of historical adventure, coming-of-age tale, and supernatural intrigue" (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

Sometimes, when a person dies, their spirit goes looking for somewhere to hide. Some people have space within them, perfect for hiding.

Young Makepeace has learned to defend herself from the ghosts that try to possess her in the night, desperate for refuge, but one day a dreadful event causes her to drop her guard. And now there's a spirit inside her. The spirit is wild, brutish, and strong, and it may be her only defense when she is sent to live with her father's rich and powerful family. There is talk of civil war, and they need people like her to protect their dark and terrible family secret. But as she plans to escape and heads out into a country torn apart by war, Makepeace must decide which is worse: possession--or death.

"Darkly splendid . . . a wonderful, resonant narrative whose subtlety and insight will challenge, entertain and enchant." --The Guardian

"A Skinful of Shadows is outlandishly creative and thoroughly blood-chilling. Her storytelling is visceral and unfurls at an exciting pace, making this novel a wonderful, weird and terrifying addition to her body of work." --Shelf Awareness (starred review)

"A book that only Hardinge could write . . . [a] masterful and spooky historical fantasy." --School Library Journal (starred review)

"Hardinge's writing is stunning, and readers will be taken hostage by its intensity, fascinating developments, and the fierce, compassionate girl leading the charge." --Booklist (starred review)

"Deliberate, impeccable, and extraordinary." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 10/17/2017
ISBN: 9781419725722
Pages: 432
Weight: 1.24lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.30w x 1.40d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 09/25/2017
Booklist 10/15/2017 pg. 53
Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2017 pg. 80
Shelf Awareness 10/24/2017
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2017
Shelf Awareness 12/19/2017
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2018 pg. 79
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2018 pg. 146 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 192418 / Skinful of Shadows
Reading Level: 5.9 / Interest Level: Middle Grade Plus / Point Value: 17