Silverskin by Caitee Cooper
When Ellie Forth sets out to have a great Alaskan adventure with her remaining family members, she’s got something to prove—and not to them, but to herself. Four years after the unexpected death of her mother and sister, she’s ready to re-embrace her adventurous side.
Oliver Cole’s life, on the other hand, is very simple: go to work, catch fish, come home, and stash every penny earned into his bank account so he can afford to pay for college. But his life is turned upside down when Ellie and her brother—two nearly-forgotten acquaintances from his childhood—burst back into his life.
After a horrific encounter with the supernatural deep in the Kenai Peninsula, Ellie and Oliver must team up to discover the truth about what happened in Portlock, and how to fight a rising tide of evil that has the power to envelop not just Alaska, but the entire world.
Silverskin Review
I was compensated with a small amount for my time and effort in reading the book and writing this review. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and are based on my honest personal experience reading the book. Nor did the publisher in any way shape or form ever pressure me to give a positive review.
Silverskin transports readers to the untamed landscapes of Alaska alongside its protagonist, Ellie Forth, who sets off on a self-discovery trip after the untimely deaths of her mother and sister. Ellie is determined to regain her spirit of adventure, and her path crosses with Oliver Cole’s, whose straightforward existence of labour and fishing is upended by the unexpected return of Ellie and her brother, characters from his youth.
As they confront a supernatural threat deep within the Kenai Peninsula, Ellie and Oliver must unravel the mysteries of Portlock and confront a rising tide of evil that threatens not only Alaska but the entire world. Cooper skillfully tells a compelling story with themes of destiny, mystery, and the supernatural, delivering a gripping tale of resilience, friendship, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of darkness.
This advanced reader copy has truly amazed me — it’s undoubtedly among the best books I’ve read so far this month! I was totally caught off guard because I didn’t think I would like it as much as I did. I was drawn in by the book’s aesthetic and design as well as its intriguing synopsis (yes I do have a tendency to judge books by their covers). But even then this book far exceeded my expectations in every way. It captivated me from the first few pages in a way I hadn’t expected, pulling me into its universe with a ferocity I hadn’t felt in a long time.
Since I can remember, fantasy and supernatural romance have been my favourite types of romance, therefore I have to admit that I am a huge lover of these genres. Because of this, this book spoke to me personally on a personal level and fit my reading habits well. The thrilling plot, the intriguing mystery it reveals, and the eerie thriller emotions it gives off came together to create an incredibly engaging read. I read the entire book in one sitting because I was so fascinated in the story that I was unable to put it down. I was left wanting more because it was such a unique and immersive experience.
And how can I leave behind the romance? Let’s talk about the romance, which was fantastic. I could feel the chemistry between Ellie and Oliver, and I relished every second of their conversations. They didn’t have an instant romance, which set their relationship apart. Instead, we got to watch their romance develop gradually as each interaction strengthened their bond.
The ambiance, narrative, and location of Silverskin also evoked thoughts of the forced proximity cliché, which heightened its attraction. This trope is one that I personally adore, and I know that a lot of other people do as well, so it was a fun detail that I had to bring up. It was really engrossing to watch Ellie and Oliver negotiate their developing connection against the backdrop of mystery and peril. It all gave an already interesting storyline another level of complexity.
Beyond the engrossing romance, Silverskin has incredibly well-crafted character development and overall setup. Throughout the narrative, the distinct characteristics of each character enhance and complement the interactions and tensions between them. Every page was enjoyable to read because of the writing style, which was delightful to experience and the dialogue that flowed naturally. Sincere bonds between the characters and the reader were made possible by the rich character development, which drew us further into the story and improved the storytelling experience as a whole.
All of the character interactions felt real and compelling, from the endearing repartee to the poignant moments of vulnerability. It’s clear that a great deal of thought and care went into developing each character and their interactions, which produces a story that will continue to have an impact long after the last page is turned.
I looked at the author’s Goodreads page and it seems like it’s the first book she has written? Absolutely smash banger of a debut if that’s the case. Highly, highly recommend!
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