Second Skin

Second Skin is a stand-alone novel, currently number one in a new series entitled Bridge-of-Fire. The main character, Aledra, is 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.

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 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. 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. It’s always been stories about individual people in impossible circumstances that intrigue, move me and get me thinking.

Aledra 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!