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Skin Hunger: A Resurrection of Magic, Book 1

(2007, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Kathleen Duey)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Dark but engrossing story of wizard education.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Children are slowly and miserably starved to death if they can't master a magic spell. An act of arson, references to beatings and killings, child abuse, a boy wishes to kill his cruel father.

  • Sex:

    A kiss, a reference to masturbation, mention of a penis, a girl wishes to make love.

  • Language:

    Frequent use of "s--t," occasional "f--k."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Skin Hunger: A Resurrection of Magic, Book 1

Parents need to know that, unusually for a fantasy, there is a fair amount of swearing, mostly unnecessary, and some mild sexual references. Also, the mistreatment of the boys in training to be wizards is disturbing.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the bizarre and cruel way of teaching magic depicted here. Are there any advantages to the way Somiss teaches magic, or is it just satisfying his cruelty? Why does Franklin stay with him, and why doesn't he stop the cruelty?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Christopher K
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0

    The Darker Side of Magic

    This novel explored the darker side of magic which couldn't even be found in masterpieces like Harry Potter. I enjoyed it very much and suggest it for any fantasy-lover.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  2. Parent Reviewer
    JulieKryger1970
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Parent Reviewer
    JamesRobertson
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    bibliophile
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 2.0

    No way.

    I can't recommend this at all because there was just too much swearing, particularly s- and p-. I wouldn't read this book if you have issues with swearing.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    zolform
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    An amazing fantasy book! One of a kind!

    This book explores darker parts of magic and is very interesting. I guarantee that you will love this book.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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