Skin

'While fantasy lovers will enjoy the mysticism and world building, and historical fiction readers will appreciate the Roman invasion story line, there are also plenty of sensual scenes between Ailia and her two lovers for romance fans.' * Booklist * `The book slowly sucks you in and before you know it you've been completely hooked...At its core, Skin is a young girl's coming of age story, but its resonant prose, distinct characters, thematic depth and emotional sensitivity all combine to form a tale as evocative as it is compelling. 9/10.' * Starburst * `I loved Skin - the whole book is sufficiently grounded in real history to let the story and mysticism shine through. Ultimately the book is about love, belonging and change.' * Cultural Wednesday * `A subtle blend of reality, fantasy, romance and action, Ilka Tampke's first novel is a beautiful read. She has created a mystical world that's certain to charm most readers.' * Sci-Fi Now * `Conjuring up a wholly alien world with impressive imagination, Tampke has created a visceral tale of ritual, magic and violence.' * Sunday Times * `In Skin, Tampke has taken the fragments and woven them into a convincing world.' * Times * 'The mystical setting of Iron Age Britain is wonderful, full of magic and wonder and beauty. It's everything I love in a historical fiction.' * Readwave * 'Skin is a beautiful and brilliant book, a masterpiece.' * John Marsden * 'I am in awe of Ilka's ability to recreate a Britain of AD43. Caer Cad is alive and I felt I was there, standing by its fires from page one. I found myself continuously questioning what was real versus fiction, thinking to myself I wanted to learn more. A great book.' * Cecilia Ekback, author of Wolf Winter * 'Those who root for Game of Thrones' Daenerys Targaryen will find much to love in Ailia's personal quest, with Tampke more successfully navigating the realms of almost fantasy than Ishiguro, marking her out as an exciting talent to watch.' * New Daily * 'Tampke carries readers to a most remarkable time of the Iron Age...We've just welcomed a remarkable new voice in Australian literature, and I can't wait to read what she comes up with next.' * Alpha Reader * '[Tampke's] vision is clear and brought to life vividly through the strength of her singular heroine. We have not heard the last from this resonant new Australian voice.' * Readings * `Myth, mystery, history and romance are artfully intertwined in Australian author Ilka Tampke's enticing and immensely satisfying debut.' * Good Reading * 'Skin will appeal to lovers of historical fiction and lovers of literary fiction equally as well. It is an accomplished, absorbing and powerful debut.' * Hoopla * 'I loved the depth, sincerity and beauty of Skin. It gives a name and a shape to our capacity for yearning.' -- Isobelle Carmody