Silverskin (Hardcover) - #1 in The Portlock Trilogy

I really did not enjoy this book. I don't think it's the book per se, since it has a good storyline. I think it's the character driven part that I dislike. I do not usually enjoy character driven stories and in this case, the characters driving them seemed to just annoy the total socks off of me, so sorry, but no for me.

Within the first hour of reading Silverskin, I was hooked. I enjoyed the metaphors of characters recognizing and battling demons. Its simultaneously therapeutic and entertaining. I already ordered the second one in the trilogy.

Note: this was written after finishing all three books in the trilogy.

A refreshing and highly imaginative story! I loved how character-driven this book was, but the highlight for me was the metaphors. The author takes internal struggles like anxiety and depression and turns them into physical obstacles, making the emotional stakes feel tangible and new. A truly unique read.

WOW this book is phenomenal. It hooked me right away and I couldn't put it down. The perfect dark and creepy read I wanted for October, and the romance is perfection. I'm dying to read the next one!

This is very well written, suspenseful, and gripping! I love seeing books like this from up-and-coming authors. The second book was fantastic as well! Looking forward to the 3rd book!

I just finished Silverskin, the first book and I’m downloading the second one now. If you like good solid characters in a book, a whole lot of suspense, and and other worldly creatures, you will enjoy this book.

I really enjoyed this book! Having lived in Alaska for over seven years, it was fun reading about places I’ve been. I don’t usually read paranormal things but this story really intrigued me and had me staying up way too late reading or sneaking off to read when I should have been adulting.

There were times when I wanted to root the characters on, other times when I got frustrated with them (mostly when they wouldn’t just get together even though they obviously had feelings for each other!) The romance seemed to take forever to build up but was perfect none the less! ☺️ I really liked Ellie and Oliver’s characters! I think the book was fun, well written and very creative.

I really hope nothing like The Gate really exists or else I will have to Nope out of there real fast! Haha! Super darn creepy for sure!

Can’t wait to read more books by this author!

I love this book. I was hooked from the first chapter. Can’t wait for the 3rd book! The characters and setting captivated me and I forgot I was reading a book sometimes. Well done to the writer for making me want more. Even when it was over.

3.5 stars. I usually don’t read too many supernatural, paranormal books so I wasn’t sure how I’d feel, but I was surprised with this one! I liked it a lot better than I thought I would. Intriguing storyline, well paced and unique elements when it came to the demons. I thought Ellie & Oliver had good chemistry & were well-written characters.

I’ll probably end up reading some more supernatural books going forward!

Throw anything supernatural my way and I will devour it and silverskin was no different, the story building was amazing. With such a jaw dropping beginning, you get scared that it will trail off the further you read but it just continued to build, with each shocking discovery about the truth of the situation.

I adored the character building, and the personalities that each character was given. All of the characters were relatable which helped me to love all of them. The relationship between Oliver and Ellie was incredible, seeing their turmoil over how they wanted their relationship to develop, but for different reasons. And the relationship between Ellie and Sam was perfect too, highlighting the bond between siblings even through heartache and horrific events, they spoke and interacted in a truly human way, without the exaggeration that other books use and I loved this.

The supernatural element was done perfectly, you could feel the anxiety and fear that the characters felt about the demons. I loved that there was a main focus in regards to the supernatural in this book, rather than trying to cram as many elements into the pages as possible.

I was very invested in the story and cannot wait to continue in the sequel.

I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for consideration for a review.
Wow! I was hanging of every word of this supernatural horror - that has just a little bit of romance too ;)
CAWPILE Breakdown:
Characters: 5 - I loved each one of these characters. They felt real and authentic and like people you'd find in every day life. (I'd 100% be Ellie in this story.)
Atmosphere/Setting: 5 - This takes place in Alaska - well mostly. In a real town in Alaska, based on real "ghost stories" that native Alaskans tell. I didn't know this until after I finished the book, but Cooper absolutely had me believing every miute of my read.
Writing Style: 4.5 - The only reason that this category did not get a full 5/5 rating is because there were a few POV changes that didn't feel like POV changes - in other words, it felt like we were still in the last characters head. The tone of the POV needed to change. Otherwise it was just so well done.
Plot: 5 - I was hanging on every single word on every page here.
Intrigue: 5 - See above lol.
Logic/Relationships: 5
Enjoyment: 5 - Truly enjoyed this read and looking forward to seeing where book 2 goes.
Total: 34.5/7 = 4.9 - So nearly 5 stars!!

Enjoyed the first book in this series and looking forward to the next one!

I found this book on accident, and I am delighted by how well it is written. It's a mix of romance, psychology, a mystery and scary. It has great character development and I feel invested in the characters. This rating lost a star because in my opinion, there wasn't a cliffhanger at the end of the book.; It was simply missing the ending. I don't want to ruin the book for everyone else and so I'll just write that the book points to what the climax of the story will be and then cuts short of doing that.

Just have to say, some of the best jump scares I've ever read in a book. I was terrified but so enjoying myself at the same time! If you're a Supernatural fan, definitely check this one out. Such a fun ride!

“Silverskin” introduces Ellie Forth, a young woman on an adventure to Alaska with her father and brother. She’s not big on hunting, but she loves the outdoors and her remaining family. Four years ago, she lost her mother and sister in a car accident. She’s trying to move on and hopes this trip might be a fresh start, but the universe has other plans.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It is one of those books that crosses through many genres, which I enjoy. The romance is certainly there. However, the supernatural and horror elements stood out a bit more to me. There were parts of this book where I though I might need to wait until the morning to pick it back up (and I mean that in the best possible way). The story is told through two POVs. The first POV is of Ellie which both provides insight into her character and enhances the fear pouring off the pages. Ellie’s a well done protagonist. She’s flawed and more than a little bit broken, but she’s also brave, selfless, and hopeful even when everything screams at her not to be. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com

I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.

I will admit that this book totally surprised me, in a good way! It’s set up as just your average, contemporary fiction story in the beginning–with perhaps a hint of romance–but then it swerves into a tense supernatural mystery that immediately picks up the pace. I was so invested in this story that I went to bed dreaming about the characters.

The writing itself is phenomenal. Ellie, Oliver, and Sam are their own, unique characters, with realistic thoughts, fears, and idiosyncrasies. Again, they were so well-created that they took up residence in my head as I slept. It was almost as if I truly knew them. And that made this thriller novel even more tense. I couldn’t bear the thought of my friends getting hurt–or worse, killed–and yet, they kept throwing themselves into danger! Talk about my heart racing.

I’m also a sucker for romance, and this one is a somewhat slow burn, which was a perfect contrast to the thrills and chills of the rest of the plot. Really, this novel had pretty much everything that I love: great characters, an intriguing premise, a dash of supernatural horror that could be actually happening in our current reality, and tense interactions between characters who simply want the best for those they love, but can never quite reach that impossibility.

Overall, great read. I cannot wait to continue the series and see what happens! I left desperately wanting…

I did not plan to enjoy this as much as I did. It was dark and romantic and breathtaking in every aspect 10/10 recommend.

If this is Ms. Cooper's first book we're in for a wild ride! What a well told story. The characters are believable and very likeable. The story encompasses Alaska and Colorado which the author obviously knows well. And the story itself is just crazy! Demons and Death described and acting like real humans. I sure hope the end of this story is nearly ready to be published. I'm holding my breath!

This story pulls you in and does not let go! The characters are genuine and have you caring deeply for them. The plot is intriguing and engaging with unique twists. Some of it felt long and I didn't like that there are so many unanswered questions at the end because I am impatient and don't want to wait for the sequel.

A really fun read! It’s a mix of ghost story, romance, and self-discovery. The descriptions are great and the characters well-developed and likable. I would have liked to know more about the demon Silverskin. The one thing I didn’t realize is that this is part of a series, so a lot is still unresolved by the end. It’s still a good read and a fantastic first novel. I look forward to the next installment.

A really fun read! It’s a mix of ghost story, romance, and self-discovery. The descriptions are great and the characters well-developed and likable. I would have liked to know more about the demon Silverskin. The one thing I didn’t realize is that this is part of a series, so a lot is still unresolved by the end. It’s still a good read and a fantastic first novel. I look forward to the next installment.

This book was an interesting read. This was definitely a genre shift for me, as I don't read a lot of paranormal romance. But I loved reading this, the lore was really interesting, and the characters were relatable. I had some issues with the overall pacing, especially the romance subplot. The romance between the two main characters is kind of acknowledged in the beginning, but then doesn't really take off till toward the latter half of the story, and I wanted more of it!

But I absolutely loved the way the demons are described, it was almost too realistic for comfort at times, which had me on the edge of me seat in the best ways. I will definitely want to pick up the next installment when it comes around.

Unsettling in the absolute best way possible! Silverskin sucked me into the storyline and had me feeling like I was right there on the page searching for answers and fighting for survival. An emotional rollercoaster filled with dread, fear, love, hope, strength, terror and grit - this was one heck of a ride!

The story takes place in the Alaskan wilderness and is steeped in local lore. What was a nice family vacation quickly turns into a horrifically dangerous situation leaving everyone not only questioning their sanity…but fighting for their lives.

Full of found family, love, loss, action, supernatural beings, Alaskan ghost stories and ancient lore - Silverskin makes for a fantastic spooky season read! I cannot wait to see where the series goes from here and need book 2 asap!

What a fantastic debut book!

Silverskin follows Ellie and Oliver as they navigate life after a horrifying experience.

I was hooked from the first chapter. I actually got goosebumps the writing was that eery and well-done. There were a few parts that were unbelievably creepy. I usually struggle with third person books but this was very well written.

This is predominately a ghost/supernatural story but there is a romantic undertone too which was lovely to see develop as it felt very natural. I loved how the supernatural threat was constant and not just thrown in at the start and end although it did surprise me with the direction it took. It goes at quite a slow pace and then ramps up right towards the end. We get enough detail on the ghosts to be informative without knowing too much and keeping the suspense there.

I do have to ask – what did the pinecones ever do to Ellie? haha

My only criticism of this book is that I felt it was a bit on the long side and some parts felt a bit drawn out. But other than that, Silverskin was the perfect read to get my spooky season started and I am intrigued as to what’s going to happen next for Ellie and Oliver!

I received an ARC and my opinions are my own.

This was a 3 days read for me. I can only read at night and let me tell you, it’s all I could think about. Right at the beginning as I was reading I got goosebumps. Caitee writes these scenes that envelope you so entirely that you can’t help but feel as if you’re the main character experiencing everything first hand. The opening scene sunk its claws into me and didn’t let go until I read The End. I loved learning and figuring things out with the characters. I feel as if I know them. They’re my family. It’s takes an incredible talent to make the reader feel connected to all the characters. I felt their fear, sorrow, joy, happiness, courage, and everything in between. I absolutely LOVED the twist we got with the supernatural. At one point I put my kindle down and had breathe. Preparing myself for what could happen. When I came back I was shook. I still think about that twist. I have recommended this to all my book buddies! This is my own opinion and is in no way influenced. I genuinely loved it. I’m sad I have to wait to see what happens next in their journeys but so look forward to reading book 2!

I really enjoyed this book. The characters really good and so was the writing. It's not often that you see that good of writing on a debut book! My only issue with it is that I think it was too long for me. I don't mind long books one bit, but I'm picky about page length.

This book kind of ended on a cliffhanger. I am super excited to see what Ellie and Oliver do next!