Scaled: Book One of the Deep Skin series

Product Description

A meteor explodes over the Midwest, and teens exposed to the fragments break out in a rash of glittering scales. Among the affected are a homophobic bully, an honor student, and a witty gay guy. Zack, Hilde, and Silas overcome their initial antagonism to form an unlikely alliance. As the scales spread over their bodies, they must work together to combat their self-loathing, accept their alienness, and escape the forces bent on crushing them.

Review

“[A] layered and fiercely intelligent story… with a deeply compelling premise. While anchored in the lived experiences of contemporary teens, Ashmore’s story pivots into an engrossing and thought-provoking work of sci-fi that integrates ideas of self-awareness, otherness, and empathy.” – BookLife Critic’s Report

“Ashmore presents an engaging tale about coming to terms with otherness–even if that otherness involves scales… Young readers who are currently experiencing the societal changes of the Covid-19 pandemic will also identify strongly with how people react toward the alien virus… [A]n entertaining read. A fast-paced and diverting speculative tale.” – Kirkus Reviews