The Secret Under My Skin Part 1

by Janice McNaughton

~In the year 2368, humans exist under dire environmental conditions and one young woman, rescued from a workcamp and chosen for a special duty, uses her love of learning to discover the truth about the planet's future and her own dark past. ~

I just began this one yesterday and I'm having a hard time putting it down. McNaughton describes characters and settings in ways that give them life without slowing down the pace of this suspenseful novel. The key here is quality, not quantity. Although set in the year 2368, Secret is not mired down by futuristic gadgets and language. Details are revealed gradually, providing richness and interest, not beating you over the head with a hammer and yelling, "Hey! This is the future! Look how futuristic is it! "

Blay's character is both vulnerable and intelligent, giving the sense that she could be heroic if she can find the courage when she'll need it most. I'm reminded of the main character in The Giver, but find Blay far more interesting as a person. She has had to endure terrible tragedy throughout her entire life. Essentially she has a survivalist nature and, generally one does not become a survivor by standing up to great danger. Halfway through the book, I'm wishing Blay would reveal the truth about Marrella to the Master. Yet I understand that her instinct towards self-preservation trumps all else. She is in the Master's house because of Marrella. If Marrella gets the boot, it's back to the work camp for Blay. Also Blay seems to be seeing something in Marrella that evokes feelings of compassion. She's a nicer person than I because all I see is a nasty, bald-headed entitled little witch. Oh I do hope Marrella gets hers.