Following a near-fatal accident, Lia Kahn is saved only through extreme measures: her brain is copied and downloaded into an artificial body. Now she has to relearn how to function, and adjust to her new existence. However, societal prejudice against the so-called skinners leads to rejection and alienation from all sides, leaving Lia caught between the world she’s always known, which no longer wants her, and the strange new culture of the skinners, which frightens her.  Her attempts to find a place in the world may just lead to tragedy. Captivating, alternately provocative and disturbing, Skinned brings up some interesting questions about what makes us human and unique. With its futuristic setting and complex themes, this is the start of a new trilogy that bears further investigation. Fans of Scott Westerfeld, take notice of this one.