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The Colours of Death
The Colours of Death
Patricia Marques | 2021 | Crime, Paranormal, Thriller
8
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Colours of Death is a detective novel set in a present day, alternative Lisbon. A minority of the population are Gifted with either telepathy or telekinesis, and they are heavily regulated. When it comes to light that a death on a train might have some Gifted involvement, Inspector Isabel Reis is put on the case with her team. She is a telepath, and her own problems with that gift soon make themselves known.

They’re a fantastic cast of characters, and they work well together )literally, in the case of the police team). It’s another angle on discrimination: instead of religion or skin colour, the Gifted are discriminated against because of their gifts - something they have no choice or control over.

This novel feels a little dystopian in places: when people go ‘missing’ if they lose control of their gifts, for example. And all Gifted are kept on a register where they’re regularly assessed. If they exceed a certain level, they’re removed from society for everyone else’s safety.

I really enjoyed this - the storyline was interesting, gripping, in fact, and exciting when it needed to be. The main character was flawed and very likeable, and the food constantly made me feel hungry!

I will be looking out for the next book in the series.
  
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ClareR (5726 KP) rated Metronome in Books

May 3, 2022  
Metronome
Metronome
Tom M Watson | 2022 | Contemporary, Dystopia, Fiction & Poetry
9
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Metronome is a bleak, dark, gripping dystopian novel - and it gave me some serious Waiting For Godot vibes. Aina and Whitney are waiting for someone (the Warden) who I strongly suspected would never come.

Even though Aina and Whitney are on an island, surrounded by the sea, there was such a claustrophobic atmosphere. They have only had one another’s company for 12 years, with past times linked solely with their survival, what has been left in the croft by previous inhabitants, or what has washed up on the beach.

I don’t know how they have managed to stay sane, and indeed there did seem to be an underlying madness to them both. How could there not be?

And their crime? To have had a baby without permission. Aina is sterilised, their 9 year old son is taken from them, and she and Whitney are sent to the island. Punishment upon punishment.

I loved the ending to this - whilst I do like a nice rounded off ending to a novel, somehow I think the ambiguity to the end of Metronome suits it so well. I would have been disappointed with anything else.

Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this - another great read!
  
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Ali A (82 KP) rated Frizzy in Books

Oct 11, 2022  
F
Frizzy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Every Sunday Marlene and her mother, Paola, go to the salon to straighten their hair so that it’s “presentable” and “good hair”. But Marlene hates being in the salon and doesn’t understand why she can’t wear her hair natural and embrace her curls. With a few missteps, and help from her best friend Camila and her Tia Ruby - Marlene slowly begins her journey to appreciate and proudly wear her curly hair.

This is a very important book for young girls out there who need to know that embracing and feeling comfortable in your natural hair is something to celebrate and show off.

Along with step-by-steps from Tia Ruby on how to take care of her hair, Marlene and her Tia also have a discussion on generation trauma and what that means and how it affects every generation. They were both important topics that I felt like were handled with care, especially for the age group this novel is aimed towards.

I loved the illustrations by Rose Rousamra, they were stunning and conveyed Marlene’s journey perfectly. The color pallet for everything was beautiful as well.

*Thank you NetGalley and First Second for a digital copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review
  
Sim 299 (I Am Sleepless #1)
Sim 299 (I Am Sleepless #1)
Johan Twiss | 2015 | Dystopia, Mystery, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Aiden is a 12-year-old Prime, who doesn't fit in with his peers because he has two gifts. Most Primes only have one. Being a Prime isn't all fun and games, and death is a very real probability. There are usually twelve in a coterie, but in Aidan's, there is only him and two others. The other coteries don't like him as they fear his multiple gifts. However, things are about to happen that will involve other people with other abilities.

This was a wonderful and gripping story, with in-depth descriptions of the various abilities and what the people look like. The rivalry jumps off the page at you, and you will feel how unfair it may be! With an overall series arc that only gets told towards the end of the book, this is a science fiction novel to enjoy, which will immerse you in the story and leave you wanting more.

With more to each character than originally meets the eye, this is a science fiction novel I have no hesitation in recommending.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 10, 2016