Review by snapdragon14 -- Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign

[snapdragon14]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Opaque" by Calix Leigh-Reign.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign is a young adult science fiction/fantasy novel. Opaque has two protagonists, Adam and Carly, whose point of switches throughout the story. Adam is a sociopath who despises everything and everyone around him. Carly is an intelligent, outgoing Russian-American girl with some hidden secrets. When they meet, Adam discovers his incredible but dangerous family background. Adam and Carly join forces to defeat a century-long secret that has destroyed both their families.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. Leigh-Reign has done a wonderful job of captivating the reader’s interest through imaginative scenarios of magic and adventure. The story is well-written and has thoroughly developed characters. I did not give this book 4 out of 4 stars because the first few chapters can be difficult to read. Adam is a sociopathic character and so reading from his perspective can be tedious. It isn’t until Carly appears that the book becomes lively. There are also a few minor grammatical mistakes.

I really enjoyed reading about the adventures that Carly and Adam partake in. I also enjoyed reading about the character's family background. I think the backgrounds and the Russian history that Leigh-Reign conjured up parallels with what we see in real life. Those who have a unique ability can be used and abused for it. People want to obtain power but are also afraid of those who have it. That’s why we suppress others in fear of them rising up against us.

I disliked the vulgarity of the book at times. In the first few chapters, there is an incident of near-rape which eventually leads to the victim’s death by accident. Adam, while in his sociopathic personality has very dark and vulgar thoughts. Some of those thoughts are incestuous towards his mother. Though the book does not go into too much detail, the incestuous thoughts occur a few times. I think this might be difficult for some readers to digest.

Overall, I would recommend the book for young adults who enjoy the fantasy/science fiction genre. If they feel uncomfortable I would suggest skipping the first few pages. From chapter four onwards Carly appears and the story is told through her point of view. Adam does progress from a sociopath to a kind young man. Carly is a good influence on him. This book has many plot twists and imaginative world for which the reader can be immersed in.

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Opaque
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