Review by Blue moon high -- Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign
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Review by Blue moon high -- Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign
[Following is a volunteer review of "Opaque" by Calix Leigh-Reign.]
"He repents of his detestable thoughts and his heart pleads for forgiveness because he doesn’t understand what compels his love for her in this way. He just knows society says it’s wrong. Based on the literature he’s read, forming this thought — even in passing — makes him a monster."
Adam Caspian is a 16-year-old boy, born and brought up in Piure, California. He regards himself to be a sociopath and lives an antisocial life. He loathes every single thing living and breathing around him except for his mother, JoAnn. His abnormal thoughts and love for her make him even hate his father's very existence. Despite being aware of the inappropriateness of his feelings, Adam cannot help himself until Carly enters his life.
Carly Wit is a 16-year-old girl of mixed race. She is smart, intelligent, mysterious, and is new in Piure. Her sudden appearance in the classroom rocks Adam's senses. From the very moment Adam lays his eyes on her, he does not want to leave her side. He cannot take his mind off Carly. That is unusual for Adam, who disdainfully refers to people around as 'animals'. To his surprise, Carly shows no contempt, instead restrains herself remarkably, although she wants to rip his head off for his rude behavior. Yet, they end up together only to encounter the deadly truths of life. As the story gets unfolded, Adam and Carly are detected to be the Descendants of a particular Russian bloodline. They possess extraordinary abilities because of strange genetic mutations done. Their families have been in hiding for centuries, fearing extinction by an elite yet dangerous group of scientists called the Iksha. As the story moves on, it explores several questions. Will the Iksha find them? Will they outrun the mad scientists who are hungry to harness the extraordinary powers? Will Adam succumb to his darkness or heal himself and save his loved ones?
Calix Leigh-Reign narrates an intense tale of love, hate, greed, and healing. Issues around morality, mental health, ethics, and values are explored creatively. The story line is engaging. The pace at which the narrative transits is just perfect, captivating the reader's attention successfully. Every scene portrayed is flawless and in a lucid style, without irrelevant detours. Although the climax takes an unexpected turn, it generates greater curiosity in the reader's mind for the sequel.
What I like the most is Adam's bold characterization. The transformation of a 16-year boy with antisocial behaviors to a caring and responsible young man is fascinating. Initially, it is discomforting to read through his early violent streaks. But the reader will pass through quickly with rationale explanations for his past. In contrast, Carly's character is not your ordinary female protagonist. At 16, she plays out as a strangely secure and knowledgeable teenager with the wisdom of a sage. Her portrayal of a youngster with values and determination is admirable. Her patience with Adam to discover his mettle, and consequently, his path is remarkably depicted.
In conclusion, I rate Opaque with 4 out of 4 stars. The book has two spacing errors and one repetition. The profanity used is the bare minimum. Though there are references to mature content, it is not explicit. However, there are episodes with an intricate description of violent scenes, hence, readers sensitive to such content are cautioned. Readers interested in fictional thrillers will enjoy the book thoroughly. X-Men fans will also want a piece of it. Overall, the story is a good read.
******
Opaque
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
"He repents of his detestable thoughts and his heart pleads for forgiveness because he doesn’t understand what compels his love for her in this way. He just knows society says it’s wrong. Based on the literature he’s read, forming this thought — even in passing — makes him a monster."
Adam Caspian is a 16-year-old boy, born and brought up in Piure, California. He regards himself to be a sociopath and lives an antisocial life. He loathes every single thing living and breathing around him except for his mother, JoAnn. His abnormal thoughts and love for her make him even hate his father's very existence. Despite being aware of the inappropriateness of his feelings, Adam cannot help himself until Carly enters his life.
Carly Wit is a 16-year-old girl of mixed race. She is smart, intelligent, mysterious, and is new in Piure. Her sudden appearance in the classroom rocks Adam's senses. From the very moment Adam lays his eyes on her, he does not want to leave her side. He cannot take his mind off Carly. That is unusual for Adam, who disdainfully refers to people around as 'animals'. To his surprise, Carly shows no contempt, instead restrains herself remarkably, although she wants to rip his head off for his rude behavior. Yet, they end up together only to encounter the deadly truths of life. As the story gets unfolded, Adam and Carly are detected to be the Descendants of a particular Russian bloodline. They possess extraordinary abilities because of strange genetic mutations done. Their families have been in hiding for centuries, fearing extinction by an elite yet dangerous group of scientists called the Iksha. As the story moves on, it explores several questions. Will the Iksha find them? Will they outrun the mad scientists who are hungry to harness the extraordinary powers? Will Adam succumb to his darkness or heal himself and save his loved ones?
Calix Leigh-Reign narrates an intense tale of love, hate, greed, and healing. Issues around morality, mental health, ethics, and values are explored creatively. The story line is engaging. The pace at which the narrative transits is just perfect, captivating the reader's attention successfully. Every scene portrayed is flawless and in a lucid style, without irrelevant detours. Although the climax takes an unexpected turn, it generates greater curiosity in the reader's mind for the sequel.
What I like the most is Adam's bold characterization. The transformation of a 16-year boy with antisocial behaviors to a caring and responsible young man is fascinating. Initially, it is discomforting to read through his early violent streaks. But the reader will pass through quickly with rationale explanations for his past. In contrast, Carly's character is not your ordinary female protagonist. At 16, she plays out as a strangely secure and knowledgeable teenager with the wisdom of a sage. Her portrayal of a youngster with values and determination is admirable. Her patience with Adam to discover his mettle, and consequently, his path is remarkably depicted.
In conclusion, I rate Opaque with 4 out of 4 stars. The book has two spacing errors and one repetition. The profanity used is the bare minimum. Though there are references to mature content, it is not explicit. However, there are episodes with an intricate description of violent scenes, hence, readers sensitive to such content are cautioned. Readers interested in fictional thrillers will enjoy the book thoroughly. X-Men fans will also want a piece of it. Overall, the story is a good read.
******
Opaque
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Latest Review: Shadow Game by A.M. Adair
