Review of Opaque
-
Peter Ekanem 1
- Posts: 30
- Joined: 04 Jan 2024, 18:23
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 19
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-peter-ekanem-1.html
- Latest Review: 2084 by Kadon Landon Peterson
Review of Opaque
[Following is a volunteer review of "Opaque" by Calix Leigh-Reign.]
Opaque by Cālix Leigh-Reign is a compelling young adult science fiction narrative that immerses readers in a world where a select few, known as Descendants, possess extraordinary abilities due to genetic mutations. Set in the quaint town of Piure, the story revolves around Adam Caspian, a complex teenager grappling with inner turmoil and familial intricacies. His journey intertwines with Carly Wit, a newcomer to Piure who possesses her remarkable powers, forging a deep bond with Adam as both an ally and romantic interest. The narrative also explores the character of Jo, Adam's mother, whose youthful appearance and secretive past contribute layers of mystery and intrigue.
The strained relationship between Jo and Adam serves as a central dynamic, permeating the storyline with tension and undisclosed truths. As Adam, Carly, and other Descendants embark on a quest to unravel the origins of their abilities, the novel delves into profound themes of identity, the internal struggle between light and darkness, and the pursuit of truth. This book exposes philosophical dilemmas such as the dichotomy of predestination versus free will, the ethical implications of scientific experimentation on sentient beings, and the ramifications of secrecy and deception on interpersonal relationships and self-perception.
What I like about this book is how it subtly discusses social issues through its imaginative story. The narrative is not just a tale of superhuman abilities but also the broader social issues of identity, acceptance, and the fear of the unknown. The descendants, with their extraordinary powers, face discrimination and are hunted by the Iksha, mirroring how society often reacts to those who are different. This fear and misunderstanding led to conflict, echoing real-world struggles against prejudice and the fight for acceptance. The book prompts me to think about how we, as a society, treat individuals who stand out due to their unique traits or abilities. It's a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in a world that can be quick to judge and slow to embrace diversity. Through its characters and plot. This book challenges readers to consider the impact of societal fears and the value of celebrating differences.
There is nothing to dislike about this book, but I must admit, the story of Tessy isn't my favourite part. It's just a personal feeling; maybe I couldn't connect with her character as much as I did with the others. Her journey seems a bit too short and annoying, with no time to invest enough in her character as Adam’s first attraction. It's not that the book is poorly written or uninteresting, but perhaps this part was not resonating with me on the same level. Everyone has different tastes, and while Tessy's story might be someone else's favourite, it just didn't hit the mark for me. But that's the beauty of books—there's something in them for everyone. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.
I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars due to the skillfully intertwined imaginative storytelling with discussions on pertinent social issues like identity and acceptance. The depiction of the Descendants facing discrimination parallels real-world struggles against prejudice, prompting reflection on societal attitudes towards diversity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in fostering inclusivity. Through its characters and plot, the book encourages readers to contemplate the impact of societal fears and the value of celebrating differences. The rating is not affected because, while the overall narrative is compelling, I found Tessy's storyline less engaging. It's not that her character is poorly written, but I struggled to connect with her journey compared to other characters. Her arc felt somewhat rushed and didn't resonate with me as strongly as the rest of the book. However, this subjective aspect doesn't diminish the overall quality of the narrative, as different readers may have varied preferences. Despite this minor drawback, I still highly recommend this book to those interested in thought-provoking stories that address social issues with depth and creativity.
******
Opaque
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Opaque by Cālix Leigh-Reign is a compelling young adult science fiction narrative that immerses readers in a world where a select few, known as Descendants, possess extraordinary abilities due to genetic mutations. Set in the quaint town of Piure, the story revolves around Adam Caspian, a complex teenager grappling with inner turmoil and familial intricacies. His journey intertwines with Carly Wit, a newcomer to Piure who possesses her remarkable powers, forging a deep bond with Adam as both an ally and romantic interest. The narrative also explores the character of Jo, Adam's mother, whose youthful appearance and secretive past contribute layers of mystery and intrigue.
The strained relationship between Jo and Adam serves as a central dynamic, permeating the storyline with tension and undisclosed truths. As Adam, Carly, and other Descendants embark on a quest to unravel the origins of their abilities, the novel delves into profound themes of identity, the internal struggle between light and darkness, and the pursuit of truth. This book exposes philosophical dilemmas such as the dichotomy of predestination versus free will, the ethical implications of scientific experimentation on sentient beings, and the ramifications of secrecy and deception on interpersonal relationships and self-perception.
What I like about this book is how it subtly discusses social issues through its imaginative story. The narrative is not just a tale of superhuman abilities but also the broader social issues of identity, acceptance, and the fear of the unknown. The descendants, with their extraordinary powers, face discrimination and are hunted by the Iksha, mirroring how society often reacts to those who are different. This fear and misunderstanding led to conflict, echoing real-world struggles against prejudice and the fight for acceptance. The book prompts me to think about how we, as a society, treat individuals who stand out due to their unique traits or abilities. It's a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in a world that can be quick to judge and slow to embrace diversity. Through its characters and plot. This book challenges readers to consider the impact of societal fears and the value of celebrating differences.
There is nothing to dislike about this book, but I must admit, the story of Tessy isn't my favourite part. It's just a personal feeling; maybe I couldn't connect with her character as much as I did with the others. Her journey seems a bit too short and annoying, with no time to invest enough in her character as Adam’s first attraction. It's not that the book is poorly written or uninteresting, but perhaps this part was not resonating with me on the same level. Everyone has different tastes, and while Tessy's story might be someone else's favourite, it just didn't hit the mark for me. But that's the beauty of books—there's something in them for everyone. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.
I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars due to the skillfully intertwined imaginative storytelling with discussions on pertinent social issues like identity and acceptance. The depiction of the Descendants facing discrimination parallels real-world struggles against prejudice, prompting reflection on societal attitudes towards diversity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in fostering inclusivity. Through its characters and plot, the book encourages readers to contemplate the impact of societal fears and the value of celebrating differences. The rating is not affected because, while the overall narrative is compelling, I found Tessy's storyline less engaging. It's not that her character is poorly written, but I struggled to connect with her journey compared to other characters. Her arc felt somewhat rushed and didn't resonate with me as strongly as the rest of the book. However, this subjective aspect doesn't diminish the overall quality of the narrative, as different readers may have varied preferences. Despite this minor drawback, I still highly recommend this book to those interested in thought-provoking stories that address social issues with depth and creativity.
******
Opaque
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Latest Review: 2084 by Kadon Landon Peterson
