Jackie Kessler - Shades of Gray

In this complex tale, Kessler and Kittredge create a dark world where the narrow line between hero and vigilante is defined by corporate interests. Jet and Iridiums multifaceted relationship will appeal to all who have come to want more from their superheroes than good vs. evil and mindless battles.

Publishers Weekly

A fast-paced and compelling take on superheroes.

Romantic Times (4 stars)

What could one possibly add to the superheroes lore that hasnt already been done in comics? Could Black and White offer something fresh to the genre? In one word: yes. This is a story and a world that both pay tribute and make a parody of superheroes. It works and it is cool.

The Book Smugglers

Not since Good Omens by Gaiman and Pratchett has a co-authored novel come across as seamless as Black and White does. Ms. Kessler and Kittredge know their superhero comics [but] please dont just think that this is just a comic book in novel form. Kessler and Kittredge blend elements of romance and mystery into this well thought out story [and] fans of thrillers will end up satisfied as well. 4 out of 4 stars!

Preternatural Reviews

The gripping first volume of the Icarus Project series captures the readers interest and holds it hostage until the very last page. Full to the brim with action, emotional resonance, and humor, Black and White has something for everyone. The Icarus Project series sets a new standard for superhero novels, and this reviewer anxiously and avidly awaits the next installment.

Bitten by Books

Kessler and Kittredge do an impressive job in laying the foundation and building their world of heroes and villains. If youre not instantly caught up in the action, then the emotional aspect of Black and White is sure to capture your attention and hold you spellbound until the very end. Whether you love a good comic book, or just enjoy getting caught up in the fantasy of superheroes, this is one book that readers should have on this years wish list.

Darque Reviews

There are no words to properly describe how much I adored this book. Black and White has action, suspense, mystery, and fantastic characterization. When I wasnt reading it, I was thinking about it and could not stop thinking about it! I was immersed, obsessed, and in love with this book for three days of nonstop reading. Kessler and Kittredge are the ultimate writing duo and are sure to gain a huge following with this exciting new fantasy series.

Night Owl Romance (5 out of 5, Reviewer Top Pick)

This is a must for comic book fans that like their heroes three-dimensional. I couldnt put it down. Im panting for the sequel due next year.

University City Review

Black and White is cover-to-cover superhero girl power awesomeness. A wild, fun, irresistible ride. Its fast-paced enough to read in a day. Just dont plan on doing anything else until youre through.

Waiting for Fairies

Besides being a terrific character study of two female superheroes in the early twenty-second century, I loved the pervasive duality of this novel. I loved getting to know these two complex but wounded characters. Black and White does an admirable job of making us care about Jet and Iridium and their friendship. Superb character-driven storytelling with no prerequisite for comic book appreciation needed.

SciFiGuy

A stunning superhero story The plot is fascinatingly layered, with the authors leaping between past and present to drop story seeds and watch them grow. Theres so much happening, and it all ties together, making for a compelling exploration into the secrets at the heart of this society. Theres something corrupt and dark hidden in the depths of the extrahuman world, and watching it all unfold changes the nature of things considerably. Toss in some well-executed action scenes, and you pretty much have an ideal comic book in novel format. Its going to be a long wait until the next installment of this series.

The Green Man Review

This complex story explores the good and evil in all of us, even superheroes. Without taking itself too seriously, this Justice LeaguemeetsHarry Potter novel offers some valuable insights into the nature of being human. Kessler and Kittredge definitely filled a void for me by creating female superheroes who stand on their own and arent connected to existing male superheroes. Im definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series.

SF Signal

I ts a dark world out there. Whether its from the ever-present pollution layer in the sky or from the power-hungry tentacles of corporate consolidation, none can truly say. Its a world of gangs and guns, of good people scurrying like rats and trying to avoid notice. Its a world where you have to be some sort of hero to change the way things are.

Thats probably why the heroesthe powerful extrahumans in the Squadronare all under strict control by the megalomaniacal global enterprise known as Corp-Co. But the heroes are too busy to notice, what with fighting crime and working for their corporate sponsors. (After all, heroes need to earn their keep when theyre not off battling for justice.) Some members of the Squadron, like the Shadow-wielding Jet, resent that photo ops are just as important as keeping the streets safe. But theres no changing the system.

Then the day comes when Iridium, daughter of New Chicagos most infamous villain, and Taser, a vigilante, attack Corp through its Academy for extrahuman students. The duos intention is to take down Ops, the high-tech operations system that links Corp to the Squadron. Iridium thinks this will simply leave the heroes without Corp eyes and ears.

Instead, it destroys the only mechanism that keeps the extrahumansall Squadron extrahumans in the United and Canadian States of Americaunder Corp-Cos thumb. Once Ops goes down, the subtle brainwashing signal that had reined in the heroes is cut off.

And suddenly, hundreds of superpowered men and women realize they had been slaves. For years.