Review of Shade Me by Jennifer Brown
Shade Me (Nikki Kill #1) by Jennifer Brown
To be published on January 19, 2016
by Katherine Tegen Books
Source: eARC from the publisher for review
Plot Summary for Shade Me by Jennifer Brown
Nikki Kill does not see the world like everyone else. In her eyes, happiness is pink, sadness is a mixture of brown and green, and lies are gray. Thanks to a rare phenomenon called synesthesia, Nikki’s senses overlap, in a way that both comforts and overwhelms her. Always an outsider, just one ‘D’ shy of flunking out, Nikki’s life is on the fast track to nowhere until the night a mysterious call lights her phone up bright orange—the color of emergencies. It’s the local hospital. They need Nikki to identify a Jane Doe who is barely hanging on to life after a horrible attack. The victim is Peyton Hollis, a popular girl from Nikki’s school who Nikki hardly knows. One thing is clear: Someone wants Peyton dead. But why? And why was Nikki’s cell the only number in Peyton’s phone? As she tries to decipher the strange kaleidoscope of clues, Nikki finds herself thrust into the dark, glittering world of the ultra-rich Hollis family, and drawn towards Peyton’s handsome, never-do-well older brother Dru. While Nikki’s colors seem to help her unravel the puzzle, what she can’t see is that she may be falling into a trap. The only truth she can be sure of is that death is a deep, pulsing crimson.
Review of Shade Me by Jennifer Brown
Overall, I quite enjoyed this. Shade Me definitely had some great elements, but also some aspects that might not appeal to every reader.
My favorite part of Shade Me was definitely the glossy/gritty LA setting, which will appeal to those who love movies like L.A. Confidential and Chinatown or TV shows like Veronica Mars. I thought the book’s setting and its overall mysterious/sinister vibe were really well-done.
As the synopsis indicated, Nikki has synesthesia, a rare disorder that causes her to mix feelings with colors. (I’m probably not explaining that accurately or well, but you can Google a better explanation.) For me, this didn’t add too much to the story and, in fact, served to tip me off (spoiler) about the family connection between Nikki and Peyton (end spoiler.) Nikki’s also a kickboxer, which was cool, but I just kept thinking “plot device so that Nikki will be able to kick someone’s butt.” Yeah, I was right.
Otherwise, Nikki is a bit of a screw-up. After she made a very questionable decision early on in the book, I was worried about how she and I were going to get along. Fortunately, she turned out to be the kind of screw-up character I like: she owns up to her bad ideas and has a sense of humor about her mistakes.
Though others may not agree, I came to like the rather odd romantic vibe of the book. The main character gets a bit of a flirt on with three different guys. But one is an ex, and she only physically acts on her feelings toward one guy.
tl;dr: I enjoyed this, quirks and all. If you’re a fan of Veronica Mars, you should definitely give Shade Me a try!
I enjoyed this book as well, but I am the opposite in terms of the romance in this novel. I didn't hate it, but it just didn't work out for me. Great review, Jen!
Kim @ Divergent Gryffindor: BLOG || VLOG
Recent posts: Review: Other Broken Things || Review: Firsts
I completely get that, Kim. The romance was really unconventional, but I didn't mind it!
I thought the premise of this one sounded neat (the colors mixed with feelings thing) but it doesn't really seem like my kind of book. I'm glad you liked it, though! And I'm glad the main character didn't suck for you. Thanks for the review!
~ Lefty @ The Left-Handed Book Lover
Thanks for stopping by!
I love that synthesia is involved in this book and I'm up for anything that's like Veronica Mars, but I'm a little wary because of the romance. It does sound like it's not a big part of the book, which is great I think. I need to think about this one!
Definitely has a Mars-y vibe – let me know if you try it!
This book sounds interesting! I've heard about synthesia before–sounds like a neat idea for a book! After you said Veronica Mars I was sold, so this one is definitely going on my tbr 🙂
Yay – please let me know what you think!
Synthesia really caught my attention because it honestly sounds new to me. It has a really interesting sound. I've never read (or watched) Veronica Mars but I'd like to think about reading this book.
czai @ the Blacksheep Project
I hope you try it!
I just saw your GR comment! The ending made me so mad at first but it's a series so I just room for more was necessary. I really enjoyed Nikki and Dru, I just wish some things didn't have to happen :((
I understand. (I'm Team Martinez. What's his first name? Chris?) I did end up liking Dru more as the book went on….
I am about to read this book, and it already looks interesting to me. Great review!
Can't wait to hear your thoughts!
I adore Veronica Mars – and unconventional romantic structures! Have this one lined up to read in one or two books time – catching up on all the eARCs I haven't read yet! Enjoyed seeing your thoughts on this one.
I have been curious about this book! I'm all for odd romantic structures 🙂
Kate @ Ex Libris
I am ok with quirky/ different romance stories so I might have to try this one. Great review!
okay i am so a veronica mars fan and need to read this book. It sounds really good. I really didn't pay much attention to prior to your review and I think I may need too now.
You had me at Veronica Mars 😉
Awesome review!
I liked this one, for the most part. There were times that I was confused, but I would recommend it to YA mystery fans. Great review!
The setting with LA sounds great in this one
Sounds fun!
When I heard this one mentioned synesthesia I was already very interested because I have a best friend who has that as well. So I wanted to see it portrayed in a book! Seems like there were quite a few strange things, but overall a good book!