The gripping first volume of the Icarus Project series captures the reader’s interest and holds it hostage until the very last page. In the dystopian landscape of the not-too-distant future, those with superpowers or special abilities, dubbed extrahumans, are sent to the Academy at the age of thirteen to learn how to control their powers. In addition to self-control and focus, students also learn how best to market themselves. Jet and Iridium, the two main characters, are products of this environment, though with differing results. Jet, blonde and petite, is a Shadow power, while the tall, brunette Iridium controls Light. Both girls come from home lives that others do not let them forget. Iridium’s father went rogue, or “rabid,” meaning he chose to fight back against the dictates of Corp, the organization that controls the heroes, and is now in prison. Jet’s father, overcome by the Shadow power within him, went insane and murdered Jet’s mother in front of her.

The novel’s narration switches smoothly back and forth between the points of view of the two characters. When the book begins, Jet and Iridium are both in their early twenties, out of the Academy since the age of eighteen, and are now sworn enemies. Juxtaposing perfectly how very different their lives are, the first two chapters find Iridium robbing a bank of digichips, and Jet accepting a humanitarian award from the mayor of New Chicago. Iridium, considered rabid like her father, works outside the confines of the law to keep her area of the city under a modicum of control. Jet, the superhero darling of New Chicago, operates by-the-book and considers it part of her mission to bring in her former friend. With the Everyman Society, a group dedicated to ridding their world of the superheroes, thrown into the mix, in addition to some odd goings on within Corp, both ladies have their work cut out for them.

Given how the book begins, one of the main mysteries that advances the story and draws the reader so thoroughly into this fascinating world is that of Jet and Iridium’s history together, and what lead to it all coming apart. In addition to the switching points of view, sections of the book alternate between the present and the girls’ past at the Academy, revealing how the rift between them transpired. This approach may sound confusing, but it works perfectly due to its skillful handling by the authors. The authors manage to maintain their own narrative voices in their respective chapters, and at the same time meld them together seamlessly.

The poignancy of Jet learning to come to grips with her scary powers that she fears will engulf her, as well as that of Iridium loosening up her heart enough to chance making friends, adds depth to the story. The irony of the women’s physical attributes being counter to their power sources, yet reflective of their inner psyches, demonstrates the sophisticated characterization technique exhibited by the authors. 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.

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Spectra (June 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 055338631X
• ISBN-13: 978-0553386318

To purchase a print copy of Black and White from Amazon click here.

To purchase a print copy of Black and White from Barnes & Noble click here.

To visit Jackie Kessler’s website go here.
To visit Jackie Kessler’s blog go here.

To visit Caitlin Kittredge’s website go here.
To visit Caitlin Kittredge’s blog go here.

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