Grayscale

by Kat Grosso

Matthew Black Jr. lives in a world governed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where the motto "Health is hope!" can be heard at the end of all mandatory propaganda. Matt could forgive the transparent corniness of it all if he weren't completely hopeless and his best friend, William Patterson, wasn't far from healthy. 

Children are inspected yearly to ensure the maximum genetic fitness of the population. Those with even the most minor ticks are executed publicly, only to be met with thunderous applause from a crowd of eager spectators. Since the biowarfare that ended and started it all, CDC-accredited doctors are the most revered and feared profession. 

Matt has bigger problems than the CDC. Always has. His drunk father makes the top of that list. Between that man, the crap laws, Will's diabetes, and his own quick temper, Matt is always on the brink of a fight. He's crafty and far from shy, some say blunt, but Matt knows how to survive. Although not always by much. 

For fans of gripping dystopian narratives like The Hunger Games and Divergent, Grayscale follows the complex lives of two boys who grew up as brothers, sharing the best and worst of their families to make it by in a world obsessed with health. When the Empire starts taking an interest in them, the lives they had before are shattered, and they are left scrambling to find ways not only to preserve precious relationships but also ways to stay alive. 

Genres: Dystopia

442 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2024

Reviews

[Natasha]

Captivating, riveting, and vivid! I was caught up in a web of intense emotions; suspense, anger, disappointment, disgust etc, and could read several pages at a time. I would literally fall asleep or have to force myself to stop to get rest. The character development was so well written and placed, that when the chapters switched from different pov’s, I never lost track. The only thing I wished I had the chance to experience, was the world building aspect; it was very character driven. There will definitely be a second book, so I am hopeful for more flashbacks and past events.

TW: abuse (all forms), prejudice/ableism, bullying, discrimination, alcoholism, abandonment, blood (hello book cover), death/grief, ptsd, and more. Realistically, this is a DYStopian, so just be advised.

[Kelly O'Neill]

Wow the character development in this book is phenomenal and incredibly immersive. The writing elicited such strong emotions in me; I found myself genuinely feeling anger, stress, and sadness at various points. I can not wait for the next book!!

[Hannah Childers]

I really enjoyed the dystopian aspect of this book with the CDC in charge of the population! The changing points of view kept the story flowing in an engaging way. The ending makes me hope there is a sequel!

[Jenna O’Neill]

This book was captivating from the start, and after quickly growing to love the characters, I couldn’t put it down! An impressive debut book. Will be looking out for the sequel!

[Kevin Roones]

Full disclosure: I know the author and her family, so I’ve got to give it a high grade. An impressive debut, well written and engaging.