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MELANIN: A NOVEL
Due to a series of man-made radiological catastrophes, the non-Black population of the planet becomes susceptible to a highly virulent form of melanoma and has to choose between becoming Black (phenotypically and genetically), or almost certain death.
A NOVEL examines a world where Black people are realizing they are once again truly free. What does it mean for Black people to be back in their rightful place, after centuries of subjugation, marginalization and terror? What does it mean for Black people to no longer be under the boot of a system put (and kept) in place to use and keep using them?
Conversely, what happens to those who have only known control and dominance for centuries as the tide is turning? How do they react to the knowledge that they are powerless to stop the turning tide as the field becomes genuinely level, and the system of white supremacy utterly collapses around them?
On top of that, is a threat to the world at large that is so horrifying no one could have imagined it!
A NOVEL examines a world where Black people are realizing they are once again truly free. What does it mean for Black people to be back in their rightful place, after centuries of subjugation, marginalization and terror? What does it mean for Black people to no longer be under the boot of a system put (and kept) in place to use and keep using them?
Conversely, what happens to those who have only known control and dominance for centuries as the tide is turning? How do they react to the knowledge that they are powerless to stop the turning tide as the field becomes genuinely level, and the system of white supremacy utterly collapses around them?
On top of that, is a threat to the world at large that is so horrifying no one could have imagined it!
596 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 14, 2022
I came across this book on Amazon and thought I'd take a chance on it. Sometimes the cover sells the book, and the straining open hand caught my attention. It was a good decision.
The premise is intriguing, what if the best option for saving your life is to change your race? Would you do it?!
Once each character's decision was made, it was interesting to watch the changing dynamics in his or her relationships, whether it was familial, casually sexual, or exclusive. It was very refreshing to see a positive, supportive example of Black Love in Lhameha and Desmond. An intelligent, true "ride or die" pair, they face the coming catastrophe fearlessly, each fully aware that the other would be there, steadfast and true, no matter what.
The other relationships, in contrast, force the characters to take a long hard look at themselves as they adjust to the changes brought about with the race change. If you change the outside, does who you are inside change? How do you see yourself, adjust to being Black, when you were one of the entitled before? How do you reconcile who you see in the mirror now with who was there before? You'd have to change your whole mindset.
I was most curious about that, and Iyapo didn't disappoint as characters struggled with accepting themselves in their new guises, sometimes with unexpectedly surprising results. In other instances the results were comic, as peers recognized their formerly white friend was now, gasp! clutch the pearls! BLACK!
As our cast of characters desperately search for the answer to the radiation problem, jumping between time-frames and planets, you'll find yourself engrossed in the action as they encounter strange creatures, extreme weather conditions, and treacherous companions.
Melanin. An unexpected, powerful, entertaining page turner. I couldn't put it down! A most interesting twist on the "jumping" genre, exploring racial and cultural themes as you go along for the ride. There is something for every reader: action, romance, history, fantasy, and mystery. A bright, new entry into the Theoretical Ebon Fiction class.
Don't miss this one, Iyapo Yapa is an up and coming visionary voice.
Be sure to stop by his site,
https://www.iyapoyapa.com/mt-t_d-wnl-...
and sign up for his newsletter.
In return, you'll receive a compellingly poignant short story that will stay with you long after you read the last sentence.
The premise is intriguing, what if the best option for saving your life is to change your race? Would you do it?!
Once each character's decision was made, it was interesting to watch the changing dynamics in his or her relationships, whether it was familial, casually sexual, or exclusive. It was very refreshing to see a positive, supportive example of Black Love in Lhameha and Desmond. An intelligent, true "ride or die" pair, they face the coming catastrophe fearlessly, each fully aware that the other would be there, steadfast and true, no matter what.
The other relationships, in contrast, force the characters to take a long hard look at themselves as they adjust to the changes brought about with the race change. If you change the outside, does who you are inside change? How do you see yourself, adjust to being Black, when you were one of the entitled before? How do you reconcile who you see in the mirror now with who was there before? You'd have to change your whole mindset.
I was most curious about that, and Iyapo didn't disappoint as characters struggled with accepting themselves in their new guises, sometimes with unexpectedly surprising results. In other instances the results were comic, as peers recognized their formerly white friend was now, gasp! clutch the pearls! BLACK!
As our cast of characters desperately search for the answer to the radiation problem, jumping between time-frames and planets, you'll find yourself engrossed in the action as they encounter strange creatures, extreme weather conditions, and treacherous companions.
Melanin. An unexpected, powerful, entertaining page turner. I couldn't put it down! A most interesting twist on the "jumping" genre, exploring racial and cultural themes as you go along for the ride. There is something for every reader: action, romance, history, fantasy, and mystery. A bright, new entry into the Theoretical Ebon Fiction class.
Don't miss this one, Iyapo Yapa is an up and coming visionary voice.
Be sure to stop by his site,
https://www.iyapoyapa.com/mt-t_d-wnl-...
and sign up for his newsletter.
In return, you'll receive a compellingly poignant short story that will stay with you long after you read the last sentence.
September 17, 2024
Different: understatement of the year!
I met this author in another country and decided to read his novel. In some ways the beliefs this novel espouses are very different than my own. But the original ideas, the excellent writing and the thorough treatment of concepts is so compelling Melanin issimply begs to be read. Agree or disagree with the premises, a really thought provoking novel.
I met this author in another country and decided to read his novel. In some ways the beliefs this novel espouses are very different than my own. But the original ideas, the excellent writing and the thorough treatment of concepts is so compelling Melanin issimply begs to be read. Agree or disagree with the premises, a really thought provoking novel.
February 8, 2026
Excellent sci-fi on race relations
I love the character developments. Yapa writes in great detail as if I'm reading a screen play. At times I thought I was watching a movie.
The way he incorporates actual current and historical occurrences made the story so believable.
Is there a genre called historical science fiction? Because that is what this book is.
I love the character developments. Yapa writes in great detail as if I'm reading a screen play. At times I thought I was watching a movie.
The way he incorporates actual current and historical occurrences made the story so believable.
Is there a genre called historical science fiction? Because that is what this book is.
September 20, 2022
This book will have you thinking. Its almost reality. A must read, a page turner. An author you want in your library.
December 6, 2025
Melanin has an original story line that grabs you from the start! Avid readers - you'll love this book. Sci-fi meets history with a splash of social commentary and engaging characters. It is a lengthy book but I flew through the pages. The action is fast-moving and kept me wanting to read just one more page tonight! There are plot twists and turns; you won't guess what is coming.
This novel blends sci-fi, fantasy and history in a masterful way. The intertwining of the lives of the characters is wonderful. I had some favorites and others that I wished had succumbed to a dreadful disease.
The author paints the picture and builds the characters so well. This could easily be an epic movie. I strongly recommend this book. It is one of my favorites.
Note: The prologue is science heavy and dense, but necessary. Please keep reading!!!! It is so worth it!
This novel blends sci-fi, fantasy and history in a masterful way. The intertwining of the lives of the characters is wonderful. I had some favorites and others that I wished had succumbed to a dreadful disease.
The author paints the picture and builds the characters so well. This could easily be an epic movie. I strongly recommend this book. It is one of my favorites.
Note: The prologue is science heavy and dense, but necessary. Please keep reading!!!! It is so worth it!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews