Jasper Fforde

The story is just as good as "Shades of Grey". But I had to deduct half a star because of the standard of copy editing in this otherwise-superb sequel. Ironically, in Fforde's acknowledgements at the rear of the book, Fforde thanks his old editor (who was superb) and then says "thanks are also due" to his new editor. I can't decide whether he was being ironic. It's so annoying when such a great story is compromised by poor copy-editing.

You'll certainly want to have read Shades of Grey before this one, or it won't make much sense, but the weird color-based madness world-building continues apace in this one, which brings in some even darker dystopian elements. A typically Ffordian delight.

I had to deduct half a star because of the introduction of some elements (I don't want to give spoilers), since for me "Shades of Grey" was a perfect book on its own.

I have read this twice, and love it so much. My favorite part is when they go to see Richard III, and the audience participates with the cast. It's such a fun, well written book!