Amber Herbert reviewed Red Side Story by Jasper Fforde (Shades of Grey, #2)
A Serviceable Middle Book in a Planned Trilogy
4 stars
This sequel is not nearly as entertaining or well structured as Shades of Grey. Fforde spends a fair amount of time reestablishing what you learn from the first novel and occasionally removes Eddie from important happenings, stripping the book of its predecessor's charm and effortless immersion. While Red Side Story isn't a poor read, it does, unfortunately, suffer from middle book syndrome. You learn a lot more about the vast workings of this futuristic world but don't get much closer to Jane's and Eddie's goal of titanic change. This novel is also far less humorous, taking on a straighter approach that isn't inherently a bad thing but does leave a different impression.
This sequel is not nearly as entertaining or well structured as Shades of Grey. Fforde spends a fair amount of time reestablishing what you learn from the first novel and occasionally removes Eddie from important happenings, stripping the book of its predecessor's charm and effortless immersion. While Red Side Story isn't a poor read, it does, unfortunately, suffer from middle book syndrome. You learn a lot more about the vast workings of this futuristic world but don't get much closer to Jane's and Eddie's goal of titanic change. This novel is also far less humorous, taking on a straighter approach that isn't inherently a bad thing but does leave a different impression.
