The Elusive Shadows

Stableford (The Revolutions of Time and Space) weaves a literary exploration of color science through this intelligent if unevenly paced tale about the intersection of art and the occult. Adrian Stamford, a “biogeek” and PhD engineering student with a genetically enhanced sensitivity to color, abandons his studies to meet with his idol, Jason Jarndyke, a high-profile industrial textiles magnate based in Yorkshire. Jarndyke, who has caused “a revolution in the textile industry by growing fabrics from tissue cultures,” seeks to manufacture the Golden Fleece of Ancient Greek mythology using genetically determined pigmentation. But to succeed he’ll need Adrian’s unique skill set. Meanwhile, Jarndyke’s villainous wife, Angelica, a standout character who shares Adrian’s color sensitivity and possesses some unusual artistic talents of her own, descends into madness—threatening Jarndyke’s entire project. Stableford devotes more time to philosophizing than plot development, leading the tale to drag in places, but the fascinating ideas and complex characterizations will keep readers hooked. Invoking biology, psychology, and mythology, this innovative work will impress art lovers and science fiction fans alike. (Oct.)