The Ingenious, and the Colour of Life

From a beguiling new voice in contemporary fantasy/sci-fi comes an astonishing story about a group of mysterious teens with the power to change lives...

At 14, Tai has been abandoned by his mother and forced to live as a homeless wanderer on the streets of London, but the appearance of a stray cat helps him realise he has a special gift: he can see thoughts and emotions of others in stunningly beautiful colours. A gift that is both wonderful and awful.

But Tai isn't the only one "ingenious." In the shadows, others are hiding: Milly has had to hide who she really is - dumbing down an extraordinary genius in order to blend in the background, and Calista, a girl who has been told all her life she was a nobody, only to realise the truth is far more complex.

When the teenagers are brought together by a mysterious scientist for their own safety, they are told of a common and forgotten past. One of secret experiments, and a missing family that they yearn to find. But they soon hear of the disappearance of another child, the youngest, and are faced with an impossible dilemma. Saving themselves will require confronting their deepest fears - and risking their very sanity.

But if they can muster the strength to overcome adversity in inventive and ingenious ways, it will bring about the most extraodinary change. In the end, the children must work together, unleashing the full force of their intellect and genius in an epic battle of the world’s greatest minds.

J.Y. Sam’s heart-rending debut explores the fragility of human nature, blending science, art, and the natural world.


"Will appeal to fans of 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' by Ransom Riggs, 'Never Let Me Go' by Kazuo Ishiguro, 'The Institute' by Stephen King, and 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by T.J. Klune."

"Exciting, intriguing and gripping, this beautifully written book captures the reader and their imagination from the outset. The descriptions of characters, events and settings enables you to fully visualise and identify with them. A book that will appeal to adults and teenagers which will be remembered long after the reader turns the last page." LoveReading.co.uk

"What an absolutely beautiful story and all-around amazing read! This is definitely going to be one of my Top 15 2021 favorites. Yes, it's THAT good. I loved everything about this book! Sci-Fi Fantasy mix with writing so good you are LIVING the words. I love how the author incorporates nature throughout this story." Amazon.com Reviewer

"I REALLY liked this book! I LOVED the writing and the backstory of each character, as well as the way the author built the world. (It sort of gave me "Mysterious Benedict Society" vibes, but for an older audience.) I loved the use of different languages and cultures, and the way every animal in this book was a well-written supporting character." Goodreads.com

"I love the way the author developed the characters, telling us each of their stories and what they went through. They are really likable and dynamic, and I loved Calista, who was one of the female characters in this book. I loved that no matter what people said to her, she was proud of who she was and always fought for what she wanted." OnlineBookClub.org

"Cinematically written, this captivating mystery blends science fiction and reality to investigate the staggering possibilities that come from genetic alteration." Goodreads.com

For fans of:
"Book of Dust" Philip Pullman
"Girl A" Abigail Dean
"Klara And The Sun" Kazuo Ishiguro
"We Were Liars" E. Lockhart
"Kafka on the Shore" Haruki Murakami
"A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" Holly Jackson