Black and White

Black and White follows two female superheroes-turned-nemeses, Jet and Iridium. The former friends train together at the Academy, an institution that shapes young metahumans into heroes who protect their city. After graduation, Jet becomes the corporation-backed hero of New Chicago, operating within strict protocols and regulations. Iridium breaks from this system to become an independent force, labeled as a dangerous supervillain by the establishment and media. Their complex relationship drives the narrative as both women navigate questions of power, control, and justice in their dystopian world. The story alternates between their present-day conflict and their shared past at the Academy. The novel examines institutionalized heroism versus individual morality, while exploring how different approaches to doing good can put former allies on opposing sides. Through its superhero framework, the book raises questions about the nature of right and wrong in systems of power.

Readers report that Black and White offers an engaging superhero/supervillain dynamic between the two main characters. Many reviews highlight the complex female friendship at the core of the story and praise how the narrative alternates between past and present timelines. Readers appreciated: - Strong character development for both protagonists - Moral ambiguity in hero/villain roles - Fast pacing and action sequences - LGBTQ+ representation Common criticisms: - Plot becomes predictable in final third - Some side characters lack depth - Worldbuilding could be more detailed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (150+ reviews) Sample reader quote: "The relationship between Jet and Iridium feels authentic - you understand how they became both best friends and worst enemies." - Goodreads reviewer Critical quote: "Strong start but the ending relies too heavily on standard superhero tropes." - Amazon review

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🔹 Jackie Kessler co-authored this book with Caitlin Kittredge, though it's sometimes mistakenly attributed to just one author. 🔹 The book explores superhero tropes through two female protagonists, offering a fresh take on the genre at a time when male superheroes dominated comic-inspired literature. 🔹 The story draws inspiration from both comic book traditions and psychological thrillers, blending elements of both genres to create a unique narrative about former best friends turned enemies. 🔹 The novel tackles themes of moral ambiguity, challenging the traditional black-and-white view of heroes and villains common in superhero stories. 🔹 "Black and White" is the first book in the Icarus Corps series, which continued with a sequel titled "Shades of Gray."