Pale (review)

Jed and his friends despise the Pales, people who have been brought back from the dead by a special serum and who are instantly recognizable by their colorless hair, skin, and eyes. Raised to believe the Pales should stay dead, Jed is all too happy to bully and torture them, joining his friends as they beat up Pale kids who try to attend school. After Jed is hit by a car, though, he wakes up as one of the beings he’s always feared, with no heartbeat and colorless skin. Abandoned by family and friends, Jed is now at the mercy of the very people he used to ridicule. He sets out to seek revenge on those who made him a Pale, only to discover that he has to accept what he has become or destroy the people he used to care about. A classic story of karmic retribution, this short but ultimately satisfying hi-lo novel provides readers with the chance to explore provocative ideals mixed with just enough action to keep their attention. The strength of Jed’s voice keeps him relatable even when he is at his worst and makes his sudden reversal of fortune seem pitiable even as it seems just. His narration also renders authentic his transformation from bully to self-accepting hero. The science part of the sci-fi is sparse, but it is nevertheless successful in creating a believable scenario. With its limited length and concise language, this novel is the perfect choice for readers who are looking for an accessible entry-point into the often challenging genre of science fiction, or those just craving a swift, thought-provoking story.