Monochrome

By H.M. Jones

“You owe me one pink memory.” Jim intoned lazily.
Abigail turned to Ishmael, deeply confused. “What?”
Ishmael was still staring angrily at Jim, but he spoke to her. “Here, unless you are employed and get Monochrome currency, you have to pay for food, shelter and drink with memories, good memories.”
His eyes met hers and his look was deadly serious. He grabbed her arm tightly, imploring her. “Be careful which memory you choose. Once you give it up, you no longer have it. You can’t ever think of it again.” He tightened his grip further and Abigail winced and pulled away from him.
He finally noticed what he had been doing and an embarrassed look settled on his face. “Sorry. It’s just that it’s important you don’t choose a memory that you will mourn losing.”
He waved a dismissive hand in the air.“Though, of course, all of them are memories that will be missed. That’s why they are acceptable payments.”
Abigail turned to Jim, determined not to let her fear show. “How is this done, then?”
He reached under the counter and brought up a pink tinted bottle, round at the base and skinny at the top. “You just gotta think of the memory you want to use and touch the top of this jar. The memory will transfer immediately.”
Ishmael cleared his throat at Jim and the bartender begrudgingly continued. “Think of only one memory and really concentrate, lady. If you think of more than one, I get both. No refunds.”
She nodded at Ishmael in appreciation. He just looked away, as if he didn’t want to witness the process. She could tell Jim had not told her everything to begin with, and she wondered what kind of person would want to cheat someone out of their happiness. But she put her disgust aside and concentrated on finding a memory she could live without...

“Hauntingly beautiful! That's the best way I can think of to describe this book. [...] Jones takes a dark subject and imbues it with light.” -Author Elle Jacklee, The Tree of Mindala

“Ms. Jones has written a dark, Alice in Wonderland styled story that will touch your heart with the characters plight and perhaps, if you're like me, have you start your own journey of introspection. Once I began this unique exploration I could not stop, reading the book in only a couple of sittings. I believe any reader would find it difficult to do otherwise.” -Author Denis F. Larson, Raven Falconer Chronicles

“I loved reading this novel. The raw emotions weaved through this story are universal, likely experienced by everyone at some point through their lives.” -Author T.L. Searle, Aquila: From the Darkness

Winner of the prestigious IndieBrag B.R.A.G Medallion Honor

• Language: English
• Publisher: H.M. Jones
• Release date: Oct 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9780578131320

H.M. Jones

It has been my goal since I was very young, to write great fiction. As a young adult, it was my goal to read and study great fiction. As a fully aware adult, my goals have gone pretty much unchanged. I wish to publish polished, unique fiction, both adult and young adult, and make it accessible to the world. It is my opinion that fiction is both a representation of one's place in time, and a representation of one's desires for society. I hope my contributions to the pool of fictional literature entertain my readers, but I also hope it makes them think about life, love, and humanity in a new way.

Reviews for Monochrome

[colereadsbooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Monochrome struck me straight away as something a bit different and original, and it turned into a really intense and gripping read. The story deals a lot with the idea of identity, and explores Abagail’s identity as a wife and a mother. I really enjoyed the exploration into what makes a person who they are. The idea of a world between life and death that desperate people slip into – and must pay with their memories – is something I found extremely fascinating, it’s also not something I've come across before, so I enjoyed reading such a unique twist.The idea of memories is explored in detail in the novel – the different kind of memories we have, the kind of memories we hold onto, and how precious these can actually be. There were several times when Monochrome really made me stop and think about my own memories, and how important they really are. It certainly makes for a fascinating, and slightly chilling story.There isn't a whole lot of action in the book, it mainly focuses on conversations between the two main characters – Ishmael and Abigail, but that doesn't mean the story is boring. Monochrome is a very dark and haunting read. The world building is just fantastic, and it is easy to slip into the Monochrome world.Both Abigail and Ishmael are both really likeable characters, and easily relatable – particularly that of the struggling young mother. Ishmael was probably my favourite – a young man who couldn't escape Monochrome and so took a job attempting to help others free themselves. A dark and haunting story, Monochrome is definitely one that will stay with you long after you’re finished reading.