ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE NOVEMBER 2023 VOL VI. ISSUE XXXVII | LITERATURE
Article Published on: 13TH JAN 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
"COLOUR CODED" - BY AUTHOR KATY JORDAN
‘Colour Coded' sees a small group of people who would rather stay out of sight of the rest of the world... but still wish to participate. They have one rule: no pasts allowed. Upon entry, everyone drops their names, birth dates, backgrounds... everything. They adopt a new code name, they use their most advanced skill to the best of their ability and, from the shadows, they attempt to control the dark underbelly of Scotland. But, four of them used to work for someone else; a man who goes by the name of Neon. They walked away when they realised that the underbelly they were trying to control, the violence they were fighting against, the corruption they were struggling to prevent was being instigated and controlled by none other than him, all in the name of money. Ever since then, they’ve been trying to silence him. Ever since then, he’s been trying to silence them. All without making a sound to the general public. Until now.
BOOK REVIEW
"Colour Coded: The Silver Sparrow" is a triumphant sequel that propels readers into an electrifying world of espionage, intrigue, and suspense. Author Katy Jordan demonstrates an impressive evolution in storytelling, delivering a narrative that's nothing short of enthralling. The mystery at the book's core is masterfully constructed, with a web of secrets and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged and guessing. The pacing is impeccable, with no dull moments in sight. The settings come alive through vivid descriptions, transporting readers to diverse locales. The attention to detail is remarkable, enhancing the immersive quality of the story. The Author is building up exciting characters, thrilling action and convincing mystery spanning all the places, events and characters. Perfect summer read. Can’t wait for part 3.
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JOURNEY OF THE AUTHOR KATY JORDAN
Katy Jordan, the talented author of the mesmerizing novel "Colour Coded: The Silver Sparrow," is a literary force to be reckoned with. Her literary journey has been characterized by a passion for storytelling, a deep connection to her characters, and a commitment to exploring complex themes through her writing.
With a background in creative writing and a profound love for literature, Katy embarked on her writing career with an unwavering dedication to crafting narratives that not only captivate readers but also leave a lasting impact. Her novel, "Colour Coded: The Silver Sparrow," is a testament to her storytelling prowess and her ability to weave intricate tales that resonate with a diverse audience.
Katy Jordan's writing style is known for its rich character development, evocative descriptions, and thought-provoking themes. In "Colour Coded: The Silver Sparrow," she delves deep into the lives of enigmatic characters who have chosen to erase their pasts and operate from the shadows to combat the dark underbelly of Scotland. Her exploration of identity, morality, and the power of individuals to effect change creates a literary experience that is both suspenseful and introspective. In addition to her storytelling prowess, Katy's vivid descriptions of the Scottish landscape in "Colour Coded: The Silver Sparrow" demonstrate her ability to make the setting itself a central character in her narratives. The rugged beauty of the Highlands and the gritty urban streets of Bridge of Orchy come to life under her pen, immersing readers in a world that is as captivating as it is atmospheric. In conclusion, Katy Jordan is a literary talent whose work is characterized by its depth, its ability to engage and challenge readers, and its immersive storytelling. "Colour Coded: The Silver Sparrow" is a shining example of her skill as an author, and her journey in the world of literature promises to be a remarkable one. With each page she pens, readers are transported to worlds both familiar and exotic, making her narratives a captivating exploration. Katy Jordan's unique talent is poised to leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape, and her journey in the world of literature is destined for continued greatness.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE AUTHOR - www.katy-jordan.co.uk
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW OF AUTHOR KATY JORDAN WITH DE MODE
Q: What inspired you to delve into writing and storytelling as a means of creative expression?
A. It’s all I’ve ever known. I’ve always been creative and I don’t know why. I studied Graphic Design – the book covers and the posters for the films I’ve done were all designed by me – I love that side of it too. Sometimes, that’s the thing that inspires me; I know what my next book is going to be, so I design the cover... and suddenly, I have gusto and start writing! I loved writing at school; every test that had a Creative Writing option was the one I chose and I always got a top grade. Usually, it was those ones that would give you a starting sentence and trail off for you to finish it – I loved those! It’s amazing how every creative endeavour you can possibly think of can come together under one project and all produce an end result. Writing, acting, filming, model-making, drawing... it’s when I feel I’m home.
Q: "Colour Coded" seems to be an intriguing series. Can you give us an overview of what readers can expect from it?
A. Well, before I say anything about it, I think the main storyline and the characters that are found within are a testament to what I was thinking and feeling at that time. Being part of a family that provided instantaneous trust and support, everything about you and your life was dropped into the abyss, no prejudice based on your past because you didn’t need to explain yourself, and you still managed to make a difference in the world. But, these people that makeup Colour Coded are all there for a reason... whether they witnessed something that put them in danger and so they dropped off the grid, or they made a mistake and needed to disappear, fleeing from a violent home and needed to vanish... they all have a story. They all have a reason. And Neon, the antagonist of the series, is threatening all of it by every means possible out of anger at what he sees as a massive betrayal. So, a lot of themes on trust, family, and love, along with thriller, crime, gang warfare, a little bit of gore, and a big bit of psychological.
Q: It's exciting to hear that "Colour Coded: The White Wire" is on its way. What can you share about the challenges and triumphs you've encountered during its production process?
A. Well, The White Wire is in the early stages of production at the moment so, I haven’t really had any challenges... yet! I’m sure it’ll be a lot more smooth sailing though. I’ve been through this twice before. I found the production process for The Silver Sparrow a lot easier than The Black Bullet but, looking back, The Black Bullet was my first book; I was eager, anxious, nervous, and excited. I was a lot more level-headed with Sparrow, even while covid was going all coo-coo clocks and I was a key worker. I had somehow developed an “it’ll happen when it happens” mentality. So, for Wire, at the moment, it’s just waiting on the production team getting all their ducks in a row and then, sometime soon, I’ll get the first proofread... aaaaaaand we’re off!
Q: Are there specific themes or messages that you hope readers will take away from your books?
A. Honestly, I hope readers feel they can relate to at least one of these characters in some way. If readers take nothing away from it, I won’t be offended; comes as part of this gig! We’ve all read a book that we thought ‘meh’ about. But, the message I’m trying to send is one of acceptance. Do you need to know everything about everyone to be able to trust them? How do you know you can trust someone? Is it because someone else told you you could? Or is it a gut instinct? Their ‘No Pasts Allowed Policy’ is a huge metaphor about how people only show you what they feel comfortable showing you. Sometimes, people need to look inward to figure out why someone is holding them at arms length. However, them running away from their pasts out of fear of persecution, fear of being killed, or fear of being boring, whatever the reason... there’s accountability that’s being dodged. Do all aspects of life need accountability? Just some food for thought.
Q:"Colour Coded: The White Wire" is on the horizon. Can you provide a glimpse into what readers can anticipate from this upcoming instalment?
A. Colour Coded: The White Wire’ has a lot of personal dilemma for the title character, as he has to return to his family home, a mission of its’ kind has been unheard of in Colour Coded until now. I think the best way to catch the eye of readers who have – and I thank you endlessly if you have! – read the first two books, or for any readers who are stumbling across this series for the first time, is to keep this short, sweet and to the point. There’s a huge terrorist plot. Colour Coded head out to try and get in front of it... will they save the day? Hmm... read it and find out!
Q: What other projects or genres are you exploring, such as the stand-alone mystery crime novel you mentioned?
A. My stand-alone mystery crime novel is still in the works and it’s another genre that I’m very giddy to be jumping into! I’m planning that with extensive detail and going through everything with a fine tooth comb. There’s a lot of research that comes with that kind of storyline. Someone did ask me the other day if I’d ever consider writing fantasy... I’d love to be the next JK Rowling.
Q: "Colour Coded: The Black Bullet" was published in the midst of a global pandemic. Can you share how this experience impacted your writing and publishing process?
A. Ahhh... Covid. Boy, does that have a lot to answer for! I was lucky with The Black Bullet. It came out just before Covid hit and lockdown was initiated. The Silver Sparrow, on the other hand, wasn’t so lucky. Basically, production ground to a halt. Printers closed, offices closed, they didn’t have access to everything that they normally would and, thus, a lot of things had a spanner thrown into the works. That’s why it’s three years in between the first and second book when it should have been 18 months, two years at the very most.