Shades of Grey, by Jasper Fforde

Shades of Grey might be a little funnier, and is certainly a little sadder and darker than Fforde's other series. It takes place in a futuristic world where everyone is color blind to some extent, and class and status are determined by the ability to perceive color. Rules govern every aspect of life, and there is less room for people who question the rules than those who find ways around them. We're introduced to Eddie Russett, who is inquisitive, loyal and good-hearted, and Jane, who is fearless and subversive. A few characters of the many other characters are truly evil, more are morally bankrupt. The skewed descriptions of modern day artifacts are very entertaining, romantic relationships are a hoot, and Fforde's endless inventiveness is truly amazing, but tragedy and horror have a place too. The Road to High Saffron is intended to be the first volume in a trilogy; the next two in the series will be too long in coming.