Some beautiful language in this book, and an interesting outsider's perspective on synaesthesia (since the narrator hasn't grown up with it, but only acquires it after a near-fatal bout of meningitis). However, what could have been an interesting plot all in itself (the MC learning to deal with his new sensory perceptions) is cluttered up with a modernized take on Faust involving super powers, a demonic character whose motives and allegiances are somewhat muddled, and the MC developing a creepy obsession with his sister. It's all explained -- sort of -- by the end, but the action-packed resolution seemed to come out of left field to me, and I was left more befuddled than satisfied, asking myself, "So what exactly is this book about?"Really I'd like to give this 2.5 stars -- halfway between "It was OK" and "I liked it". Prose excellent, plot not quite there. ( )