Reviewed by Mindmatters

Whoever said popular fiction is invariably shallow and inconsequential has never read Kathy J. Marsh's book, The Aura Of Love. If so, that individual would realize those words ring hollow. Marsh is an author who manages to successfully convey substantive messages in an otherwise common medium. She combines various genres of fiction to create a different category all her own. She's neither Terry McMillan, nor Octavia Butler - but a blissful amalgamation of the two.

In The Aura Of Love, Kathy J. Marsh tells the story of Remy and Jace's forbidden relationship and all the opposition they encounter along the way. Though such a tale may sound derivative or even hackneyed on the surface, Marsh's realistic take on intercultural romance is anything but cliché'. For starters, Marsh depicts her characters as being another species of human being altogether. This is an inspired decision. It enables the reader - conventional humans like you and me - to ponder otherwise emotionally charged issues in the light of objectivity. If Marsh had adopted a more traditional approach, no doubt, such introspection might not be possible. Hitting too close to home.

The Auralites are a race of teleporters that project either a blue or purple aura that is only discernible to their own kind. Human beings, consequently, are oblivious to their distinction and only see them as random people. This permits Auralites to peacefully co-exist with humanity, but not necessarily among themselves. The Auralite race is segregated along Blue and Purple covens with neither group trusting the other. Indeed, after a long and sordid history similar to America's own racial problems, the Blue and Purple are only just now beginning to advance toward social equality. But that road is a slow and arduous one.

It is within this context that we meet our protagonist, Remy Rene. Remy is a sexy entrepreneur with a bevy of family, friends and business associates at her disposal. She is Essence, Time and Cosmopolitan magazine all rolled up into one. She epitomizes feminism and is totally content with her lifestyle. That is, until she meets Jace Williams. From the moment of their first encounter, Remy and Jace are totally smitten with each other. He is the missing piece to her puzzle. She is the soul mate he always wanted. He is the man of her dreams. She is the embodiment of his value system. But they are also members of opposing covens - blue and purple. Hence the problem. What will her family, friends and business associates say? Plenty!