Muted Grey

by Dianna L. Young

Muted Grey has been honored by the following Book Award Programs: 2011 CSPA Book of the Year, 2012 World Book Award recipient for Best Literary Fiction, 2012 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Winner, Character Building Counts Gold Award for Literary Fiction, 2012 Indie Excellence Book Award Finalist in two categories - Literary Fiction and Cover Design, 2012 Readers Favorite Book Award Finalist.

What would you do if you discovered the path you had chosen for your life had been based upon lies?

"She'd had the dream again, that recurring nightmare which she could never quite put out of her mind." Marah Edom had acquired all she'd ever dreamed of . . . the job, the car, the Malibu beach home. Yet all that was overshadowed by a darkness which threatened to consume her. In one mind-altering moment, Marah is forced to confront her own acquiescence as she faces the demons which have haunted her for years.

120 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2011

About the author

Dianna L. Young worked in the publishing industry for over 20 years as editor and publisher of three regional magazines. An alumna of Arizona State University, she was named Inspirational Woman in Literature in 2019. She now divides her time between her home in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota and a remote getaway on a tiny island in the Caribbean.

Muted Grey has been honored by the following Book Award Programs: 2011 CSPA Book of the Year, 2012 World Book Award recipient for Best Literary Fiction, 2012 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Winner, Character Building Counts Gold Award for Literary Fiction, 2012 Indie Excellence Book Award Finalist in two categories - Literary Fiction and Cover Design, 2012 Readers Favorite Book Award Finalist.

Muted Grey is Ms. Young's first published novel.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author at a book signing. She didn't tell me anything about the book - we just had a very nice conversation at the new bookstore in town. I bought the book along with another book by another local author. Wow! Being a life-long Catholic, having my children in the local Catholic school system - the first thing I thought when I finished the book was that this should be required reading in the high school senior Religion class. Beautifully done, not giving things away too soon, the story just draws you in. I love the old lady outside :-) Thought provoking!!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best books I've ever read. I always say if a book makes you think about it long after you've turned the last page, then it's a good book. Well if that's true, this book is amazing! I have read Muted Grey twice now - unprecedented for me. And I was just as engaged the second time around.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most powerful books I have ever read. I was blown away by this book. I think, for the topic addressed, it could not have been handled more beautifully. This is a book that sticks with you long after you finish it. Truly a remarkable read!

[Nilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muted Grey is one of those rare books that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. Dianna L. Young delivers a deeply moving and thought-provoking story that balances raw emotion with elegant prose. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into Marah’s world, the tension between her outward success and the inner darkness she’s been carrying felt so real and haunting.

What I loved most about this book is how it pushes you to reflect on the choices we make, the truths we avoid, and the shadows we carry within ourselves. It isn’t just a story; it’s an exploration of pain, healing, and the courage it takes to confront hidden demons. The writing is layered with symbolism and emotion, yet still easy to follow, which makes it both engaging and powerful.

This isn’t a “light” read, it’s a story that demands attention and rewards the reader with insight and perspective. If you’re looking for a short but impactful literary fiction that challenges you to think deeply, Muted Grey is absolutely worth your time.

[Jefferies Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muted Grey is a compact but unforgettable story. What struck me most was how quickly it pulled me into Marah’s emotional struggle. On the surface, she has everything, career, home, success, but Dianna L. Young peels back the layers to reveal the hidden fractures beneath. The contrast between outward achievement and inner turmoil made this read both unsettling and captivating.

The author’s writing style is crisp and haunting. I found myself pausing at certain passages just to take in the weight of what was being said. There’s a strong sense of symbolism throughout, yet the story never feels heavy-handed. Instead, it leaves room for the reader to interpret and reflect.

While it’s only 120 pages, the impact is lasting. This is the kind of book that sparks conversation, about choices, regrets, and the truths we sometimes bury. It’s powerful, emotional, and surprisingly relevant.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dianna L. Young’s Muted Grey is a powerful blend of suspense and reflection that makes you question how much of life we build on truths, and how much on illusions. The story of Marah Edom is haunting not because of supernatural elements, but because of its raw honesty about inner battles we often hide.

The pacing is steady but gripping; every chapter adds another layer of tension until the emotional weight is impossible to ignore. What impressed me most was the atmosphere, there’s a quiet darkness to the prose that lingers, yet it’s balanced with moments of light and hope.

This isn’t just a novel, it’s an experience. It challenges you to look inward, to examine your own choices, and to confront the shadows you might not want to face. Short in length, but undeniably rich in meaning, Muted Grey is the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve closed the cover.

[Literary Classics Book Awards & Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise for Muted Grey, by Dianna L. Young, a powerful work of fiction with a poignant message.

This haunting story reveals a compelling snap-shot of a day in the lives of five different women who all share one thing in common . . . a tale of life, death and regret as it plays out in this gripping novella.

Muted Grey is a work of intellectual complexity, woven within a multi-faceted story and deeply immersed in symbolism. In this, her first published novel, Young exhibits a literary prowess which is simply superb.

[Zaira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was gripped onto this novella from the very first page. A heartbreaking tale which had me crying without shame with a box full of tissues. A real tear jerker! I wish it was longer, the book finished too quickly for me. A brilliant read which explores a heart wrenching and shameful issue in our society that has now become a normality. This book really hits the nail!! I recommend everyone to read it.

[Tye · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this book 3 stars because although it had a good message, it needed more character development for me. Because I never grew attached to the characters, it was hard to have an emotional reaction to the message.

[Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may very well be my favorite book ever. It is not a light read, but it is thought provoking in a really powerful sort of way. It gets inside your head and you can't stop thinking about it. Well written and full of surprises!

[Eric Erhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The theme/meaning behind this book was good. However, I didn't really think the doctor's character was very believable. Some of her actions and words were very out of context for a doctor.

[Booker 1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one book every woman should read!