Obsidian: Awakening by Sienna Frost
Immovable Rocks, Their Choices & Repercussions
An Indie Book Review by Joseph Poopinski
4 stars
So much hinges on just a few individuals’ choices in Obsidian: Awakening. Many of these alternatives were more coercive (do this or you die, do this or they die…and in either “don’t” case the enemy army will still invade) than even-handed but not unexpected during an ongoing war. Regardless of those critical decisions, fate may have other designs in store for our heroes anyway. Everyone knows the lull in combat is temporary & the major players mostly want eventual peace, however, their definitions of peace differ drastically.
A selection of Obsidian: Awakening’s high caliber features: There’s a visceral density from whispered confessions & a psychological harshness to layers of subterfuge & lethal consequences. Although I rooted for many characters throughout—even those opposing each other—when my favorite’s time ran out, it happened exceptionally, a demise fit for a Samurai. Several keen glimpses through a futuristic lens describe present events from a historical perspective complete with time-related exaggerations where three factual arrows become a legendary multiple, say thirty-six. If someone has never enjoyed silently gazing at scenic landscapes—appreciating, belonging, rejuvenating—perhaps during a breathtaking sunrise or sunset, a few vicariously convincing opportunities here will inspire anyone to remedy this inadvertent lapse.
A Dark, Disturbing Tale of Wickedness
A selection of Obsidian: Awakening’s high caliber features: There’s a visceral density from whispered confessions & a psychological harshness to layers of subterfuge & lethal consequences. Although I rooted for many characters throughout—even those opposing each other—when my favorite’s time ran out, it happened exceptionally, a demise fit for a Samurai. Several keen glimpses through a futuristic lens describe present events from a historical perspective complete with time-related exaggerations where three factual arrows become a legendary multiple, say thirty-six. If someone has never enjoyed silently gazing at scenic landscapes—appreciating, belonging, rejuvenating—perhaps during a breathtaking sunrise or sunset, a few vicariously convincing opportunities here will inspire anyone to remedy this inadvertent lapse.
The Trials of Ashmount by John Palladino
A Dark, Disturbing Tale of Wickedness
An Indie Book Review by Joseph Poopinski
4 stars
Ninety-nine percent of the characters committed misdeeds ranging from forgery, theft, infidelity, murder, betrayal, torture, etc. And the one percent remainder died quickly and/or horribly. There’s an array of antiheroes to pick from but, unfortunately, they’re fairly despicable (minus one good-natured, gods-fearing & socially inept protagonist who is, he thinks, going bonkers). What’s worse, in contrast, the sociopathic antagonists & their scheming cronies commit even more gruesome atrocities. If you mind trigger warnings in the least, skip this book!
There’s a range of landscapes & major events ranging from an icy nation to deserts and political intrigue, swashbuckling, magical competitions & gladiatorial games. My favorite takeaway is the buddy cop trope of Villic & Speaker with its oversimplified shift in tone. I also appreciate these other creative features: A cool magic system with rules & limits. Exceptional sorcery which challenges said magic system’s rules & limits. Riddles, puns, irony (“even a flaw has a flaw”), hyperbole, alliteration (“busted backs, screaming shoulders, aching abdomens”) & clever names (“Atticus Crenshaw”)… especially where these themes overlap for a wry, sardonic effect.
There’s a range of landscapes & major events ranging from an icy nation to deserts and political intrigue, swashbuckling, magical competitions & gladiatorial games. My favorite takeaway is the buddy cop trope of Villic & Speaker with its oversimplified shift in tone. I also appreciate these other creative features: A cool magic system with rules & limits. Exceptional sorcery which challenges said magic system’s rules & limits. Riddles, puns, irony (“even a flaw has a flaw”), hyperbole, alliteration (“busted backs, screaming shoulders, aching abdomens”) & clever names (“Atticus Crenshaw”)… especially where these themes overlap for a wry, sardonic effect.
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