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Celtic Mythos #1
The Obsidian Dagger
Little does Brendan know that stopping the witch is only the beginning…
When a mad witch with a magically crafted and frightfully powerful Obsidian Dagger threatens to obliterate humanity and overtake the magic clans of the Celtic Isles, destiny forces 17-year-old American, Brendan O’Neal, and his younger sister, Lizzie, to intervene. Joining the desperate princess of the Leprechauns, Dorian, and her two loyal companions, Rory and Biddy, they embark on a dangerous and wondrous adventure across Ireland and Scotland to thwart the witch and save mankind.
Battling the witch’s mutated forces of magical beings, the heroic band will have to reach deeper into themselves than they ever thought possible to find the strength, courage, and will to see their quest through to the end. Brendan will soon learn that the lines between reality, mythology, and divinity are more blurred than he ever imagined.
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This is an action-packed fantasy adventure for fans of young adult fiction with a story telling craft that appeals to adults and teenagers alike. If you liked Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Fablehaven, and the Trylle series, you won't want to miss The Obsidian Dagger!
When a mad witch with a magically crafted and frightfully powerful Obsidian Dagger threatens to obliterate humanity and overtake the magic clans of the Celtic Isles, destiny forces 17-year-old American, Brendan O’Neal, and his younger sister, Lizzie, to intervene. Joining the desperate princess of the Leprechauns, Dorian, and her two loyal companions, Rory and Biddy, they embark on a dangerous and wondrous adventure across Ireland and Scotland to thwart the witch and save mankind.
Battling the witch’s mutated forces of magical beings, the heroic band will have to reach deeper into themselves than they ever thought possible to find the strength, courage, and will to see their quest through to the end. Brendan will soon learn that the lines between reality, mythology, and divinity are more blurred than he ever imagined.
-------
This is an action-packed fantasy adventure for fans of young adult fiction with a story telling craft that appeals to adults and teenagers alike. If you liked Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Fablehaven, and the Trylle series, you won't want to miss The Obsidian Dagger!
278 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2013
13 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Brad A. LaMar
10 books25 followersWhen he’s not fighting evil witches and wizards, Brad A. LaMar is an educator who resides in the Indianapolis Metropolitan area. He has taught science to middle school students for 12 years and works with teachers facilitating professional development and school improvement. He is married to Lori, a beautiful and supportive woman, and together they’re raising Evan and Paige, two intelligent and wonderful children.
The idea for the Celtic Mythos series came from his love of science fiction and fantasy and the underutilized and abundantly rich folklore of the Celtic people. They are so much more than leprechauns! Brad has always loved a good story, and upon researching the mythos of the Celtic Isles he became enthralled in the type of story he could tell.
Brad has always enjoyed writing, but in the beginning it was more for examples to share with his students than it was for anything else. It wasn’t long before Brad found himself writing every night and submitting his work for publication. Brad finds publishing a tedious and painstaking process, but he says it’s worth it. There are so many more stories to tell, and he can’t wait to get started.
The idea for the Celtic Mythos series came from his love of science fiction and fantasy and the underutilized and abundantly rich folklore of the Celtic people. They are so much more than leprechauns! Brad has always loved a good story, and upon researching the mythos of the Celtic Isles he became enthralled in the type of story he could tell.
Brad has always enjoyed writing, but in the beginning it was more for examples to share with his students than it was for anything else. It wasn’t long before Brad found himself writing every night and submitting his work for publication. Brad finds publishing a tedious and painstaking process, but he says it’s worth it. There are so many more stories to tell, and he can’t wait to get started.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 21, 2012
What I loved about the book was the humor and fun mixed in with the danger of the story. Good writing and a fun read.
September 12, 2020
Excellent, engrossing, and so real. The Obsidian Dagger by Brad LaMar is an action fantasy that follows a family to Ireland and Scotland in search of their family roots. The teenage brother and sister find more than they bargained for. The tale is classic good versus evil with a twist that will blur the lines. I only know a little about the folklore of Ireland and Scotland, but this story seemed to be true to the legends. That made it all the more enjoyable. LaMar is a master of dialog and captured the teen-speak perfectly. I’d swear that These are the teenagers from up the street in my neighborhood. I’m glad to see that this is a series because I see a whole lot more story to tell. For me, Brad LaMar and The Obsidian Dagger is pure five star fun. Jeff Bailey, author of Not On My Watch.
February 11, 2013
Have you ever read a book slow, not because it was bad but because you just didn't want it to end? The Obsidian Dagger by Brad LaMar was one of those books to me. It follows Brendan and Lizzie along with their father Oscar as they travel to Ireland to find out about their family history, that is until things get a little crazy and they have to defeat an evil witch. It was a fun, exciting, fast paced adventure with a touch of humor. The banter between Brendan and Lizzie was so true to life, I can picture my kids being the same way when they are their age. Even when the story gets a little "unbelievable" the characters question or point out everything giving this book a "real" feel. Their travel companions Dorian, Rory and Bibby are such love-able character. Morna and Dullaghan were awesome evil. I loved the writing style as the story was told by all the characters not just thru the eyes of one. The only thing I thought the story could use was a bit more description of the world or surroundings just to give that I feel like I was there feeling. Other then that I would recommend this book to any middle grade, ya or adult who like a good modern day fantasy, taking myth and legend and giving it new life. I'm happy to be able to add this book to my favorites list and I can not wait for the next book!!! Happy reading :)
March 1, 2013
This was an excellent young reader fantasy novel! I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure, and LaMar's use of Celtic mythology inspired me to look more deeply into those traditions. Brendan and Lizzie O'Neal, American siblings, travel to Ireland with their father to look into the roots of their family tree. While exploring the countryside, the two spot a Leprechaun village and literally stumble into the middle of a centuries-long feud among the magical races. They team up with the Princess of the Leprechauns and a few other interesting companions to do battle with an evil witch who intends to use the Obsidian Dagger to rid the world of the plague of humanity. Fans of Percy Jackson will devour this book. I know I did! There's a satisfying conclusion to the events of this book, but the witch is only the beginning, and LaMar hints at a more terrifying evil threatening to change the world as we know it. I can't wait for more in this series!
February 10, 2013
I loved the adventure. It takes readers to another side of world and enters into another dimension. I loved how the Leprechaun clan was portrayed. So different than what we're used to. Left me wanting to be able slide into their world for just a little while. Can't wait for the next one in the series. Well done, Brad.
February 22, 2013
The Obsidian Dagger is YA fantasy novel that I found to be a quick, enjoyable read. The book kept moving along, without having to force situations. It wasn’t my favorite book in this genre, but it was above average.
I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads.
February 27, 2013
Brad LaMar has written an action-packed fantasy peppered with witty dialogue that's sure to please readers of all ages. Set in the Celtic Isles, this young adult fantasy novel takes readers on an exciting journey across Ireland and Scotland with teenager Brendan and his younger sister Lizzie. Together, they team up with the princess of the leprechauns on a quest to defeat a witch who wants to take over the magic clans and all of humanity. (She's not ambitious...)
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel are the characters. Brendan is every bit 17, with the insecurities, doubts, and flaws facing every teenager who ever lived. And yet, in the face of danger, he, Lizzie, and Dorian are able to rise above their human shortcomings and find the courage to complete their quest. The banter among the characters keeps the conversation light and entertaining, and by the middle of the book, the action doesn't stop. This is a quick, thrilling read that's sure to please any fantasy reader.
Brad also shines by bringing to life some of the less famous characters of Celtic Myths, and he does a beautiful job of turning our expectations of characters upside down.
If you like The Lightning Thief or Heroes of Olympus, then you must read The Obsidian Dagger.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel are the characters. Brendan is every bit 17, with the insecurities, doubts, and flaws facing every teenager who ever lived. And yet, in the face of danger, he, Lizzie, and Dorian are able to rise above their human shortcomings and find the courage to complete their quest. The banter among the characters keeps the conversation light and entertaining, and by the middle of the book, the action doesn't stop. This is a quick, thrilling read that's sure to please any fantasy reader.
Brad also shines by bringing to life some of the less famous characters of Celtic Myths, and he does a beautiful job of turning our expectations of characters upside down.
If you like The Lightning Thief or Heroes of Olympus, then you must read The Obsidian Dagger.
February 16, 2013
This is not my normal genre however, I really did enjoy this book and I hope the next one is as good.
December 16, 2013
The book will definitely grab a hold of you. I can't keep it on the selves of my library.
July 24, 2014
The Obsidian Dagger by Brad A. LaMar is an action packed, page-turning fantasy adventure set in magical Ireland and Scotland featuring a sister and brother team who end up on a quest of a lifetime.
A Brother and Sister Duo. Into the land of legend we go - Ireland and Scotland
Young 17-year-old American, Brendan O’Neal, and his younger sister, Lizzie have just arrived in Ireland with their father on a research trip. Brendan does not believe in magic (way too old for that) nor does he enjoy entering the land rich in legend and folklore. With his younger sister getting on his nerves and a father whose completely lost in his dream-come-true research opportunity, Brendan fears his vacation will be little else than potatoes, goats, grass, rain and endless singing of Danny boy.
Witches, Wizards and Leprechauns ... Oh my!
Everything changes when a mad witch with a deadly, magical Obsidian dagger threatens not only members of the Celtic other realm, but plans on taken on the human realm as well. Suddenly, Brendan and Lizzy find themselves at the center of a war between the magical clans of the Celtic Isles. Brendan and Lizzie join forces with the princess of the Leprechauns, Dorian and her two loyal companions, Rory and Biddy in order to free her father, who ends up being kidnapped and held hostage by the witch, along with several other magical beings from the other realm.
Courage, friendship and the need for good to triumph over evil
This was a fun and entertaining read. Geared towards the middle school / pre-teen age group, this highly action driven plot, unique illustrations, and visually descriptive writing will keep younger readers turning the pages. A fun setting, with tons of unique characters from Celtic myths and legends making an appearance in this story. The plot is straightforward with its bread-crumb quest to the witches evil realm in order to free all the captives. Light and funny characters, new friendships and a sweet crush help balance out the bad guys, making it not too scary. But, what readers, especially those easily bored, will find most exciting and captivating are the numerous creatures sprinkled throughout the story, both on the heroes and villains side.
I would recommend this tale to pre-teens or middle grade readers, rather than young adults due to its stronger action oriented theme rather than characterization. Even though the lead character is a seventeen-year, the feel is more pre-teen. Sweet and fun. I can see this being read as a larger chapter book, easily capturing the imagination of those hard to connect readers!
My Rating: 4 Stars. I really liked it!
PLEASE NOTE: A courtesy review copy of this book was provided by Light Messages Publishing in exchange for my fair review. Thank you Light Messages Publishing for the review opportunity!
April 22, 2013
The Obsidian Dagger by Brad LaMar is a delightful youth novel. What is also exciting, to me, is that Brad LaMar teaches at a school district that is 20 minutes from mine . A local author.
The Obsidian Dagger is Celtic Mythology. It is going to attract those students who have ravished all the the Percy Jackson Books.
The O'Neals, Oscar, Brandon and Lizzie are headed to Ireland as Oscar wants to learn more about the O'Neal family history. As teens, Lizzie and Brandon, are far from thrilled.
Oscar is being followed and "influenced" by an unknown presence that we never find out in book 1 who he is or what is ultimate goal is.
Brandon and Lizzie get sucked in to a modern battle of magic. Centuries ago the Magic Clans (Leprechauns, Mermaids, Merrows and Sidhes) held a council and decided that they were remain hidden and not interact with other magical clans or be seen by the humans.
The only group no totally in agreement were the Wizards and Witches but they agreed to the covenant. Morna, a witch, has decided that enough is enough and begins to capture the royal leaders of the other clans. By draining them of their magic, she can gain control of the clans and the humans.
An unlikely group of three Leprechauns (Dorian - princess, Rory and Biddy) join forces with Brandon and Lizzie to free Dorian's father.
There are so many unknowns left at the end of the 1st book.... Brandon finds he is a seer and is Nauda's champion (whoever that is), there is an unknown presence that will create more evil and Oscar O'Neal is still under control of our unknown man.
Just enough cliffhanger that makes the reader itching to read the next installment of the story.
The Obsidian Dagger is Celtic Mythology. It is going to attract those students who have ravished all the the Percy Jackson Books.
The O'Neals, Oscar, Brandon and Lizzie are headed to Ireland as Oscar wants to learn more about the O'Neal family history. As teens, Lizzie and Brandon, are far from thrilled.
Oscar is being followed and "influenced" by an unknown presence that we never find out in book 1 who he is or what is ultimate goal is.
Brandon and Lizzie get sucked in to a modern battle of magic. Centuries ago the Magic Clans (Leprechauns, Mermaids, Merrows and Sidhes) held a council and decided that they were remain hidden and not interact with other magical clans or be seen by the humans.
The only group no totally in agreement were the Wizards and Witches but they agreed to the covenant. Morna, a witch, has decided that enough is enough and begins to capture the royal leaders of the other clans. By draining them of their magic, she can gain control of the clans and the humans.
An unlikely group of three Leprechauns (Dorian - princess, Rory and Biddy) join forces with Brandon and Lizzie to free Dorian's father.
There are so many unknowns left at the end of the 1st book.... Brandon finds he is a seer and is Nauda's champion (whoever that is), there is an unknown presence that will create more evil and Oscar O'Neal is still under control of our unknown man.
Just enough cliffhanger that makes the reader itching to read the next installment of the story.
January 13, 2014
This review is in the words of my twelve-year-old son, who enjoyed the book very much and wanted to recommend it to others.
Brandon and Lizzie are American kids, visiting Scotland with their dad when they meet Dorian, a young Scottish girl. Rory and Biddy are Leprechauns who enlist the kids to find the king of the Leprechauns who had been captured by a witch.
I liked this book because the characters were likable and the story was interesting. It had a very good bad guy in the witch and it sets you up for the next book. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Brandon and Lizzie are American kids, visiting Scotland with their dad when they meet Dorian, a young Scottish girl. Rory and Biddy are Leprechauns who enlist the kids to find the king of the Leprechauns who had been captured by a witch.
I liked this book because the characters were likable and the story was interesting. It had a very good bad guy in the witch and it sets you up for the next book. I can’t wait to read the next one.
August 19, 2013
Not perfect but a pretty good first volume for a new children's fantasy series.
Sometimes the pacing and characterization felt like it was rushed a bit in the world building, but not so much that it too problematic.
And certainly world building is interesting and my curiosity is peaked just enough by the hints of what is unfolding that I've already preordered the next volume.
Sometimes the pacing and characterization felt like it was rushed a bit in the world building, but not so much that it too problematic.
And certainly world building is interesting and my curiosity is peaked just enough by the hints of what is unfolding that I've already preordered the next volume.
December 10, 2016
Middle school fantasy
I had this book on my reading list because of her review I read in a fantasy magazine. I was unaware that the book is primarily written for middle school students. Once I realized the age level for the text I changed my mind on the things I would critique. For a young reader the pacing is good the characters are interesting enough although there is a bit too much of the familiar casting. There is the obvious enemy , the obvious hero , and a lot of interest too. The thing I appreciated was the different take the author had on Celtic mythology . Clearly Mr. Lamar is setting up for a long series whose main characters are born of the myths on the Scottish and British Isles. If I was in sixth grade again I would probably love these books and so I will recommend them to young readers who enjoy a fantasy with high paced exciting action, not too much snarkiness, and characters that you will want to befriend. There are some obvious grammatical and spelling errors that hopefully will be corrected shortly. I think this series has potential to be long-lived for younger students , but I don't think an adult reader of fantasy will want to dig in due to the low level of reading , and the obvious plots.
I had this book on my reading list because of her review I read in a fantasy magazine. I was unaware that the book is primarily written for middle school students. Once I realized the age level for the text I changed my mind on the things I would critique. For a young reader the pacing is good the characters are interesting enough although there is a bit too much of the familiar casting. There is the obvious enemy , the obvious hero , and a lot of interest too. The thing I appreciated was the different take the author had on Celtic mythology . Clearly Mr. Lamar is setting up for a long series whose main characters are born of the myths on the Scottish and British Isles. If I was in sixth grade again I would probably love these books and so I will recommend them to young readers who enjoy a fantasy with high paced exciting action, not too much snarkiness, and characters that you will want to befriend. There are some obvious grammatical and spelling errors that hopefully will be corrected shortly. I think this series has potential to be long-lived for younger students , but I don't think an adult reader of fantasy will want to dig in due to the low level of reading , and the obvious plots.
April 10, 2013
I won this book from Goodreads. A father is needing to do some family research in Ireland and decides to take his two kids along and turn it into a vacation. Soon the children find out that their vacation has turned into an adventure! Brendan and his sister Lizzie find themselves making friends with Dorian, the daughter of the king of leprechauns. When Dorian's father the king of leprechauns is kidnapped by a witch trying to steal magical beings powers, Brendan soon offers to help rescue him. Brendan finds himself smitten by Dorian and a romance blooms soon on their adventure. There are many other fun and magical creatures throughout this book. Brendan also discovers there is much more to himself then he ever knew and the book leaves it to where you know more adventures await in store for these characters. I recommend this book to young middle school aged children. I enjoyed this book and appreciated winning it. I look forward to seeing what else author Brad A. LaMar has in store for us!
October 20, 2013
This is not a book for young adults. It is a book for kids that has a teenage character. It is MG at best, proven by the GR blurb itself which compares it to Percy Jackson--also MG. The whole thing felt like a picture book for kids, not a novel that any actual teenage would be interested in, and would have made more sense if the main character had been 12 instead of 17.
The editing is also horrendous, but as it has already been mentioned in several other reviews I won't belabor it, but yes, it was bad.
If you want a YA with American kids set in Ireland with magic and Celtic lore, read THE HOLDERS by Julianna Scott which is fantastic, or SHADES OF ATLANTIS by Carol Oates, also very good. This one just isn't worth it.
The editing is also horrendous, but as it has already been mentioned in several other reviews I won't belabor it, but yes, it was bad.
If you want a YA with American kids set in Ireland with magic and Celtic lore, read THE HOLDERS by Julianna Scott which is fantastic, or SHADES OF ATLANTIS by Carol Oates, also very good. This one just isn't worth it.
October 20, 2013
A 'Best Seller'? In what universe could a book with less than 40 ratings on both Goodreads and Amazon be a 'Best Seller'. I hate when authors use any sales figure they can muster as an excuse to call their book a best seller, then use the phrase to dupe everyone into thinking they are getting something they are not. No, being the best seller at your church's flea market, or a community garage sale does not count. This sort of thing happens all the time and it makes me mad. This book was adequate at best, riddled with typos, wrong words, and mistakes, and could very well have been written by a slightly advanced middle school student.
Don't make the mistake I did. Pass on this one.
Don't make the mistake I did. Pass on this one.
September 8, 2014
I gave this book a try because I was really interested in the different Celtic mythological creatures that LaMar pulls in; but I think it would have benefited from some tighter editing. The dialogue especially felt stilted at times, enough to put me off in favor of other books on my shelves.
The mythological angle still sounds interesting, though, so I'll probably return to it at a later time, when there's not library book that have to be returned waiting in the wings.
The mythological angle still sounds interesting, though, so I'll probably return to it at a later time, when there's not library book that have to be returned waiting in the wings.
June 29, 2014
This is a delightful YA novel that will make you feel young at heart. Thoroughly entertaining and a refreshingly novel plot that evokes a sensation of Harry Potter and yet remains unique. Brendan and Lizzie travel to Ireland on a family vacation and find the experience to far exceed their expectations! Family fun for all ages! Award-winning author LaMar skillfully brings out the Irish in all of us.
January 5, 2015
Back to the land of their ancestors, and into a world that was left far behind years ago. Brendan and Lizzie find part of their past and new friends. I enjoyed this novel. It was a great young adult adventure novel. I smiled quite a few times at the jokes and cracks that Brendan and Lizzie make though the novel. great read, I wish I could read the next two in the series to see what happens on their next adventure
June 13, 2014
I personally know this author he was one of my teachers. This book was nothing like I expected, it was better. I personally love the story line and how he put everything together. The mystery of it all kept me reading I couldn't put it down :).
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January 10, 2016Great Norse Mythology book by a local author.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews