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The Grenshall Manor Chronicles #1
Oblivion Storm
alternate cover edition of ISBN: 9780989303583
Over a century past, a wily young pauper wins the hearts of a childless couple of ancient nobility, and a place in one of the most prestigious families in London. The sole heir to the Grenshall family legacy, Iris 'Tally' Grenshall fights to protect her family from the machinations of an evil woman, but discovers her adversary presents a threat much greater than she ever imagined...
The victim of a brutal attack, Rose remembers one thing: a long-dead woman giving her an impossible task. She knows only the price of failure as she sets out to retrieve a deadly talisman, with the aid of new friends and powers over the living and the dead. As the body count rises, Rose's quest grows desperate--with London itself in jeopardy.
Rose and Tally share fates intertwined. Rose must discover how before the secrets of the past destroy her, her friends, and all of London.
Over a century past, a wily young pauper wins the hearts of a childless couple of ancient nobility, and a place in one of the most prestigious families in London. The sole heir to the Grenshall family legacy, Iris 'Tally' Grenshall fights to protect her family from the machinations of an evil woman, but discovers her adversary presents a threat much greater than she ever imagined...
The victim of a brutal attack, Rose remembers one thing: a long-dead woman giving her an impossible task. She knows only the price of failure as she sets out to retrieve a deadly talisman, with the aid of new friends and powers over the living and the dead. As the body count rises, Rose's quest grows desperate--with London itself in jeopardy.
Rose and Tally share fates intertwined. Rose must discover how before the secrets of the past destroy her, her friends, and all of London.
- GenresFantasy
428 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2012
68 people want to read
About the author
Russell A. Smith
5 books52 followersAuthor of the Grenshall Manor Chronicles, Russell A. Smith has enjoyed many an adventure both with pencil, paper and dice, and also in real life. Each has been a formative experience for him. A keen petrolhead, he has a long list of things he wants to drive, and the list grows longer every day.
Russell has enjoyed a number of exciting roles so far, from editing newsletters and magazines, to time travelling, and portraying soldiers from Tudor times to the early 20th Century.
These days Russell spends a lot of time on tour across the UK investigating various houses and even more drinking tea. As well as writing, he enjoys a semi-regular presence on the Brave New Words podcast.
Russell is currently a pen for hire in the London area, though will happily travel for further adventures wherever possible,
Russell has enjoyed a number of exciting roles so far, from editing newsletters and magazines, to time travelling, and portraying soldiers from Tudor times to the early 20th Century.
These days Russell spends a lot of time on tour across the UK investigating various houses and even more drinking tea. As well as writing, he enjoys a semi-regular presence on the Brave New Words podcast.
Russell is currently a pen for hire in the London area, though will happily travel for further adventures wherever possible,
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 11, 2013
Oblivion Storm is the best new urban fantasy series by a new author I have read all year. Action packed, unsentimental, and fresh, Smith takes us on a journey back and forth through time as his heroine Mary(Rose) fights an unknown force bent on decimating London and slaking an unquenchable thirst for souls.
The book's pace is slower in the first half of the book as much of the world building is established but readily gains traction as the story moves forward. On her way home one night, Mary is brutally attacked on the Underground . She eventually awakens in a hospital with no memory of her life prior to the attack. Armed with new abilities she doesn't begin to understand, Mary(Rose) is soon befriended by Jennifer, another person with unusual abilities, right before her attacker from the underground arrives at the hospital to finish the job. Soon Mary(Rose) learns that she can control the souls of both the living & the dead and, she can also travel back & forth between the spirit realm and the human world. Aided by her new friends, Jennifer and Kara, and a ghostly spirit, Tally, Mary(Rose) embarks on a quest to stop her assailant, close a series of portals popping up all over London, vanquish a powerful soul stealer, and regain her memory before London is destroyed.
Written in a style that is direct and full of humor, there were times when I would have liked a chance to know what Mary(Rose) was thinking or feeling. But overall, Smith has created a heroine who is very similar in tone to Joss Whedon's Buffy Summers- irreverent, brave, and determined. I was pleased to see a lack of vampires, werewolves, angels, etc. Our heroine doesn't swing a sword or practice martial arts nor is she raised or related to supes. Mary was just an average every day girl who suddenly found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and in the process learned she had a destiny she would never have imagined.
Smith's writing is full of imagery that makes it easy to feel part of the story. The level of action is high from the start and similar in level with other UF writers like, J. Frost or K. Chance. Unlike many other books in UF, there are no romantic entanglements in this novel. Anglophiles will love the London setting and the genuine British vocabulary.
Oblivion Storm, the first book in the The Grenshall Manor Chronicles will be followed by the second book dropping December 2013. Xchyler Publishing is a new publisher with a focus on UF, PNR, SteamPunk, YA, and Gas Light. Oblivion Storm is their first novel and R. A. Smith is a new author. I suggest following them on Facebook, Twitter or their website as they've already told me they will have wonderful giveaways, etc planned starting with March 11, 2013 - when Oblivion Storm will be 99¢ on Amazon.com. Don't miss the chance to get Oblivion Storm today.
The book's pace is slower in the first half of the book as much of the world building is established but readily gains traction as the story moves forward. On her way home one night, Mary is brutally attacked on the Underground . She eventually awakens in a hospital with no memory of her life prior to the attack. Armed with new abilities she doesn't begin to understand, Mary(Rose) is soon befriended by Jennifer, another person with unusual abilities, right before her attacker from the underground arrives at the hospital to finish the job. Soon Mary(Rose) learns that she can control the souls of both the living & the dead and, she can also travel back & forth between the spirit realm and the human world. Aided by her new friends, Jennifer and Kara, and a ghostly spirit, Tally, Mary(Rose) embarks on a quest to stop her assailant, close a series of portals popping up all over London, vanquish a powerful soul stealer, and regain her memory before London is destroyed.
Written in a style that is direct and full of humor, there were times when I would have liked a chance to know what Mary(Rose) was thinking or feeling. But overall, Smith has created a heroine who is very similar in tone to Joss Whedon's Buffy Summers- irreverent, brave, and determined. I was pleased to see a lack of vampires, werewolves, angels, etc. Our heroine doesn't swing a sword or practice martial arts nor is she raised or related to supes. Mary was just an average every day girl who suddenly found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and in the process learned she had a destiny she would never have imagined.
Smith's writing is full of imagery that makes it easy to feel part of the story. The level of action is high from the start and similar in level with other UF writers like, J. Frost or K. Chance. Unlike many other books in UF, there are no romantic entanglements in this novel. Anglophiles will love the London setting and the genuine British vocabulary.
Oblivion Storm, the first book in the The Grenshall Manor Chronicles will be followed by the second book dropping December 2013. Xchyler Publishing is a new publisher with a focus on UF, PNR, SteamPunk, YA, and Gas Light. Oblivion Storm is their first novel and R. A. Smith is a new author. I suggest following them on Facebook, Twitter or their website as they've already told me they will have wonderful giveaways, etc planned starting with March 11, 2013 - when Oblivion Storm will be 99¢ on Amazon.com. Don't miss the chance to get Oblivion Storm today.
December 12, 2012
Originally posted here: http://theloyalbook.blogspot.it/2012/... (ENGLISH SCROLLING DOWN)
Oblivion Storm è il primo libro di una nuova serie paranormale. Ambientato a Londra, vede come protagonista Rose, una ragazza inspiegabilmente sopravvissuta a una morte quasi certa che al suo risveglio non ricorda nulla se non che deve trovare un misterioso ciondolo con uno zaffiro. Peccato che nel frattempo ci sia chi vuole ucciderla e che strane morti accadano in giro per la città…
I personaggi principali sono tutti al femminile, Tally, Rose, Kara, Jennifer e Violet e ognuno ha una sua personalità molto ben definita: Tally è cocciuta e caparbia, Rose non si perde d'animo e reagisce, Kara è la tipica scienziata curiosa, Jennifer una combattente nata e Violet, con il suo potere distruttivo. Tutte figure molto forti e volitive, ben descritte, anche se sono curiosa di saperne di più su Kara e Jennifer, specie riguardo al loro passato.
La narrazione avviene su due diversi piani temporali che si alternano per tutto il libro: da un lato seguiamo le vicende di Tally, da quando bambina scappa al suo terribile fato e viene accolta nella casa della famiglia nobiliare dei Grenshall, che provederanno a crescerla e a fare di lei l'erede del loro casato, fin quando si trova a combattere con una donna malvagia; mentre dall'altro abbiamo Rose/Mary, che vive ai giorni nostri e che dopo un terribile incidente in metropolitana non è più la semplice ragazza di prima ma si trova a dover fare i conti con un compito alquanto gravoso. Credo che la più riuscita sia quella dal punto di vista di Tally, forse perché ho trovato il suo personaggio molto affascinante.
Il libro è pieno di azione, con un susseguirsi di colpi di scena interessanti. L'impressione che ne ho ricevuto è stata complessivamente positiva, la storia sembra interessante anche se a volte ero un po' frustrata, perché il continuo salto di piani temporali mi confondeva. Il world building è interessante, anche se mi mancano dei dettagli, che probabilmente verranno chiariti andando avanti. Nonostante non sia uno di quei libri che mi ha tenuto incollata alle pagine e che ogni tanto qualche passaggio mi abbia lasciato perplessa, ho apprezzato la storia. Sicuramente leggerò il prossimo volume!
La frase che mi ha colpito:
"Draw your strengh from the earth, your whims from the air; flow through the water as it would flow around you and control the flames, or burn with them"
Il libro è attualmente inedito in Italia.
ENGLISH
Oblivion Storm is the first installment of a new paranormal series. Set in London, the protagonist of this story is Rose, a girl who mysteriously survived an almost certain death but when she wakes up she doesn't remember anything except that she has to find a weird necklace with a sapphire in it. Too bad that in the meantime somebody tries to kill her and sudden deaths happen all over the town…
There are plenty of characters and the main ones are all women: Tally, Rose, Kara, Jennifer and Violet, each one with a very strong personality. Tally is obstinate and stubborn; Rose never loses hope and reacts to what is happening to her; Kara is a curious and passionate scientist, Jennifer is a born fighter and Violet has a destructive power. They are all very strong and well-described but I wanted to know more about Kara's and Jennifer's past. I really appreciated that there are so many great females in the story, they can really kick ass!
The narration shifts from the past to the present thorough all the book: on one side we are reading Tally's story, from her childhood, when she runs away from her terrible life and gets adopted by the important family of the Grenshall, turning into an heiress, to her fight with an evil woman; on the other side we have Rose/Mary, who lives in the present and, after her accident, has a difficult task to accomplish. I believe Tally's point of view to be the most interesting, since I loved her as a character and the ending totally caught me by surprise! Loved it!
The book is action-packed and fast-moving, with lot of interesting twists. I had a very positive impression; the story is gripping even if at times the shift from Tally's point of view to Rose's kind of confused me, probably because I needed time to be sucked right into the story. I like the world building but felt there were some details missing, but I hope it will all be revealed in the next book. Although there were some bits I'd love to know more about (the shadow world!), I really liked the story and I'm going to continue reading the series.
My favourite quote:
"Draw your strengh from the earth, your whims from the air; flow through the water as it would flow around you and control the flames, or burn with them"
Oblivion Storm è il primo libro di una nuova serie paranormale. Ambientato a Londra, vede come protagonista Rose, una ragazza inspiegabilmente sopravvissuta a una morte quasi certa che al suo risveglio non ricorda nulla se non che deve trovare un misterioso ciondolo con uno zaffiro. Peccato che nel frattempo ci sia chi vuole ucciderla e che strane morti accadano in giro per la città…
I personaggi principali sono tutti al femminile, Tally, Rose, Kara, Jennifer e Violet e ognuno ha una sua personalità molto ben definita: Tally è cocciuta e caparbia, Rose non si perde d'animo e reagisce, Kara è la tipica scienziata curiosa, Jennifer una combattente nata e Violet, con il suo potere distruttivo. Tutte figure molto forti e volitive, ben descritte, anche se sono curiosa di saperne di più su Kara e Jennifer, specie riguardo al loro passato.
La narrazione avviene su due diversi piani temporali che si alternano per tutto il libro: da un lato seguiamo le vicende di Tally, da quando bambina scappa al suo terribile fato e viene accolta nella casa della famiglia nobiliare dei Grenshall, che provederanno a crescerla e a fare di lei l'erede del loro casato, fin quando si trova a combattere con una donna malvagia; mentre dall'altro abbiamo Rose/Mary, che vive ai giorni nostri e che dopo un terribile incidente in metropolitana non è più la semplice ragazza di prima ma si trova a dover fare i conti con un compito alquanto gravoso. Credo che la più riuscita sia quella dal punto di vista di Tally, forse perché ho trovato il suo personaggio molto affascinante.
Il libro è pieno di azione, con un susseguirsi di colpi di scena interessanti. L'impressione che ne ho ricevuto è stata complessivamente positiva, la storia sembra interessante anche se a volte ero un po' frustrata, perché il continuo salto di piani temporali mi confondeva. Il world building è interessante, anche se mi mancano dei dettagli, che probabilmente verranno chiariti andando avanti. Nonostante non sia uno di quei libri che mi ha tenuto incollata alle pagine e che ogni tanto qualche passaggio mi abbia lasciato perplessa, ho apprezzato la storia. Sicuramente leggerò il prossimo volume!
La frase che mi ha colpito:
"Draw your strengh from the earth, your whims from the air; flow through the water as it would flow around you and control the flames, or burn with them"
Il libro è attualmente inedito in Italia.
ENGLISH
Oblivion Storm is the first installment of a new paranormal series. Set in London, the protagonist of this story is Rose, a girl who mysteriously survived an almost certain death but when she wakes up she doesn't remember anything except that she has to find a weird necklace with a sapphire in it. Too bad that in the meantime somebody tries to kill her and sudden deaths happen all over the town…
There are plenty of characters and the main ones are all women: Tally, Rose, Kara, Jennifer and Violet, each one with a very strong personality. Tally is obstinate and stubborn; Rose never loses hope and reacts to what is happening to her; Kara is a curious and passionate scientist, Jennifer is a born fighter and Violet has a destructive power. They are all very strong and well-described but I wanted to know more about Kara's and Jennifer's past. I really appreciated that there are so many great females in the story, they can really kick ass!
The narration shifts from the past to the present thorough all the book: on one side we are reading Tally's story, from her childhood, when she runs away from her terrible life and gets adopted by the important family of the Grenshall, turning into an heiress, to her fight with an evil woman; on the other side we have Rose/Mary, who lives in the present and, after her accident, has a difficult task to accomplish. I believe Tally's point of view to be the most interesting, since I loved her as a character and the ending totally caught me by surprise! Loved it!
The book is action-packed and fast-moving, with lot of interesting twists. I had a very positive impression; the story is gripping even if at times the shift from Tally's point of view to Rose's kind of confused me, probably because I needed time to be sucked right into the story. I like the world building but felt there were some details missing, but I hope it will all be revealed in the next book. Although there were some bits I'd love to know more about (the shadow world!), I really liked the story and I'm going to continue reading the series.
My favourite quote:
"Draw your strengh from the earth, your whims from the air; flow through the water as it would flow around you and control the flames, or burn with them"
December 12, 2012
I am kind of in two minds about how I feel about this book. Although the positives far out-weigh the negatives.
It was an exciting read with very interesting phenomena and paranormal elements that drew me in. Smith has a remarkable talent of creating vivid scenes, and I loved the imagination that brought to life the many different characters. They were unlike any I have ever read about, and their uniqueness only added to my fervor to know more about them. The story shifted between past and present, and each shift brought with it a little more insight into exactly what was going on. It raised many questions, which kept me reading because I had to know the answers. However, even when I thought I knew those answers, a twist in the plot would make me question everything all over again.
The story became a little confusing from time to time. Because of the many shifts between time, character POV, and the living and spirit worlds, I felt a little overwhelmed with information. This made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story, and I wasn't able to connect with any character on an emotional level.
I still very much enjoyed reading this book. It fueled my love for mystery novels, especially those with a paranormal twist. It is a fantastic paranormal mystery that will take it's readers on a dark, chilling ride into the occult.
It was an exciting read with very interesting phenomena and paranormal elements that drew me in. Smith has a remarkable talent of creating vivid scenes, and I loved the imagination that brought to life the many different characters. They were unlike any I have ever read about, and their uniqueness only added to my fervor to know more about them. The story shifted between past and present, and each shift brought with it a little more insight into exactly what was going on. It raised many questions, which kept me reading because I had to know the answers. However, even when I thought I knew those answers, a twist in the plot would make me question everything all over again.
The story became a little confusing from time to time. Because of the many shifts between time, character POV, and the living and spirit worlds, I felt a little overwhelmed with information. This made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story, and I wasn't able to connect with any character on an emotional level.
I still very much enjoyed reading this book. It fueled my love for mystery novels, especially those with a paranormal twist. It is a fantastic paranormal mystery that will take it's readers on a dark, chilling ride into the occult.
January 4, 2013
Books revolving around the paranormal are not usually my cup of tea, which made this one a very enjoyable surprise. Well paced with the more sedate periods of exposition, which never last long enough to outstay their welcome, punctuated by sections of intense action. The story is told in two timelines which are each complex enough to remain interesting, but not so much that everything falls into a confusing mess as so often happens when authors try this. The eventual convergence of these separate threads serves to add meaningful weight to the heavy action of the book’s final chapters, producing some unexpected turns as the story charges to conclusion. Certainly well worth picking up.
July 11, 2015
This is the first book in The Grenshall Manor Chronicles. I LOVED IT!
Iris "Tally" Grenshall is a wonderful character. She is an orphan in Victorian London. I really liked this enterprising woman. She is very street smart and clever young girl when we first meet her. Looking for a home, she comes across the Grenshall's. They have no children of their own, but Lord Grenshall recognizes something in Iris and adopts her into his household.
Rose is also a wonderful character. I really liked her. She is very determined and focused. After a vicious attack that leaves her with amnesia, she finds herself on a dangerous quest that will change her life forever.
There are some intriguing characters brought to life in this book. I liked getting to know Rose and Tally, but there is also Thomas Barber, a young man unwillingly turned into a monster, and Kara and Jennifer. Kara is a parapsychologist and Jennifer has an incredible paranormal ability. I liked the dynamics these characters bring to the story, but found Jennifer to still be an enigmatic mystery. I'd love to get to know her better.
This is a fantastically woven paranormal fantasy, full of mystery, intrigue and danger. I started this book and didn't want to put it down! It is told through the eyes of various characters and flicks between the past and the present. I was quickly hooked and found myself sitting on the edge of my seat as the intensity and intrigue increased. This story is full of twists and turns. Just when you think you've got the story sussed, along comes another twist to throw a spanner in the works!
I found myself gasping at certain scenes and cringing at others. There are also some truly terrifying ones involving Lady Raine and her daughter Violet and a certain piece of jewellery. This piece of jewellery is a key part of the story, although I kept wondering about it's origins. This was not entirely explained clearly in my opinion. I get that it has power, but HOW did an inanimate crystal become cursed or imbued with it's deadly effect? I am hoping that the second book in the story will shed some light on this for me. They do say that "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" and never is it more true in this story. The paranormal aspects of the story are quite exciting and chilling at the same time. I found myself on an emotional roller coaster throughout the story and when I reached the end of the book, it was with great sadness as I wanted to keep reading. It's a good job I purchased the second book in the series, Primal Storm, at the same time and I hope to start reading it shortly.
R.A. Smith has written a fantastic, fast paced and action packed debut paranormal/urban fantasy. I love his fast paced writing style and the flow was wonderful! I was worried that the flickering timelines would be a problem and effect the flow, but it didn't. I had never heard of R.A. Smith before, until a friend of mine mentioned him. But now that I have, I look forward to reading more books written by him. He has found a fan in me!
Although this book is not aimed at the Young Adult age group as such, I think that this book would appeal to readers aged 16 upwards who love dark urban fantasy. I also highly recommend this book to adults who love horror, paranormal or dark urban fantasy genres. - Lynn Worton
Iris "Tally" Grenshall is a wonderful character. She is an orphan in Victorian London. I really liked this enterprising woman. She is very street smart and clever young girl when we first meet her. Looking for a home, she comes across the Grenshall's. They have no children of their own, but Lord Grenshall recognizes something in Iris and adopts her into his household.
Rose is also a wonderful character. I really liked her. She is very determined and focused. After a vicious attack that leaves her with amnesia, she finds herself on a dangerous quest that will change her life forever.
There are some intriguing characters brought to life in this book. I liked getting to know Rose and Tally, but there is also Thomas Barber, a young man unwillingly turned into a monster, and Kara and Jennifer. Kara is a parapsychologist and Jennifer has an incredible paranormal ability. I liked the dynamics these characters bring to the story, but found Jennifer to still be an enigmatic mystery. I'd love to get to know her better.
This is a fantastically woven paranormal fantasy, full of mystery, intrigue and danger. I started this book and didn't want to put it down! It is told through the eyes of various characters and flicks between the past and the present. I was quickly hooked and found myself sitting on the edge of my seat as the intensity and intrigue increased. This story is full of twists and turns. Just when you think you've got the story sussed, along comes another twist to throw a spanner in the works!
I found myself gasping at certain scenes and cringing at others. There are also some truly terrifying ones involving Lady Raine and her daughter Violet and a certain piece of jewellery. This piece of jewellery is a key part of the story, although I kept wondering about it's origins. This was not entirely explained clearly in my opinion. I get that it has power, but HOW did an inanimate crystal become cursed or imbued with it's deadly effect? I am hoping that the second book in the story will shed some light on this for me. They do say that "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" and never is it more true in this story. The paranormal aspects of the story are quite exciting and chilling at the same time. I found myself on an emotional roller coaster throughout the story and when I reached the end of the book, it was with great sadness as I wanted to keep reading. It's a good job I purchased the second book in the series, Primal Storm, at the same time and I hope to start reading it shortly.
R.A. Smith has written a fantastic, fast paced and action packed debut paranormal/urban fantasy. I love his fast paced writing style and the flow was wonderful! I was worried that the flickering timelines would be a problem and effect the flow, but it didn't. I had never heard of R.A. Smith before, until a friend of mine mentioned him. But now that I have, I look forward to reading more books written by him. He has found a fan in me!
Although this book is not aimed at the Young Adult age group as such, I think that this book would appeal to readers aged 16 upwards who love dark urban fantasy. I also highly recommend this book to adults who love horror, paranormal or dark urban fantasy genres. - Lynn Worton
October 25, 2014
Oblivion Storm
R.A. Smith
R. A. Smith's Oblivion Storm is the first novel in The Grenshall Manor Chronicles. A fast paced paranormal novel, Oblivion Storm is set in two parallel worlds, moving back and forth between modern day and Victorian London.
The tale of two women whose lives are intertwined by one goal, sets the stage for Oblivion Storm. An inexplicable attack by a monster leaves our protagonist brutally beaten and hospitalized. Her nightmare doesn't end there. When the same beast comes to attack her again, she is helped by a young woman named Jennifer who uses her unique talents aka supernatural gifts, to save Rose.
Rewind to the past where we meet the adopted heir of the Grenshall legacy, Tally Grenshall. Tally not only inherits considerable wealth but must contend with an incredibly evil enemy who is in the business of raising the dead.
Then there is a brilliant sapphire necklace, said to have powerful magic that is the crux of the battle between the good and the evil, a necklace that has been the bane for Tally and now Rose who is tasked to find it.
With the help of three women, Kara, Violet and Jennifer, Rose and Tally work together despite the time and dimension difference to bring down their common enemy.
The novel begins slowly, setting the stage, diagraming Tally's past and Rose's future straddled by the monster who kickstarts the story. The story clips at a steadier pace after the sixth chapter and progresses steadily as Rose tries to find the sapphire while trying to protect the city of London from the evil that strikes the unexpected humans while dealing with Tally.
The best scenes are those heavy with action, descriptively strong and alive. The plot is well developed and structurally sound however, there were a lot of background questions that I would have loved answered regarding some of the ancillary characters. The emotional facets of the final scenes between Rose and Tally were telling but needed a bit more dimension. There are a lot of plot twists and turns but the character development, though satisfactory could do with more dimension and weight.
I gave Oblivion Storm 5-stars because for a debut novel, R. A. Smith does a phenomenal job of creating a riveting story that is a unique entry into what I suspect will be an entertaining series. I look forward to reading Primal Storm.
Oblivion Storm is a must read! Enjoy!
Enjoy my reviews at The Author Visits
R.A. Smith
R. A. Smith's Oblivion Storm is the first novel in The Grenshall Manor Chronicles. A fast paced paranormal novel, Oblivion Storm is set in two parallel worlds, moving back and forth between modern day and Victorian London.
The tale of two women whose lives are intertwined by one goal, sets the stage for Oblivion Storm. An inexplicable attack by a monster leaves our protagonist brutally beaten and hospitalized. Her nightmare doesn't end there. When the same beast comes to attack her again, she is helped by a young woman named Jennifer who uses her unique talents aka supernatural gifts, to save Rose.
Rewind to the past where we meet the adopted heir of the Grenshall legacy, Tally Grenshall. Tally not only inherits considerable wealth but must contend with an incredibly evil enemy who is in the business of raising the dead.
Then there is a brilliant sapphire necklace, said to have powerful magic that is the crux of the battle between the good and the evil, a necklace that has been the bane for Tally and now Rose who is tasked to find it.
With the help of three women, Kara, Violet and Jennifer, Rose and Tally work together despite the time and dimension difference to bring down their common enemy.
The novel begins slowly, setting the stage, diagraming Tally's past and Rose's future straddled by the monster who kickstarts the story. The story clips at a steadier pace after the sixth chapter and progresses steadily as Rose tries to find the sapphire while trying to protect the city of London from the evil that strikes the unexpected humans while dealing with Tally.
The best scenes are those heavy with action, descriptively strong and alive. The plot is well developed and structurally sound however, there were a lot of background questions that I would have loved answered regarding some of the ancillary characters. The emotional facets of the final scenes between Rose and Tally were telling but needed a bit more dimension. There are a lot of plot twists and turns but the character development, though satisfactory could do with more dimension and weight.
I gave Oblivion Storm 5-stars because for a debut novel, R. A. Smith does a phenomenal job of creating a riveting story that is a unique entry into what I suspect will be an entertaining series. I look forward to reading Primal Storm.
Oblivion Storm is a must read! Enjoy!
Enjoy my reviews at The Author Visits
November 1, 2013
Overall this is a fantastic read. For a first novel not only in the series but for the author it shows a hell of a lot of promise, and I am really looking forward to the next book being released! The story is gritty, the contrast between Victorian and modern London is refreshing and done in a very believable manner. I find it very difficult to connect with female characters, but this book has some very strong women in it and I'm really interested in getting to know them a little more!
The opening of the book is gripping enough for me to have continued reading it, but I found that Chapter Five was the breech for me - as soon as I got past that point I did not - could not - put this book down; that, for me, was the point where Smith's writing really came into itself. I think that this is definitely a book that will hold up to many re-reads; the depth of the story cannot be fully realised until you have read it through at least once, and I am greatly looking forward to having an excuse to step through the Gaate again!
The opening of the book is gripping enough for me to have continued reading it, but I found that Chapter Five was the breech for me - as soon as I got past that point I did not - could not - put this book down; that, for me, was the point where Smith's writing really came into itself. I think that this is definitely a book that will hold up to many re-reads; the depth of the story cannot be fully realised until you have read it through at least once, and I am greatly looking forward to having an excuse to step through the Gaate again!
January 4, 2013
Books revolving around the paranormal are not usually my cup of tea, which made this one a very enjoyable surprise. Well paced with the more sedate periods of exposition, which never last long enough to outstay their welcome, punctuated by sections of intense action. The story is told in two timelines which are each complex enough to remain interesting, but not so much that everything falls into a confusing mess as so often happens when authors try this. The eventual convergence of these separate threads serves to add meaningful weight to the heavy action of the book’s final chapters, producing some unexpected turns as the story charges to conclusion. Certainly well worth picking up.
October 10, 2013
It's not often that I recommend books to people (probably because I read an awful lot of rubbish, but then I need something to do on the train) but I cannot recommend this enough.
The book centres around some very deep, believable and engaging characters, including one of the best developed villains I have come across in a long time. The plot is convoluted but understandable and evolves in parallel with the characters, such that their actions, although unexpected feel inevitable.
The first couple of chapters are a little daunting and confusing, but then none of the protagonists really know what's going on either so I suppose it's only fair. Persevere, it's definitely worth it.
The book centres around some very deep, believable and engaging characters, including one of the best developed villains I have come across in a long time. The plot is convoluted but understandable and evolves in parallel with the characters, such that their actions, although unexpected feel inevitable.
The first couple of chapters are a little daunting and confusing, but then none of the protagonists really know what's going on either so I suppose it's only fair. Persevere, it's definitely worth it.
September 12, 2023
This was a really original and intriguing supernatural mystery, fast-paced and switching easily between the Victorian backstory and the modern fight against evil. There's a lot going on here and I did find it hard to follow at times, but it's very likely that my attention span just isn't currently up to the job, and I would probably gain more from re-reads.
The metaphysical aspects in particular had my head whirling a bit, but the action was entertaining and easy to follow, and there's some great bits of backstory and motive for the characters. The supernatural elements are original, I have to admit I was expecting some standard vampires or werewolves or something but there's none of that here!
It definitely had me gripped right until the end, and while I have some unanswered questions, there is a second book in the series which I'm going to be diving into immediately (unfortunately the planned third book never happened, or at least hasn't yet).
The metaphysical aspects in particular had my head whirling a bit, but the action was entertaining and easy to follow, and there's some great bits of backstory and motive for the characters. The supernatural elements are original, I have to admit I was expecting some standard vampires or werewolves or something but there's none of that here!
It definitely had me gripped right until the end, and while I have some unanswered questions, there is a second book in the series which I'm going to be diving into immediately (unfortunately the planned third book never happened, or at least hasn't yet).
August 28, 2015
Oblivion Storm is a paranormal fantasy that focuses on powerful emotionally driven female protagonists, and is set in multiple time-periods. We’re first introduced to Iris Brown, whose life of poverty in Victorian London suddenly takes a drastic turn for the better when her good judgment and better nature put her on good terms with Lord and Lady Grenshall of Grenshall Manor. Now Tally Grenshall, she is granted a life of privilege as part of the family. However, through her nostalgic nightly adventures she witnesses black magic being perpetrated by the cruel Lady Raine...
In present times, Rose’s drunken night out ends in pure terror when a giant, muscled, and invincible man tries to seize her. A courageously bloody and desperate struggle ensues. Just who is this monstrous assailant? A group of characters are introduced hereon. Imagine young women with super-powers, kicking ass and combating unflinching and possessed enemies. An element of paranormal mystery is added to unravel the secrets of the past and of the convoluted supernatural forces that have intertwined with the lives of these independent women. In present day, a whirlpool of shadowy evil has led to many unexplained deaths.
Tally’s point of view lent intriguing and impacting insights into her personality and circumstances. I was captivated by her struggle to rescue Violet, the abused daughter of Lady Raine. I don’t think I lost interest once, and I liked the portrayal of characters in the Victorian setting. These were certainly my favorite parts. Besides Thomas Barber’s intriguing fixations, the point of view of Rose and the others is mainly concerned with mystery, which piqued my interest. Though the supernatural forces left me in the dark, much was enlightening at the end of the story. Oblivion Storm is a complex story that tests perspective, crafted with jump-off the page dialogue and mystery revelation. It makes a formidable and memorable snapshot into the paranormal genre, especially for those completely new to it, as I am.
In present times, Rose’s drunken night out ends in pure terror when a giant, muscled, and invincible man tries to seize her. A courageously bloody and desperate struggle ensues. Just who is this monstrous assailant? A group of characters are introduced hereon. Imagine young women with super-powers, kicking ass and combating unflinching and possessed enemies. An element of paranormal mystery is added to unravel the secrets of the past and of the convoluted supernatural forces that have intertwined with the lives of these independent women. In present day, a whirlpool of shadowy evil has led to many unexplained deaths.
Tally’s point of view lent intriguing and impacting insights into her personality and circumstances. I was captivated by her struggle to rescue Violet, the abused daughter of Lady Raine. I don’t think I lost interest once, and I liked the portrayal of characters in the Victorian setting. These were certainly my favorite parts. Besides Thomas Barber’s intriguing fixations, the point of view of Rose and the others is mainly concerned with mystery, which piqued my interest. Though the supernatural forces left me in the dark, much was enlightening at the end of the story. Oblivion Storm is a complex story that tests perspective, crafted with jump-off the page dialogue and mystery revelation. It makes a formidable and memorable snapshot into the paranormal genre, especially for those completely new to it, as I am.
November 28, 2014
In Victorian London, Iris Brown, a poor child, wrangles her way into the home and the affections of the Grenshall family. But their legacy is more than the impressive Grenshall Manor and their money. There is a dark secret within the mansion, that ruthless enemies will do anything to get at.
In our own time, a university student is brutally attacked after a night out and no-one, especially not 'Rose' herself, can work out why she isn't dead. She also can't remember who she is or why the heck she's being attacked. The answer is quite the surprise...
I have spent many an hour this week happily curled up with this book and a cup of tea. There was plenty of action and mystery to be had, and I often read more than I intended (the ol' 'just one more chapter') because I wanted to know what would happen next. It was not a chore to read, I enjoyed it a lot and I will be getting the next one, Primal Storm.
However. I feel like this needed a couple of drafts more for polishing. There were bits where it felt a little clunky, and while some of the main characters were well developed, others were not. When the plot is fast paced like this and the characters are focused on saving the the time they have to flesh themselves out is limited. I do feel like we could have had a little less action and a little more character development, but I understand that it can be hard in this kind of plot driven storyline. The other thing that has regrettably dragged my score down is that I was a little confused at the end.. I feel like there are still some things that I am missing.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, and I would encourage people to give it a go.
In our own time, a university student is brutally attacked after a night out and no-one, especially not 'Rose' herself, can work out why she isn't dead. She also can't remember who she is or why the heck she's being attacked. The answer is quite the surprise...
I have spent many an hour this week happily curled up with this book and a cup of tea. There was plenty of action and mystery to be had, and I often read more than I intended (the ol' 'just one more chapter') because I wanted to know what would happen next. It was not a chore to read, I enjoyed it a lot and I will be getting the next one, Primal Storm.
However. I feel like this needed a couple of drafts more for polishing. There were bits where it felt a little clunky, and while some of the main characters were well developed, others were not. When the plot is fast paced like this and the characters are focused on saving the the time they have to flesh themselves out is limited. I do feel like we could have had a little less action and a little more character development, but I understand that it can be hard in this kind of plot driven storyline. The other thing that has regrettably dragged my score down is that I was a little confused at the end.. I feel like there are still some things that I am missing.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, and I would encourage people to give it a go.
January 15, 2013
A very engaging read... full review will be posted soon!
October 27, 2017
A very good page turner, that kept me reading and wanting to read more.
The novel has some very well constructed characters and a plot that draws you on. While the led characters are all female they are well written and are not just 2D ciphers used to express an opinion, but are rounded and well developed. This I note particularly as the author achieves 4 well developed characters who I hope to read more of in the next volume of The Grenshall Manor Chronicles.
The plot has a good pace to it, and the movement between the historic and present period does not jar or seem forced. With both stories developing in tandem until they full resolve in the climax of the book. The dialogue is well paced and used well, with the text used to inform but not just info dump on the reader. The near now setting of London works well and the urban fantasy and paranormal elements draw in well.
As a side note, and not yet having read the next book in the series I do hope that one of the walk on parts (the morgue attendant) is explored further.
The novel has some very well constructed characters and a plot that draws you on. While the led characters are all female they are well written and are not just 2D ciphers used to express an opinion, but are rounded and well developed. This I note particularly as the author achieves 4 well developed characters who I hope to read more of in the next volume of The Grenshall Manor Chronicles.
The plot has a good pace to it, and the movement between the historic and present period does not jar or seem forced. With both stories developing in tandem until they full resolve in the climax of the book. The dialogue is well paced and used well, with the text used to inform but not just info dump on the reader. The near now setting of London works well and the urban fantasy and paranormal elements draw in well.
As a side note, and not yet having read the next book in the series I do hope that one of the walk on parts (the morgue attendant) is explored further.
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February 13, 2016As editor of this book, I decline to review it in order to reflect the most accurate, unbiased rating as possible. We want to show what readers think! However, this paranormal/urban fantasy is ideal for adults who enjoy that genre, as well as others looking for a great thriller or complex, well-written female protagonists.
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