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Obsidian Rising
She Must Battle Herself For Her Soul.
For five years, Sable has been hunted by a boy from her past who has grown into a revered mercenary.
Born with powers that will corrupt her mind—Sable's very existence is forbidden.
But when a great Stark dies, leaving his triplet sons to ascend and claim their right to rule, Sable sees a chance to escape her fate. Each son must choose a champion to fight in the Stark Odyssey, a deadly journey where the prize is freedom. To enter, Sable must be chosen by one of the faerie princes vying for the throne.
Yet the Odyssey demands more than just survival—it seeks desolation.
Her path to freedom grows narrower still when Sable comes face to face with Mikael Khan, the mercenary whose hatred for her burns as fiercely as his memories of the sins she cannot outrun. As darkness stirs within her, threatening to consume what little morality she has left, Sable must ask
Is the cost of freedom worth her soul?
For five years, Sable has been hunted by a boy from her past who has grown into a revered mercenary.
Born with powers that will corrupt her mind—Sable's very existence is forbidden.
But when a great Stark dies, leaving his triplet sons to ascend and claim their right to rule, Sable sees a chance to escape her fate. Each son must choose a champion to fight in the Stark Odyssey, a deadly journey where the prize is freedom. To enter, Sable must be chosen by one of the faerie princes vying for the throne.
Yet the Odyssey demands more than just survival—it seeks desolation.
Her path to freedom grows narrower still when Sable comes face to face with Mikael Khan, the mercenary whose hatred for her burns as fiercely as his memories of the sins she cannot outrun. As darkness stirs within her, threatening to consume what little morality she has left, Sable must ask
Is the cost of freedom worth her soul?
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 19, 2025
I already know this will be my favorite book. The author is so talented and I’ve been waiting for this book since 2021!!!
April 23, 2025
It’s rare for a piece of writing to leave such a lasting impression on me, and yet every snippet, every teaser this author shares feels like magic. Her storytelling is nothing short of breathtaking, but it’s the beauty in her words, the way she crafts emotion, depth, and meaning that truly leaves me speechless. She’s been a source of inspiration to me for years, and I can say with absolute certainty: this book will be my Roman Empire. The kind of story I’ll never stop thinking about.
April 11, 2026
Spoilers, sometimes.
My thoughts on Obsidian Rising, an interesting concept of fleeting time against a hateful world.
The introduction leads with a strong youth, soon to lead an army of warriors upon the completion of his trial. Much is described of this character, in a way that makes him seem threatening-- Even at his youthful age. You follow the man until he's met with the real focal point of this story. Sable, a cunning young woman with eyes despised by the world around.
I love the idea of something as simple as the color of your eyes to exclaim the sheer importance in their world. With golden eyes, belonged to high kings and queens, selfish and arrogant as much as they are ironfisted, hailing from above. Grey eyes, belonged to lesser beings often pushed around and seen as almost nothing, and then brown eyes... Seskels are at the bottom of everything, seen as no more than a plague to all life. I love the idea of Seskels too, with them being hated solely because of what they each become in their later years, uncontrollable monsters. A dark concept that could really turn into something amazing down the line.
The worlds described, and the people who follow Sable throughout the story are all wonderfully written too, with unique personalities and appearances that linger even after their departure. Even those who stay for so little, invoke a strong feeling when they reappear later in the story.
Salem lingers through the whole story, often acting as in a leadership role for Sable, but more often then naught being an aid. Throughout the whole story I get to feel a sudden connection between the two, maybe a connection as lovers, but somehow every time they grow closer I am reminded that it is simply relations between a follower and commander. Nothing more.
I hold onto this feeling until the very end, with Salem having seemingly lost his mind and absorbed that hated power many have claimed to be pure evil.
There are many stories within that I must not mention for it is much greater a gift to experience it yourself. As much as I want to explain every detail.
Overall, this story has great potential and truly could be more wonderful than I could ever believe. I love the characters, the longing for the faces left unseen for so long, the suspense I feel when person I cherish is nearing their end, and the relief I feel having seen them triumph over hardship and grow into a beautiful piece of art.
The story itself really is a marvelous introduction to a world we've yet to see, and I'm excited to hear about more.
Also The Phoenix prologue was so interesting, and I'd love to see what she expands upon for his story.
My thoughts on Obsidian Rising, an interesting concept of fleeting time against a hateful world.
The introduction leads with a strong youth, soon to lead an army of warriors upon the completion of his trial. Much is described of this character, in a way that makes him seem threatening-- Even at his youthful age. You follow the man until he's met with the real focal point of this story. Sable, a cunning young woman with eyes despised by the world around.
I love the idea of something as simple as the color of your eyes to exclaim the sheer importance in their world. With golden eyes, belonged to high kings and queens, selfish and arrogant as much as they are ironfisted, hailing from above. Grey eyes, belonged to lesser beings often pushed around and seen as almost nothing, and then brown eyes... Seskels are at the bottom of everything, seen as no more than a plague to all life. I love the idea of Seskels too, with them being hated solely because of what they each become in their later years, uncontrollable monsters. A dark concept that could really turn into something amazing down the line.
The worlds described, and the people who follow Sable throughout the story are all wonderfully written too, with unique personalities and appearances that linger even after their departure. Even those who stay for so little, invoke a strong feeling when they reappear later in the story.
Salem lingers through the whole story, often acting as in a leadership role for Sable, but more often then naught being an aid. Throughout the whole story I get to feel a sudden connection between the two, maybe a connection as lovers, but somehow every time they grow closer I am reminded that it is simply relations between a follower and commander. Nothing more.
I hold onto this feeling until the very end, with Salem having seemingly lost his mind and absorbed that hated power many have claimed to be pure evil.
There are many stories within that I must not mention for it is much greater a gift to experience it yourself. As much as I want to explain every detail.
Overall, this story has great potential and truly could be more wonderful than I could ever believe. I love the characters, the longing for the faces left unseen for so long, the suspense I feel when person I cherish is nearing their end, and the relief I feel having seen them triumph over hardship and grow into a beautiful piece of art.
The story itself really is a marvelous introduction to a world we've yet to see, and I'm excited to hear about more.
Also The Phoenix prologue was so interesting, and I'd love to see what she expands upon for his story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2025
Glistening cities dulled by corrupt leaders. Dark underbellies hiding secrets and cunning creatures. This story is a dream for fantasy lovers — rich, immersive, and beautifully orchestrated.
Genevieve M. Lay’s writing is deeply poetic, sensory, and emotional. Her language melts into your imagination, drawing you into a world that quickly locks behind you. Mystical creatures, a clash of delicate and gothic architecture, and a land that doesn’t follow the rules of our world — it all swirls together in a setting that’s impossible not to get lost in.
There’s a raw passion and fire in her writing that bleeds through the characters and the world they move through. Sable is bold, witty, and wild — with a dry sense of humor and an untamed spirit that makes her impossible not to root for.
Genevieve M. Lay’s writing is deeply poetic, sensory, and emotional. Her language melts into your imagination, drawing you into a world that quickly locks behind you. Mystical creatures, a clash of delicate and gothic architecture, and a land that doesn’t follow the rules of our world — it all swirls together in a setting that’s impossible not to get lost in.
There’s a raw passion and fire in her writing that bleeds through the characters and the world they move through. Sable is bold, witty, and wild — with a dry sense of humor and an untamed spirit that makes her impossible not to root for.
November 26, 2025
I've waited for this book for years and it did not disappoint - thrilling, imaginative and a little dark, with unique characters and stakes that just kept on growing. A good read for anyone with love for fantasy. :)
Spoiler: favourite dialog moment ahead (summarised)
Spoiler: favourite dialog moment ahead (summarised)
February 14, 2026
Amazing book! Tension is held from beginning to end, making you want to read more and more. Delving deep into its very society and cultural difficulties faced throughout the book. Truly immersive and well thought out world with ideas that few can imagine. Very poetic writing that is so profound giving it a classic vibe. Incredibly incorporating a main character full of struggles that continues to fight for her right!
So so proud of this amazing book. I know it is the first of many that will entertain any reader that comes across it. Such a talented writer and individual!
So so proud of this amazing book. I know it is the first of many that will entertain any reader that comes across it. Such a talented writer and individual!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews