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Secrets of Obsidian
Not yet published
Expected 27 Jul 26She is charged with preventing the old gods returning.
He is responsible for stopping a vicious serial killer.
When their investigations intertwine, terrifying truths are revealed, and their own dark secrets unravel. Can they put their differences and suspicions aside before it’s too late?
Demona is a powerful, ancient demon who has spent her life hiding a dangerous secret: she can shapeshift into a human. Forced to move between identities in a world where discovery would mean death, her survival has always depended on control; of her power, her nature, and the selective truths she shares with her rag tag team of misfits known as the Dread Squad.
Asmodeus is human and leads the elite police unit hired to solve a series of unsettling murders plaguing the Capitol. Mysteriously gifted with strength and speed, Az has dark secrets of his own and is as infuriating as he is impossible to resist.
As frictions amongst the factions rise, and the threat of the old destructive gods looms, tensions rise. Demona discovers Az isn’t what he seems. Az suspects Demona might be the killer he hunts. It gets more complicated when Az unknowingly starts to fall for Demona’s human form, and Demona can’t resist his allure.
Can they overcome their distrust to save the realm? Will their growing connection survive their secrets? What price will have to be paid to save them all?
Who Should Read This: Perfect for readers who love: dark magic, slow-burn tension, morally grey characters, enemies-to-lovers romance, and found family dynamics; where happily-ever-afters must be earned the hard way.
He is responsible for stopping a vicious serial killer.
When their investigations intertwine, terrifying truths are revealed, and their own dark secrets unravel. Can they put their differences and suspicions aside before it’s too late?
Demona is a powerful, ancient demon who has spent her life hiding a dangerous secret: she can shapeshift into a human. Forced to move between identities in a world where discovery would mean death, her survival has always depended on control; of her power, her nature, and the selective truths she shares with her rag tag team of misfits known as the Dread Squad.
Asmodeus is human and leads the elite police unit hired to solve a series of unsettling murders plaguing the Capitol. Mysteriously gifted with strength and speed, Az has dark secrets of his own and is as infuriating as he is impossible to resist.
As frictions amongst the factions rise, and the threat of the old destructive gods looms, tensions rise. Demona discovers Az isn’t what he seems. Az suspects Demona might be the killer he hunts. It gets more complicated when Az unknowingly starts to fall for Demona’s human form, and Demona can’t resist his allure.
Can they overcome their distrust to save the realm? Will their growing connection survive their secrets? What price will have to be paid to save them all?
Who Should Read This: Perfect for readers who love: dark magic, slow-burn tension, morally grey characters, enemies-to-lovers romance, and found family dynamics; where happily-ever-afters must be earned the hard way.
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Expected publication July 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 3, 2026
I loved this book and enjoyed the lies that’s was told.
Darion seems to be the curious one, emotionally mature one! I like him.
I enjoyed J D Burns writing you can feel the characters come to life as you read the book.
Can’t wait for book 2…..
Darion seems to be the curious one, emotionally mature one! I like him.
I enjoyed J D Burns writing you can feel the characters come to life as you read the book.
Can’t wait for book 2…..
Read
July 6, 2026An incredible debut novel from JD Burns which follows a multi POV, Enemies to Lovers fuelled Romantasy that could be likened to the works of Stacia Stark and her Kingdom of Lies Series with a more Paranormal spin.
TROPES:
- Mutli POV
- Insta-lust
- Fated Mates
- Hidden Identity
- Unique Magic System
- Murder Mystery
This took such an incredible unique twist on what we know fated mates to be, instead of that all consuming fated love and forever, a mate bond requires so much more depth where that person can be your destiny or your downfall and only time will tell.
JD Burns characters are well written, with a balanced and detailed world building with a hit of spice throughout that compliments the plot rather than derails it. We follow Demona and her dread squad on the hunt for realm walkers whilst the Asgarth Guard are hunting for a serial killer. When paths cross, they must work together despite not trusting one another. Work together OR die together. Secrets are spilled, bonds are formed and a mystery is yet to be solved.
I can’t get over how well written and consistent this book was for a debut author breaking into the fantasy world and with such a unique magic system and take on mate bonds I can see this going far with those who enjoy this genre.
Demona and her dread squad, the story that follows is one you will not want to miss out on.
TROPES:
- Mutli POV
- Insta-lust
- Fated Mates
- Hidden Identity
- Unique Magic System
- Murder Mystery
This took such an incredible unique twist on what we know fated mates to be, instead of that all consuming fated love and forever, a mate bond requires so much more depth where that person can be your destiny or your downfall and only time will tell.
JD Burns characters are well written, with a balanced and detailed world building with a hit of spice throughout that compliments the plot rather than derails it. We follow Demona and her dread squad on the hunt for realm walkers whilst the Asgarth Guard are hunting for a serial killer. When paths cross, they must work together despite not trusting one another. Work together OR die together. Secrets are spilled, bonds are formed and a mystery is yet to be solved.
I can’t get over how well written and consistent this book was for a debut author breaking into the fantasy world and with such a unique magic system and take on mate bonds I can see this going far with those who enjoy this genre.
Demona and her dread squad, the story that follows is one you will not want to miss out on.
May 31, 2026
Secrets of Obsidian
What an incredible debut novel! I feel privileged to be one of the first to read it.
A romantasy with a unique plot/magic system and a murder mystery which plays in to my love of true crime too.
Tropes
Romantasy
Multi-POV
Fated mates
Found family
Serial unalivers
Unique magic system
Enemies to lovers
JD Burns’ writing flows so well and has clearly been well thought out. It left me being unable to put it down. The imagery and world building is incredible. As a reader that can struggle to picture scenes in my mind, I really appreciated this.
I loved the multi POV, it allows the reader to connect on a deeper level with the characters. You will find yourself invested in certain characters and silently cheering them on. The spice that is sprinkled through the book is well placed and means the book doesn’t revolve around it, instead it compliments the story and strengthens bonds.
We follow Demona, an ancient demon, and her Dread Squad who are hunting realm walkers and the Asgarth trio, a group of mercenaries hunting serial unalivers. When it becomes clear that the two are intertwined, the two groups reluctantly band together. But will they be able to put their mistrust aside to work together?
Secrets will be revealed, unique fated bonds will be explored, family will be found from trauma and plot twists will keep you guessing. Will the connections made be strong enough to survive?
I can’t wait for book two to find out what happens next
What an incredible debut novel! I feel privileged to be one of the first to read it.
A romantasy with a unique plot/magic system and a murder mystery which plays in to my love of true crime too.
Tropes
Romantasy
Multi-POV
Fated mates
Found family
Serial unalivers
Unique magic system
Enemies to lovers
JD Burns’ writing flows so well and has clearly been well thought out. It left me being unable to put it down. The imagery and world building is incredible. As a reader that can struggle to picture scenes in my mind, I really appreciated this.
I loved the multi POV, it allows the reader to connect on a deeper level with the characters. You will find yourself invested in certain characters and silently cheering them on. The spice that is sprinkled through the book is well placed and means the book doesn’t revolve around it, instead it compliments the story and strengthens bonds.
We follow Demona, an ancient demon, and her Dread Squad who are hunting realm walkers and the Asgarth trio, a group of mercenaries hunting serial unalivers. When it becomes clear that the two are intertwined, the two groups reluctantly band together. But will they be able to put their mistrust aside to work together?
Secrets will be revealed, unique fated bonds will be explored, family will be found from trauma and plot twists will keep you guessing. Will the connections made be strong enough to survive?
I can’t wait for book two to find out what happens next
May 27, 2026
Secrets of Obsidian completely exceeded my expectations!
The writing is smooth, confident, and really easy to get lost in. Strong characters, a gripping pace, and just really well put together overall. It has that “just one more chapter” effect, where you find yourself constantly pulled back in and wanting to read more. The world-building is also brilliant- detailed enough to feel immersive and paint an intricate picture, but never overwhelming.
Genuinely impressive for a debut author- I can't wait to see what book 2 brings
The writing is smooth, confident, and really easy to get lost in. Strong characters, a gripping pace, and just really well put together overall. It has that “just one more chapter” effect, where you find yourself constantly pulled back in and wanting to read more. The world-building is also brilliant- detailed enough to feel immersive and paint an intricate picture, but never overwhelming.
Genuinely impressive for a debut author- I can't wait to see what book 2 brings
May 20, 2026
I absolutely LOVED reading Secrets of Obsidian Book 1!
From the very first page, I was hooked and knew I wouldn’t be able to put it down. The characters are so vividly written that I developed such strong emotions, both good and bad, as their stories unfolded.
The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the suspense high and making every chapter impossible to put down.
I can’t wait to see how the story develops in book 2!
From the very first page, I was hooked and knew I wouldn’t be able to put it down. The characters are so vividly written that I developed such strong emotions, both good and bad, as their stories unfolded.
The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the suspense high and making every chapter impossible to put down.
I can’t wait to see how the story develops in book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Wow, what a fantastic debut from J.D. Burns. This book had me gripped from start to finish & I was so sad when it ended. This was so well written, from multiple POVs, the flow was smooth & the pace ebbed & flowed perfectly. I liked Demona & her Dread Squad, how they were proof of different species being able to work together & how they all genuinely cared for each other. The Asgard did seem pompous, with that air of superiority about them. It was really interesting to watch how both sides preconceived conceptions were challenged when forced to work together. The secrets Demona & Desi keep along with Asmodeus's, come out naturally & the actions of the others when revealed are believable. By this point, you know the characters, know how much they've each developed in themselves & as part of the wider team. The build up of the chemistry between Demona, Desi & Asmodeus is at times, painful to watch, but understandable & at times frustrating, none willing to admit to the pull, the connection between them, but when it happens, they don't hold back. I ended chapter 14 with 1 word in my mouth, I started chapter 15 with that word in writing in front of me. I was so emotionally invested in the characters & the story & will admit to tearing up at times. The ending promises there are more secrets to be revealed & I can't wait for book 2.
Wow, what a fantastic debut from J.D. Burns. This book had me gripped from start to finish & I was so sad when it ended. This was so well written, from multiple POVs, the flow was smooth & the pace ebbed & flowed perfectly. I liked Demona & her Dread Squad, how they were proof of different species being able to work together & how they all genuinely cared for each other. The Asgard did seem pompous, with that air of superiority about them. It was really interesting to watch how both sides preconceived conceptions were challenged when forced to work together. The secrets Demona & Desi keep along with Asmodeus's, come out naturally & the actions of the others when revealed are believable. By this point, you know the characters, know how much they've each developed in themselves & as part of the wider team. The build up of the chemistry between Demona, Desi & Asmodeus is at times, painful to watch, but understandable & at times frustrating, none willing to admit to the pull, the connection between them, but when it happens, they don't hold back. I ended chapter 14 with 1 word in my mouth, I started chapter 15 with that word in writing in front of me. I was so emotionally invested in the characters & the story & will admit to tearing up at times. The ending promises there are more secrets to be revealed & I can't wait for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨My honest arc review✨
I wasn’t prepared for this. Wow.
It has magic, different creatures, but did it feel like other similar books? No!
It was so unique, and really well written, J.D Burns did really well with this book, and I can’t wait to read more in this series.
For me, I had some struggles in my life, so I felt out of it for a while, so I had some struggle reading, and getting back to the book. But it’s really well written, so eventually it sucked me right in. And this is the only reason it only get 4 stars, because a part of the book I really felt out of it and had some struggles. But I’m sure in a reread it would be a 5⭐️.
This is perfect for readers who like/love
* Romantasy
* Enemies to lovers
* Something unique
* Well written books
* Never a boring moment in a book
* Shifters/different species (demons, humans, gargoyles, angels, witches and so on)
And so much more.
What are you waiting for? Go read it! Add it to your TBR! It’s definitely worth reading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wasn’t prepared for this. Wow.
It has magic, different creatures, but did it feel like other similar books? No!
It was so unique, and really well written, J.D Burns did really well with this book, and I can’t wait to read more in this series.
For me, I had some struggles in my life, so I felt out of it for a while, so I had some struggle reading, and getting back to the book. But it’s really well written, so eventually it sucked me right in. And this is the only reason it only get 4 stars, because a part of the book I really felt out of it and had some struggles. But I’m sure in a reread it would be a 5⭐️.
This is perfect for readers who like/love
* Romantasy
* Enemies to lovers
* Something unique
* Well written books
* Never a boring moment in a book
* Shifters/different species (demons, humans, gargoyles, angels, witches and so on)
And so much more.
What are you waiting for? Go read it! Add it to your TBR! It’s definitely worth reading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 27, 2026
I just finished "Secrets of Obsidian," and I absolutely loved it.
This book is packed with deep characters you can’t help but love, plus a few who sneak into your heart when you least expect it. It’s a wild mix of romance, mystery, and fantasy, featuring demons, vampires, witches, and fairies all living in this “harmony” and obeying the ancient rules until they aren’t.
The action is nonstop, and the twists keep you guessing. I found myself counting down the minutes until I could dive back in! I can’t wait for book two to see how this unlikely band of characters continues their adventures.
Looking forward to more from this author, and I highly recommend that anyone reading this review goes ahead and buys the book.
This book is packed with deep characters you can’t help but love, plus a few who sneak into your heart when you least expect it. It’s a wild mix of romance, mystery, and fantasy, featuring demons, vampires, witches, and fairies all living in this “harmony” and obeying the ancient rules until they aren’t.
The action is nonstop, and the twists keep you guessing. I found myself counting down the minutes until I could dive back in! I can’t wait for book two to see how this unlikely band of characters continues their adventures.
Looking forward to more from this author, and I highly recommend that anyone reading this review goes ahead and buys the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
This is a brilliant debut from JD Burns. From the very first chapter, the story draws you in, with each chapter leaving you eager to read the next.
The characters are compelling and well developed, the storyline is engaging, and the writing is confident and fluid throughout, very impressive for a debut novel. The pacing is strong and it flows well.
For fans of fantasy, this an easy recommendation. A highly enjoyable read and a promising start for a new author, one I’ll certainly be following. I am looking forward to part 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Secrets of the Obsidian by J D Burns had me HOOKED.
The last 250 pages were so fast paced I literally read them in one sitting because I just couldn’t stop turning the page 😭
I loved all the characters, the tension, and all the twists throughout the story. Every chapter made me want to know more and the ending has me desperate for book 2 already ✨🖤
Definitely recommend if you love addictive fantasy with characters you get way too attached
Secrets of the Obsidian by J D Burns had me HOOKED.
The last 250 pages were so fast paced I literally read them in one sitting because I just couldn’t stop turning the page 😭
I loved all the characters, the tension, and all the twists throughout the story. Every chapter made me want to know more and the ending has me desperate for book 2 already ✨🖤
Definitely recommend if you love addictive fantasy with characters you get way too attached
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
Rating 4.25 ⭐️
This book had me hooked from the start.. obviously being a first book in the series there is world building but the world building is actually very easy to follow even with how complex it actually is.
Let me tell you I couldn’t put the book down during part 1 however PART 2 I raced through that in one sitting!! The way that found family is portrayed in this just melted my heart.
THE ENDING, OMG I can’t wait for book 2!! I need book 2 immediately!!
Rating 4.25 ⭐️
This book had me hooked from the start.. obviously being a first book in the series there is world building but the world building is actually very easy to follow even with how complex it actually is.
Let me tell you I couldn’t put the book down during part 1 however PART 2 I raced through that in one sitting!! The way that found family is portrayed in this just melted my heart.
THE ENDING, OMG I can’t wait for book 2!! I need book 2 immediately!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, what a book!
I’m not usually one for this genre but it had me hooked from Chapter 1! Which is a testament to how vividly JD brings this world to life and how easily invested you can get into these characters. Be ready to feel some feelings!
Brilliant story, beautifully written! Can’t wait to see where this goes!!!
I’m not usually one for this genre but it had me hooked from Chapter 1! Which is a testament to how vividly JD brings this world to life and how easily invested you can get into these characters. Be ready to feel some feelings!
Brilliant story, beautifully written! Can’t wait to see where this goes!!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews