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Obsidian #2
Obsidian Moons
Sequel to Obsidian Sun
Obsidian Book Two
After achieving the impossible and releasing their people from the Varas slavers, Anan and Terja, a spellweaver and spellspinner, start the arduous journey back to their homeland. A winter trek across the grasslands is dangerous enough, but the traitor, Xain, is tasked with recapturing the slaves, and failure will mean his death. As added insurance, the Varas High Regent hires a Triad of legendary Ubica assassins and assigns a full regiment of his personal guards, along with their captain, to the task. Their mission is recapture the escaped Talac slaves destined for the Varas pleasure houses—and the bed of the High Regent—at any cost.
The newly freed Talac travel toward their homelands with the full knowledge they are likely being pursued. The flight westward is fraught with new and unexpected dangers as Anan and Terja struggle to save their tribe. The battle for shelter, food, and a way to defend themselves becomes an all-consuming task, but they are reminded by the avatars of their gods that all is not as it appears.
Obsidian Book Two
After achieving the impossible and releasing their people from the Varas slavers, Anan and Terja, a spellweaver and spellspinner, start the arduous journey back to their homeland. A winter trek across the grasslands is dangerous enough, but the traitor, Xain, is tasked with recapturing the slaves, and failure will mean his death. As added insurance, the Varas High Regent hires a Triad of legendary Ubica assassins and assigns a full regiment of his personal guards, along with their captain, to the task. Their mission is recapture the escaped Talac slaves destined for the Varas pleasure houses—and the bed of the High Regent—at any cost.
The newly freed Talac travel toward their homelands with the full knowledge they are likely being pursued. The flight westward is fraught with new and unexpected dangers as Anan and Terja struggle to save their tribe. The battle for shelter, food, and a way to defend themselves becomes an all-consuming task, but they are reminded by the avatars of their gods that all is not as it appears.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 13, 2016
The fantasy world of the ‘Obsidian’ series just keeps growing more fantastic in this second story. ‘Obsidian Sun’ introduced me to the Talac clan of the Kuri with their spellspinners and spellweavers, the Varas slavers who almost killed all of them, and a few very creative ways to look at magic. In this sequel, and please read the first book before this one or you’ll miss a lot of the background for this to make sense, the stakes grow even higher.
There are the Kuri, many of them wounded and all of them exhausted, who have to reach their winter camp before freezing temperatures finish what the Varas started. They are led by Terja, a spellspinner, and Anan, a spellweaver, who are twined despite tradition not favoring such a pairing. Then there are the Varas who have not given up and decide to send an entire army after the Kuri. They have got a triad of Ubica assassins with them – a fascinating new culture that is as focused on working with iron as the Kuri are on threads and weaving. And, unfortunately, the Talac traitor, Xain, who made everyone’s life impossible before, managed to survive and is part of the Varas/Ubica force of revenge. This multilayered and complex background made all the personal struggles for survival even more interesting!
Terja and Anan have settled into their twining – and I love the fact that Jon Keys has created a whole language around the way their culture looks at life. They are as determined as ever to get their people to safety, but it isn’t easy. They are two stubborn men who have their struggles as a couple, but considering the dangers they face, that connection only grows stronger. I loved the creative ways they come up with solutions to their ever-increasing problems.
Many of the secondary characters from book one are back and get storylines of their own. And then there are new characters as well – such as the three men in the Ubica Triad. Even though they are Terja and Anan’s enemies, they have a whole fascinating code of honor of their own, and that made their actions not just dangerous, but also understandable and exciting. They are formidable enemies and a lot scarier than the Varas.
If you like magic and fantasy and strange new worlds with slowly unfolding mysteries, if you want to find out how Terja and Anan are doing, and if you’re looking for a suspenseful action/adventure full of drama, an epic struggle for survival and more than one brutal battle between sworn enemies, then you will probably like this novel. This second book ends on another cliff-hanger – and I can’t wait to find out what the next stage in Terja and Anan’s story looks like.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
There are the Kuri, many of them wounded and all of them exhausted, who have to reach their winter camp before freezing temperatures finish what the Varas started. They are led by Terja, a spellspinner, and Anan, a spellweaver, who are twined despite tradition not favoring such a pairing. Then there are the Varas who have not given up and decide to send an entire army after the Kuri. They have got a triad of Ubica assassins with them – a fascinating new culture that is as focused on working with iron as the Kuri are on threads and weaving. And, unfortunately, the Talac traitor, Xain, who made everyone’s life impossible before, managed to survive and is part of the Varas/Ubica force of revenge. This multilayered and complex background made all the personal struggles for survival even more interesting!
Terja and Anan have settled into their twining – and I love the fact that Jon Keys has created a whole language around the way their culture looks at life. They are as determined as ever to get their people to safety, but it isn’t easy. They are two stubborn men who have their struggles as a couple, but considering the dangers they face, that connection only grows stronger. I loved the creative ways they come up with solutions to their ever-increasing problems.
Many of the secondary characters from book one are back and get storylines of their own. And then there are new characters as well – such as the three men in the Ubica Triad. Even though they are Terja and Anan’s enemies, they have a whole fascinating code of honor of their own, and that made their actions not just dangerous, but also understandable and exciting. They are formidable enemies and a lot scarier than the Varas.
If you like magic and fantasy and strange new worlds with slowly unfolding mysteries, if you want to find out how Terja and Anan are doing, and if you’re looking for a suspenseful action/adventure full of drama, an epic struggle for survival and more than one brutal battle between sworn enemies, then you will probably like this novel. This second book ends on another cliff-hanger – and I can’t wait to find out what the next stage in Terja and Anan’s story looks like.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 12, 2016
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words review
Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-8d4
from that review: "The sequel to the amazing fantasy epic Obsidian Sun (Obsidian #1), Obsidian Moons, enlarges on the peoples, cultures and religions of the world that Jon Keys started in his first story. In Obsidian Sun, we met Anan, a spellweaver and Terja a spellspinner of the Talac people and followed them on a tale of blood revenge and rescue while learning about their culture, their religion, their part of the world and yes, their enemy, the Varas, a frightening people.
Keys forgot nothing in building up his universe from the grasses and insects to the climates. It was an jaw-dropping bit of artistry and the story laid on top of it was just as incredible. Even more amazing for being his first published novel.
Now comes Obsidian Moons. How does it stand up?
Very well...."
For all our reviews, author interviews, and all things books, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-8d4
from that review: "The sequel to the amazing fantasy epic Obsidian Sun (Obsidian #1), Obsidian Moons, enlarges on the peoples, cultures and religions of the world that Jon Keys started in his first story. In Obsidian Sun, we met Anan, a spellweaver and Terja a spellspinner of the Talac people and followed them on a tale of blood revenge and rescue while learning about their culture, their religion, their part of the world and yes, their enemy, the Varas, a frightening people.
Keys forgot nothing in building up his universe from the grasses and insects to the climates. It was an jaw-dropping bit of artistry and the story laid on top of it was just as incredible. Even more amazing for being his first published novel.
Now comes Obsidian Moons. How does it stand up?
Very well...."
For all our reviews, author interviews, and all things books, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
September 15, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews with a copy provided by the publisher / author for an honest review. Rated 3.5 out of 5.0 Love Bytes.)
I was happy to see this sequel to Obsidian Sun which I read and reviewed just over a year ago. As expected, the story begins pretty much directly after the end of the previous book, and recounts the continuing story of the Kuri tribe of the Talac people. I was a little nervous when I started the book because it has been a year since I read the first one, and literally I’ve read over 300 books since then. Would I be able to pick up the story, or would I have to go back and re-read book one to do it? Not that that would have been a bad thing, but I was running behind on time, so jumped straight in. I had no problems picking the story back up and quite rapidly worked my way through the book.
At the end of book one (spoiler alert for that book), the captive slaves had been rescued by Anan and Terja. But that was the only the beginning. Now they must escape the Varas soldiers and Ubica assassin triad who are chasing them across the Talac lands. The only hope for Anan, Terja and the rest of the escaped slaves is to get to the winter encampment of the Kuri.
Along the way, they will face great hardships, and suffer more losses from their small remaining tribe. Will they escape? Will the traitor Xain get his in this book?
I liked the story. The world building was not quite as extensive as the previous book, so I was able to follow along quite easily. The book was well written, and I’d consider it above average. I liked the characters and the storyline. Now let’s talk about my minor issues with the book. The book reads kind of as the “middle” chapters of a longer book. The beginning makes sense if you’ve read book one, but you need that background…and then the book ends with the story unfinished. They have reached some resolution and have solved some problems…but the story isn’t over. This book is not a standalone in my opinion. You have to read the first book or you would have no idea who these people are, why they are running, who this evil Xain guy is…etc. So now I will have to wait for the rest of the story. I’m hoping it won’t be another full year before we find out what happens next!
In conclusion, this series would be a fit for anyone who enjoys a complex world fantasy. Start with book one first. I think if I had read this one with book one and had a book three to go directly to, it might have been rated a little higher. But, as it stands, I’m going to have to call it as “I Liked It / Above Average” or 3.5 on our rating scale.
I was happy to see this sequel to Obsidian Sun which I read and reviewed just over a year ago. As expected, the story begins pretty much directly after the end of the previous book, and recounts the continuing story of the Kuri tribe of the Talac people. I was a little nervous when I started the book because it has been a year since I read the first one, and literally I’ve read over 300 books since then. Would I be able to pick up the story, or would I have to go back and re-read book one to do it? Not that that would have been a bad thing, but I was running behind on time, so jumped straight in. I had no problems picking the story back up and quite rapidly worked my way through the book.
At the end of book one (spoiler alert for that book), the captive slaves had been rescued by Anan and Terja. But that was the only the beginning. Now they must escape the Varas soldiers and Ubica assassin triad who are chasing them across the Talac lands. The only hope for Anan, Terja and the rest of the escaped slaves is to get to the winter encampment of the Kuri.
Along the way, they will face great hardships, and suffer more losses from their small remaining tribe. Will they escape? Will the traitor Xain get his in this book?
I liked the story. The world building was not quite as extensive as the previous book, so I was able to follow along quite easily. The book was well written, and I’d consider it above average. I liked the characters and the storyline. Now let’s talk about my minor issues with the book. The book reads kind of as the “middle” chapters of a longer book. The beginning makes sense if you’ve read book one, but you need that background…and then the book ends with the story unfinished. They have reached some resolution and have solved some problems…but the story isn’t over. This book is not a standalone in my opinion. You have to read the first book or you would have no idea who these people are, why they are running, who this evil Xain guy is…etc. So now I will have to wait for the rest of the story. I’m hoping it won’t be another full year before we find out what happens next!
In conclusion, this series would be a fit for anyone who enjoys a complex world fantasy. Start with book one first. I think if I had read this one with book one and had a book three to go directly to, it might have been rated a little higher. But, as it stands, I’m going to have to call it as “I Liked It / Above Average” or 3.5 on our rating scale.
September 5, 2016
What would you do for your freedom??
In book two of the Obsidian series that question is put to the test. Anan and Terja fought to free the Kuri and have succeeded thus far but the fight has just begun. In order to keep their freedom and their lives they have to fight together against many enemies.
This book in my opinion is a book about freedom from being a slave is a motivator to fight with whatever one has to fight with even if it means giving your life for that freedom. The Kuri stands together and no matter the danger that awaits them the press forward towards their home land and they constantly learn more about themselves and those around them along the journey. This is a book that takes enemies and makes them your Allie by finding it within yourself to help the one who caused you harm. It is a book about love being more powerful then danger. It is a book about turning your nightmares into just that, a nightmare and not a reality. It is a book about fighting for your freedom even if it costs you your life in the fight. Last but not least it is a book about realizing that your family is not only the blood related kind you thought you lost but also those that stand by you and support you through thick and thin.
This book is filled with adventure, mystery, danger, and love. It was such an exciting read. At each corner something new seemed to jump out and was almost usually more dangerous then the last. I never knew what to expect and that is one of the things that made this book so good. I loved that no matter how much the bad people seemed to think they was Keats one step ahead, good always seemed to prevail in the end. I look forward to the next book in this series because I can't imagine that it will not be as exciting and action packed as this one is.
Was given this galley copy for free for an honest review.
In book two of the Obsidian series that question is put to the test. Anan and Terja fought to free the Kuri and have succeeded thus far but the fight has just begun. In order to keep their freedom and their lives they have to fight together against many enemies.
This book in my opinion is a book about freedom from being a slave is a motivator to fight with whatever one has to fight with even if it means giving your life for that freedom. The Kuri stands together and no matter the danger that awaits them the press forward towards their home land and they constantly learn more about themselves and those around them along the journey. This is a book that takes enemies and makes them your Allie by finding it within yourself to help the one who caused you harm. It is a book about love being more powerful then danger. It is a book about turning your nightmares into just that, a nightmare and not a reality. It is a book about fighting for your freedom even if it costs you your life in the fight. Last but not least it is a book about realizing that your family is not only the blood related kind you thought you lost but also those that stand by you and support you through thick and thin.
This book is filled with adventure, mystery, danger, and love. It was such an exciting read. At each corner something new seemed to jump out and was almost usually more dangerous then the last. I never knew what to expect and that is one of the things that made this book so good. I loved that no matter how much the bad people seemed to think they was Keats one step ahead, good always seemed to prevail in the end. I look forward to the next book in this series because I can't imagine that it will not be as exciting and action packed as this one is.
Was given this galley copy for free for an honest review.
September 16, 2016
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
Obsidian Moons continues shortly after Obsidian Sun ends with the tale of the Talacs trying to find their way to the winter grounds. It focuses on Anan and Terja, but we see the points of view from many characters.
I still liked the world building in this book. There is an extensive glossary but After reading the first book, I found I didn’t really need it for this one. The world is vibrant and unique. The Varas are still evil and we are introduced to some of the mysterious Ubica.
There are two love scenes, one with Anan and Terja, the other with the Ubica triad. I know not all people like ménage, but if this is the case, you can easily skip the scene and still enjoy the book. Personally I like ménage and enjoyed the coming together of the three. They play a big role in the book.
The one thing that I found extremely distracting was the constant head hopping, sometimes within the same paragraph. It made it difficult to read at times, and disrupted the flow of the book. However, there were lots of action, peril, magic, and camaraderie to keep my attention.
I am definitely looking forward to the next leg in the Talac’s journey.
Obsidian Moons continues shortly after Obsidian Sun ends with the tale of the Talacs trying to find their way to the winter grounds. It focuses on Anan and Terja, but we see the points of view from many characters.
I still liked the world building in this book. There is an extensive glossary but After reading the first book, I found I didn’t really need it for this one. The world is vibrant and unique. The Varas are still evil and we are introduced to some of the mysterious Ubica.
There are two love scenes, one with Anan and Terja, the other with the Ubica triad. I know not all people like ménage, but if this is the case, you can easily skip the scene and still enjoy the book. Personally I like ménage and enjoyed the coming together of the three. They play a big role in the book.
The one thing that I found extremely distracting was the constant head hopping, sometimes within the same paragraph. It made it difficult to read at times, and disrupted the flow of the book. However, there were lots of action, peril, magic, and camaraderie to keep my attention.
I am definitely looking forward to the next leg in the Talac’s journey.
November 2, 2016
I loved seeing Anan and Terja again. This story was better than the 1st. We got another mating bond between 2 of the rescuees and we even got a Triad of lovers that started off as villains that then became allies, I am hoping to see more of this triad maybe in a spin off series. Xain was still a thorn on everyone's side but he finally got what he deserved in this book. There was a special encounter for Terja near the end of this book, that brought a smile to my face. I greatly await the final book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews