Opaque

Scion Saga #1

by Calix Leigh-Reign

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐AMAZON #1 BESTSELLER⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The SCION SAGA SERIES is an exhilarating young adult series of adversity, bravery, and determination that chronicles the lives of 16-year-olds Adam and Carly, who embark on a familial adventure, discovering their supernatural abilities are accompanied by the most dire of consequences. These teens are Descendants of extinct Russian bloodlines, easily identifiable by their glowing Limbal Rings. They're under constant threat of extermination at the hands of The Iksha -- an elite,but murderous group of scientists. The series includes a veritable myriad of familial situations that create stronger bonds between the bloodlines as they band together to fight for their existence.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Author Calix Leigh-Reign weaves an intense tale in this compelling young adult fantasy. With its intriguing twists and turns it will easily captivate the reader's attention from the beginning to the story's dramatic conclusion." -- Emerald Book Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Bold character development and strong mythology breathe life into this compelling young adult fantasy." -- Foreword Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Cālix Leigh-Reign's writing style is what I loved most about this book. I lost count of how many times I stopped reading and sat in awe..." -- Carpe Fiction

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Calix does an excellent job with the plot and the twists at the end. The world she draws you into is unique..." -- Christinac_2585 of OnlineBookClub

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I loved this book. From the moment I started reading I was pulled in and held tight." -- OnlineBookClub

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A...rousing, supernatural tale combined with a gleefully eccentric teenage romance." -- Kirkus Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The story is well visualized and readers will be delighted to find that the plot is not predictable." -- Serious Reading

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"No casual coming-of-age story. Opaque is laden with angst,psychological power, and is a tale of dysfunction in a world where supernatural abilities can thwart mental illness, where a mysterious Afro-Russian girl who holds the power to divert Adam from the apocalypse he's preparing for the future." -- Donovan Literary Services

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The moment I read the first sentence of the book's prologue, I knew I would love this book. I wasn't wrong." -- CarpeFiction

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A tense page-turner that does more than present a teen's world. It pulls the reader in to an evolutionary process that is far more than one of transition points, but embraces moral and ethical conundrums.." -- Midwest Book Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I enjoyed...the use of such picturesque language. I felt as though I could picture so many scenes because of how well Leigh-Reign describes everything - Adam's creepy den, characters' Limbal Rings, and the battle scenes were all so vivid for me. Furthermore, I learned new vocabulary because of the language used and I can always appreciate gaining knowledge from literature.." -- Mama_ash of OnlineBookClub

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Filled with intrigue and the supernatural, Opaque by Cālix Leigh-Reign is an action-packed, science fiction novel about two extraordinary teenagers struggling to find peace in the lives they lead. Throughout the book, readers will encounter themes of introspection, love, forgiveness, family, and overcoming darkness." -- Haleydiaz2 of OnlineBookClub

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Amazon

241 pages, Paperback

First published August 6, 2016

About the author

Cālix is the published author of the Young Adult Sci-Fi/Fantasy series, the Scion Saga [Opaque, Split Adam, Specular]. She's a certified paralegal and a member of SFWA and RWA.

Visit her site at www.Calix.co
Facebook.com/CalixLeighReign
Twitter: @CalixLeighReign
Instagram: @CalixLeighReign

OFFICIAL SCION SAGA FAN CLUB: www.ScionSaga.com
Facebook.com/ScionSaga
Twitter: @ScionSaga
Instagram: @ScionSaga

Reviews

[Antonella · Rating 2 out of 5]

* not a YA
* lead male character is sexually attracted to his mother which is resolved by him switching that obsession to another, when he meets a girl his age he falls in love
* by the time the plot came to sci-fi / paranormal part of the book I already disliked it so much that that part couldn't save my opinion on the book

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m going to be completely honest – I was unsure about this one at first. The synopsis grabbed me, but when I started reading the book, I feared I was not going to enjoy it. To put it simply, I wasn’t pulled in. I wasn’t enjoying the characters, the story wasn’t moving at the rate I had been expected, and I just wanted more.

Then that ‘more’ hit me – and damn did it hit hard.

I cannot give you an exact page number, an exact sentence, when the change happened – but once the change happened, I could not put the story down. It went from a possible three star rating to a solid four star rating in the blink of the eye, from a story that felt like it would take forever to finish to a single sitting read. In other words, what I’m saying is that you need to give this one a chance. It may not grab you straight away, but I assure you, the story is wonderful once it gets moving.

There’s a lot to take in with this one, the story being extremely rich. We have complex characters – they’re multidimensional, we watch them develop, and they’re more than simply ‘good’ or ‘bad’. We have wonderful world building – a variety of powers, a rich history, and a story that merges in multiple ways. We have a storyline that holds you attention – the individual character storylines, the overall story arc, and the way everything comes together to leave you experiencing a wide mix of emotions throughout.

I honestly cannot begin to express how much my view of this story changed as I continued to read. My love for each new element grew stronger and stronger, leaving me thoroughly addicted to the story. I cannot wait to see where the series heads from here – there are so many possibilities, so many things I wish to find out more about, and I’m positive I will love the future books even more than I came to love this one.

Without a doubt, this one is well worth the read.

[natrosette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Adam despises everything in his life: his school, his peers, his father. There’s only one good thing in his life that brings him joy, and that’s his mom. In fact, he loves his mom too much — so much that it’s the reason he hates his dad. There’s only one time he’s been interested in any girl aside from his mom, and that ended horribly. But then a new girl, Carly, arrives at his school. He’s instantly infatuated with her, and he hates himself for it.

Carly’s life has not been normal. As a Descendent of one of the genetically mutated Russian families, she developed special abilities when she turned 15. Unfortunately, there’s an organization that seeks to eradicate all of the Descendants, and because of them, she has to leave her life and family in chilly Minnesota and move in with her aunt in the scorching little town of Piure, California. Still, she manages to enjoy her new surroundings and begin making friends. There’s just one hiccup. This boy, Adam, seems to hate her but also won’t leave her alone.

Opaque by Cālix Leigh-Reign is the story of a troubled young guy who meets and falls in love with an amazing young girl who helps him to realize he has superpowers. Together they work to keep their families safe from an organization that has been torturing and killing their ancestors for generations. Though a young adult book, this story explores taboo themes including rape and incestuous attraction. The author states in a forward to the book that she hopes it will help readers to realize “that there’s hope for all seemingly troubled young adults.” I believe this is a commendable aspiration, but one that she misses in potentially dangerous ways for impressionable readers.

My biggest issue with Opaque is the way it portrays the relationship between Adam and Carly. Carly is a delightful girl whereas Adam is pretty much the opposite of delightful when we first meet him. Adam is not a good person, but Carly saves him from his darkness. By the end of the book, he is redeemed. This is a problem for a couple of reasons. First, Carly and Adam are brought together by forces greater than themselves, meaning she has little choice in whether or not she wants to be responsible for his redemption. Second, Adam is only able to overcome his “troubled” thoughts and behaviors through supernatural (though apparently scientifically explainable) means and the love of a girl. In essence, this narrative leaves little room for the portrayal of a healthy relationship, and that’s a problem because (1) the book does not acknowledge that the relationship is unhealthy, (2) the book is marketed to young adults who probably won’t realize the relationship has an unhealthy foundation, and (3) this unhealthy dynamic bothered me enough to make the book much less enjoyable than it would have been otherwise.

There were a few other things I disliked about Opaque. The book seemed to abruptly change tones partway through, and the “final boss” battle seemed very anticlimactic. People’s abilities were not well-defined so it seemed as though they could always do something of a previously unprecedented scale if only they tried hard enough. Though I generally appreciate books written from a first-person point of view, this one often left me confused as to whose point of view I was in.

However, Opaque isn’t all bad. My favorite part of the book was the relationship between Carly and her mother Dauma who were both fantastic strong female characters. Also, the various abilities that different Descendants displayed were inventive and fun to see in combat. There were several plot elements that I enjoyed and enough surprise twists to keep things interesting.

Due to the issues I pointed out above, I give Opaque a rating of 2 out of 5. I believe the book could have been much better and more appropriate for its audience without the inclusion of some of the darker, taboo themes and if it depicted healthy teen relationships. At the same time, I believe it deserves at least a 2 because it was entertaining overall and included some good plot points. The book could have been better edited as I noticed a few grammatical errors and questionably placed commas. It does contain profanity, though not in excess, and a couple of erotic scenes that were not very explicit. I cannot recommend this book for young adults because of the messages it conveys. However, I would recommend a mature reader who is interested in the premise of the book to give it a chance.

I received a free copy of this book and a small compensation through OnlineBookClub in return for an honest review.

[Jeana Budnick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I could say that I liked this book. The synopsis made it sound really good, but it didn't live up to my expectations. I found the writing style and point of very extremely irritating. I felt disconnected from the story and characters. I think the author had a real opportunity to explore mental health issues with Adam, but failed miserably as those issues were sort of just brushed aside.
Honestly, I could go on about the things I didn't like about this book but I see no need really. There are obviously many people who love this book, I'm just not one of them.

[jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

maybe 1.5 stars

rtc

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange from my honest review as part of a book tour hosted by LoveBooksTours on Instagram. With thanks to them, Cayelle Publishing and the author. This fact has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.

Before anyone enters into this book, it must be noted this book covers several taboo topics such as an oedipus complex. This may be triggering for some and should be noted.

Adam is over society, people are meerly animals and he seeks to be a wolf amongst sheep instead of one of the flock. Fitting in as much as he can, but staying on the periphery suits him well. He ignores his "friends", he yearns for precious time with his mother, and he hates his dad. Sounds like a fairly normal teenager except for the whole mother obsession thing, but that gets explained later in the book. That is until he meets Carly and his whole world begins to shift. No longer does he feel disinterested and unsatisfied with the world, but Carly begins to teach him more about himself than he could have ever imagined, even teaching him the truth about the weird powers he possesses, genetically inherited through his Russian bloodstream.

I found the promise of this book to be just that, promising. It held a lot of potential from description alone and I knew this story would interest me. That being said, I'm not without my reservations in places. Adam was a largely dislikable main character, he was selfish, often not seeing beyond his own eyes, and he was extremely dramatic at times for seemingly little reason. He treats people wrong at several points throughout this book and despite the fact by the end he's largely rectified his behaviour, it still takes over half the book to make him a likable character. I liked that parents were a very vital role throughout this book as the older I get, the more I often find myself wondering, "where is that kids parent?" But I disliked Duama (Carly's mother) for the same reasons I disliked Adam, she was dramatic, burning from 0-100 at the flick of a switch.

These character flaws being noted however, does not distract from the potential of this world. I think this would be good for any fans of YA Fantasy, ensuring they are on the older end of the scale as the topics outside of the previously mentioned oedipus complex also include cheating within relationships, intentions to murder and mental health issues. This book doesn't sugar coat difficult topics, and I can understand why this book has done well on Amazon and on here in terms of reviews and so on. It is a fun book to read set in a Fantasy world with promise, and it is a series I could see myself continuing. Hopefully we get to meet Dylan in book Two.

[Roina Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment I read the first sentence of the book's prologue, I knew I would love this book. I wasn't wrong.

The story is about how 16-year old Adam Caspian, discovers how he is not an ordinary teenager. Now, it is not everyday that I come face to face with a YA Scifi, with a very unique plot and well thought out elements. Where else have you heard the terms: biokenreyis, pyrokenreyis, or aerokinreyis? As far as I'm concerned, only in Opaque.

Other Ya Scifi novels talk about amazing super powers and such, but show very little explanation about the characters' supernatural abilities and its origin, but not Opaque. The author explains everything about the characters' mutations and such very clearly and very easy to understand.

Adam's character development was done exceedingly well. Before he met Carly wit and unraveled the secrets of his past, Adam always had hateful thoughts and actions towards everybody who isn't his mother.When Carly Wit, stepped into his life, his attraction to her seemed weird and forced at first but as his situation was gradually explained, everything made sense.

I loved how our main character is a male, contrary to other YA Scifi novels who have female protagonists who are constantly in the shadows about their unnatural abilities. It's nice to read about how a female character is the one explaining to the male protagonist about his situation.

Another notable detail about this novel is how the author can easily switch between Adam and Carly's point of view with ease. This just goes to show how the characters are very well done and each have a concrete personality.

Cālix Leigh-Reign's writing style is what I loved most about this book. I lost count of how many times I stopped reading and sat in awe of the contents of the book. As I've said earlier, the author explains everything so clearly, and that's not only pertaining to the characters' supernatural abilities but as well as their emotions and actions. But I fear the amount of curse/vulgar words might not be taken well by other readers, causing them to miss out on the book's good points.

Overall, the book was without a doubt, amazing.With a very unique and well thought out plot and individually amazing characters, plus an awesome book cover, people will definitely love this book! I would surely love to read the sequel to Adam and Carly's adventures (which will come out next year! ).

The first book of the Scion Saga was written beautifully and I know the books following this book will follow the same track.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real page turner. Not having read many other books of this genre it reminded me as a mixture of Buffy meets the X-Men. I am sure that Calix will have great success with this novel and it has the potential to be turned into a series and be suitable for film adaptations. The more interesting question for me though is what is the reason for the growing appeal of such novels where the protagonist uses "supernatural" powers to solve problems rather than use "real-world" political or technical skills - now that would make an interesting book

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Calix Leigh-Reign weaves an intense tale in this compelling young adult fantasy. With its intriguing twists and turns it will easily captivate the reader's attention from the beginning to the story's dramatic conclusion. Albeit, a short lived one as this promises to be one of many.

Whatever flaws we might identify or frustrations we might feel are trivial in comparison to a reader's pure joy in losing himself/herself in a narrative. When all the elements come together: an intriguing plot, thoughtful, profound themes, complex, troubling, characters, and language that make us shudder for its honesty, clarity, and confidence; we gratefully set all analysis aside and give ourselves up to the sheer magic of a great book. And for me, Opaque: Scion Saga Book 1 is such a book.

The story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well illustrated scenes that will make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that's something I really look for in a good book.

The book description says it all, “Rumored to be joining the coveted MARVEL COMICS franchise, the Scion Saga is an exhilarating young adult series of adversity, bravery, and determination. The adventure primarily chronicles the lives of 16 year old Adam Caspian, Carly Wit, and their clan --all of whom are Descendants of seven ancient Russian Bloodlines. These bloodlines carry unique genetic markers that, when active, grant the host various supernatural abilities. Descendants can be easily identified by their glowing Limbal Rings. The Descendants are under constant threat of extermination at the hands of The Iksha -- an elite,but murderous society of scientists. The series includes a veritable myriad of familial situations that create stronger bonds between the Bloodlines as they band together to fight for their existence.”

Now, if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens next, you’ll just have to turn the pages yourself to find out!

This captivating and commendable work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flows from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. The writing style is such that I was drawn into the story from the very beginning and this doesn't happen for me very often.

It’s one of those stories that come along once in a while that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader! A highly recommended read.

I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Calix Leigh-Reign in the future as this promises to have all the makings of an excellent series. Five stars from me.

[Iris Marsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from onlinebookclub in exchange for an honest review.

Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign was a book with an interesting premise, but for me failed in the execution. The book is a Young Adult fantasy novel told from the perspective of Adam and Carly.

The story is about Adam, who struggles with some very dark desires, and how his life changes when Carly enters it. He's immediately attracted to her but doesn't understand why. Carly feels the same, strange pull when she's around Adam. She's a Descendant from an almost extinct Russian bloodline, with mutated genes that give her extraordinary abilities. Descendants are identifiable by their glowing Limbal Rings—something that Adam can also do. This doesn't seem possible since Adam is not part of the Russian line. Carly has her suspicions and dives into Adam's history to find out the truth.

From the start of the story, I wasn't pulled in. The story builds very slowly, which is fine, except that I didn't feel all the scenes truly added tension. While the book contains some interesting scenes and good action, the final climax felt rushed, especially considering how long it took to build up to this point. The whole 'final battle' was over in one short chapter.

We begin the story from Adam's point of view, and I'm not sure this was the best choice. He's not a likable character, as he feels better than everyone else and calls all other people 'animals'. Not to mention the darkness that's inside him, where some things I found quite uncomfortable to read. A character like Adam can work in a book—I've read and enjoyed other books with sociopathic-like main characters—but only if it's set up well. This wasn't the case in Opaque.

While Adam goes through the most change of all, what bugged me about it was how all his dark and disturbing behavior was brushed off. Everything he did was justified; even things that should be unforgivable, or at least a lot more difficult to get over than Carly did. Her quick acceptance of it all seemed out of character for her.

It might have been different if the story started from Carly's perspective, as I did enjoy her chapters more. She was kind, tough, and brave—a far more typical YA character. She didn't have much of a character arc, though.

I do think the author did well in terms of world-building. The supernatural abilities are explained from a more scientific origin that makes the powers believable. Other than that, there's a good deal of detail about the different powers, how they are used, and more.

Calix's style of writing, however, is not for me. It felt overly complicated—as if the author tried too hard to make it sound literary. In any case, it is not a YA book in terms of writing, and possibly also not in terms of content. Especially the dialogue felt clunky, and I doubt that actual teenagers talk the way Adam and Carly do. In terms of errors, I must say I couldn't find any, and it seemed like the book was well-edited.

So, all in all, it had an interesting premise and the supernatural elements were original and developed well, but the writing style and the characters didn't work for me. However, while this may be true for me, it doesn't mean others can't enjoy this type of book. So if you are looking for a slightly darker YA-type book (though it's probably more New Adult), this might still be a book you'd enjoy.

[Mariana Correia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Opaque is about a 16 year-old-boy called Adam who is different from the other teenagers around him although he doesn’t really know what or why. This not knowing situation goes on until he meets this new student Carly who helps him find out who he really is, where he comes from and why he has such a different vision from the world. He finds out he is a Descendent from the one Russian bloodline that was thought to be extinct which makes him the only one left. They can be identified by the colours that eradiate from their Limbal Rings, which is different depending on their abilities. These Descendants have been chased and executed by a group of scientists called Iksha for decades and that’s why they have to hide.
The story follows Adam and Carly dealing with the responsibilities of having special powers and what has to be done so they won’t go completely extinct.


To be completely honest I don’t think I enjoyed the book that much until I reached over half of it. I thought it was all very confusing until then and I wasn’t even sure if there would be any actual Paranormal events, it just wasn’t clear enough to me. So I guess what I disliked the most about this book was how confusing and how weird the main character’s connection with certain characters is even though that will be explained further in the book.I also didn’t like Adam’s personality for most of the story so I couldn’t relate or feel for him in most of the things that happened to his character. Adding to this, there is a certain event in the beginning of the book that includes a girl named Terry that I thought it was a bit unnecessary since not that much came out of it and I just thought it was an odd situation and honestly didn’t add that much to the storyline.


Now a bit over halfway of the book that’s when I started enjoying it. I can’t tell exactly in which chapter that happened but once Adam finds out the truth about himself everything gets easier to understand and he himself changes to a more enjoyable character. The reader is shown this Descendent world and everything is explained, new abilities are introduced and we meet new characters. What I liked the most about this book was probably how Carly could always find a way to handle the situations and the gradual change she brought into Adam’s life and personality.

I give it a 3 out of 5 stars because it didn't manage to get me into the storyline for most of the book.

[Siobhain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is going to be hard to review without spoilers but I will try my best. I will also state from the start that this does cover a couple of taboos, particularly the Oedipus complex but as someone who enjoys ancient Greek history and legend it wasn’t too jarring or triggering but could be for some.


The book follows Adam, who is seemingly done with society. I am going to be totally honest and say Adam was not likable to me, he was a bit too edgy and anti-social. Styling himself as a sociopath. Now please do not confuse this with me saying I didn’t like the writing because honestly, for me, the fact I didn’t like Adam was a testament to Reign’s writing. Thankfully when Adam meets Carly his views do begin to change ever so slightly making him a little more likable but I still struggled. Adam remained rather self-centred and self-serving, not overly bothered about those around him however, Reign does a brilliant job at making Adam go through a journey and learn about himself and his relationship to those around him on the way. It may sound cliched but we get there slowly and do see the process unfold so I rather liked it myself.


The world building are honestly what made me want to keep reading at the start, a little bit of hope that Adam might get what he deserved. I really liked the world and setting, the ‘magic’ and fantasy elements. It was explained and expanded without large information dumps and we learned alongside the main characters which was nice.


Tone and writing were also good. I think that this being more of a young adult novel the dialogue did lend itself to a younger reader (around 15 plus I would say). Sometimes it did seem a little bit stilted but it did suit the age range of the characters. I did also appreciate how Reign made the characters unlikable or likeable rather well. Occasionally I did forget whose perspective we were reading from between Adam and Carly because there wasn’t a distinct difference in tone but it did become clear eventually and I think in part it fits overall with the idea of the world from the point of view of a sixteen year old etc.


All in all this was an enjoyable read, that I rated around 3.5stars but rounded up to 4 for the world building.

[Jaime K · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I didn’t get a free copy of the book, I’d have marked it as DNF after 20 pages due to how absolutely disgusting it is.

I received a free PDF of the book through OnlineBookClub for an honest review and small monetary compensation.

The YA novel Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign is a very disturbing book. After about twenty pages in, I looked at reviews to see if it got better. One reviewer wrote that it picks up about halfway through, but I opted to give Opaque until about 50 pages (~25%) before making up my mind to continue. While still awful, there are some good parts—and I don’t like to stop a book I am initially interested in and then receive a free copy of.

Adam lives in Piure, California. In the first chapter, he feels that God has set him apart, but there is nothing theist about the book. He’s mad at society for considering his thoughts to be undesirable, and he hates his father, Mark, for essentially the same reason: he loves his mother, Jo, and wants Mark dead so that Adam can be with Jo the way he wants. This obsession overflows to a cashier at a local store, and then to a girl named Carly when she moves from Minnesota to stay with her aunt during her senior year of high school. Why 16-year-olds are high school seniors is beyond my understanding.

Adam kidnaps and nearly rapes the first girl, but then almost cries because he feels bad about it. In one scene with Carly, he grabs her roughly and almost assaults her as well. The thoughts of Jo fade from Adam’s mind the more time he spends with Carly, and are later considered “okay” because they are magic-based (and she’s not his biological mother). Brushing it off as a cause of magic does not address the fact that Adam had initially done nothing to help himself against the attraction but instead fed it in awful ways. Most of the book leaves me nauseous and enraged at Adam’s behavior.

Adam and Carly have different powers, though Carly has known about hers since childhood. She happens to be an Afro-Russian and a Descendant of one of the seven Houses that have these powers. Adam, of course, is of a different bloodline. The two ‘fall in love,’ though I instead view it to be a glorification of a toxic relationship. Adam loves the fact that Carly can give him information he seeks, and that she doesn’t mind his possessive nature; Carly wants to “fix” Adam but ignores some very blatant issues of his--including his feelings about his mother--because her family has a sordid past as well.

Adam is a self-proclaimed sociopath, and I am of the mindset that he is also bipolar. If Leigh-Reign hasn’t intended for Adam to come off in this way, then there are some major inconsistencies with his characterization, as well as contradictory thoughts. He is overly obsessive and possessive about Jo, but finds it creepy when a classmate later follows him. He considers himself a freak for how others’ actions affect him, yet has considered or participated in those same actions. He gets angry at his parents for not telling him he is adopted and practically breaks up with Carly for a week because she hadn’t told him she was Russian, despite keeping some dirty secrets from them all. When the teens get back together though, Adam acts like he is in love, though still jealous that Carly has a life other than him.

Carly is also inconsistent. In one scene she’s mad at herself for thinking that Adam would hurt someone, even though she witnessed him strangling Mark a few chapters earlier. When she finds Adam’s den, she even becomes jealous of Jo.

It really bothers me that at one point, Adam states that it’s never okay to fail, but he fails in so many ways, like in how oblivious he is. For example, in one scene he wants to choke a classmate and then wonders a few seconds later why she was choking. The wind becomes a gale when he is enraged and his core vibrates whenever Carly is near. Later on, he reads something written from his mother and is clueless about it even though it’s incredibly obvious she is writing about his adoption day

I cannot count the number of times that Adam's and Carly’s cores vibrate when they are near each other, but that phrasing was overdone by ⅓ of the way in. I also can’t count how often Carly’s looks are noted more than others, whether regarding her height, amble bottom, or not wearing makeup (and she then judges others who do wear makeup). “She can’t imagine a girl so young and ripe with natural beauty finding it necessary…” (page 38). While this passage is about surgical enhancements or reductions, the fact is that no teenager thinks of others as being young and ripe with natural beauty. Adam is also over-sexualized by being described as having rock-hard biceps. Other deprecating facts about females are provided in the narrative, including describing Carly as “little ole” (page 48). Later, the two are making out on Carly’s bed and then “unmount” (page 93) afterwards, even though they aren’t having sex.

I like that Adam’s point-of-view is not the only one in the book. Getting Carly’s POV and even Jo’s were nice breaks from his sociopathic and wrathful mind. What I don’t like is that sometimes the POV changes from one sentence to the next. The first occurrence caused me to reread the passage a few times because it initially made me think Adam determined something about Carly despite only knowing her for a day or two.

At one part Carly curses and Adam gasps in shock. Yet he has muttered “F you” to his father and what teenager hasn’t heard another curse?

Basically, all the issues people have with the Twilight series(from stalking behavior, to random powers, to being okay with another guy flirting with the girlfriend, to imprinting)--minus the glittering vampires--are amplified in this book. And oh! How perfect! Instead of vampires and werewolves getting along, there may be a mating between the two “most powerful” of the 7 Houses!

The backstory of the seven Russian families is intriguing, as are the different ways the mutation/abilities manifest. I also like that some of the original Russian is maintained in the story in appropriate parts. This information doesn’t start until about halfway through the book; so as the aforementioned reviewer notes, the story picks up about this time, but only a bit. There are still an incredible amount of disturbing and inconsistent scenes in the latter half, such as a psychopath to match Adam’s sociopathy and Carly’s mom confiding a lot in Adam. Chapter 20 is in present tense, despite time passing by and a few different POVs. Jo has dinner with Carly, Adam, and their friend Kane...but Carly’s mom and aunt are not around. She doesn’t find this odd at all! Then the end includes almost a mind rape. Chapter 25 is absolutely ridiculous.

Although I have enjoyed books by Stephen King and Laurell K. Hamilton, I can’t recommend this to anyone because of how disturbingly dark and sexualized (though fortunately not graphic) this is, and not only for a YA book.

[Kenda Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

from start to finish, I was entertained. I laughed and I cried. I was surprised by the plot twists. my favorite part of the book is when Adam apologized to Jo. omg I cried. it brought so much Balance to the story. loved it!!!

[John]

Review available on Foreword Reviews.

[Cassidy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Opaque, written by Calix Leigh-Reign, is the first book in the Scion Saga and follows the story of teenagers Adam and Carly. Adam is a troubled teen who has a dark past that he struggles to confront. However, when the optimistic and enigmatic Carly moves into town, he is immediately drawn to her, despite his general disregard for human affection. As Adam and Carly grow closer, the secrets they uncover and the secrets they keep from each other threaten to destroy their budding relationship, their families, and the larger world around them. Battling an ancient threat and exploring their heritage, Adam and Carly face unimaginable challenges to their future.

While avoiding spoilers, I do think it is important to note a few of the themes in this young adult novel that could be disturbing, especially for younger readers. The book opens with an exploration of a significant incestuous subplot that is never fully resolved. Additionally, the second chapter is a graphic description of a young girl’s death after she has been kidnapped by the protagonist with the intention of raping her. This is also never satisfactorily resolved. While I acknowledge the author’s interest in exploring taboo topics, I did not find she does this in a healthy way that shows character growth or development. Instead, these topics are used as plot points to signify how bad Adam is at the beginning of the story in order for him to be “redeemed” through his love of Carly. Carly easily accepts and even covers up Adam’s actions. Rather than exploring the necessary mental effort and experiences necessary to work through his mental turmoil, Adam’s change from good to bad is marked by random epiphanies, usually after he has displayed some toxic behavior that is never truly addressed with anything more than an apology. By the end of the novel, he does have something akin to a healthy relationship with Carly, but the process to get there is not believable and, to me, invalidates important mental health journeys people spend years investing in in order to become better people.

On a more subtle note, there are also multiple questionable parts of this book that do not seem to be necessary for the plot. For instance, there is a random mention of foot fetishes that fails to contribute to any further part of the book. Additionally, the entire incest subplot feels generally unnecessary to me. I think there are much easier ways to establish the darkness of Adam’s mind in ways that would be relatable to actual teenagers reading this book. This book also had the opportunity to address and explore the dark sides and horrors of war. While these topics are topically explored, it feels tacked on and never done in any real depth. This sort of lack of depth also makes the characters generally unlikeable or uninteresting (particularly because betrayal is around every corner, marked by Leigh-Reign’s painfully obvious foreshadowing). Also, they make very unconvincing teenagers, except perhaps for Adam’s uncontrollable angst. For instance, most of the characters are seniors in high school, but only 16 years old.

Overall, this book did have a few redeeming factors. The main female character, Carly, is supposedly the most powerful. I do like the strength of Carly, although her relationship with Adam is confusing and relies on the concept of true love/soul mate connection. Additionally, the premise of the novel is an intriguing one. I wish there was more of an explanation of the magical system in place and the powers each character has, but I suspect that might be left to later books in the series. I found the end of the book moved much more quickly and was more interesting, focusing on the world and the larger issues Carly and Adam are facing, rather than Adam’s angst.

While I did find aspects of this book to enjoy, I am rating it 2 out of 5 stars. I found the exploration of heavy and disturbing topics was undercut by the disregard for their resolution. The characters were generally unlikeable, and I found the book relied too heavily on the idea of a redemptive arc without creating significant character growth. However, Leigh-Reign did take on many large and difficult topics to address in a young adult fantasy series, and I believe some might find solace in the idea of forgiveness for even the worst of crimes.

This book is marketed as a YA novel, featuring 16-year-old protagonists who are pushed to save a world when the adults refuse to help. However, many of the topics considered could be considered triggering and for mature audiences, including discussions of rape, incest, and graphic descriptions of physical torture. Thus, I would hesitantly say the novel would probably best be read by an older teenage reader.

I received a free copy of this book through OnlineBookClub in return for an honest review.

[Sunshine · Rating 2 out of 5]

“To be or not to be”- the widely known phrase presents itself again through Opaque’s male protagonist, Adam Caspian. Much like his famous literary predecessors, Holden Caufield and Edward Cullen, Adam is a brooding, lonely, and angsty young adult. Growing up in a small town in California, Adam seems to have the means to be happy- he’s intelligent, attractive, athletic, and lives a relatively stable homelife. Adam’s problem? To be or not to be…in love with his mother.

As far back as he can remember, Adam has always been different. He hates society and finds it agonizing feigning to its conformity. The only person to bring light into his life is his mother, JoAnn. Adam knows the feelings he has for JoAnn are inappropriate, but if the only good thing in his life is forbidden- how will he avoid the darkness? The darkness of his sociopathic tendencies. The darkness that urges him to kill his father, Mark. The darkness that confirms what he always knew- he’s a monster.

In enters Carly Wit, the second lead protagonist of our story. Carly is a beautiful, wise, and empathetic new student at Adam’s high school who quickly captures his attention. Soon, their mutual spark begins to change Adam’s life.

Carly, although infatuated with Adam, is not blind to his darkness and unnatural feelings. Regardless, their love is supernatural, and she won’t let his past get in the way of their future. Determined to help him, Carly introduces Adam to a new world of Descendants- mutants with supernatural powers deriving from secret Russian bloodlines. Together, the two protagonists work to uncover the mysteries of Adam’s birth and combat their historical enemies, the Iksha.

Calix Leigh-Reign’s Opaque is a captivating introduction to a world of supernatural beings and secret familial societies. Balanced between romance, mystery, and sci-fi fantasy- Calix Leigh-Reign still manages to incorporate multiple relatable YA topics such as mental health, finding individuality, and dealing with family conflict. Though a bit slow in the beginning, the action really picks up about halfway through and leaves standing for an exciting sequel.

That being said, although the world building shows great promise, the characters’ behaviors can be contradictory and unbelievable. This leaves sudden gaps in the plot. There are certain major events early in the story that are glazed over as unimportant later on without explanation. For a YA novel, the protagonists are involved in some sensitive topics that are not well addressed and seemingly irrelevant to the overall plot. There is no follow up to these events and the book fails to fully explain why they were necessary or why the characters don’t seem to care enough to actually speak about them. This lack of overall conversation causes the story to seem rushed by plot twists and narration instead of building the complexity/depth of the characters.

Additionally, the book often switches points of view and time skips without clear indications. The time in between the skips is summarized and can be confusing to follow.

Taking all of this into account, I give this story 2 out of 5 stars. The entertainment aspect and world building are present but there are definitely gaps and unresolved confusion that cannot be ignored.

Based on the prevalent themes of this story, I’d recommend it to fans of James Patterson’s Maximum Ride, Stephanie Myers’ Breaking Dawn, and of course, the X-Men series. Due to some of the taboo topics, I’d also recommend checking the TW to this series for older YA and adults as some events may be difficult to read.

[Emily Flint · Rating 3 out of 5]

Opaque by Calix Leigh Reign is about 16yr old Adam Caspian. Adam has always felt out of place, different, and like an old soul. Then, it happened, Carly Witt showed up at his school. Carly brought out feelings and desires he never knew he had, she made feel. Little did Adam know, but there was more to Carly than meets the eye, and so it would seem, Adam as well. Adam is thrown into a whole new world, one he was born into but was adopted out of. Will he survive this new world and all of its dangers? Will Carly stay by his side through it all?

On the outside, Adam is a normal run of the mill unsociable teenager, inside of Adam is where everything is different. He has always felt different and like he doesn't belong with these people. He feels as if he is just floating through life with little to no cares about anything in the world.  When Carly comes to school, he can feel something different happening in his body. He has feelings for her, as if his cloud of isolation and depression has lifted and his body yearns to know her. Carly feels the same towards Adam but is much more cautious. She has learned in her short life that caution will keep her alive. After a while, Carly lets Adam into her world. Carly is actually a part of a mutated race hiding from people that are hunting them. She realizes that Adam might be a part of her race too. Soon Adam is thrown into her world, his parents, his friends, and Carly are all in mortal danger.  The group of people after them are on the move and are finding and capturing more and more of their people. Adam and Carly have to find a way to stop this if only to save themselves.

There are certain parts of this book that i did not like at all. Some of Adam's decisions before he met Carly are unforgivable. Yet, when Carly finds out about them she just brushes them off without even an internal dialogue, this made the book seem cheap to me. There are certain characteristics that can't be overlooked. One example i can pull from the book is his cabin and what happened there. Carly is so worried about the lives of innocents but she overlooks this. It does not follow with her character. Even her mother, who obviously will do anything to protect her daughter, overlooks this without discussion. Adam's place in the safe haven is too easy, he just walks in and is a part of the council. The way the story starts seems good and then i just kept wondering where the story was going. It took way too long to get it going. There was a lot of useless information in the beginning.

Despite the way i feel about Adam's character, the way the author developed him was well done. He went from some moody teen to someone you could count on. In this case, Carly brought out the absolute best in him even though he still had to fight the darkness inside. That character struggle was great to read about. Carly's mother was one of my favorite characters. Her mother is fallible, she loves, she hates, she is human.  She isn't an untouchable character who is never wrong and outside the sphere reality.

I will give this a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. I did not truly enjoy this book, but i can see that it was written well and had a good plot.  This book would be good for young adult readers with a leaning towards science fiction. There is a little bit of romance, but i wouldn't really call it a science fiction/romance book.

[Joseph Njuguna · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I began reading Opaque, the first book in the Scion Saga by Calix Leigh Reign, I must admit I was uncertain about what awaited me within its pages. To be completely honest, I had my doubts about this book at first. The synopsis intrigued me, but as I delved into the pages, I struggled to connect with it. The characters didn't captivate me, the story seemed to drag on without much progress, and I yearned for something more. But then, like a sudden jolt, everything changed.

I can't pinpoint the exact moment or quote when it happened, but a shift occurred that transformed my reading experience. Once the story found its footing, I was completely hooked. It transformed from a potential two-star rating to a solid three-star read, capturing my undivided attention and compelling me to finish it in one sitting. I realized that this book deserved a chance.

The depth of this story is astounding, filled with intricate details and a world so vibrant it practically breathes. The characters are complex, multi-faceted individuals who undergo remarkable development. They transcend the boundaries of simple categorizations like "good" or "bad." The world-building is exceptional, with a diverse range of powers, a rich history, and a narrative that weaves together in multiple compelling ways. The storyline keeps you engrossed, with individual character arcs and an overarching plot that culminate in a rollercoaster of emotions.

Words cannot adequately express how my perception of this story shifted as I continued reading. My admiration for each new element grew stronger and stronger, leaving me utterly addicted to its charm. I'm filled with anticipation to see where the series will venture next. The possibilities are endless, and there are so many aspects I yearn to explore further. I am certain that my love for the future books will surpass the affection I developed for this one.

While acknowledging the potential of this world, I cannot ignore my reservations. The characters themselves were intriguing, but their interactions and conversations lacked the natural flow necessary to propel the story forward. The dialogue, in particular, could have been improved to enhance the narrative's rhythm and create a more captivating reading experience. Additionally, the story unfolded in slow motion, missing the frenetic energy that would have heightened the reader's engagement. Despite a few minor editing issues, they didn't significantly diminish my reading experience or overall enjoyment of the novel. However, I can only award it 3 out of 5 stars as it failed to fully engage me in the storyline from the start and unfolded in slow motion. Furthermore, the exploration of profound themes was hindered by the disregard for their resolution.

Undoubtedly, this book is worth every minute of your time. I highly recommend this novel to young adult readers who enjoy a blend of sci-fi, romance, and fantasy. Give it a chance, even if it doesn't immediately grab you. Trust me, once it hits its stride, you'll be enthralled by its brilliance.

[Koyna Dalmia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Opaque, written by Calix Leigh-Reign, is an exciting chronicle of a 16-year-old boy, Adam. Adam’s life completely changed, when he gets to know the truth of his biological lineage. He is a part of the Rozovsky clan. This clan is one of the seven Russian clans which possess supernatural powers. Iksha, an organization, are behind for this very reason. They want to find out a way to duplicate their powers. Through many centuries members of these seven families are being captured. Those who do not exhibit the traits or possess the genes are executed. The rest are relentlessly experimented on till they die. For a long time, his kind has been in hiding. Will he hide too?
I feel Opaque is on the same lines as Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. All three protagonists have a similar start- a young boy who is unaware of his family background, discovers his powers when he comes of age. In Percy Jackson, Percy did not know about his father, and he discovers his powers when he goes to the Camp Half-Blood. Similarly, Harry Potter lived with his aunt, and then on his 11th birthday he got a letter from Hogwarts which told him that he is a wizard. I saw this pattern repeat in Opaque too-Adam was oblivious to who his real family is. He then discovers that he is from the Rozovsky clan and is a superhuman. All three revolve around magic and supernatural powers. Though, there is one striking difference- Opaque has some intimate and dark scenes. Unlike Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, this may not be suitable for children.
I like the way the author developed the characters of Carly and her mother. Normally, women are shown to be second to the hero. However, Dauma, Carly’s mother, is the most powerful in Afrax. She leads the discussion and planning at the Afrax. She also single handedly saved her kin from an attack by the Iksha. She is the pillar of strength and reason amidst chaos. And Carly follows her mother’s steps religiously. It is refreshing to see women having heroic attributes and are the ones who save the day.
I feel the start of the book is a letdown. I understand why the author showed Adam as a sociopath and loner. But some things did not go well with me. Like Adam’s love for his mother is described in a some-what sexual manner. His constant pessimistic thoughts are also unpleasant to read.
I will rate the book 2 out of 4 stars. The book contains errors that could have easily been omitted. Other than that, I feel the beginning of the chapter could have been developed better. However, the picked up in the second half. It became engaging and moved at a smooth pace. I will recommend it to people who enjoy a little fantasy.

[Sanjana v · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book, Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign is a young adult story of a boy named Adam, who hates everything and everyone around him except for his mother. His life suddenly changes by the arrival of Carly, the female protagonist.
Carly, who is a descendent from a family of supernatural humans is, on the run from a group of scientists trying to hunt them all. Adam, who is unaware of his newly developed powers, falls deeply in love with Carly. Together they discover his unknown supernatural abilities and their undying love for each other, all while fighting for their lives.
It is well-edited. I give the book one out of four stars.
I found many issues with the book that I couldn't avoid.
The storyline was interesting, although the writing could be improved. The book failed to develop and build the storyline thoroughly.
Starting with characters, the female protagonist Carly, who was my favorite, felt inadequate. I thought she was underdeveloped. Something about her felt incomplete from the start and didn't change until the end. The male protagonist, Adam, has earned my pure dislike not just because of his view towards others but also how he treated the people around him because of how he felt. Adam's attraction towards his mother, which in the begging, he described as 'made for each other' changed soon by blaming it on another plot twist. Which I found to be unnecessary in the plot and misleading to the young readers.
All this about his character somehow changed with one encounter with another personality.
The relationship between the main characters was toxic from the start. It wasn't acknowledged nor, was it changed, also misleading to anyone young.
The story seemed to move at a slow pace then started picking up speed towards the climax. Most of the supernatural parts of the story, the book kept hidden until halfway through. The reader wouldn't know what kind of superpowers the characters possessed until the last quarter. The significant characters are unknown until midway through the story. The other characters' supernatural powers description is inadequate.
The writing in a few chapters was exceptional, but it isn't so indulging in others. The book would have been more enjoyable if the script was improved, and the main characters' relationship wasn't so toxic.
The main idea of the story was intriguing, but struggled with the narration. The characters' could have been more developed and fleshed out.
I do not recommend this book for any young amateur readers with all the reasons mentioned above and more, that can't be said without spoilers.

[Hermania · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Opaque” by Calix Leigh-Reign depicts the tale about the rivalry between the Descendants and The Iksha.
The Descendants derive from seven mutated Russian families, which gives them a myriad of superpowers and kept them in hiding from their prosecutors the Iksha, an elite group of murderous scientists that have been tracking and killing Descendants for centuries.

In the beginning, the reader is introduced to the deeply troubled 16-year-old Adam Caspian.
Adam’s world is submerged in hatred, and his only one spot of joy comes from the woman he desires more than anything, his mother.
So deep is the darkness he dwells in, that when he tries to start a romantic relationship with a girl his own age it ends terribly. That’s when a newly transferred girl by the name of Carly Wit shows up at his school.
Adam is immediately infatuated by her and hates himself for it, but once he lets his guard down, Carly will take him on a journey that will lead him to love, and the discovery that he is the only known survivor of a very powerful bloodline of Descendants.
Our heroes, Carly and Adam with the help of a group of young gifted Descendants from all bloodlines, will fight to keep every member of their families safe and end the Iksha prosecution once and for all.

I liked the author’s writing style, and how the point of view seemingly goes between the two main characters.
I also liked the representation of strong female characters in Carly, and her mother Dauma.

I had a problem with Adam’s obsessive relationship with his mother, and that his redemption storyline is not believable. Falling in love and discovering you have superpowers, shouldn’t be enough to erase the fact that he has a creepy shed, covered with images of his mother, and filled with instruments designed for torture. Also, the fact that he is responsible for the disappearance of a young woman and is not accountable for it.

I rate the book 3 stars for a professionally edited fantasy story, rich with picturesque language, vivid battle scenes, creative new vocabulary, and entertaining characters.
Although not gripping in the beginning, and with a plot with a shaky foundation, the book will grow on you.

There is mention of rape and depiction of violence, but not graphic enough that would be inappropriate for a young adult audience.

Calix Leigh-Reign has a beautiful writing style and a delightful creative mind. Keep on!

[Carlee Wormington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opaque, the first book in the Scion Saga by Calix Leigh-Reign, is a thrilling dive into a world of supernatural genetics and teenage turmoil. The focal point of the story is Adam, a teenager struggling with finding his place in the world. That is until he meets Carly, the new girl who quickly finds out that Adam is more than just what he appears to be.

Leigh-Reign’s writing is atmospheric and vivid, drawing readers into a world that’s both relatable and deeply mysterious. The emotional depth of the characters, particularly Adam’s internal struggle and Carly’s unwavering loyalty, adds a rich layer to the action-packed narrative.

What makes Opaque especially engaging is its refusal to follow typical YA tropes. From the beginning, Adam is presented as a deeply flawed and even dangerous protagonist—sociopathic, volatile, and profoundly disconnected from the people around him. Adam is no traditional hero, and the love story is filled with tension and psychological complexity. Leigh-Reign refuses to offer readers a conventionally likable hero; instead, she invites them into the mind of someone who feels more monster than man, and dares them to care about his journey. The world-building—spanning genetic conspiracies, hidden societies, and evolving powers—is detailed without being overwhelming.

Leigh-Reign explores what it means to be born “broken” and whether change is possible for someone who believes himself to be incapable of empathy or love. Adam isn’t struggling with typical teenage angst; he’s dealing with real, internalized darkness.Carly Wit, Adam’s love interest plays a crucial role in both grounding the narrative and propelling it forward. Through her, the story gains emotional warmth and humanity, offering a necessary counterbalance to Adam’s internal chaos.

While the pacing can be uneven at times, particularly in the first third of the book, where exposition and inner dialogue take precedence over action. However, once the central conflict begins to unfold, the momentum builds quickly. Leigh-Reign sets up a larger saga that promises even more depth and twists in future installments.

Final Verdict: 4/5
Opaque is a bold, genre-defying debut. If you're looking for a story with high stakes, compelling characters, and a fresh take on superhuman teens, this one's worth the read.

[Gloria Grossi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign is a book I was eager to read. I have not had the best experiences with science fiction novels; however, I got drawn to this book because it has good ratings. I found this book to be paranormal, romantic, and mysterious. Opaque is a book most young adults are likely to appreciate, but I can't say the same for me.

The story is about 16-year-old Adam Caspian. He has everything an average child needs to survive; however, he cannot seem to fit into the society he finds himself in. His only comfort is his mother; strangely, he is sexually attracted to her. Adam has some demons in him, and this darkness is about to eat him when he meets a girl his age who changes his world.

This story was good; however, I found some things confusing.

Some of the things I love about this book include the creative imagination of the writer. The story was rich, and I could tell that the author researched well. The characters were well developed, and I love the way Adam's character evolved. This material was flawless.

As one who has little to no history with science fiction books, this material has me considering reading more science fiction novels. Not all science fiction novels are bad, after all.

The author did well to share the story behind this creation. I found this fact exciting, and it made me eager to read this material.

Unfortunately, I got confused at the beginning. This book came with different emotions, which I was not expecting. The description said it was a science fiction novel. I expected the story to be along that line. 

In the beginning, I got some paranormal vibes. While trying to get my head around it, the story went all lovey-dovey, and finally, we got into the science fiction part.

 I think there could have been a better way of arranging this book. I am in no position to tell an author how to tell their story; nevertheless, I think a reader is likely to be put off because the science fiction aspect started at about 60% into the book. 

This fact made the book's start very slow, and Adam’s attitude made it difficult to like him and harder to learn his story.

There were lots of ups and downs that got me exhausted. It started at a slow pace; at 40%, the pace picked up, at 50%, it came back down, and after 60%, it became medium-paced, which transitioned once more into a fast-paced. Whew!

Carly is a sweet and likable character, but one decision she made changed everything for me. This event made the whole book unrealistic. Carly is ready to go to war because her father got kidnapped, yet she is quick to wave Adams's secrets, one of which got an innocent girl killed. This story must be a joke!

I like this story, and I would not mind reading the next book.

Visit my blog for more book reviews.

 

[Sondang Panjaitan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calix Leigh-Reign's "Opaque" is a gripping sci-fi thriller that captivated me right away. A rollercoaster of emotions, ethics, and complex personalities rides the reader on this thought-provoking journey into a dystopian future.

The story revolves around Adam, a compelling protagonist who wrestles with identity issues and moral dilemmas in a world where Descendants are endowed with remarkable talents. We see Adam's transformation from a troubled young guy into a resolute and morally honest individual as the novel goes on. The heart of the book—Adam's path of self-discovery and redemption—is expertly portrayed by the author.

Because it explores subjects that are thought-provoking, "Opaque" distinguishes out. Leigh-Reign explores issues of control, trickery, and the effects of unregulated technological development. This book is a great pick for individuals who like stories that deviate from the standard since the moral conundrums the characters face prompt readers to consider their own beliefs and values.

The "Opaque" author's writing is faultless. The lack of typos or grammatical faults in the text adds to the immersive reading experience. Detailed descriptions complement the rich world-building and aid readers in clearly visualizing the author's bleak future.

Although the narrative is undoubtedly captivating, I felt the need for a more detailed exposition and world establishment that would provide a richer background for the story's occurrences. Additionally, some of the plot's surprising twists, while fascinating, could benefit from additional explanations to strengthen their impact.

You will be captivated by "Opaque", a thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. This novel stands out in the science fiction category thanks to the storytelling prowess and compelling characters created by Calix Leigh-Reign. "Opaque" needs to be at the top of your reading list if you're seeking a compelling and morally nuanced story.

I rate Calix Leigh-Reign's "Opaque" as having a 4 out of 5 star rating. For those who want to learn more about the boundaries between technology and humans, this sci-fi thriller is a must-read.

[Faith Ukaegbu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those science fiction books that will stretch your imagination. It seamlessly blends the themes of science and magic to create a unique plot and storyline.

The story centers on the protagonist, Adam, who has an abnormal ability to think. He sees humans as animals and despises them—not all humans, as he sees his mother differently. With the recent changes to his body, he struggles to understand who he is and why he is the way he is. There is so much they don't know about, as it is revealed that he is adopted. He meets Carla, a 16-year-old from the same school as him. Together, they bond, and over time, they discover that they are more than just friends as they realize they are from the same Russian bloodline. With this discovery, he comes to terms with who he is; Carla introduces him to the supernatural world, as she has the ability to teleport. But it is more challenging than it sounds, as they find themselves hunted by scientists called the Iksha. Adam must get strong if he is ever to protect himself and the people he loves.

What I loved about this book, Opaque, by Calix Leigh-Reign, is how the author weaved the cords of friendship between Adam and Carla. It wasn't an easy start, but watching people go from strangers to lovers to friends and allies was beautiful. I also appreciate how the author seamlessly weaved the themes of magic and science, which made the plot stand out even more. The characters were well developed, especially Adam, as I could watch him come out from a life filled with darkness into a life of love and possibilities. The action scenes were beautifully written, and I felt like watching them on a screen.

The only negative aspect of this book is its poor pacing. The start of the book felt slow, and I spent a lot of time emphasizing Adam's dark side. The real action started after I had read further into the book. Also, I wouldn't say I liked that Adam had an obsession with his adoptive mother, even if it was explained later in the book as the reason why he was so obsessed with her. The book was well-edited, and I did not spot errors while reading.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, but I am taking out a star due to the abovementioned negative parts. I recommend this book to lovers of science fiction.

[Ana Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book opens with Adam struggling internally to appear 'normal' to society when deep down he feels far from it. Not understanding why he feels so disconnected from society or unnaturally drawn romantically towards his mother, he takes to studying telekinesis to evolve his mind and sense of self above the 'animals' he deems average people to be. That is until Carly walks into his classroom and turns his entire existence upside down.

Drawn to her in a way he has never been drawn towards anyone he finds himself slowly releasing the deep-seated resentment toward society he's held so firmly to. Through his developing friendship with Carly he discovers a light inside him he did not believe himself capable of.

After their friendship buds into a relationship, Carly starts to suspect there is more to Adam than even he knows. They soon discover that Adam is a Russian descendant of a powerful thought to be the extinct bloodline of supernatural humans. Carly, being the daughter of another supernatural bloodline, seeks out the help of her mother to help Adam unlock his past and powers.

Along the way, Adam makes new friends with a group of teenage descendants like him from the other 6 superhuman families, discovers the truth about his real identity and biological parents, learns to harness powers that have been lying dormant inside of him, and falls madly in love with Carly. This does not mean Adam has finally found peace and happiness in his life.

Quite the contrary his life goes wildly off the rails as he now has to protect his adoptive parents from the Iksha who seek to kill them all simply for being superhuman. Choosing to make the first strike against the Iksha, Adam and his new supernatural band of friends destroy an Iksha compound. Carly nearly kills herself in the final strike against the Iksha by overextending her powers in a way no other descendant has been known to possess. Jeopardizing herself and her bloodline further in this unveiling of her immense power.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opaque is the fantstic first installment of the Scion Saga Series, and based on this one I'm excited to read more.

At the start  I wasn't sure how I felt about Adam. He almost reminded me of Kevin in We Need To Talk About Kevin. I didn't like the way his inner dialogue referred to other people as 'animals', how he appeared to 'other' them.  But I'm not sure how much of that is due to being a socially awkward teenage boy,  and how much is down to his true identity. Carly was also slightly awkward at the beginning,  but then she was the new girl which must be hard.  She also had secrets that she had to keep hidden.  But by the end,  I loved them both, their individual story arcs as they grew and learned were fantastic. 

The book did make me feel uncomfortable in places, especially when describing how Adam felt about his mum. I know my boys love me,  but Adam takes it to a whole new level.  The Oedipus complex is a complicated idea to get to grips with.  I'm not sure if it really exists,  I certainly don't know any one who would admit to it.  And I can say with 100% certainty that as a woman I've never had the Electra Complex!

The story had plenty of description, which makes everything feel multi dimensional and real. I wasn't a fan of the overly sexual descriptions of Carly's clothing or behaviour at times,  especially as we don't seem to have anywhere near the level of detail of what the men wear. For me it feels unnecessary, but happened rarely so was readable. 

Calix Leigh-Reign has created a world that fits so seamlessly into the real world that we know, that its actually hard to believe its made up! It certainly felt as if it could be possible. 

The book was really well paced,  it took me a couple of chapters to get into the story,  but then I was hooked and thoroughly enjoyed it right until the end. 

[Erin Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adam is self isolated from the world around him. There is little that he enjoys in life- his mom, his study of psychokinesis, and the wind. He doesn’t identify with his peers, his dad, anybody- until Carly walks into his high school. Carly ignites something in Adam that he can’t ignore, nor does he want to. He pursues a relationship with her, willing to risk anything and everything for her. As time progresses Carly uncovers Adam’s true nature, a nature he doesn’t even know exists- he possesses a powerful genetic mutation that gives him special abilities. To top it off, they are being hunted by powerful Russian scientists willing to do anything to take those abilities for themself. Excitedly he learns that Carly possesses the genetic mutations as well and they are a part of a society called the Descendents. It is up to Carly, Adam and their family to determine the future of the Descendants.

I found Opaque: Scion Saga Book 1 to be very interesting. It was very difficult to get through at first. Why: the relationship between Adam and his mom at the beginning of the story. I did have to set it down and pick it back up multiple times over multiple days, just to get past that part of the book. It was just something that I had to justify in my mind was ok in order to move on in the story. Later this part was a little rectified, but was still a moral dilemma.

Once I had moved on from Adam and his mom’s relationship, I found the story fascinating and fast paced for a majority of it (there were some slow moments that indicated the passage of time, but had little impact on the story). I highly enjoyed the battle scenes with the descriptions and the characters' different uses of abilities. The relationship between Carly and her mother and the unconditional love that they have for each other was a bright light amidst the story. Their relationship was very well developed and illuminated throughout the story.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. The reason I went with 3 and not a 4 is honestly because of the relationship between Adam and his mother in the majority of the book. Yes this relationship was explained and changed towards the end, but nonetheless it made the story seem morally wrong. In my opinion, Calix Leigh-Reign could have used some other psychological relationship that can exist between a parent and child that would have accomplished a similar result in the story. I still was captivated and enthralled with the story despite that factor, which is why it didn’t get a 2.

I believe Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign should be in the New Adult/ Adult Fantasy category, not the young adult category. Again, the relationship between Adam and his mom comes up for me. It is very confusing and hard to come to terms with. For a young adult reader, the story and how it all played out in the end can make it seem like that type of relationship is normal, when it should not be. New Adults have the potential to be a little bit more mature and have more life experiences. These factors can give them a better sense of why and how it worked out in the end.

[Anu Shakya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign is a young adult fantasy with supernatural powers about the lives of 16-year-olds Adam and Carly, who embark on a familial adventure, discovering their abilities, accompanied by the most dire of consequences. These teens are descendants of extinct Russian bloodlines, easily identifiable by their glowing limbal rings. They're under constant threat of extermination at the hands of the Iksha, an elite but murderous group of scientists.

The story starts with Adam, who hates his school, calls people animals, and pretty much hates his life until he gets face-to-face with a new girl named Carly in his class and falls in love. Carly helps Adam realize he has superpowers, and together they work to keep their families safe from the scientists.
It is a compelling fantasy with a great start that instantly sucks you in. Filled with intriguing twists and turns and unpredictable plot twists, the book offers an exhilarating journey filled with bravery, adversity, and determination.

What I didn’t like about the book was that it kept losing track of the perspective from which the story was told; it was a little difficult to keep tabs on it, and moreover, the starting character of Adam was a little disturbing to me. In no way can I justify his being sexually attracted to his mother and loving her so much that he hates his father for it. His attraction towards his mother swiftly changes direction when he meets a girl like her, and their story ends with Adam intending to kidnap and rape her. Though later his conscience awakes and he rebukes the idea, the girl dies due to Adam's fault, and he hides her murder. In no way will a 16-year-old behave like this, and this is not a spoiler; it’s mentioned in the beginning of the book.

The book was well edited with no grammatical mistakes and had excellent pacing, and I liked it; it was intriguing. Due to my liking for the plot and Carly and my dislike for Adam’s starting character, I would like to rate it 4 stars.