Bera, the Viking seer, has darkening visions. During the hard birthing of her daughter, she feels the earth convulse, an upheaval that somehow links the black head of her necklace to the precious stone: Obsidian.
As her destructive visions start to become reality, she has no choice but to set out for the Far North, to steal Obsidian and put it to use. But Bera is not the only one who wants the stone - to what lengths will she go to win it?
Steeped in the life and beliefs of the Norse peoples, this standalone second instalment in The Book of Bera trilogy is a gripping, atmospheric adventure.
Suzie Wilde isn’t your average writer; with a personal history that could supply story to any novelist, it is only fitting that Suzie went on to study creative writing and craft intimately detailed, can’t-put-it-down narratives of her own.
Lifetime companion to Labradors, Suzie spends much of her time walking the challenging countryside of the South Downs. Born an inner-city girl, this has become a place she feels intimately connected and where her themes of home and belonging were formed. Trying to give something back, she contributes podcasts to the new local radio station, runs a writing critique and book group.
An active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and Society of Authors, Suzie has has given talks at some U.K. universities and literary festivals, including the Borders and Chipping Norton. Hot topics for discussion with Suzie are; How to find your Story and keep it on the rails; Viking traditions in plot and character development (apart from rape & pillage); How to succeed at sixty and other motivational themes.
I was given a copy to review for a book tour. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #ObsidianBookOfBera #SuzieWilde #LBTCrew #BookTourReview #Historical Fiction #LoveBookTours #BookReview #gifted #ad
Obsidian is the second book in the Book of Bera trilogy and I have to say I did enjoy this one slightly more than the first. We continue to follow Bera, the Viking Seer, who is having darkening visions. During the hard birth of her daughter she feels the earth convulse and links the upheaval that somehow links her necklace to the precious stone obsidian. When her dark and destructive visions begin to become reality Bera knows she has no choice but to for the Far North to steal Obsidian and put it use. But it soon becomes apparent that she is not the only one who wants the stone and what lengths will she go to take the stone for herself.
As anyone who follows me knows I dislike to spoil the plot of books giving instead overviews and comments on style and characters. So with that covered I will say that is clear a lot of research has gone into the Norse people and what we have of their beliefs, history and lives, however this seems to become juxtaposed with some modern writing styles and character speech which can break the immersion of it being an historical novel. It may well be as well that Vikings, tied with Ancient Egyptians, have been something I have been interested in since childhood. While I appreciate this may be aimed at young adults I sometimes feel characters actions, manner of speech and very personalities are at odds with the brilliant and detailed setting and historically accuracy found within the trilogy. Again this is my own opinion so it may just be me.
The characters themselves are well fleshed out but unfortunately for me Bera, yet again, was difficult to like. At least I found her to be. Once again she decides to go on a quest to stop her visions and help her people but seemingly never stops to look over what has previously happened or think things through. She also often switches quickly from liking to disliking a character. Of course this is true to real life but it happens so much that I found myself questioning if she was actually an adult with a child and stepchild or still a young girl. The same ‘flaws’ that seemed believable in book one due to her age become slightly infuriating when she is meant to have gone through the events of book one and matured. Thankfully the other characters do make up for this but I would have liked to see a bit of development for Bera – obviously her skills have improved and she has matured but she seems to slip into the same mistakes again and again.
That said I did enjoy the second instalment despite a few bits that irked me. As I said it is clear there is a lot research and love gone into this and the writing is very vivid and often beautiful when describing the world Bera and her companions live in. I am sure for many it will be an instant five stars but for me it just misses that mark again to be a solid 4.
I gave 5* to Sea Paths, the first in the Book of Bera series, and Obsidian is even better. It’s darker, more menacing, and the characters are developing.
Bera, the books’ heroine, was a child-woman in Sea Paths but she’s now stronger, more independent, and finding her power as a Valla, a Viking seer. Her character is richer, more complex, sometimes flawed and tinged with self-doubt, but all the more believable for that. The people around her are also well rounded; Hefnir, her deceitful husband, is occasionally redeemed by flashes of tenderness. Her stepson Heggi is as angry, as petulant, and affectionately needy as any child on the brink of manhood. They all ring true.
In the world of Amazon tick-box genres I was challenged to position Sea Paths, but I’d now put the series into the type of historical fantasy pioneered by Guy Gavriel Kay; the culture of Bera’s people is Viking, yet more than Viking; Bera’s Valla skills are akin to the Norse Völva shamanic seers, but she also has a skern, a personal spirit who is a character in his own right. The belief system of the Vallas encounters another faith from Iraland (not Ireland) that has similarities with Christianity. Bera travels through a world of the author’s creation that builds on Nordic history.
Wilde describes the wild landscape of Ice Island (not Iceland) beautifully; her language is lyrical, even poetic at times, and the climactic scenes are stunningly told. The pace is good (I found myself getting up early to finish) and although the plot is satisfyingly resolved it sets up the next in the series.
This is book 2 of the Book of Bera series and I'm reading this just a couple of months on from book one - Sea Paths.
It was brilliant to be back with Bera and back in the land of Norse mythology! Time has moved on for Bera and here we see her older and bearing her own child. Bera's visions take on a much darker nature and as they start to come to fruition, she has no choice but to journey and seek out the precious obsidian to which she became connected during the birth. But she's not the only one interested in the stone.
Once again, I became totally immersed in Bera's world - the culture of the Norse people and the beautiful setting were so well described - I don't know too much about Norse mythology but it certainly seems that a lot of research has gone into the finer details.
I felt that, in this book, Bera was a little more flawed. She behaves quite selfishly but then she's been brought up without a mother and hasn't learned to care for others yet which in turn makes it more difficult for the community to accept and respect her.
I think for this reason, I'd definitely recommend that you read these books in order - even though this works beautifully as a standalone read, the character development will mean much more if read as a whole series.
Another enjoyable read and I'm ready to dive into book 3....
I mean I was totally in love with this first book of this series. This is book 2. Definitely need to read book 1 first.I don't even know where to start. We are still following Bera's journey in this book she has a child and it was a difficult delivery and she feels the earth convulse and with this her visions are becoming more real so she is forced to leave the Iceland and head North. I don't know how she manages it all I really don't !! I admire Bera and her strength and how she was able to leave her baby to try and save the world!! The description of this book is so good. I legit felt I was in this book along side Brea and her crew and her son. This book was good. I couldn't put it down. I'm pretty sure I was dreaming about it last night lol. The ups the downs the highs the lows!! Some of the characters made me so mad at times I couldn't handle it. I wanted to scream at them and ask them why what are you thinking?! I won't say who cause y'all need to read to find out. The love and affection and care that went into this book truly shows. Also the worlds the authors creates are so beautiful and detailed I truly wished they were real so I could visit lol !! If I could recommend a series more it's this one !! I hope we have more to come from Bera and her crew !! I can't wait I hope it's soon !! Ahhh y'all go get this series !!!
Another cracking good read from Suzie Wilde! In preparation I re-read 'Sea Paths', the first book in the trilogy 'The Book of Bera'. Of course this is not necessary as 'Obsidian' is a wonderful standalone novel but I relished having the background and found it very worthwhile. 'Obsidian' certainly does not disappoint as some second books have a tendancy to do. From 'The Prologue', which is spine tingly and scary to the very last page one is involved at every level, following the the fast paced action and deep emotion. The characters (no spoilers here!) are wonderfully crafted and I found myself alternately loving or hating the principals as the exciting plot unfolds. This is a book easily read in one go as I was desperate to know 'what happens next' and so stormed through the story. Another read is in order whereupon I will write further, meanwhile I am very keen to tour around 'Ice Island' and experience the sights, sounds, smells (lots) and atmosphere of this wonderful setting for Suzie's Viking tale. Buy it and slide into a wonderfully imaginative fantasy world beyond your Wild(e)ist dreams!
I really enjoyed Book 1 of this series and was pleased that the action picked up only a short time after the first ended. Personally, I'm not sure how successful the book is as a stand alone novel, as there were several moments early on when I wanted to go back to the first book to remind myself of its ending.
However, as a "middle" novel, it works very well; it introduces new characters, setting up the book yet to come, (complete with "I-must-find-out-what-happened-to..." uncertainty) while completing a full dramatic "arc" in its own right.
The character of Beara is much discussed in the other reviews. I think she has improved since the last book, in keeping with the character herself growing up. She does have a negative mindset, which can grate at times but, given the circumstances, I'm not sure a more upbeat approach would really work, and the constant sense of action did a lot to offset Beara's moments of reflection.
It certainly kept me reading; it was a lovely "warm" story to slide into at the end of the day and I am really looking forward to the next installment!
I really like the character Bera and I am not really too sure why. She is flawed, selfish and complex. She acts like the child she is when faced with awful life changing decisions but she is also fierce, resourceful and strong willed. Bera is a survivor despite the odds against her. I think she is a fantastically well written character and she is what makes the whole Book of Bera series so fantastic to read.
Obsidian picks up not long after the first book ends, Bera is now heavily pregnant and all the people of her village look to her for their survival. Bera is not used to looking after other people and she struggles to gain the respect she deserves as a Valla. Obsidian is a wonderful, atmospheric story that makes you feel like you are right there with the characters.
This book can be read as stand alone but I think Bera can only be properly appreciated when you know her complete story. I can’t wait for book three.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
In the other reviews, Beara's personality is extensively examined. In keeping with the character's maturation since the last book, I believe she has improved. She does have a pessimistic outlook, which can be irritating at times, but given the situation, I'm not sure a more optimistic outlook would truly work, and the continual sense of movement helped to balance Beara's times of introspection.
Several intriguing new individuals who all have roles to play in the plot join us in this second book of the trilogy, while Bera continues to forge connections with those we initially met in the first book.
I'm looking forward to reading Landfall when it is out since it will be intriguing to see how the plot develops and what happens to Bera in the end.The use of very detailed language allows us readers to envision the scene and the vast terrain of Iceland, which is a magnificent nation. Once more, I can already see the screenplay and the movie version of this narrative.
I was intrigued to read this Viking fantasy/historical novel and the plot was interesting with a good ending left open but with hope. To begin with I felt very confused as to who was who, especially as Bera has a Skern who seemed to be male (a sort of familiar or companion spirit) Some of the characters I loved, for example, Bera’s stepson Heggi, but Bera herself was difficult to like or get a sense of her personality as she seemed to lurch from love to hate for the same person in quick succession. I enjoyed the conflict and merging of new and old beliefs which felt very authentic. I did find the writing style difficult to engage with - it goes at such breakneck speed that although there is some lovely descriptive writing it becomes lost - but perhaps a younger audience would prefer the frantic pace? All in all I didn’t find it a compelling book but did continue to the end as it was an online book club read with The Pigeonhole.
It’s sometimes difficult to get a sequel right. I’m pleased to say Ms Wilde pulls off this trick with some style. Once again she (re-)creates the Viking world with vivid description without laying on too much artifice in the dialogue. Judicious use of archaic words like “skep” (it means a basket or container for carrying/storing plants, and may well be related to the modern “skip” – must look that up) help rather than hinder understanding whilst still giving us the feeling that we are most definitely in another time and place.
Bera’s quest, mission or expedition is tense and exciting and causes her to encounter once again the splendidly villainous and extravagantly body-morphed Serpent. I certainly kept turning the pages quickly.
A taut, well written sequel to part I and a splendid addition to the The Book of Bera Series. I look forward to part III
Gifted as part of a LoveBooksTour campaign in exchange for an honest review.
While this book can apparently be read as a standalone, I really think you have to read book 1 to understand the extent of Bera's struggles and the decisions she makes.
The main men in this book, Bera's son and husband, are hugely manipulative and I was frustrated by almost every interaction she had with them. I guess that's what children do but oh boy 😅 Bera largely stands her ground and has the strength to believe in herself to do what her seer instincts tell her.
There's not a lot that goes right for Bera, with bad news at every turn, so it's quite a cold and dark book, but her character continues on, fighting her way through all that Viking life throws at her when she could easily just give up.
There are strong historical elements which are a testament to the work the author has put into research.
I'm pushing straight through to book 3, Landfall, as I really hope Bera gets a happy ending 🤞🏻
I started reading this book and realised it was book 2 in a series and although it definitely can be read as a standalone I did struggle at first with the language. That being said I quickly picked it up and found the writing excellent. I found the characters strong especially Bera and Heggi and I loved the ending leaving the reader full of hope and eager for book 3. I will go back and read book 1 and I think this could be a good challenging read for my granddaughter. This is another book that I wish I could score out of 10 as I felt it deserved a 7. Thanks to Pigeonhole and Suzie Wilde for taking me out of my comfort zone and giving me an enjoyable read (and more books on my TBR list!)
I had the opportunity to read this on The Pigeonhole but unfortunately did not realise that it was book 2 of a saga. For that reason I found it quite difficult to pick up the story straight away even though it is written as a stand alone. Suzie Wilde writes landscapes really well and I was easily transported to the island. Unfortunately though I did not connect to any of the characters while I was there and found the main character Bera quite unlikeable, idiotic and quite frankly selfish. Her quest also seemed quite foolish and pointless. I did enjoy the conflict between old religion and new and wished there was a little more of that in the tale.
Obsidian is the second instalment in The Book of Bera series, a gripping Viking trilogy. Bera has lead he followers to a new life following the events of the first book, however , they are now beginning to doubt her. She is facing the birth of her child and having horrible premonitions about the fate of her village. Her powers as a Valla have been weakened by the baby therefore she is facing soul destroying decisions that will change everyone’s future. Bera is such a strong,feisty character who is faced with impossible decisions. This is a good book for any historically based Viking book lover.
I really loved the Norse, Viking setting of this book. It’s not a setting I’ve read very much if but really enjoyed it. I think all of the characters and their development really hit their stride in this book as well. Bera is such a strong, brave, but also realistic character. She does what she needs to do but that doesn’t mean she’s happy about it or confident in her ability to do it. I really adore reading about her and Heggi’s relationship and how it’s building too! The pacing of the story is excellent as is all of the world building and the introduction of new characters and places! I highly recommend for fantasy readers!
Review - This is the second book of the 'Book of Bera Trilogy', but can be read as a stand alone book also. This was the first in the series for me, and I was gripped from the opening page. The setting really pulled me in and made the story very atmospheric. The characters are strong and the prose is beautiful. I also love how the stories draw on Norse Mythology . If you love fantasy fiction you will love this. I couldn't really fault this book, it is a really lovely dreamlike read, that transports you to another world.
Wilde's done it again! Another page turner. Obsidian is the second book in the Book of Bera trilogy. Another beautifully written book with my favourite and not so favourite characters.
It was so good too see Bera's character maturing and her ability to deal with challenges to her leadership. We also get to meet some interesting new characters. I am in love with Wilde's descriptive writing style. I can picture the scenes so vividly in my mind.
I can not wait to read the third book in this series. Highly recommend this book and this series.
This is Book 2 in "The Book of Bera Trilogy," but can also be read as a stand alone. In Book One we saw Bera leading her followers to a new life. In this book we see Bera prepare for the birth of her baby, but it's not as easy as she thinks. She is worried about the village and her people, as her powers aren't as strong as they were, plus of her dreams or not what she wants. We get to meet some new characters along the way in this book. I don't like spoiling anything for anyone, so all I will say is you'll not be disappointed
I've just finished reading Obsidian: Book II of The Book of Bera trilogy by Suzie Wilde.
The writing is so alive, I could smell the sulphur, feel the land move feel Bera's doubts and feel her strength. I'll say no more other than order it and read it for yourself.
This is a brilliant book. I was worried it might fall short of the previous one in the Series, The Book of Bera but, it didn't disappoint. Do yourself a favour and make sure you collect all of them, in as many formats as you can!
Once again, Suzie Wilde shows her deftness in weaving story with mythical colour in this second instalment of The Book of Bera. I loved this as much as the first, and will be waiting for the third!
After the events of book one, I was intrigued to read more of Bera's story. Obsidian picks straight up, continuing with very little preamble. For this reason, I would recommend starting with book one if you haven't read it, especially to get familiarised with the characters and terminology.
It was great to be back with an older, more mature Bera. She's now a mother herself and will do whatever it takes to protect her children and the community when her dark visions start becoming reality.
Just like the first book of the series, I was gripped by the author's writing, completely immersed in the Norse mythology. The descriptions are fantastic. I've become so invested in these characters so I'm going straight into book three to conclude this trilogy.