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A mortal woman. An immortal world. Can her heart survive the dangerous land her eyes were never meant to see?

Seventeen-year-old Alexis Mackie only ever wanted one thing—for the boy next door to finally notice her. But a split second is all it took to change everything. When she travels to a remote Canadian island with her geologist parents to monitor seismic activity, she finds herself trapped in the 'epicenter'. Alone in a cave struggling to free herself from the rubble, she stumbles into a mysterious land of tropical forest and mythical creatures...

Stepping into unfamiliar surroundings, she's saved from the deadly claws of a vicious beast by a handsome strangers who offers to help her find a way home. But with rebels closing in on discovering her true identity and the ruling Magistrate sealing up the portals to their secret realm, Alexis fears they may never let her leave. As the doorway closes and her feelings for her rescuer bloom, she wonders if going back is what she truly wants...

Will Alexis risk the perilous journey to her own world and lose her new love forever?

Finding Obsidia is the first book in a thrilling new YA fantasy series. If you like fast-paced action, sharp-witted heroes, alternate realms, and a timeless romance, then you'll love T.N. Watson's adventurous tale.

BuyFinding Obsidia and get lost in a mystical dimension today!

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 9, 2020

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639 people want to read

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T.N. Watson

3 books7 followers

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5 stars
75 (38%)
4 stars
68 (34%)
3 stars
36 (18%)
2 stars
12 (6%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Book Dragon Mac.
255 reviews7 followers
April 27, 2024
OVERALL RATING: 3🌟

Format: 📱Kindle

Quick and dirty summary: 17-year-old Lexi finds herself in Obsisia after she narrowly missed being trapped after an earthquake. Obsidia is not what it seems upon its first glance. And getting back to her family is not going to be as easy as she would hope.

Plot 3.5🌟
Loved the premise of the story! I enjoy stories where someone lands themselves in a totally different realm, world, or time. Watson did not disappoint with this totally modern, yet strange new world! The main plot of this book was to get Lexi back home to her family. There was a lot of traveling and I would have liked to see a bit more adventure or character development at those times. There was some introduction of the governing system they follow and the Magistrate. You also learn a bit about the realm, which I found to be very interesting and wanting to know more. Overall, I enjoyed the plot of this book!

Characters 3🌟
Your main character is Lexi, who I found to be a pretty typical 17-year-old. A lot of things she did or said were pretty spot on. I am so used to fantasy stories with teens that are a lot more mature, and this threw me for a loop! Kassius is your other main character, and he is still quite mysterious to me. He has some interesting powers that I hope we get to explore more of in book two. I do think there could be a lot more in terms of character development, they seem a little two-dimensional to me and I wasn’t overly connected to them. But I do like them!

Pacing 2.75🌟
The pacing in the beginning is a little sluggish. Once Lexi was in Obsidia, it seemed like it took forever to get the ball rolling and I was a little bored. The middle and end were a lot faster paced, and I liked that. I do think there were moments I would have liked to see the author drag out a bit, and really get the emotion behind it. Some parts just moved way to fast for me to really process.

Writing 3🌟
The writing was good! Very descriptive, I really felt like I could imagine the surroundings in my head. The dialogue was good. For the most part, I could tell the difference between the cast and how they would be saying things in my head (it wasn’t dry). I did notice that she threw in last minute important details that should have been mentioned much earlier in the book. Some of the resolutions to things were kind of goofy to me, like having her wear sunglasses to cover her eyes because they were an off color. It’s even more noticeable to wear sunglasses inside. Overall, good writing!

Plot to smut ratio N/A
Smut Quality N/A

Overall Entertainment or Emotional Reactions 3🌟
I did find myself pretty entertained while reading this, to a point where I really looked forward to reading it! I do like having an emotional connection to characters, and I just don’t right now.

I will definitely read the next book!
40 reviews
May 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and found it easy to get into the character's head. I liked the descriptions of the world although I did get thrown by how modern Obsidia was (with cars and cafes and guns) because I kept expecting a more traditional fantasy world. I liked the explanation of the different Earths and learning more about Obsidia and their mix of magic and technology. I also really enjoyed the building romance (that still contains conflicted feelings about her other love interest) and that even with the romance, Lexi never stopped wanting to get back to her home and her parents.

This was a fast read and I definitely am interested in more in the series. I hope Lexi also gets to visit Obsidia and the other hidden realms in future novels.

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Heidi.
8 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2020
This book brought out all my emotions. From happiness to tears, to anger and amazement! It was a great read. I love that it made me think of mystical things, like... what if this really is the case. The characters are a fun and easy to relate with. Beautiful love story. I am excited to read the next 2 books when they come out!
8 reviews
June 16, 2020
I loved "Finding Obsidia" by T.N. Watson. I love fantasy and the idea of "another world" hidden within our own is so wonderful. I was fully engaged with the characters and the action of the story. it was one of those you just can't put down. I'm sure I was up until 1:00 am reading it, and had to get up at 5:00 am to work! If you like fantasy and love stories (yes, there is that too), this is the book for you!

I was introduced to this book and author through Voracious Readers Only, which is an excellent tool to connect readers and writers.

Shawna Wright


Profile Image for Nikki.
4 reviews8 followers
May 16, 2020
I received a free copy through voracious readers in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely loved the characters and the story. I usually find portal stories to be high fantasy and it was definitely a nice change to not be a completely different world but one similar enough to ours to be able to follow and focus more on the story than the world building. Definitely keen to see what happens in book 2!
659 reviews17 followers
May 2, 2020
Finding Obsidia is the first book that I have read by this author. I found this to be a well-written and enjoyable story. The story line is very engaging and I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only
Profile Image for Sherise Mitchell.
33 reviews3 followers
May 18, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
I loved the world that T.N. Watson created in Finding Obsidia. Obsidia is a place I would love to see. A jungle like place without stars or the moon, full of magic, mythical creatures and beautiful people.

When Lexi becomes lost in a cave while on a scientific survey with her parents on a remote island off Canada, she suddenly finds herself in the complete opposite terrain. Rescued from becoming a creatures’s dinner by a gorgeous young man, called Kassius, she has no choice but to allow him to help her find her way back through a portal to her own family.

There is a sweet yet doomed romance that develops between Lexi and Kassius during their race to reach a ports before they are all closed by the Obsidians. He can’t go where she is going, and she can’t stay where he is.

There are a lot of well written action scenes, proportioned well with scenes to develop the characters and grow the romance. It’s a definite page turner. While there were a few scenes that probably could’ve been left out as they didn’t really add to the story, the vast majority of the plot was so exciting and quick paced that I didn’t mind slowing down here and there for a breather. I’ll say this, the ending is brutal! I’d be mad if I didn’t know there’s going to be more from this author.

There were a lot of strings left undone, which I’m sure will be explained in the second and third books of this trilogy. Thankfully the second book is being published this year so I won’t have to wait long to find out what happens and have the mysteries solved.

I gave four out of five hearts only because it left so many strings hanging and there were a couple scenes that probably could be removed to help the fast pace continue building. But other than that, I loved this book and will definitely buy the rest of the trilogy as they come out.

Thank you T.N. Watson for the complimentary copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only
3 reviews
July 23, 2020
TAG: Finding Obsidia, YA Fantasy/Romance by TN Watson

Review:
Characters: 6/10
The protagonist, Alexis Mackie, definitely seems like the typical female YA protagonist—not popular in school, never been kissed, etc.—and is very much depicted as passive and kind of weak. It may just be a personal preference, but I think I would have enjoyed the book more if Lexi was more of an agent and played a more active role in the story. The other characters—the ones like Kassius—definitely make up for Lexi’s passiveness by driving the story forward and being well created and developed in the context of Watson’s world.

Plot: 8/10
This book is much more of a romance than anything else. It tells the story of two star-crossed, forbidden lovers from different worlds. The romance between Lexi and Kassius is very tender and fluffy, with plenty of conflict in the process. I definitely enjoyed reading about the developing relationship between the two characters and hated (in a good way) the inevitability of them having to separate. I can’t wait for the next installment!

Worldbuilding: 9/10
The alternate world the book is set in, Obsidia, is incredibly detailed and well-thought-out, and Watson does a great job of building and describing this world and how it relates to ours. Her world is definitely comparable to that of JK Rowling’s Hogwarts, where the reader can’t help but hope such a world like this is real.

Overall, Finding Obsidia is definitely worth your while if you’re a fan of forbidden/star-crossed romance, hidden worlds that link to ours, and plenty of fluff!

*I received this book through Voracious Readers Only.

*This is a clean YA read, with very mild violence

131 reviews
July 10, 2020
I received this book from Voracious Readers in exchange for my honest review.

Finding Obsidia is about a teenage girl named Alexis who, while on a scientific survey with her parents, finds a portal into a new and somewhat magica realm called Obsidia. She accepts the help of a gorgeously tall and kind man named Kassias in trying to make her way back home.

I really enjoyed the world created by the author. It was modern and idealistic while seamlessly weaving in magical elements like griffins, portals, and magical gifts. The romance isn’t overwhelming but it is a constant undercurrent to the main plot. It was sweet although Kassias came across as a little too perfect to actually be real.

I only am giving four stars because I felt that although the story was a fun read there were some scenes that weren’t needed and kind of fumbled the flow of the story. Those scenes kind of felt like they were written in as an easy way to showcase another magical skill or to quickly solve a problem before you could really get into the meat of an issue. My internal dialogue at one point went something like this as I read: “Oh no! Of course she can’t go pee without something bad happening.... oh, phew, good thing they have that ability... oh, crap! She’s fine now but now he isn’t?!... oh, ok, he just needs cheese....” That pattern of thought happened a lot haha just minus the more specific thoughts of cheese and peeing. The obstacles were exciting pieces but they never lasted very long due to very quick and convenient resolutions.

My last gripe is that I feel we don’t get to know Kassias very well. For being a key character he maintains his air of mystery and perfection throughout the whole story which made him a bit fantastical. Why does he care for Lexi after just meeting her? Does he have any flaws? Love at first sight is a very romanticized idea so I would have liked a little more depth on his end to make it more believable. That being said I still thought their romance was cute and Kassias seemed like the perfect dream guy.

I would recommend this book to others who are looking for a quick, enjoyable read. Like a good dream, this book can take you away from reality for a time to delve into a new world with sweet characters.
Profile Image for Caley Brennan.
233 reviews15 followers
September 1, 2020
[I was given a free copy of the book by the author in exchange for a review through Voracious Readers Only]

T.N. Watson has written an excellent page-turner of a novel. The story follows Alexis, a high school senior who is forced to go on a research trip to Nunavut with her family, as she tries to find her way back out of a parallel universe she accidentally fell into through a portal in a cave. The author did a great job of building up suspense to keep the reader wondering what would happen to her and her new friend Kassius until the fantastic and emotional climax. The good world-building as well as the development and juxtaposition of Alexis's relationships with Kassius and her friend/crush Nixon from back home were the other elements I also enjoyed. The chemistry between Alexis and Kassius in particular builds at nearly a lightning speed, yet is written in such a way that it doesn't feel forced. Finding Obsidia is an enjoyable and fast-paced YA Portal Fantasy with a nice balance of action and romance that fans of the genre would enjoy.
125 reviews3 followers
May 13, 2021
Finding Obsidia is the first book in the Realm of Knowledge series. It tells the story of Lexi, a girl who sometimes has a hard time fitting in after moving to Canada. When she goes to a remote island with her parents to study the seismic activity, an earthquake starts. She has to hide and finds herself trapped in a cave. Little does she know what this place holds. She enters a hidden world called Obsidia. Luckily for her, a man called Kassius is determined to help her to go back to her own world. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it seems. They go on a big adventure to find her way back home. I absolutely loved reading this book. It's a story of adventure, finding one's place, family, friendship and love. I really liked the characters. They are very relatable and have a lot of depth. The world-building is amazing! It is very detailed so I could easily imagine everything in my head. I could see the mountains and the lake around the city with a starless night sky, and then some scary but beautiful animals passing by. The author really did a great job describing the world and keeping it fast-paced on top of that. We also learn a bit about how this world works and what the problems are. I can't wait to see what happens next. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes to read fantasy.
Profile Image for Sarena.
817 reviews
January 28, 2024
I feel like Finding Obsidia had a lot of potential, but the book fell short. It was fascinating to see another realm/world be modern and have cars—I feel like that’s an idea not commonly seen in fantasy—but can we please stop with the insta-love in YA? I know it’s a trope, but it’s so unbelievable when it’s basically supposed to propel the whole plot. .
Profile Image for Cair-Paravel De Loulay.
294 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2020
A young lady discovers a whole new world with people, creatures, and entirely uncharted civilisations. Dangerous situations pop up at times and she must find a way to get home alive.

Enter two brothers, one normal and the other with hidden talents. They help to find her way home through the dangers, but not not without a little romance first.

This book has a tinge of Narnia and Percy Jackson. I had fun reading it and am hoping to secure the sequel soon.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
2 reviews
July 4, 2020
I don’t read a lot of YA books, so I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I started reading “Finding Obsidia.” I loved it!! The story is quick-paced and immediately engaging. It is a easy and entertaining read, and Lexi (the main character) is endearing and very relatable. Also, the entire story is based on a really cool framework that, I have to admit, I spent hours thinking/daydreaming about. I am hooked on Obsidia and will definitely be reading the next novel :)
Profile Image for D.L. Boyles.
Author 5 books9 followers
May 5, 2021
This story has a modern "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" vibe to it while it also has some mythology roots. I thoroughly enjoyed it. "Finding Obsidia" is whimsical and fun with just the right amount of intrigue that kept me questioning situations and wondering what was next, what was I missing, and what would Lexi do about it?

A good read and one I will continue to pursue in order to find out what might happen next.
Profile Image for Doris Mahala.
372 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2023
Finding Obsidia (The Realm of Knowledge (Book 1)

There are gryphons are real!
There are other worlds!
There are other realms!
There are other people!
What can heal a broken heart?
How can you not cry at the end?
Could I read the second book without crying?
It will take me a while to see! T. N. Watson you are amazing!👍
18 reviews
June 18, 2023
a great read - many questions

It was enthralling, adventurous, romantic but left me at times with questions. It felt a bit rushed like I had to immediately know the new characters when there wasn’t much basis. When you did meet them, they lasted maybe a chapter or so before they were never seen or heard from again. I do hope they’re
brought up later on but it was just odd.
Profile Image for Gabrielle.
55 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2020
I fell in love with this book. The story was amazing, and it left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I hope that Lexi is somehow able to find her way back to Obsidia.

I received this book from Voracious Readers Only.
Profile Image for Catherine Pageault.
33 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2020
How different can two worlds be? Find out when Lexi is suddenly transported into another land and must find a way to go back to her family. This book transports you to a new dimensions and time and is well written. The story has some surprising twists and turns.
Profile Image for KJ.
322 reviews8 followers
August 29, 2023
TL;DR: A neat idea for a world, but a very weak protagonist and a relationship between the protagonist and the main love interest that didn't really feel all that powerful or evident. I was very underwhelmed at the end of this one.


THIS REVIEW IS SPOILER-FREE



CHARACTERS: I found the two main characters (the protag and the love interest) to be surprisingly weak characters. Alexis is really more of a 're-tagonist'. She spends most of the novel being shepherded around or saved. She doesn't really do anything except have a glorified tour of the world.


PLOT: The plot really isn't much. There isn't really much adventure to it. The protag just follows the other characters around and the stakes really aren't high at all. It's very clear that the main love interest is going to be a strong savior who is loved by everyone and happens to have the money and family connections as well as special powers in the world that really just leave him untouchable and quite boring.


EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.

1 of 5. It's easy to remain detached because to me it felt like I was just taking a tour bus through a different world. I wasn't expecting anything fun to happen near the end, after the protag gets saved yet again by the love interest.


CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?

Not really. Thankfully I didn't get too invested in the characters, but it didn't even end with any sort of HEA in my opinion. Overall I feel the whole book could have really been the first 50% of a plot. It didn't have much of a climactic at all.

WOULD I GO BACK IN TIME AND READ THIS BOOK KNOWING WHAT I KNOW NOW?

Probably not. There is a second book and at the moment I have no interest in reading it because the first book was so underwhelming.
Profile Image for Natasha Kelly.
96 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2023
An adventure love story!

I enjoyed getting swept away to Obsidia finding a love story in a new relm with some amazing landscapes, alluring magic and super cool animals! Very excited to read book two!
27 reviews
July 5, 2024
I really didn't think I was going to like this book. The plot seemed like it could be iffy but I ended up really liking this book. I fell in love with the characters & came to find myself not wanting to put it down.
4 reviews
Read
June 9, 2020
Absolutely amazing book!! Couldn't put it down from the first page! Read the whole thing in 5 hrs that's how great it was!!! Definitely one to recommend
1 review
July 23, 2020
My new favorite book. Perfect balance of fantasy, romance, and just the right amount of suspense. The fantasy world of Obsidia is one of the best written fantasy worlds I have ever experienced.
Profile Image for Jen Zazworsky.
3 reviews
Read
April 23, 2021
Amazing!! Kept me interested, I finished it and the second one in just a few days!
62 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2023
I always enjoy reading inter-dimensional travel stories and this one was no exception.
Profile Image for Viviāna Pitkēviča.
89 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2023
Im gonna be honest, I was bored. There were parts that were exiting for me, but i still didnt really like it. I love the cover very much tho.
5 reviews
June 1, 2024
A very enjoyable story. Great world and character building. Excited to continue the story.
14 reviews
August 30, 2024
for younger readers

It’s a sweet love story based on the land of the lost with updated version and issues.
For younger teens it’s a quick fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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