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Rise of the Sphinx #2
Obscured
*Series Complete*
“Not all heroes wear capes, some just wear their masks better than others. We pretend to be ok so that other people don’t have to suffer like we do.”
The journey through the Underworld is brutal and unforgiving. Nightmares come to life, taking everything that I thought I knew and tearing it apart. And when every revolution comes hand in hand with a betrayal, I’m not sure how many more I can endure.
The family my daughter and I have found in this hell isn’t what I expected, but they’re everything we didn’t realize we needed. With so much working against us, we’re going to need to set our morals aside for the sake of survival, and there’s no better group of people than these demons to help burn away what remains of our humanity.
When every truth is obscured, what choice is left but to raze everything to the ground and build our future on the ashes?
*This is a darker fantasy romance where the heroine gets all of her men. While not described in graphic detail, this series does contain mention of darker themes that some may find triggering, so please read the note in the beginning of the book before choosing to read.
“Not all heroes wear capes, some just wear their masks better than others. We pretend to be ok so that other people don’t have to suffer like we do.”
The journey through the Underworld is brutal and unforgiving. Nightmares come to life, taking everything that I thought I knew and tearing it apart. And when every revolution comes hand in hand with a betrayal, I’m not sure how many more I can endure.
The family my daughter and I have found in this hell isn’t what I expected, but they’re everything we didn’t realize we needed. With so much working against us, we’re going to need to set our morals aside for the sake of survival, and there’s no better group of people than these demons to help burn away what remains of our humanity.
When every truth is obscured, what choice is left but to raze everything to the ground and build our future on the ashes?
*This is a darker fantasy romance where the heroine gets all of her men. While not described in graphic detail, this series does contain mention of darker themes that some may find triggering, so please read the note in the beginning of the book before choosing to read.
- GenresParanormal Romance
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2020
184 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 13, 2020
Damn
Just so good! Hidden family found with repentance and a shocking ending i never saw coming. Can't wait to read more. JL
Just so good! Hidden family found with repentance and a shocking ending i never saw coming. Can't wait to read more. JL
March 8, 2021
This is a fantastic sequel and it only re-affirmed my love and awe for this author!
The story continues where book one left off and it's a fast-paced ride that does not slow down! I didn't think there could be any more bombs or heart-stopping moments, I truly thought it was going to be a slightly straightforward journey to the solution....boy was I wrong!
I have a hard time saying what happens as I don't want to give any spoilers, but I will say that there are some seriously shocking revelations and events that will turn the story on its head. Get ready for a roller coaster ride of epic proportions-nothing is what it seems and it seems everyone has a few secrets that they don't want to share!
J Kearston goes deeper into characters past and present and really makes them all a complex, human character. You can really start to feel the bond between the guys especially and the way that Skye and Raina fit in is effortless and seamless. Some of the characters in this book I wanted to strangle, and I was happy with some of the outcomes. As a family dynamic, the group really works well and it is fantastic to see strong male role models for Skye- albeit they're killing people like nothing is wrong.
The author also expands the world-building and takes us to places we could only imagine. In her books, the descriptions are so well explained that you can actually imagine it and I for one would love to see some of these places! Her writing is very fluid and there is an ease to reading it. The non-stop action makes you not want to put the book down and grips you from the first page. Are there a few errors, yes, but she is human as all authors are and I will not condemn her for that- it never once put me off.
I highly recommend this book and I can not wait to read the next one!!
The story continues where book one left off and it's a fast-paced ride that does not slow down! I didn't think there could be any more bombs or heart-stopping moments, I truly thought it was going to be a slightly straightforward journey to the solution....boy was I wrong!
I have a hard time saying what happens as I don't want to give any spoilers, but I will say that there are some seriously shocking revelations and events that will turn the story on its head. Get ready for a roller coaster ride of epic proportions-nothing is what it seems and it seems everyone has a few secrets that they don't want to share!
J Kearston goes deeper into characters past and present and really makes them all a complex, human character. You can really start to feel the bond between the guys especially and the way that Skye and Raina fit in is effortless and seamless. Some of the characters in this book I wanted to strangle, and I was happy with some of the outcomes. As a family dynamic, the group really works well and it is fantastic to see strong male role models for Skye- albeit they're killing people like nothing is wrong.
The author also expands the world-building and takes us to places we could only imagine. In her books, the descriptions are so well explained that you can actually imagine it and I for one would love to see some of these places! Her writing is very fluid and there is an ease to reading it. The non-stop action makes you not want to put the book down and grips you from the first page. Are there a few errors, yes, but she is human as all authors are and I will not condemn her for that- it never once put me off.
I highly recommend this book and I can not wait to read the next one!!
March 21, 2020
Maybe I'm in a Covid19 funk, but I was rather disappointed with this one compared to the first book. Several plot twists make little sense in the overarching plot and just serve to muddy the story. There was a lack of proofreading - several mistaken words that kept pulling me out of the story. I also really didn't like the men; they were childish, jealous, and patronizing. They keep referring to Raina as a nuclear bomb, as chaos, as a mess, as a whole host of unflattering things, but because they then acknowledge she has power and she has them wrapped around her finger, it is okay? Just because you love someone doesn't mean you respect them, and the thought process displayed just felt like a lack of respect for her as a person for a lot of the book - even if they respect the destructive nature of her power. They also don't try to improve one another; instead they just revel in being "bad people" and say that they are fine with her making selfish choices and abandoning a quest to help the world from her mistake, which she is seriously considering at the end. Oh, and then the "twist" at the end. That really made me dislike Raina and the two guys. Finally, Skye. Yes, apparently the other Sphinx sped up her mental development, but are seriously supposed to believe she's basically an adult? Because the times we are reading from her perspective sound pretty much the same as the other adults in terms of vocabulary, sentence structure, etc. Sure, she calls a hellhound a puppy and is still has a childish selfishness, but otherwise, she sounds like every other character - who are already fairly interchangeable in voice aside from reflections on their personal traumas.
March 7, 2020
I thought the first book in this series was awesome but Obscured absolutely blew me away. I am in awe of J.Kearston’s talent and this book showcases so much of it.
Obscured picks up right where Oblivion left off and you are immediately thrown in to almost nonstop action. There are so many battles and twists and turns that it makes this book impossible to put down.
Some of the questions from the first book are answered and more secrets are revealed. Making you think that you have a handle on what is going on until you are blindsided in the best way.
This book, and series in general, have me absolutely shook and I can honestly say I’m addicted. I am so excited to see how this story continues. The cliffhanger at the end definitely ripped a bit of my heart out and I don’t know how I’m going to wait for the next book.
Obscured picks up right where Oblivion left off and you are immediately thrown in to almost nonstop action. There are so many battles and twists and turns that it makes this book impossible to put down.
Some of the questions from the first book are answered and more secrets are revealed. Making you think that you have a handle on what is going on until you are blindsided in the best way.
This book, and series in general, have me absolutely shook and I can honestly say I’m addicted. I am so excited to see how this story continues. The cliffhanger at the end definitely ripped a bit of my heart out and I don’t know how I’m going to wait for the next book.
Read
March 10, 2020I was blown away from the first book and had high expectations from the second book in this series and let me tell you this book didn't disappoint me. it's better than the first book. I LOVED this book. there are some twists in the book that I did not expected but that's what makes a book good. I really don't know what else to say about this book. i am speechless. I am eagerly waiting for the the next book in this series. I seriously in love with the characters of this series. it will be hard leaving this world.
March 12, 2020
You don’t always read a sequel thinking, it can’t possibly be better than the first, because the first book was so good. But I was wrong. The sequel is better. Book one sucked you in from the beginning, kind of slapped you in the face right at the beginning, kind of like OMG did that just really happen in the first chapter. Then just kept accelerating from there. So when you get to book 2 you expect some slow down, even with how book one ended, and yes there was you know maybe a minute where it got slow. But not at the beginning, and definitely not the end. Oh and the ending, while I’d say it wasn’t a cliffhanger, it was brutal, and I should have seen it coming. The clues were there, but it still caught me off guard. I can’t wait for the next book.
March 12, 2020
Another fantastic read to this amazing series so far. I couldn't put it down. I loved every second and i can't wait for book 3. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
March 12, 2020
fantastic!
March 13, 2020
Edge of my seat!
This book was a roller coaster! I started this book this morning and finished it a few hours later! I am so excited for the next one, especially after that ending
This book was a roller coaster! I started this book this morning and finished it a few hours later! I am so excited for the next one, especially after that ending
Want to read
September 6, 2020🎁 Books 2 & 3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (9/6/2020)! 🎁
March 7, 2020
I loved this book. So much action and drama. Sometimes in a series book 2 can be bit slow not this one. It grabs your attention through the whole book. So many questions were answers but made you ask new questions. This book ends with not a full cliffhanger but with question and to makes me excited for book three.
May 16, 2020
Omg talk about an epic book! J Kearston has done it again - lured me in, made me unable to put her book down and left me salivating for more!
Obscured starts where Oblivion ended, with Reina, the guys & our beloved Skye following the whispers onto the next part of their journey - straight into Hell. Enter Lucifer, an adorable hellhound puppy, some seriously sinful parents and a bunch of wrathful women and you’ve got yourself a fantastically written, cannotputdown, justonemorechapter, amazing book. I cannot wait to read what happens next!
Obscured starts where Oblivion ended, with Reina, the guys & our beloved Skye following the whispers onto the next part of their journey - straight into Hell. Enter Lucifer, an adorable hellhound puppy, some seriously sinful parents and a bunch of wrathful women and you’ve got yourself a fantastically written, cannotputdown, justonemorechapter, amazing book. I cannot wait to read what happens next!
Read
May 20, 2021🙄 that was my expression like throughout 99% of the book. The realness was only when Raina was telling Ryker how she deals with depression. I think it’s time to leave the genre of Reverse Harem and go back to the usual Epic Fantasy, UF and Contemporary Romance. I’m just so over how the FMC just gets stronger and stronger with powers while her character gets worse, that ending too was sooo 🙄
Transitioning....... I got whiplash from having to always go back like 3 paragraphs to understand where I got lost 😣
Gosh, is this PMS? I feel like I’m being too harsh but arrrrgggghhh
Transitioning....... I got whiplash from having to always go back like 3 paragraphs to understand where I got lost 😣
Gosh, is this PMS? I feel like I’m being too harsh but arrrrgggghhh
February 19, 2021
I need book 3 I can't believe that plot twist. I love how these books are going great new author. I love the single mom who that she was human element of surprise there. Great alpha makes and great word building. Mythology is also a big win highly recommend you check these out
June 21, 2020
This is a fantastic sequel and it only affirmed why I love this author. The story continues where the previous one left off and it is even more exciting and fast paced than the first one. I did not thing that was possible.
I have no clue what to say to not give out spoilers because so much unexpected happens i this book. Some seriously shocking revelations and events and discoveries and it turns the whole story upside down. I mean, get ready for a roller coaster of epic proportions! Nothing is what it seems! Perhaps this is a good time to warn you about the epic cliffhanger as well, if the first book was exciting, this one is even better.
The author goes deeper into characters and the world expands. The journey the characters undertake becomes infinitely more complex, due to the roller coaster of events mentioned above. Some of them change because of it. I will say no more.
There will be disappointments, which I am hoping will be somehow redeemed in the next book but still, be prepared. Some of the characters I wanted to strangle. However, that does not take away from the story, so be patient. There is always adorable little Skye, and Bear, love Bear so much. This is a great series and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Books have to be read in order, otherwise the whole story won't make sense. Here is the reading order: Oblivion (Rise of the Sphinx Book 1), Obscured (Rise of the Sphinx Book 2), and Obsessed (Rise of the Sphinx Book).
I have no clue what to say to not give out spoilers because so much unexpected happens i this book. Some seriously shocking revelations and events and discoveries and it turns the whole story upside down. I mean, get ready for a roller coaster of epic proportions! Nothing is what it seems! Perhaps this is a good time to warn you about the epic cliffhanger as well, if the first book was exciting, this one is even better.
The author goes deeper into characters and the world expands. The journey the characters undertake becomes infinitely more complex, due to the roller coaster of events mentioned above. Some of them change because of it. I will say no more.
There will be disappointments, which I am hoping will be somehow redeemed in the next book but still, be prepared. Some of the characters I wanted to strangle. However, that does not take away from the story, so be patient. There is always adorable little Skye, and Bear, love Bear so much. This is a great series and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Books have to be read in order, otherwise the whole story won't make sense. Here is the reading order: Oblivion (Rise of the Sphinx Book 1), Obscured (Rise of the Sphinx Book 2), and Obsessed (Rise of the Sphinx Book).
March 18, 2022
Oh well that fizzled out
After reading book 1 I was quite excited to delve into book 2 and 3 however book 1 is more favourable. I suppose in a way it's understandable that the heroin is the way she is because of her abandonment issues buttttt she just comes across as cold. Should we really still be wondering if she understands being mated in book 2? Should she be letting a 4 year old wander around alone for chapters? Did she have to dislike her mother on sight? Why oh why does she keep saying she's more human yet has no qualms about killing people left and right.
The nail here for me was the cliff ending, she didn't try to understand what was going on or why ...just shut everyone out and decided to walk away and close her heart. That means book 3 is her still not believing in being mated. I was going to commend the author on not making us go through the whole "I'm dreaming, pinch me" phase well that died a quick death.
After reading the reviews for book 3 I think I will make up my own ending.
After reading book 1 I was quite excited to delve into book 2 and 3 however book 1 is more favourable. I suppose in a way it's understandable that the heroin is the way she is because of her abandonment issues buttttt she just comes across as cold. Should we really still be wondering if she understands being mated in book 2? Should she be letting a 4 year old wander around alone for chapters? Did she have to dislike her mother on sight? Why oh why does she keep saying she's more human yet has no qualms about killing people left and right.
The nail here for me was the cliff ending, she didn't try to understand what was going on or why ...just shut everyone out and decided to walk away and close her heart. That means book 3 is her still not believing in being mated. I was going to commend the author on not making us go through the whole "I'm dreaming, pinch me" phase well that died a quick death.
After reading the reviews for book 3 I think I will make up my own ending.
September 25, 2020
Blends mythos to the reader’s benefit
Raina, a newly discovered Sphinx, and her shifter mates Cain, Ryker, and Seros travel into another plane to rescue Skye from the dangers within. As the story progresses parts of her past come to light, other parts resurrect, and dealing with the blows as they come may not be able to save them in the end. Obscured by J. Kearston blends myth and reality to the reader’s benefit. With characters selected from the myths of Egypt, Greece, South America, and Christianity; the storyline will leave one guessing. I cannot wait to read Obsessed to see how this series ends.
Raina, a newly discovered Sphinx, and her shifter mates Cain, Ryker, and Seros travel into another plane to rescue Skye from the dangers within. As the story progresses parts of her past come to light, other parts resurrect, and dealing with the blows as they come may not be able to save them in the end. Obscured by J. Kearston blends myth and reality to the reader’s benefit. With characters selected from the myths of Egypt, Greece, South America, and Christianity; the storyline will leave one guessing. I cannot wait to read Obsessed to see how this series ends.
March 17, 2021
Mate bonds and evil Sphinx
Such a wonderful 2nd book in this series. You really get to know the characters more as they complete their bond and reveal more of their back story. I love watxhing Raina grow more fierce and less timid. I really enjoyed reading some chapters from little Skye's point of view, it was refreshing. There is also quite a bit of action and some interesting twists that I can't wait to see how they deal with in the next book. Watch out the cliffhanger. Gotta jump in to the next one now and pray that what happened is not what it looks like....
Such a wonderful 2nd book in this series. You really get to know the characters more as they complete their bond and reveal more of their back story. I love watxhing Raina grow more fierce and less timid. I really enjoyed reading some chapters from little Skye's point of view, it was refreshing. There is also quite a bit of action and some interesting twists that I can't wait to see how they deal with in the next book. Watch out the cliffhanger. Gotta jump in to the next one now and pray that what happened is not what it looks like....
April 1, 2020
💘
OMMFG that ending!!??!!?? I 💘this series and cannot wait for the next 📚!! Please hurry up the book 3. I really like the mc and her daughter is adorable. That ending was absolutely heartbreaking!! Y'all know crap is about to hit the fan and I really feel like what happened is going to turn her more ruthless and independent. I hope she doesn't become lost in her storm and embraces it as a part of her instead of allowing it to consume her!!
OMMFG that ending!!??!!?? I 💘this series and cannot wait for the next 📚!! Please hurry up the book 3. I really like the mc and her daughter is adorable. That ending was absolutely heartbreaking!! Y'all know crap is about to hit the fan and I really feel like what happened is going to turn her more ruthless and independent. I hope she doesn't become lost in her storm and embraces it as a part of her instead of allowing it to consume her!!
September 6, 2020
Action packed steamy and full of drama
This book was a tight drama from start to finish. Plenty of steam and romantic character development. Excellent world building continues and draws you further into this amazing place the author has created. All the feels with a heart wrenching twist at the end. I don't understand how this could be the future of our group but I look forward to the next book to find out.
This book was a tight drama from start to finish. Plenty of steam and romantic character development. Excellent world building continues and draws you further into this amazing place the author has created. All the feels with a heart wrenching twist at the end. I don't understand how this could be the future of our group but I look forward to the next book to find out.
September 13, 2020
This is book2 in the trilogy and follows on from where book 1 left off. I love that there was a short reminder of what happened in book 1, I really wish that other books would do this as it was so helpful.
Raina has now accepted the guys as her mates but her troubles have only just started. There is loads of revelations in this book along with quite a few new characters. The book is full of action with no slow parts at all and will keep you hooked.
Raina has now accepted the guys as her mates but her troubles have only just started. There is loads of revelations in this book along with quite a few new characters. The book is full of action with no slow parts at all and will keep you hooked.
September 21, 2020
Gahhhhhh! I didn't think it could get any better, but it did!
Absolutely amazing instalment to a brilliant and unique series.
I am enjoying every little nuance in this series from the well-defined characters, to the brilliant world and the development of both the plot and the amazing romance.
This series is brilliant and I would recommend it to anyone who loves unique concepts and shifters!
Absolutely amazing instalment to a brilliant and unique series.
I am enjoying every little nuance in this series from the well-defined characters, to the brilliant world and the development of both the plot and the amazing romance.
This series is brilliant and I would recommend it to anyone who loves unique concepts and shifters!
September 25, 2020
Obscured - Trials
This is the second installment in the Rise of the Sphinx series and the reader will not be disappointed. Adventure, love, conflict, always on the edge of your seat reading. Great story. The characters are developing deeper personalities and the bond between them is growing. Set on a task to help find the betrayers and save their family the group is constantly besieged while trying to do what is right. Well done - highly enjoyable read.
This is the second installment in the Rise of the Sphinx series and the reader will not be disappointed. Adventure, love, conflict, always on the edge of your seat reading. Great story. The characters are developing deeper personalities and the bond between them is growing. Set on a task to help find the betrayers and save their family the group is constantly besieged while trying to do what is right. Well done - highly enjoyable read.
February 11, 2021
Holy hell. Loving this series.
This book starts where oblivion left off. Raina, Skye and her boys are stuck and cant get out until they are sucked into hell. But hell is not what it seems and they find more than Lucifer waiting for them.
The first half of the book is Raina learning and kicking ass, the second half had me screeching... 'what now????' I never knew what was going to happen next. Cant wait to get started on the next
This book starts where oblivion left off. Raina, Skye and her boys are stuck and cant get out until they are sucked into hell. But hell is not what it seems and they find more than Lucifer waiting for them.
The first half of the book is Raina learning and kicking ass, the second half had me screeching... 'what now????' I never knew what was going to happen next. Cant wait to get started on the next
March 15, 2021
Amazing and so enthralling
You must read this series in order to truly feel how amazing this series is. Raina has been through so much. She, her daughter and her men will face new and old enemies. Betrayal and lies will cause so much pain. But love and new friends may be able to help them. I love how this story brings Egyptian and Greek mythology and then throws in Christianity and makes them its own. You will never know what will happen next. Expect anything.
You must read this series in order to truly feel how amazing this series is. Raina has been through so much. She, her daughter and her men will face new and old enemies. Betrayal and lies will cause so much pain. But love and new friends may be able to help them. I love how this story brings Egyptian and Greek mythology and then throws in Christianity and makes them its own. You will never know what will happen next. Expect anything.
March 17, 2025
Obscured, book two of the Rise of the Sphinx series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). This is such a great story line. With so much going on and the non-stop action, it could have been a hot mess, but this writer has kept her plot tight and engaging. Raina and Skye are a pleasure, and the guys have really been perfect additions to the story. While some minor things are predictable, for the most part, the characters constantly surprise me.
March 18, 2020
The second book in this series starts off very confusing as it represents a vision where you learn bits and pieces of something to come, but not the whole thing. Raina and her mates are in for a lot of trouble in this book as she and her daughter start to come more into their powers. There’s deceit, fear, a lot of frustration and they all literally go to Hell!
September 8, 2020
GO GET THIS BOOK NOW!😍😊😀😀 WHAT A WONDERFUL STORYLINE!😍
WOW!😍WOW!😍 💘LOVE, BETRAYAL, AND A WILD RIDE OF ADVENTURE. WITH EXCITING MOMENTS THAT LEAVE YOU NEEDING TO LET YOUR BREATH OUT! SO, SLIP INTO THIS WONDERFUL STORY ❤ AND CHARACTERS!😍 I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND AUTHOR!😍 BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍😊😀😃😍 OUTSTANDING!
WOW!😍WOW!😍 💘LOVE, BETRAYAL, AND A WILD RIDE OF ADVENTURE. WITH EXCITING MOMENTS THAT LEAVE YOU NEEDING TO LET YOUR BREATH OUT! SO, SLIP INTO THIS WONDERFUL STORY ❤ AND CHARACTERS!😍 I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND AUTHOR!😍 BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍😊😀😃😍 OUTSTANDING!
September 11, 2020
This book, wow. I loved it from the moment that I started reading it. It moves along nicely making for an easy read. The characters are amazing and no matter what happens you will fall in love with them and you want to know more about them. The story grabs your interest and keeps it until the end and then you need more. This book has to be read, you will not be sorry that you did.
April 8, 2020
Another awesome book!!
I love ancient animals, and these books are chock full of them. The story line is amazing. Not often is there an rh story with a single mom meeting her destined loves but I have grown so fond of Riana and this pack. Can't wait to read more
I love ancient animals, and these books are chock full of them. The story line is amazing. Not often is there an rh story with a single mom meeting her destined loves but I have grown so fond of Riana and this pack. Can't wait to read more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews