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Opus X #1
Obsidian Detective
Two Rebels whose Worlds Collide on a Planetary Level.
On the fringes of human space, a murder will light a fuse and send two different people colliding together.
She lives on Earth, where peace among the population is a given. He is on the fringe of society where authority is how much firepower you wield.
She is from the powerful, the elite. He is with the military.
Both want the truth – but is revealing the truth good for society?
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Two years ago, a small moon in a far off system was set to be the location of the first intergalactic war between humans and an alien race.
It never happened. However, something was found many are willing to kill to keep a secret.
Now, they have killed the wrong people.
How many will need to die to keep the truth hidden?
As many as is needed.
He will have vengeance no matter the cost. She will dig for the truth. No matter how risky the truth is to reveal.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2019
391 people are currently reading
820 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 6, 2019
3.5 rounded to 4 stars
I have been reading Michael Anderle since right after he started that “little” series about Bethany Ann. Look up his name and you will find his name associated with about 200 books that he author or co authored in the last few years. Then there is the publishing company that blossomed.
When he states this will be a large series with books coming out approximately every 2 months he tries to make that happen. He no longer is the “engine that could” by himself and he is probably working on 8 other series now in addition to Opus X but check out his social media and you will see he gets S@IT done
Enough about The Author (find Tabitha to explain that) I have given this 3.5 because one thing I have noted over his series is that the first book sometimes drags in setting the plot and characters. Ultimately this is a buddy cop series set in a futuristic Earth. Though Jia seems to trusting at first she shows growth and knowing Anderle she will be kicking butt in the next book or two. Then there is Erik, the ex soldier on a mission who needs help in bringing down whoever killed his team. His arc is a little less developed but has potential. Throw in a quirky AI, Andrle’s specialty and who knows the next book could be a 5 star.
Be brave... try Opus X and even consider reading his other series.
Ironically I have to note this is the only book I have won on a GoodReads giveaway and thanks to the great deals of Anderle’s indie publishing company I had already bought it!
I have been reading Michael Anderle since right after he started that “little” series about Bethany Ann. Look up his name and you will find his name associated with about 200 books that he author or co authored in the last few years. Then there is the publishing company that blossomed.
When he states this will be a large series with books coming out approximately every 2 months he tries to make that happen. He no longer is the “engine that could” by himself and he is probably working on 8 other series now in addition to Opus X but check out his social media and you will see he gets S@IT done
Enough about The Author (find Tabitha to explain that) I have given this 3.5 because one thing I have noted over his series is that the first book sometimes drags in setting the plot and characters. Ultimately this is a buddy cop series set in a futuristic Earth. Though Jia seems to trusting at first she shows growth and knowing Anderle she will be kicking butt in the next book or two. Then there is Erik, the ex soldier on a mission who needs help in bringing down whoever killed his team. His arc is a little less developed but has potential. Throw in a quirky AI, Andrle’s specialty and who knows the next book could be a 5 star.
Be brave... try Opus X and even consider reading his other series.
Ironically I have to note this is the only book I have won on a GoodReads giveaway and thanks to the great deals of Anderle’s indie publishing company I had already bought it!
Want to read
April 11, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/11/2020)! 🎁
October 19, 2020
The book starts by concentrating on Erik and why he joins the police force, I found him an interesting character, in many ways typically "Anderle". I didn’t find the sections with Jia as interesting. Although she was a good foil for Erik, she could also be quite irritating, especially when she didn’t seem to learn from being nearly killed time after time.
My biggest problem with this book is the author over writes things, some of the repetitive discussions and moralising went on far too long, the book would certainly have benefitted from being a hundred pages shorter.
Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one, if possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
My biggest problem with this book is the author over writes things, some of the repetitive discussions and moralising went on far too long, the book would certainly have benefitted from being a hundred pages shorter.
Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one, if possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
July 27, 2020
Interesting combination of science fiction & detective story set several hundred years in the future. After a few chapters on a planet many light years from space, the rest of the book takes place in the "Neo Southern California Metroplex" on Earth. Erik, a military captain comes to Earth to investigate deaths in his unit and becomes detective by making use of an obscure law. He teams up with Jia, the daughter of a powerful corporate owner.
Deserves 3. 5 stars. Too much moralizing gets in the way of the story.
Deserves 3. 5 stars. Too much moralizing gets in the way of the story.
November 10, 2019
An uneven start.
I found this to be a very uneven story. At points at I was actually bored, which is very unusual when I am reading any of Michael's books. The action was good, but there was too much soul searching in between for my taste. He has handled existential angst much better in other writings.
I found this to be a very uneven story. At points at I was actually bored, which is very unusual when I am reading any of Michael's books. The action was good, but there was too much soul searching in between for my taste. He has handled existential angst much better in other writings.
July 29, 2022
This was an interesting little crime story in a science fiction setting. Michael Anderle is not really a bad writer, when he actually does the writing, but I have become a bit weary of books with his name on it since he seems to slap his name on just about anything. This however is written by himself, and the book blurb sounded interesting, so I decided to give it a go.
I found the book rather entertaining actually. The actual story is okay. It is not exactly some crime mystery masterpiece but it is okay. It sets up the background for why a former marine Major is on earth, doing cop work in his search for revenge, well enough. At times the story is somewhat unplausible and downright far fetched but it is good enough.
What makes this book enjoyable is really the two main protagonists. Both are determined to catch the criminals no matter what but while he is gung ho, shot first, then shot some more and if anyone is still alive then maybe ask some questions, she is living in an illusion where everything is done by the books, you do not need anything bigger than a stun gun and Earth is really a paradise with no REAL criminals.
Obviously you do not get any prices for guessing which one of them will find out that their perception of reality needs some adjustment.
Both of them are quite likable characters and together they start tor turn over stones that the partly corrupt, partly naïve and partly lazy police force has left unturned for much too long. What crawls out is an assortment of crooks, mobsters and, of course, corrupt politicians. Luckily the good major brought some suitably loud military hardware with him.
There are a few twists along the way but nothing really that surprising. It was a quite enjoyable light read with plenty of action and a lot of surprises, which I liked, for the Major’s new partner as well as for the various people in the police department. Oh, and for the bad guys as well of course.
The thing that I didn’t like too much is that their supervisor is so annoying and downright incompetent. Actually, he is competent when he decides to be competent but his attitude of pushing everything on to the next instance, where he knows the case will be buried, because he believes it is better to not upset “the balance” was downright pissing me off.
This first books is obviously doing a lot of setup of the universe and for the continuation of the series. Characters are introduced, not all of them human, and I guess it remains to see if this series continues to keep the enjoyment factor up for me. I would say it is a solid three star book. Maybe a tad more certainly not a four star one. I am going to read the next one in the series of course so we will see how it goes.
I found the book rather entertaining actually. The actual story is okay. It is not exactly some crime mystery masterpiece but it is okay. It sets up the background for why a former marine Major is on earth, doing cop work in his search for revenge, well enough. At times the story is somewhat unplausible and downright far fetched but it is good enough.
What makes this book enjoyable is really the two main protagonists. Both are determined to catch the criminals no matter what but while he is gung ho, shot first, then shot some more and if anyone is still alive then maybe ask some questions, she is living in an illusion where everything is done by the books, you do not need anything bigger than a stun gun and Earth is really a paradise with no REAL criminals.
Obviously you do not get any prices for guessing which one of them will find out that their perception of reality needs some adjustment.
Both of them are quite likable characters and together they start tor turn over stones that the partly corrupt, partly naïve and partly lazy police force has left unturned for much too long. What crawls out is an assortment of crooks, mobsters and, of course, corrupt politicians. Luckily the good major brought some suitably loud military hardware with him.
There are a few twists along the way but nothing really that surprising. It was a quite enjoyable light read with plenty of action and a lot of surprises, which I liked, for the Major’s new partner as well as for the various people in the police department. Oh, and for the bad guys as well of course.
The thing that I didn’t like too much is that their supervisor is so annoying and downright incompetent. Actually, he is competent when he decides to be competent but his attitude of pushing everything on to the next instance, where he knows the case will be buried, because he believes it is better to not upset “the balance” was downright pissing me off.
This first books is obviously doing a lot of setup of the universe and for the continuation of the series. Characters are introduced, not all of them human, and I guess it remains to see if this series continues to keep the enjoyment factor up for me. I would say it is a solid three star book. Maybe a tad more certainly not a four star one. I am going to read the next one in the series of course so we will see how it goes.
November 10, 2020
Another hit for Michael Anderle!
Major Erik Blackwell, a 30 year veteran of the UTC Special Forces. Lady Luck has always been with him and his unit, until she wasn’t. Well, maybe she was still with him as he was the only survivor of a raid on the moon near which he and his men were stationed. The raid was carried out by well trained men using advanced technology and he and his men didn’t stand a chance. All he was left with was a thirst for vengeance and a clue leading back to Earth. So, he invokes an old statute which allowed veterans to enter the Neo So-Cal police department directly as a detective without working their way up through the ranks.
Jia Lin, the naive second daughter of a very wealthy business family, had excellent grades from university and entered the police force of Neo So-Cal as a detective on a new initiative which was not very popular with other detectives. She is keen to fight crime, regardless of how small, but she comes up against an immovable force in her Captain, who believes in keeping things ‘smooth’. He, and the detectives under him, can’t take her insistence in wanting to take on cases deemed to be ‘minor’. In fact she has had two partners, both of whom resigned because she wouldn’t ‘stay in her lane’!
Captain Monahan is frustrated with Jia and makes her work on traffic violations to keep her out of his hair. Now he is confronted with a veteran who has also entered the department without working his way up through the ranks. He then has a lightbulb moment when advised that Jia is involved in an incident and decides to put these two misfits together as partners.
It turns out to be a match made in heaven! The naive Jia is appalled by her rough around the edges partner. Erik can’t believe her naïveté. But, as things progress, we find that these two each have things to teach the other.
During an eye opening situation in the Shadow Zone, we are introduced to the third figure in this triumvirate, Helen. ‘She’ is an experimental AI that has been stolen from the military arm of the UTC. However, ‘she’ has incurred memory loss and refuses to leave Erik’s car, so she is left with Erik for the time being.
It isn’t long before Erik and Jia’s digging starts to expose the corruption in Earth’s shining example of Neo So-Cal!
There’s plenty of action and a prophetic look into our future. The question arises: does humanity ever really change. Anyone who’s ever read Shakespeare would probably say “No!”.
Major Erik Blackwell, a 30 year veteran of the UTC Special Forces. Lady Luck has always been with him and his unit, until she wasn’t. Well, maybe she was still with him as he was the only survivor of a raid on the moon near which he and his men were stationed. The raid was carried out by well trained men using advanced technology and he and his men didn’t stand a chance. All he was left with was a thirst for vengeance and a clue leading back to Earth. So, he invokes an old statute which allowed veterans to enter the Neo So-Cal police department directly as a detective without working their way up through the ranks.
Jia Lin, the naive second daughter of a very wealthy business family, had excellent grades from university and entered the police force of Neo So-Cal as a detective on a new initiative which was not very popular with other detectives. She is keen to fight crime, regardless of how small, but she comes up against an immovable force in her Captain, who believes in keeping things ‘smooth’. He, and the detectives under him, can’t take her insistence in wanting to take on cases deemed to be ‘minor’. In fact she has had two partners, both of whom resigned because she wouldn’t ‘stay in her lane’!
Captain Monahan is frustrated with Jia and makes her work on traffic violations to keep her out of his hair. Now he is confronted with a veteran who has also entered the department without working his way up through the ranks. He then has a lightbulb moment when advised that Jia is involved in an incident and decides to put these two misfits together as partners.
It turns out to be a match made in heaven! The naive Jia is appalled by her rough around the edges partner. Erik can’t believe her naïveté. But, as things progress, we find that these two each have things to teach the other.
During an eye opening situation in the Shadow Zone, we are introduced to the third figure in this triumvirate, Helen. ‘She’ is an experimental AI that has been stolen from the military arm of the UTC. However, ‘she’ has incurred memory loss and refuses to leave Erik’s car, so she is left with Erik for the time being.
It isn’t long before Erik and Jia’s digging starts to expose the corruption in Earth’s shining example of Neo So-Cal!
There’s plenty of action and a prophetic look into our future. The question arises: does humanity ever really change. Anyone who’s ever read Shakespeare would probably say “No!”.
July 29, 2020
Obsidian Detective - a review by Rosemary Kenny
The protagonists in this excellent series opener, Major Erik Blackwell and Jia Lin are poles apart in their backgrounds, in Michael Anderle's wonderful Obsidian Detective.
He's a hard-as-nails (on the outside), ex-Army veteran, of over 3 decades' experience and a fiercely loyal, Dirty Harry-like, outpost ' patrol- ranger/leader'' (on a distant UTC Colony planet Mu Arae) - while Jia's a Chinese-heritage, quasi-'corporate Princess' police Detective on Earth, (in the US Zone 122 area of Neo SoCal) who's ostensibly rebelling against her wealthy family's plans, for her to become a dynastic puppet, permitted to work in the family's powerhouse business, until her parents find her a rich husband, as they've already done for her elder sister.
How do the duo become cops and partners?
What common trait do they share?
Why does Jia lose two former partners?
When did Erik decide to leave the Army - and why?
Where do they uncover an uncomfortable truth and alienate Captain Monahan again?
I honestly couldn't put down this all-action, thrilling page-turner by Michael Anderle and read it straight through - it was that riveting!
Grab your copy of Obsidian Detective today, to see exactly why I recommend this 5-star multi-genre winner, that you're sure to love!
The protagonists in this excellent series opener, Major Erik Blackwell and Jia Lin are poles apart in their backgrounds, in Michael Anderle's wonderful Obsidian Detective.
He's a hard-as-nails (on the outside), ex-Army veteran, of over 3 decades' experience and a fiercely loyal, Dirty Harry-like, outpost ' patrol- ranger/leader'' (on a distant UTC Colony planet Mu Arae) - while Jia's a Chinese-heritage, quasi-'corporate Princess' police Detective on Earth, (in the US Zone 122 area of Neo SoCal) who's ostensibly rebelling against her wealthy family's plans, for her to become a dynastic puppet, permitted to work in the family's powerhouse business, until her parents find her a rich husband, as they've already done for her elder sister.
How do the duo become cops and partners?
What common trait do they share?
Why does Jia lose two former partners?
When did Erik decide to leave the Army - and why?
Where do they uncover an uncomfortable truth and alienate Captain Monahan again?
I honestly couldn't put down this all-action, thrilling page-turner by Michael Anderle and read it straight through - it was that riveting!
Grab your copy of Obsidian Detective today, to see exactly why I recommend this 5-star multi-genre winner, that you're sure to love!
May 17, 2020
This book has some serious problems. After getting most of the way (3/4ths) through the first book, I just had to throw in the towel.
Dialogue. Biggest problem of this book hands down.
Issues with it include:
The soldier doesn't talk like one. No jargon - even to civilians, no strange terms, no swearing.
The cops don't really talk like cops. (Yes, I've hung out with lots of cops, was a soldier).
People don't talk like they do in the book - at least no sane people do. It doesn't sound like an actual conversation.
The biggest sin: At least half of the dialogue should have been cut. I've never heard people repeating themselves more in my life. It is truly tedious and painful to watch them keep saying the exact same thing - sometimes three or four times. Or playing the 'pronoun game'. People don't talk like that without getting a good kicking.
Dialogue. Biggest problem of this book hands down.
Issues with it include:
The soldier doesn't talk like one. No jargon - even to civilians, no strange terms, no swearing.
The cops don't really talk like cops. (Yes, I've hung out with lots of cops, was a soldier).
People don't talk like they do in the book - at least no sane people do. It doesn't sound like an actual conversation.
The biggest sin: At least half of the dialogue should have been cut. I've never heard people repeating themselves more in my life. It is truly tedious and painful to watch them keep saying the exact same thing - sometimes three or four times. Or playing the 'pronoun game'. People don't talk like that without getting a good kicking.
May 12, 2022
Pretty good scifi/detective story. Erik returned to earth from Mu Arae, a planet light years away from earth. He caught the trail of the killers being in Neo Southern California Metroplex after his 49 team members were slaughtered, and he was out for revenge. He became a police detective by-way-of an obscure ruling of Obsidian Detective Law. His partner, Jia Lin, was a little naïve and it was up to Erik to open her eyes.
There was no F-bombs used and that was ridiculous! Started off with Special Forces then went to cops and organized criminals lead by Naric Tessan. How could there have been NO F-bombs?
Silly, silly, silly!
As for the narration: Greg Tremblay did a great job. Not only with the different voices, male and female, but with the emotions when he read.
There was no F-bombs used and that was ridiculous! Started off with Special Forces then went to cops and organized criminals lead by Naric Tessan. How could there have been NO F-bombs?
Silly, silly, silly!
As for the narration: Greg Tremblay did a great job. Not only with the different voices, male and female, but with the emotions when he read.
September 29, 2020
Great action and lots of intricate twists. I loved the interaction between the two main protagonists as the story develops. Just who can they trust as they seek to weed out the corruption from high ranking positions. The introduction of an AI (Emma) adds some fun as she works with Erik and effectively takes over his flitter as her own body. Good fun with some chuckles as the irreverent former soldier makes a name for himself along with his partner who has her blinkered view of society gently removed.
June 9, 2021
One of the best SF stories I have read in a long time. Maj Eric Blackwell has his unit killed on a mission on a moon base. He, himself is severely wounded and only "lady Luck" saves him. He leaves the military and under an obscure law joins the police force on Earth as a detective. He is paired up with a frustrated officer Jia. They start investigating some fraud but that turns out to be just the tip of the iceberg. Both have a lot to learn working together. Action. humor and emotions all play a part in this great read.
March 28, 2022
I did go ahead and give this 5 stars, but I really did hesitate over whether to just give it four. It is a cross-over of two genres, both of which I like, namely Science Fiction and Mystery. But therein lies the problem which made me consider downgrading the number of stars. It felt like a bit of a cheat that the mystery was left unresolved at the end, with the indication that the author diid not plan on giving us a full answer until the series was complete. Still, and all, I did enjoy it, and especially the clash of two worldviews that actually were leading the same direction as far as action was concerned.
August 14, 2020
One of the good things about ebooks is that you can read books by unknown authors for free.
Often they turn out to be very good, as is the case here.
This is a complete book and you have to pay for the next novels - which is fair, the author should earn money, they are available now.
It is has drama, a good story and is not explicitly violent. It takes a little while to get going - but is really worth it. If you like sci-fi it is a good read.
Often they turn out to be very good, as is the case here.
This is a complete book and you have to pay for the next novels - which is fair, the author should earn money, they are available now.
It is has drama, a good story and is not explicitly violent. It takes a little while to get going - but is really worth it. If you like sci-fi it is a good read.
January 4, 2021
My new favourite author, my first review of the new year
I like a good cop book, I also like space based novels, mix the two together with a couple of unlikely cops and an A.I. with partial amnesia and we have a book I couldn't put down. There are more books in this series than I normally attack, but I can't wait to read book two (and the rest) and it's nice to know I don't have to wait for the next book in the series to be written.
I like a good cop book, I also like space based novels, mix the two together with a couple of unlikely cops and an A.I. with partial amnesia and we have a book I couldn't put down. There are more books in this series than I normally attack, but I can't wait to read book two (and the rest) and it's nice to know I don't have to wait for the next book in the series to be written.
March 11, 2021
Wonderful listening
A very will written fantasy Sci-Fi thriller mystery novel with interesting characters. The story line is set over one hundred years in the future. The characters are changing the way crime is solved. The action is fast with and violent racing to the conclusion. As a reader of fantasy Sci-Fi thrillers I would recommend this novel and series to readers of same. Enjoy reading 🔰2021😅
A very will written fantasy Sci-Fi thriller mystery novel with interesting characters. The story line is set over one hundred years in the future. The characters are changing the way crime is solved. The action is fast with and violent racing to the conclusion. As a reader of fantasy Sci-Fi thrillers I would recommend this novel and series to readers of same. Enjoy reading 🔰2021😅
July 12, 2020
Good read, Lots of action but comes along at the right pace as its not non stop, there is time to build up a story. Its a police/crime drama with an SF background. Lot of partner building in this 1st book. Has good potential to be an interesting series. Contains high tech, a bit of aliens and lots of shooting.
August 27, 2020
Good book
I enjoyed reading this first book of 11 (so far) and I was looking forward to the second in the series. Then realized they were not a part of Kindle Unlimited and I thought this Author’s works were. My bad. So if money is no problem for you, buying all your books, then I recommend.
I enjoyed reading this first book of 11 (so far) and I was looking forward to the second in the series. Then realized they were not a part of Kindle Unlimited and I thought this Author’s works were. My bad. So if money is no problem for you, buying all your books, then I recommend.
December 11, 2020
Excellent
I like character driven stories and I find these people interesting. Michael Anderle creates great characters and I'm particularly impressed by his ability to write believable female characters. This book ends one story and leads into the next without feeling like a cliffhanger.
I like character driven stories and I find these people interesting. Michael Anderle creates great characters and I'm particularly impressed by his ability to write believable female characters. This book ends one story and leads into the next without feeling like a cliffhanger.
July 30, 2020
Corporations vs government
The Godfather meets science fiction. Cops and corruption. Great detect story. The future. AI advanced. Battles and
Gunfight. A really big gun Entertainment yes
The Godfather meets science fiction. Cops and corruption. Great detect story. The future. AI advanced. Battles and
Gunfight. A really big gun Entertainment yes
August 26, 2020
Dark success
Driven by the massacre of his command, Erik finds a way to join the police near wear he thinks the plan originated. He is partnered with a young, idealistic detective who is well on her to becoming the most unpopular cop in the squad room.
Driven by the massacre of his command, Erik finds a way to join the police near wear he thinks the plan originated. He is partnered with a young, idealistic detective who is well on her to becoming the most unpopular cop in the squad room.
October 19, 2020
This book was ok but not what I’ve come to expect from this author. Normally I’m all invested from the get go. But this book was a bit choppy to begin with. The story was good but definitely not my favourite
November 9, 2020
Great Story, extremely well written, page turner
The story kept me involved, page after after page. The three main protagonists made an enjoyable reading with a WHAT HAPPENS NEXT theme that kept me going.
The story kept me involved, page after after page. The three main protagonists made an enjoyable reading with a WHAT HAPPENS NEXT theme that kept me going.
December 8, 2020
Uncomfortably real Sci Fi Universe
This story really grabbed me and sucked me in. I could not out the book down. Michael Anderle has scored again with this story. I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
This story really grabbed me and sucked me in. I could not out the book down. Michael Anderle has scored again with this story. I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
February 8, 2021
I enjoyed this novel. It wasn't too complex but was a fun relaxing read. Though, one of the main plot questions remained unanswered at the end. I assume other books in the series may work through that plot line more...
March 6, 2021
The synopsis of the book caught my eye and the book did not disappoint. The author does some great world and character building. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and have purchased books 2 & 3 as a result.
Read
April 8, 2021Michael Anderle's 12-book OPUS X Series is drawing raves reviews from fans and critics alike! It's a paranormal sci-fi saga like no author.
Read more about this entire series here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/04/08/micha...
Read more about this entire series here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/04/08/micha...
April 19, 2021
A fun read from the beginning to the end. The cover picture does not do Jia justice in my opinion. Having said each character was unique and character development was good and story was paced well.
I must say if felt weird reading my name in a science fiction book, it has never happened before.
I must say if felt weird reading my name in a science fiction book, it has never happened before.
June 8, 2021
Do you miss 80's classic buddy cop movies where one is "by the books" and one is the rough blow everything up person who always gets the perp, while the chief is always yelling at them? This is for you. Do you LOVE the classic "Demolition Man". This is for you. Just a fun book.
June 21, 2021
Full disclosure. I listened to this on audio book. It was a “free” borrow when I exceeded my monthly limit. The general premise ok, but the Gia Character was very annoying. Some of the writing felt like padding. It did not advance the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews