Obsidian Wraith

Obsidian Blade #1

by Nathan Wilson, S.E. Nin

A war in medieval Japan is no time for a crisis of faith. As samurai clans feud over the Imperial Throne, a temple scribe named Shindara is plunged into the fire and ashes of the Genpei War. Torn from his home, he unwittingly falls in with a group of bandits who may end up teaching him more about life and death than his high priests ever did. While living among the bandits and warriors, he gains two close friends... a merciless thief with a loyal streak and a fallen princess-turned-rebel leader. However, the war may be the least of Shindara's troubles. With every passing day, a curse is eating his soul and drawing him closer into the dark realm known as the Yomi.

Genres: Fantasy

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

I grew up in Michigan, and now I spend my time writing, wandering outdoors, and trying to keep up with four cats who think they run the house. I collaborate with S. E. Nin, a creative partner whose identity remains a mystery.

My writing blends dark fantasy with romance, and I try to create stories that feel immersive and emotionally honest. I’ve always been drawn to myth, folklore, and stories that live in the space between history and imagination. The Obsidian Blade series has been my passion project since 2019, set in Heian era Japan during the Genpei War and the first Shōgunate.

Beneath the blood and political intrigue, I wanted this to be a heartfelt journey of love, healing, and what it means to keep going, especially in darkness. At the core of my work is the belief that stories help us make sense of life. They can help us connect with others and grow. They remind us we’re not alone. And if something in my work resonates with someone out there, then I’m grateful it’s found its way to you.

Reviews

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This completes Task 15: Read a book with a cover you don’t like, of Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge.

When I entered the goodreads giveaway for this book, the cover was different and what drew me into entering the giveaway and even reading it. I took my time to get around to reading this book and a couple of months ago, I saw that the cover was changed. In fact, I kept skipping over the book on the kindle list, because I didn't recognize the cover. Needless to say, I didn't like the new cover. And I thought, this book would be perfect for this task.


This book was more like 3.5 stars for me. Obsidian Wraith had a good plot and great characters. However, everyone seemed to trust each other immediately after only three months. Hell, Miyoko already told her secrets to Shindara within a week or two. Hachi was ready to lay his life down for him so quickly too. Same for Hrioshango. The descriptions of samurai clans and wars and battles and lands and even the kappa/tokai were beautiful. I could feel myself there seeing a demon child amongst the fog. But I always felt like the author was missing like 1-2 more pages of details to get to the true story. It seemed so rushed and I couldn't help comparing to Princess Mononoke. The ending was abrupt and I guess they just go about their business. Is Shindara going to be eaten away, because he seemed like it in the last battle? I don't know. It just ended leaving me wanting more.

I did like this story and I was in to it. So, I do recommend it. I just think it could be even better.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

There's a civil war in medieval Japan. A scribe for the local temple gets in the middle of a battle between warrior monks and samurai,which goes well for nobody. His wife and unborn child are killed. While the temple is burning around him, the scribe attempts a rite to bring his wife back to life. Instead, he finds the world of darkness is taking over his body. He's got a lot of power, and nothing but revenge on his mind.

Would make an excellent chamabara movie

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads win. An engaging read.

[Mark A. Cooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original and engaging

This is not the usual fantasy yarn. Fast moving, characters you can care about, and a different setting. An excellent start to the series.

[John Connolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An epic journey of friendship and sadness

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.

This is a very creative work that faithfully reflects some of the classics in the writing style. Hachi to me is probably my favorite character.

[P.B. Flower · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning and vivid narration!
Obsidian Wraith is a story of a Shindara. He was the scribe of the Todaji-ji Temple who guarded the Hell scrolls of Nara and was drawn towards the darkness Yomi. Taira wreaked havoc at Nara and in this massacre one of causality was his wife Aya who was with child. Shindara invoked Yomi by performing the needed ritual in hopes to bring back his dead wife and unborn child. But instead, the darkness latches on to him. Now he doesn’t know how much time he has until it totally engulfs him and his soul.
He sets out to seek revenge from Lord Sadato, leader of Taira, before he succumbs to this darkness Yomi. In his journey he meets a warrior Mikoto. She has erected an Army for her revenge. She belonged to a royal family and was wronged by them. Now she plans to overturn the kingdom. She promises to help Shindara defeat the darkness Yomi if he joins her. Since being possessed by the darkness, Shindara had become an even more adept warrior. Mikoto takes Shindara to a Demon Harioshango who can help him slow down the Yomi takeover process.
In their quest together, Shindara kills a kappa and comes into possession of the Obsidian Blade. It is evil in nature and begins to take control of his mind by showing him devilish dreams of killing demons constantly as it thirsts their blood. It was by the way once in Harioshango’s custody.
This tale ends without conclusion as it is a trilogy in the making. The narration was fantastic and flawless. I couldn’t put it down, like literally. I finished it in one day. My family hates me now as I ruined their Friday plan! Oh well, when one comes across a book so good, it has to be finished and reviewed promptly.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's easy to tell this book was heavily researched in terms of Japanese history and yokai legends. The author's writing makes you emotionally invested in the main character Shindara as well as his companions. My favorite characters were Hachi and Hrioshango who were excellent comic relief. The scenes with the yokai were very interesting to me and I can't wait for more in this series.

[Bradley Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the Kindle version of this book. I read a mixture of genre’s. This particular genre is new to me so I had some doubts going into it; however, after reading this book and being over half way through the 2nd book in the series, I am becoming more of a fan with each page turned. Hachi is probably my favorite character as comic relief goes. I’m curious to know more of the back story of Hrioshango as well. It’s a great page turner with solid character development, world-building, and historical references.
Definitely has gut it’s wrenching moments. I’m also fascinated with Yomi realm. Definitely recommend giving this one a try.

[Leonsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprising read

I chose to read this novel as a recommendation, not expecting much. To my surprise the novel kept my interest even though the story uses the bad guy versus the good guys plot, plus the not so trustworthy associates to survive the initial onslaught to regroup for a continuation of the quest for freedom. I will attempt to continue with the series just to see how this group of heroes, misfits, & questionable allies regroup to face their mutual enemies in their quest to unseat the ruling regime.

[Dale · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the setting and the background. Japanese history is my favorite and the Tale of the Heike one of my favorite classical reads. I also love yokai folklore so I thought this book had tons of potential.

Unfortunately the writing was not my style. A bit wordy for me and plenty of unclear sentences. Dialogue was awkward too. I wish I'd liked it because the premise was awesome, but to each his own!

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd. That's my overall impression of the story and characters. The mix of demon creatures and worlds with the feudal battle for power was a strange, yet compelling, scenario. The characters have good depth and interactions. The ending felt abrupt and left me unsatisfied.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for my honest review.

[Sonia Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent read for anyone into fantasy with elements of supernatural Japanese folklore and history. I thoroughly enjoyed how the characters develop and the friendships they form. I am excited to see how the series progresses and would definitely recommend this book.

[Tyeshia Sturgis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

Very unique fantasy and not in a bad way. It was well written and I loved how this author writes. Great read!!!. I highly recommend.