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Obsidian Island
The storm should have killed them. The tropical paradise where they wash ashore just might.
Emery Lapwing is only interested in two things: exploring the natural world, and pretending that he's not in love with his closest friend, Captain James Rawlings of The Achillean. The first is easy: James will sail him anywhere he wants to go. The second, Emery has been doing for the past ten years.
Emery's routine is shattered when he and James are swept overboard in a lightning storm. When the storm passes, they find themselves on the glittering pink beach of an unmapped island where no one has ever walked before.
The island seems like the perfect place to recuperate as they wait for rescue, brimming with miraculous new species to be discovered. And a thousand miles from civilization, it's all too easy for Emery to imagine kissing James. In London, it was unthinkable—a kiss between two men meant the gallows if they were caught. On the island, it means risking James' friendship when they most need each other to survive.
But attraction isn't the only peril they face. The island hides a dangerous secret, and James and Emery aren't the only castaways falling under its spell. Monstrous creatures stalk their every move and something is taking root in their dreams, luring them deeper into the island's deadly, tropical heart.
The island offers Emery everything he has ever dreamed of. But all dreams require a sacrifice. And the island is hungry.
Emery Lapwing is only interested in two things: exploring the natural world, and pretending that he's not in love with his closest friend, Captain James Rawlings of The Achillean. The first is easy: James will sail him anywhere he wants to go. The second, Emery has been doing for the past ten years.
Emery's routine is shattered when he and James are swept overboard in a lightning storm. When the storm passes, they find themselves on the glittering pink beach of an unmapped island where no one has ever walked before.
The island seems like the perfect place to recuperate as they wait for rescue, brimming with miraculous new species to be discovered. And a thousand miles from civilization, it's all too easy for Emery to imagine kissing James. In London, it was unthinkable—a kiss between two men meant the gallows if they were caught. On the island, it means risking James' friendship when they most need each other to survive.
But attraction isn't the only peril they face. The island hides a dangerous secret, and James and Emery aren't the only castaways falling under its spell. Monstrous creatures stalk their every move and something is taking root in their dreams, luring them deeper into the island's deadly, tropical heart.
The island offers Emery everything he has ever dreamed of. But all dreams require a sacrifice. And the island is hungry.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2022
21 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Arden Powell
26 books425 followersArden Powell (they/them) is a Canadian author and illustrator with stories in Lightspeed Magazine, Baffling Magazine, and Haunt Publishing, and whose books include The Faerie Hounds of York, The Bayou, the Flos Magicae series, and their short story collection, The Carnelian King and Other Stories. A nebulous entity, they live with a senior rescue hound and an exorbitant number of houseplants, and enjoy the company of both.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 24, 2022
I think I went into this with the wrong expectations - I envisioned a gay Robinson Crusoe story and instead got a very action-packed adventure that got progressively more bizarre (and creepy at times). Most of my complaints are of the it's-not-you-it's-me kind - I don't mind over the top scenarios that don't necessarily follow conventional logic in romance books, but I'm not a fan of plots that keep snowballing action scenes after actions scenes and that don't let the heroes (and the reader) catch their breath. I know a lot of people like these, but I just get (ironically) bored when I face a cliffhanger after each chapter and there is little space for character interaction in the midst of all the tension. And that I think is the main reason why I didn't enjoy this more - the romance was distinctly sidelined, and although I liked both Emery and James, it felt like they had so much more potential to create a meaningful bond if things just stopped happening to them for five seconds.
dnf
August 7, 2022No rating DNF. I was excited for a stranded on a desert island book, but hit a third POV about 20% in and after reading reviews, don’t think this has the amount of romance I’m wanting right now.
July 28, 2022
imaginative elements brought down by a TSTL MC
Rating: 3 🌈
Based on the description, Obsidian Island easily fits into the historical gothic horror genre that’s wonderfully scary stuff to read. Especially if it’s well written, with a subliminal message of dread building along with suspenseful actions flowing through the storylines. Coming from the author of the wonderful Flos Magicae Universe stories, I had high expectations.
Obsidian Island comes close as it contains so many of the classic elements of the genre. There’s a shipwreck, a mysterious island full of wildly unimaginable plants and animals never seen anywhere before, and disquieting dreams that invade the minds of those within the island’s territory.
Obsidian Island’s biggest weakness lies not in its storylines but in one of its main characters. That’s the explorer biologist Emery Lapwing.
Emery is part of a crew of college friends that are sailing together on The Achillean, a frigate captained by a man he’s adored secretly for years, James Rawlings. Along with them are a ship’s doctor, Deaton, a man with his own demons, and a baker, Lucian.
There’s a considerable amount of unannounced romance and passion for the people within that quartet of men, more so given the nebulous time frame of 1800ish England. Definitely when same sex relations could see you imprisoned.
But the characters don’t come with much history or depth of personality. That’s a issue because it’s hard to care about them, especially when the author has set one up to be such a idiot.
Lapwing consistently runs towards danger here. It doesn’t matter that his fellow shipmates/friends are telling him it feels wrong or something isn’t right, off he charges. He disregards every type of warnings that come his way. There’s ominous dreams, obvious and subtle portent signs of death, even when a bird tries to pull him back to the shoreline away from the weird interior, does he listen? No. Also the bird is the size of a human and befriends him immediately. Huh.
Instead its into a deep, dark, unexplored cave when the tides are incoming. Or run to a looming tree that’s blood red and smells of death.
Honestly, the author’s endowed Emery with the common sense and survival skills of a kumquat.
As the others follow him into increasingly horrifying situations, only towards the end does it enter his mind that perhaps he’s to blame for every wrong move, and he’s got everything all wrong. Ya think?
I’m not sure why Powell’s narrative is so focused on such a character. He’s not one to connect with. The poor decisions he makes puts everyone in near death situations that he makes little apologies for until the last moments.
The romances, such as they are or can be for that era when it’s illegal, come briefly towards the end of the book and consist of chaste kisses.
James, Deaton, even the baker, Lucian , are far more relatable characters then Emery in their emotional reaction to the island, the strange things they see, and the ominous scenes before them.
There’s a ludicrous element with a sea monster. But perhaps that’s in keeping with the island.
The rating teetered between 2.5 and 3 here. Powell’s imaginative elements on the island, the butterflies and caterpillar idea was intriguing, but something was lost in the animal carryover. There’s a hole in the process there when you catch it.
Then there’s the ending. Powell didn’t stick the ending, imo.
It involved Emery, of course. He’s not just an explorer but a biologist. So supposedly he knows about seeds , water, reproduction, destruction.
Apparently not.
Or maybe he’s just a another TSTL character. Doing TSTL things.
Like he did the entire story.
Obsidian Island by Arden Powell isn’t one of those stories I’m recommending unless you’re a fan of this author or a die hard collector of this genre.
Great cover though.
Rating: 3 🌈
Based on the description, Obsidian Island easily fits into the historical gothic horror genre that’s wonderfully scary stuff to read. Especially if it’s well written, with a subliminal message of dread building along with suspenseful actions flowing through the storylines. Coming from the author of the wonderful Flos Magicae Universe stories, I had high expectations.
Obsidian Island comes close as it contains so many of the classic elements of the genre. There’s a shipwreck, a mysterious island full of wildly unimaginable plants and animals never seen anywhere before, and disquieting dreams that invade the minds of those within the island’s territory.
Obsidian Island’s biggest weakness lies not in its storylines but in one of its main characters. That’s the explorer biologist Emery Lapwing.
Emery is part of a crew of college friends that are sailing together on The Achillean, a frigate captained by a man he’s adored secretly for years, James Rawlings. Along with them are a ship’s doctor, Deaton, a man with his own demons, and a baker, Lucian.
There’s a considerable amount of unannounced romance and passion for the people within that quartet of men, more so given the nebulous time frame of 1800ish England. Definitely when same sex relations could see you imprisoned.
But the characters don’t come with much history or depth of personality. That’s a issue because it’s hard to care about them, especially when the author has set one up to be such a idiot.
Lapwing consistently runs towards danger here. It doesn’t matter that his fellow shipmates/friends are telling him it feels wrong or something isn’t right, off he charges. He disregards every type of warnings that come his way. There’s ominous dreams, obvious and subtle portent signs of death, even when a bird tries to pull him back to the shoreline away from the weird interior, does he listen? No. Also the bird is the size of a human and befriends him immediately. Huh.
Instead its into a deep, dark, unexplored cave when the tides are incoming. Or run to a looming tree that’s blood red and smells of death.
Honestly, the author’s endowed Emery with the common sense and survival skills of a kumquat.
As the others follow him into increasingly horrifying situations, only towards the end does it enter his mind that perhaps he’s to blame for every wrong move, and he’s got everything all wrong. Ya think?
I’m not sure why Powell’s narrative is so focused on such a character. He’s not one to connect with. The poor decisions he makes puts everyone in near death situations that he makes little apologies for until the last moments.
The romances, such as they are or can be for that era when it’s illegal, come briefly towards the end of the book and consist of chaste kisses.
James, Deaton, even the baker, Lucian , are far more relatable characters then Emery in their emotional reaction to the island, the strange things they see, and the ominous scenes before them.
There’s a ludicrous element with a sea monster. But perhaps that’s in keeping with the island.
The rating teetered between 2.5 and 3 here. Powell’s imaginative elements on the island, the butterflies and caterpillar idea was intriguing, but something was lost in the animal carryover. There’s a hole in the process there when you catch it.
Then there’s the ending. Powell didn’t stick the ending, imo.
It involved Emery, of course. He’s not just an explorer but a biologist. So supposedly he knows about seeds , water, reproduction, destruction.
Apparently not.
Or maybe he’s just a another TSTL character. Doing TSTL things.
Like he did the entire story.
Obsidian Island by Arden Powell isn’t one of those stories I’m recommending unless you’re a fan of this author or a die hard collector of this genre.
Great cover though.
December 27, 2022
DNF, stopping 40% in because the structure is irritating, among other reasons.
This is not a typical romance. It is very much fantasy historical colonizer explorers stranded on a mysterious creepy tropical island. At the point I stopped, I found myself hoping they all die at the end, which isn't a compliment. There are more than two points of view eventually, no big deal to me; the naturalist character is not anyone I'd trust in such a place; the choppy structure of the short chapters nearly always ending on a new problem felt like a made-for-tv movie script with commercial breaks built in. I get why it would appeal to some readers. It's just not something I can finish.
This is not a typical romance. It is very much fantasy historical colonizer explorers stranded on a mysterious creepy tropical island. At the point I stopped, I found myself hoping they all die at the end, which isn't a compliment. There are more than two points of view eventually, no big deal to me; the naturalist character is not anyone I'd trust in such a place; the choppy structure of the short chapters nearly always ending on a new problem felt like a made-for-tv movie script with commercial breaks built in. I get why it would appeal to some readers. It's just not something I can finish.
March 17, 2023
nobody here had a good time, but i sure did
August 25, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This book is truly a supernatural horror story, with all four men seeking a way to the freedom and safety of The Achillean, only to be attacked, captured, buried alive, implanted with carnivorous seeds, and nearly devoured. They team up, get separated, and must face the bitterest truths of their reality: they could very well die, so it’s time to be honest. Lucien and Deaton have an attraction. James and Emery have an attraction. They do not spend time acting on these feelings, due to the Island’s ravaging, but confessing their feelings helps them focus on the most important needs—staying alive long enough to escape.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This book is truly a supernatural horror story, with all four men seeking a way to the freedom and safety of The Achillean, only to be attacked, captured, buried alive, implanted with carnivorous seeds, and nearly devoured. They team up, get separated, and must face the bitterest truths of their reality: they could very well die, so it’s time to be honest. Lucien and Deaton have an attraction. James and Emery have an attraction. They do not spend time acting on these feelings, due to the Island’s ravaging, but confessing their feelings helps them focus on the most important needs—staying alive long enough to escape.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
October 3, 2022
I loved this so much! I wasn't intending it to be included in my "spooky fall reads", but this really managed to tap into some specific fears I have. It felt like the characters could not catch a break, and things happened very quickly one after another, which I really enjoy in a book. Arden Powell has this really specific uncanny ability to write mind-numbing-question-reality scenes.
This was much more supernatural horror and less romance than I was expecting after reading the description but that wasn't something that bothered me or took away from the reading experience at all.
This was much more supernatural horror and less romance than I was expecting after reading the description but that wasn't something that bothered me or took away from the reading experience at all.
October 20, 2024
I picked this up because I've really enjoyed Arden Powell's other books and wanted to give it a try even though I'm very much not a horror reader. That said, I still did enjoy this book and the mix of adventure, exploration, and romance even within the horror. As for the horror, it absolutely did scare me at parts (definitely think body horror, unreality, etc.) and Powell is great at really conveying a mood of fear and ramping up tension and creating scary yet intriguing situations that keep you wanting to read. I do think it was a bit long and read a bit slow in the first third or half when it felt like it was still finding its footing as far as characters and plots. There was a lot of Emery being a naturalist and a lot of hints of things that never actually get resolved, with two of our major characters only becoming major characters quite a ways in, but once it did get going, I absolutely wanted to keep reading and needed to get to the end. I will say that there are a lot of coincidences and you gotta do some suspending of disbelief as far as how and why things happen the way they do, but I found with the whole bizarre, interconnected nature of this supernatural island that I could roll with it for the most part. If you're someone who likes some adventure and horror with a sprinkle of queer romance as well, this is worth checking out!
July 18, 2022
I really liked this. I was intrigued by the premise, and thankfully, the execution lived up to it's promise.
It's a little bit creepy and unusual with these little moments of humour that I have enjoyed in Arden Powell's books in the past.
It's not quite an ensemble, however you do get multiple view points as the story progresses; I find it hard to enjoy multiple POV books if there's no clear reason for the choice, but in this case, it works so well to propel the plot forward.
I couldn't quite suspend belief for one major plot point toward the end, but overall, this was an enjoyable historical paranormal read.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
It's a little bit creepy and unusual with these little moments of humour that I have enjoyed in Arden Powell's books in the past.
It's not quite an ensemble, however you do get multiple view points as the story progresses; I find it hard to enjoy multiple POV books if there's no clear reason for the choice, but in this case, it works so well to propel the plot forward.
I couldn't quite suspend belief for one major plot point toward the end, but overall, this was an enjoyable historical paranormal read.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
August 5, 2022
3.5 stars
I’m all for a good airy book that really gives you a wonderful atmosphere that you can lose yourself in. And this one really did it for me. This book had just the right vibes and it was lovely to read. I just adored the world building in this one.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
I’m all for a good airy book that really gives you a wonderful atmosphere that you can lose yourself in. And this one really did it for me. This book had just the right vibes and it was lovely to read. I just adored the world building in this one.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
August 4, 2022
Without a doubt the trippiest book I've read all year.
Pretty fun ride, overall, but there's a lot of action & squick in this one, so beware if that's not your cuppa. I was mentally exhausted by the end, though; these poor men really don't get a break!
Pretty fun ride, overall, but there's a lot of action & squick in this one, so beware if that's not your cuppa. I was mentally exhausted by the end, though; these poor men really don't get a break!
March 7, 2023
Master and Commander meets The Ruins but with likeable characters, amazing plot, and some quality romance. It's the pining and murderous plants for me.
I will read literally anything Arden Powell writes and you should too.
I will read literally anything Arden Powell writes and you should too.
September 19, 2022
4.5 stars.
This book took so long for me to finish because my ADHD decided it needed a break from reading written stories, but it was this book that pulled me, kicking and screaming, back to reading. In true Arden Powell fashion, the narrative draws the reader in with a creeping, unsettling hunger for more. As with their previous horror stories, Powell spins a tale fraught with suspense, disquiet, and compelling imagery. I felt like I was there with everyone on Obsidian Island, and the twists just kept me reading on until the very end. Obsidian Island has the perfect amount of spicy characters, haunting world-building, and edge-of-the-seat anticipation. Beautifully done.
This book took so long for me to finish because my ADHD decided it needed a break from reading written stories, but it was this book that pulled me, kicking and screaming, back to reading. In true Arden Powell fashion, the narrative draws the reader in with a creeping, unsettling hunger for more. As with their previous horror stories, Powell spins a tale fraught with suspense, disquiet, and compelling imagery. I felt like I was there with everyone on Obsidian Island, and the twists just kept me reading on until the very end. Obsidian Island has the perfect amount of spicy characters, haunting world-building, and edge-of-the-seat anticipation. Beautifully done.
August 30, 2023
you are never gonna find my ass on a cruise 🤣🤣💯💯
September 8, 2024
It pains me to give it only 3 stars (more like 2.5) especially since I loved The Bayou but
there were a couple of things that didn’t work for me in this novel.
1) The MC Emery is unlikeable and it seems like he was supposed to be the #quirky protagonist but it didn’t work. His naïveté bordered hard on stupidity and it wasn’t cute at all. It made him annoying and childish. He’s supposed to be around the same age as his friends but he was the only one who behaved in such an immature way! He was like a Disney princess in an out of place horror story and it felt off. Quirkiness doesn’t work if you have a cosmic horror story with death, blood and gore and want the readers to take it seriously, I’m sorry. So yeah, Emery was a hard pill to swallow.
2) The pacing felt off. It was interesting enough at first but then the story started dragging and then everything happened at once and the reader had barely any space to breathe. It’s like too much was happening and not enough at the same time. It’s like the plot didn’t have a proper climax. I felt weirdly dissatisfied with the story, not necessarily the ending but the overall story..felt like something was missing. Some parts felt disconnected as well
3) It wasn’t creepy enough! I’m sorry but after reading The Bayou I kind of expected creepier atmosphere and I didn’t get it. I felt strangely disconnected for most of the book and barely felt any unsettling emotions while reading. At the end of the day my main problem was that the book barely made me feel anything. I simply didn’t care.
The wasn’t a lot of romance and that wasn’t a problem for me personally but I wish there was more to Deaton and Lucien (‘s romance). It was barely there, only a glimpse or two. I was a lot more invested in them individually and as a couple but they didn’t get enough page time and I couldn’t care less for Emery, and James as a character wasn’t interesting enough for me.
The setting though was very unique and I liked the idea of a and that’s where my 2.5 stars come from.
there were a couple of things that didn’t work for me in this novel.
1) The MC Emery is unlikeable and it seems like he was supposed to be the #quirky protagonist but it didn’t work. His naïveté bordered hard on stupidity and it wasn’t cute at all. It made him annoying and childish. He’s supposed to be around the same age as his friends but he was the only one who behaved in such an immature way! He was like a Disney princess in an out of place horror story and it felt off. Quirkiness doesn’t work if you have a cosmic horror story with death, blood and gore and want the readers to take it seriously, I’m sorry. So yeah, Emery was a hard pill to swallow.
2) The pacing felt off. It was interesting enough at first but then the story started dragging and then everything happened at once and the reader had barely any space to breathe. It’s like too much was happening and not enough at the same time. It’s like the plot didn’t have a proper climax. I felt weirdly dissatisfied with the story, not necessarily the ending but the overall story..felt like something was missing. Some parts felt disconnected as well
3) It wasn’t creepy enough! I’m sorry but after reading The Bayou I kind of expected creepier atmosphere and I didn’t get it. I felt strangely disconnected for most of the book and barely felt any unsettling emotions while reading. At the end of the day my main problem was that the book barely made me feel anything. I simply didn’t care.
The wasn’t a lot of romance and that wasn’t a problem for me personally but I wish there was more to Deaton and Lucien (‘s romance). It was barely there, only a glimpse or two. I was a lot more invested in them individually and as a couple but they didn’t get enough page time and I couldn’t care less for Emery, and James as a character wasn’t interesting enough for me.
The setting though was very unique and I liked the idea of a and that’s where my 2.5 stars come from.
July 26, 2022
That was a story I was not prepared for. I don't think the blurb does this story justice. I cringingly loved every part of this book. Although not a traditional romance, you do have 2 different couples coming together despite 1600 English mentality and an island that is literally trying to consume them. Even with all the macabre encountered, there is a lot of emotion between the MCs and a deepening of their connections.
The colors and imagery are amazing. I believe that my idea of the island, including the flora and fauna, would be the same as another. Descriptions of the setting were specific and precise without bogging down the story. And those descriptions added to the layers of reality and visions and dreams that were constantly over lapping with each other as the story unfolded.
There were so many times that I had to put the story down because I had to nope out of the scene. But it was only minutes until I was back to find out what happened. The perilous situations the sailors were in, along with the emotional rollercoasters due to the situations and interpersonal relationships, will keep you vested in the story. This is not your typical washed ashore story. You will get an HEA, but it's going to be an ordeal to get there.
The colors and imagery are amazing. I believe that my idea of the island, including the flora and fauna, would be the same as another. Descriptions of the setting were specific and precise without bogging down the story. And those descriptions added to the layers of reality and visions and dreams that were constantly over lapping with each other as the story unfolded.
There were so many times that I had to put the story down because I had to nope out of the scene. But it was only minutes until I was back to find out what happened. The perilous situations the sailors were in, along with the emotional rollercoasters due to the situations and interpersonal relationships, will keep you vested in the story. This is not your typical washed ashore story. You will get an HEA, but it's going to be an ordeal to get there.
August 16, 2022
This author never fails to surprise with every book I've read and this one is no exception. "Expect the unexpected" should be its tagline. Fairly straightforward plot: sailors washed overboard during a storm find themselves marooned on a mysterious island, but once on the island, all bets are off. Increasingly bizarre and menacing wildlife, strange dreams, and one perilous situation after another made this a page-turner for me. I have a feeling this will be one of those love it or hate it books for readers. Requires buying into the truly fantastical happenings and forgiving the occasional anachronisms, but if you approach it as a thrilling (eco)horror adventure, I think it really works. There are two separate romances between the sailors, each going not much farther than chaste kisses and a lot of longing. For me, this added to the bond between the put-upon crew and made you root even harder for their survival, but this is not primarily a romance. Warning for fellow claustrophobes: a LOT of time is spent trapped underground and in caves which made my anxiety levels spike while reading. Overall, this book reminds me of a Jules Verne adventure with weird creatures and even weirder events. If you have an open mind for that type of reading experience, there is a lot to enjoy here.
July 28, 2022
Emery Lapwing and his best friend, the Captain of the Achillean, are washed over board and make it to an island which should be perfect for them to recuperate. Emery knows that being alone with James will test his ability to resist him. A kiss here could only ruin a friendship while a kiss in London could result in the gallows. That is the least of their problems. This uncharted island affects everything about them – from their dream to their very lives.
This story was amazing. You have to read it to believe it. It is intense with more than a few twists and turns. The men have to be very creative and determined to survive. Each time they think they are safe something else happens. They are not the only ones on the island and care has to be taken to not fall into the island’s surface allure. There are several love affairs and, considering the times, all of them need to be very careful if they are to maintain a relationship. An incredible story, it will capture you one page one and not let go until the last word is read.
This story was amazing. You have to read it to believe it. It is intense with more than a few twists and turns. The men have to be very creative and determined to survive. Each time they think they are safe something else happens. They are not the only ones on the island and care has to be taken to not fall into the island’s surface allure. There are several love affairs and, considering the times, all of them need to be very careful if they are to maintain a relationship. An incredible story, it will capture you one page one and not let go until the last word is read.
October 5, 2022
Several men are washed overboard in a storm and end up on an undiscovered island. Trying to survive and eventually be rescued, they discover that the island is a lot more dangerous than it seems on the surface, especially one carnivorous human-consuming tree that makes up the island.
Emery and James’s romance is part of this book and seems to be a major part until a confrontation with the tree and then it picks up pace and becomes about survival and the romance takes a backseat to a tense survival story. The story is great and entertaining and I very much enjoyed the read and couldn’t put it down.
That said, the writing isn’t the greatest. While we are supposedly jumping from different heads in third person limited, there is no major difference in the narration. And as the book continues on, it seems that the chapters are no longer limited to being inside only one character’s head. Also the flashbacks really make me wonder why the romance didn’t start earlier, but these issues only lead to mild confusion and didn’t pull away too much from the exciting survival story.
Emery and James’s romance is part of this book and seems to be a major part until a confrontation with the tree and then it picks up pace and becomes about survival and the romance takes a backseat to a tense survival story. The story is great and entertaining and I very much enjoyed the read and couldn’t put it down.
That said, the writing isn’t the greatest. While we are supposedly jumping from different heads in third person limited, there is no major difference in the narration. And as the book continues on, it seems that the chapters are no longer limited to being inside only one character’s head. Also the flashbacks really make me wonder why the romance didn’t start earlier, but these issues only lead to mild confusion and didn’t pull away too much from the exciting survival story.
July 21, 2022
This was a book that captured many of Arden Powell's trademark excellences- a strong sense of place, a truly disturbing atmosphere, the inescapable dread of nature at its most fearsome, and throughout all, superb pining!
The themes of repression and colonialism from the British Empire also added dimension to the book overall.
My minor quibble was that the past in England felt like it was supposed to be realistic and historic, but it didn't always feel like that - the mentions of campus and dorm rooms gave it a slightly off feel, while conversely the carnivorous Island felt all too real! I couldn't quite tell if it was deliberate, but either way I felt a bit jolted.
But as the bulk of the story was on the superbly described island, and with a rollicking plot that kept me gripped, my overall impression was one of delight and joy. Another excellent queer fantasy that I heartily recommend.
*I received a free ARC and I have chosen to leave a review*
The themes of repression and colonialism from the British Empire also added dimension to the book overall.
My minor quibble was that the past in England felt like it was supposed to be realistic and historic, but it didn't always feel like that - the mentions of campus and dorm rooms gave it a slightly off feel, while conversely the carnivorous Island felt all too real! I couldn't quite tell if it was deliberate, but either way I felt a bit jolted.
But as the bulk of the story was on the superbly described island, and with a rollicking plot that kept me gripped, my overall impression was one of delight and joy. Another excellent queer fantasy that I heartily recommend.
*I received a free ARC and I have chosen to leave a review*
July 26, 2022
This book had me from the first page to the last. There are no dull moments– it feels there’s always another level of something happening, about to happen, and/or some ominous combination thereof. This makes for an intense reading experience, and I was there for it. There’s a lot to like in this book, not least how powerfully atmospheric this author’s writing style is– the sheer weirdness of place builds throughout the story, with new facets constantly deepening the overall effect. The characters are interesting and nuanced enough that it’s easy to invest in them– to want them, first and foremost, to survive their experiences, and then, of course, to find happiness. The pining is on-point, and there are flashes of sweetness and humor amidst all the *gestures vaguely at the book’s premise* that add layers to the experience. Overall, a memorable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 10, 2022
This book was like something I've never read before, and never want to read again.
I didn't read the blurb for this until after I read the book. Even if I had read it, I don't think it would have prepared me for it anyway. I thought I was getting a MM romance with a dash of horror, what I got was a queer Lovecraftian horror that dialed the anxiety level up to max, with a side of romance. (Though, if an island is trying to eat you, the romance probably should take a backseat, to be fair).
I would not at all call myself a fan of horror, and certainly not this style of horror. It took me so long to read, not because it wasn't compelling (because the writing, the story, the characters all were), but because of the sinister atmosphere and the feeling of dread this book induced.
So, yeah, I really liked it and I never want to read this or anything like it ever again.
I didn't read the blurb for this until after I read the book. Even if I had read it, I don't think it would have prepared me for it anyway. I thought I was getting a MM romance with a dash of horror, what I got was a queer Lovecraftian horror that dialed the anxiety level up to max, with a side of romance. (Though, if an island is trying to eat you, the romance probably should take a backseat, to be fair).
I would not at all call myself a fan of horror, and certainly not this style of horror. It took me so long to read, not because it wasn't compelling (because the writing, the story, the characters all were), but because of the sinister atmosphere and the feeling of dread this book induced.
So, yeah, I really liked it and I never want to read this or anything like it ever again.
July 28, 2022
First off, I must say that the title of this one immediately caught my attention and made me curious and second, that stunning cover also grabbed me and was intriguing because it didn't give anything away. Naturalist Emery and his friend and captain of the ship he takes on his expeditions, James are cast ashore on what seems an island paradise after a storm. This starts like it might be the traditional, historical friends to lovers story, but the author has a wild ride in store for the reader. This is a delightfully creepy little horror/suspense story and the island is hiding some surprises. I liked the way the characters were written and the chills and adventure. I'll be keeping an eye on this author's future work.
June 25, 2023
love me a fucked up murderous island
i also love gays trying to have a smooch while being constantly pursued by creatures on said murderous island
P.S. this book was v robinson crusoe meets repo men (that one very specific scene in the movie. iykyk.)
P.P.S. do not go into this book expecting a whole lot of romance, but if you are here for terrible fever dreams, beckoning whispers from a carnivorous tree, and maybe possibly life-saving kisses, then be my guest :)
I've long said that the sea was my first love, and then The Achillean , but it's always been you.
i also love gays trying to have a smooch while being constantly pursued by creatures on said murderous island
P.S. this book was v robinson crusoe meets repo men (that one very specific scene in the movie. iykyk.)
P.P.S. do not go into this book expecting a whole lot of romance, but if you are here for terrible fever dreams, beckoning whispers from a carnivorous tree, and maybe possibly life-saving kisses, then be my guest :)
July 28, 2022
This was certainly an exciting adventure story, and I think it'll keep you guessing. Pair that with an adorable best friends to lovers historical romance and you have the recipe for a pretty awesome book. Emery was so fun and keep bouncing his way through one dilemma to the next, dragging poor James along for the ride. Often times literally.
I feel the need to check out more by this author now because I loved the author's flow. Kept me turning the pages even more than normal.
I would recommend this story for fans of fantasy with a touch of romance.
I feel the need to check out more by this author now because I loved the author's flow. Kept me turning the pages even more than normal.
I would recommend this story for fans of fantasy with a touch of romance.
September 11, 2022
I enjoyed it, until it started getting scary. It’s well written, well drawn, mostly likeable characters, humour, very imaginative. I like the explorer, naturalist side of it. But I’m not in a place where I can read about scary, life threatening stuff. I just skimmed over all that, I missed a lot of the action, I got through it very quickly. I didn’t quite figure out when or where it was set, seemed to be in the past and in a world where the same seas and England at least exist, but there were modern concepts and modern language, but I’ll chalk that up to it being a fantasy world.
December 19, 2022
So Arden Powell always writes things that are super creepy and somehow still so romantic and this was really no exception. This was weird and unsettling and I really liked it. Probably would have been a 5 star but the last like 25% was too insane. I couldn’t suspend my disbelief with the way some of the things got resolved towards the end. Like even with this being a magical setting it took me out of it because it was too ridiculous. Overall though I’ve liked pretty much everything this author has written and I’m exited to see what else they write.
April 22, 2023
Well, I thought this would be a light romance about two college friends who end up shipwrecked together and realize their feelings for each other.
Technically speaking, those things do happen, but what also happens is a mind-bending horror/fantasy with multiple instances of drowning, being buried alive, plenty of body horror, and a relentless, all-encompassing evil that chases the protagonists the entire way.
So. Not what I was expecting.
All of it was very well done and if I step back enough from feeling spooked, I really liked most of it. Definitely, however, not a light romance!
Technically speaking, those things do happen, but what also happens is a mind-bending horror/fantasy with multiple instances of drowning, being buried alive, plenty of body horror, and a relentless, all-encompassing evil that chases the protagonists the entire way.
So. Not what I was expecting.
All of it was very well done and if I step back enough from feeling spooked, I really liked most of it. Definitely, however, not a light romance!
July 23, 2022
Worst Caribbean Holiday Ever
This is a classic adventure where old friends pining for each other have to escape carnivorous flora....tale as old as time am I right?
Seriously though, this is a fun blend of romance, survival horror, and speculative fiction. I found that it reads quickly despite its length because you want to know what happens and if everyone survives the many, many death traps the Obsidian Island has to offer.
This is a classic adventure where old friends pining for each other have to escape carnivorous flora....tale as old as time am I right?
Seriously though, this is a fun blend of romance, survival horror, and speculative fiction. I found that it reads quickly despite its length because you want to know what happens and if everyone survives the many, many death traps the Obsidian Island has to offer.
Read
August 3, 2022 This was a really interesting book. It was the first book that I have read by this author but I think I might try out the others. This is definitely more horror-y romance than swiss family Robinson stuck on an island romance like I kind of thought it would be but definitely didn't detract from the enjoyment of the book. This was a very fast-paced adventure with lots of pining between best friends. I liked the historical aspect of it, and it was fun to read. Definitely recommend it.
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