First time reading this Author and I must say I will be reading her again. I really enjoyed this fantasy novel. Ryx is an interesting heroine. She's smart, brave and I would say rather lonely. No one can touch her or there will be unexpected consequences. All this starts when the obsidian tower is opened and and all hell breaks loose from there. I thought this was a wonderful read. I highly recommend it!

It’s pride month, and I think I found a diamond in the most unlikely of places as far as LGBTQ+ representation goes. I'd like to thank Netgalley and Orbit Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ryxander comes from a long line of marked mages and magic, but due to an illness in her infancy, her magic is wrong, twisted… broken. Instead of the ability to give life, it sucks the life out of any living thing she touches. Doomed to a life of isolation, her grandmother makes her Warden of Gloamingard Castle (their ancestral home) and The Black Tower, a closely guarded family secret. When a visiting dignitary goes snooping, Ryx accidentally kills them and unwittingly releases what The Black Tower was meant to hold; now she has to avoid total war and a power grab for the tower by the surrounding domains - if the Tower doesn’t destroy them first. At the behest of her grandmother, Ryx goes searching for the Rookery, a ragtag team of magical experts, to help her contain The Black Tower’s magic and restore peace to the world. Along the way she discovers what her magic can really do, and the real power behind human connection. The Obsidian Tower is the first book of Melissa Caruso’s second series Rooks and Ruin.

I want to talk about the representation in this book first. Too often we see representation used in a flamboyant, and completely unrealistic way where the sexuality of the character is their only personality trait, or they’re beyond cliche. The artful way that Caruso has featured representation can not be overstated. The main character, Ryx, is bisexual/pansexual, and it’s a matter of course. It doesn’t consume the character, but is merely fact about her we glean from observations and connections with a romantic interest or other characters within the story. The only people that seem to know are Ryxander and the reader because it’s not outright stated and pandering, and if the other characters are aware they don’t seem to mind. There are other characters too, including an agendered one with them/they pronouns. Gender is hardly mentioned in the story, in fact. There’s no explanation because none is needed. Caruso knows who this book is for, and unapologetically puts real characters into a fantastical story.

The writing does seem to get repetitive in parts, especially when discussing Ryx’s magic. As the reader, I don’t need to be reminded every other page that Ryx can not physically touch something without killing it. I wish Caruso would trust her readers a little more in that sense. What I did enjoy was the lush world-building lore that unfolds. I’m not normally a fantasy reader but Caruso is going to make me one. I recommend this book for fantasy readers as well as people who love a good story of friendship and connection. I’m anxiously waiting for the rest of the series to release.

This one doesn’t immediately catch your attention. Then there’s an accidental murder and a magical object comes alive, leaving Ryx in a bind as her dangerous brand of magic has caused this chain of events. It does pick up and pull you in!

Wow, The Obsidian Tower is a great book. Melissa Caruso has given us one outstanding story with lots of magic, political intrigue, and some interesting twists and turns. I had never read anything from this author before, but definitely will be reading more from her.

"Guard the tower, ward the stone. Find your answers writ in bone. Keep your trust through wits or war--nothing must unseal the door."

This book starts with Ryxander, known as Ryx to all, as she tries to negotiate peace between two countries. The same night her grandmother The WitchLord of Vaskandar is called away to seal with a chimera on the border. While her grandmother is away, a visiting noble is accidentally killed by Ryx and the Obsidian Tower is opened. Things spin wildly out of control from there for Ryx as she tries to continue the diplomatic negotiations, while trying yo solve the mystery of the tower and how word of it escaped.

This book has a lot of action to it but violence is always the last option for Ryx. She would rather use her skills of diplomacy and her quick mind to avoid violence at all costs. I enjoyed this aspect of the book, most novels have swords drawn or spells cast before questions are asked. Seeing a different approach to handling conflict was very welcome.

All the characters in this tale are very believable, the villains are evil but not to the point of loathing the mentions of them. My favorites were the Rookery the magic investigators, they were a welcome as experts in magic but none of them have enough power to be considered a mage.

This is a twisting tale of murder, political intrigue, and magical mytsery that is sure to satisfy any fan of fantasy.

The Obsidian Tower is an exciting first installment of a new fantasy series by Melissa Caruso that centers around Lady Ryxander, granddaughter of the Witch Lord and guardian of Gloamingard Castle who carries a dark magic that can kill with just a simple touch. For generations, her family has guarded a mysterious artifact in the Obsidian Tower, but when a diplomat dies in an attempt to claim its power, Ryx must enlist the Rookery for help. With her grandmother missing, blood being shed, and peace talks between nations going awry, Ryx and the Rookery must get to the bottom of what exactly the secret is that the Obsidian Tower is hiding, and find a way to put a stop to the chaos that seeps through their world before it is too late.
I enjoyed The Obsidian Tower very much. I loved Caruso's writing style. It keeps the story moving with all its twists and turns. I found the magic system in this novel to be my favorite part of this book. The idea of Witch Lords and their political maneuvers really drew me into this book. I thought the world was really interesting. I also loved Ryx's character arc, how she goes from a reclusive girl who thinks she's a monster and alone to becoming a person surrounded by people who love her and accept her for who she is was especially rewarding. The Obsidian Tower is a fast-paced fantasy that is full of dark magic and political intrigue. I enjoyed it and suspect that others will too.

Recommended: yes
For an introduction to a promising new fantasy series, for political scheming and world-threatening dangers to your heart’s content, for elaborate growth of the main character built steadily throughout

Thoughts:
Points for unexpected plot twists, that felt believable and acceptable. None of this plot twist where it’s too outrageous or feels like an excuse (“It was all a dream!”). I’m a little bloodthirsty so maybe I wanted something different in some cases, but I still enjoyed it. All the elements I had hoped for re: the world of darkness were satisfied and more is promised. Now the challenge is waiting for the next book to release next year.

This is a fairly hefty book, in length and content. It has a pretty slow start, with a lot of setup for the kingdoms in the world, the cultures and clashes between them, and a whole lot of political negotiation complicated by mysterious deadly artifacts. Most of the action happens in the latter half of the book. Don’t expect to rush through this; it’s best to sit down ready to learn about the world.

She just knows that sometimes you have to destroy in order to protect.

Since this is also the first book in a series, a lot of the exposition is out of the way here. I expect to walk into book two with a solid understanding of the world, characters, motivation, and very dramatic problems they’re all trying to resolve. I do hope for more of a balance in the next book between active adventure and conflict, and the scheming cultural politics.

The beginning is filled with characters I (rightfully) loathed. They seem to have no redeeming characteristics and exist more as a foil to Ryx and to see what she’s had to deal with all these years. They largely felt like black-and-white personalities with no shades of gray. This is the mean aunt, this is the brash cousin, and so on. The core group that you see more of in the latter half are more developed and far more likable and interesting. I want to get to know them more!

And, of course, the magic. I love the different ways the kingdoms handle magic. In Vaskandar, mage bloodlines control states and help their cities with their magic (ex. helping with a harvest, creating chimeras for battle, etc). But the Serene Empire seeks balance in status, so mages are cuffed and their ability to use magic tied to a non-magical person. The kinds of magic, the realms of thought around it, and the debates about equality, freedom, and security resound back into current societal issues.

Also FYI for representation: this is a great example of how characters can have traits that are part of them but aren’t the only thing that defines them. Bisexual, asexual, non-binary: someone can feel any of these things and still have exciting adventures and other character traits!!! Books that investigate the experience are important as well, but I do so love when an adventure story just includes elements like this without characters batting an eye. Total acceptance to the point of it registering as a fact like “their eyes are brown.” ♥

Thanks to Orbit and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Wow, this book was so fantastic! I loved learning about this world, these characters, and unraveling the mysteries! It was such a compelling, addicting story, and I couldn't put it down! I loved everything about this book, and I'm so excited that it's a series!

We know right off the bat that the tower should never be opened, it's in one of the synopsis' of the book. The question is why, and it's answered in waves of information, learning a bit at a time. It was so freaking interesting!

There was a lot of politics in this book, because Gloamingard, at Ryx's direction, was to host a diplomatic party. Of course everything goes awry, and having those politicians there added to the level of difficulty that Ryx had to deal with.

I really enjoyed how it resolved, they have information, there is hope for the future. But it's also dimmed by the uncertainty of the present. I can't wait to watch these characters stride forward, because there are such heights for them to climb-or to fall. I need to read more!

I found out afterwards that Melissa Caruso has written a trilogy set in this world, earlier in the timeline if I'm correct. And I'm going to have to read it, because I need to read more of this world and her writing!

I loved this book so much, and I can't wait to read the sequels!

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One woman will either save an entire continent or completely destroy it in a captivating epic fantasy bursting with intrigue and ambition, questioned loyalties, and broken magic.

"Guard the tower, ward the stone. Find your answers writ in bone. Keep your trust through wits or war--nothing must unseal the door."

Deep within Gloamingard Castle lies a black tower. Sealed by magic, it guards a dangerous secret that has been contained for thousands of years.

As Warden, Ryxander knows the warning passed down through generations: nothing must unseal the Door. But one impetuous decision will leave her with blood on her hands--and unleash a threat that could doom the world to fall to darkness.

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I received an ARC of The Obsidian Tower a few months ago from NetGalley. This is by the same author of, and set in the same world as, The Tethered Mage. It's not necessary to have read TTM for this book: I haven't, mostly because it came to my awareness at about the same time as Fran Wilde's The Jewel and Her Lapidary, and the jewel/lapidary naming scheme of the latter struck me as so twee that it turned me off the entire concept.*

That was the first strike against it. The second was the use of "epic" in the description, a keyword now used to attempt to capture readers who like Big Fat Fantasies[TM], and which usually means multiple points of view, kingdom- or world-spanning plots, lots of pitched battles, and in most cases, a narrative voice indistinguishable from any other.

Why did I grab this one? The cover pulled me in. I love it: this black monolithic shape floating in smudged white space, reminiscent of the silhouette of a human heart, surrounded by the title. It's a good thing it did, because it turned out to be exactly what I like: a high fantasy setting told from the point of view of a sympathetic character with a strong voice.

Ryxander is Warden of Gloamingard Castle, entrusted by her grandmother to guard a magically-sealed door as her family has done for generations and to broker agreements between neighboring kingdoms. Ryx's magic is broken, however--a touch from her means death--and many of her family think she was given the Wardenship out of pity, and not because she can do the job.

As with any locked door in a story, the inevitable happens and the rest of the plot involves political maneuvering, family squabbles and an engaging circle of characters frantically studying almost-forgotten magics while Ryx desperately tries to hold both herself and the kingdom together.

When I finished it, I was disappointed to remember I had an ARC and that I couldn't immediately pre-order the sequel. Highly recommended.

*Note: I am perhaps the only person with this opinion. Wilde's book was nominated for both a Nebula and a Hugo.

I swear, I'm going to stop reading YA books. Especially sci fi/fantasy.

I know, I said that before. Then I found Race the Sands and liked it, so I thought maybe my problems were over and I could go back to simpler plots and shallower characters as long as the ideas were original and well written and everyone could solve their problems with deux ex machina so obvious Jesus could have written it and I'd be fine, not rolling my eyes at all.

The Obsidian Tower is a good book, but not for me. I just couldn't deal with the fairy tale a couple layers deep. "Oh, I have magic but its *flawed* why can't I be perfect like my family my magic is FLAWED". Wait, could it be your magic isn't flawed, that's how its supposed to be because you're perfect the way you are?

This story does have a lot of good going for it. The magic system here is pretty good (though why the main character doesn't wear gloves is pretty weird... like, I get she can't touch anyone but Rouge from the X-Men figured out how to live with this problem), the characters are likable and believable even if a little shallow, the prose is good. Honestly, I recommend this book, but not for me.

And I swear, I'm off YA books. For really reals this time.

**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my goodness did I love this book! The story, the characters, EVERYTHING. I absolutely fell in love with the Protagonist Ryx! She’s strong, witty, and tough as nails. I loved reading about her dealing with not only the burgeoning power that separates her and makes her an outsider within her own family, but the struggle with coming to terms with them being a part of her. I loved the Rooks and Severin and my goodness the political intrigue mixed with murder and demons on the loose? This book has it all. I can’t wait to read the next book! The twists and decisions made were exciting to read about and I enjoyed the authors style. The plot was fast paced and kept me on my toes till the last page. This book was an overall pleasure to read!

THE OBSIDIAN TOWER is the first in the new Rooks and Ruin series by Melissa Caruso. It’s a high fantasy coming-of-age story, with lots of politics, magic, and betrayal. Caruso’s relentless pacing, strong prose, and interesting protagonist make THE OBSIDIAN TOWER an enjoyable read.

Rxyander (Ryx) is the Warden of Gloamingard castle. As the granddaughter of the Witch Lord of Morgrain, she should help the land and people flourish and grow with her vivomancy. But Ryx’s magic is broken. If she touches or gets too near any living thing (plant, animal, or human), her magic will drain the life force from it. This unsettling ability has meant a life of fear for Ryx, always wary and on edge during every interaction. Unable to help Morgrain in traditional magical ways, she has devoted herself to becoming a good diplomat, smoothing relations between the Witch Lords of Vaskander in the north and the Raverran empire to the south.

Ryx’s duties also include the unusual injunction to guard the door to the obsidian tower at the heart of the castle. Centuries of lore and warnings surround the tower, but no one knows what lies beyond. Just the feeling around the tower makes Ryx’s skin crawl and she takes her duty seriously.

On the eve of important diplomatic negotiations that Ryx is hosting, she discovers one of the diplomats trying to break into the obsidian tower. While Ryx manages to stop her, it’s only after the woman opens the door inside the tower, setting off a chain of increasingly dire consequences.

When Ryx’s grandmother discovers that the door has been opened, she tells Ryx to get the Rookery (a sort of elite, politically neutral, magical problem-solving team). And then her grandmother goes to deal with the door–and disappears. The Rookery agrees to help Ryx in her predicament, and when they arrive at Gloamingard they discover some very, very unfortunate things about what may have been unleashed when the door was opened.

Nosy and undiplomatic aunts, frustrating cousins, duplicitous diplomats–everyone has an opinion about what should happen with the tower at the heart of Gloamingard. And with her grandmother gone, Ryx must negotiate the personal and political consequences of the door opening on her own.

Caruso has crafted a snappy narrative with pacing that reads like a thriller. Old threats are constantly evolving and new threats interrupt Ryx’s work with alarming frequency. Caruso doesn’t wait to reveal the secret at the heart of Gloamingard and instead the truth behind the secret is revealed within the first third of the book. And it’s a good secret! Magical doors are a staple in fantasy, but I was not expecting the direction Caruso took and it lead to some deliciously gnarly complications for Ryx to tackle.

While the pace of events is steady, Ryx has plenty of moments of reflection and diplomacy. As the Warden of Gloamingard, her choices have personal and political consequences and Ryx must weigh all of her actions carefully. This is, after all, not just about magical doors and politics, but about Ryx dealing with the consequences of her magic, trying to open up to new people, and finding what’s important to her in these moments of crisis.

I appreciated Caruso’s inclusiveness. Several characters, including Ryxander, are queer, or use they/them pronouns. I especially appreciated that none of the conflict in the novel stems from anyone’s identity and instead all of the conflict comes from character choices.

Caruso is careful to give even the smaller characters distinct flavor. The various members of the Rookery are introduced quickly but it’s easy to remember who’s who. There’s a number of troublesome people who make Ryx’s life difficult, but even the villains have sympathetic motivations and aren’t just caricatures. Ryx discovers that everyone (even the difficult people in her life) have their own struggles, and while hers may be unique in its consequences, their differences don’t have to divide them. Ryx loves and respects her family, but the easy companionship the Rookery offers is something entirely new to her and the ‘found family’ arc is heartwarming.

I thought Caruso crafted a clever story, and I’m looking forward to reading the second installment in this series.

<I>Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in return for an honest review.</I>

I think its best to start this review by saying that a 2 star rating means I thought this book was "okay." Not good, not bad - but overwhelmingly okay.

<I>The Obsidian Tower</I> was a book I went into really wanting to love with it's interesting premise of broken magic and artifact investigation with a bi main character. Unfortunately the execution of these ideas left a lot to be desired.

My first issue was the world building. I read a lot of epic fantasy, so slow pacing and a lot of information don't necessarily bother me - in fact I often relish these things. Here, though, the world building was done in huge, generic info dumps that made most of the information given completely forgettable.

This was not helped by Ryx, who might be the most passive character I've ever encountered. She spends much of the book being pulled along by other characters making most of her decisions for her and speaking for her, while she silently fumes and tells the reader all of the important things that she had actively done <I>before</I> the story started, and explaining over and over again why she can't do anything now.

Further, the situation where Ryx can't be touched because of her magic was an interesting idea when taken at face value and it was easy to understand why Ryx would be deeply lonely because of it. However, Caruso comes back to explaining this so often and making such a big deal out of how difficult it was to not be touched every five minutes that the entire situation became <I>less</I> believable over time. It isn't really that hard to not go around touching people all the time - and this is when one person <I>isn't</I> deadly.. It was also hard to believe that the castle staff hated/were afraid of Ryx when the only time they actually seemed to be so was when it was convenient to engender sympathy for her.

Finally, Caruso says <I>a lot</I> in this book, which clocks in at almost 500 pages, but it felt like very little actually happened to characters that were so insubstantial that I can hardly remember anyone's name despite finishing it only yesterday.

I do think some readers will really connect with Ryx, but unfortunately this just wasn't for me.

Ryx is a mage-marker diplomat of Vaskander, granddaughter of a ruler. In a land where the mage-marker bring life to land, her magic is distorted, broken, draining life from anything she touches. Her family is tasked with keeping a mysterious artifact safe, until one night a visiting dignitary tries to break in to it, and Ryx touches her, killing her, while unleashing the mysterious power of the artifact.

The Obsidian Tower has everything I want from a fantasy book - interesting characters, diversity, turmoil, politics, a well thought out magic systems. While I know not everyone loves political fantasy, I’m a huge fan, and I found this to be a perfect balance with Ryx dealing with her diplomatic duties and the conflict between the different Witch Lords, and the mysterious magical artifact and the effects it has.

The magic system was fascinating, comparing Ryx’s magic that’s drains life with the rest of the family, magic that brings life and aids Vaskander. I do wish though there there was a bit more detail into the other magics, it did leave me wanting me more despite being fascinating. I can only assume that the magic system will continue to be built on in future books though, so that’s not so much a complaint as a want for more.

I did really appreciate the subtly of the diversity within the book, we have so many different sexualities and non-binary characters speckled throughout, without being in your face that they’re added. It felt like a genuine diversity, rather than a forced one and I find that so refreshing.

All in all, The Obsidian Tower has sold me on reading more of Melissa Caruso, and I’ll be looking forward to future instalments in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and I must say that I heartily enjoyed it!
Ryx is a well written and strong character and I really felt for her as she struggled to live and be a warden of the land, all the while trying to get a grip on her broken magic and not hurt anyone or anything. Then there is the mystery of the Black Tower and the creepy Gloaming Lore . That was exciting though it was infuriating the stupidity of one character that decides to open it to gain more power. That is what starts the ball rolling to possible Dark Days. Why is it that those with power always want more? And I agree with Ryx that so many problems would never happen if the warnings passed down about not opening certain things explaining why it should remain so. But then I guess the mystery is needed for a good, exciting story.

I preferred the Raverran and Serene Empire way of governing as opposed to the immortal/very long lived Witch Lords which was very feudal with the few athelings having too much power in my opinion but the magic system was pretty cool to learn about, the greenwitches and furwitches and such. And of course the chimeras. I like Whisper though things would have been easier without his crypticness. The Rookery are cool too, with traveling around, fixing magical issues. I enjoyed their interactions with Ryx too. The Shrike Lord on the other hand is too power hungry and willing to do anything and I did not like him one bit (his brother is worth getting to know though). The same goes for the Zenith Society which needs to learn to value something besides the pursuit of magic.

I enjoyed this story and I cannot wait for the next one! Go Rookery! I hope they can deal with the problem.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ of 5 stars!
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Thank you NetGally and Orbit books for providing me with a copy in exchange for a honest review. Release date: June 4th, 2020!
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“There are two kinds of magic. There is the kind that lifts you up and fills you with wonder (...) And there is the kind the wrecks you, that shatters you (...) Mine is the second kind.”
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Oh my word, this was a fun read! I have already added Caruso’s other series to my TBR, still waiting for libraries to open so I can dive on in! The setting was well created, the characters were interesting and the plot hooked me from page one.
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To be in the mind of someone who literally can’t touch those she loves without causing them harm was a very intriguing (and heartbreaking) adventure.
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I was pleasantly surprised by the LGBT rep. I went into this book expecting to find a new fantasy series... I walked away with some possible ships! I ain’t mad about it. 😂
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I’m a big fan of stories where the protagonist, for one reason or another, is at a disadvantage because they lack something everyone else has (a magical ability, for example). I like to read about the underdog, I suppose. This is what first caught my attention about The Obsidian Tower by Melissa Caruso. Ryx, the main character, is the member of a powerful mage family, but her power is flawed such that she kills anything she touches. This also reminded me of Rogue from the X-men whose character development I was always a little disappointed in because I liked the premise of her power/curse so much. So I was hoping to get a second chance at enjoying such a character when I picked up this book.
I wasn’t disappointed. I loved Ryx’s character and not because she was a badass, aggressive, and strong female protagonist as seems to be very common in a lot of the fantasy I’ve read recently. No, she was quiet and strong. She takes her responsibilities as Warden of Gloamingard Castle seriously, and has worked hard to be a guardian of her realm despite the danger she poses to everyone within it. While her family protects and nurtures their land through the use of their life magic, she does so through diplomacy. Even more than this, she’s committed to the safeguarding of a mysterious magical artifact within her castle, one that has been guarded by her family for centuries at the behest of a rhyme they all know by heart:
“Guard the tower, ward the stone
Find your answers writ in bone
Keep your trust through wits or war:
Nothing must unseal the Door.”
Unfortunately, a visiting dignitary seeks the power she believes the stone holds. The door is opened, the dignitary dies, and Ryx has to work harder than ever to keep her ward safe from forces within and without. Her power is not a boon to her in this but a burden.
This novel reminds me in some ways of The Goblin Emperor, which I recently read. It’s not quite as wholesome but has the same focus on political affairs. The majority of the book takes place within Gloamingard with Ryx trying to stave off war through diplomacy, all the while searching for answers about the stone. It is also reminiscent of a closed circle mystery; the present dignitaries have to decide who is a danger, and everyone is a suspect. Together these aspects weaved a plot that I enjoyed, but it certainly wasn’t what I was expecting coming into this book. This isn’t an action-packed read, but it is filled with suspense and, I’m happy to say, a plot twist or two that I didn’t expect.
This is Caruso's second trilogy set in this world, and it shows in her the worldbuilding, especially the in-depth history of the world that is gradually revealed throughout the novel. The magic of each mage family of Vaskandar is tied to their land such that they can manipulate the plants and animals, but in Raverran the mages do not rule because the Empire has found a way to hold their magic in check. The inherent and realistic power difference between those who possess magic and those who do not is explored through Ryx’s diplomacy and her more personal relationships.
Speaking of which, I loved the focus on platonic relationships in this novel and that relationships (platonic and otherwise) grew slowly and organically. As someone who has never been able to touch another human without fear, Ryx is very lonely and places a high value on friendship. One of Ryx’s only friendships at the beginning of the book is with her grandmother, which was lovely. We need more older characters portrayed in fiction! (Even if they are immortal.) Finally, I have to mention the very welcome bisexual representation in Ryx along with lesbian and nonbinary representation in other characters. Oh, and I was so happy that Ryx is that rare breed of female character who can recognize her attraction to someone without letting it cloud her judgement!
The Obsidian Tower was a 5 star read for me. I think Caruso did a great job of avoiding many tropes of convenience, and for this reason the story felt more deep-seated than many others I’ve read. It focuses on the consequences of a few significant actions and a truth that is too big to hide instead of focusing on action and letting the consequences fall to the wayside or the Epilogue. This won’t be a narrative everyone will enjoy, but for me it was refreshing. The novel was published today (June 2nd), so if it sounds interesting, go ahead and check it out!
Many thanks to Orbit and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

(3.5/5 ⭐️) “As long as she was willing to listen to my advice, she could be my mask and gloves, the safe and acceptable face I presented in public while I guided matters from a few steps back.” Dripping with political intrigue and a curious castle, you’ll find yourself sucked into Ryx’s struggles.

Ryx is the mage-marked grandaughter of the Lady of Owls and warden of Gloaminguard Castle. Unlike the rest of her family, her magic is broken. Instead of giving life to the world as a vivomancer, she takes life, killing everything she gets close to. When outsiders threaten to unravel the peace Vaskandar has seen for four thousand years by unsealing the door to an ancient artifact, Ryx must use her broken magic to keep her people safe.

What I liked most was the poem at the beginning of the book and the way it was woven into the story. It was the backbone that pervaded everything. The vivid world building and unique magical system made this book worth reading. The dark complexities of Gloaminguard Castle created a backdrop of intrigue that drove the story forward and kept me reading. The political tension splattered across page after page was something I enjoyed, but it moved slow at times. Then there was the character development. This was the thing I liked the least. The character development was lacking and made the characters a punching bag for the plot. It was a plot driven rather than a character driven story. Finally, there was an overall lack of closure at the end of the book.

Ryx lives with a great deal of pain. Her broken magic is responsible for killing someone during her childhood, and she has lived in fear ever since. She can’t hug people, touch people, she can’t ride horses, get near trees. She’s alone. She has spent her entire life living in the shadow of her family members who all possess great magical power. She’s a misfit struggling to get by. So she has done what she can to remain relevant by becoming more of a politician, someone who brokers peace between her country, Vaskandar and the Serene Empire.

I was so excited to read a story with a bisexual female lead. You don’t see her sort of lead very often. As a character, I loved Ryx’s brokenness, that she was forced to face difficult challenges. Broken characters are the ones with the most room for growth and change, and this left me hopeful. I was eager to see a large character arc. Ryx hates who she is at the beginning of a book so I expected to see her love herself by the end. That didn’t happen. Moreover, her character fell flat for me. Beyond her broken magic and knack for politics, I didn’t feel that she had much more depth. What were her passions? Why did all of this matter to her? Was it because she was trying to prove that broken magic can do some good? She certainly didn’t make that clear. Her only change is that she goes from having no friends to having friends. That’s not really an internal change.

What annoyed me was, she displayed a juvenile attraction for multiple characters that she meets throughout the story. She was first attracted to Kessa, and then Ashe. Then she was attracted to Aurelo. Then she was attracted to Severin? It felt like the author’s way of trying to overdo the fact that she was bisexual (attracted to both males and females). Maybe I am being naieve, but are bisexual people naturally sexually attracted to everyone they meet? It made her seem like a horny teenager who was depraved of touching people.

In terms of a personal transformation, she goes from loathing her magic and hating her propensity to kill, to avoiding it by using a “jess” to suppress it. She never really confronts it. She continues to simply avoid it. How non-confrontational! She failed to come to terms with what she was/who she was. That was disappointing. I would have loved to see her come into her own, learn to control her power, or something along those lines.

The other characters were interesting, but also didn’t have a ton of development. I really liked Kessa and Ashe, but they also felt somewhat lacking. The only character that goes through an arc was Severin, who was too cowardly to stand up to his brother throughout the story until the end. For him, that was a big win and a big transformation. Unfortunately he wasn’t a main character.

The plot was intriguing. Paired with the world building that was the only thing that really kept me reading. The Gloaminguard Castle was fantastic and mysterious. It reminded me of the mansion in Rose Red or Winchester Mystery House. I was so curious about it and loved those concepts.

Now for the really heavy critique. Spoilers here. My biggest disappointment was the lack of resolution on any front. There were no resolutions. Completing one of the following would have been a big win: A) Ryx goes through an obvious personal transformation (didn’t happen) B) Ryx’s romantic interest develops into something substantial (sorry, holding hands is not a substantial ending to the development of a romantic relationship) C) The defeat of the Shrike Lord. This was anticlimactic because he simply banished Severin. They never rose up against him or put him in his place, even though the entire book was essentially his fault. He got off easy. D) Conquering the gate to hell or conquering the black tower or saving Gloaminguard from the Lady of Owls (it is clear this will happen in later installments). E) The banishment of the demons who entered the world. They are now roaming free. F) Saving Ryx’s grandmother G) Killing Aurelio

The fact that A - G items that were not resolved shows how little resolution there was. I would have been happy with simply ONE completion. Just one. I would have felt fulfilled. Instead, I feel totally unfulfilled. Literally everything was left unresolved. The only thing resolved at the end of the book was that Ryx, Severin, and the Rookery were able to retreat to safety. Great. They are safe. Who wants a safe hero when you can solve problems and feel fulfilled? What about all the loose ends? What a disappointment!

I’m being harsh in my judgement, but only because I feel these things are really important to take a book from three stars to five stars. This book was a really enjoyable. It hooked me from the start because I really enjoy political intrigue and the mysterious Gloaminguard Castle. I had a lot of fun reading this story. I will definitely continue on to the next because I have hope that the things left open will be closed (hopefully). If the second book doesn’t tie up these loose ends, I’m not going to be left dangling from twenty strings forever. In terms of recommending this book, I have mixed feelings. If you’re not a picky fantasy reader—most people aren’t—then you would enjoy this story. You should give it a shot. It will peak your curiosity.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the advanced read.

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at https://www.NerdGirlLovesBooks.com.

This is a very good first book in a new fantasy series about magic, loneliness, vengeance and power. Clocking in at 448 pages, it slowly builds tension and intrigue before exploding to a satisfying cliffhanger.

Ryx is the granddaughter of the powerful ruler of a mage family in Vaskandar. Most of her family members wield powerful magic, but Ryx's magic is broken and everything she touches dies. Ryx's grandmother takes her in at a young age when she is shunned by her family. Ryx is placed in charge of a large, odd-shaped castle and tasked with keeping it, and it's inhabitants, safe. Inside the castle is a room sealed by powerful wards. Throughout the castle are dire warnings to keep the door sealed.

When a visiting dignitary that is in the castle to participate in peace talks attacks Ryx and opens the door, Ryx accidentally kills her in self defense. After the door is opened, the artifact is triggered. Ryx's grandmother sends her out of the castle to track down a group of magical experts to investigate the artifact. The remaining visiting dignitaries at the castle for the peace talks are curious about the artifact and want to claim the power it may hold. Adding to Ryx's problems is the fiance of the dignitary she killed. He sends an emissary intent on finding the killer and exacting vengeance.

The writing in this book is very good and flows smoothly. There is a fair amount of world-building, which is always necessary in the first book of a new series. I like Ryx and the author did a great job of depicting her loneliness and longing for physical contact with another person. I could feel how frustrated and scared she was by having to be so aware of not coming into contact with anything or anyone that was alive. Ryx and her grandmother have a complicated relationship and I could sense the ebb and flow of emotions in their interactions. Even though magic is a big part of the book, it's also a story about relationships and personal self-worth.

In addition to the necessary "bad guy" characters, the author includes a wide variety of personalities. I like the members of the traveling group of magical investigators, as well as the various dignitaries visiting the castle. It is clear what their positions are with regard to the peace talks and artifact, and the author did a great job building tension as the story progressed. I enjoyed the book, but it did drag a bit in the middle. While entertaining, the overall story moved a bit too slow for my taste. First books tend to read a bit slower than normal because of the world building, so I can't really fault the author too much. Once the action really started, however, the story moves along at a good pace.

Overall this is a good first book in a new fantasy series that I recommend you read.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an uncorrected proof copy of The Obsidian Tower in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Melissa Caruso and Orbit Books.

"There are two kinds of magic.
There is the kind that lifts you up and fills you with wonder, saving you when all is lost or opening doors to new worlds of possibility. And there is the kind that wrecks you, that shatters you, bitter in your mouth and jagged in your hand, breaking everything you touch.
Mine was the second kind."

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Caruso's debut trilogy Swords and Fire, with The Unbound Empire being one of my favourite novels of 2019. The Obsidian Tower, the first entry in the Rooks and Ruin series was a book that I had to pick up as soon as I was given the chance.

Like Caruso's previous trilogy, The Obsidian Tower is set in the world of Eruvia. The action takes place at least 150 years after the events of Swords and Fire and follows Exalted Ryxander in the first-person perspective. Ryx resides in Morgrain and is the granddaughter of the powerful and immortal Witch Lord, The Lady of Owls. Ryx is a vivomancer but her magic is flawed and so twisted that it is dangerous. Anyone she touches dies, which, to her dismay, has happened a few times. At twenty-one years old, her role is to look after the castle in Gloamingard and at the beginning of the narrative, she is hosting a conference with neighbouring Alevar and the Serene Empire. Her castle is full of nooks, crannies, and secret passages, many of which seem only known to Ryx, as well as being host to a mysterious tower with a magical door which must not be unsealed. What lies behind that door is hugely important to the story, as are the attendees of the meeting, and a team of magic problem-solvers known as the Rookery.

"Guard the tower, ward the stone
Find your answers writ in bone
Keep your trust through wits or war:
Nothing must unseal the Door."

Caruso is a terrific writer who weaves fascinating and intricate fantasy tales that are heavily focused on magic and politics. In The Obsidian Tower Caruso also introduces mystery elements to the mix which fit perfectly with her style. Returning to Eruvia again was a great experience which underlines the fact that I get completely engrossed with Caruso's work. It would be easy for a newcomer to pick up this novel without having read any of the author's previous work. I would say my enjoyment was heightened by an extra 5-10% because I was already familiar with the way the magic works, the past relationships of the Serene Empire and Vaskandar, and the technology of the world. That being said, for first-time readers, everything that they need to know for this story is explained fresh and well here too, such as how the magic works, what the Chimeras are, the powers of the Witch Lords of Vaskandar, and the relationship between the Serene Empire's Falcons and Falconers, etc...

The Obsidian Tower is brimming with many well-crafted and colourful characters presented through Ryx's eyes. My personal favourites were the formidable ruler of Morgrain The Lady of Owls, the mysterious Severin, the envoy from the neighbouring Alevar, the talking fox-like Chimera and castle guardian Whisper, and the loveable oddballs that make up the Rookery. Ryx's deeply personal portrayal was intriguing to follow. It as interesting to walk in the shoes of someone who is unable to touch, feel, or love through fear of harming others. At this point, I don't think she is quite sure of her sexuality. We go on quite a journey with Ryx here. A personal journey as the events themselves are restricted to taking place in and around Morgrain. Eruvia is a huge world and I am sure we will travel to many of its areas in the upcoming Rooks and Ruin books. It's also worth noting that The Obsidian Tower features a gender-neutral character and LGBT emotions too.

The Obsidian Tower is an entertaining, well-written, and expertly-paced novel with incredible magic schemes and a great cast of characters. What is behind the magical door and in the titular obsidian tower and how will it affect Ryx, the Rookery, and Eruvia? I guess you'll have to read the novel to find out. The Obsidian Tower is a highly recommended read, as is Caruso's previous trilogy.

I was thoroughly intrigued by the premise of a royal mage with a touch that kills. I was not expecting the amount of political background and talk among the characters though. In many fantasies there are always areas of discourse surrounding boundaries, wars, lands, royals and other political facts for the world building aspect. Knowing who is against who and what could cause a shift in power is critical to world building. I do feel, however, that the first approximately 50% of this novel was spent laying down these political points with occasional action. It was too much for me and it took away from the characters and the plot.

Then there comes a point in the novel where things shift and it begins to feel like the fantasy I expected when I read the synopsis. The revelations come to light and the characters become fleshed out. I was flipping pages faster than my little Kindle could keep up itching to see what happens next. Everything came together and by the end I was ready for so much more.

It’s hard to rate a novel that is split so effectively down the middle for me. If it wasn’t for the privilege of receiving this as an arc I would have stopped early on. I am so glad that I did not though. I connected with the characters, enjoyed the magic system and hands down Whisper is my favorite critter.

Politics aside, this novel has twists that I did not fully see coming. A relic that I did not expect to be what it is. And a cast of characters with so much potential for growth and depth.

Themes: LGBTQ

Thank you to NetGalley, Caruso and Orbit for the opportunity to read and review this novel for an honest and unbiased opinion.