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dolizoss's review against another edition
3.0
Easy read, although I would argue it is not working very well as a stand-alone. References to the previous book left me with a feeling I'm missing good chunk of the context to actually get into the story.
It was fine, but somewhat uninspired. I really wanted to love it, but no luck.
Despite us 'hearing' thoughts of the characters, I was left with an impression of sliding on the surface. Despite their superficial variety, both locations and characters lacked distinct voices and atmosphere.
It was fine, but somewhat uninspired. I really wanted to love it, but no luck.
Despite us 'hearing' thoughts of the characters, I was left with an impression of sliding on the surface. Despite their superficial variety, both locations and characters lacked distinct voices and atmosphere.
michaelrfletcher's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of those where I need some time to put my thoughts into order.
Gorgeously lyrical, T. Frohock weaves a lush tapestry. At times beautiful and brutal, I am in awe of this unbelievably talented story-teller. Highly recommended!
This takes everything I loved about [b:Los Nefilim|29995427|Los Nefilim (Los Nefilim #1-3)|T. Frohock|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1521492535s/29995427.jpg|45955333] and improves on it, which is quite a feat!
I want more!
Gorgeously lyrical, T. Frohock weaves a lush tapestry. At times beautiful and brutal, I am in awe of this unbelievably talented story-teller. Highly recommended!
This takes everything I loved about [b:Los Nefilim|29995427|Los Nefilim (Los Nefilim #1-3)|T. Frohock|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1521492535s/29995427.jpg|45955333] and improves on it, which is quite a feat!
I want more!
thebakersbooks's review against another edition
5.0
5/5 stars — grounded in history, brought to life by magic and emotion
Where Oblivion Lives is the novel-length sequel to T. Frohock's three Los Nefilim novellas. I loved the novellas and this book builds upon everything I originally enjoyed about Diago, the world of nefilim, and musical magic.
The story is a genre-blending cross between historical fiction, mystery, and supernatural horror. Diago Alvarez, now a member of Los Nefilim, a group of angelic descendants with united under the leadership of Diago's enemy-turned-friend Guillermo, is tormented by dreams woven with music from his lost Stradivarius violin. When he's tasked with retrieving it, his search leads to Germany, the domain of an adversarial nefil queen and the burgeoning Nazi movement.Once there, Diago is trapped in a house haunted by a corrupted angel who eats the souls of nefilim.
One of my favorite aspects of Where Oblivion Lives is Diago's character arc. Frohock uses her concept of nefilim reincarnation to brilliant effect, sending Diago up against not only old enemies but old traumas as well. Unable to recall more than a few vague visions from his second incarnation, Diago fears he may have betrayed or harmed his loved ones. This worry meshes with his present determination to complete his mission and prove he belongs in Los Nefilim despite his half-daimon heritage and those who doubt his loyalty. Finally, Diago is driven by the need to protect his husband and son from falling prey to those seeking to punish or harm Diago himself. Diago's solo mission gives him time for introspection—dangerous when self-doubt can be his own worst enemy.
Worldbuilding and setting were again gems of Frohock's work. The narrative takes place within the lengthening shadow of the Nazi threat; racist pseudoscience and period-typical homophobia proved as menacing in the antagonists' hands as their historically accurate firearms. On a personal level, it was extremely satisfying to read Diago's metaphorical eye-rolls at the suggestion that a person was less intelligent because of their skin color rather than because of their belief in such stupidly self-aggrandizing ideas.
The fictional world of angels, daimons, and nefilim is complex enough that I spent the novella trilogy wanting to learn more. In Where Oblivion Lives, Frohock further explains the system of magical glyphs that are brought to life with music. From details like protective glyphs embedded in the railings in Guillermo's house to "Red Zones," or areas across Europe where wards were damaged by natural and supernatural upheaval during WWI, magic is a fact of life in Diago's world.
A couple of other aspects of the story really stood out to me. First was Frohock's prose, which I remember caught my attention in the novellas too. Here, the writing was precise yet dramatic, serving to emphasize the age and refinement of many nefilim and also delivering terrifying punch in some of the more horror-heavy scenes. An example is the phrase "I will watch for you," which is either promise or threat among nefilim depending on context. Second was the theme of familial love, also carried over from the previous books. It's evident in Diago's devotion to Miguel and Rafael and in Guillermo's protection of Los Nefilim as a whole, but particularly his wife and daughter. The children read like actual kids, and Diago's experience of parenthood as a joy but also a drain on his energy feels very real.
In case it wasn't obvious, I highly recommend Where Oblivion Lives and the whole Los Nefilim series. The nail-biting suspense and tightly plotted mysteries will appeal to fans of historical fantasy and horror alike.
content warnings: racism, homophobia, abuse by a family member, drug use, rape mention
Where Oblivion Lives is the novel-length sequel to T. Frohock's three Los Nefilim novellas. I loved the novellas and this book builds upon everything I originally enjoyed about Diago, the world of nefilim, and musical magic.
The story is a genre-blending cross between historical fiction, mystery, and supernatural horror. Diago Alvarez, now a member of Los Nefilim, a group of angelic descendants with united under the leadership of Diago's enemy-turned-friend Guillermo, is tormented by dreams woven with music from his lost Stradivarius violin. When he's tasked with retrieving it, his search leads to Germany, the domain of an adversarial nefil queen and the burgeoning Nazi movement.
One of my favorite aspects of Where Oblivion Lives is Diago's character arc. Frohock uses her concept of nefilim reincarnation to brilliant effect, sending Diago up against not only old enemies but old traumas as well. Unable to recall more than a few vague visions from his second incarnation, Diago fears he may have betrayed or harmed his loved ones. This worry meshes with his present determination to complete his mission and prove he belongs in Los Nefilim despite his half-daimon heritage and those who doubt his loyalty. Finally, Diago is driven by the need to protect his husband and son from falling prey to those seeking to punish or harm Diago himself. Diago's solo mission gives him time for introspection—dangerous when self-doubt can be his own worst enemy.
Worldbuilding and setting were again gems of Frohock's work. The narrative takes place within the lengthening shadow of the Nazi threat; racist pseudoscience and period-typical homophobia proved as menacing in the antagonists' hands as their historically accurate firearms. On a personal level, it was extremely satisfying to read Diago's metaphorical eye-rolls at the suggestion that a person was less intelligent because of their skin color rather than because of their belief in such stupidly self-aggrandizing ideas.
The fictional world of angels, daimons, and nefilim is complex enough that I spent the novella trilogy wanting to learn more. In Where Oblivion Lives, Frohock further explains the system of magical glyphs that are brought to life with music. From details like protective glyphs embedded in the railings in Guillermo's house to "Red Zones," or areas across Europe where wards were damaged by natural and supernatural upheaval during WWI, magic is a fact of life in Diago's world.
A couple of other aspects of the story really stood out to me. First was Frohock's prose, which I remember caught my attention in the novellas too. Here, the writing was precise yet dramatic, serving to emphasize the age and refinement of many nefilim and also delivering terrifying punch in some of the more horror-heavy scenes. An example is the phrase "I will watch for you," which is either promise or threat among nefilim depending on context. Second was the theme of familial love, also carried over from the previous books. It's evident in Diago's devotion to Miguel and Rafael and in Guillermo's protection of Los Nefilim as a whole, but particularly his wife and daughter. The children read like actual kids, and Diago's experience of parenthood as a joy but also a drain on his energy feels very real.
In case it wasn't obvious, I highly recommend Where Oblivion Lives and the whole Los Nefilim series. The nail-biting suspense and tightly plotted mysteries will appeal to fans of historical fantasy and horror alike.
content warnings: racism, homophobia, abuse by a family member, drug use, rape mention
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