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jyeetreads's review
3.0
3.5/5
Enjoyable read but had some issues with the plot drivers and character development. At times, I felt that the politics and character actions were predictable, too convenient, or out-of-“role” (for lack of better word). Despite my dissatisfaction in the “amateurish” plot decisions, the unique world still sucked me in. Once I got used to the heavily political dialogue and environment, in the second half of the book, I found my reading flow pick up.
Ending left a lot of huge questions unexplained (sadly), so I will be waiting for the sequel and may pick it up.
Enjoyable read but had some issues with the plot drivers and character development. At times, I felt that the politics and character actions were predictable, too convenient, or out-of-“role” (for lack of better word). Despite my dissatisfaction in the “amateurish” plot decisions, the unique world still sucked me in. Once I got used to the heavily political dialogue and environment, in the second half of the book, I found my reading flow pick up.
Ending left a lot of huge questions unexplained (sadly), so I will be waiting for the sequel and may pick it up.
biblionerdrflxn's review
4.25
***Thank you to Orbit Books for providing a copy of The Obsidian Tower. My review contains my honest thoughts about my reading experience.***
Have you ever experienced a day where it feels like everything that could go wrong does go wrong? That's exactly the plot and vibes of The Obsidian Tower. lol. Just throw in some dangerous magical artifacts, a heaping helping of political negotiations, and possibly the end of the world. No pressure, right? I felt so sorry for the main character, Ryx. She was doing everything she could to hold things together, but it seemed like all she managed was digging herself an even bigger hole to climb out of. That being said, I enjoyed the steady pacing and all of the frequent disasters. I never knew what was coming next, which made this a fun read.
I definitely think Caruso's previous trilogy set in this world should be read before The Obsidian Tower. The world-building is fascinating, but it is a lot to digest. There's a lot of politics in this book, and I'm not sure I would've been as invested if I didn't know the background of the societies from the other books. I still really loved this world, though, and I was happy that the story was set in such an interesting part of Vaskandar. Things mostly took place in a single castle, but it had so many strange sections that each one felt like a different locale. I'm hoping we get more new and familiar locations in the rest of the books, though.
There was only one POV in The Obsidian Tower, but it had a lot of characters. I liked them all and want to know them better. However, the large number of characters made it difficult to get any depth from them, with the exception of Ryx. I liked Ryx and thought her point of view was unique. She was largely isolated from everyone for all of her life because close proximity to others would kill them. In this story, she learned to navigate working in a team and getting close to people, all while attempting to keep her home and family safe. She made some dumb, but relatable, choices at times, but she was likeable and strong-willed despite her flaws.
All in all, I had a great time with The Obsidian Tower. It built on the world-building from the previous trilogy in intriguing ways and introduced some great characters. The story was also a great mix of political intrigue, murder mystery, and magical mayhem. It had so many elements I enjoyed and somehow managed to juggle them all into an entertaining and cohesive narrative. I look forward to seeing what future adventures Ryx and the Rookery get up to next! Therefore, I give The Obsidian Tower a rating of 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Have you ever experienced a day where it feels like everything that could go wrong does go wrong? That's exactly the plot and vibes of The Obsidian Tower. lol. Just throw in some dangerous magical artifacts, a heaping helping of political negotiations, and possibly the end of the world. No pressure, right? I felt so sorry for the main character, Ryx. She was doing everything she could to hold things together, but it seemed like all she managed was digging herself an even bigger hole to climb out of. That being said, I enjoyed the steady pacing and all of the frequent disasters. I never knew what was coming next, which made this a fun read.
I definitely think Caruso's previous trilogy set in this world should be read before The Obsidian Tower. The world-building is fascinating, but it is a lot to digest. There's a lot of politics in this book, and I'm not sure I would've been as invested if I didn't know the background of the societies from the other books. I still really loved this world, though, and I was happy that the story was set in such an interesting part of Vaskandar. Things mostly took place in a single castle, but it had so many strange sections that each one felt like a different locale. I'm hoping we get more new and familiar locations in the rest of the books, though.
There was only one POV in The Obsidian Tower, but it had a lot of characters. I liked them all and want to know them better. However, the large number of characters made it difficult to get any depth from them, with the exception of Ryx. I liked Ryx and thought her point of view was unique. She was largely isolated from everyone for all of her life because close proximity to others would kill them. In this story, she learned to navigate working in a team and getting close to people, all while attempting to keep her home and family safe. She made some dumb, but relatable, choices at times, but she was likeable and strong-willed despite her flaws.
All in all, I had a great time with The Obsidian Tower. It built on the world-building from the previous trilogy in intriguing ways and introduced some great characters. The story was also a great mix of political intrigue, murder mystery, and magical mayhem. It had so many elements I enjoyed and somehow managed to juggle them all into an entertaining and cohesive narrative. I look forward to seeing what future adventures Ryx and the Rookery get up to next! Therefore, I give The Obsidian Tower a rating of 4.25 out of 5 stars.
melissalurie81's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
unicorn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
skycrane's review
3.0
While enjoyable, I thought this book was weaker than those in the previous series. Many of the characters didn't feel properly developed, perhaps because of the narrow scope in time, and the way they were introduced one after another as they all show up in the early parts of the book. Also, a lot of the story beats and character roles felt strongly reminiscent of those in The Tethered Mage, to the extent that it feels a little like the author was repeating herself.
On the other hand, I purchased this book as soon as it came out, started it immediately, and barely put it down until I finished it. My criticisms and complaints seem like minor things compared to how absorbed I was while reading it.
On the other hand, I purchased this book as soon as it came out, started it immediately, and barely put it down until I finished it. My criticisms and complaints seem like minor things compared to how absorbed I was while reading it.
ecstaticrhubarb's review
2.0
I didn't mean to give it 2, but according to Goodreads "It was Ok". I really didn't get interested until the last quarter or so, and even then - I really didn't care about the characters.
I think it may be worth it to read the Swords and Fire trilogy first (although not necessary) because maybe it will give you a better idea of the world? I started with this book, and the first little bit I was trying to figure out who was doing what and why and what things were and why I should care. I feel like the first trilogy would help with that a little bit (maybe?).
Otherwise, I liked some of the characters and was hoping certain things would happen to other characters.
I think it may be worth it to read the Swords and Fire trilogy first (although not necessary) because maybe it will give you a better idea of the world? I started with this book, and the first little bit I was trying to figure out who was doing what and why and what things were and why I should care. I feel like the first trilogy would help with that a little bit (maybe?).
Otherwise, I liked some of the characters and was hoping certain things would happen to other characters.
flyingorcas's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
spazgirl76's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75