The Obsidian Tower: Gripping Darkness and Truly Excellent Fantasy

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In the depths of the sparkling Obsidian Tower’s fantastical realms. Where shadows dance with whispered secrets and darkness reigns supreme, you’ll find an intrigue filled story, with a great mystery. Melissa Caruso, a New York Times bestseller author, weaves a masterpiece of fantasy literature that stands tall. Captivating all who dare to turn its pages. Within its gripping darkness lies a world teeming with dangerous magic, an unbound empire, and unforgettable characters. On this journey through the realms of imagination, we’ll uncover a truly excellent fantasy world. Delving into the heart of “The Obsidian Tower,” where every turn of the page unveils new wonders. Challenging the very notion of reality.

The Obsidian Tower Plot Summary

Amidst the grandeur of Vaskandar, Ryx, the mage-marked granddaughter of a ruling elite, was poised for a life of prominence and influence. However, fate had other plans, shattering her magic. A curse that siphoned life with every touch, rendering her a pariah in a society that revered power. One fateful night, chaos erupted as Ryx unwittingly triggered a calamity, claiming the life of a distinguished guest in self-defense. This tragic incident unleashed an ancient force sealed within her family’s stronghold, propelling Ryx into a perilous odyssey.

Fleeing the consequences of her actions, she joined forces with an eclectic band of arcane scholars. Drawn together by a shared quest to quell the upheaval in Vaskandar. As they unraveled the mysteries entwining her lineage, Ryx confronted the looming threat to her kin and realm. With the world teetering on the brink of chaos, they navigated treacherous intrigues to seize control of the enigmatic artifact before it unraveled existence itself.

Thoughts on The Obsidian Tower

I have to say that I have been putting The Obsidian Tower off since Hachette Book Group sent me the trilogy to read and review. *PS Thank you Hachette (sorry it’s taken me so long lol)* Additionally, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised.

The Obsidian Tower is a story that feels like classic epic fantasy. You know that dense tale with razor sharp politics and characters investigating weird magical chaos. A story with lore and rules bound in a way that gives it an old-world feel.

And although this has a slow start there isn’t much that I didn’t like about The Obsidian Tower.

At the start, we are introduced to Ryxander (Ryx), our protagonist. Ryx is the Warden of Gloamingard Castle. As the granddaughter of the Witch Lord of Morgrain (Lady of Owls), she is to help the lands grow and flourish with the use of her magic. Except Ryx’s magic is broken unlike the life magic of the line of witches and warlocks she was born into. It is quite the opposite. Where their magic illuminates and grows the things they surround, Ryx’s dangerous magic kills. Breaking down the very cellular structure holding it all together. This fact leaves Ryx extremely lonely. She is constantly on edge. Not able to have anything (or anyone) within a certain distance. And touching her forget about it.

Along with her other duties, she is also the guardian of the black tower. A door so ominous that that has its own poem warning anyone away.

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

But no one knows what lies beyond the sealed door. Hearing whispers and feeling a sense of dread when passing along the halls. That is until the eve of an important diplomatic negotiation for peace among the lands. One of the diplomats tries to break into the obsidian tower. And while Ryx manages to stop her, it’s only after the woman opens the door, setting off a chain of events they are unlikely to recover from.

One of the things I loved most about the Obsidian Tower is the world-building. Set 150 years after the end of The Unbound Empire. There is just enough history and detail to give the reader a solid foundation to go off of. Without having to read the Tethered Mage series. Or distracting too much from the plot. With it being a standalone series, (that has ties to other series) the story has depth and nuance without shying too far from the order set but it’s classic fantasy roots.

Throughout the first quarter of the story, there is a growing ominous feeling that something isn’t quite right, and Ryx needs to be on her guard. A feeling that you are keenly aware that it’s there but you can’t quite put your finger on why. Seeping into the cracks and corners of your psyche. With this, as you are reading the words strike you with unexpected impact. Pieces falling together in your mind, like a broken mug pulling itself together. The realization of the story forming putting strain on your shoulders and sucking in a lung full of air for no other reason the story ramping up and unfolding like a paper crane to show you the screen behind the smoke.

“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.”

Now, you are wondering if it has any romance. While there is a base-level romance (like romance isn’t even a subplot) I find it weird that Ryx keeps pining over a girl that she had minor interaction with over 7 years prior. And, while this could be due to her lack of consistent interaction it feels forced. Other than that, beyond the minor flirting between Ryx and the Shrike Lord’s brother, Severin, there isn’t anything anybody would consider romance. There isn’t even kissing.

Beyond that minor criticism, the biggest issue I had was with Ryx herself and the lack of development for other characters within the tale. Don’t get me wrong she is a great main character. But, I found myself mad on her behalf. The way that everyone treats her as if she is personally attacking them. How hard she is on herself for things beyond her control, etc. She deserves better and I hope that as I continue the series she gets what she deserves, respect.

In addition, with the heavy political nature of The Obsidian Tower (plus there being a lot of players), some time should have been given to develop and learn more about the characters and surrounding lands. Beyond a brief mention or Ryx ending up in the surrounding towns, there is no substance given to other parts of the world.

Will I continue with the Rooks and Ruin trilogy, and proceed with The Quicksilver Court? I think so. Overall, I had a good time with The Obsidian Tower beyond the slow start. The story was a breathtaking adventure brimful of a fresh fantasy world, that is truly an epic beginning to a new fantasy series. That even new readers alike should dive into.

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