The Obsidian Tower

Melissa Caruso

Jun 2020 · Sold by Orbit

About this ebook

"A classic, breathtaking adventure brimful of dangerous magic and clever politics. A book that will thrill and delight any fantasy fan."―Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne

In this fresh epic fantasy bursting with intrigue and ambition, questioned loyalties, and broken magic, one woman will either save an entire continent or bring about its downfall. 

"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.

Praise for The Obsidian Tower:

"Block out time to binge this can't-stop story filled with danger and unexpected disaster. From the fresh take on time-honored tropes to a crunchy, intrigue-filled story, The Obsidian Tower is a must-read for lovers of high fantasy."―C. L. Polk, World Fantasy award-winning author of The Midnight Bargain

"Deftly balances two of my favorite things: razor-sharp politics and characters investigating weird, dark magic. A must-read."―Emily A. Duncan, author of New York Times bestseller Wicked Saints

Rooks and Ruin
The Obsidian Tower
The Quicksilver Court
The Ivory Tomb

For more from Melissa Caruso, check out:

Swords and Fire
The Tethered Mage
The Defiant Heir
The Unbound Empire
 

Ratings and reviews

I received this eARC from NetGalley and Orbit books. The Obsidian Tower was an interesting read with a cast of characters fitting into LGBTQ, it was a seemless fit and none of the characters felt out out of place. I deeply enjoyed the mystery of the Black Tower and what it held. The lands in the book are deeply described. The lands are ruled over by Witch lords and are all Mages, Mages have power over things such as land or animals. The main character Ryxandar (Ryx) was a character that was easy to care for. She is treated very poorly by her family because despite being a Mage, her magic is broken, if Ryx accidentally touches someone she can kill them and also animals and plant life. Ryx is only close to her Grandmother and after a magical accident, is sent out to find the Rookery. The Rookery deal with magical accidents and mysteries and Ryx is pulled into Thier group to deal with the trouble at the castle.

About the author

Melissa Caruso was born on the summer solstice and went to school in an old mansion with a secret door, but despite this auspicious beginning has yet to develop any known superpowers. Melissa has spent her whole life creating imaginary worlds, and in addition to writing is also an avid LARPer and tabletop gamer. She graduated with honors in Creative Writing from Brown University and has an MFA in Fiction from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Melissa's first novel, The Tethered Mage, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Morningstar award for best fantasy debut.