Category: Your Choice (in this case, fantasy)

Review: Melissa Caruso is a writer who excels at crafting worlds, proved with her first trilogy, Swords and Fire. Melissa Caruso is also a complete nerd, larper, and writing enthusiast. The combination of these elements are clear with her new book, The Obsidian Tower, the first in the Rooks and Ruin trilogy. This novel is rich, bewitching, and a gift to readers hungry for new and inclusive fiction.

The story follows Rxy, a Warden struggling with her deadly magic who finds herself making a mistake that launches an explosion of deadly secrets, ancient power, and dark history, transforming her world forever. Readers are trusted to jump into the world of Gloamingard Castle and beyond without fear, and that courage is rewarded instantly. The story feels alive and never stops moving, picking up stunning characters and twists along the way. Reading this book gave me an overwhelming sense of gratitude, and the loyalty that Caruso has for her craft and her world provides a sense of security that allows the story to ramble down any path with great payoff.

If you are missing the power of an incredibly built, fictional world read this book. If you are intrigued by carefully crafted political tension, read this book. If you are looking for diverse characters who are relatable, inspiring, and complex, read this book. If you watched Frozen and wished Elsa was a character in an adult fantasy novel, read this book.

If you want to disappear for a little while, and live another life, read this book.

Read the e-book.

Contributed by: Noel