One day we will actually post our release day news on time…but today is not that day. Check out Smith’s The Obsidian Druid for a split POV fantasy with familiars, magic and a grumpy hobgoblin. Read my 5 star review below for more!
– Grace ❤
(The Age of Aikana Book #1)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only and Caroline Barnard-Smith for the free copy!
TW: Drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, graphic fantasy violence
I really debated whether to read The Obsidian Druid as I haven’t read a non romance-centric book in years, but I am so glad that I pushed my comfort zone slightly because I will now have to read the entire Age of Aikana series. I am obsessed.
The story is centred around an event called the changing of the moons, where the cold, silver light of Mamai is replaced with Aikana’s soothing violet glow. This means that those attuned to Aikana can now draw greater power, and whilst this is good for some, the superstitious people of Joria only see this as a bad omen. When I say that this event causes chaos, I mean it. And whilst this may not be great for some of our characters – Vanth, for instance, really goes through it – it certainly makes for a very interesting read.
As I’ve already mentioned, this book has pretty much nothing to do with romance, so if that’s not your thing, you’re in luck. The only exception is Lowen and Nicanor, but even their story pushes romance to the side in order to focus on their world altering quest. Rather, The Obsidian Druid is an epic fantasy filled with magic, potions, daring quests, and more than enough creatures to fuel your imagination. From the large population of changelings and Asrai, to the singular leafling that serves as Gwin’s companion, the whole world is filled with vibrant species – not all of whom are friendly, as we soon discover.
The Obsidian Druid consists of 3 main storylines that are split between 3 different POVs we follow throughout the book. Think of the later books in the Throne of Glass series, where each story is closely intertwined, and the characters work towards a common goal whether they realise this or not. In this instance, the goal is to stop Lord Dewer’s tyrannical reign over the city, and to figure out how and why he summons the demons that terrorise his people. Whilst Vanth and Gwin know one another and are arguably quite close, Lowen is oblivious to their existence or their mission, and is only working to protect her ‘gift’ from Lord Dewer and his men, but it’s thrilling to find small details that link her tale to the others’ whilst she remains oblivious.
The world building is, as you’d expect, absolutely phenomenal. Every single character, no matter how small their role may be, has their own distinct personality; they all feel real. The dynamics between each group is well established, and the history of Joria is both fascinating and highly developed. To give an example, the lore behind the Satyr and Scrat warriors help to understand the relationship between the two clans in the modern day, and why Lowen’s ‘gift’ is so important. Beyond this, the physical descriptions of the surroundings are so vivid it feels as though you could be standing right next to Vanth in the Obsidian Citadel, or talking to Gwin in Gulpe’s store, or even taking part in the intricate ceremonies of the Scrat Warriors with Lowen by your side.
If you enjoy immersing yourself in fantasy worlds, then you need to read The Obsidian Druid. It’s almost inevitable that you will have your favourite POV – mine is definitely Lowen’s – but not a single chapter dragged, and each POV has its own niche that draws you in. I can’t do this book justice without risking spoilers, but trust me when I say that your next fantasy obsession could be waiting for you under Aikana’s light.
For the Plot 
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