Shadows of Obsidian

Brava, Nicole! I LOVED this book.

I applied for an advanced e-reader copy ONE DAY before the Due Date and thankfully, I was captivated from the start and whipped right through the 400* pages.

I’ve read what I consider to be a solid amount of fantasy, romantasy, and romance, and still found so much NEW in this book - and found it to be a clever winding of all three genres together with unique elements from each. The character “transformation” [to avoid spoilers] had me in equal parts laughing out loud, personally very curious, secondhand-embarassed at others, and all the while rooting for both of them throughout!

Nicole LaBrocca wove in some really unique parts that stood out to me well - in particular, the amount of time and attention and care she took to describe in internal sensations association with being in such different forms and sizes, and the striking level of intimacy that can still be achieved by bodies so dissimilar. Not QUITE the same here, but this oddly gave me hope that one day I may also feel ready to explore the emotional world again, after adapting to a very daily life-changing chronic illness.

Though hike me up those dunes and I’m outta there ✌️

I’m bummed I started this far in! But will 100% still plan on going back to read the author previous work!

Thank you, Nicole!

This was an amazing story with Sira and Zodiark. She was a healer and he needed help. A dragon that was poisoned. But when she touched him, she created a forbidden bond and acquired his magic. Not meaning to have done this. Now they’re bonded to one another for a time. With magic she can’t control, a bond that is forbidden, this made for an excellent story. I loved how original this was. At least it was for me. And I was so immersed in this world. It was so captivating and kept me turning the pages wanting to know what was going to happen next. I absolutely loved this story. It was fantastic.

This slow-burn fantasy follows an unappreciated healer living on the outskirts of society who discovers a magnificent creature that has learned to hate humans. The story focuses on magic, trials, and a deep, unexpected connection. “You are no monster. Armor, fire…yes. But underneath all that, you stand alone. Just like I do.” (Love this quote)

This is not a quick read and almost feels like there are two parts to the story. The main characters slowly work through anger, heartbreak, and pain. Once they forge an undeniable bond, there is no time to rest as they face fresh trials to rid their society of evil.

This is book five of the Shadows and Smoke series. This is Sira and Zodiak’s story. It’s a soul bound, dragon/human, fantasy romance. From the start of the book, you are drawn in and can’t put it down. Each page gives you more hints about the secrets in the story. This book has a strong, well-developed and interesting story line with twists and unexpected turns that keep you reading and turning the pages. It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. Amazing world building that is detailed and imaginative and so well done that you're drawn into a fantastic world unlike any other. Strong, interesting, and fascinating characters that are well developed and diverse. The plot draws you in so that you can’t put the book down because you need to know what will happen next. This review is based on an early review copy I was sent by the publisher, but this didn't affect the content of my review that I am voluntarily providing.