Wings of Light

The Obsidian Order #1

by Katerina Martinez

Learn to fight. Pass my trials. Stay alive.

As long as I can keep my supernatural origins hidden, my life is simple. It’s just my best friend and me against the world, eating dried Ramen and peas, watching reality TV, and laying low in the city that never sleeps.

That is until Draven, a dangerously attractive hunter, tracks me down and kidnaps me. He’s with the Obsidian Order, and he gives me a choice: join their ranks or die. All I have to do is pass a series of deadly trials, competing against a bunch of supernaturals who want me dead. Sounds easy, right?

There’s one problem with that; I have no memories of my past, which means I don’t have the skills to compete. Now, I have to learn magic—fast—because I’ve been promised my best friend will die if I fail, and if we both die, the secret we’re carrying could fall into the wrong hands.

Then it’s all over.

Wings of Light is a fast paced urban fantasy, with characters that'll make you laugh, gripping scenes that'll make you frantically turn pages to find out what happens next, and sizzling romance that'll leave you wanting more.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Audiobook, Romance, Paranormal Romance

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2019

About the author

Katerina Martinez is a widely known author who writes supernatural fiction with a creepy, thrilling, and romantic bent. A veteran of many years of writing, she is the author of Dark Siren, the first book in the breakout Half-Lich Trilogy which became an instant bestseller in 2016. She continues to expand her back-list with books such as Wings of Light, and Heart of the Thief, and Night Hunter - three series starters that all take place in the same world.

If you would like to keep in touch with Katerina, learn about her work, and receive an exclusive short story set in the Blood and Magick universe, just follow this link, sign up, and don't be shy to drop her an email.

https://www.katerinamartinez.com/

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me

I just could not get into this book. The premise that they are from another dimension and fell through a rift and can't remember their time in the other side is pretty cool and I like that there are natives (like vampires etc). What I didn't like is that our MC seemed juvenile to me. She and draven had unnecessary moments of fighting against each other. Mostly I got annoyed when she just gave up the stone so dang easily after having been told she absolutely shouldn't do it and then had the nerve to resist giving draven information on where he can begin to look for it. basically, a lot of the scenes just seemed forced into the book to further the plot. she just made dumb choices. There's intrigue into what the mc can do (but no hunt as to why she was magicless) but I just felt There was too much that needed explaining. No sex or intrigue (but hints that she and craven are attracted to each other), no cussing.

[Sherry · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring, the only thing that had potential was the story. Thought you’d get a kickass heroine, you’re wrong. Thought you’d get some steamy romance, you’re wrong. Thought you’d get some decent storyline, you’re wrong. THought you’d get some engaging writing, you’re wrong. It was so repetitive how the main character repeats that she doesn’t know her past, yes we get it, you have amnesia, but that doesn’t mean you get to be stupid. Main love interest is an ass, there is no chemistry or potential, who know why the heck she finds that ass attractive. Anyways, this book by no way lives up to the blurb, very disappointed.

[Denisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I really like this author!


I'm writing this review after finishing reading the series, so I won't give too many details.

The series is definitely worth trying.

The world is pretty well built, the characters are fun, and the plot is engaging. True, a bit short at times, it felt like I was running when all I wanted to do was sit back and enjoy the show, but eh, it was still pretty good.

All in all, it's that typical, fun UF series. Not too deep to feel like you're doing homework, but not light enough to be annoying.

[Shasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

A mess

I was disappointed after expecting an awesome story from the high reviews.
This plot is a chaotic mess. The snarky heroine talks big but is clueless. The typos were distracting. Too much randomness without explanation to keep me interested.

Read in KU

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have come to really like this author’s writing, and I was given access to this first novel in a series I hadn’t read yet. Seline is an interesting character, especially how she takes such good care of Fate who is interesting but not quite developed much in this book. I really didn’t like Draven. He is really harsh, especially in the beginning, and I think his approach to the conscription of beings that fell through the rifts is a little mean and unforgiving. He seemed to be better in the end, but why so darn harsh before? And, why would you be attracted to someone like that? Overall, I think this book and series has potential as the regular part of the universe and plot are very good, but Draven will have to do something really good to redeem himself. Recommend.

[JadeShea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wings of Light begins when the heroine is captured and taken to the Obsidian Order. She is forced to undergo trials in order to keep herself and her best friend alive. However, nothing may be what it seems. As her powers start to come to light, things get strange and more unsettling for the heroine.

I liked this one, however, it did have some parts that were a tad bit annoying, and the heroine really gave up easily on things, and then the end seemed like a major turnaround for the hero as well. But, I still liked it and plan to try more in the series.

[Missy Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wings of Light introduces a new series by Katerina. I enjoyed this new start very much. If you would like a fun new series to start on with Fairies, this promises to be a good one.

As usual the world building was as it usually is with Katerina's books, engaging from the start. The characters are fun and interesting. The plot will keep your interest. The female lead is just how i like them, fiesty and head strong. There are some funny moments, which is a must for me. Cannot be serious all the time.

Overall, I believe this is going to be a good series, with the first look with Wings of Light introducing us to the characters and the world.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling read

Six 🌟 rating. Katerina loaded this novel with serious ass kicking fight scenes between intergalactic magickal species, threat of drama or death to many, and her own special brand of fun that made this a joy to read. Some scenes were laugh out loud funny while others had me cringing and trying to duck the next punch. The stellar writing puts you right there with the characters, makes you care about them. The sights, sounds and smells come to life, lifting off the page and taking you on the magickal journey that is a Katerina Martinez novel. Once you read one book you'll have to read them all. They are that wonderful.

I never give spoiler reviews, suffice to say that you can feel the uplifting energy that is uniquely Katerina's in each story you read. All of her books have that spark of fun, imaginative grace that is so lacking in most modern-day writing.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wings of Light by Katerina Martinez takes us into a new world in the first book in The Obsidian Order series. Earth remains, but there are rifts that are bringing other creatures to mingle with the supes who live here already. Their magic disguises them so that they appear human, but human instinct lets humans know that these “human” look-alikes are not human, but something different. Seline is one of those creatures. She’s been on Earth for 10 years and has fought long and hard to keep herself and her friend Fate safe. Too bad she took on a job for a Naga that has long reaching consequences. Their lives are about to change in a big way. Seline is about to learn more about what is going on around her than she had originally wanted. Now she’s being given a choice…pass these trials, survive and join the Order, or fail and both her and Fate’s lives will be forfeit. Add in that her Naga “friend” is still after her…and well…fun times ahead ladies and gentlemen!
Wings of Light is an engaging urban fantasy/paranormal novel. Seline is being from another world who found herself pulled through a rift. Apparently, these rifts are one-way streets, and there is no going back. Seline is hard as tacks and street savvy. She knows the ins and outs and whom to avoid to stay just a step ahead in the fight for survival in the big city. I like that she takes such good care of Fate and does her best for her friend. She’s dedicated to keeping her safe and I applaud that.
I have to say I have a bit of a love/hate relationship towards Seline right now. One minute I like her, the next I honestly want to smack her. Haha! I get that the author wants her to have quite a bit of snark and attitude, but there are moments of where I feel that Seline goes more than a step too far. There are several instances of where I honestly expected someone to take her down a few pegs so that she can fully understand the situation that she finds herself in. On a level, I felt it would have been fitting if another Order had gotten a hold of her and given her a taste of what it’s like with them so that she can appreciate the people who have been aiding her so far.
Despite my complicated feelings towards Seline, this is an enjoyable book overall. There are characters that I enjoyed not liking from the beginning. The author writes in some unique twists into the story that helps keep it engaging and moving smoothly. I’m looking forward to reading more about these characters in future books. I’m especially hopeful that Rey and Fate will be incorporated more as I find that Fate balances Seline some, and I just love Rey. Haha! I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off strong had some really good action scenes but was a bit hmm i cant find the right word but grating or hard to get through the rest of the time and the whole romance angle seems so bizarre and off and idk i love the main plot idea but its just executed in a way that rubs me wrong and the romance element seriously doesnt sit well with me at all and seems really dark - pun unintended lol like yeah yuck itd be 2 stars if the story concept werent so good for a bit there i wondered if itd be like friggen fallen series and i still have my doubts since i grew out of that series before the sequel came out so seeing this fucked up abusive toxic environment and dude and her reaction to it its just nope no thankyou and you cant go from that to oh i actually like you 180 on the situation its one thing to be cold another completely to be cruel or really psycho seriously. So ifk if ill read the rest of the series ive realised i have a bad habit of letting the first book slide and unfortunately if the first book is ARDUOUS thats the word i was looking for than the rest will probably piss me off until it gets rid of the drama and mystery for the sake of it nonsense. Like nooooo dont fall into that trap. You skimmed over so much good stuff like academy esque magic vibes and lore and like jesus it would start getting interesting then its skip it all and move on to something else or have another cringey weirdo toxic fuck boy nonsense scene and then another violent scene and then itd be drama mystery crap then oh rinse and repeat. Which is a god damn crying shame because when the story was good IT WAS SO FUCKING GOOD. Like i can not even tell you how much i lovex what world building there was and the different magics and species? And like ugh fucking give me girl friendships over random hatred anyday!!! Thank fuck if that were in there i mightve called it quits and not bothered forcing myself to finish the thing. Just ooo i want to see the amazing story idea through but when i think of how i felt trying to get through this its enough to make me feel like ill break out in a cold sweat. Maybe i could try skip to the good scenes or something the tragedy i know and i never do that unless its a reread but oh how i want to.

[Exiguous · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmmm

I read this after reading another of this author’s series that I absolutely loved. Then I read this and I want to rate it a 2 but grrr I loved the world she created. I think it might be unfair to rate it lower... However, wow I skipped a lot because she was just so irritating.

This guy picks her up and in a blink pins her to the wall by the throat and she can’t do anything to get him off her. When he lets her go she threatens him!! Oh he’s scared and honestly based on the world she should have been straight up killed seriously ... I want to curse that’s how much this irritated me. Her actions didn’t make her tough they made her look like an idiot repeatedly.

Okay deep breath... the FMC is just really ignorant and instead of taking advantage of the resources while simultaneously plotting an escape she pisses people off. This didn’t change until chapter 9 and she finally starts to see the benefits and starts actually putting some effort into learning what she can. However, because it took so long for her to get over herself any kind of emotional connection I could have forged was beyond damaged. She was so busy obsessing about Fate that she basically forced her will on her.

Draven wasn’t fleshed out enough for me to have any opinion on him. Like he was just kind of “there” blah. Most of the characters were like that really just sort of background noise. But I dig the cat. The cat made more of an impact than the romantic interest!

I’m not sure I can read the next book. I was so disappointed by her behaviour and attitude that it sort of ruined things for me. So tragic because this world she created was quite compelling and that alone drew me in. I’m not sure if I would have finished the book of not for that.

I think I’m bad at reviews but I may not have like the FMC but plenty of people will. I think most UF readers will enjoy the creatures and the hidden “others” in NYC. Having lived there myself you can totally get how you’d just pass people without ever paying any attention to them at all which makes a great hiding place eh?!

Happy reading

[Katrina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I actively disliked this book. I appreciate that the author has invested a lot of time and effort into writing the story and I am very grateful we continue to have authors willing to write. In that vein I try to focus on positive things in my reviews to showcase books to people with different reading preferences to myself.

This story aggravated me. The main character was forcible kidnapped and led to believe she was conscripted into a war and would die if she wasn't strong enough. Her friend was used as a live hostage and anytime she dared to ask any questions (which frankly as a reasonable person she would have a lot of questions) she was condescended to by her kidnapper. Who then was repeatedly patronising anytime they interacted. Almost like he believed that she was acting unkindly.

I stuck with the book hoping it might improve or that I might find redeeming characteristics that I could extole in my review. Instead I find myself upset I invested time into pushing through the narrative hunting for nice things to say.

Nice things: I didn't find any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. The book was very well edited!

Bad things: Draven was a jerk, the story was highly coercive and dismissive of the main character and her life. The underlying story didn't engage me in the overaching narrative and I didn't have any emotional connections to the characters.

I'm sure this book will be enjoyed by some readers but it really wasn't in my wheelhouse. I won't be reading the rest of the series.

[Payne’s Bookworm Reviews (Samantha Payne) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
“Wings of Light” is book one in Katerina Martinez’s The Obsidian Order series.

Seline and her friend Fate have no memories of their lives prior to the ten years that they can remember. They know they are “other” and come from the other side of the rifts, but they don’t know what they are. All the know is that they must stay away from the Orders and not irritate the “natives”. When Seline and Fate are kidnapped and taken to The Obsidian Order where they must partake in the Trials and become a member or die. But unlocking her magic or memories doesn’t come as easy to Seline as it does the other prospects.

This book has a lot of potential to make this series a wonderful experience. I loved the characters and storyline that this has. I did have a little trouble at the start with following and understanding the plot. But once things started to heat up it flowed really well.

There is a lot of mystery behind these characters and I can’t wait to unlock them and see what happens. I’m intrigued about the rifts, I want to know how they came to be, who created them, why they were made, etc. The Aevian people are interesting and I want to explore them more. Plus the other side of the rifts sound magical.

Enjoyable read that has me hooked, needing to know what is going to happen next.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy wow! This is a completely different take on supernatural creatures. The detailed descriptions painted vivid pictures in my mind - I could see the story happening as I read it. The plot twists and turns and doubles back on itself leaving the reader wondering just what exactly is going to happen next. My mind boggles at how I'm supposed to put into words just how amazing this was without giving away the best parts of the plot. That's made even more difficult for me because there weren't any bad parts. There’s a lot to the feel of this story that makes me wonder, if at some point in the future, we’re going to learn that this is a sister series to Prometheus…? I look forward to finding out and can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Kaitlin Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good start for a new series. There's definitely potential for an outstanding series! I like the strong, semi-rebellious female lead. I also enjoyed seeing her somewhat enjoy the Order's training and begin to join the team vs. a female lead that just fights hard-headedly against the "Man" because that's who she is.

I hope Fate begins to come in to her own a bit more, at this point she feels like a bit too much unnecessary fluff. Like maybe Seline's story doesn't truly need her to move forward. But the last couple pages with Fate, Seline and Draven left me hopeful that she will become more integral to the story!

Jury's still out until I get through the next book but so far so good!

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading a lot of urban fantasy recently and this is another good one. Action, mystery and characters you like and hate. Sometimes you like and hate the same character. Very good writing that makes you feel you are there.

Draven really did annoy me. He expects all these people to shut up and be grateful for what he is doing but his mission and not everyone's mission. In fact lots of time he is no different than any other Order who massacres the unaffiliated. "People" are taken against their will and told do well or die. Yup, not much different than being hunted down for fun. The primary aim of the Order is noble but the execution is far from it.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has to be one of the most intriguing I have read in a long time. Its pure urban fantasy (bad-asses, butt kickers, monsters, and more) but with a twist. Not from this world but not in the same way we normally see. Not fae but other. I recognized a few different mythologies and legends and I have to say that the sneak peek into a new world this book gives is enchanting. I want more. I want to read more, I want to see it myself. The storyline is excellent. The characters are both dark and light but that has nothing to do with good and evil. This book has plenty of grey zones. A lesser of two evils kind of thing. I was enchanted start to finish and cannot wait for more.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable story to read and the beginning of a new series. This story is about Seline and Draven of the Obsidian Order who finds her and tells her she needs to recruit in the Order or else. Seline is getting chased and attacked by Abvat who's demanding her to give him it to him only she doesn't have it. Winning the battle, she goes home to her flat that she shares with Fate. Then two men crash their apartment and take her and Fate to the Caretaker. What occurs as Seline goes through the trials at their Academy is an interesting read that captured my attention. The characters are likable and the action and drama engaging in this copy I'd received and volunteer to read and review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good start of a series

I can't wait until the next book is out for The Obsidian Order series. I found this to be a great escape with my imagination.

I do want to point out that there is a lot of discrepancies in grammar. I'm not sure who edited this but it would be wise to go back through it and fix it up. I'd love to order a hard copy but I won't when the editing is bad.

I'm sorry for bringing that up but I figured it would be best to be truthful instead of glancing over it.

Keep up the series. I can't wait for the next adventure with Selina and Draven.

[Tanya M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transported me "rift style"

I loved it from beginning to end & couldn't put it down until it was finished. I was so happy to see another 2 books in the series already available for me to be immediately transported, "rift style". Book 2 is just as captivating as book 1. I love your characters & the fresh new world of adventures you've created. I read a lot... I love it because I haven't read anything like it before by any other authors. Thank you for bringing this love of yours to life for us, your readers!!

[rcrockett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed with the characters. The girl liked to talk big, but she didn’t really have anything to back it up. She had no magic at her disposal, and she was a decent fighter, but not the best. The guy was a dick who went around threatening everyone. I just didn’t think the characters were developed well and they weren’t anyone I felt I should care about or root for. The plot overall was decent. A few arts that felt too pushed and unbelievable. I thought the world she built was okay, but a lot better f unexplained things that I’m guessing would be explained in other books.

[Krysta · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise was good, the execution not so much. For a character that is at a minimum in their 20s, she acts far to juvenile. She also goes from useless one moment, not being able to fight in a certain situation, to being able to kick ass an hour later???? Its so inconsistent what she can and cannot do. Also her inner monologue is just too much some time, its shows immaturity. She literally never has a plan for anything and just kinda flops around for the sake of the plot.

Wish it had been better. :(

[Noone · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book goes full tilt on the emotion and leaves any kind of reason in the dust.

This book treats killing people that are not useful to you as only reasonable even though there is no resource shortage or any other kind of justification but at the same time, it talks about a pure soul and protecting the weak and all that bs. It's frankly amazing how anyone could hold so much cognitive dissonance in their head without it exploding.

This is by far not the only big flaw in this book but it's just not worth my time to write more about it.

[Stacey mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant first book where you get to meet all the characters and learn about the personalities and to watch a story line begins to unfold... I love that the mc has no memory or her past so A’s bits come back and she learns who and what she is you take the journey with her and the other characters in the book. It is very fast past and has brilliant fight scenes. It funny and entertaining I would highly recommend

[T T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent plot

I found the storyline decent with some imaginative backgrounds that I've not read before. However the characters personalities seemed forced and very bland. While the writing itself was enjoyable to read it was not always smooth and there were numerous places where words were missing. Overall a decent read but leaves room for the improvement. Hoping the sequel will get better.

[T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed many parts of Wings of Light, from the interesting plot to the feisty heroine, unfortunately, the typos were distracting and the plot holes too large to ignore. This series shows promise though, and I'm tempted to continue on with the next book in hopes the author can hit stride and pull her threads tighter. The editor should have caught many of the more obvious typos (Thai-chi=tai-chi, crocks=Crocs, etc), but as I indicated, the storyline shows promise

[AR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a start to the series

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great introduction to this new world and many characters. There is still a lot of mysteries but enough we’re revealed that made me excited for the next book. I like Seline and Dravens characters and look forward to learning more about both their pasts and where the future takes them.
Id recommend this book and look forward to the series

[Holly Minch · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was not what I was expecting I thought it would be more interesting to be honest I did not dislike the book but found parts confusing and the characters hard to like or understand. I will read the next book and see how the story progresses I think it has potential but is lacking elements currently.

[John Colley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

It took a little bit of time to get going and I think that the story to get them to the Dark fortress was convuluted. However, from there it was a better story. It wasn't perfect but first books in series rarely are as there is back story to deal with but it was intriguing enough that I will get the next one. The talking cat is the best character!

[Shelly Roke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cool turn of Universe!

Different 'native' paranormals interacting and some battling paranormals that are dropping onto Earth through rift tears. Humans avoid them like they can't see them mostly. Selena and Fate just try to stay under the radar, but are kidnapped into the Obsidian Order.