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Nathaniel Grey and the Obsidian Crown
It's been over half a century since the Phoenix rose in the City of Light. Accused of grave crimes against the Obsidian Throne, Nathaniel Grey is cast out of Obsidia and forced to seek refuge with his peoples' sworn enemies, the Lycans. With the Szar and Necromancers plotting in the shadows, Nathaniel must mount a swift return to his homeland before war breaks out between the Regals and Lycans. Whoever bears the Obsidian Crown, shall hold the fate of Horizon in their hands...
374 pages, Paperback
Published July 20, 2019
1 person is currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Farrell Keeling
2 books31 followersThe sequel to City of Darkness, Nathaniel Grey and the Obisdian Crown, is officially out on Amazon!
Facebook is here: https://www.facebook.com/farrellkeeli...
Blog is here: https://farrellkeeling.wordpress.com/
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Farrell Keeling is the author of Thorne Grey and the City of Darkness, his debut novel, with his second, Nathaniel Grey and the Obsidian Crown, now currently available. He was born in Brussels, Belgium, and while he has spent most of his life in England, he attended school in four different countries - and still, to his shame, did not become even vaguely proficient in anything other than English. He recently finished his degree in Law at the University of Sussex and now currently resides in Liverpool, in the North-West of England.
Between his reading, and shouting and gesticulating wildly at the television whenever his beloved Liverpool play, you'll probably find him spending some of his free time dreaming up faraway lands and ridiculous plot lines. And, of course, enjoying the odd beverage.... or three.
Facebook is here: https://www.facebook.com/farrellkeeli...
Blog is here: https://farrellkeeling.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farrell_kee...
Farrell Keeling is the author of Thorne Grey and the City of Darkness, his debut novel, with his second, Nathaniel Grey and the Obsidian Crown, now currently available. He was born in Brussels, Belgium, and while he has spent most of his life in England, he attended school in four different countries - and still, to his shame, did not become even vaguely proficient in anything other than English. He recently finished his degree in Law at the University of Sussex and now currently resides in Liverpool, in the North-West of England.
Between his reading, and shouting and gesticulating wildly at the television whenever his beloved Liverpool play, you'll probably find him spending some of his free time dreaming up faraway lands and ridiculous plot lines. And, of course, enjoying the odd beverage.... or three.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 2, 2021
Nathaniel Grey and the Obsidian Crown is the second novel in the Phoenix fantasy trilogy. The protagonist, Nathanial Grey, has been cast out of Obsidian for crimes against the Obsidian Throne, and as a result, he finds himself relying on the people he... read the full review here: https://www.amybucklesbookshelf.co.uk...
August 15, 2020
Nathaniel Grey and the Obsidian Crown is the 2nd book in The Phoenix Saga series written by the author Farrell Keeling and I'm just obsessed with the story.
Even though it's the second book in the series, the book stands on its own and has a unique & intriguing storyline. I enjoyed reading the 1st book and once finished reading I immediately started reading this second book and must say I wasn't disappointed at all because it has the same addictive and gripping storyline.
The highlight of the book is no doubt the storyline, also the author Farrell Keeling has developed the characters impressively. The book is written in lucid language making is more expressive and impressive.
I also like how the author has given importance to smaller details making it interesting to read and feel the adventure. The book has it all, adventure, action, unforgettable characters, epic storyline, mythological and mysterious creatures, suspense, drama, politics and I m sure once you start reading this series you will find yourself lost in the book just like me. I can't wait to read other books written by the author Farrell Keeling.
Overall a fascinating and magical story. I will recommend other book lovers to read this series.
Even though it's the second book in the series, the book stands on its own and has a unique & intriguing storyline. I enjoyed reading the 1st book and once finished reading I immediately started reading this second book and must say I wasn't disappointed at all because it has the same addictive and gripping storyline.
The highlight of the book is no doubt the storyline, also the author Farrell Keeling has developed the characters impressively. The book is written in lucid language making is more expressive and impressive.
I also like how the author has given importance to smaller details making it interesting to read and feel the adventure. The book has it all, adventure, action, unforgettable characters, epic storyline, mythological and mysterious creatures, suspense, drama, politics and I m sure once you start reading this series you will find yourself lost in the book just like me. I can't wait to read other books written by the author Farrell Keeling.
Overall a fascinating and magical story. I will recommend other book lovers to read this series.
March 14, 2020
Epic Fantasy
Farrell pens down a fast paced book for you that is a phenomenal. This fantasy read is a deep dive and grabs the reader with tight grip.
Like the previous book, the world building in this one is skillful and beautifully done. With suspense, twists and turns and all the magic, it is perfect blend for the lovers of fantasy.
Descriptions to create strong images in readers minds are provided by author, hence quickly taking the attention of the readers. Well sorted out plot and perfect characterization ensure a great read.
Yet another 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read in the Phoenix Saga. Definitely recommend it to the lovers of fantasy.
Farrell pens down a fast paced book for you that is a phenomenal. This fantasy read is a deep dive and grabs the reader with tight grip.
Like the previous book, the world building in this one is skillful and beautifully done. With suspense, twists and turns and all the magic, it is perfect blend for the lovers of fantasy.
Descriptions to create strong images in readers minds are provided by author, hence quickly taking the attention of the readers. Well sorted out plot and perfect characterization ensure a great read.
Yet another 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read in the Phoenix Saga. Definitely recommend it to the lovers of fantasy.
September 28, 2019
Having read Farrell's first book in the Phoenix Saga very recently, it was a delight that the second installment was already out and ready to read - and, I must say, this book is a fantastic entry and improvement on the first.
Nathaniel Grey and the Obsidian Crown has a great pace, some really intriguing characters and a well-written setting. I really enjoyed Nathaniel's perspective too, more so than Thornes's from the first. The book has direct links to the first one and has some really good plot twists that were satisfying and unexpected. As a lover of fantasy, this book really gripped me - I absolutely loved the imagination that went into some of the characters, creatures and settings.
The book cover is also really nicely illustrated - which I greatly appreciate, being a lover of physical paperbacks over ebooks.
The only things I would say however is I feel the book struggles to maintain a certain theme throughout, not always quite knowing what it wants to be - sometimes taking a more comedic tone, other times a much darker and foreboding one- which, for me, broke the immersion a bit. Each theme is well executed, but again I feel it would have been good to see more consitency in the tone. Thankfully though, Farrell is very good at retaining your attention and illustrating a gripping storyline, which more than makes up for it.
I would also have liked to have seen more scene-setting/detail so that we can really get a good feel for the world that Farrell has creatively made. The conflicts between the different races, for example, could have done with more elaboration to really understand the motives behind some of the characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed book 2. Farrell has worked hard on it and you can tell. If you have read the first book, I would definitely recommend reading this too!
Keep up the good work, and I hope to see book 3 in the pipeline - which I will definitely be picking up!
Nathaniel Grey and the Obsidian Crown has a great pace, some really intriguing characters and a well-written setting. I really enjoyed Nathaniel's perspective too, more so than Thornes's from the first. The book has direct links to the first one and has some really good plot twists that were satisfying and unexpected. As a lover of fantasy, this book really gripped me - I absolutely loved the imagination that went into some of the characters, creatures and settings.
The book cover is also really nicely illustrated - which I greatly appreciate, being a lover of physical paperbacks over ebooks.
The only things I would say however is I feel the book struggles to maintain a certain theme throughout, not always quite knowing what it wants to be - sometimes taking a more comedic tone, other times a much darker and foreboding one- which, for me, broke the immersion a bit. Each theme is well executed, but again I feel it would have been good to see more consitency in the tone. Thankfully though, Farrell is very good at retaining your attention and illustrating a gripping storyline, which more than makes up for it.
I would also have liked to have seen more scene-setting/detail so that we can really get a good feel for the world that Farrell has creatively made. The conflicts between the different races, for example, could have done with more elaboration to really understand the motives behind some of the characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed book 2. Farrell has worked hard on it and you can tell. If you have read the first book, I would definitely recommend reading this too!
Keep up the good work, and I hope to see book 3 in the pipeline - which I will definitely be picking up!
October 17, 2019
This is the second novel in The Phoenix Saga trilogy, and as I’ve not read the first, it took me a while to get to grips with the complex world Keeling has built. Fortunately, this is one of the most creative, and descriptive books I’ve ever read and I felt immediately immersed in the worlds.
I can tell how much thought and effort has gone into creating this world, and while at times I felt it was a bit complicated and I didn’t always totally understand what was being said, I do appreciate that it all added to the believability of the world. I also think that if I’d read the first book, Thorne Grey and the City of Darkness, it would have been easier to understand.
I really enjoyed reading about the relationships between the characters, particularly Nathaniel and his brother, who I found really entertaining, especially at the beginning of the novel. I found the character of Death a little intense, which is not necessarily a bad thing because it is Death after all, but I think it was mainly because much of his speech was written in capitals which I always find a bit forceful.
The story has all the elements of a classic fantasy – magic (or Majik!), swordplay, treason, sinister omens and a very impressive cast of characters, although as there were a lot of characters I did find myself flicking back and forth to just check who everyone was.
As this is the second book in a trilogy, I could tell the story had more to give, and so I’m looking forward to reading the third book when it is released, as I’d like to find out how everything is resolved. The plot is fast-paced and quite complicated at times, but is well-written and thought out, and if you enjoy fantasy, I’d really recommend it.
I can tell how much thought and effort has gone into creating this world, and while at times I felt it was a bit complicated and I didn’t always totally understand what was being said, I do appreciate that it all added to the believability of the world. I also think that if I’d read the first book, Thorne Grey and the City of Darkness, it would have been easier to understand.
I really enjoyed reading about the relationships between the characters, particularly Nathaniel and his brother, who I found really entertaining, especially at the beginning of the novel. I found the character of Death a little intense, which is not necessarily a bad thing because it is Death after all, but I think it was mainly because much of his speech was written in capitals which I always find a bit forceful.
The story has all the elements of a classic fantasy – magic (or Majik!), swordplay, treason, sinister omens and a very impressive cast of characters, although as there were a lot of characters I did find myself flicking back and forth to just check who everyone was.
As this is the second book in a trilogy, I could tell the story had more to give, and so I’m looking forward to reading the third book when it is released, as I’d like to find out how everything is resolved. The plot is fast-paced and quite complicated at times, but is well-written and thought out, and if you enjoy fantasy, I’d really recommend it.
August 28, 2019
A roaring fantastic mix of swords, sorcery, and suspense!
Farrell Keeling has written an epic fantasy that proceeds at breakneck speed, with complex magic (or Majik as it is known in Horizon!), omens, dreams, swordplay, and an interesting cast of characters driving across a diverse landscape with just enough backstory and foreshadowing to add a full measure of depth. I read it in great gulps and hesitated to put it down. I loved, particularly, the dreams that the characters experienced and the incredible breadth of the major forces – Crow, Kusk, Seeker, etc. – that would only appear briefly in the story but, from context were clearly the hidden drivers. The climax of the book is fantastic and with significant amounts of cliffhanger (it is the middle book of a trilogy), surprising plot twist and satisfaction.
It's not perfect. I wished for a bit more “meat” to the backstory and more distinctions between lycans, humans, and Regals, since all three “races” were in the main party. Like the nice job the author did differentiating the one representative of the dwarves and the one Hunter.
I did love the book. This copy was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. However, I have already purchased volume I of the series, Thorne Grey and the City of Darkness and can’t wait for the next volume!
Farrell Keeling has written an epic fantasy that proceeds at breakneck speed, with complex magic (or Majik as it is known in Horizon!), omens, dreams, swordplay, and an interesting cast of characters driving across a diverse landscape with just enough backstory and foreshadowing to add a full measure of depth. I read it in great gulps and hesitated to put it down. I loved, particularly, the dreams that the characters experienced and the incredible breadth of the major forces – Crow, Kusk, Seeker, etc. – that would only appear briefly in the story but, from context were clearly the hidden drivers. The climax of the book is fantastic and with significant amounts of cliffhanger (it is the middle book of a trilogy), surprising plot twist and satisfaction.
It's not perfect. I wished for a bit more “meat” to the backstory and more distinctions between lycans, humans, and Regals, since all three “races” were in the main party. Like the nice job the author did differentiating the one representative of the dwarves and the one Hunter.
I did love the book. This copy was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. However, I have already purchased volume I of the series, Thorne Grey and the City of Darkness and can’t wait for the next volume!
October 13, 2019
This YA fantasy novel hits all the right notes for an epic fantasy journey between an unlikely crew of young adults, the title character working to clear his name, and allies that give us a glimpse not just into the character's past, but also this very richly detailed fantasy world.
I didn't read the first book and suspect I would have had more enjoyment and understanding had I done so. However, I was able to pick up on the action and follow the tale without this backstory. The story moves quickly, with lots of action and coves a lot of territory within these pages. While this reader would have enjoyed more emotional depth, the characters are well detailed and have a few surprises in store.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't read the first book and suspect I would have had more enjoyment and understanding had I done so. However, I was able to pick up on the action and follow the tale without this backstory. The story moves quickly, with lots of action and coves a lot of territory within these pages. While this reader would have enjoyed more emotional depth, the characters are well detailed and have a few surprises in store.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2019
I really don’t have much to say about this book. It was okay. I think that the concept was great and that certain scenes were very easy to visualize. The action was definitely intense throughout the book. However, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
There was too much going on as far as characters, plot, and the pacing seemed off to me. I had trouble following the book and I didn’t really like the ending at all.
It’s a very complex world, and I didn’t read the first book in the series which may be why I had trouble understanding and following this one.
There was too much going on as far as characters, plot, and the pacing seemed off to me. I had trouble following the book and I didn’t really like the ending at all.
It’s a very complex world, and I didn’t read the first book in the series which may be why I had trouble understanding and following this one.
October 11, 2019
Farrell Keeling has done it again with another great story, even better than the first. For me, I loved the dialogue and character interactions throughout. Not to forget the beautiful world Keeling created and made it come to life so visually. Loved the intense ending! Looking forward to the next book. Keep at it!
January 28, 2023
When you thought the first entry couldn't be topped, Obsidian Crown does just that. Couldn't put it down 👏👏
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews