by Lydia M. Hawke
Release Date: February 25, 2025
2025 Michem Publishing
Ebook ARC; 231 Pages
ISBN: 978-1989457276
ASIN: B0D2SGJQZJ
Audiobook: B0DV679DV2
Genre: Fiction / Urban Paranormal
Source: Review copy from publisher
4.5 / 5 Stars
Summary
At 69 years old and with two martial arts black
belts to her name, Sister Monica Barrett has never been one to back down
from a fight. But the one that just landed on the ragged front lawn of
the women’s shelter she runs may be more than she’s equipped to handle.
This attacker has powers—he moves with uncanny speed, strikes with brutal accuracy, and isn’t after the woman at all. Instead, he wants what she has: a flat, black stone with a spider’s web embedded in it.
The instant Monica touches the stone, her world is turned upside down.
My Thoughts
A Web of Obsidian is the first book in a new series by this author and I loved it from the get-go. It was action-packed, funny, and touching, all at the same time. And while I love fast-moving books, I did think the story moved along too quickly and didn't give enough time to really develop the characters.
Sister Monica Barrett is the MC in this book and as an older woman, I could completely relate to what she is going through. Fairly active myself, I love that she is strong, but also vulnerable in ways that only people who have reached a certain age can fully understand. That being said however, her courage and internal strength are still strong and I loved how she defended and protected those under her. She was fierce, but also vulnerable at the same time because she needed to protect those she loved and would do anything for them. I also liked the fact that she didn't do stupid stuff like some of the characters do in some of the books I have recently read, and this has nothing to do with age, but with common sense. Even in the midst of rage and in the midst of serious stuff, Monica still kept her wits about her.
What drew me to this book was the setting, Ontario. Being from the area, I was very familiar with Toronto and Kingston and could easily picture the settings in my head. The scene regarding Highway 401 was particularly vivid in my head having driven that highway multiple times so I knew how desperate she had to have been to even attempt that crossing. The plot did move along rather quickly, perhaps too quickly as it didn't give the reader a chance to breathe, nor did it give the author time to really develop any of the characters except for Monica. I know there are going to be more books in the series, but I do get invested in the secondary characters as much as the MC and I feel it is important to put effort into developing them as well. There is also a LOT going on in this book, some of which is obscure and hidden. That's okay as I love secrets and look forward to finding out more about the sisterhood and what is actually happening in future books. And Monica's fight scenes were a lot of fun and I was right there rooting for her every punch and kick.
Verdict
A Web of Obsidian was a lot of fun and I was thrilled at the age of the MC as I hate to admit I am closer to her age than the twenty year olds I usually read about. I love a kick-ass heroine, but one who is also vulnerable and cares deeply for others. The plot moved along rather quickly, and although there are still a lot of secrets to discover, there was definitely closure in the first book so you were not left feeling disappointed. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. And if you get a chance, pick up this author's The Crone Wars series, you won't be disappointed.
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