lolasreviews's review
I got a copy in exchange for an honest review
I DNF'd this book at 44%. While it wasn't the book for me, I did want answers and that's what kept me reading for quite some time. Obscura Burning is an original book in which the main character lives in two times or different realities and while this made for a confusing story I was intrigued and wanted to know what caused it. The story switches between these two realities en in one reality the main character in scarred and one of his friend is alive. In the other reality he isn't scarred and another friend is alive and the other death. Also there are differences in how certain character act and treat the main character and it was difficult keeping track of the changes and who acted like what in which reality.
I had some difficulties connecting with the main character, he doesn't remember the night of the fire that changed his life and I am really wondering if he did something really stupid that night or if it really was an accident. I didn't care about the main character, but I do want answers. I felt like there wasn't enough information about who he is, there is a lot of story, but not enough focus on the main character and how he feels. It's all a bit confusing.
While it's certainly an interesting and original book, it just wasn't the book for me. The whole two reality things was confusing and a bit weird and I had difficulties connecting with the main character.
I DNF'd this book at 44%. While it wasn't the book for me, I did want answers and that's what kept me reading for quite some time. Obscura Burning is an original book in which the main character lives in two times or different realities and while this made for a confusing story I was intrigued and wanted to know what caused it. The story switches between these two realities en in one reality the main character in scarred and one of his friend is alive. In the other reality he isn't scarred and another friend is alive and the other death. Also there are differences in how certain character act and treat the main character and it was difficult keeping track of the changes and who acted like what in which reality.
I had some difficulties connecting with the main character, he doesn't remember the night of the fire that changed his life and I am really wondering if he did something really stupid that night or if it really was an accident. I didn't care about the main character, but I do want answers. I felt like there wasn't enough information about who he is, there is a lot of story, but not enough focus on the main character and how he feels. It's all a bit confusing.
While it's certainly an interesting and original book, it just wasn't the book for me. The whole two reality things was confusing and a bit weird and I had difficulties connecting with the main character.
kizza's review
4.0
4.5, really.
This book is a dusty, grim, dusty tome about a boy who finds himself with a curious case of switching between realities as a new planet, the titular obscura, appears in the night sky.
There is this great sense of place and atmosphere in the story, with references to the south of america littered throughout that never feel like it's trying to bash you over the head with its world building.
The story deals well with the difficult topics it brings up but can feel like it's too full of them at times. This is saved by their importance to the ending. By the time you get there, their inclusion does make sense, as we've traveled with this character and understand why he is the way he is and why he does what he does.
Kyle is a dick but a likable one. He does things you disagree with, scowl at him for, but it is hard to outright hate him. The other characters too are interesting however Mya really shone as a breath of fresh air, not tied down to the grim reality of the past.
The very last page will annoy those who don't like ambiguity in their endings but those happy to ponder the meaning will have plenty to work with.
This book is a dusty, grim, dusty tome about a boy who finds himself with a curious case of switching between realities as a new planet, the titular obscura, appears in the night sky.
There is this great sense of place and atmosphere in the story, with references to the south of america littered throughout that never feel like it's trying to bash you over the head with its world building.
The story deals well with the difficult topics it brings up but can feel like it's too full of them at times. This is saved by their importance to the ending. By the time you get there, their inclusion does make sense, as we've traveled with this character and understand why he is the way he is and why he does what he does.
Kyle is a dick but a likable one. He does things you disagree with, scowl at him for, but it is hard to outright hate him. The other characters too are interesting however Mya really shone as a breath of fresh air, not tied down to the grim reality of the past.
The very last page will annoy those who don't like ambiguity in their endings but those happy to ponder the meaning will have plenty to work with.
dreamerfreak's review
4.0
My feelings on torn on this book. On the one hand, this is an epic, twisty, mind-blowing, the-fuck-did-you-just-do-to-my-brain story. That kind of awesomeness. On the other hand... where does he end up?! I just... can't quite get over the ending. Maybe in a few days, I'll calm down enough to think about it differently. But I'll never regret reading this.
helinae's review
5.0
The author has a gift for expressing complex human nature with a simple style of writing. As a non-native speaker I value novels where the world welcomes you quickly and you don't even notice diving in it before it's already finished.
The story is easy to relate to, as we have all been teenagers with different types of relationships. Modern themes in a traditional setting also bring a lively twist to the story, surely encouraging others who might be living in a similar type of life situation.
The rest is for you to find out. Definitely recommend.
The story is easy to relate to, as we have all been teenagers with different types of relationships. Modern themes in a traditional setting also bring a lively twist to the story, surely encouraging others who might be living in a similar type of life situation.
The rest is for you to find out. Definitely recommend.
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