A review by kizza
Obscura Burning by Xan van Rooyen
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.