Chains of Obsidian (Special Hardback) Carpenter, Thomas K by Carpenter, Thomas K

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Occult Philosophy

Chains of Obsidian (Special Hardback) Carpenter, Thomas K

Name: Chains of Obsidian (Special Hardback) Carpenter, Thomas K
Price: 35.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews)
Author: Carpenter, Thomas K
ISBN: 9781958498217

Carpenter, Thomas K

Reader rating

4.5

(1 reviews) 130 sold

$35.00

Editorial score How we rate

In stock

Stock reported in the catalog; fulfillment is confirmed with your request.

📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

In the Eternal City's shadowy alleys, two fugitives defy a fae patriarch's absolute rule.

Kuma and Pandora navigate the treacherous landscape of the Eternal City, a dominion ruled by powerful, hidden fae. Pandora’s own grandfather holds tyrannical sway over the mysterious Undercity, making their quest for freedom and justice seem almost impossible. Despite the overwhelming odds and constant peril, Pandora refuses to yield her fight. This gripping narrative plunges readers into a world where ancient magic clashes with modern urban grit, exploring themes of resistance against absolute power and the desperate struggle for survival amidst a ruthless magical society hidden in plain sight.

Key themes

Urban Fae Intrigue Familial Power Struggle Desperate Resistance

Historical context

This work sits firmly within the urban fantasy genre, blending ancient magical traditions with modern metropolitan settings. It draws heavily on folklore tropes of fae supremacy and hidden societies operating in plain sight.

Carpenter, Thomas K

📚 all books by this author (26) →

Difficulty

●● Moderate

Fans will love it

Neil Gaiman's American Gods · Jim Butcher's Dresden Files · Lauren Oliver's Before I Fall · Helen Oyeyemi's Boy, Snow, Bird

🕯️ Occult Philosophy

🏛 Black Moon Books 📅 2023 📖 430 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9781958498217

Fun fact

Carpenter's "Chains of Obsidian" delivers a relentless, high-stakes urban fantasy ride. The sheer grit of Pandora's defiance against her formidable fae grandfather is compelling, set against a vividly realized, dangerous magical metropolis. While readers seeking gentle, whimsical fae lore might be disappointed, those who crave dark, action-packed narratives with complex power struggles and a desperate fight for freedom will find themselves utterly enthralled. It stands as a strong entry in contemporary, gritty fae fiction.

📝 Description: Chains of Obsidian (Special Hardback) Carpenter, Thomas K

Kuma and Pandora are on the run in the Eternal City-the deadly realm of the city fae. With her grandfather in complete control of the Undercity, Pandora knows their chances of defeating him are slim, but she's not willing to give up while she still ...

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

While the premise of defying a fae patriarch offers intrigue, the execution may feel familiar to seasoned genre readers. The reliance on hidden societies and urban grit is a well-worn path that lacks significant novelty. This book does not suit those preferring literary minimalism or slow-burn character studies over plot-driven action. It also fails those who dislike morally ambiguous settings where survival is paramount. However, it succeeds as a straightforward fantasy adventure for casual readers. The pacing keeps the narrative moving, but the thematic depth remains surface-level. It is a solid entry for collectors of special editions rather than critics seeking profound philosophical inquiry.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who crave immersive world-building combined with high-stakes personal drama will find much to love here. The narrative offers a compelling escape into the Eternal City’s underbelly, where ancient magic collides with contemporary grit. Those who enjoy protagonists fighting against insurmountable odds and tyrannical power structures will appreciate Pandora’s unwavering resolve. It is perfect for fans of magical realism who want their heroes to be resilient and complex. The story explores deep themes of resistance and survival, making it emotionally resonant. If you like tales where the ordinary meets the extraordinary in shadowy alleys, this special hardback edition provides a tactile experience that complements the mysterious tone. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a gripping journey through a ruthless magical society.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

If you crave stories where dark fae lurk in city shadows, and protagonists refuse to surrender against impossible odds, this tale is for you. Fans of gritty urban fantasy with strong female leads and intricate magical politics will find themselves captivated by its relentless pace.

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

While the premise of defying a fae patriarch offers intrigue, the execution may feel familiar to seasoned genre readers. The reliance on hidden societies and urban grit is a well-worn path that lacks significant novelty. This book does not suit those preferring literary minimalism or slow-burn character studies over plot-driven action. It also fails those who dislike morally ambiguous settings where survival is paramount. However, it succeeds as a straightforward fantasy adventure for casual readers. The pacing keeps the narrative moving, but the thematic depth remains surface-level. It is a solid entry for collectors of special editions rather than critics seeking profound philosophical inquiry.

❓ Frequently asked questions

This volume is part of an ongoing saga, picking up with Kuma and Pandora already entrenched in their struggle against the grandfather. Readers should anticipate a continuing narrative within this richly built world.

The book features "city fae," a distinct sub-type of the fae who have adapted to and exert control over urban environments, blending ancient power with modern intrigue and often possessing a more ruthless, contemporary edge.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Urban Fae Intrigue

This narrative skillfully weaves ancient fae mythology into a contemporary urban setting, presenting a hidden magical society operating within the everyday world. The Eternal City becomes a vibrant, dangerous character itself, teeming with powerful, often malevolent, fae entities and their complex, hidden politics.

Familial Power Struggle

At its heart, the story explores a deep-seated conflict between Pandora and her controlling grandfather, who wields absolute power over the Undercity. It delves into the dark side of lineage, betrayal, and the heavy burden of defying one's own blood when facing tyranny.

Desperate Resistance

Kuma and Pandora find themselves perpetually on the run, embodying the spirit of defiance against an insurmountable force. Their journey highlights the themes of resilience, the struggle for agency, and the desperate measures individuals will take to challenge an oppressive, established order.

💬 Quotes from the book

“Every shadow held a pair of eyes, every whisper a potential trap. The city itself was a hungry beast, and we were its chosen prey.”

“Giving up was never an option. Not while his chains still bound this city, not while a single spark of defiance remained in my soul.”

📜 Historical context

"Chains of Obsidian" positions itself firmly within the modern urban fantasy tradition, a genre that gained prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It follows in the footsteps of works that integrate supernatural beings into contemporary cityscapes, offering a fresh, often darker, take on traditional fae lore, focusing on their societal structures and power dynamics rather than idyllic pastoral settings.

📚 Glossary

Eternal City
Undercity
City Fae

📔 Questions to reflect on

If you found yourself in the Eternal City, what hidden magical talent would you wish for to survive its dangers and evade its fae rulers?
How do you reconcile family loyalty with fighting against a family member who embodies tyranny, especially when they hold immense power?
Consider a familiar urban landmark in your own city. What fae power or secret society might secretly control it, and what would their agenda be?