The Obsidian Tower
{4.5/5} “Conversation fell silent as I approached the table. Everyone was trying to look at me and not look at me at the same time. Well, I was used to that; it was almost comforting that this time it was because I was the Warden of a castle beset by murder, threatened by war, and housing a gate to the Nine Hells rather than due to any personal or magical failings.”
The Obsidian Tower by Melissa Caruso, published in 2020
Ryx is Warden of Gloamingard Castle, but unlike other wardens she can’t use her magic. She sets up talks between Alevar and the Serene Empire, but sees that the Alevaran envoy has soldiers with her. While her grandmother heads out to deal with a chimera, Ryx promises to not let anyone near the Door.
This is the 1st book in the Rooks and Ruin trilogy, which takes place in the same world as her Swords and Fire trilogy but at a different time.
It’s about finding out a family secret, and trying to figure out what to do about it. It’s about one person with broken magic and a solution she never considered before.
If you read this book, you’ll want to read the sequel.
This is the 4th book I’ve read by Caruso. I previously reviewed The Unbound Empire.