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Obsidian Queen #3
Knights of Obsidian
It’s been a rough couple of days for twenty-two-year-old Madeline Bennet, the newest (and most reluctant) member of Gray’s renowned team of knight marshals. Not only did her shadow creatures create a forest fire that’s burning down western Colorado, but she has no idea where to find the thresholds so she can send the beasts back to the land from which they came. (Or even how to open them.)
On top of that, her parents have figured out something is amiss with her magic, Rafe has taken off on a wild pixie chase, and the status of her relationship with a certain too-hot-to-handle member of her team is firmly seated in the region of “it’s complicated.”
What Madeline needs is a good, old-fashioned vacation, even if it comes in the form of a job. With her hairless cat in tow, she heads to Las Vegas with the guys, desperately hoping the shadow creatures will stay in hiding long enough for her sort through her feelings, find answers to her questions about her Obsidian magic, and catch a magic-thieving criminal prowling the largest fashion convention of the year.
If she gets a chance to buy a few pairs of heels to replace the ones that went up in smoke, that would be all right too.
On top of that, her parents have figured out something is amiss with her magic, Rafe has taken off on a wild pixie chase, and the status of her relationship with a certain too-hot-to-handle member of her team is firmly seated in the region of “it’s complicated.”
What Madeline needs is a good, old-fashioned vacation, even if it comes in the form of a job. With her hairless cat in tow, she heads to Las Vegas with the guys, desperately hoping the shadow creatures will stay in hiding long enough for her sort through her feelings, find answers to her questions about her Obsidian magic, and catch a magic-thieving criminal prowling the largest fashion convention of the year.
If she gets a chance to buy a few pairs of heels to replace the ones that went up in smoke, that would be all right too.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2023
About the author
Shari L. Tapscott
62 books839 followersShari L. Tapscott writes young adult fantasy and humorous contemporary fiction. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, making soap, and pretending she can sing.
She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.
Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and two very spoiled Saint Bernards.
Join Shari's newsletter, and be one of the first to learn about new projects, upcoming releases, sales, and specials.
She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.
Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and two very spoiled Saint Bernards.
Join Shari's newsletter, and be one of the first to learn about new projects, upcoming releases, sales, and specials.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 17, 2023
THE FEELS
This book was just tsunami of feels followed by tornado of feels and then EVEN MORE FEELS to top it all off. Shari writes tension like the queen she is. I'm dying. I have never been so glad the next book is only 2 weeks away.
This book was just tsunami of feels followed by tornado of feels and then EVEN MORE FEELS to top it all off. Shari writes tension like the queen she is. I'm dying. I have never been so glad the next book is only 2 weeks away.
February 22, 2023
Dramatically changing interests... and priorities
[This is book 3 in the Obsidian Queen series, & I absolutely recommend starting this series from the beginning]
This series has been awesome - funny, flirty, suspenseful, exciting! I'm so torn between being eager to see how it ends and not wanting it to ever end, lol
This 3rd book starts out a little slow-ish as Madeline is trying to figure out how to deal with the info she learned in the last book & is going stir crazy from all the "protection", but the story picks up momentum as she joins the team to solve a mystery, and increases until the dramatic, climactic end. It has a resolved ending, so no cliffhanger worries, but it clues us in to where the next story is going & then ends a bit abruptly. Don't worry though - it still succeeds in being a satisfying ending while still successfully making you eager for the next.
*Romance level: passionate kissing, with a fair amount of frustrated desire that while not graphic is at a warmth level not appropriate for younger readers
[This is book 3 in the Obsidian Queen series, & I absolutely recommend starting this series from the beginning]
This series has been awesome - funny, flirty, suspenseful, exciting! I'm so torn between being eager to see how it ends and not wanting it to ever end, lol
This 3rd book starts out a little slow-ish as Madeline is trying to figure out how to deal with the info she learned in the last book & is going stir crazy from all the "protection", but the story picks up momentum as she joins the team to solve a mystery, and increases until the dramatic, climactic end. It has a resolved ending, so no cliffhanger worries, but it clues us in to where the next story is going & then ends a bit abruptly. Don't worry though - it still succeeds in being a satisfying ending while still successfully making you eager for the next.
*Romance level: passionate kissing, with a fair amount of frustrated desire that while not graphic is at a warmth level not appropriate for younger readers
March 24, 2024
Okay so I like sat down with this series back to back to back, and this one had the major betrayal. I remember piecing together the person behind the (ima use the word 'power draining' due to lack of better terms.) And just straight up gasping. Looking back it makes perfect sense.
And reading how broken apart Madeline and her lover was (if you've read the first two books then you know who I'm talking about, I'm just trying not to spoil anything.) it made my heart reach out to (somehow?) hopefully share the pain bestowed upon these two fictional characters.
And reading how broken apart Madeline and her lover was (if you've read the first two books then you know who I'm talking about, I'm just trying not to spoil anything.) it made my heart reach out to (somehow?) hopefully share the pain bestowed upon these two fictional characters.
February 14, 2023
I'm actually going to read the next one.
Why do I like these enough to keep reading.
1- They are just fun. The characters and the stuff that happens to them. The language. The whole idea is just silly and fun.
2-The tension in the stolen moments. Whoever she is with. It is one of the reasons I like Tapscott's writing. She knows how to write chemistry.
3-The story line is actually a good one. I am interested in what is happening.
4- It is short and packed full of things happening.
So ya I will keep reading. The love story is still super frustrating for me. I think she has narrowed it down to 2 guys at this point but I really liked the first guy and her reason for not liking him is super dumb and irritates me.
Why do I like these enough to keep reading.
1- They are just fun. The characters and the stuff that happens to them. The language. The whole idea is just silly and fun.
2-The tension in the stolen moments. Whoever she is with. It is one of the reasons I like Tapscott's writing. She knows how to write chemistry.
3-The story line is actually a good one. I am interested in what is happening.
4- It is short and packed full of things happening.
So ya I will keep reading. The love story is still super frustrating for me. I think she has narrowed it down to 2 guys at this point but I really liked the first guy and her reason for not liking him is super dumb and irritates me.
October 7, 2023
great
This is as good a read as the last two and I honestly can wait to read the next one.
This is as good a read as the last two and I honestly can wait to read the next one.
February 18, 2023
If Shari Tapscott is looking for a fan, it’s me. Her books are always so fun and enjoyable to read. My library just keeps adding more of her books, and I’m happy to say this one didn’t disappoint.
February 14, 2023
love love love
I love all of Tapscotts work! I can’t hardly put this series down and am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one. I love the humor, romance and action scenes. I highly recommend anything she writes!!
I love all of Tapscotts work! I can’t hardly put this series down and am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one. I love the humor, romance and action scenes. I highly recommend anything she writes!!
February 14, 2023
Great book!
This book is my favorite out of the series so far, and I am looking forward to reading the next book as soon as it releases!
This book is my favorite out of the series so far, and I am looking forward to reading the next book as soon as it releases!
Read
February 15, 2023The back and forth romances are really ticking me off. I finally thought it would be Jonathan and now it's Rafe? Or are we going back to gray? What is this, petty high school drama 🙄
September 2, 2023
I really felt the potential that this series had. I read it up to this point—though I don't think I will be continuing it—so that says something. But I just cannot with the wishy-washy behavior Madeline has towards the men in her life and the very convenient circumstances the author has created to forbid Madeline from making a decision about her own love life. It feels like she's getting very little choice in anything.
She's not living her life. Life is living her.
I truly understand the author's goal to represent the unpredictability of life and how love is a matter of not just emotion but time, place, and circumstances. However, this series' approach to these important aspects of life is becoming nonsensical. Life already throws a wrench in a person's love life without someone creating extra problems for no reason.
Additionally, there are only two books left. At this point, I am at the 60% mark of this series. In a standalone romance—unless it is a slow romance—the characters get together or at least give in to their lust by the 50% mark. Overall, the model is pretty sufficient, and in this case, it can apply to a series. It gives the reader ample time to really invest in the relationship (the first half) and relish in both their happiness and the struggles they overcome (the second half). Madeline is not with anyone by the end of Knights of Obsidian but is still jealous of the women who interact with three of the men in her life. None of these men are her man, and she's only gotten close to dating one of them. By now (the 60% percent mark), Madeline should be partnered, and the last two books should focus more on the ins and outs of their relationship and the conclusion of the plot.
As it is, there is no way that there will be a conclusion to this series that satisfies both the romance and the plot.
She's not living her life. Life is living her.
I truly understand the author's goal to represent the unpredictability of life and how love is a matter of not just emotion but time, place, and circumstances. However, this series' approach to these important aspects of life is becoming nonsensical. Life already throws a wrench in a person's love life without someone creating extra problems for no reason.
Additionally, there are only two books left. At this point, I am at the 60% mark of this series. In a standalone romance—unless it is a slow romance—the characters get together or at least give in to their lust by the 50% mark. Overall, the model is pretty sufficient, and in this case, it can apply to a series. It gives the reader ample time to really invest in the relationship (the first half) and relish in both their happiness and the struggles they overcome (the second half). Madeline is not with anyone by the end of Knights of Obsidian but is still jealous of the women who interact with three of the men in her life. None of these men are her man, and she's only gotten close to dating one of them. By now (the 60% percent mark), Madeline should be partnered, and the last two books should focus more on the ins and outs of their relationship and the conclusion of the plot.
As it is, there is no way that there will be a conclusion to this series that satisfies both the romance and the plot.
March 18, 2023
Great installment. I love how the author is weaving this series.
First of all, there’s FANTASTIC communication. Madeline doesn’t stupidly leave people out of the loop in regards to her plans (so, the plot) or her feelings (the romance). It’s so FREEING as the reader.
Secondly, the author isn’t finishing up the romance too soon, so my interest and the chemistry continues to be sky-high. But the romance doesn’t feel like it’s being unnecessarily drawn out in a tortuous fashion, either (cue miscommunications, martyr syndrome (pushing away and lying about feelings in order to protect them), or other annoying plot devices). It’s just handled really well. With the excellent communication, I don’t feel dread when it comes to the complicated romance. I feel anticipation. And honestly, that feeling is AMAZING.
The writing continues to be engaging, and I’m still loving our somewhat high-maintenance, makeup wearing, high-heel sporting heroine. And the magic world building is still creative and fun.
The beginning was a little slow again, just like in the 2nd book. The plot in #3 was not as gripping as the first novel and the romance wasn’t as thrilling as the second novel. 4.5 stars. Even though I liked the first two books better, this was still a solid installment in the series and I can’t wait to read #4.
(Btw, why was Eric so enamored with Chloe? What gorgeous, ripped man would be THAT attracted to a prickly, rude, snippy woman who repeatedly rebuffs him? Totally not realistic. A guy like that wouldn’t linger where he isn’t appreciated. *update- I tried reading the novella so I could understand this romance better and I did NOT like it.)
Content-
Language- no swearing
Sex- no sex scenes or inappropriate innuendo
Cover- great
I read this on KU.
How I rated the series:
- Guild of Secrets- 5 stars!!
- Princess of Shadows- 5++ stars!! (my fave)
- Knights of Obsidian- 4.5 stars
- Traitor of the Entitled (novella about Eric and Chloe)- 1 star (DNF @60%)
- Creatures of Midnight- 4.5 stars
- Queen of Aparia- 2 stars
First of all, there’s FANTASTIC communication. Madeline doesn’t stupidly leave people out of the loop in regards to her plans (so, the plot) or her feelings (the romance). It’s so FREEING as the reader.
Secondly, the author isn’t finishing up the romance too soon, so my interest and the chemistry continues to be sky-high. But the romance doesn’t feel like it’s being unnecessarily drawn out in a tortuous fashion, either (cue miscommunications, martyr syndrome (pushing away and lying about feelings in order to protect them), or other annoying plot devices). It’s just handled really well. With the excellent communication, I don’t feel dread when it comes to the complicated romance. I feel anticipation. And honestly, that feeling is AMAZING.
The writing continues to be engaging, and I’m still loving our somewhat high-maintenance, makeup wearing, high-heel sporting heroine. And the magic world building is still creative and fun.
The beginning was a little slow again, just like in the 2nd book. The plot in #3 was not as gripping as the first novel and the romance wasn’t as thrilling as the second novel. 4.5 stars. Even though I liked the first two books better, this was still a solid installment in the series and I can’t wait to read #4.
(Btw, why was Eric so enamored with Chloe? What gorgeous, ripped man would be THAT attracted to a prickly, rude, snippy woman who repeatedly rebuffs him? Totally not realistic. A guy like that wouldn’t linger where he isn’t appreciated. *update- I tried reading the novella so I could understand this romance better and I did NOT like it.)
Content-
Language- no swearing
Sex- no sex scenes or inappropriate innuendo
Cover- great
I read this on KU.
How I rated the series:
- Guild of Secrets- 5 stars!!
- Princess of Shadows- 5++ stars!! (my fave)
- Knights of Obsidian- 4.5 stars
- Traitor of the Entitled (novella about Eric and Chloe)- 1 star (DNF @60%)
- Creatures of Midnight- 4.5 stars
- Queen of Aparia- 2 stars
June 15, 2024
Reader’s Notes:
– this is book 3 of 5 (6 including the novella – the novella is best read after this book & before the next one))
– this is told from Madeline’s point of view
– there are some steamy kisses
– there are some suggestive comments
– there is some fantasy violence
– there are mentions of people dying/being killed during the investigation (one dead body has a few sentence (3-5) long description that some people may want to skip – not due to blood)
Review:
I think that Madeline has officially picked who she wants to be with in this book (though they aren’t ‘together’ yet for a few reasons). There is another person interested in her, but I don’t think anything is going to come from that as she really doesn’t see the guy that way & I believe we’ve heard announcements (through Shari’s newsletters) that he’ll be getting his own story.
I had a lot of fun trying to follow the investigation in Vegas & trying to figure out who could be trying to contact Madeline! There were some hints that the reader could catch along the way so it wasn’t a huge surprise for Vegas, but I was a bit surprised by the ending! I loved getting more of the team together moments, especially when they teased each other about little things. I loved getting to see a bit more of how Madeline’s magical connection with Rafe works and I wonder how it will affect things going forward. I’m very excited to read the novella & the next book in the series to find out more!
Summary:
Madeline’s secret has been exposed to the team and now they all have to deal with it. Luckily, they trust her enough not to go full Obsidian Queen on the world but none of them want to see her captured by those who expect her to be that way. So Madeline is still essentially under house arrest & can’t go much of anywhere on her own. Not even to investigate how she can return the shadow creatures to Aparia. Thankfully, the team gets a new assignment in Las Vegas that gives Madeline a little leg room and joy. Joy because they’re investigating a modelling event with the newest in couture all around. If only the models weren’t Aparians who were suspiciously having their powers taken from them…
– this is book 3 of 5 (6 including the novella – the novella is best read after this book & before the next one))
– this is told from Madeline’s point of view
– there are some steamy kisses
– there are some suggestive comments
– there is some fantasy violence
– there are mentions of people dying/being killed during the investigation (one dead body has a few sentence (3-5) long description that some people may want to skip – not due to blood)
Review:
I think that Madeline has officially picked who she wants to be with in this book (though they aren’t ‘together’ yet for a few reasons). There is another person interested in her, but I don’t think anything is going to come from that as she really doesn’t see the guy that way & I believe we’ve heard announcements (through Shari’s newsletters) that he’ll be getting his own story.
I had a lot of fun trying to follow the investigation in Vegas & trying to figure out who could be trying to contact Madeline! There were some hints that the reader could catch along the way so it wasn’t a huge surprise for Vegas, but I was a bit surprised by the ending! I loved getting more of the team together moments, especially when they teased each other about little things. I loved getting to see a bit more of how Madeline’s magical connection with Rafe works and I wonder how it will affect things going forward. I’m very excited to read the novella & the next book in the series to find out more!
Summary:
Madeline’s secret has been exposed to the team and now they all have to deal with it. Luckily, they trust her enough not to go full Obsidian Queen on the world but none of them want to see her captured by those who expect her to be that way. So Madeline is still essentially under house arrest & can’t go much of anywhere on her own. Not even to investigate how she can return the shadow creatures to Aparia. Thankfully, the team gets a new assignment in Las Vegas that gives Madeline a little leg room and joy. Joy because they’re investigating a modelling event with the newest in couture all around. If only the models weren’t Aparians who were suspiciously having their powers taken from them…
January 8, 2024
This series keeps getting better and better and I have a feeling it will be my favorite Shari Tapscott series. I have enjoyed watching Madeline grow from spoilt pampered socialite, whose only interest was making a good match in marriage and planning social events, to realizing she has a strange and terrible dark power that must be controlled to keep from hurting people, including those she loves. She is heart sick realizing she can never be with the knight she loves, and heart sick that she can't connect to the knight she merged her powers with to save mankind from a horde of dark creatures. Unfortunately, dark creatures continue to crawl out of the woodwork and Madeline finds that controlling them is getting harder. She needs answers, but who can she trust to ask the questions? Each book in this series has a cliff hanger that is leading to the final book. I recommend starting this series with book 1 in the Obsidian Queen series.
March 20, 2023
They just keep getting better!
Wow- this story and plot just keeps intensifying and getting better as you finish each book! This was such a rollercoaster, filled with such a swoony romance, a murderous pixie, magical models, magic-sucking charms, multiple Knights’ Guilds, mystery, adventure, angst, and more. I couldn’t put it down, and now I have to grab the next book IMMEDIATELY to find out what happens next!!
Wow- this story and plot just keeps intensifying and getting better as you finish each book! This was such a rollercoaster, filled with such a swoony romance, a murderous pixie, magical models, magic-sucking charms, multiple Knights’ Guilds, mystery, adventure, angst, and more. I couldn’t put it down, and now I have to grab the next book IMMEDIATELY to find out what happens next!!
June 12, 2023
I want to give this 3.5 stars.. at this point I'm reading this series to see where she's going with it. I understand she wrote these books as a little break but I'm feeling thrown all over the place and FMC needs to shit or get off the pot about who she wants to be with. Or just have them both! But I'm so back and forth and I don't even want her to be with either of them lol
I think I've got two books left anyways and I'm halfway through the next one already.
I think I've got two books left anyways and I'm halfway through the next one already.
March 10, 2023
Don't have to be bad
Madeline and her dreamy knights sure know how to keep you busy and awake following their crazy adventures.
Delightfully snarky and swoony, this book and its earlier ones are sure to delight.
I especially like that the language is clean and while there are hints of steam in the relationships things are kept clean there too.
Madeline and her dreamy knights sure know how to keep you busy and awake following their crazy adventures.
Delightfully snarky and swoony, this book and its earlier ones are sure to delight.
I especially like that the language is clean and while there are hints of steam in the relationships things are kept clean there too.
March 28, 2023
Not going to lie, I had a really hard time liking the main character until she received an attitude adjustment. I've loved all of Tapscott's other books and had to give this series a chance, and I am so glad I did. They are clean, but they have all the tension that I personally thought was missing from the authors other books.
April 12, 2023
I binge-read this series a few weeks ago - I wish I had reviewed all these books right away because they totally deserved it!
I will probably come back and re-read this series in the future, and leave the reviews they deserve, but for now I'll just leave a review for the whole series - I loved it! 5 solid stars!!!
I will probably come back and re-read this series in the future, and leave the reviews they deserve, but for now I'll just leave a review for the whole series - I loved it! 5 solid stars!!!
February 28, 2023
Fantastic
I love this series so much, this one was harder to read than the others just because it’s a necessary part to get to the next book, but it’s also more angsty than I care for. Still such an excellent book and can’t wait for book four!
I love this series so much, this one was harder to read than the others just because it’s a necessary part to get to the next book, but it’s also more angsty than I care for. Still such an excellent book and can’t wait for book four!
Read
March 15, 2023DNF @ 40%
I tried, I really did. Though it seems like there's now direction for the relationship, Madeline is difficult for me to root for and I don't see any reason to read more. I really wanted to like this series, but I don't think it'll happen.
I tried, I really did. Though it seems like there's now direction for the relationship, Madeline is difficult for me to root for and I don't see any reason to read more. I really wanted to like this series, but I don't think it'll happen.
April 7, 2023
Makes you love them all
I want a knight! Lol. Just when you think you know which guy is best, Tapscott twists and turns the dialogue just right. Now you love them all and want a happy ending. The suspense is amazing. Great characters in this series. Three down, two to go.
I want a knight! Lol. Just when you think you know which guy is best, Tapscott twists and turns the dialogue just right. Now you love them all and want a happy ending. The suspense is amazing. Great characters in this series. Three down, two to go.
June 16, 2023
At this point sleep is overrated. This is such a bingey series and somehow the author has convinced me that our main character falling for every guy ever is totally fine. Even better, I’m all in every time she switches. What has she done to my brain?
June 26, 2024
Some good times, the shenanigans with Eric and the hairless cat Charles are ever entertaining. Sometimes the turmoil was so wrought it bummed me out, but hopefully we’ll get more highs to go with the lows soon.
February 14, 2023
Awesome
I can’t wait for the next one. I’m so sucked into this story. It has just the right amount of tension and suspense.
I can’t wait for the next one. I’m so sucked into this story. It has just the right amount of tension and suspense.
February 15, 2023
3.5 stars
March 4, 2023
Love This Series
This series is one of my favorites and I just can’t get enough. A bit of an emotional roller coaster at times but in a good way.
This series is one of my favorites and I just can’t get enough. A bit of an emotional roller coaster at times but in a good way.
March 14, 2023
Didn’t even feel like the same series by 70% in. Dnf which was kind of disappointing.
March 17, 2023
getting really good!
Moving straight on to book #4…some series lose me by this point, but this one is just picking up steam!
Moving straight on to book #4…some series lose me by this point, but this one is just picking up steam!
April 2, 2023
Fun story
I have enjoyed this action pact heartfelt adventure of Madeline the Obsidian Queen as she fight not to become evil that everyone believes she is.
I have enjoyed this action pact heartfelt adventure of Madeline the Obsidian Queen as she fight not to become evil that everyone believes she is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews