Obsidian

Daley debuts with a surprising, adrenaline-charged fantasy adventure set in a postapocalyptic wasteland. The citizens of Malavita are safeguarded from the harsh environment by the Veil, a magical dome maintained by a corrupt, exploitative brotherhood of priests. Now wizard warrior Shade Nox, aka the Black Witch, aims to raise a new Veil that will protect her clan and all people as the land hurtles toward another disaster: the Unseen, ancient demons who turned the land inhospitable in a prehistoric war, are gathering their strength anew. But when Shade sets her plans in motion, she learns a dark secret about the magic required to raise a Veil, and she’ll have to find a new way. And with the Unseen hiding in plain sight, Shade is running out of time. As Shade falls down a rabbit hole of revelations, Daley rivets readers with a high-stakes thrill ride through Malavita’s farthest reaches. Electric character relationships and masterful worldbuilding—encompassing a spectacular magic system, mystical urban legend, and profound mystery—are sure to impress. Those looking for fantasy with a dystopian flair should snap this up. (Jan.)