Review of Opaque
Posted: 21 Aug 2024, 06:57
[Following is a volunteer review of "Opaque" by Calix Leigh-Reign.]
"Opaque", the first book in the Scion Saga by Calix Leigh-Reign, introduces readers to a dark, intense, and thrilling young adult fantasy world filled with mystery, supernatural powers, and the complexities of adolescence. The story centers on Adam Caspian, a troubled sixteen-year-old with a deeply unsettling mindset. Adam is burdened with intrusive, violent thoughts, and his relationships with his family are strained, particularly his volatile bond with his father and his inappropriate feelings toward his mother. However, his life takes a sudden turn when Carly Wit, a mysterious new student, enters his world.
The connection between Adam and Carly is instant and electrifying. Carly, like Adam, descends from a lineage with unique genetic mutations that grant them extraordinary abilities. As Adam begins to explore these powers with Carly’s guidance, he realizes that the darkness within him is linked to something much larger than he ever imagined. Together, they discover that their bloodline is under threat from a group of scientists who will stop at nothing to exploit and destroy their kind. Adam and Carly must learn to control their abilities, trust each other, and confront these dangers head-on.
One of the standout aspects of "Opaque" is its in-depth exploration of Adam’s psychological journey. The novel does an excellent job of portraying his evolution from a hostile, isolated boy into someone capable of love, trust, and leadership. His relationship with Carly plays a significant role in this transformation, and their bond is both heartwarming and fraught with tension. While Adam’s character development is central to the story, Carly’s strength and resilience make her a compelling character in her own right.
The narrative is told primarily through alternating perspectives, giving readers a glimpse into both Adam’s and Carly’s thoughts and emotions. This dual perspective works well for the story, allowing for deeper insight into their relationship and the broader plot. The world-building is immersive, blending elements of science fiction with supernatural fantasy. The writing style is rich in detail, making it easy to visualize the intense action scenes and emotional interactions.
However, some readers might find the early chapters slow-paced as they adjust to the darker tone and Adam’s unsettling mindset. Additionally, there are occasional shifts in point of view that can be jarring, though these become less noticeable as the story gains momentum. Despite these minor flaws, the engaging plot, strong character development, and mix of mystery, romance, and action keep the reader fully focused until the very end.
The novel does contain mature themes, including dark psychological elements and references to sexual tension, which may not be suitable for younger teens. I did not notice any grammatical errors while reading, which shows very good editing.
Overall, I rate "Opaque" 5 out of 5 stars for it's gripping storyline, complex characters, and well-balanced blend of genres, all these makes it a standout debut for Calix Leigh-Reign. It’s a book that may not grab you right away, but once you’re hooked, you’ll find yourself eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next. I recommend it to readers who enjoy intense, thought-provoking fantasy with a hint of romance and plenty of mystery.
******
Opaque
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
"Opaque", the first book in the Scion Saga by Calix Leigh-Reign, introduces readers to a dark, intense, and thrilling young adult fantasy world filled with mystery, supernatural powers, and the complexities of adolescence. The story centers on Adam Caspian, a troubled sixteen-year-old with a deeply unsettling mindset. Adam is burdened with intrusive, violent thoughts, and his relationships with his family are strained, particularly his volatile bond with his father and his inappropriate feelings toward his mother. However, his life takes a sudden turn when Carly Wit, a mysterious new student, enters his world.
The connection between Adam and Carly is instant and electrifying. Carly, like Adam, descends from a lineage with unique genetic mutations that grant them extraordinary abilities. As Adam begins to explore these powers with Carly’s guidance, he realizes that the darkness within him is linked to something much larger than he ever imagined. Together, they discover that their bloodline is under threat from a group of scientists who will stop at nothing to exploit and destroy their kind. Adam and Carly must learn to control their abilities, trust each other, and confront these dangers head-on.
One of the standout aspects of "Opaque" is its in-depth exploration of Adam’s psychological journey. The novel does an excellent job of portraying his evolution from a hostile, isolated boy into someone capable of love, trust, and leadership. His relationship with Carly plays a significant role in this transformation, and their bond is both heartwarming and fraught with tension. While Adam’s character development is central to the story, Carly’s strength and resilience make her a compelling character in her own right.
The narrative is told primarily through alternating perspectives, giving readers a glimpse into both Adam’s and Carly’s thoughts and emotions. This dual perspective works well for the story, allowing for deeper insight into their relationship and the broader plot. The world-building is immersive, blending elements of science fiction with supernatural fantasy. The writing style is rich in detail, making it easy to visualize the intense action scenes and emotional interactions.
However, some readers might find the early chapters slow-paced as they adjust to the darker tone and Adam’s unsettling mindset. Additionally, there are occasional shifts in point of view that can be jarring, though these become less noticeable as the story gains momentum. Despite these minor flaws, the engaging plot, strong character development, and mix of mystery, romance, and action keep the reader fully focused until the very end.
The novel does contain mature themes, including dark psychological elements and references to sexual tension, which may not be suitable for younger teens. I did not notice any grammatical errors while reading, which shows very good editing.
Overall, I rate "Opaque" 5 out of 5 stars for it's gripping storyline, complex characters, and well-balanced blend of genres, all these makes it a standout debut for Calix Leigh-Reign. It’s a book that may not grab you right away, but once you’re hooked, you’ll find yourself eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next. I recommend it to readers who enjoy intense, thought-provoking fantasy with a hint of romance and plenty of mystery.
******
Opaque
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords