Review of Opaque

[Victoria Ukamaka]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Opaque" by Calix Leigh-Reign.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Adam Caspian was a somewhat introverted teenager who appeared to suffer from psychological issues, which made him feel different and disconnected from everyone else. At the beginning of the book, we see that Adam experiences feelings of "abnormality" and, at one point, refers to people as "animals" in comparison to himself, implying something different in him. When a new girl named Carly joins his school, he finds himself in deep water. The development of a close friendship between Adam and Carly leads to the process of his personal transformation. He discovers that he is not an ordinary person but a direct heir of one of the most ancient and powerful Russian bloodlines with supernatural powers. Carly, who belongs to another branch of supernatural bloodlines, helps Adam discover his ancestry. Where will this discovery lead them? Get a copy of Opaque: Scion Saga Book 1 by Calix Leigh-Reign to find out.

This book is a young adult science fiction story that can be described as rich, dark, and ambitious in equal measure, and it combines supernatural powers, teenage drama, and a gradual descent into either self or interpersonal warfare. I love the author's use of psychological and physical action in the book. Though heavily focused on the theme of identity, the novel analyzes the internal struggles of the protagonist, Adam, in terms of power and morality. This is offset by the well-executed scenes of action that occur throughout the book, with bursts of supernatural conflicts taking center stage in the last third of the book.

Another thing I love about the book is its world-building. Leigh-Reign paints a vivid picture of a world in which supernatural abilities are possible but remain secret from ordinary people. The juxtaposition of real life and fantasy is very well executed, and I was provided with a sense of realism and fairy-tale experience all at once. Also, much is done in the descriptions of the powers the characters possess and their training, which are described in pretty detail and contain nice visuals. I recommend this book to readers who prefer complex stories that provide a look into the shades of gray of moralities, especially concerning the choice between doing good and evil. There was nothing I disliked about the book, and its editing was perfect. Hence, I am rating it 5 out of 5 stars.

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Opaque
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