The Obsidian Circle

Discover the heart of Chicago, a city resonating with power, where an insidious force lurks within the shadows. Embark on a chilling journey through "The Obsidian Circle: Shadows of Influence." At the core of Chicago's mysteries lies The Obsidian Circle, a covert society draped in unparalleled influence. Leading the charge is the unyielding FBI agent Samantha Ryan, accompanied by her steadfast partner Jeff. Their pursuit of justice becomes an electrifying odyssey intricately entwined with Daniel, an unparalleled symbologist and cryptologist. The shocking murder of financial magnate Mark Davidson unravels a cryptic note, propelling Samantha onto a perilous path that delves deep into malevolence. She races against adversaries whose sinister motives transcend reality. Centuries-old secrets emerge as Samantha's relentless pursuit unveils the ancient enigmas binding The Obsidian Circle. In this gripping thriller, reality and conspiracy blur, leaving readers to ponder who truly wields power in this shadowy realm. As secrets unravel and loyalties shift, betrayals cut deep, marking this compelling narrative as the prelude to the epic saga of "Elysium Odyssey." Explore the genesis of darkness and brace for an adventure where nothing is what it seems. Join Samantha, Jeff, and Daniel as they navigate a web of deceit and peril. Witness the extraordinary love story between Samantha and the brilliant symbologist Daniel. Their inexplicable connection unveils The Obsidian Circle as more than a clandestine society—it's a branch of the Council of Shadows, driven by insatiable ambitions for control. Amidst the unfolding murder investigation, webs of deception extend into the darkest corners of Chicago. Unveil a world of masonic rings, clandestine gatherings, and boundless financial support from the city's elite. Brave the treacherous labyrinth alongside Samantha, Jeff, and Daniel. "The Obsidian Circle: Shadows of Influence" reveals the inner workings of a cryptic brotherhood that grants entry with ease but offers departure only through death's embrace. The pursuit of truth and justice exacts an unfathomable cost, leaving readers captivated by the mysteries yet to unfold. Embark on an exhilarating journey—a prologue to the grand saga of 'Elysium Odyssey.' Discover the intricate bonds that intertwine these compelling narratives. 'Elysium Odyssey' interweaves ambition, power, and the timeless quest for a new world order, delivering an enthralling experience teeming with heroes and villains operating beyond time and imagination's farthest reaches. Witness a monumental showdown as Syed, the beacon of inspiration, confronts Voidguard's malevolent forces, setting the stage for the thrilling adventure awaiting in 'Elysium Odyssey.'

Discover the heart of Chicago, a city resonating with power, where an insidious force lurks within the shadows. Embark on a chilling journey through "The Obsidian Circle: Shadows of Influence." At the core of Chicago's mysteries lies The Obsidian Circle, a covert society draped in unparalleled influence. Leading the charge is the unyielding FBI agent Samantha Ryan, accompanied by her steadfast partner Jeff. Their pursuit of justice becomes an electrifying odyssey intricately entwined with Daniel, an unparalleled symbologist and cryptologist. The shocking murder of financial magnate Mark Davidson unravels a cryptic note, propelling Samantha onto a perilous path that delves deep into malevolence. She races against adversaries whose sinister motives transcend reality. Centuries-old secrets emerge as Samantha's relentless pursuit unveils the ancient enigmas binding The Obsidian Circle. In this gripping thriller, reality and conspiracy blur, leaving readers to ponder who truly wields power in this shadowy realm. As secrets unravel and loyalties shift, betrayals cut deep, marking this compelling narrative as the prelude to the epic saga of "Elysium Odyssey." Explore the genesis of darkness and brace for an adventure where nothing is what it seems. Join Samantha, Jeff, and Daniel as they navigate a web of deceit and peril. Witness the extraordinary love story between Samantha and the brilliant symbologist Daniel. Their inexplicable connection unveils The Obsidian Circle as more than a clandestine society-it's a branch of the Council of Shadows, driven by insatiable ambitions for control. Amidst the unfolding murder investigation, webs of deception extend into the darkest corners of Chicago. Unveil a world of masonic rings, clandestine gatherings, and boundless financial support from the city's elite. Brave the treacherous labyrinth alongside Samantha, Jeff, and Daniel. "The Obsidian Circle: Shadows of Influence" reveals the inner workings of a cryptic brotherhood that grants entry with ease but offers departure only through death's embrace. The pursuit of truth and justice exacts an unfathomable cost, leaving readers captivated by the mysteries yet to unfold. Embark on an exhilarating journey-a prologue to the grand saga of 'Elysium Odyssey.' Discover the intricate bonds that intertwine these compelling narratives. 'Elysium Odyssey' interweaves ambition, power, and the timeless quest for a new world order, delivering an enthralling experience teeming with heroes and villains operating beyond time and imagination's farthest reaches. Witness a monumental showdown as Syed, the beacon of inspiration, confronts Voidguard's malevolent forces, setting the stage for the thrilling adventure awaiting in 'Elysium Odyssey.'

Sixteen-year-old Nick and his family have battled magicians and demons for most of his life, but when his brother, Alan, is marked for death while helping new friends Jamie and Mae, Nick's determination to save Alan leads him to uncover a devastating secret.

Vitala Salonius, champion of the warlike game of Caturanga, is as deadly as she is beautiful. She’s a trained assassin for the resistance, and her true play is for ultimate power. Using her charm and wit, she plans to seduce her way into the emperor’s bed and deal him one final, fatal blow, sparking a battle of succession that could change the face of the empire. As the ruler of a country on the brink of war and the son of a deposed emperor, Lucien must constantly be wary of an attempt on his life. But he’s drawn to the stunning Caturanga player visiting the palace. Vitala may be able to distract him from his woes for a while—and fulfill other needs, as well. Lucien’s quick mind and considerable skills awaken unexpected desires in Vitala, weakening her resolve to finish her mission. An assassin cannot fall for her prey, but Vitala’s gut is telling her to protect this sexy, sensitive man. Now she must decide where her heart and loyalties lie and navigate the dangerous war of politics before her gambit causes her to lose both Lucien and her heart for good.…

The tales in this collection are more than mere entertainment; they serve as a chilling reminder that in the covert world of espionage, nothing is as it seems. The protagonists, often caught in a web of moral ambiguity, face adversaries who are not only skilled in combat and subterfuge but are also masters of psychological manipulation. The Killer Spies showcased here embody the duality of their profession – the allure of danger and the terror of the unknown. In "Shadow of the Silent Assassin," you will follow Detective Elena Russo as she unravels a series of murders, each one executed with chilling precision. The silent assassin leaves behind a trail of clues that lead Elena deep into the heart of a deadly conspiracy, forcing her to confront her own fears and uncertainties. "Whispers in the Dark" immerses you in the world of Agent Nathan Blackwood, whose mission takes a terrifying turn when he stumbles upon a secret society with a penchant for dark rituals. As Nathan delves deeper into society's machinations, he finds himself entangled in a supernatural battle that threatens not only his life but the fate of the world.

Mae Crawford always thought she was in control. Now she's learned that her little brother Jamie is a magician and Nick, the boy she'd set her heart on, has an even darker secret. Mae's whole world has spun out of control, and it's only going to get worse. When she realises that Jamie has been meeting secretly with the new leader of the Obsidian Circle and that Gerald wants him to join the magicians, she's not sure how to stop Jamie doing just that. Calling in Nick and Alan as reinforcements only leads to a more desperate conflict because Gerald has a plan to bring Nick down - by using Alan to spring a deadly trap. With those around her torn between divided loyalties and Mae herself torn between her feelings for two very different boys, she sees a chance to save them all - but it means approaching the mysterious and dangerous Goblin Market alone...

The second book in the critically acclaimed Obsidian and Blood trilogy: The year is Two House, and the Emperor of the Mexica has just died. The protections he afforded the Empire are crumbling, and the way lies wide open to the flesh-eating star-demons--and to the return of their creator, a malevolent goddess only held in check by the War God's power. The council should convene to choose a new Emperor, but they are too busy plotting against each other. And then someone starts summoning star-demons within the palace, to kill councilmen... Acatl, High Priest of the Dead, must find the culprit before everything is torn apart. REVIEWS: ‘Political intrigue and rivalry among a complex pantheon of divinities drive this well-paced murder mystery set at the height of the Aztec Empire in the late 15th century. De Bodard reintroduces the series hero Acatl, high priest of the dead, immediately following the death of the Tenochtitlan leader. One of the council members in charge of choosing a successor has been brutally murdered in what looks like an attempt to influence the decision. But the deaths continue and the political situation grows more complex, while the empire looks to be increasingly at risk of invasion by malignant powers. Acatl must go face-to-face with the most powerful god in his world and put the good of the empire above his antipathy for is rivals to achieve the uneasy succession. De Bodard incorporates historical fact with great ease and manages the rare feat of explaining complex culture and political system without lecturing or boring the reader.’ —Publishers Weekly ‘Another thing that intrigues me here is the whole fact that historically we know that the real empire died out mysteriously and completely and as such there is always that thought in the back of my mind that the author could choose to bring about the end of days. That highlighted sense of possible doom is something that is missing from too many novels. The way the story is told in this book is very impressive, the plot is both mature and seductive, twisting and turning like a weather vane in a force 9 gale while the action is both bloodthirsty and imaginative. The world building is fantastic and we get to learn even more of this rich culture and the many gods and creatures of the dark. I really can’t fault this book at all and recommend it to one and all but if you haven’t yet read Servant of the Underworld I suggest that you get them both and read them in order, you won’t be disappointed.’ —SF Book Reviews ‘Bodard’s writing is polished and striking, as she convincingly fills in the colorful elements of the Aztec culture–even if those colors tend to be of blood and bile as well as flowers and hummingbirds... beautiful, grimy, breathtaking, and morbid. 5*’ —Examiner ‘Aliette de Bodard has done it again. Harbinger of the Storm is an action packed Aztec mystery opera with magic, interventions from the gods and more twists and turns than the first book. It even has a love story with amusing snippets here and there... The story is self contained and can be enjoyed standalone, but you will not want to miss out on the first. I wish it was 2012 already even if the world is going under while I read the final Obsidian & Blood.’ —Cybermage

Fantasy great Tracy Hickman teams up with the video game legend Richard Garriott in this epic novel The Eye of Scales, based on the award-winning game, Shroud of the Avatar. The sword rules all. Aren Bendis, former soldier in the Obsidian army, has managed to protect a rebel city from his former friends and now finds his fate bound to a weapon once wielded by the Avatars themselves. Now, he is being secreted away to the capital of the last alliance of free nations with the hopes that the Hero of Opalis will lead their army against his former masters. What Aren doesn't know is that his former friend Evard Dirae, a Craft Master of the Obsidian Order, is seeking Aren out. Worried that Aren is being manipulated against his will by the magic of the Avatars, Evard seeks to find the sword and break its hold over Aren once and for all. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.