The Obsidian Mirror

Sierra Carter Series, Book 1

By: K.D. Keenan

Narrated by: Tanya Eby

Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Sierra Carter learns that her former employer's technology is in reality a means of spreading a deadly evil around the world. Necocyaotl, god of death and destruction, has placed his essence in every device, causing people to place their self-interest and personal desires above all else. If Sierra's going to stop him, she'll need some help. And help is on the way.

Chaco, also known as Coyotl the Trickster, is a handsome young man when he isn't a coyote - and an excellent cook. Fred the mannegishi has the gift of disappearing at will and a few well-kept secrets. Rose, a Native American shaman, teaches Sierra how to develop her inner powers. Kaylee is a practitioner of Voudon, as is the irascible and mysterious Mama Labadie.

Clancy Forrester, chief of security for Sierra's former employer, enters the fray, reluctantly surrendering his view of reality. Necocyaotl's team is playing for keeps, and the evil god brings an army of ice demons, dark spirits, and assorted monsters into the game to bolster his more human henchmen and -women.

Sierra and her friends constantly find themselves on the edge of disaster, snatching every win from the extremely pointy jaws of their enemies.

©2014 K. D. Keenan (P)2018 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Really Fun Read

I don’t usually read fantasy novels. However, a friend recommended it and it takes place in Northern California which is where I live, so thought I’d take a listen while I drove around for my work. It turned out to be the audible equivalent of a page turner- I didn’t want to turn it off when I reached my destination. The characters, both well meaning and sinister, were ones I cared about and was interested in following their changes throughout the story. The fantasy characters were particularly inventive and most entertaining, and the way the author wove them into peoples lives was most interesting. There were shades of Carlos Castaneda in the mixing of spirituality and fantasy, making for a very thought provoking read. Lastly, I was really impressed with how modern and foresightful the story is, with little vignettes of news that are sadly true in today’s political climate. I highly recommend The Obsidian Mirror as a thoughtful and entertaining book.

The Narrator Made This Story Come To Life

Welcome to a rich fantasy world spiced by a melange of gods, demigods, demons, spirits and creatures drawn from the traditions and beliefs of Mesoamericans, Native Americans and practitioners of Voudun. The protagonists are the astounded ordinary, people who are made aware of these fantastic beings and beliefs—in order to act/fight on the side of good or evil.

I purchased both the Kindle and Audible versions, so I was able to enjoy Tanya Eby’s skillful narration, which brought the characters to life. The voice actor mattered because the well-developed characters—both good and evil—were the most enjoyable part of this book. I also liked the Silicon Valley area settings and especially the flashes of humor threaded through the book.

At times this fantasy reads as though aimed at the YA market, but I decided not after coming across some adult language. This book was published in 2015, but I was amazed by the relevance of the story’s focus on the environmental: clean water, air and lands.