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maadreads's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. Watching Ona struggle and navigate her way through drug addiction was so powerful. Christa did a wonderful job portraying the effects addiction has on the individual and the family. Then you have this amazing, talented, damaged artist in Antoni, and you get to peak behind the currtin into what makes him him. There is no spice between love interests in this one, but it didn't need it.
Quotes:
"Your voice sends the particles I’m composed of into chaos. They quiver and collide in the symphonies wrought from your murmurings. I will sink deeper and deeper into you—the fact that you are here, that you exist now like this, aging every millisecond before me, a shooting star. A blooming flower that will inevitably wilt. Precious beyond reasoning."
Quotes:
"Your voice sends the particles I’m composed of into chaos. They quiver and collide in the symphonies wrought from your murmurings. I will sink deeper and deeper into you—the fact that you are here, that you exist now like this, aging every millisecond before me, a shooting star. A blooming flower that will inevitably wilt. Precious beyond reasoning."
wasauthor's review
5.0
I received an advance reader copy of Oblivion Black for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After the author's [b:Popsicle|62969740|Popsicle|Christa Wojciechowski|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1665510236l/62969740._SX50_.jpg|98788878] entertained me as much as it did, I seized the opportunity to read Oblivion Black, and am incredibly pleased that I did: this is a novel that is not only enjoyable in the moment, but one that lingers long after you’ve read it.
Once again, the author casts a story about a drug addict with dark undercurrents, but unlike that book, this novel doesn’t play it for laughs, instead providing a nuanced look at addiction and how it affects those in its thrall. The reader is immediately introduced to the protagonist, Ona, in the midst of a heroin overdose. Soon, Ona is trying to move on with her life, including moving in with her aunt, seeking treatment at a methadone clinic, and attending Narcotics Anonymous. These events lead Ona to a new job, where she works as an assistant to world-renowned sculptor, Antoni.
The plot moves slowly, unveiled at a methodical pace that introduces the reader to Ona and her world, providing an intimate portrait of the character. Readers also get an intriguing look at Antoni, the secrets he harbours, and the sizeable mental health issues he faces.
The author builds Ona and Antoni’s tale like a romance, following the tropes of a slowburn love story, while also subverting it through a lingering darkness with shades of a twisted fairy tale. As the budding romance blooms, the story is filled with an overarching sense of dread at what’s to come, and it isn’t pretty. If you opt to read this, its subject matter is heavy, and it refuses to pull its punches.
The dark undercurrent is anchored by its sympathetic characters. Both Ona and Antoni have issues, and their attachment to one another is underpinned by their trauma. Despite their flaws, the reader can’t help but want them to have their happily ever after, even while questioning whether that should include each other. Both are clearly drawn and engrossing. Sonia, who sets her sights on Antoni, is a pure villain, but one who is entertaining to follow.
Oblivion Black is told in the first person, from Ona’s perspective. The story is seen through her eyes, with her own unique viewpoint colouring the story and its events. Ona is a wonderful character with a great voice that sells the events to the reader. On occasion, the POV character changes, largely to Antoni, but later, to Sonia. These chapters are written in the third person, which provides a different perspective that heightens the experience. The prose is written evocatively, capturing beauty throughout some horrific events.
Likewise, the dialogue works incredibly well. The novel features a vast cast of characters, all of whom sound unique and entirely natural. This helps the world feel lived in, and each character feels like a living, breathing, human being.
This is the first book in the author's The Sculptor series and ends on a cliffhanger. It’s a wonderful cliffhanger that beckons the reader to pick up the second book, but this comes at the cost of resolution to the story. This book doesn’t stand alone, meaning the sequel is required to continue the tale.
Oblivion Black is an evocative story that uses literary devices to tell a story about unhealthy people in an unhealthy relationship. Its twists and turns thrill as it provides an engrossing look at damaged people making their way through life. It’s unflinching, yet rewarding in a way that will stick with the reader long after they’ve closed the book.
My full review will be available on my website from 30 November 2022. To read it, and a host of other reviews, click here.
After the author's [b:Popsicle|62969740|Popsicle|Christa Wojciechowski|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1665510236l/62969740._SX50_.jpg|98788878] entertained me as much as it did, I seized the opportunity to read Oblivion Black, and am incredibly pleased that I did: this is a novel that is not only enjoyable in the moment, but one that lingers long after you’ve read it.
Once again, the author casts a story about a drug addict with dark undercurrents, but unlike that book, this novel doesn’t play it for laughs, instead providing a nuanced look at addiction and how it affects those in its thrall. The reader is immediately introduced to the protagonist, Ona, in the midst of a heroin overdose. Soon, Ona is trying to move on with her life, including moving in with her aunt, seeking treatment at a methadone clinic, and attending Narcotics Anonymous. These events lead Ona to a new job, where she works as an assistant to world-renowned sculptor, Antoni.
The plot moves slowly, unveiled at a methodical pace that introduces the reader to Ona and her world, providing an intimate portrait of the character. Readers also get an intriguing look at Antoni, the secrets he harbours, and the sizeable mental health issues he faces.
The author builds Ona and Antoni’s tale like a romance, following the tropes of a slowburn love story, while also subverting it through a lingering darkness with shades of a twisted fairy tale. As the budding romance blooms, the story is filled with an overarching sense of dread at what’s to come, and it isn’t pretty. If you opt to read this, its subject matter is heavy, and it refuses to pull its punches.
The dark undercurrent is anchored by its sympathetic characters. Both Ona and Antoni have issues, and their attachment to one another is underpinned by their trauma. Despite their flaws, the reader can’t help but want them to have their happily ever after, even while questioning whether that should include each other. Both are clearly drawn and engrossing. Sonia, who sets her sights on Antoni, is a pure villain, but one who is entertaining to follow.
Oblivion Black is told in the first person, from Ona’s perspective. The story is seen through her eyes, with her own unique viewpoint colouring the story and its events. Ona is a wonderful character with a great voice that sells the events to the reader. On occasion, the POV character changes, largely to Antoni, but later, to Sonia. These chapters are written in the third person, which provides a different perspective that heightens the experience. The prose is written evocatively, capturing beauty throughout some horrific events.
Likewise, the dialogue works incredibly well. The novel features a vast cast of characters, all of whom sound unique and entirely natural. This helps the world feel lived in, and each character feels like a living, breathing, human being.
This is the first book in the author's The Sculptor series and ends on a cliffhanger. It’s a wonderful cliffhanger that beckons the reader to pick up the second book, but this comes at the cost of resolution to the story. This book doesn’t stand alone, meaning the sequel is required to continue the tale.
Oblivion Black is an evocative story that uses literary devices to tell a story about unhealthy people in an unhealthy relationship. Its twists and turns thrill as it provides an engrossing look at damaged people making their way through life. It’s unflinching, yet rewarding in a way that will stick with the reader long after they’ve closed the book.
My full review will be available on my website from 30 November 2022. To read it, and a host of other reviews, click here.
hilaryb's review
5.0
Wow. I literally just finished this book and loved it. I knew there was a second book and I was still shocked to see "This story isn't over!" at the end of this book. If you know me this shouldn't shock you. I could read all the spoilers and still be surprised.
This is the story of Ona. At the beginning of the story Ona overdoses and nearly dies. She's ripped away from her supplier and boyfriend and has to figure out a life of sobriety. She taps into her passion of art by getting a job with a local sculptor, Antoni, also known as "Hands of God." Ona quickly becomes Antoni's muse. Chaos ensues and past traumas make things complicated.
I don't know if growing up with an artist mother made me feel more connected to this story, or if it was just beautifully written, but I really loved the imagery of the details in this book.
It says book 2 is out in November 15, 2022 but I may have to track down this story on Kindle Vella to get a jump start. I really need to see what happens in book 2! Which means, this can not be read as a stand alone. You will want to see what's in store for book 2.
Thank you Book Sirens for the ARC! This is my honest review of Oblivion Black by Christa Wojciechowski.
This is the story of Ona. At the beginning of the story Ona overdoses and nearly dies. She's ripped away from her supplier and boyfriend and has to figure out a life of sobriety. She taps into her passion of art by getting a job with a local sculptor, Antoni, also known as "Hands of God." Ona quickly becomes Antoni's muse. Chaos ensues and past traumas make things complicated.
I don't know if growing up with an artist mother made me feel more connected to this story, or if it was just beautifully written, but I really loved the imagery of the details in this book.
It says book 2 is out in November 15, 2022 but I may have to track down this story on Kindle Vella to get a jump start. I really need to see what happens in book 2! Which means, this can not be read as a stand alone. You will want to see what's in store for book 2.
Thank you Book Sirens for the ARC! This is my honest review of Oblivion Black by Christa Wojciechowski.
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