A review of [i]Opaque[/i] by Calix Leigh-Reign.
“I guess this is what it’s really like to be 16 years old. Not bad,” And is it ever? Based in a small wealthy city, whose populace is small enough for everyone to know everyone, but large enough to be considered a city, Opaque follows through a plot of current teen issues intertwined with fantasy, an enthralling read for all fantasy lovers.
Sixteen-year-old Adam seems like a teen bridled with usual teen angst, from his despise toward humanity to his loyalty, or obsession? To his seemingly never- ageing mother. He, however, is tormented by his regular imagined rehearsals. Add mystery girl Carly to the mix, and suddenly not all girls are animals anymore, at least not her. Carly, a supernatural human, introduces Adam to a life of magic, plots and revenge. Is he the last of the Rozovsky descendants? Is his mother whom she claims to be? What has the Iksha been plotting all this time?
Every chapter seems to bring a new revelation to Adam, who is in a subconscious, then conscious in search of himself. Trust and whom to give it to be a constant switching factor with the people in the novel. From murder, psychopathic tendencies, teenage romance and findings of the past pouring into the present and future, Opaque addresses while following through Adams life, the ever-changing mind of a young boy whose life has turned around.
“I’ll never let any harm come to you, mom. You’ve protected me my entire life — even through the hell I gave you. Never once did you mistreat me. I’ll protect you with my life.”Adam has been depicted as a very principled and reserved character. Loyalty, a predominant factor in the book, questions Adams’. Will he choose to be loyal to his new life and family or to the woman whom he has known and loved all his life?
Any person can relate to Adam on questions of fitting in, finding ‘your people’, averting crises and experimenting. Opaque is a read that not only captures the interest of fantasy readers but also non-fantasy fans. Opaque is a result of when ‘Avatar’ meets ‘The Name of the Wind’ but so much more. I would rate this book [b]3 out of 4 stars[/b] primarily because I think the writer went a bit off-topic after the first three chapters, but I like it regardless. I would highly recommend the book to anyone in search of a brain jogging read that is nothing short of original, and that keeps one turning page after page.