I enjoyed this book so much that I've already pre-ordered the next in this series (at least, I hope it will be a series!) A Tangle of Obsidian A Tangle of Obsidian (The Obsidian Sisterhood #2) by Lydia M. Hawke , which will be published June 3, 2025. Thank goodness I don't have too long to wait!

What can you say about a book that has Mages, monsters, secret consortiums, magic, and a 69-year-old ex-nun protagonist?

This book kept me reading far past my bedtime. It was horrifying, mystifying, action-packed, and at the same time sad—so many losses.

The answers to Monica's problem/magic might have been in a journal, but the journal was stolen by
Eldon Rusk, a billionaire. Yes, I typed that correctly, though we can all imagine just who the author was talking about!

I really can't describe the plot without giving things away and I'm sorry for that. However, for people of a certain age, this is a reminder that you are only as old as you allow yourself to be. At 69, Monica was a kick-ass heroine who cared about everyone but herself.

I loved this book, and it will be going on my comfort bookshelf. (These are books that I re-read at least yearly, sometimes more often!)

*ARC supplied by the publisher Michem Publishing/AbeBooks, the author, and NetGalley.

As a sucker for a good urban fantasy, this book delivered everything I wanted—action, humor, intrigue, and a fresh twist on the genre. It’s the first installment in the Obsidian Sisterhood series, and it set the stage beautifully for what I hope will be an exciting series.

The protagonist, Sister Monica Barrett, is anything but ordinary. At 69 years old, she’s a former nun, a two-time black belt, and a woman who knows when to walk away from an institution that doesn't align with her beliefs. Now, she helps run a women’s shelter until a stranger arrives at their doorstep and throws her life into chaos. Entrusted with a powerful relic, Monica is forced to go on the run, facing relentless enemies who won’t hesitate to kill in broad daylight.

I loved how A Web of Obsidian took urban fantasy tropes and gave them a fresh spin. Monica isn’t your typical young, reluctant hero. She’s mature, skilled, and fiercely independent, which made her journey all the more compelling. The action is fast paced, the stakes are high, and the supernatural elements blend seamlessly into the real world. While there were a few pacing hiccups here and there, they weren’t enough to take away from my overall enjoyment.

This book is fun, thrilling, and full of heart. If you love urban fantasy with a badass protagonist who refuses to back down, A Web of Obsidian is absolutely worth the read. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in the series!

Sister Monica, an excommunicated nun of a certain age who has two black belts and a passion for protecting those in need is catapulted into a web of intrigue and danger. I was swept up in the story from the moment rock starts our unwilling heroine on a quest to learn about a very old and secret society. You won't be able to put this book down, it's that intriguing. This is urban fantasy without a flashy hero or heroine. Sister Monica is a badass that stands her ground, even when it's shifting under her feel.

This was bittersweet, hilarious and action packed. It is the perfect urban fantasy/ woman's fiction book.
Let us start with a feminist (ex) Nun that cusses worse than any sailor; she had wanted to save the world but is happy just to save abused women.
Did I mention she's a 69 year old black belt a few times over?
Internal fortitude and the courage of a lioness have her defending the woman in her keeping.
As things go, destruction is following her every step but she doesn't know why. All she knows is everyone keeps telling her to protect a rock and run. Her answers are right around the corner.
Her conscious makes running pretty difficult and no matter how hard she tries to defend her people, evil seems to keep the upper hand.
Fantastic, inspirational story telling. Lydia M Hawke knows how to write a great story. I received this from NetGalley and every thought is my own

This book is packed with action from the very start, offering a unique twist on the supernatural genre. The protagonist, a nun caught up in a world of mystery and the paranormal, definitely sets this story apart. What stood out most to me was the main character being an older woman, which is something rare in this genre. She felt authentic—her responses to the events around her were grounded, and she cared deeply for those around her, which made her feel real.

The fast-paced nature of the book kept the plot moving at a brisk pace, and I liked how there was always something happening to keep me on my toes. The story didn’t drag, and I found it easy to stay hooked because the action never slowed down.

That said, there was still something that didn’t quite click for me. While the supernatural mystery was engaging, I felt like the story could have benefited from more depth, particularly in its relationships. The focus on platonic bonds was refreshing and a nice change, but I found myself craving more emotional development between the characters. It’s a great read, but there were missed opportunities for deeper connections that could have made the story more impactful.

In conclusion, while I enjoyed the book overall, it didn’t fully meet my expectations. It’s definitely an interesting read and offers something different from the usual, but it left me wanting a bit more. Reason why I'm giving it 2 ⭐.

ARC Review: This was a nice quick read. Overall the plot was very interesting and always kept you on your toes. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and am interested in learning more about the stones in general. Highly recommend.

This is fast paced and action packed. It follows a nun who accidentally becomes embroiled in the supernatural.

I was intrigued by the main character being an older woman. It's something new to me in this genre. She was amazing, very realistic, reactive, and cared about the people around her.

Everything moved very quickly which I think worked well for the plot. It was hard to put down as there was never a lull in the action.

I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend it. It's different from the usual offerings in this genre and I liked the focus on the paranormal mystery and platonic relationships.

Sister Monica’s only concern was keeping the women’s shelter open. Worry about funds became the least of her worries. At the front door of the shelter lies an emaciated and disheveled woman.  Her concern is whether or not she is alive, but is it safe to move her inside? It is decided they should bring her inside. The woman speaks to Sister Monica as if she knows her. She then places a flat obsidian stone in her hand and from that point, Monica’s life will be forever changed. A man with a crowbar in his hand has arrived and demanding something the women have no clue what he is after. Monica heads outside and, WOW, a total battle happens between the two. The one Earth shattering thing that happens is the stone begins to reveal a web. That web spreads into Monica and thru the ground to the man. Shocked and scared she watches as the web encases the man and then, it explodes and the man is gone.
Her life is forever changed. She comes to in her hospital bed, and a detective, Dawson, needs questions answered. Most of which Monica can’t. She, herself, does not understand what happened. Long story short, within 48 hours she is on a run for her life with Dawson taking care of the only other shelter survivor, Phoenix. Now at this point I would be asking why? What happened? Well, my friends, I offer no spoilers. I will suggest you read this action packed suspenseful page turner of a book now!

Sister Monica Barrett is many things: 69 years old, a holder of two black belts, an excommunicated nun, and a protector of those in need. What she is not, however, is prepared for the events or aftermath of saving the emaciated woman who arrives at the shelter, running for her life.

The mysterious forces hunting the near-death woman are close behind her and fight with inhuman capabilities. All hope appears to be lost until the woman throws something to Monica mid-fight.

Catching the stone alters Monica's life as she gains elemental powers beyond her understanding.

As more of the mysterious forces appear, the other nuns tell Monica to run and to keep running. The stone needs to be kept safe. THEY must never get it.

This action-filled opening to the series immediately drags you into the story and unveils the Obsidian Sisterhood.

Monica is a multidimensional character with relatable doubts, fears, and anxieties. She's imperfectly human and flails along, not knowing what to do. Initially trying to keep everyone away to protect them, she realises that she can't protect the stone alone.

But who can she trust?
Where can Monica run to be safe?
Can she discover the importance of the stone?
And just who are the Obsidian Sisterhood, and what do they want with Monica?



*I received an advance reader copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review*

Loved reading the exciting and entertaining story. When a woman barely alive comes to the shelter for help, Monica, an ex-nun, tries to help her, but an ancient stone with powers attaches itself to Monica as she battles mages. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series!

One thing I know to expect from this author is great writing, and this series starter/part of another series definitely has that. We are introduced to another part of the Crones series with the Obsidian Sisterhood series, and we open with a bang. I really liked that even though our MC is 69, she is no slouch. She really can’t be considering what she goes through pretty much the entire book. This is filled with almost non-stop action, and I know it won’t let up in the next book which I’m eager to get my hands on…but I know I’ll have to wait. Another great book from this author that I’ve been reading for a while. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

There is always a certain thrill, getting in on the beginning of a new series by a wonderful author, and reading A Web of Obsidian by Lydia M. Hawke is definitely one of those books that illustrates this point.
From the outset, Hawke grabs the reader's attention and refuses to let go. Her main character, former nun Monica Barrett, is a study in contrasts; a devoted and spiritual woman who will fight to the death if necessary to defend those in her care. She is both relatable and admirable, and the misadventures and responsibilities that befall her come fast and furious, sweeping the reader on a non-stop thrill ride to the very end of the book, gasping for more. The book is well-written, fast-paced, irreverent and humorous.
I look forward to reading further in this series, and am glad to have received an ARC of #AWebofObsidian from #NetGalley.

Thank you Netgalley and Michem Publishing for the chance to read an ARC of A web of Obsidian by Lydia M. Hawke. After reading the author's series The crone wars, and getting a hint of this new series, The Obsidian sisterhood. Sister Monica Barrett is not your typical nun. At 69, she holds two martial arts black belts, and swears like a sailor. Her tattoo says it all "No regrets". But she was not prepared for the fight of her life, when a half dead women shows up at the shelter she runs. followed by her attacker. He wants what the woman is hiding, a flat, black stone with a spider’s web embedded in it, and will kill anyone who gets in the way. After the stone is thrown to her, its power surges through her and destroys her attacker, but more are to follow, willing to destroy everything and everyone to possess the stone. With very few clues, and on the run, Monica desperately tries to unravel the secrets of both the stone, and the keepers, The Obsidian sisterhood.
This was a fast paced, intense and funny fantasy story. I love the fact that the main character is a kick-ass nun in her sixties, falling into this unknown magical world and managing to stay sane. Can't wait for the next chapter!

What an awesome story. Unique and captivating. Twisted, intense and a real page turner. I loved it.

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974

A thrilling, on the edge of your seat read. A helper and protective ex nun is drafted into the Obsidian Sisterhood unwittingly. From a fight to the death on the front lawn of the all women's shelter to the hidden archive of a rectory, Sister Monica is on a mission to learn more and survive those who want to use the stone for evil.

The book is written in first person. There is profanity, if you are sensitive to that prepare yourself. Overall an excellent read that will leave you wanting more.

This was a strong start to the Obsidian Sisterhood series, it had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed about the idea of this storyline, I enjoyed that the main character was older and thought it was a great opening chapter. I’m excited to read more in this series and from Lydia M. Hawke.

An elderly, martial arts trained, magic-wielding ex-nun fights evil mages and the patriarchy. What's not to love. I look forward to the sequel. Thank you to @netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.