Customer Reviews

Obernewtyn: The Obernewtyn Chronicles 1

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Obernewtyn Chronicles Book 1 is the start of a fabulous series by Isobelle Carmody, a series that has been entertaining people for over ten years. Meet Elspeth, a young girl living in an orphanage in post apocalyptic times, struggling to survive through an oppressive regime trying to weed out and destroy "mutants"- those with physical or mental deformities brought about as a result of the Great White- otherwise known as the Apocalypse.

Elspeth was the child of Seditioners (rebels essentially) who were burned for their "crimes" by the Council, and was sent to an orphanage with her brother. Despite their recent dislike of each other (he is trying to impress the Council and get his Normal Certificate, whereas Elspeth hates them with a passion), they have always managed to stay together, until the "Madam" of Obernewtyn arrives to pick out potential candidates (Misfits- children with hidden "mental abilities") for her isolated compound outside the city limits. Elspeth's only friend is Maruman, a strange looking cat who she can communicate with through her thoughts, and who has premonitions of things surrounding Elspeth's future.

When Elspeth is labelled a Misfit, she is shipped off to Obernewtyn, sure that there is worse to come. She is mistrustful of everyone and maintains a strict "block" on her powers, as far as she is concerned, the less you know the safer you are. Obernewytn is meant to be a complex for Misfits to live safely (working of course), whilst the Doctor finds a cure for their "diseases".

Things are not as they seem, however, and Elspeth soon discovers that something sinister is happening at Obernewtyn. Children are dissapearing for long periods of time without knowing where they were and escape attempts are becoming more frequent. The more that happens, the more certain she is that the Madam and the Doctor are searching, for something, and someone, and the more determined she is to figure out what is going on. Fraught with danger, intrigue, plot twists and suspense, the first in the Obernewtyn series is sure to leave you wanting more.

The reason i have given it 4 stars instead of 5, is because i felt that i had to constantly refer to the beginning to check the reference of a certain word (ie- seditioners), having said that though, once i understood all the terms i found the book quite easy to keep up with. I also feel that some characters werent neccessary to the storyline, as in they were overdeveloped for the roles they played, whereas there were some characters that i felt had more to do with the story development who were underdeveloped. It almost felt that the author wanted to show so much about all these characters in one hit rather than developing certain characteristics and flaws throughout the series, like bam she can read minds, bam now she can talk to animals, bam she is cautious for half the book but all of a sudden she is seeking trouble without there being a compelling enough reason (remember this is from Elspeth's point of view, so surely if she was going to change so much something would have had to effect her in quite a significant way).

Also, i felt that the ending was a bit rushed and that some things could have been tied up differently (for me in an obvious way). At the same time, the way it was written kept me up till 2am trying to finish, desperately wanting to know what happened next. The main characters were developed enough considering that this is the first book in the series, although at times i questioned whether they would really have behaved in certain ways. I liked the fact that there were some references to things that you as a reader would know, whereas Elspeth wouldnt (dont have an example at the moment but you will know what im talking about when you read it). I think based on the fact that it is such a bestseller down here, i was expecting a bit more from it, even though the author wrote this in highschool and it has been out for close to 12 years. I think if i was to read it again though, knowing what i know now, then i would probably see that things make more sense and i will probably enjoy it more. I am going to read the rest of the series first before re-reading book one.

Overall, this book was extremely entertaining, and i cant wait to read the next one. I highly recommend this book. You dont neccessarily have to like sci-fi/fantasy genre (i prefer historical fiction to be perfectly honest) but there is something compelling about this book that makes you want to keep turning the page long after you have finished it. Good book.

This is an excellent and different book that doesn't follow all the cliched ESP or post-apocalyptic themes that many others fall into. The main character, Elspeth, has depth and a consistent personality throughout the whole series. Carmody's books are fast-paced and exciting, with plenty of action and adventure. The world Carmody describes is both disturbing and intriguing. I have yet to read a book by her that I haven't enjoyed. The whole series has been great so far.
One thing: don't expect a quick ending to this series. Seems Carmody has a LOT of story to tell.
The Farseekers: The Obernewtyn Chronicles 2, Ashling: The Obernewtyn Chronicles 3, The Keeping Place (The Obernewtyn chronicles), Wavesong: The Obernewtyn Chronicles 5, The Stone Key: The Obernewtyn Chronicles 6

Although this book is labeled young adult, this adult found it utterly absorbing. We meet Elspeth in an age where technology has been lost and the world is ruled by a totalitarian regime set on purging the world of anyone with psychic abilities.

The post-nuclear-apocalypse Earth is slowly revealed through Elspeth's life of trying to keep her psychic abilities hidden, and then once found out, through her experience in the prison camp, Obernewtyn. As Elspeth learns that there may others like her, she also uncovers some truths about the "Beforetime" (before nuclear apocolypse) and her role in freeing herself and others like her from oppression.

Readers who enjoyed "His Dark Materials" trilogy may enjoy this series--though the Obernewtyn does not have the same religious overtone, nor is it as richly detailed as Pullman's epic tale.

This is the first book in the Obernewtyn chronicles, a fantasy series about a group of Talented Misfits. The fantasy elements are new and imaginative and the story is excellent, but Carmody's real strengeth lies in evoking strong and visceral reactions from her readers, be it fear, lonliness, helplessness or joy.
The main character, Elspeth Gordie, is a wonderful heroine: strong, talented, fierce, beatuiful, but also flawed. The cast of supporting characters are also well-drawn and realistic.
Through her use of the fantastic, Carmody is able to convey gritty, realitsic emotions and tell stories which - depsite their imagined, other-worldly nature - feel real and true and grounded in experience.

Obernewtyn, as the first book in a series of seven (to be eight) wasn't the best book for me, i have to say. While the writing was very beautiful, it just wasn't the type of book that kept you going till past midnight, or that you just couldn't put down. However, all the information was crucial to the story and the characterisation was very strong. Towards the end of the book, a sense of action kicked in and then in got really interesting
Despite some lousy reviews, i would really recommend this series. The farseekers is so brilliant, i would rate it 9.5/10! So just continue with the series because you won't get disappointed!

The reader is abandoned. After reading most of the series, the reader is notified that the last two books are no longer available.

I really enjoyed this book. The society created here is completely controlled by a religious faction. Anyone who may be different or suspected of being different are either killed or sent to work as slaves. Its interesting that in this dystopia people have developed strong mental powers after what seems to have been a nuclear war that wiped out almost everyone. Elspeth is one of those who has strong mental powers and she is taken to be a slave after it is discovered that she is a "Misfit." I really liked Elspeth especially as she develops and becomes more powerful and sure of herself as the book goes on. There is a lot of mystery in this book that just keeps you reading until you find out exactly whats going on in the end. I definitely think that if you like dystopian novels you should start reading this first book in the series.

First off, some purchasing tips.

1) If you are going to get this book (and you should!) you should prolly get the edition called "The Seeker: The Obernewtyn Chronicles" because it combines Book 1 and Book 2 of the series into one low price edition, which will save you money, and you'll have the second one on hand once you finish the first engrossing book.

2) If you are going to get each book separately and are bad with faces, get the edition with the girl's face and cat. It will help you visualize the main heroine. If you are already good with faces... definitely get the edition with the giant doors.... you'll thank me later!!!! :)

So now onto the review of the book:
Hhhhmmmm..... B.. almost B+.

It was good. It was.

Not miraculous, nor wonderful nor amazing.... but it was good. :)

The trouble with this book was that it needed some logical polish. There were just too many instances in this book where the characters did something completely illogical or nonsensical OR where the action just suddenly moved along BUT it wasn't written in the book, which was jarring and confusing!(i.e. someone entered the room but the text didn't say so and you are left confused on what side of the door they still are? which then leaves you wondering if what they are saying is said openly or secretly...or what's happening exactly...etc.etc.).

Why did half way through the book Elspeth reveal that her ability is not only telepathic but also telekinetic? (suddenly when the need arose.... voila, she can also unlock doors with the powers of her mind!!) It was too convenient. She should have listed her general powers somewhere near the beginning of the book.

But as I said, and as Abed from the show Community put it, the main trouble is that sometimes characters did something that the audience would not do. For example:

1) what was motivating Jes to keep his distance from Elspeth? It would be good for the author here to develop Jes more... show how he suffers from shame of having a Misfit family... how badly he wants to fit in, be normal.

2) WHY OH WHY did Elspeth mentally push Rosamunde to send her to Obernewtyn??????? WHY???????????????????????
This is something no one would do! As the saying goes: the devil you know is better than the devil you don't know. It's just nonsensical!

There are other examples, I'm just too tired to recall.

Despite it's problems... the book, as a young adult novel works. This is not as much on its merits as on the fact that over the past decade (or 2) the YA novel industry has been churning these thinly veiled harlequins at a high rate. This book is far above that quality. You will, as I did, read late into the night. :)

And as you read, you will be reminded of the crysalids for sure.

I love this book! Isobelle is an amazing writer, she creates engaging characters and plots and gives you everything you could ask for in a fantasy book. I highly recommend reading this story- you won't want to put it down. I first read it in 1997 when I was 13, and I re-read it at 22 and still love it.

Elspeth is in a futuristic wasteland time from something that wipe our world out. Isobelle only captures Elspeth's world, and has a wonderfully magical, adventurous, a little romance, special gifted called misfits, while on a journey to find...... Its capturing and draws you in to keep reading...but be warned Isobelle Carmody has not written the end of the series as yet...