Customer Reviews

Obsidian Fate (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

When I bought this book from the bookstore, I thought it was just another good book about the Slayer. I learned quickly that books aren't always what they seem after reading Obsidian Fate. The relationship with Buffy and Angel was dipicted in a way that I could have never thought posible. She really expressed what I wanted to see happen with their on/off relationship. The plot of the book kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. Aztec ruins, a magick mirror, having the Scooby gang get captured, all of it was really thrilling. And seeing Oz and Willow's relationship grwo though it all was amazing. I hope she will continue to write Buffy books.

Despite some of the fairly negative comments from other reviewers, I enjoyed this book. The plot's a little flimsy, and Gallagher can overwrite just a wee tad. But on the positive side, Gallagher shows every sign of actually having watched the TV series and of having some knowledge of the characters she's supposed to be writing about (unlike some other Buffy authors). She's very good at capturing Buffy, Angel and Giles, and her Cordelia -- despite having somehow slipped back into first series le bitche grande mode -- is a high point. Her Willow is not as good. (It's strange how Buffy novelists have so much trouble capturing the wily Willow charms. Perhaps it's because Willow, more than any other character, really needs Alyson Hannigan's flittery speech patterns to bring her fully to life.) I'm unlikely to read this again, but it did pass a quiet Sunday afternoon very pleasantly indeed.

This book sets the scene with a nice historical prologue. Given Diego's thoughts before he falls under the spell of the mirror, I couldn't summon up a drop of pity for his ugly fate. Besides, he was supposed to die horribly to set the stage, like all those unknowns in the teasers for "The X-Files" episodes. As such, he did his job. Early on we have a brave history teacher who knows the deadly threat the mirror poses and is prepared to risk everything to end that threat. Does he stand a chance? Is his name Buffy? We are given plenty of hints that Dr. Blaine is a pompous jerk before he even shows up, and the obnoxious doctor lives down to his billing. I'm a little sorry that the author didn't write the details of the scene where the Mayor takes the doctor down a peg because it would have been fun to read. Does Blaine deserve what happens to him? You decide. Before the book reaches its climax, the Scooby Gang and assorted extras will be subjected to the mirror's power. It's interesting to see why some sucumb and some hold firm. I've been interested in the Aztecs since I first read an article about them in "National Geographic many years ago, so I liked the glimpses into Aztec life and religion. Of course we know that all of the regulars have to come out of this alive, so there was absolutely no suspense over Buffy's prophetic dream about Angel. However, I thought the author picked an ingenious way out. Certainly the scenes of everyone trying to escape destruction would have looked good on the show. (I laughed aloud at the crack about the "USS Banquet Table"). Similarly, knowing what was to come in the episodes added a little spice to Cordelia's bragging about Stanford and Mr. Trick's assumption that he'll last through the ages. I had no trouble believing in Dem. I was amused by the way he saw Giles as creepy and laughed heartily at the chapter where Dem puts two and two together and gets one. I wasn't disappointed by his fate. I'd rate this a good adventure. Random comments: Except for p.111, every mention of Angelus is incorrectly spelled "Angeles". Why? Loved having the author remember that Giles goes for jelly doughnuts. Was even happier to see the correct date for the 3rd millenium [01 Jan 2001] given. The end of chapter three was quite spooky. Chuckled at Buffy's imaginings about Giles dealing with Ms. Frank, who looks so much like his lost Jenny, on p.125. The description of Cordelia's fighting method was good, too. It may be only a coincidence about scientist Lucy Frank's name, but in the late 18th-early 19th century there was an improving book for children called HARRY AND LUCY by the Edgeworths. Their daughter continued their work and a boy named Frank was added. It was nice to see Joyce in the swing of things.

If you are a fan of Buffy-related fiction, this one is a must. Diana Gallagher has all of the characters down pat, and each of them speaks and acts true to their TV characters (which isn't always the case with authors who may not be all that familiar with the show). This intriguing story seems to take place shortly before the 3rd season episode "Helpless." A few continuity problems aside (as well as some annoying mispellings -- Angeles instead of Angelus), this book is a truly great Buffy book. A must for any die-hard fan.

Well, ya can't please everyone. Although I really enjoyed Ms. Gallagher's writing style, I thought the content of this book to be lacking. The plot is slow to develop, a few of the characters, particularly Dem, hard to believe. Angel's in there somewhere, throughout the first 200 pages and were not sure what's happening with him until very late. Buffy climbs a rock tower looking for something that isn't there. Gee. Wish I'd seen the movie.

I just finished Obsidian Fate today in a waiting room after weeks of merely reading a chapter a night, hoping that the plot would get interesting, or the author would find a way to fit each of the actual characters into this situation, or that the next page wouldn't be an endless discourse on ancient Aztec ritual, lifestyle, bathroom habits, etc. Overall, I was hoping that this book wouldn't turn out to be as disappointing as a previous reviewer claimed. But, all in all, it was. The characters were NOT themselves and they were several typos (it's sad if the author couldn't even decide how to spell Angelus, often confusing it with [Los]Angeles).

Some of the dialogue did come to close to making me smile, but it was spaced so far apart by all these introspective moments when the author decided it was important to know the redundant feelings of several minor characters who all end up dead anyway. It just felt like filler material, like the author was getting paid per word, or something. But that doesn't apply to action scenes, which were short and very difficult to follow. Gallaher spends so much time describing thoughts and clothing but she completely glosses over scenery and structure. I couldn't picture the huge temple fight scene at all at the end because the author doesn't take a second to say where the heck anything is! It was really frustrating and happened repeatedly throughout the novel.

In conclusion, it was a flop as a story, but it did succeed in putting me to sleep each night. I'm donating this to my local library - I recommend any fool interested in reading it look there before a bookstore.

Not one of the better Buffy books. Fans of the show will find it enjoyable, as the author employs many of the personality quirks that we have come to recognize in our favorite characters (Giles preference of Jelly doughnuts, for instance). The plot itself however is somewhat lacking, and at times unbelievable even for this genre.

From Cortez to Mr Trick this book is filled with grand adventures and heart wrenching danger. It might even get you extra credit in history. The Aztec mythology provides an interesting background and exciting new challenges for the slayer and her slayettes. Buffy's dream predicting the death of someone near to her clouds her actions and brings her close to death herself. The plot poses the question if it comes down to saving the world or someone she loves which will Buffy choose? After the book is done I believe readers will find themselves wondering what they would see if they had the opportunity to gaze into the smoking mirror. It can be the source of late night speculation with friends over warm soda and cold pizza. I highly recommend this book.

It was a wasted opportunity as a Buffy novel as many of the elements of the story were actually very interesting.

The story line has some elements of the Inca Mummy girl, in that it used South American mythology which is a nice change from the usual, Hellmouth demon / vampire story, most other writers do.

I liked the inclusion of Mr Trick, the Mayor and Joyce - Buffy's mother, their characters were very close to those of the actors on the show. I also enjoyed the major role Buffy's mother played in the storyline.

All the dramatic parts were in place but none of the fun, like pop culture references, the dialog between the main characters was especially lacking in energy.

Overall not a bad book but not really as much fun as it should have been.

I thought this was one of the best buffy books i have read. It was packed with action and mystery so my overall review is i give it 5 stars! :