The Shadowed Onyx, by Nicole O'Dell

The Shadowed Onyx is a YA {Young Adult} fiction novel... which if you have followed my book reviews you know is not my standard. I was curious when I read the back and it mentioned; Friend's Suicide, Witchcraft, and Depression. All things that seem to be more of an issue with today's teens. With my girls so young it is easy to forget sometimes that they will be teenagers before I know it, but I feel that staying on top how things may influence them later is an important part of a parents job. You don't have to be 'hip' or 'cool', but knowing what the hot topics are with youth is very critical. Now onto the book...

 

This is the third book in Nicole O'Dell's Diamond Estates series from Barbour Publishing. And is set during the Sevententh year of Joy Christianson's life. While doing fine in high school, succeeding in sports, and being active in her church; her world and faith are rocked when Joy finds her best friend after she committed suicide. Suddenly Joy has faded, and starts trying to find answers.

Enter some very helpful, not on the right track, teens that tell her they have answers and introduce her 'innocently' enough to a Ouija board. After feeling the power there, and knowing in her heart it is wrong. Joy continues to explore witchcraft all in the name of finding 'real' answers. In the end she finds that it wasn't worth it, and she wants her faith in Jesus back. But now she is stuck, and can't get out.

Reading this book was amazing. I will definitely encourage my girls to read this series as they grow older. The Shadowed Onyx shows how things that seem innocent enough (that you don't understand why in the world you parents are against them) can take on a life of their own and entrap you. How you deal with each instance of your life has a lasting impact on you and those around you. The discussion questions in the back of the book are on-point and great conversation starters. I agree totally with Nicole O'Dell's point that “fiction is a way to open teens eyes to temptations, choices, and consequences”. Taking away the mystery of something is half the battle in resisting those temptations. With spiritual battles reminiscent of Frank Peretti's novels this book was a great reminder of the conflict between good and evil for the souls of both the innocent and not so innocent.

~Kimberlee

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From the Publisher:

Uhrichsville, OH – From Nicole O’Dell, author of the popular Scenarios series comes the third and final installment of her Diamond Estates series. Scheduled to release in December 2012 from Barbour Publishing, Shadowed Onyx tells the story of Joy Christianson as she struggles to overcome the darkness and depression that has laid claim on her soul—and restore her faith—at Diamond Estates.

At age seventeen, Joy Christianson is the life of the party. That is, until her best friend commits suicide. Joy’s already wavering faith slips completely out of her reach; darkness sets in, and her smile fades. Her “friends” lead her to the Onyx, meant to help her let go of the past and bring her into harmony with reality. Joy embarks on a dark journey of witchcraft.Eventually, afraid of letting the depression and evil take root,Joy decides to seek help in the haven of Diamond Estates - and tries to reclaim the Joy she once knew.

DISCLOSURE: I received an eCopy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the publisher to review. The opinions contained in this review are 100% my own opinionated opinions