Reviewed by: Sue Eaton
TITLE: Drowning in Danger
SERIES: Liquid Onyx
AUTHOR: BL Jones
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 383 pages
RELEASE DATE: September 26, 2023
BLURB:
Sixteen years ago, Alex Nova defied the impossible and shook the world to its core. He made children into superhumans and, in doing so, made a villain out of himself.
At age twenty, Rex Nova took the consequences of his father’s actions and used them to make himself into a superhero, so he could protect the world his father almost broke.
Unknown to him, however, are the secrets buried in his genetics. Hidden truths soaked in tainted blood.
Like his father before him, the choices Rex makes when his back is up against the wall will force him to confront things about who he really is, and what he’s willing to become to protect the people he loves.
This time, the consequences will be of his own wreaking, and the fallout will threaten everything he cares about.
REVIEW:
It was great to be back in the Liquid Onyx universe and the plot and characters continue to develop and you get great insight into things hinted at in previous books. The plot is like a tapestry, woven with threads of action, emotion, and mystery. Each element adds colour and texture, creating a rich and compelling narrative that I was drawn into.
There are multiple strands to this book, understanding the past actions of Rex’s father Alex Novo, the complex relationships between Rex and Kataya, Rex and Damon and various other characters within the book. Finding out more about the mysterious Liquid Onyx, it is a rollercoaster of a book, with actions, mystery and suspense.
Rex is the son of Alex Nova. He uses the consequences of his father’s actions to become a superhero and protect the world. Throughout the story, he grapples with hidden truths in his genetics and the choices he must make. The details about Liquid Onyx are shrouded in secrecy and are central to the plot. A mysterious and powerful entity that plays a significant role in the series.
The relationship between Rex and Damon is a pivotal element that adds depth and complexity to the storyline. Their relationship evolves significantly throughout the book, marked by tension, collaboration, and personal growth. Rex and Damon initially cross paths under less-than-ideal circumstances. Damon, possessing his own superhuman abilities, is enigmatic and operates with motives that are unclear to Rex. Rex views Damon with suspicion due to his secretive nature and associations with questionable entities. Their early interactions are fraught with distrust and conflicting goals.
When a formidable new enemy emerges, posing a threat that neither Rex nor Damon can face alone. This external danger forces them to consider working together. Reluctantly, they agree to a partnership. Both set boundaries and establish terms, wary of the other’s intentions but recognizing the necessity of collaboration. As they confront challenges together, Rex and Damon begin to uncover similarities in their pasts. Both wrestle with the legacies of their families and the burdens of their powers. Damon opens up about his own struggles, including personal losses and regrets. This honesty fosters empathy, and Rex starts to see beyond his initial assumptions. Through a series of perilous missions, they learn to rely on each other. Moments where they save each other’s lives cement a growing trust. They have deep discussions about responsibility, ethics, and what it means to be a hero or anti-hero. These dialogues challenge their perspectives and encourage mutual respect. Despite making progress, their differing approaches create friction. Damon’s willingness to blur moral lines clashes with Rex’s more principled stance. Adversaries attempt to exploit their budding friendship, sowing seeds of doubt and attempting to turn them against each other. Damon makes a significant sacrifice to protect Rex and their mission, demonstrating his genuine commitment. This act is pivotal in solidifying their alliance. Together, they achieve breakthroughs in understanding the mysteries of Liquid Onyx and thwarting the plans of powerful enemies.
Their relationship transitions from mere allies to true friends. The camaraderie they develop is based on mutual understanding and shared goals. Rex becomes more open-minded and learns the value of seeing situations from different perspectives. Damon finds a path toward redemption and reevaluates his own moral compass. The deepening bond between Rex and Damon raises the emotional stakes. Threats against one resonate more intensely, adding suspense and urgency to the narrative.
Rex and Damon’s relationship is like two rivers merging—individually powerful, but together forming a force that reshapes the landscape. Their convergence creates new pathways, erodes old barriers, and nourishes the world around them in unexpected ways.
By intertwining their fates, which not only explores the personal growth of Rex and Damon but also uses their relationship as a fulcrum to pivot the entire narrative. Their evolving bond is central to the themes of the story, emphasizing how connections between individuals can alter destinies and challenge the status quo.
Beyond their personal journey, the evolving relationship between Rex and Damon adds a rich layer to the series’ exploration of themes like trust, redemption, and the gray areas between heroism and villainy. It highlights how individuals can influence each other’s paths and the importance of looking beyond first impressions.
The development of their relationship also mirrors the broader societal tensions in the world of Liquid Onyx, where superhumans grapple with public perception, government control, and ethical dilemmas. Their alliance serves as a microcosm of the potential for unity in the face of adversity.
The story builds to intense climactic battles that test the characters’ abilities and resolve. The book lays the groundwork for future books, hinting at larger threats and mysteries to be explored.
RATING: 
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