Reviewed by: Sue Eaton
TITLE: Sounds Can Shatter
SERIES: Liquid Onyx #4
AUTHOR: B L Jones
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 282 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 11, 2025
BLURB:
When Caleb Moon was eighteen years old, he took the powers forced on him as a child and began using them to protect the world as the superhero, Crescent, fighting alongside fellow supers his childhood friend Tate, girlfriend Mei, and brother in all but blood, Rex.
Two years later, he has a missing brother, an ex-girlfriend, and a whole lot of confusing tension going on between him and one of his best friends. Add to that the shattered bones of his relationship with his older brother, Jamie, and the perpetually strained one with his disapproving father, and Caleb’s entire support system is crumbling around him at the very worst time.
Facing pressure from every direction in his personal life, it doesn’t come as a shock when his superhero life starts spiraling into chaos, too. Between rage blackouts and bisexual awakenings, Caleb’s sense of self is shattering.
But Caleb Moon has been a survivor since he was four years old, and he’s not about to quit now.
REVIEW:
This is the fourth book in the liquid onyx series. Caleb’s life is marked by strained relationships, including with his father and older brother, Rex is missing, and unexpected unresolved feelings for his best friend Tate. Amidst this turmoil, his superhero duties spiral out of control, leading to rage blackouts and a journey of self-discovery, including his bisexual awakening.
Tate is Caleb’s childhood friend and one of his closest allies. He is steadfast and supportive, providing Caleb with emotional stability amidst the chaos of his life. Tate’s patience, understanding, and unwavering loyalty make him a grounding presence for Caleb, especially as Caleb navigates his personal struggles and superhero responsibilities. Tate’s is deeply empathetic, and his bond with Caleb is built on years of trust and shared experiences. Tate has always had unrequited feelings for Caleb which he has never shared or acted upon. Worried that acting on his feelings might destroy their close friendship. Caleb for the majority of his life seems clueless that Tate might want more or be more than a friend.
Caleb and Tate’s relationship evolves significantly as they navigate complex emotions and unresolved tension, which stem from their deep friendship and Caleb’s personal struggles. As the story progresses, Caleb experiences a bisexual awakening, and his bond with Tate deepens into a romantic connection. Despite the chaos in Caleb’s life, their relationship offers moments of hope and healing, culminating in a “happy for now” resolution.
Caleb and Tate’s childhoods play a significant role in shaping their personalities and their bond. Caleb’s early years were marked by trauma, as he was forced to endure experiments that gave him his powers. This left him with deep emotional scars, a survivalist mindset, and a tendency to suppress his feelings. Tate, on the other hand, grew up as Caleb’s steadfast friend, providing a sense of stability and support amidst the chaos of Caleb’s life.
Their shared history creates a foundation of trust and understanding, but it also brings challenges. Caleb’s struggles with vulnerability and self-worth often clash with Tate’s patience and care. However, their childhood connection ultimately strengthens their relationship, as they navigate their individual and shared traumas together.
Caleb and Tate are part of a very tightknit group of friends and face the challenge of balancing their personal relationship with the expectations of their friends and teammates. Their friends, who are also part of their superhero circle, often have high expectations for Caleb as Crescent, the superhero. This adds pressure to Caleb, who is already grappling with his own identity and emotions.
Tate, being Caleb’s closest confidant, helps him navigate these expectations by providing emotional support and understanding. Together, they work through the tension between their personal bond and the professional dynamics within their group. Their ability to communicate and rely on each other becomes a key factor in managing the expectations placed upon them.
Caleb struggles deeply with Rex’s absence. Rex, who is like a brother to Caleb, played a crucial role in his support system. His departure leaves Caleb feeling abandoned and adds to the emotional turmoil he faces throughout the book. Caleb copes by leaning on Tate and his other friends, though the loss of Rex amplifies his feelings of isolation and self-doubt.
This challenge becomes part of Caleb’s journey of resilience and self-discovery, as he learns to navigate life without Rex’s presence. It’s a poignant aspect of the story that highlights Caleb’s growth.
Caleb’s relationship with his father is strained and complicated. His father is portrayed as disapproving and distant, which adds to Caleb’s feelings of isolation and self-doubt. This lack of support from his father contrasts sharply with the emotional stability Caleb finds in his friendships, particularly with Tate. The tension between Caleb and his father is one of the many challenges Caleb faces as he navigates his personal struggles and superhero responsibilities.
Caleb and Tate face several barriers in their relationship. Caleb’s emotional struggles, including his rage blackouts and difficulty processing his bisexual awakening, create internal conflicts that affect their bond. Additionally, Caleb’s strained relationships with his family and the pressure of his superhero duties add external challenges. Tate’s patience and understanding are tested as he tries to support Caleb while navigating his own feelings.
Despite these obstacles, their shared history and deep connection help them overcome many of these barriers, .
RATING: 
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