Cathy Warshaw

An Exhilarating, Fun, and Twisty YA Adventure

I am a sucker for strong female protagonists who meet their destinies head on, no matter the stakes. In THE OBSIDIAN EYE, Lily and Chloe find themselves in the center of a mystery when they discover an artifact with dangerous ties to the past, present, and future. Add in an eclectic group of characters who must help them uncover secrets that will impact more than just their small Californian hometown, and you have yourself a masterful page-turner that you will devour in one sitting. Go ahead. Prove me wrong.

The writing in this book is superb. Author Cathy Warshaw clearly understands the current young adult genre, using her sharp dialogue, action-packed prose, and stunning plot twists to prove she's a contender for someone's favorite author (one of mine this year, for sure). I am so in awe of how she weaves every element together and makes them work well to the very last, satisfying page. Young women, men, and the young at heart will not feel slighted in entertainment, either. There's fun and funny between the darker parts. Better than the movies, The Obsidian Eye creates a world for readers to get lost in again and again.

Clear your schedule and just hit play. Or, in this case, click and "open" the book.

I also love Warshaw's invitation in the beginning of this story to join the sister sleuths. It's such a wonderful way to promote her work and build a community of strong, empowered readers. In turn, this invitation brings her fiction to life even more than her prose does on its own (which is impressive, since her prose is top league). I love an author who gets it...that stories have the ability to reach far beyond the page. Warshaw is astutely making sure her fan base feels tended to. And, we do!!!

Highly Recommend

The Obsidian Eye is a gripping and imaginative start to the Secret Societies and the Sisterhood Sleuths series by Cathy Warshaw. Centered on sisters Chloe and Lily, the story takes readers on a fast-paced adventure after the girls discover a mysterious artifact that plunges them into a world of danger, ancient secrets, and hidden societies.

The novel perfectly balances mystery, action, and emotion. Chloe and Lily are relatable, courageous, and full of heart, their bond is the emotional anchor of the story. Along the way, they team up with a diverse and talented group of allies, each bringing their own unique strengths to the quest.

Warshaw’s writing is vivid and accessible, making it easy to get swept into the intrigue. With every twist and turn, the suspense builds, keeping you hooked until the final page. It’s a smart, empowering, and adventurous read that celebrates teamwork, resilience, and bravery.

Perfect for young adult readers who love puzzles, hidden clues, and fierce female leads, The Obsidian Eye is a thrilling beginning to what promises to be an exciting series.

The Hardy Boys For A Modern Audience

Sisters Chloe and Lily Hastings are yanked from solving small-time mysteries (like where a family heirloom ends up, or where the neighbourhood cat is) into the high-stakes world of Upland’s elites.

Right from the prologue, I was hooked. I loved the sleepy town vibes and adored the dynamic between the sisters. You can really tell that while they like to poke each other’s buttons, they have a bond that can’t be broken, though it will be tested! It’s a great blend of humor and suspense that will keep you reading and will definitely have you reaching for the next book.

Though the book is recommended for ages 12-18, I think the smart writing can be enjoyed by anyone. Kids will love that this book doesn’t talk down to them, while slightly older teenagers will appreciate what’s truly at stake here.

I can’t wait to follow these sisters around the world on their next adventures.

I just finished The Obsidian Eye, and wow—what a ride! It’s the kind of book that sucks you in right from the start. Chloe and Lily, two sisters from a quiet town, stumble upon this strange artifact, and suddenly their whole world flips upside down. I loved how the story blends mystery, adventure, and just enough danger to keep you flipping pages late into the night.

The mix of quirky sidekicks—a martial artist, a hacker, and a robotics whiz—adds so much fun and energy. Plus, the bond between the sisters feels real and relatable, especially as the tension ramps up. The setting, from sleepy Upland to the eerie trails of Mt. Baldy, gives it all a grounded but mysterious vibe.

If you're into puzzles, hidden symbols, or stories about ordinary teens doing extraordinary things, you’ll totally love this. It's a strong start to what feels like a promising series. Can’t wait for Book 2!

As a mystery lover myself, I was instantly pulled in by the premise of this book and enchanted by the story at each turn of the page!

The Obsidian Eye is a fun-filled mystery that follows the path of two young sisters, Chloe and Lily, as they enter the world of discovery and detection. The book follows them through their introduction to a dark mystery that lies behind the seemingly pleasant outlook of their home in beautiful Upland, California. Each step they take leads them deeper and deeper into the mystery as they try and discover the secret workings of The Society, all the while drawing the reader along with them. I think any reader would love following along the way as they discover enemies, make friends and allies, face danger, endure betrayal, and more. Every new development will leave one wanting to turn the page just to see what happens next!

If you are looking for a good mystery that you can easily follow along with, The Obsidian Eye would be a great addition to your digital or physical bookshelf!

Cathy Warshaw’s The Obsidian Eye is exactly the kind of book I love to see in the hands of young readers—fun, fast-paced, and filled with mystery, smarts, and heart. I gave this to my 14-year-old niece as a gift, and she absolutely devoured it—begging to dive into book two before she’d even finished the last page. That’s the kind of magic Warshaw has created with this exciting first installment in the Secret Societies and The Sisterhood Sleuths series.

What I really loved is how the book celebrates curiosity, intelligence, and bravery—especially among young women. Chloe and Lily aren’t superheroes; they’re relatable girls with real fears, strengths, and a deep sisterly bond that anchors the story beautifully. With the help of a diverse and quirky team—a martial artist, a hacker, and a robotics genius—they prove that teamwork and heart go a long way, even against centuries-old mysteries.

Warshaw strikes a great balance between suspense and accessibility. It’s complex enough to challenge young readers and keep them engaged, but never so dense that it loses them. For teens who love decoding puzzles, following clues, and solving mysteries, this is a perfect pick. And for parents or mentors who want to get the teens in their lives into reading? The Obsidian Eye is a total win.

It’s no surprise this book is getting the attention it deserves. It’s the kind of story that sparks a love of reading—exactly what every young reader needs. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next, and neither can my niece!

Cathy Warshaw’s “The Obsidian Eye” sets the stage for more mysteries to come with beloved characters Chloe and Lily Hastings. When I started reading the book, I couldn’t help but think of how much my daughter would enjoy such a series! I love the suspense factor throughout, too. It propels readers through each chapter with the anticipation of closure in the next. The Hastings sisters have such a great dynamic. Having several daughters myself, I found myself imagining my oldest two girls bantering back and forth as Chloe and Lily do. I’d say the positive relationship the sisters have is inspiring and gives younger readers the fictional influences to look up to in many ways. The sense of adventure in Lily combined with the practical and brave older sister, Chloe, made me smile. You definitely do not want to skip the Prologue in this book. It sucks you right in!

The Obsidian Eye by Cathy Warshaw is a captivating young adult mystery thriller that follows two small-town sisters, Chloe and Lily, as they stumble upon a cryptic artifact known as the Obsidian Eye. What begins as a curious discovery quickly spirals into a high-stakes adventure, pulling them into a web of secrets, danger, and historical intrigue.

Chloe’s bold determination and Lily’s quiet intellect make them a powerful team as they navigate clues, decode hidden messages, and outrun those who will stop at nothing to claim the artifact’s power. Warshaw’s writing shines with suspense, vivid settings, and heartfelt moments of sisterly bond.

The story is rich with historical depth and ethical questions about the past without ever losing its fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat momentum. Readers will be drawn in by the puzzle-like plot, the emotional layers between the sisters, and the thrilling sense of mystery that unfolds with every chapter.

While the pacing starts slowly as the world builds, it quickly gains steam, delivering a payoff that’s both clever and satisfying. Warshaw blends real-world issues with thrilling fiction, making The Obsidian Eye more than just a mystery, it’s a story about trust, legacy, and finding strength in unexpected places.

Perfect for fans of adventure, history, and smart, courageous heroines. Five stars!

“It was a pleasure to follow the journey of The Obsidian Eye. Filled with humor, adventure, mystery, & surprises!”

"This series is outstanding! Lots of adventure is happening to these two brave sisters. I highly recommend binge-reading the Sisterhood Sleuths. Cathy Warshaw is the next J.K. Rowling."

“The Land of Promise: The Seven Seals is a fast-paced adventure filled with hope, determination, & high-stakes action. With vivid world-building & compelling characters, it’s a gripping read that keeps you hooked until the end.”