Nonfiction

'Dark of the Earth' is the third novel in the Eye of the Moon series about a remarkable family of American aristocrats and their mysterious estate on the Hudson River. As in the previous two novels, 'Eye of the Moon' and 'Shadow of the Son', the story's setting is an old mansion estate on the upper Hudson known as Rhinebeck. It's a place of tranquil beauty, aristocratic order, and ancient mystery that borders on the supernatural.

Craig Houchin

This novel changed my life; it opened my eyes to the world around me, within me, like I could never have imagined.

Amalia Santa Maria

'Eye of the Moon' is an intricate and intimate story of fascinating people; their intellect, their problems, their inner and outer selves.... very nicely detailed with all facets of the individuals revealed.

Kathy Braceland

'Eye of the Moon' has potions, spells, myths, legends, white- and black-tie dinners, rare wines, and especially intrigue, and lots of it. Ivan Obolensky takes you into a world that existed in the US and Europe in the not so distant past. This was a time when everybody of consequence knew each other and vast wealth was concentrated in the hands of a small group of established families who prized discretion, their reputations, and traditions. Nonetheless, they conducted themselves in ways that belied those intentions. Take a ringside seat and watch the action unfold.

Donald Zilkha

'Dark of the Earth' is a masterful blend of suspense, elegance, and mystery that grips you from the very first page. Author Ivan Obolensky draws you deeper into his world with each chapter. His descriptions are so well-crafted that you can almost feel the chill in the air and taste the complexity of flavors in each serving and the wines. He transports you to a different world while entangling you in a fascinating mystery. It's a book that keeps you wanting it to never end! Highly recommended!

Maria Candelaria Alvarez

What a great time I had reading Ivan Obolensky's 'Eye of the Moon'! Full of wonderfully fresh characters, it's a story full of stories that become interwoven as the novel unfolds. Looming over the book and all the characters is the fabulous estate of Rhinebeck, part Gothic castle, part 'Downton Abbey' and part upstate New York country home. The estate holds many secrets, mysteries, and the hearts of all who have lived there or hope to. But it's the characters that we take with us and hope to see again. Finely drawn, unique and complex, these are less characters in a book and more people we come to know better as we spend time with them.

Kurtwood Smith

Very entertaining. Great dialogue, and the combination of human frailty and spiritual intervention makes for a very unique family drama/ghost story/love story.

Craig Houchin

'Dark of the Earth' captured my attention right from the start and held it throughout. From the get-go, the story takes off as we discover Johnny was injured during a car accident, was hospitalized and now lies in a coma...His doctor suggests that Percy recount some of their past experiences in hopes of stimulating Johnny's memory and awakening him from the coma. I loved reading about their storied adventures, which added layers of dimension to their character development. In fact, I enjoyed many of these anecdotes as much as the main plot. … Was it an accident or a murder attempt? If a murder attempt, based on what motivation? … Wonderful story, artfully crafted and told. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it. Anyone who enjoys the allure of a mystery with paranormal undertones will find it hard to resist.

Lyn Blair

Well, all I am able say at the moment is: Ivan has done it again!!! 3 days ago, as I began reading 'Dark of the Earth', it was a matter of minutes before projects were cast aside, phone calls and emails went ignored, meals became simplified and there I was, hopelessly spellbound, captivated by the words in Ivan's new book. I was in a daze, helplessly catapulted back to Rhinebeck. I know I am not alone among Ivan's many readers in this sentiment: I can hardly wait for what's coming next. Fiction, nonfiction, short stories, podcasts, the series, movies, whatever comes—we can hardly control our enthusiasm for what you have in store for us.

Andrea Guiardino

An allegory in the 'Shadow of the Son', expressed by one of its characters, revealed to me clearly and with eloquence the dynamics of the novel. The intricate and intense relationship of its characters resembles the bends and loops that form a knot. Each end, with its intersections and tensions, fulfills a different function and has an essential purpose; one part of the rope tightens and prevents movement in one part, while allowing it in another. This is how the story flows in the novel, with unexpected twists and turns that form an exciting plot and then lead to solutions that dazzle with their precision and force.

Germán González