Review: Oblivion by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Oblivion (Lux #1.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Experience the epic love story of OBSIDIAN as told by its hero, Daemon Black…
I knew the moment Katy Swartz moved in next door, there was going to be trouble. Lots of it.
And trouble’s the last thing I need, since I’m not exactly from around here. My people arrived on Earth from Lux, a planet thirteen billion light years away. Plus, if there’s one thing I know, it’s that humans can’t be trusted. We scare them. We can do things they only dream about, and honestly, we make them look weak as hell. ‘Cuz they are.
But Kat is getting to me in ways no one else has, and I can't stop myself from wanting her—or wanting to use my powers to protect her. She makes me weak, and I’m the strongest of our kind, tasked with protecting us all. So this one simple girl…she can mean the end for us. Because the Luxen have an even bigger enemy—the Arum, and I need to stay on my game.
Falling for Katy—a human—won't just place her in danger. It could get us all killed, and that’s one thing I’ll never let happen...

Publishes in US: December 1st 2015 by Entangled Teen
Genre: ya paranormal
Source: netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? Yes Lux #1.5

My series reviews:
#1 Obsidian 
#2 Onyx 
#3 Opal
#4 Origin 
#5 Opposition

My reviews of Jennifer's other books

Buy it: Amazon  Book Depository Barnes and Noble Indie Bound

Author stalk away: site Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

    I wanted to read Oblivion because I love Jennifer Armentrout and I have adored this series, so of course I would jump at a chance to read from the perspective of the hero, sexy, charming, frustrating Daemon. 

    I really enjoyed getting inside Damon's head it was interesting to see what his first impressions of Kat really were. and learning about his motivations and his complete back and forth and see the obvious attraction between the two to begin with that physical chemistry they had.

    I also like that it wasn't scene to scene repeat of the first book. there were some of the most important ones and the ones that were like oh we need to know what he's thinking in that moment. but there's also some other scenes that weren't in the first book and we also get to see more of his relationship with Dee behind closed doors and the sense of responsibility that really he really had on his shoulders and the guilt about his brother and the worry that further interactions with Kat could endanger his family and he never really wanted her hurt either.

    I enjoyed it, and there is bonus content of more from Daemon's point of view, and I will def check it out when I have time. Enjoyable, hot, and I loved their banter as with the first book from Kat's point of view.

Bottom Line: Enjoyable to get into his head and get some new scenes.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you read books rewritten in a different point of view? What book would you like to read from another POV, even if it doesn't actually exist?

Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout review by Brandi Breathes Books

Opposition (Lux #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.
She can't believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.
Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.
They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.
War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.

Publishes in US: August 5th 2014 by Entangled Teen
Genre: YA paranormal
Source: bought
Series? Lux #5
#1 Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout
#2 Onyx by Jennifer Armentrout 
#3 Opal by Jennifer Armentrout
#4 Origin by Jennifer Armentrout


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Author stalk away: Site Blog Twitter Facebook

 Wish I could give it 100 or so :)

    I have been wanting to read Opposition because the Lux series has a special place in my heart. Jennifer is one of my favorite authors. I really connect with her main female characters and swoon over the guys. Their is usually banter, sarcasm, and humor right up my street. Though I will say I was nervous going into this one, because it is a series ender and I always feel like that. I know that I will have to say goodbye to characters that I adore. 

    Opposition started out with a bang and right where Origin left off. Except when she runs into Luxen they are violent, and have no regard for humans. And even Daemon and Dee were acting so much differently, and I couldn't tell if they were acting or if something about them changed when they were in their true form around the new Luxen. 

    This one was full of suspense, hotness, sarcasm, funny line, and plot twists. A few things I expected and others maybe I should have with the spinoff book (that I always loved). There were unexpected allies and some surprising enemies. 

    The way that the "bad" luxens took over and changed themselves was so sad and disturbing and set up for a death that I wished didn't happen, but understand why. The amount of power and the cities that were taken over and taken down was mind blowing, and the human and good luxen responses  were so critical. 

    We also find out things about hybrid bonds, the Origins, and how it all works together. We see the return of some pretty awesome and pretty annoying and want to go all stabby on them. 

    Most of all, we have Daemon and his sweet and romantic lines to Katy, mixed in with his normal stick foot in mouth, being arrogant and not always thinking through what he is going to stay. In other words, just how we fell in love with him. Then there is Katy, loyal, stubborn, strong now thanks to the source and being. I adore seeing them together, they have some really hot and steamy moments that made me almost wish this was a NA book and we could read a little more. Also the moments when they share their strength, their joy, and their sorrow and sadness are enough to make me melt on the spot. 

   They have both grown so much over the series. By being loved romantically, to Kat accepting and learning about her powers to be able to kick some major butt. They've changed how they think about other "species" and they have stuck together through some of the hardest time. 

    Katy always will hold a place in my heart because she is a book blogger. She totally fits the character of a hard core blogger... She writes posts, she comments, she loves books. Now I know that things got crazy, but when they calmed down, she returned to what she loved.

   

    I love every second of this story and wish that there was more in this world. The plot lines were all tied up well, I am just not ready to let D and K go. 

Bottom Line: Amazing series ender, all I could hope for. Laced with the steamy, the sarcasm/humor, and surprises.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Could you team up with an enemy to defeat a bigger threat>

Review: Origin by Jennifer Armentrout

Origin by Jennifer Armentrout

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.
After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.
All Katy can do is survive.
Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?
Together, they can face anything.
But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?
And will they even be together?

Publishes in US: August 27th 2013 by Entangled Publishing
Genre: YA paranormal
Source: bought
Series? 1st is Obsidian (my review here) 2nd is Onxy (my review here), 3rd is Opal (my review here. Opposition (Lux, #5) publishes 2014

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    I love everything that she writes, and Origin was no exception. I loved being back with Katy and Daemon, in their heads, in their world, and wrapped up in their steamy and devoted relationships. 

   Though it was hard because for part of this one, they are separated. Katy sees and endures some pretty horrific things while captured, and shocking truths about the world she thought she understood. 

    There are some very touching moments, some hot ones between the two, some very intriguing new characters, surprising twists in the plot, and of course some action. There is the usual snark thrown in and I really can't say a lot without spoilers, but if you haven't started this series, I would get on it pronto. I didn't think I would like an alien story but I have fallen head over heels for this world and these characters. 

    The ending as usual left me open mouthed and wishing that I had Jennifer's computer so I could read the next book NOW, because I have to know more. 

Bottom Line: Another work of genius from Jennifer.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you want to know if there were aleins among us.

Review: Obsession by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Obsession by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This is a stand alone novel that is an adult spin-off
of the Lux Series You do not need to read a Lux book to read Obsession and vice versa.
He’s arrogant, domineering, and... To. Die. For.
Hunter is a ruthless killer. And the Department of Defense has him firmly in their grasp, which usually doesn’t chafe too badly because he gets to kill bad guys. Most of the time he enjoys his job. That is, until he’s saddled with something he’s never had to do before: protect a human from his mortal enemy.
Serena Cross didn’t believe her best friend when she claimed to have seen the son of a powerful senator turn into something... unnatural. Who would? But then she witnesses her friend’s murder at the hands of what can only be an alien, thrusting her into a world that will kill to protect their secret.
Hunter stirs Serena’s temper and her lust despite their differences. Soon he’s doing the unthinkable—breaking the rules he’s lived by, going against the government to keep Serena safe. But are the aliens and the government the biggest threats to Serena’s life… or is it Hunter

Publishes in US:
Genre: NA/Adult Paranormal
Source: bought
Series? No, but should be. Spin off from the Lux series

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Find Jennifer online:Site Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

 

    I really enjoyed this spin off, though I will make sure that you are forewarned this is a NA/Adult novel, and there is much more sex found in this one than in her YA Lux series. I just don't want any of my readers to be surprised. 

   But speaking of the steamy, wow, does Jennifer know how to write a scene. I loved Serena and Hunter and when they finally came together, it was pretty awesome. There is this intense build up and seeing them learn to care for each other and the building of trust, because even though there is chemistry and lust at first, I need for there to be more, and wow was there. 

    Serena and her friend Mel got themselves mixed up in the alien world and Mel is murdered for what she saw and heard, and Serena is in danger because Mel told her about it. And then Hunter, who was working for the DOD is assigned to protect her.

     What I enjoyed the most was having my eyes opened to the alien culture even more. While reading the Lux series (which isn't required, but seriously, it's Jennifer, why wouldn't you want to??) I thought that Arum were all inherently evil. While Hunter makes it clear that he has a dark side, we also see that he is capable of loving, caring and that definitely makes him not all evil. While he needs to feed, and Luxen are the choice "food" he can actually feed without killing them, but they usually don't give incentive for that to happen. 

     The Arum were actually created to basically police the Luxen, because as we see more in depth in this one, they have more of a bad side than we saw with the Blacks. 

     The ending was good, and wrapped everything up well, although I would love to see more of Serena and Hunter. 

Bottom Line: Steamy and fast paced spin off from the Lux series that made me question what I thought I knew about aliens.

My question to you, my lovely readers:

Have you ever thought someone or thing was all bad to have your eyes opened? 

Review: Opal by Jennifer Armentrout

Opal by Jennifer Armentrout

No one is like Daemon Black.
When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.
But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.
After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.
Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

Publishes in US: Dec 11 2012
Source: bought
Series? Yes. The 3rd in Lux. 1st is Obsidian (my review here) 2nd is Onxy (my review here), 4th in July 2013 yet to be titled, and 5th sometime probably late 2013

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Book Trailer

     This was an emotional and at times hard to deal with book only because I have come to care so much about these characters that it is very hard to see them in pain and struggling ).
    Dawson is so broken, and I can totally understand where Katy and Daemon are coming from wanting to do anything to make things right. I also appreciate the empathy that Katy has for Dawson, and imagining that she would do the exact same thing if not more if it were Daemon.
       It is also so hard to see the friendship between Katy and Dee so broken. I miss their easy and fun way about them and I hated seeing them not getting along. I also long for them to be able to talk about their love life as well a everything else going on with each other. Though if there is ever any blameless motivation for a broken relationship, Dee and her feelings of loss and that Katy didn't trust her and confide in her, they are founded, though I also understand that Katy was trying to protect her. 

      As usual, Jennifer kept me on the edge of my seat, only guessing at what would come next, and being completely blown away by where she takes the plot. I love these characters, this series, and Jennifer as an author. 

     But oh man, talk about one helluva cliff hanger. Sweet alien babies... I mean, really? You're gonna leave my girl like that? But alas, I shall have to suffer with the other fangirls until the next book comes out. 

     Bottom line: Must read series. Opal is hot, fast paced, with amazing characters. 

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you ever been in a situation you don't know who to trust?

Review: Onyx by Jennifer Armentrout

Onyx by Jennifer Armentrout

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…
Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarre connection. I’ve sworn him off even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But against all common sense, I’m falling for him. Hard.
Our relationship issues aren’t out biggest problem…
The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And when a new boy shows up a school with a secret of his own, things get complicated fast. I need to choose between my own instincts and Daemon’s.
But then everything changes…
I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. Daemon’s never going to stop searching until gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?
No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies.

Publishes: Aug 8th
Source: Entangled
2nd in Lux series. You can read my review of 1st book here, and the 3rd titled Opal released Dec 11th 2012, there are two other untitled books in the series.

    Holy chocolate chip cookies. This book was hot and I could not put it down. Jennifer did not disappoint in this sequel to Obsidian. It is just as action packed loaded with humor, sarcasm, plot twists and our favorite book blogging heroine Katy.
    It is pretty much leave me alone, I'm reading, or Oh is it seriously 3am? kinda book where the world seems to fall away and I get to experience what Katy is feeling and almost feel like I am a part of this world of smoking hot aliens, dept of defense peeps around every corner, and trying to figure out certain boys who shall not be named.
    It is so hard to review this without talking about what happened, but let me try. There are so many conflicts going on, I just want for the characters I love to be happy, but I guess what kind of series would it be then? There is conflict with Dee, not only with Adam and what their relationship should be, but also between Dee and Katy. Katy makes some bad decisions, and I just want to smack some sense into her (and so does Daemon for that matter), but I totally understand her motivations behind each of those decisions. And that makes her still a strong and determined main character that I admire. But anyways, one of her bad decisions eats up pretty much all of her time, and leaves some feelings between her and Dee.
    There is also the DOD peeps, and several other new characters that I had absolutely no idea what to think of. They can seem so harmless and good intentions one second, and then the next I am questioning them and wondering if I am paranoid.
    The drama between Katy and Daemon is so thick you can cut it with a knife. And I love every second of it. Their bickering, his pen pokes, the sexy moments and the whispered endearments and declarations. I ate it up. It kept me turning the pages just looking for another scene between them, and then left at the very end yearning, wishing the next book was in my hands.
    And mother of all cliffhangers, really? December can't come fast enough so I know what happens, if revenge is sought, and what exactly they meant about everything changing with mystery character rescued that shall not be named.
     Jennifer is an amazing author, and I love this series, as well as the Covenant series, and just like I know I will probably love everything she writes.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you date an alien?

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New Onyx Cover and Release Date Plus a sneak peek at Shadows

Now that's hot! I just read Obsidian, and while I'm a little sad I will have to wait longer, it's good news for Jennifer because as she says on her blog post

Onyx (Book 2 in the Lux Series) is going to be released in what they call mass market. I'm not just talking about mass market YA paperback size. What I really mean is that it's going to be in your local B&N and what not... and that takes some time on the distribution side of things. Everything from marketing, packaging, shipping, and storing. It takes time.

Here is the link to the Shadows excerpt
Which is pretty awesome by the way, but what else to expect from Jennifer? :)

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Review: Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don’t kill him first, that is.

Published in US: Dec 6th 2011
1st in Lux series, 2nd Onyx out May 15th 2012, and .5 Shadows out Feb 21st 2012
Source: Netgalley

My Review:
    First off, let me say hell yeah to the shout out to bloggers. I absolutely LOVE that the main character is a book blogger, and that its authentic. I haven't seen that in any other book, and it rocks.
    The writing is awesome, as I've come to know from Half Blood, the first in Jennifer's other series (I also have a copy of Pure screaming at me to be read... I just seriously need to find more time to read, but with the three year old and the newborn, its not as often as I like, but I digress).
    As most of you probably know, I am a character person. They make or break books for me, and Jennifer sure nailed it. I love Katy's voice and character, she was so easy to connect with and to be in her head. It was natural and flowed so well. She's kinda shy but she fights to overcome it, which I admire greatly. I love how bold she is with Daemon sometimes, and the way the way that she handles him... well, it couldn't be done any better. Her internal voice, especially the running commentary about his lack of wearing a shirt is great.
   And oh hot Daemon. Who knew that aliens could be sexy. But he totally makes it work. He has the bad ass vibe, and he really is an ass sometimes. By about half way through, I understand why, but still. And I really think that the jerkiness is mostly because he wants to protect her and his sister. He doesn't want her to be drawn into a dangerous world. But does that excuse it? I appreciate how Katy questions it, and doesn't just let the attraction totally drive things. She doesn't let his sexy overpower what she wants and what she knows she deserves. And there really is some tender beneath the jerk, even though it isn't the easiest to see or remember when he's being a jerk. I really appreciate Jennifer's genius in writing his character where I can totally see the appeal, but then again, I don't want anything to do with him, then the next minute I wish I were the one kissing him, and then I am totally questioning it again the next.
    And I don't want to spoil anything, but just let me say, sweet baby jesus--the lake scene. Yeah. That's all.
    Dee is pretty amazing too. She is the sort of female character that I wish were one of my best friends. She is perceptive, talkative, and understanding.
    As for pacing and that good stuff... I was never bored, and always wanting to know what would happen next, and yearning to be reading when life and other books that I had a short window of time to read got in the way of that that is Obsidian awesomeness.