Opal (Lux, #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Opal (Lux, #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: December 11, 2012 by Entangled Teen
Received: Purchased ebook from B&N

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. [goodreads]

It was almost a year ago that I started this series with Obsidian, and then was fortunate to receive an early copy of Onyx that I read immediately following.  Then time went by (lots of time) and Opal was published.  When I finally sat down to read the third installment of this series, I will admit, I was a bit lost.  Thankfully my good friend Jess was reading it at the same time as me and refreshed my memory on the what happened in book two so that I could better understand where book three was starting off at.

Opal had a different feel for me, and I'm not sure if it's because I read the first two books in this series back to back and then had a long period of time until book three.  For whatever reason, it didn't grab me and suck me back in like the previous books had.  I felt a bit of disconnect from the characters, and the story felt a bit slow in parts.  I stuck with it though, because I had this feeling something was bound to turn my thoughts around.  Little by little the story began to unfold and sure enough, I found myself turning the pages, eager to find out what happened next.

Armentrout writes with such intensity in certain scenes that you find it difficult to turn away from.  With Opal, I felt that she sprinkled these moments through out, but it wasn't until the end that I thoroughly engrossed myself in the story, only to leave me with my jaw wide open and thoughts of: OMG! WHAT?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?? NOOOO!!! rushing through my mind.  Prepare yourself for one huge punch at the end.

We get to see Katy's character evolve and grow into the person she's now becoming based on her actions in the previous two novels.  We also see the softer side to Daemon, the one I as a reader fell in love with in book two.  Armentrout blends sci-fi/paranormal elements with contemporary romanitcal tension that has always been a favorite aspect for me to read in her books.  If you've started this series, then you definitely owe it to yourself to continue with this one.  If you're a reluctant reader and haven't picked it up yet, I may suggest waiting until all the books are out, because the wait can be torture -- especially with THAT ending!

Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: September 18, 2012 by Spencer Hill Press
Received: ARC for review

Dying sucks--and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she’s more than interested. There’s just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she’s willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?

But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time. [goodreads]

One of the reasons that draws me to Armentrout's writing is her ability infuse a contemporary novel with paranormal elements.  The setting is usually in the here and now, one I can picture in my mind, littered with people who may seem ordinary from the outside, but harbor special abilities which slowly reveal themselves as the drama unfolds.  Cursed begins a bit slow, but once the mystery begins to twist and turn, I found myself unable to put this book down.

Ember has had the misfortune of dying in a car accident with her family, only to be brought back to life by her sister.  The irony in this story is that even though her sister can revive the dead, Ember has been bestowed with the curse of killing things with just one touch.  The two girls are placed in a home with others who have special abilities, or gifts, as they do.  This home presents itself as a safe haven for Ember's little sister Olivia, but something within the walls threatens Ember and leaves her questioning about the car accident -- was it truly an accident after all?

As most Armentrout's novels do, this one comes with a smoking hot boy -- Hayden.  He's a good boy with special gifts as the others have, too.  His good nature soul takes Ember under his wing, wanting to protect her from the nightmares she seems to encounter on a daily basis.  There's one obstacle, though.  Ember can not touch Hayden without killing him.  This cruel twist of fate adds flame to the fire that Armentrout so deliciously knows how to write.  I was fanning myself, turning the pages, at the close encounters these two had.  I could literally feel the tension seeping from the pages. 

The mystery involving these special gifts which Ember, Olivia, Hayden, and a list of other characters each possess kept my mind intrigued.  Though a few moments were a bit predictable, I still found it enjoyable to read along and discover the plot just as Ember herself was.  I am a fan of Armnetrout's writing, and will continue to read her addicting new tales.  If you're in the mood for a stand alone novel with an overall contemporary feel, but just enough paranormal elements to keep the story fantastical - then I highly recommend reading this book.

Onyx (Lux, #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Onyx (Lux, #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: August 14, 2012 by Entangled Publishing
Received: ARC for review from the publisher - thank you!

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. {goodreads.com}

I am OBSESSED.. completely & utterly compelled to this story like nothing else I've ever read.  Ok well maybe like a few things... but for the time being this series by Jennifer Armentrout has consumed my literary heart.  I read the first book, Obsidian, not long ago & immediately I was itching to get my hands on an ARC of the second book, Onyx.  You must understand my excitement when I received an email from the publisher granting me access to it.  There were arms flailing, silent screams happening.. all while at work.  I was one happy book blogger :)

Onyx picks up right where Obsidian left off.  I was immediately sucked back in to how crazy things ended in the first book.  To avoid potential spoilers I will just say this, the action does not let up - not one bit!  The consequences of what went down in that field at the end of the first book are slammed in to the faces of both Katy and Daemon.  Katy no longer lives in a "normal" world.  Her life has forever changed and now she's presented with new obstacles that have the potential to destroy her and those she cares about most.

My love for sci-fi sparked a flame in the first book, but it wasn't until the second book that I really started to discover the capabilities of what these alien creatures could do.  I think the reason why I am so drawn to this story is because they all appear to be so... normal.  Living mundane lives, with drama-filled teenage problems.  But then out of nowhere you're reminded of their super-power strengths and intriguing worlds they've ventured from.

The passion in this book went to a whole new level.  I had some reservations about Daemon in the first book.  Yes, he's hot - that point is obvious.  But he was also a total d-bag that left me second guessing myself.  How on earth could I find THAT attractive?!  And how stupid is Katy?? All of those thoughts are thrown out the window in this book because Daemon's true colors begin to show.  We see a more vulnerable side to him and begin to understand the reasons for why he acts the way he does.  And yes, I even found those a-hole moments to be a bit endearing.

There is a moment in this book that quite possibly is the most swoon-worthy moment I have ever read in a YA sci-fi/paranormal book.  I know that's putting a huge standard on it, but y'all... it's intense & and it made my poor little heart melt in to a sopping mess on the floor; only to solidify it back together, beaming with so much emotion.  *sigh*  Hint: it involves a Christmas tree.

I will warn you for the cliff-hanger ending though.  Yes, the story is somewhat wrapped up and we're still left with imposing threats - but I literally read the last line, went to click next on my nook, only to find a blank page, followed by acknowledgments.  I thought, WHAT?! That can't be it.  Oh but it is.  For this book anyway.  Jennifer Armentrout is a genius.  She will give you just enough to satisfy your taste and then walk away hungry for so much more... STARVING!  I adore this series and encourage everyone to read it.  This is what reading for pure entertainment is all about.

In My Mailbox {66}

So this week's mailbox is dedicated to the lovely author Jennifer L. Armentrout! I just discovered her series, Lux, and OH MY GOODNESS YOU GUYS!!! It is phenomenal!!! I've already read & reviewed one book I got (yes it's that addicting & I HAD TO share my thoughts immediately!). The others are some pretty sweet goodness, too :) Check it out!

Obsidian (Lux, #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Shadows (Lux, #0.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

and then THIS happened....

Onyx (Lux, #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

What's in YOUR mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

Obsidian (Lux, #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Obsidian (Lux, #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: November 29, 2011 by Entangled Publishing
Received: bought e-book from Barnes & Noble

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. {goodreads.com}

I have developed a very unhealthy obsession while reading this book.  Pure addiction at it's finest.  If I had the ability to, I would have consumed this entire novel in one sitting.  But life got in the way & my responsibilities were calling me.  Obsidian is the type of story that stays in your mind, even when you've had to put it down.  I couldn't get enough of this tantalizing tale about aliens and pure, hot lust.  Yes, that's right.  Ginger read a book about aliens.  I know, so far out of my comfort zone.  The story and the characters that projected it sealed the deal on my new found love for sci-fi in young adult fiction.  If all alien based stories are as hot as this one, sign me up!

Katy has just moved to this small remote town in West Virginia with her mother.  They've escaped the confines of Florida to start over and heal from the loss of her father.  Katy's personality is to keep to herself and she's perfectly fine with that.  Her mother on the other hand wants Katy to branch out, make new friends, be sociable.  With a set of twins about Katy's age living right next door, what better opportunity could come along.  Immediately Katy and Dee form a bond.  The two girls cling to one another and the makings of a best friendship begin.  Dee's twin brother Daemon is not a fan of this new friendship one bit.  Katy starts to realize there is something different about Dee and Daemon, but she can't quite figure out what it is.  She also begins to realize the strong attraction she's developing for Daemon, even though he's anything but nice to her.

As Katy and Dee become closer friends, Daemon takes it upon himself to keep a watchful eye.  He's harboring a family secret and the last thing he needs is some human girl like Katy to come along and expose them.  There were quite a few moments when I literally wanted to punch the living you know what out of Daemon.  His character was so awful to Katy!  I think what made it even worse is that she had no idea why.  One minute he was hot, very attentive to her, and protective.  Then the next he was ice cold, closed off, and such a complete d-bag.  My heart had a serious tug-of-war with this character.  I knew deep down, there was a soul somewhere.  I could see it in the way he loved and protected his sister.  There were also hints that he truly cared for Katy, but because of their family secret he refused to give in to those feelings.  The tension between Katy and Daemon was off the charts!  It's been quite awhile since I've read a book that literally left me fanning myself.  This is another reason why I found it very difficult to put down.  Just when you think these two characters are making progress, BAM! something comes between them and they're on opposite sides again.  I adore this sort of passion in my books.

Since this is the first book in the series, I prepared myself for a cliffhanger ending.  I felt that the author gave us just enough to satisfy our craving, but left us wanting SO MUCH MORE.  The crescendo towards the end of the book left my heart pounding for so many different reasons.  I don't think I've truly caught my breath yet.  I am more than eager to get my hands on the second book in this series and continue on with this exciting, passionate, and ADDICTING new story.