Mini-Review: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Onyx
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Lux #2
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 08/14/12
Reviewed by: Sara
Buy the Book:

Summary:

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks...

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town...

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes...

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he 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...

Mini-Review: This novel was a great follow-up to Obsidian. I really enjoyed delving back into this world and learning even more about the Luxen and their powers. This installment also opened up a world of intrigue as it delved deeper into the Department of Defense's involvement in the Luxen. Just like the first novel, I couldn't put this one down. A few new characters were introduced that intrigued me. But I wish Kati and Daemon's relationship could've taken a bit of a backseat in a few instances because I missed Dee and some of her other friends a bit. The color choice for the cover looks great, especially next to Obsidian.

Plot: 4 Stars
Pace: 4.5 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Cover: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this title at the book signing.

Mini-Review: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Obsidian
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Lux #1
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 11/29/11
Reviewed by: Sara
Buy the Book:

Summary:

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.

Mini-Review: I'm not really a fan of the alien/space sub-genre of science fiction. I kept seeing glowing reviews for this book around the blogosphere, so when I found out the author would be practically right down the street for a book signing, I decided to give it a shot. And I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed this novel. The aliens came across as a new and strange paranormal creature, instead of some gross being a la Men in Black. I sped through this novel and can't wait to start the next. My favorite part of the novel was the fact that the main character is a book blogger. It helped me connect with her. I found all of the characters to be interesting and unique. I think the cover models are perfect for Daemon and Katy (although I'm a bit biased since I met them at the signing), and I really enjoy the green. It makes the book stand out on my bookshelf. All in all, I definitely recommend this novel to all paranormal young adult lovers, even if aliens aren't normally your thing.

Plot: 4.5 Stars
Pace: 4.5 Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Cover: 4 Stars
Overall: 4.5 Stars

Disclosure: I bought a copy of this novel for my own reading pleasure.