{REVIEW} Crystal Kingdom by Amanda Hocking

Title: Crystal Kingdom
Author: Amanda Hocking
Series: The Kanin Chronicles
Book: 3
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Rating: ★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:

Cast out by her kingdom and far from home, she's the Kanin people's only hope.

Bryn Aven - unjustly charged with murder and treason - is on the run. The one person who can help is her greatest enemy, the enigmatic Konstantin Black. Konstantin is her only ally against those who have taken over her kingdom and threaten to destroy everything she holds dear. But can she trust him?


As Bryn fights to clear her name, the Kanin rulers’ darkest secrets are coming to light… and now the entire troll world is on the brink of war. Will it tear Bryn from Ridley Dresden, the only guy she’s ever loved? And can she join forces with Finn Holmes and the Trylle kingdom? One thing is certain: an epic battle is underway—and when it’s complete, nothing will ever be the same…

My Reaction/Thoughts:

*sigh* I feel empty inside. Literally empty. Hocking as ripped out my very heart and stomped on it repeatedly. I am devastated. This book really took me for a ride. I had no idea how I should feel while reading it so I was all over the place! It was so good! So good so good!

Bryn. Oh Bryn. My heart goes out to this girl. She is fantastic. I love her so much for learning how to love and really let her defenses down. She's built some really great friendships with so many people and she loves so greatly. In the beginning, she cares so much for people, but she puts herself and her career ambitions first. In Crystal Kingdom, you can really see her understanding what it means to sacrifice and love. She loves greatly. She loves so many people that I really was terrified it was going to be her downfall in this book. All that foreshadowing really had me scared to read. She really grew into this bads$$ warrior! I am so glad that she finally got her dream come true in the end of this book because she definitely deserved it.

Ridley. Poor Ridley. His one and only weakness is Bryn and boy did he pay the price. It was so sad to see him tortured and put through so much pain because of his love for Bryn. He holds his own and wants nothing more than to keep her safe so it was really hard to see him so cold and distant. My heart was breaking for him. In the end, I am happy with his ending as well. I want nothing but happiness for this gorgeous man.

I know I didn't really talk much about Bryn's friends Ember (Finn's sister from the Trylle trilogy) and Tilda or her parents or Kasper because I really don't even know what to say without spoiling too much. But these characters were great. I absolutely adored Tilda and her strength. This woman took out an Omte while pregnant! She really is terrifying if you make her mad, so don't. Ember is a good secondary as well, even though I didn't really connect to her much. I think this series had a lot of good secondary characters and I hate that this is the last I will see them. *tears*

Now guys, if you've read my previous posts you know I am in love with Konstantin. This book made me fall even deeper. I didn't stand a chance. This man pushed me over the ledge and made me fall deeper. I honestly hate that we didn't see him more in Ice Kissed but the fact that he was in pretty much the whole of this book really made my heart happy. I loved him. I really enjoyed his teasing and flirting with Bryn (even though she is oblivious and I could shake her). I loved his subtle confessions of affection and gah I LOVE HIM!!

Team Ridley vs. Team Konstantin. Honestly, I don't really think there is much of a competition because Bryn is head over the hills 100% in love with Ridley (as she should be), but I am sorry but I just loved Konstantin so freaking much! I found myself completely switching teams throughout the entire book! Every scene Bryn was with Ridley, I loved her with Ridley, but then K would come in and then made me go back to him and apologize for ever forgetting him. I honestly don't know which was actually the better choice for her because we don't really see Bryn develop intense feelings for K. However, I definitely saw some affection for him. She was starting to notice how handsome he was and he would continuously leave her whole body blushing. So we may never know what would have happened between them because of spoilers, but I think...nope I am not saying it was for the best because in my heart I am still not over it and I will stomp my foot in protest because of that ending. I am not happy (maybe a little because of everything else, but still not happy!)!!

AGH. I guess everything ended right where things were supposed to and the kingdom showed much promise. I really did like the twists that this book revealed because I was shocked and then immediately felt dumb for not connecting dots sooner, but where is the fun in that?! Overall, this series was great. I loved it! I can't say I loved it more than the Trylle trilogy because Wendy and Loki were definitely fantastic. Loki is bae ♡♡♡♡

Read it? Read it!

Enjoy all my freakout moments and fangirling below (:

{REVIEW} Ice Kissed by Amanda Hocking

Title: Ice Kissed
Author: Amanda Hocking
Series: The Kanin Chronicles
Book: 2
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Rating: ★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:

In the majestic halls of a crystal palace lies a secret that could destroy an entire kingdom…

Bryn Aven refuses to give up on her dream of serving the kingdom she loves. It’s a dream that brings her to a whole new realm…and the glittering palace of the Skojare.

The Skojare people need protection from the same brutal enemy that’s been threatening the Kanin, and Bryn is there to help. Being half Skojare herself, it’s also a chance for her to learn more about her lost heritage. Her boss, Ridley Dresden, is overseeing her mission, but as their undeniable attraction heats up, their relationship is about to reach a whole new level—one neither of them is prepared for.


As they delve deeper into the Skojare world, they begin to unravel a long-hidden secret. The dark truth about her own beloved Kanin kingdom is about to come to light, and it will change her place in it forever…and threaten everyone she loves.

My Reaction/Thoughts:

Ice Kissed, though entertaining, was definitely a filler book. I don't think much really happed plot wise to really make you feel engaged within the novel, but it did keep your attention because so much was unfolding within our eyes that I couldn't put it down. I was sucked into the world and what was going in within the kingdom. Hocking hooked me once again with her royal families and forbidden love. She really has a knack for that and I love and hate her for it.

There wasn't too much character development for me to note, Bryn was still the same old strong, dedicated Bryn, but she did grow up a little. She began to understand her friend Tilda's decisions to become a mother and wife, whereas in the beginning she felt those dreams were unheard of. I liked seeing a bit more understanding and humility within Bryn. We got to see her relationship with Ridley blossom a little bit more which was lovely. I will always love Ridley so I am not complaining. However, there was next to zero Konstantin! The level of Konstantin was seriously lacking. I needed more. And it was almost cruel for Hocking to end this book on the worst cliffhanger! Good thing I dragged my feet so long with reading this book that I only had to wait a week before Crystal Kingdom came out! Phew, did I dodge a bullet there!

Overall, this book was okay. I wasn't absolutely loving it, but I did have a good time. It raised more and more questions. but it kept the plot going along nicely, setting up a good finale.

{REVIEW} Frostfire by Amanda Hocking

Title: Frostfire
Author: Amanda Hocking
Series: The Kanin Chronicles
Book: 1
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Rating: ★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:

Bryn Aven is an outcast among the Kanin, the most powerful of the troll tribes.

Set apart by her heritage and her past, Bryn is a tracker who's determined to become a respected part of her world. She has just one goal: become a member of the elite King’s Guard to protect the royal family. She's not going to let anything stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss Ridley Dresden.


But all her plans for the future are put on hold when Konstantin– a fallen hero she once loved – begins kidnapping changelings. Bryn is sent in to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?

My Reaction/Thoughts:

Set in the world of the Trylle (Hocking's previous series), Hocking brings us the Kanin! I was so excited to read these books. In fact, Frostfire was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I mean look at that cover! Is it not gorgeous?!

In Frostfire, we meet Bryn Aven. Bryn was such a great character to read. She was strong and determined, she's loyal, sarcastic at times, and so protective of her family and friends. I think that's what I loved most about her, her dedication. She was driven by her feeling of as an outsider to prove that she belonged to the Kanin tribe and the Hogdragen. Although Bryn can come off as a little know-it-all.

Another character I loved was Ridley Dresden. This mad was so cute and the chemistry just peels off the page when he and Bryn were together. You couldn't help but ship them because he was exactly what Bryn needed in her life. He knew how to talk to her, to help her see reason. He put perspective into her head and really understood her. I absolutely loved him.

However, there is one man who stole the show for me and his name was Konstantin Black. This man is just uber gorgeous, sexy, and I LOVED HIM! Not much was said about him besides that he was the most wanted man in the Kanin community and that he's been on the run for the past four years, but I think that's what made me loved him, his mystery. I wanted to know more. I craved to know more. I needed more! And it doesn't hurt that Amanda Hocking pictures Kit Harrington as Konstantin because if you know me you know I LOVE Kit Harrington!  I don't know what it was when I first read his encounter with Bryn, but I ship him so hard with Bryn. Their scenes together were so intense and had such chemistry it was distracting. I ship it! NO REGRETS.

As for the plot, it moved rather steadily. We follow Bryn as she begins to uncover secrets about her tribe and the Skojare. This book had a nice setup for the coming books and even though not a whole lot happened, it was still entertaining. The writing is simple to follow, easy, fun, and great. If you've read the Trylle trilogy, you must read these books.

{REVIEW} Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: Blue Lily, Lily Blue
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: The Raven Cycle
Book: 3
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Rating: ★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:

There is danger in dreaming. But there is even more danger in waking up.

Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs.

The trick with found things though, is how easily they can be lost.

Friends can betray.
Mothers can disappear.
Visions can mislead.

Certainties can unravel.

My Reaction/Thoughts:

I didn't think it was possible to have an even more beautiful cover, but behold Blue Lily, Lily Blue!

This was was easier for me to read and I don't exactly know why. I didn't find myself skimming and wanting to rush the book because I was actually invested and looking forward to reading it. Something just finally clicked I suppose. However, the writing! Gah I am still not a fan and I have just come to the conclusion that I never will be. I love the plot and the characters, but I just can't get into the writing. Stiefvater has a verbose style and it takes me out of the story sometimes. For example:

Blue was glad that it was dead and then felt bad that she felt glad that it was dead.

 Way too many words and repetitive. I just don't care for it. She does this frequently throughout the book and it can be simplified. But, I pushed through and I glad I did because the plots are really what is carrying me forward. They are unique and so interesting.

Blue was still a little sassy lily and I loved her.
Ronan was a sarcastic little jerk and I fell in love with him even more.
Gansey is so adorable and I just want to hug him tight.
Adam...I still sometimes want to slap sometimes, but this book it decreased to 40% of the time. Progress!

Gansey and Blue need to happen like, yesterday.
Ronan and Adam: I ship it.

I just loved the little hand touching between Gansey and Blue when no was looking. Oh! And their late night phone calls to talk about the most random things. Or the way Gansey would stay awake just to hear Blue talk to him. ♥♥♥
Even Ronan and Adam had some simple, but sweet moments that had me giggling. It's so sweet how Adam is aware of Ronan's crush on him and it makes him see how he is worthy of someone wanting him, and not just anyone...Ronan Lynch. I want them. I need it. Ronan is seriously the best character and I love his sass.

“I’m going in,” Gansey said as Ronan sat down on the step beside Adam. As Gansey shut the door behind him, he heard Adam say, “I don’t want to talk,” and Ronan reply, “The fuck would I talk about?” 

Oh! Oh! And Mr. Gray! Oh Mr. Gray! He is so in love with Maura and adorable. I loved how he just made himself comfortable being around 300 Fox Way (speaking of, I hate how frequently Stiefvater says 300 Fox Way. Can't we just say Blue's house? Or home?) I love how comfortable Blue feels around him and has grown attached to him. Especially at the end when they were in that cavern. Awe!

I cannot wait to read the last book because we have so much hype between these three books focusing on finding Glendower and now we have to finally find him! It's been a rough journey, but we are getting there! I cannot wait! We got so close and still have to wait another book! Gah!

And can we talk about that CLIFFHANGER! WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT?!

 I NEED ANSWERS! I NEED THE RAVEN KING NOW!

{REVIEW} The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Dream Thieves
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: The Raven Cycle
Book: 2
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Rating: ★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:

If you could steal things from dreams, what would you take?

Ronan Lynch has secrets. Some he keeps form others. Some he keeps from himself.

One secret: Ronan can bring things out of his dreams.

And sometimes he's not the only one who wants those things.


Ronan is one of the raven boys—a group of friends, practically brothers, searching for a dead king named Glendower, who they think is hidden somewhere in the hills by their elite private school, Aglionby Academy. The path to Glendower has long lived as an undercurrent beneath town. But now, like Ronan's secrets, it is beginning to rise to the surface—changing everything in its wake.

My Reaction/Thoughts:

HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THIS COVER IS EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL?! RONAN! THE RAVENS! GLORIOUS

The Dream Thieves and I had a rough start. I was well over halfway through the book and I wasn't connecting the way I thought I would. I didn't want to judge it too harshly after not really loving The Raven Boys because that was the first book and I felt that definitely suffered from First Book Syndrome. So I went in completely expecting to love Thieves. While I did enjoy it a lot more than the first book, it did take me awhile. The thing I loved about this book was simply because it focused on Ronan figuring how who he was and get a grasp on his supernatural powers and how that releates to his family's history. I thought the plot was really a step up and I enjoyed it. While, the book centrally focused on Ronan, our old gang was still there battling their own obstacles. Gansey was still searching for Glendower, although not as seriously, Blue was struggling with her fortune coming true and her developing feelings for Gansey, and Adam was facing the aftermath of his choices after the first book. Adam still really bothers me and I need something to make me like him. Pronto!

I still rated this fairly average because though I really did enjoy it I was still a bit confused. I kind of did not like how I felt like so much information was thrown at me and I was just supposed to understand it all. I was kind of confused with where things were going

One thing that I found really weird was Ronan and Kavinsky's relationship. They had this bitterness towards each other and Ronan absolutely hated him, but I never knew why, other than the fact that the Raven boys continuously say he's an a$$hole. Then all of a sudden Kavinsky is all jealous and clingy and it turned him into the psychotic villain of our story. Whoa!

However, I enjoyed the obvious confessions that we got Ronan. He was just a great lead in this book. He has some dark demons and there is so much more to him! I just love him so much! Oh my sweet, Ronan. ♥

Another character we were introduced to was the mysterious Gray Man. Now I admit I did not care for this man at all. He creeped me out and I didn't even want to read his POV. I found myself skimming his chapters and moving on. But I started to find him interesting when he found out exactly what the Greywaren was and decided not to take Ronan. And we found out his real name and about his brother. Though I would have liked to know a little bit more about his backstory because his confrontation with his brother was so quick!

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, but I don't know I am just not a fan of Maggie Stiefvater still. She hasn't won me over and her books always make me zone off. However, this book really grabbed my attention during the last 150 pages and I honestly can't wait to read what happens next in Blue Lily, Lily Blue  now because that ending was insane! Maura! RONAN! What?! Oh my gods I am so intrigued. I think I am just invested now and I have to know what happens.

{REVIEW} The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Raven Boys
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: The Raven Cycle
Book: 1
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Rating: ★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.


From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before.

My Reaction/Thoughts:

ISN'T THE COVER BEAUTIFUL?! I LOVE IT!

I really wanted to love this book. I really, really did! So much so that I felt like I was forcing myself to love it more than I actually was. Everyone on bookstagram and Booktube just raves about how amazing The Raven Cycle series is that I couldn't wait to get started and I have to say I was not impressed. It's not that I felt like it was bad — it wasn't — it just was okay. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. I think I just expected more because everyone hyped it up so much that I had really high hopes and they just weren't met. But I did enjoy it and am interested in what else will happen.

The thing I really liked about this book was the sweet Raven boys. Every single one of them was an unique puzzle piece and together they were a beautiful whole. I loved this group so much. Gansey is so entertaining to read because he is so adventurous and determined! I loved the way he looks after his friends and treats them like family. Because of Gansey's love and protectiveness over his friends, it kind of made me a little bit bothered by Adam Parrish. I understand that Adam is strong minded and wants to do everything himself. He doesn't like taking hand outs, but I hated how much he resented Ronan and Gansey just because they had money and he didn't. Sometimes I think it's a miracle he's even still friends with them if he is so bothered by what and where they come from.

“Gansey had once told Adam that he was afraid most people didn't know how to handle Ronan. What he meant by this was that he was worried that one day someone would fall on Ronan and cut themselves.” 

On the other hand, I really, really liked Ronan. I think there is just so much more to him and I can't wait to learn more. I love his tough guy exterior and he is so interesting! And how sweet was he over Chainsaw, his pet raven?! And how cute is it that he named her Chainsaw!?

My favorite character is definitely Blue. I just find her so interesting and I love reading her perspective. I love her crazy clairvoyant family. I think they are so funny and great to read. I am really interested to see how her feelings for Gansey progress because we all know it's going to happen. She saw his spirit on St. Mark's eve and then there was the prophecy that she fears will come true when she kisses her true love. So I can't wait to see what happens! I am scared because I do actually ship her with Gansey so hard! I just love them together! It's so sweet and funny how sarcastic Blue is when she talks to Gansey.

“Watch for the devil. When there’s a god, there’s always a legion of devils.” 

This book is easily read and the plot is entertaining, but it is just "okay" to me. Nevertheless, I am reading the sequel The Dream Thieves to find out what happens next!

March Wrap-up

MARCH WRAP-UP

This month was a great reading month for me! I read a grand total of 10 books! I am really proud of myself because I was feeling rather lazy while reading, but I pushed through because all of these were pretty great. 

1) Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan: ★★★★

2) The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan: ★★★★★

3) The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan: ★★★★★

4) The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan: ★★★★★

5) The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan: ★★★★★ 

6) Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard: ★★★★★
7) Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover: ★★★★★
8) Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor: ★★★★★
9) Steadfast by Claudia Gray: ★★★★
10) The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks: ★★★★★

{REVIEW} Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor

Title: Dreams of Gods & Monsters

Author: Laini Taylor

Series: Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Book: 3

Rating: ★★★★★ 

Blurb from Goodreads:

By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her, if there can even be a future for the chimaera in war-ravaged Eretz.

Common enemy, common cause.

When Jael's brutal seraph army trespasses into the human world, the unthinkable becomes essential, and Karou and Akiva must ally their enemy armies against the threat. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people.

And, perhaps, for themselves. Toward a new way of living, and maybe even love.

But there are bigger threats than Jael in the offing. A vicious queen is hunting Akiva, and, in the skies of Eretz ... something is happening. Massive stains are spreading like bruises from horizon to horizon; the great winged stormhunters are gathering as if summoned, ceaselessly circling, and a deep sense of wrong pervades the world.

What power can bruise the sky?

From the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond, humans, chimaera and seraphim will fight, strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy. 

At the very barriers of space and time, what do gods and monsters dream of? And does anything else matter?

My Rating/Thoughts:

“Once upon a time,an angel and a devil pressed their hands to their hearts

and started the apocalypse.” 

I am going to start by saying this book was a monster! 613 pages of glorious writing that made my heart shrivel up from heartbreak and expand 20 sizes bigger because AVIKA AND KAROU♥♥♥♥♥

Seriously, it was that fantastic. It did take me a while to get into because for a while I just felt like nothing was really going on. There was a lot of building up and I just had to force myself to read. I think the problem I usually have is when authors will introduce new characters and give their perspectives and it takes me a while to get used to them. I don't know this person. I don't know their story and I don't care about them right now. 

But let's talk about the plot first (because I could write my own novel about the characters alone). The plot of this story was pretty good. I looovvvvveeedddd that the seraphim and chimaera finally came together to defeat Jael! YAAASSSSS! However. I didn't like how this whole "plan" kept getting hinted at and it really wasn't anything too special. Avika just burned a handprint into Jael and threatened to ignite it unless he left Earth with no weapons? Okay. That's a little anticlimatic. I was waiting for this huge brawl to finally take down Jael and his army, but I guess I was still satisfied. I also enjoyed that we saw more of the Stelians and the origin of sirithar. That was actually a little surprising (Poor Akiva). 

"It was not a happy ending, but a happy middle-- at last, after so many fraught beginnings."

Overall, this story was satisfying and I am beyond joyed that I got my happily ever after for Akiva and Karou! Seriously guys, their love is awesome sauce! They have the kind of love that everyone should strive for. I was in love with Avika. I was in love with Karou just reading Akiva's perspective. I felt it! I wanted it just as badly. Their glances! Their longing! GAH IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL! *cries*

“But let's not be casual about this body, okay?" She nuzzled him back. "It may be your soul that I love, but I'm pretty keen on its vessel, too."

And what I really, really, really liked about this book was how love was based on your soul. Karou fell in love with Akiva's soul, and vice versa. It doesn't matter what you look like, love only cares for your soul and who you are. The fact that Liraz could fall in love with Ziri despite the fact that he was chimaera was beautiful. I love this message and it makes me all giddy! 

Now as for the characters, Laini Taylor really knows how to make you fall in love with every single character she writes about. Except Thiago because seriously who needs him? But I loved them all! Karou, Akiva, Zuzanna, Mik, Ziri!!!, Even tough-exterior-Liraz, Issa, Hazael. Everyone! 

“You are a conniving, deceitful hussy. I stand in awe." 

"You're sitting."

"I sit in awe.” 

I loved Karou and Zuzanna's friendship so much. I loved that she wanted to help Karou and it actually tore her apart because she couldn't stay and help her friend. Their exchanges were just so beautiful that I would tear up here and there because they are amazing.

Even Zuzanna and Mik had a beautiful relationship. I loved how geeky and brave Mik was. And romantic! This guy! Let me tell you. The fact that he would not propose to Zuzanna unless he performed 3 heroic acts was so heartwarming. They joked around with each other so much that it was so cute and then when Mic would act on those jokes to make Zuzanna happy? Awwww! (:

I am currently now in a book hangover because I just loved this world so much. I love Laini Taylor for writing just a great fantasy trilogy that was so unlike anything I've read before. I loved the world she built with their legends. Now I will forever be looking up to the sky looking for my own portal to Eretz (:

{REVIEW} Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

Title: Days of Blood & Starlight
Author: Laini Taylor
Series: Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Book: 2
Rating: ★★★★1/2

Blurb from Goodreads:
Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.

This is not that world.

Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope.

But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

My Rating/Thoughts:

“I am one of billions. I am stardust gathered fleetingly into form. I will be ungathered. The stardust will go on to be other things someday and I will be free.” 

First of all: I don't want to be in a world where Akiva and Karou don't love each other. It just can't happen.

“Your heart is not wrong. Your heart is your strength. You don't have to be ashamed.” 

This sequel was so much more compelling. I seriously love this world and want to be a part of it forever. Now I know it took me about a month to read because I was seriously lacking, but I still loved it so much. It had so many twists and turns that made me gasp and to the edge of my seat. I was so surprised and just love Laini Taylor's writing and imagination. All the characters are so great and make you love them so much. *ahem* Ziri, Hazael. And then she just rips your heart out! No spoilers!

“Mercy breeds mercy as slaughter breeds slaughter. We can’t expect the world to be better than we make it.” 

Okay, now I hate alternating POVs. They are the bane of my existence. I mean I get why we have them and we get so much more out of them, but I just hate how quickly they switch and sometimes it takes me out of the story. Taylor does, in my opinion, switch the perspective a little too quickly for my liking. Once I am engaged in the story and what is happening, BAM! NEW PERSPECTIVE. Sigh. But I still loved the different storylines that came together. I was so sad that Akiva and Karou were so distant from each other!! LIKE THEY NEVER EVEN HAPPENED AT ALL! UGH Akiva is just falling into the soldier he is while still trying to preserve the dream he and Karou had, while Karou...well she lost sight of that dream. She feels helpless and allies with the monster of all douchebags Thiago (gah I hate that jerk with every fiber of my being). And it takes her a while to see straight, but once she does...man is it EPIC! I cannot wait to read the final book because Taylor knows how to leave off on a huge cliffhanger!

“It was the worst kind of silence, but a good kind of closeness. These weren't her folk, but...they were, and maybe that meant that anyone could be anyone's, which was a sort of nice thing to think, with the world falling apart.” 

Days of Blood & Starlight  is a great sequel. It's exquisite and I am only saddened that it took me so long to finally finish it.

Would I recommend? Try this fantasy novel. Give yourself a change and give it a chance (:

{REVIEW} Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Title: Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Series: Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Book: 1
Rating: ★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real, she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands", she speaks many languages - not all of them human - and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.

When beautiful, haunted Akiva fixes fiery eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

My Rating/Thoughts:

“Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. 

It did not end well.” 

Perfect. This book is what I think I have been looking for in a great modern fantasy book. It's filled with a great world that I just didn't want to leave! It's a bit confusing at firsts because there is a lot of world building, but once I got the hang of it and understood everything, it just clicked. Everything made sense and I fell in love. I enjoyed the characters so much. Karou is such an interesting character and I loved her. Akiva is a dangerously sexy angel that you can't help but fall in love with. Once I really got into this book, I couldn't put it down. Even though my head was killing me and I couldn't read anymore, I kept going. I had to finish it.

“Wishes are false. Hope is true. Hope makes its own magic.” 

What was most interesting was the creatures in this novel. There are the "angels" the Seraph, or seraphim, and the Chimaera, the "devils" and they both have such a twist. Both chimaera and seraphim have different legends about how they came to be and it's so interesting to read the different legends in the book. The chimaera also are portrayed a little differently. In this world, they are half human and half various beasts. Reading all the descriptions in the book, I always thought "whoa that sounds so weird."  The book also goes back and forth a lot and it can be a bit confusing, but I think it was a great concept. The author doesn't spell it all out for us and makes it easy. Oh and I loved all the title pages at the beginning of a new part for the book with the feathers and the "Once upon a time..." introductions. It was so cute and really hooked me into the story.

“Once upon a time, an angel lay dying in the mist.

And a devil knelt over him and smiled.”

The magic in this novel had a nice twist as well. In this book, magic comes from pain. Magic has a cost and it was interesting to see how Brimstone would get so upset with Karou using magic on what he perceived as wasteful. I loved his relationship with Karou and Madrigal and how the novel showed that progression backwards. I am not going into too much detail because I don't want to spoil anyone but I will say one thing. One of my favorite small things I loved was how Madrigal would make all her random wishes out loud instead of actually using the scuppies (who wouldn't want a necklace of scuppies to keep around their neck to make wishes? I know I would). My favorite one was "I wish I had blue hair." That was my favorite and made me smile!

“And yet, something tied them together, strong than any of that, something with the power to conduct her blood and breath like a symphony, so that anything she did to fight against it felt like discord, like disharmony with her self.”

I LOVED LOVED LOVED AKIVA AND KAROU!!!! Their romance was so cute! So passionate and unlike any that I have read in the past couple months. I just loved it so much and can't wait to see what happens in the next books. I definitely need to pick the next books up immediately because I am dying to find out what happens next.

Would I recommend? Yes. This is a great fantasy novel and you should read it if you are looking for a different read that has a new world and great romance. I loved it. I mean look at that gorgeous cover? Doesn't that alone make you want to read it? (:

{REVIEW} Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Opposition
Author: Jennier L. Armentrout
Series: Lux
Book: 5
Rating: ★★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:
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.

My Rating/Thoughts:
“Oh no. Oh, hell to the no to the tenth power.” 

It's always difficult to read a last book in the series because you never know where it's going to leave you. I usually only have two reactions. Either I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT or I am left heartbroken and empty because I expected more. This book has actually left me somewhere in the middle for the first time ever. I loved the ending and I thought the epilogue was very sweet, but everything else was a bit eh for me. Don't get me wrong I still absolutely love this book and it was filled with just as much action, jokes, and love as the rest of the series, but I thought the end with the Luxen was a bit hasty and left me thinking "that's it?"

“The most beautiful people, ones whose beauty is only rivaled by what is inside of them, are the ones who are quietly unaware of it.”

Now Origin left off with all the Luxen coming down on Earth like a bunch of fallen angels and they were quickly assimilating DNA from humans and killing everyone. I was still unsure where this world domination was going because it seemed they were targeting people who had families and public officials. So it was a bit disappointing that the one behind it was was Ethan just wanted revenge on the humans and that was the one and only reason why the Luxen were brought to Earth to complete mass destruction. Which says something because even Daemon and Katy voice their disappointment.

Nonetheless, it was still a fun read. I liked that we had to go to the Arum for help to defeat the Luxen and enemies became frenemies. I enjoyed Archer and Luc more in this book. They quickly became more of my favorites. They were both were just so darn funny that I loved them to pieces!

“Get out of my head.” “I can’t help it,” Archer replied from where he sat on the couch. “You’re broadcasting your thoughts so damn loudly I feel like I need to go sit in the corner and start rocking, whispering Daemon’s name over and over again.”

Now maybe it was because I expected more or maybe it was because the whole book was a little depressing, but I wasn't rushing to finish this. I mean I did come down with the flu and there was no way I was going to be able to power through this and that may have affected by overall reaction to this book, but it was just good to me. Not great.  This book did feel like a post-apocalyptic-dystopia and maybe that's why I felt like it was a tad depressing. There is still a lot of action which is nice. There is a lot of the same sarcasm and funny scenes. And there are a lot of hot steamy scenes with Katy and Daemon. Their relationship has really matured over these novels and it's nice to read because it depicts reality. JLA wrapped up this series nicely and I am so glad I read them. They are forever now one of my favorite series. I love her writing and how she just filled the books with a bunch of pop culture references! She brought up the Avengers, The Walking Dead, and countless Harry Potter references! I loved it and it always made me smile. I also loved how even our characters were thinking logically but then would bring up random stuff all the time. It was so entertaining to read because it was just so relatable!

“Hell, I’d keep her in Bubble Wrap if it weren’t so damn creepy and also inconvenient, considering I had a terrible habit of obsessively popping the damn things until not a single bubble was left.” 

Overall, I still really enjoyed it and I think it was a nice read and a good conclusion to the series. I am so sad that this series is over and I am going to deeply miss Daemon and Katy and Dee and Archer and Luc and just about everyone! These characters quickly became a part of me and I love them so much!!
I think my ranking of the books will have to be:
Obsidian
Origin
Onyx
Opposition
Opal

But that's just my opinion! And yes, I totally recommend!

{REVIEW} Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Origin
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Lux
Book: 4
Rating: ★★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:
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?

My Rating/Thoughts:
 "Holy crap on a cracker..."

That pretty much sums this book up perfectly. I have read and heard from several people that this book is the best in the series and I can definitely see why! This book had even more twists and turns that it had my heart racing the whole time! I am left in awe. I am blown away. My mind is blown!
Packed with even more heart racing action, betrayal, steamy hot romance, and loss, this book really lived up to the hype. It also pains me that we see the loss of three more characters! Dang these people started dropping like flies. I never, ever expected that.

So after their successful break in into Daedalus to save Beth, Daemon and Katy are once again betrayed by Blake. But Katy is captured by Daedalus and this was the major cliffhanger that left me terrified for what this book would bring. I knew Origin introduced dual POVs and I hated that. I had when series switch POVs in the middle of a series. If you want to do multiple POVs, start off that way. I don't enjoy getting used to reading books one way and then it switches up on me. But with this switch, I have to saw I loved it. I loved reading from Daemon's perspective because we get to see more into his character than what Katy sees. We see how much he does truly love Katy, how far he would go to save her, and how far his awesomeness goes.

"Did you think you could stop me? I'll burn the world down to save her."

I am still in awe of how completely awesome Daemon is. He is one of the most powerful Luxen and I was floored every time you see him in battle-beast mode. This guy is jaw dropping! The lengths he went to save Kat and be with her was so beautiful. He basically made himself get captured on purpose so they'd take him to Daedalus just so he could be with her and find a way to escape. He is so protective of her that it is beautiful. He vows to kill every person that ever makes even the smallest bruise on Kat and there is limit to his love for her. He is completely in love with her that it makes you tear up every time he finally says those three little words to her (which is such a huge deal to him).

“Daemon Black could be as prickly as a hedgehog having a really bad day, but underneath all that spindly armor, he was sweet, protective, and incredibly selfless.”  

And what about that Vegas scene?! MY LITTLE SHIPPER HEART IS OVERJOYED DANCING ON RAINBOWS AND GUMDROPS! *sighs*

“I want a years-worth of seconds and minutes with you. I want a decade's worth of hours, so many that I can't add them up.”

Katy as always was fierce. I can't believe that she was the one to make Blake eat his comeuppance pie!  That little turd deserved Katy to get all nuclear Terminator on him. The fact that he was working with Daedalus and they were forcing her into some crazy "Hunger Games for alien hybrids" was insane. No matter how long Katy refused to fight and give in to what they wanted for her, in the end she had to do what they wanted. They finally let her take her chance at Blake and it was so epic. I was shocked with how powerful Katy has gotten. I felt just as badly as she did, don't get me wrong, I have a heart afterall, but I still enjoyed it too. But you can't help but feel terrible as well for all the killings and the blood on Katy's hands because she feels regret so strongly. She never wanted to do any of this. She clings to Old Katy and you mourn for her just as Katy does.

“While you’re deep in something, you never say or do what you need to. It’s always after the fact, when it’s too late, that you realize what you should’ve said or done.”

I think this book also made me love Luc even more. Luc is a 15 year old mafia inspired kid who I just fell in love with. This kid is sarcastic and matches Daemon's personality perfectly. An unlikely alliance, but one we can actually trust. Now we actually learn a little more about Luc in Origin and why he has those shocking amethyst eyes. Turns out Luc is what Daedalus calls an origin. He is the offspring of a Luxen male and hybrid female and he can wreak havoc at any given moment so don't piss him off!

Speaking of Daedalus, this place is all kinds of psycho. Their whole organization is testing hybrids for "stability" by making them fight and kill each other. They are basically trying to breed more origins between the Luxen and their mutated hybrids, not to mention injecting humans and hybrids with what they call LH-11? What the hell is up with that? I am glad we got to see more into this cracked out organization, but they have some serious mental problems. It terrifies me that they have hundreds of these all powerful origins all holed up in one building ready to "come out and play" *shivers* But I can't wait to see their whole department get blown to the next galaxy. I wonder if that is what the general endgame is for the DOD in the next book? Who knows?

Oh but we finally discovered who betrayed Dawson and Beth to the DOD...
We find out because he was betraying Katy and Daemon to the DOD now as well!
You just can't trust anyone. I was so upset too because I thought things were turning around but I knew I should listen to my gut! I knew there was just something about him since Obsidian. *sigh* Oh well. Dawson made him pay. Dawson was pretty awesome in this book as well. He is like Daemon #2.

And that ending?! Oh. My. God.
"Oh shit. ET so phoned home, kids.” 

So overall, I loved this book. I am still floored with everything that happened. I can't wait to start the last and final book in this series. I am a little depressed now that I realized I only have one more left. This has quickly became one of my absolute favorite series and I am glad that I waited to marathon them. I love JLA's writing style. I love how she mixes in humor even when the situations are too dire. Her characters are all likable and I am now a big JLA fan. This woman seriously knows how to write. She makes the most silly, simple sentences make me burst into laughter because sometimes they are just so random. I love her and these books so much I am never letting them leave my heart.

Would I recommend? Absolutely.

{REVIEW} Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Opal
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Lux
Book: 3
Rating: ★★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:
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.

My Rating/Thoughts:

"You really shouldn't trust a soul in this game. Not when everyone has something to gain or to lose."

Like the other books in this series, Opal is yet another work of perfection. I really enjoyed reading this book and there is never a part that I feel like it's being dragged out or boring. Maybe I am being biased, but I don't care. I love this series and this was as great.

So Opal centers around Katy and Daemon planning to help Dawson try to get Beth back from the Daedalus. This is really all they can do because Dawson seriously has a death wish and I found this to be so touching. Without even having Beth around, you can see how truly and deeply Dawson loves her. Dawson and Daemon are truly identical brothers. Awwwww!

So while their team tries to prepare for this big breakout, they make aliances with Blake. Yes, you read right, Blake. Blake has the nerve to show his face again! I didn't trust this little creep one second. Not only do we know that he is blackmailing Daemon and Katy into helping him, but he has been creeping into Katy's bed sleeping next to her! Gross! What a little perv. I'd be lying if I didn't say I wanted him to redeem himself because he seemed to be really remorseful over what he did to Adam, but no dice. This little turd still puts himself first and I hate him. I really hope I don't have to see him anymore. I really hope Daemon finds him and kills him this time! Get him, baby, go ahead!

So in preparation for this breakout, the team needs to build up a tolerance for onyx, which I thought was a nice twist. I thought this would be quite useful to use against Daedalus. How awesome would it be if Superman no longer was affected by his kryptonite? I admire Katy as well for really being determined to do this. No matter how much Daemon doesn't want to see her doing this, she puts her foot down and basically tells him to shut it and get over it because she is doing this whether he likes it or not. I can't say enough how much I just love her character. She is really becoming so strong and fierce! As well as fiesty!

“You’re speechless.” He chuckled. “I like that. And I also like you all feisty. Want to hit me again?” 

I really liked the relationships in this book as well. Not only the obvious relationship between Katy and Daemon, which was flawless. But Daemon and Dawson as well. Dawson was not quite the same. There is no doubt he was suffering some type of PTSD which is to be expected, without all the lashouts. You can't really expect him to bounce back from something like that. But the way Katy would continue to try to get him to talk or convince him to start doing normal things again like going back to school was touching. Katy didn't need to be the one to do this, but since she was the one he responded to was just so heartwarming. He wouldn't talk to his brother or sister, but he opened up to Katy. This was so cute and I know Daemon really appreciated that she got him to want to spend Saturdays watching a Ghost Hunters marathon like old times. Also I thought it was great development how even Matthew warmed up to Katy. In Obsidian, there was no doubt that he didn't approve of  Katy around Dee or Daemon, but now he sees her as one of them. During the first failed breakin into the Daedalus, Matthew comes to Katy first to ask if she is okay and offers her a blanket. I know this is such a small gesture, but it shows just how far even their relationship has gone. Dee was a little brat during the book and I still missed the old Dee, but I am glad she is coming around as well. This book had to deal with a lot with the aftermath of Adam's death and I think it was appropriate. It didn't rush anything or brush it under the rug, it showed the pain that was suffered and mourning.

“Oh! Books! You have books!”
I laughed as several people waiting in line looked over their shoulders. “Hand them over.”
He clutched them to his chest, making moony eyes. “My life is now complete.”

But what I really enjoyed about this book was Daemon and Katy's relationship (duh). Their relationship is just perfect. It isn't rushed or too overly cheesy. It's real. They take their time with each other and put each other first. They are both so protective over each other and will stop at nothing to keep the other safe. I love their banter and the way they are with each other. They are just so gosh darn perfect! I think I cried when Daemon bought Katy a brand new Macbook Air. That was just too adorable and because he knows her, he knows how much blogging and reading are to her, he tells her to "go play." Sweet, romantic Daemon is just too irresistible!

As always, JLA really knows how to write an excellent clutch-to-my-chest-and-never-let-it-go book. You have no choice but to devour it! I am really trying to just make these books last because this is the only time I'll read them for the first time, but I can't help it! I can't stop! And I just love how JLA relates Katy to us! She fangirls! She likes Dean Winchester! It's like JLA is writing us! I love it!

I can't wait to read Origin now because with an ending like THAT?! OH HOLY SMOKES! I am speechless and terrified!

Would I recommend it? Are we really asking this question? I though it'd be obvious...

Teaser Tuesday #1

Teaser Tuesday 

is a weekly event hosted by Should Be Reading where you share a teaser from your current read.

-Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

What I'm reading Monday!

Since it's Monday, I am going to try to make a post every week showing what I plan on reading during the week.

On my list this week is:

    

These are the last three books in the Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. If you have been keeping up with my blog, you know I already read the first two books in this urban fantasy about aliens and am in love. Depending on how fast I want to read this week, I may finish the rest of this series. I kind of want to make this series last a while longer because I don't want it to be over! But since I am obsessed with it, I just may devour it. I am marathoning this series and loving every minute of it. 

{REVIEW} Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Onyx
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Lux
Book: 2
Rating: ★★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:
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…

My Rating/Thoughts:

“I could always give you a teaser. You bookish people love teasers, don't you?”

HOLY FEELS BATMAN! This book was so much fun! I am overstuffed with the feels tingling in from my fingers to my toes.I LOVED IT! The only minor problem I had with it was that after that big "battle" with the DOD, I felt like that was the end of the book, but I had about 70 pages left. So I was left wondering "oh boy, what the heck is going to happen now?!" Also, I noticed a few typos here and there. Um, who the heck didn't catch those? Other than that, I had so much fun!

“Your mail could've waited." Daemon followed me into the kitchen. "What is it? Just books?"
Grabbing the OJ from the fridge, I sighed. People who didn't heart books didn't understand.” 

Katy was even more amazing in this book. I connected to her even more. I loved how invested she was in her books and her blog. She feels actual pain when she couldn't read as much or how excited she is when she gets more books. SHE UNDERSTANDS ME! I also love how this is only the second book and she's already becoming this amazing, fierce heroine. She doesn't want to sit around waiting for someone to save her, she wants to be beside Daemon fighting as his equal and not behind him. I loved that about her. She didn't give up on her training and needs to learn to protect not only herself but Daemon, Dee and her mom. She is already showing great character development and I can't wait to see where the other books leave her. By the way, whoa she's like a crazy hybrid now! I knew that connection was more than just weird link between her and Daemon. I'm a little jealous...

“Daemon was a total babe, but he was stab-worthy, which at times zeroed out the babe part. Not always, though.” 

Daemon...Oh sweet baby Jesus why aren't you real?! It actually pains me that this guy doesn't exist. I love him with every fiber of my beeeeeeeing! He was even more lovable in this book and I didn't even think that was possible. I loved how he was determined to show Katy how what he felt for her was true and pure. He wouldn't give up on her and it was so touching. I LOVED how he would bring her her favorite treats to school in front of everyone. And he brought her a rose?! *cries and dies* aaaawwwww!

Blake.....I DIDN'T WANT TO TRUST YOU AND YOU MADE ME! AND BROKE MY HEART! I liked him and wanted Katy and him to have a nice friendship, but nope. I will not forgive you, Blake.

Dee. Awe poor Dee. I am so sad we didn't get to see her as much. Katy was so stuck with her own business with Blake and Daemon that she didn't have any time to spend with Dee and it bummed me out. I missed her. I was kind of confused why Dee was so upset about not hanging out with Katy but when she gets her to go to the movies why was Ash and Adam brought along? Wouldn't you want to spend solo time with Katy if you missed her so much? That was weird to me. Regardless, I want more Dee in the next books!

Now for the storyline. I thought it was pretty entertaining and a nice touch that we got more into the DOD  (though not much). I'm still left with questions, but it was interesting to stick our toes in. I want to know more about this so called Daedalus. This book opened up many doors for the next books and I look forward to reading more. I don't want to get too much into the plot because I'll want to spoil everything. So I will just leave it as: it was great, entertaining, and sucks you right in and doesn't release you until you finish the whole book. Yes, I finished this book in a day. I couldn't put it down!

Now onto Opal!

Oh! Side note: the whole book I was wondering why it was called Onyx...and FINALLY it came into context during the last couple chapters. O_o

Would I recommend this? YES! WHY HAVEN'T YOU READ IT? Don't you love Daemon? Aren't you obsessed? Go! Read it now!

{REVIEW} Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Obsidian
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Lux
Book: 1
Rating: ★★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads: 
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.

My Rating/Thoughts:
“The day my internet was hooked up was better than having a hot guy check out my butt and ask for my phone number.”

This book was phenomenal and I absolutely loved it! This book is filled with great characters, great dialogue, and just a hot steamy romance. A nice added touch is that the love isn't instant either. The attraction is instant, but they don't fall head over heels for each other right away. In fact, they fight that attraction the whole book and it just makes it that much more intoxicating! I loved reading their  dialogue so much and was constantly laughing at their banter. I loved how sarcastic Katy was and how Daemon brought out that side of her that made her not want to be the "boring" and safe Katy. It was so funny to me how she would bring up frequently how annoyed she was that he was poking her with his pen in math class. I don't know why, but this was hilarious to me. 

I loved Katy's character. I love that she was a little book nerd like me that enjoyed reading books and reviewing them on her blog. She was so relatable and I really enjoyed her. She wasn't the typical annoying teenage protagonist and it was refreshing. She didn't spend all her time swooning over Daemon even though she was attracted to him, she tried to deny it and it was just great to see her scenes with him. This whole book could have been about their time together with absolute no conflict and I still would have given it five stars because they are just great. 

“Beautiful face. Beautiful body. Horrible attitude. It was the holy trinity of hot boys.” 

Now there was no denying how attractive and hot Daemon was. If this guy isn't your book boyfriend then I applaud you for not falling for him. He's so swoonable and the right amount of bad boy that will make you wish he were real. I think I loved how protective he was over Dee as well. It was so touching how much he looked after her and the lengths he would go to make sure she was safe. It always made me so giddy when he would call Katy "Kitten" It was like when Patch would always call Nora "Angel" and she would hate it, but you know they secretly were fighting a million butterflies in their stomach.

But my other favorite character has to be Dee! How awesome is it that I finally have my name in a book (well nickname, but  it counts)! I loved her so much! I felt so sad for her at the beginning because you could just tell how badly she wanted a friend by how tightly she clung to Katy. I just wanted Daemon to leave her alone and let them be friends! I definitely want a friend like Dee. She's awesome and so ballsy. I couldn't stop laughing when she hid Daemon's car keys and wouldn't give them back until he earned bonus points by being nice to Katy. Go Dee!

I won't go into the plot because I don't want to give away too much, but it was really interesting to read. I look forward to reading more about the Lux and Arum. I am so invested and obsessed with this series already that I can't believe I had this on my shelf for so long and kept putting it off. I feel ashamed...

Would I recommend? HELLS YES!