Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout Book Review

Title: Onyx
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: August 14, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Series: Lux #2
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Pages: 328
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars
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"I could always give you a teaser. You bookish people love teasers, don't you?" ― Jennifer L. Armentrout, Onyx

*Warning: Spoilers for Obsidian ahead!*

Synopsis

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 Thoughts
I was nervous that Onyx wouldn't live up to my high expectations after I loved Obsidian so much. But there was no need to be worried because Onyx was even better. This series has taken me by storm. It is a roller coaster of emotion, an action-packed thrill ride. There's the beautiful Luxen, with their insane powers, and then the terrifying, formidable villains in the form of the Arum and the DOD (Department of Defense).

Daemon. Oh god. I hate to go all fangirl here, but you have competition, Will Herondale. I didn't feel all warm and fuzzy towards Daemon in Obsidian, but all of that changed in Onyx. Daemon went from sexy, charming douche bag to sexy, charming I want to marry you and have your alien babies. He was unpredictable but oh so lovable. And still devoted as ever to family. While Katy was stubborn and indecisive, I was happy she didn't give into his advances immediately considering Daemon's past behavior. I can understand her cautiousness, not wanting to get her heart broken. I'm a big fan of complicated romances where the two characters have to work towards a relationship, coming to terms with their problems. I hate when it's all butterflies and skipping through meadows. You have to throw a monkey wrench in the works every so often. I was happy that Armentrout didn't follow the easy route, and she made Daemon and Katy's relationship more realistic (or as realistic as it can be with an alien in the mix).

This book was a perfect blend of dark and light, just like the Luxen are beings of light and the Arum are beings of shadow. I loved how well Armentrout balanced the humorous and then the more meaningful scenes. Once again, I found myself laughing aloud. Here's a few great lines:

"I always liked you. From the moment you first flipped me off."

"Oh holy alien babies everywhere!"

"Jesus." Blake rubbed his throat. "You have anger management problems. It's like a disease."
"There's a cure and it's called kicking your ass."

"Dogeared pages were Antichrist of book lovers everywhere."

And there are so many more funny moments. But along with the humor, there were definitely some darker parts. This book revealed so many more threats and dangers, and I was genuinely worried for Katy and Daemon's safety. I loved how Armentrout didn't sacrifice the intense scenes for the sake of a fun read. There were so many wonderful twists, and I learned a lot more about the Luxen. It was enthralling, and I could not get enough. Not to mention the awesome fight scenes. There was not a slow moment in this book. I could not stop reading, and I wish I could read it all over again fresh.

There is another guy in this book: California surfer boy Blake Saunders. But before you panic, let me reassure you that there is no need to worry about a love triangle. Blake definitely adds something to the story, and there are so many fascinating developments. But, thank god, there is no love triangle. I will say no more.

If you have yet to read Obsidian or Onyx, please do so right this instant. If you love gripping, edge of your seat reads with aliens and fight scenes that were made for a cinema, than this series is perfect for you. As Katy so aptly puts in her own book review on her blog, Onyx is a "forget your homework, don't feed your kids, and quit your job one-sit read." These books kept me up insanely late, tearing through the pages (as much as you can on an Ipad) until I was finished. I didn't want to eat or sleep or work because those were all unnecessary distractions from Daemon. I need Opal right this instant. Not tomorrow. Not next month. NOW. It's expected in December, but I can't wait any longer!

Happy reading,

Courtney