Book Review: Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Opal

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series/Standalone: Lux Series (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Pages: 394

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Year Published: 2012

Format:  Audiobook (Library Copy)

"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. 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: 3.5/5

This one wasn't as fun as the first two, if I'm being totally honest. I didn't love the shift in tone and relationship with Katy and Daemon. I still enjoy the training montage and the ideas that are presented. The sci-fi elements are interesting, and the writing is fun, although I caught myself more and more thinking about the age of the author vs. the age of the characters. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Shadows

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series/Standalone: Lux Series (Book #0.5)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, 

Pages: 179

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Year Published: 2012

Format: Audiobook

"The last thing Dawson Black expected was Bethany Williams. As a Luxen, an alien life form on Earth, human girls are... well, fun. But since the Luxens have to keep their true identities a secret, falling for one would be insane.

Dangerous. Tempting. Undeniable.

Bethany can't deny the immediate connection between her and Dawson. And even though boys aren't a complication she wants, she can't stay away from him. Still, whenever they lock eyes, she's drawn in.

Captivated. Lured Loved.

Dawson is keeping a secret that will change her existence... and put her life in jeopardy. But even he can't stop risking everything for one human girl. Or from a fate that is as unavoidable as love itself."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I really enjoyed reading this storyline. I think understanding how these interactions lead to behaviours in the first book will be great to see going forward. That being said, I wouldn't have read this at any separate time. This was a perfect place to read this novella, and I can't wait to continue on in the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Onyx

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series/Standalone: Lux Series (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction

Pages: 421

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Year Published: 2012

Format: Audiobook (Library Copy)

"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 connections. 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 ARUM HAS COME TO TOWN

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 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: 3.5/5

I still enjoyed this second book in the series. It remains nostalgic and fun. The only complaint I have for this one is the extreme stupidity of our main character. Which is kind of a part of books written in this time, but as a grown woman, I was screaming at her to make better choices, on repeat! Still fun, I look forward to continuing to read the series and having fun with the concept.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Obsidian

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series/Standalone: Lux Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Pages: 416

Publisher: Entangled: Teen

Year Published: 2011

Format: Audiobook (Own physical copy)

"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: 3.75/5

I really enjoyed reading something so fun, and some very 2010s. It's nostalgic in such a fun way, but a little cringeworthy. The alien aspect isn't something I've read a ton of, but what a fun addition. It was pretty obvious what was going on based on all the "hints" about aliens. It was fast-paced, fun and just the right amount of spice. I'm looking forward to continuing on with the series via audiobook soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Court by Tracy Wolff

Title: Court

Author: Tracy Wolff

Series/Standalone: Crave Series (Book #4)

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

Pages: 720

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"No one survived the last battle unscathed. Flint is angry at the world, Jaxon is turning into something I don't recognize, and Hudson has put up a wall I'm not sure I'll ever break through.

Now war is coming, and we're not ready. We're going to need an army to have any hope of winning. But first, there are questions about my ancestors that need answers. Answers that might just reveal who the real monster is among us.

And that's saying something in a world filled with bloodthirsty vampires, immortal gargoyles and an ancient battle between two gods.

There's no guarantee that anyone will be left standing when the dust settles, but if we want to save this world, I have no choice. I'll have to embrace every part of me... even the parts I fear the most."

My Rating: 2/5

I was really enjoying this series, but this one seemed to drag so much that I actually had to return it and come back to it to be able to finish it. The whole series has always been pretty over the top, but this one felt as though the author was trying really hard to be serious. That is not what I want from the series and I'm unsure if I will be continuing on.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Covet by Tracy Wolff

Title: Covet

Author: Tracy Wolff

Series/Standalone: Crave Series (Book #3)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 680

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"I may have reached my breaking point. As if trying to graduate from a school for supernatural isn't stressful enough, my relationship status has gone from complicated to a straight-up dumpster fire. Oh, and the Bloodletter has decided to drop a bomb of epic proportions on us all.... Then again, when has anything at Katmere Academy not been intense?

And the hits just keep coming. Jaxon's turned colder than an Alaskan winter. The Circle is splintered over my upcoming coronation. As if things couldn't get worse, now there's an arrest warrant for Hudson's and my supposed crimes- which apparently means a lifetime prison sentence with a deadly unbreakable curse.

Choices will have to be made... and I fear not everyone will survive."

My Rating: 3/5

I like this series, but you must know what you're getting into when you read this. These are angsty, they are fun, they are dramatic. They remind me a lot of early 2010s paranormal romance which I enjoy for the cheesiness of it, but it's not world shaking. If you are looking for a fun paranormal romance I would recommend this series. I love the audiobooks and they are quick to read. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Crush by Tracy Wolff

Title: Crush

Author: Tracy Wolff

Series/Standalone: Crave Series (Book #2)

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 704

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"Everything feels off- especially me. I've returned to Katmere Academy, but I'm haunted by fragments of days I have no recollection of living and struggling to understand who, or what, I really am.

Just when I start to feel safe again, Hudson is back with a vengeance. He insists there are secrets I don't know about, threatening to drive a wedge between Jaxon and me forever. But far worse enemies are at our doorstep.

The Circle is caught in a power play and the Vampire Court is trying to drag me out of my world and into theirs. The only thing Hudson and Jaxon agree on is that leaving Katemere would mean my certain death.

And not only am I fighting for my life, but now everyone else's is at stake- unless we can defeat an unspeakable evil. All I know is that saving the people love is going to require sacrifice.

Maybe more than I'm able to give."

My Rating: 3/5

This was so fun, I think that with this installment I can see what Tracy Wolff is doing she's offering a campy, trendy vampire school that gives 2010s vibes but in a more current setting. Its fun. It's enjoyable. I like the characters the concept of this school is entertaining and I look forward to continuing the series via audio. I would recommend if you want something new to somehow give you nostalgia. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Crave by Tracy Wolff

Title: Crave

Author: Tracy Wolff

Series/Standalone: Crave Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal

Pages: 592

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"My whole world changed when I stepped inside the academy. Nothing is right about this place or the other students in it. Here I am, a mere mortal among gods... or monsters. I still can't decide which of these warring factions I belong to if I belong at all. I only know the one thing that unites them is their hatred of me.

Then there's Jaxon Vega. A vampire with deadly secrets who hasn't felt anything for a hundred years. But there's something about him that calls to me, something broken in him that somehow fits with what's broken in me.

Which could spell death for us all.

Because Jaxon walled himself off for a reason. And now someone wants to wake a sleeping monster, and I'm wondering if I was brought here intentionally- as the bait."

My Rating: 3.25/5

This book knew exactly what it was doing, or I'm insane. Either this book was written along the lines of every book I enjoyed in 2010 on purpose, or the whole 'vintage' thing is really coming full circle. I think this book was so fun, it provided entertainment, it made me roll my eyes, and it broke the third wall on multiple occasions. It was super fun and I will be continuing reading the series, but only via audio, I think if I had to page through these 'romantic' scenes, it would have been just too much for my feeble 'mortal' heart.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny