Review: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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.

Okay, you know how I said my mind was totally blown when I read Obsidian? Yeah, that’s the thing – it wasn’t. Well, not completely anyway. What was left over after reading Obsidian was warped, twisted and utterly combusted after reading it’s sequel Onyx. Oh. My. God. This book was freaking awesome! A rollar coaster ride of revelations, Onyx brings not only our much beloved sexy aliens from Obsidian but also a mega helping of suspense, plot twists, action and of course – sizzling chemistry! I thought Obsidian was brilliantly executed but Onyx was perfection. As always, Jennifer’s writing is seeped with wit and humor but the plot was more complex, the characters evolved and basically everything was just so much better. Twilight with aliens? Nope. Sorry that train departed with Obsidian. Onyx is an awesomeness all it’s own. So, any of you still out there avoiding this series like the plague for this very reason – stop. You seriously need to jump on this train asap! … if only for Daemon Black! 

Onyx begins right were Obsidian left us. Katy is still reeling from the explosive aftermath of Obsidian and Daemon is determined to convince her that his love isn’t a side effect of their new found connection. Even though falling for Daemon is dangerous, Katy can’t seem to stay away – especially when he’s more charming than arrogant these days. But Katy is changing. After everything she’s done, everything she’s uncovered, Katy knows she’ll never be the same again. And that’s not her only problem. The DOD are circling like vultures, their true intentions blurred and if they even suspect the connection both Katy and Daemon will be in trouble. As revelations are unearthed and a web of lies weaved everything will change but can they survive it?

So a common factor with any series, specifically the sequel is the “second book slump”. We’ve all read a sequel (or two) which just didn’t satisfy our cravings and failed to live up to the previous. This is so not the case with Onyx.  Any flaws found in Obsidian were completed amended in Onyx with all lasting allusions to Twilight long gone. This is no longer a story world reminiscent of the infamous paranormal romance that is Edward Cullen and Bella Swan. Onyx is in a league all it’s own. The plot was more complex with every scene, be that same or large having some kind of importance, foreshadowing and revealing key information for the climax. This was a story well planed and mapped with revelations that will both shock and thrill and I loved every single moment or the ride.

The character development in Onyx is also incredible. We see each character evolve from their habitual thinking and ways with new mysterious characters added to the mix. Katy really grows into her own. A kick ass heroine in her own right, the Katy presented in Onyx is not the katy we knew and loved in Obsidian. This Katy is strong, both physically and mentally and will not take things sitting down. She’s still the book obsessed, witty blogger we fell in love with (Oh my god look out for the Vlog scene with Daemon – be prepared to not just snicker but actually laugh. I mean doubled over, watery eyes laughing.) but she is now an equal. Katy won’t wait to be saved nor will she sit around and let everyone else do the saving. Yes, she has her flaws but she’s someone I’d want for a best friend (and not just so we can talk all things books all day). She is such a real character with such a strong voice and I adore each second I spend wrapped up in her world.

Then there’s Daemon. Ahhhh Daemon…. I’ve got to get me a daemon… I mean would this be a Lux review if I didn’t mention him? The answer is no. Daemon, much like Katy is developed and refined over the course of Onyx and let me tell you – he’s even sexier. Yes my friends, it’s possible. This Daemon is tender and romantic yet every bit as intoxicating. We see the real daemon as we peel back the layers of stubbornness, wit and snark, the man who is thoughtful and sweet, not just protective or even charming. And yes, you did just read that sentence right. But of course, Daemon wouldn’t be Daemon without a little “douchebaggery” but we all love it. I mean those seven million times he called Blake Bart, Biff or practically every other name starting with B (besides Blake that is!) in the book- Priceless. All I can say is I hope we see this run through to the following books because these antics had me constantly laughing till my sides ached. Absolute pure genius.

Another thing to point out is that in no way does Onyx let up on the amazing chemistry between our two leads. Seriously this series just drips sexual tension. But…. something new ignites between the two. Sure, they still push each other’s buttons and bicker but over the course of the novel are falling for each other. Hard. Their intense chemistry burns to not just passion but tender, sweet love. This one seriously brings all the feels guys. Keep an our out for some of my favorite scenes like when Daemon finds Katy singing Hungry Like the Wolf in her sock mittens or the tender, emotional Thanksgiving scene. Trust me, a deep connection takes root here, one that continues into Opal third installment.

The Lux series is seriously fast becoming one of my top ten favorite series (I’m not even joking I would place this shortly after Twilight, Harry Potter, Throne of Glass and The Mortal Instruments!). One that I will no doubt treasure forever. This explosive series is an addiction. You get swept up into these incredible characters and their world and won’t let go, consuming each book in only a few sittings. Jennifer’s writing is just Ah-Mazing, I seriously don’t know what it is that has me begging for more. It’s a gift and I’m so grateful to share Katy and Daemon’s journey. 5 dazzling stars.

Side note: I have so boarded the Daemon express

 

Advertisement