briandherreads's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
becs_l's review against another edition
3.0
Also found: http://areadersdevotion.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/book-review-obsisian-lux-1-by-jennifer.html
I’ve heard many good things about Jennifer L. Armentrout. However, after reading Half Blood and now Obsidian, I’m afraid she is not a favourite for me.
“Daemon smiled tightly. “I can tell what you’re thinking. Not that I can read your mind, but it’s written all over your face. You think I’m dangerous.” And a jerk…and hot, but I wasn’t admitting that.”
The first thing that I have to say is the surprising resemblance Jennifer’s books have to other popular series’. Ok, in her defence, I’ll admit it is hard to write a book series that has no resemblance at all to another. However I don’t want to see too many similarities to one series, and I preferably want it to be just as good (or better).
While Half-Blood felt a lot like I was re-reading Vampire Academy, Obsidian didn’t feel like I was re-reading Twilight. But it was similar to Twilight; a bit too much for my liking. Fortunately, I am not as big fan of Twilight as I am of Vampire Academy.
The connections; mysterious group of good looking people, something non-human about them, then finding out all in one go what they are. Followed by a group of evil people out to hurt them for what seems like a pretty poor reason (or one that wasn’t explained very well).
Kudos to Jennifer for being funny. I found myself sniggering quite a bit in the beginning. This was probably down to the character of Katy.
It is fairly easy for me to say that Katy was, by far, my favourite character. Yes even more than Daemon, I will get onto him a minute. My favourite thing about her is her snarky attitude especially towards Daemon. I mean, sometimes, he deserved it. She knows how to make a joke and even outwit someone she was in an argument with *cough* Daemon. Above all I liked that she stuck to her guns in situations and wasn’t so easily pushed aside which could of happened more times than it did. Plus she likes paranormal romance and book blogging. :)
Ok. I may upset a few people with this but as reviewing is about being honest, I am saying it.
All I heard was blazing praise for Daemon before I started reading this book; that he was one of the best book boyfriends on the YA market at the moment. However, by halfway, I still hadn’t seen anything to make him any better than other boys. The second half didn’t do him any favours either. His only redeeming quality was his protectiveness towards his sister and people he cares about. He was a bit rude and full of himself, a bit hypocritical; saying one thing then doing something completely different. Above all, he was a jerk, just as Katy kept saying. Thankfully, Katy didn’t seem to want much to do with him even if he was good looking.
The main mystery of the book is “What creatures are Dee, Daemon and all the others?”. When we discover this, we find it out all in one go. All I could say was, “oh was that it?” Now that Katy knows everything, there was not much more to the book. The introduction of Dawson perked my interest a bit but that left unfulfilled as well.
All in all, I found the book ok. I may continue with the series but as book 2, Onyx, is not out until August I’ll think about it then. However, bear in mind that this book is getting some amazing reviews and just because the book wasn’t for me, it is for many. So it could be for you. Don’t rule it out completely.
I’ve heard many good things about Jennifer L. Armentrout. However, after reading Half Blood and now Obsidian, I’m afraid she is not a favourite for me.
“Daemon smiled tightly. “I can tell what you’re thinking. Not that I can read your mind, but it’s written all over your face. You think I’m dangerous.” And a jerk…and hot, but I wasn’t admitting that.”
The first thing that I have to say is the surprising resemblance Jennifer’s books have to other popular series’. Ok, in her defence, I’ll admit it is hard to write a book series that has no resemblance at all to another. However I don’t want to see too many similarities to one series, and I preferably want it to be just as good (or better).
While Half-Blood felt a lot like I was re-reading Vampire Academy, Obsidian didn’t feel like I was re-reading Twilight. But it was similar to Twilight; a bit too much for my liking. Fortunately, I am not as big fan of Twilight as I am of Vampire Academy.
The connections; mysterious group of good looking people, something non-human about them, then finding out all in one go what they are. Followed by a group of evil people out to hurt them for what seems like a pretty poor reason (or one that wasn’t explained very well).
Kudos to Jennifer for being funny. I found myself sniggering quite a bit in the beginning. This was probably down to the character of Katy.
It is fairly easy for me to say that Katy was, by far, my favourite character. Yes even more than Daemon, I will get onto him a minute. My favourite thing about her is her snarky attitude especially towards Daemon. I mean, sometimes, he deserved it. She knows how to make a joke and even outwit someone she was in an argument with *cough* Daemon. Above all I liked that she stuck to her guns in situations and wasn’t so easily pushed aside which could of happened more times than it did. Plus she likes paranormal romance and book blogging. :)
Ok. I may upset a few people with this but as reviewing is about being honest, I am saying it.
All I heard was blazing praise for Daemon before I started reading this book; that he was one of the best book boyfriends on the YA market at the moment. However, by halfway, I still hadn’t seen anything to make him any better than other boys. The second half didn’t do him any favours either. His only redeeming quality was his protectiveness towards his sister and people he cares about. He was a bit rude and full of himself, a bit hypocritical; saying one thing then doing something completely different. Above all, he was a jerk, just as Katy kept saying. Thankfully, Katy didn’t seem to want much to do with him even if he was good looking.
The main mystery of the book is “What creatures are Dee, Daemon and all the others?”. When we discover this, we find it out all in one go. All I could say was, “oh was that it?” Now that Katy knows everything, there was not much more to the book. The introduction of Dawson perked my interest a bit but that left unfulfilled as well.
All in all, I found the book ok. I may continue with the series but as book 2, Onyx, is not out until August I’ll think about it then. However, bear in mind that this book is getting some amazing reviews and just because the book wasn’t for me, it is for many. So it could be for you. Don’t rule it out completely.
shelfaddiction's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted on Shelf Addiction! Check this and more of my reviews at Shelf Addiction
Aliens...oh how I miss hot alien boys! I wanted to read this mostly because I randomly missed Roswell, one of my favorite shows from a decade ago. If you haven't heard of it, check it out on Netflix! I thought Max Evans was HOT and I wanted to read a series with another hot alien boy...and this delivered for sure! I digress, anyways the point is, I set out to read all 3 published books in this series during the Summer Lovin' Read-a-thon a few weeks ago, and guess what? I did it! It was an easy thing to do as these books were to easy to devour. Honestly, I was a bit nervous when I started reading, only for the fact that everyone that I asked about this series seemed to rave and fall all over themselves about it. When that happens, I usually end up with the opinion that it's just so-so or have the opposite opinion. Not this time!
I read these back to back without taking the time to write reviews in between...thus, I will try my best not to mix up where one story ends and the next begins. These books had no gaps between them, so It's hard to recall the ending exactly. Sorry, lesson learned!
Real quick. here's the run down. New girl Katy moves in next door to an odd acting girl, Dee, who turns out to become her new best friend. Que stage left, enter HOT neighbor boy who is not only her new bestie's twin brother, but he's super cute, brooding, sarcastic and mean as hell. Immediately it's girl hates boy, boy acts like he hates girl...and this goes on forever! I kept thinking "Hurry up and hook up!" LOL, you can tell they like each other and is infuriating to read about them going back and forth. Hot and cold, etc. Not in a bad way, but in the way that keeps you turning the pages with lightning speed.
Of course, eventually Katy finds out that her neighbors are aliens and the story takes of at a rapid speed from that point. We've got the government (DOD) watching the Aliens, Aliens and kids both disappearing, and of course teenage relationship drama. It's funny because I didn't like Daemon at first. I kept thinking that he was a total douche bag...but as some point that turned around. It was probably around the time that I figured out what his motives were. I guess he started to grow on me from there.
I liked Katy through the entire story. She's likable, smart, strong, and she's no fool. She's witty and stands up for herself. Other than a small about of teenage angst that pops up here and there, she's totally got her head on straight. Even though you can tell she's got the hots for Daemon, she knows that he's nothing but trouble. But seriously, what high school senior girl can resist a hot looking bad boy? None that I know of! Not to mention the sexual tension between these two is crazy! It's almost embarrassing at times. By that I mean you hope nobody is reading over your shoulder! Even though they don't actually have sex in this book, it's still sort of steamy.
I liked that Katy's mom was present in this book. Don't get me wrong, she was away working a lot, which allowed for all the crazy situations to go down, but you can tell that she had an influence on Katy, and that was good. Side note, I loved the fact that Katy is a book blogger! Every time she mentions getting books in her PO Box or being behind reading, or even writing in her blog, I could relate and that was fun.
I enjoyed Armentrout's writing style. I got more than a few laughs from the character interactions. They all have a great chemistry and she plays the characters off of each other well.
It should be noted that there were a few things that reminded me of other story lines. For example, Katy finds out that Daemon is an Alien when he saves her life....of course. Same as with most "OMG, your an Alien or OMG, your a vampire" reveals go. Also, their powers are a bit familiar as well. The speed, like vampires, the healing like other alien stories, the Obsidian which acts as the kryptonite to the bad aliens, etc. Of course, the traditional, Aliens fleeing their home planet and finding earth as the next best thing. Lastly, Daemon is sort of predictable. He falls into that stereotypical angry, brooding, yet sexy male box. Putting those few cliches aside, it was still fun to read.
This book is definitely for the older YA audience and I think that's why I enjoyed it. I can't really read the books geared for the younger kids, but this was fun, easy to read and very entertaining. Adults will enjoy this as well. It totally filled that Roswell void. Want to try out a fun light read about Aliens...give this series a try! Take if for what it is and I think you'll enjoy it.
There is bonus material at the end of the book that you'll want to read. Two scenes from Daemons POV. Sweet!
Aliens...oh how I miss hot alien boys! I wanted to read this mostly because I randomly missed Roswell, one of my favorite shows from a decade ago. If you haven't heard of it, check it out on Netflix! I thought Max Evans was HOT and I wanted to read a series with another hot alien boy...and this delivered for sure! I digress, anyways the point is, I set out to read all 3 published books in this series during the Summer Lovin' Read-a-thon a few weeks ago, and guess what? I did it! It was an easy thing to do as these books were to easy to devour. Honestly, I was a bit nervous when I started reading, only for the fact that everyone that I asked about this series seemed to rave and fall all over themselves about it. When that happens, I usually end up with the opinion that it's just so-so or have the opposite opinion. Not this time!
I read these back to back without taking the time to write reviews in between...thus, I will try my best not to mix up where one story ends and the next begins. These books had no gaps between them, so It's hard to recall the ending exactly. Sorry, lesson learned!
Real quick. here's the run down. New girl Katy moves in next door to an odd acting girl, Dee, who turns out to become her new best friend. Que stage left, enter HOT neighbor boy who is not only her new bestie's twin brother, but he's super cute, brooding, sarcastic and mean as hell. Immediately it's girl hates boy, boy acts like he hates girl...and this goes on forever! I kept thinking "Hurry up and hook up!" LOL, you can tell they like each other and is infuriating to read about them going back and forth. Hot and cold, etc. Not in a bad way, but in the way that keeps you turning the pages with lightning speed.
Of course, eventually Katy finds out that her neighbors are aliens and the story takes of at a rapid speed from that point. We've got the government (DOD) watching the Aliens, Aliens and kids both disappearing, and of course teenage relationship drama. It's funny because I didn't like Daemon at first. I kept thinking that he was a total douche bag...but as some point that turned around. It was probably around the time that I figured out what his motives were. I guess he started to grow on me from there.
I liked Katy through the entire story. She's likable, smart, strong, and she's no fool. She's witty and stands up for herself. Other than a small about of teenage angst that pops up here and there, she's totally got her head on straight. Even though you can tell she's got the hots for Daemon, she knows that he's nothing but trouble. But seriously, what high school senior girl can resist a hot looking bad boy? None that I know of! Not to mention the sexual tension between these two is crazy! It's almost embarrassing at times. By that I mean you hope nobody is reading over your shoulder! Even though they don't actually have sex in this book, it's still sort of steamy.
I liked that Katy's mom was present in this book. Don't get me wrong, she was away working a lot, which allowed for all the crazy situations to go down, but you can tell that she had an influence on Katy, and that was good. Side note, I loved the fact that Katy is a book blogger! Every time she mentions getting books in her PO Box or being behind reading, or even writing in her blog, I could relate and that was fun.
I enjoyed Armentrout's writing style. I got more than a few laughs from the character interactions. They all have a great chemistry and she plays the characters off of each other well.
It should be noted that there were a few things that reminded me of other story lines. For example, Katy finds out that Daemon is an Alien when he saves her life....of course. Same as with most "OMG, your an Alien or OMG, your a vampire" reveals go. Also, their powers are a bit familiar as well. The speed, like vampires, the healing like other alien stories, the Obsidian which acts as the kryptonite to the bad aliens, etc. Of course, the traditional, Aliens fleeing their home planet and finding earth as the next best thing. Lastly, Daemon is sort of predictable. He falls into that stereotypical angry, brooding, yet sexy male box. Putting those few cliches aside, it was still fun to read.
This book is definitely for the older YA audience and I think that's why I enjoyed it. I can't really read the books geared for the younger kids, but this was fun, easy to read and very entertaining. Adults will enjoy this as well. It totally filled that Roswell void. Want to try out a fun light read about Aliens...give this series a try! Take if for what it is and I think you'll enjoy it.
There is bonus material at the end of the book that you'll want to read. Two scenes from Daemons POV. Sweet!
jennifervu's review against another edition
4.0
I loved Half-Blood so when I heard about Obsidian, I immediately bought it!
This book did not disappoint! I loved the witty banter and the playful dance that all couples do before they're together. (You know what I mean?)
The reason for the four-star is that I felt that this book started off slowly and by the time it was at a normal pace, the book was already over!
I did love the special chapter from Daemon's pov.
This book did not disappoint! I loved the witty banter and the playful dance that all couples do before they're together. (You know what I mean?)
The reason for the four-star is that I felt that this book started off slowly and by the time it was at a normal pace, the book was already over!
I did love the special chapter from Daemon's pov.
azidy's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
tartbarbie's review against another edition
5.0
I decided it was time to join the rest of the world and start the Lux Series. It was a perfect fit for my words with friends challenge also bonus points. Katy is a book reviewing blogger who has moved to West Virginia three years after her father passed away. Her mother decided it was time to move on even if it is right before the start of her senior year. At least she has her books and blog to keep her busy. Her mother is dead set that she gets away from her blog and starts living her life, pushing her to meet their neighbors who happen to be a boy and girl her age.
To get her mom off her back she heads over but is confronted by the most gorgeous guy she’s ever seen, who is your typical jerk. After her confirmation with her neighbor she heads to the only grocery store in town to do some shopping but his sister finders her. Yet Dee is nothing like her brother instead she’s intent on becoming Katy’s new best friend. The duo becomes fast friends but when Dee heads out of town all the sudden she pushes her brother Daemon into being nice to Katy. Dee is determine for Daemon to also place nice with Katy and forces the two together.
Katy is conflicted over her hot neighbor because she can’t help hating him even if she does find him attractive. When Katy is attacked outside the library it’s Daemon who comes to her rescue and secrets that have long been kept a secret start to come out. Now Katy knows she’s living next door to aliens but it doesn't change her feelings about Dee and Daemon. As if almost dying once wasn't enough the they learn that three more Arum are closing in. All will be tested as they try to keep Katy alive as well as themselves without killing each other.
I love Katy she’s so easy to connect with plus all her little blogging references make me giggle. She’s a strong independent, smart character with a wit to battle Daemon. I love the she’s not swooning over, Daemon it’s a true love hate relationship. The other characters in the book enhance the story my two favorite Dee is the best friend everyone wants, Ash the girl you can’t help disliking right from the start. I have high hopes for the future of Katy and Daemon, can’t wait to see their relationship progress.
Obsidian is a captivating story that had me right from the start refusing to let go till the last page and leaving me wanting more. An intricate story mixing action, suspense, aliens, romance, bad guys, a book reviewer and one sexy guy to create an amazing series. I love the unique alien concept I've only read a few but alien books but this one by far is by far superior to the rest. The characters are loveable, easy to connect with and one is even swoon worthy but don’t tell him that he’s arrogant enough. I think the way the author created a character that we can relate to on a new level as a blogger is a brilliant idea. The book is a beautiful well written story that flow from start to finish. An entertaining story that teens as well as adults will fall in love with. I had a hard time putting Obsidian down; I ended up staying up late reading till I fell asleep only to finish in the morning. I just really loved Obsidian and I’m tickled that I have the next two on the shelf I need to read them before the fourth comes out. I can’t wait to read more about Katy and Daemon. A must read if you like a paranormal romance. I had to be careful while writing this review I felt like I could babble on about the book for pages, and didn't want to give too much away.
To get her mom off her back she heads over but is confronted by the most gorgeous guy she’s ever seen, who is your typical jerk. After her confirmation with her neighbor she heads to the only grocery store in town to do some shopping but his sister finders her. Yet Dee is nothing like her brother instead she’s intent on becoming Katy’s new best friend. The duo becomes fast friends but when Dee heads out of town all the sudden she pushes her brother Daemon into being nice to Katy. Dee is determine for Daemon to also place nice with Katy and forces the two together.
Katy is conflicted over her hot neighbor because she can’t help hating him even if she does find him attractive. When Katy is attacked outside the library it’s Daemon who comes to her rescue and secrets that have long been kept a secret start to come out. Now Katy knows she’s living next door to aliens but it doesn't change her feelings about Dee and Daemon. As if almost dying once wasn't enough the they learn that three more Arum are closing in. All will be tested as they try to keep Katy alive as well as themselves without killing each other.
I love Katy she’s so easy to connect with plus all her little blogging references make me giggle. She’s a strong independent, smart character with a wit to battle Daemon. I love the she’s not swooning over, Daemon it’s a true love hate relationship. The other characters in the book enhance the story my two favorite Dee is the best friend everyone wants, Ash the girl you can’t help disliking right from the start. I have high hopes for the future of Katy and Daemon, can’t wait to see their relationship progress.
Obsidian is a captivating story that had me right from the start refusing to let go till the last page and leaving me wanting more. An intricate story mixing action, suspense, aliens, romance, bad guys, a book reviewer and one sexy guy to create an amazing series. I love the unique alien concept I've only read a few but alien books but this one by far is by far superior to the rest. The characters are loveable, easy to connect with and one is even swoon worthy but don’t tell him that he’s arrogant enough. I think the way the author created a character that we can relate to on a new level as a blogger is a brilliant idea. The book is a beautiful well written story that flow from start to finish. An entertaining story that teens as well as adults will fall in love with. I had a hard time putting Obsidian down; I ended up staying up late reading till I fell asleep only to finish in the morning. I just really loved Obsidian and I’m tickled that I have the next two on the shelf I need to read them before the fourth comes out. I can’t wait to read more about Katy and Daemon. A must read if you like a paranormal romance. I had to be careful while writing this review I felt like I could babble on about the book for pages, and didn't want to give too much away.
kdoss2707's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5 It was pretty good just long and alittle repetitive. I’m hopeful the next book will be better and the relationship will grow more. If not I may not finish the series.
multicoloredbookreviews's review against another edition
5.0
Fan-freakin-tastic. I stayed up reading till like 4 in the morning, only a really good book can keep awake that long, so it definitely deserves 5 stars! If you are reading this, go get that book! I can assure you you won't be dissapointed.
aplw's review against another edition
4.0
4.5
this reminds me of I am Number Four a bit, better than expected
this reminds me of I am Number Four a bit, better than expected