Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout (Page 3 of 12)

BOOK REVIEW: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

BOOK REVIEW: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash #2) by Jennifer L. ArmentroutA Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash #2)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Is Love Stronger Than Vengeance?

A Betrayal…

Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.

A Choice….

Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.

A Secret…

But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late.

Review:

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire was an epic continuation of the Blood and Ash Series. This story brought out all of my emotions! The laughter constantly floated out of me, I cried more tears then I could count, my smile was a permanent fixture on my face and at times uncertainty pooled in my chest. I loved every single minute of it! If you’re a fan of addictive fantasies, fearless heroines and the most enticing of book boyfriends, then you definitely need to add this one to your tbr!

He was both the villain and the hero, the monster and the monster-slayer.

This book picked up right where From Blood and Ash stopped. Deceit and lies swirled around Poppy. So much of what she thought was true wasn’t. Her Kingdom, Hawke, to even herself. My heart ached watching her come to terms with it all. But Poppy persevered. She was brave, fearless and faced challenged head on. She was someone that you could look up to and respect. And I loved listening to her voice as we traversed this new chapter of her life with her. Especially anytime she was near Casteel.

“Most people aren’t as insane as you,” I said in a throaty voice that wasn’t mine.
“That’s not a very nice thing to say.” He scraped harder with his sharp teeth, just below where he’d bitten me before, and I gasped as my body jerked. “And the truth is, you like my brand of insanity.”
My blood pounded through me in a dizzying push. “I don’t like anything about you.”
He laughed as his lips skimmed the side of my throat. “I love how you lie.”

Oh you guys, Casteel was the embodiment of intoxication. I am obsessed with him. I didn’t care that he could be cold and ruthless at times. I didn’t care that he could kill without a second thought. He did what he had to do to keep those he loved safe and to get what he wanted. So the way he protected and respected Poppy made my heart race. The way he spoke to her made me smile and laugh. And the way he looked or touched her set my soul on fire. Casteel is officially my favorite book boyfriend ever!

“Just pretend?” I trembled as the tips of his fingers skated down the side of my throat, around to the nape of my neck.
“Pretend.” His lips hovered above mine once more, right there, teasing.
I closed my eyes, my voice barely more than a whisper. “Yes.”

This story was filled with not only a physical, but an emotional journey. So I loved watching Poppy and Casteel figure out their way alone and together. There was the proposal, frightening creatures, horrific truths, obstacles that seemed impossible to breach and deals to be made. Trust, faith, and love shimmered across the pages but so did the uncertainty of their world, what was to come and their feelings for each other.

He claimed my lips as if he were staking a claim to my very soul. The possibility that he was already well on his way to doing so should’ve served as a dire warning, but I was far too immersed, far too gone at the feel of him, lost in how demanding his lips were.

Anytime Poppy and Casteel were together, I would find myself laughing, smiling or sighing. Well also tears a time or two orrrr more. But their relationship was so deep, so real. I loved how hard Poppy fought against Casteel. She tried her best to not cave, to not care for him. But he was Casteel, he was irresistible. So while they may fight, bicker, and wear masks around each other, at the end of the day they were perfectly imperfect together.

His forehead dropped to mine. “There is one more thing I need. Something that I’ve needed for days. Weeks. Months. Maybe forever.” The bridge of his nose brushed mine. “But I know you won’t allow it. Not like this.”
The pounding in my chest moved lower. “What…what have you needed for so long?”
You.”
I shuddered.

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire was seductive, addictive and mesmerizing. There was a fierceness to this story that consumed me. It was impossible to put down and not to feel everything all these characters did. We got to know characters deeper….I love Kieran! And we got to dive into their world and see so many things unfold that I can’t talk about. It’s killing me to keep quiet! A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire was absolutely breathtaking and I can’t recommend it enough!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Other Favorite Quotes:

“You’re beautiful when you’re quiet and somber, but when you laugh? You rival the sunrise over the Skotos Mountains.” – Casteel
“I have a lot of blood on my hands, Poppy. Sometimes, so much that I don’t think they’ll ever be clean. So much that I don’t know if I ever want them to be.”
The next time I saw Casteel, I was going to shove the stupid knife so far into his chest, he would have to dig it out.
“You don’t smell like that to me,” he murmured, and a shiver curled its way down my spine. “You smell like honeydew.”
Oh, my gods….

Reading Order & Links:

Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)


From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash Series) #1
Review:

Jen

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash Series) #2
Review:

Jen

The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash Series) #3
Review:
Jen

A Shadow in the Ember Ash (Flesh and Fire Series) 
#1
Review:

Jen

The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash Series) #4
Review:
Jen

A Light in the Flame (Flesh and Fire Series ) #2

Review:
Jen

A Soul of Ash and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) 
#5
Review:

Jen

A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire Series) #3
Review:
Jen

Visions of Flesh and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) #5.5
Review:
Jen

REVIEW: The Queen by Jennifer L. Armentrout

REVIEW: The Queen by Jennifer L. ArmentroutThe Queen by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

From #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes the next installment in her Wicked series.

The King must have his Queen....

Bestowed the forbidden Summer’s Kiss by the King of the Summer fae, Brighton Jussier is no longer just human. What she is, what she will become, no one knows for sure, but that isn’t her biggest concern at the moment. Now Caden, the King, refuses to let her go, even at the cost of his Court. When the doorway to the Otherworld is breached, both Brighton and Caden must do the unthinkable—not just to survive themselves, but also to save mankind from the evil that threatens the world.

Review:

The Queen was impossible not to devour in one sitting!  This story was emotional and packed with friendship, love, lies, secrets and betrayal.  It was a wonderful ending to the Wicked Series and that epilogue was more than I ever could have wished for.  So don’t tell Ivy and Ren, but this spin-off is my favorite series in their world.  Plus it left the door open to future spin-offs, which I’m keeping my fingers crossed for.  So if you love fantasy, romance or Jennifer L Armentrout’s books, then you definitely need to pick this one up!

I’d always dreamed about the kind of love where someone was willing to risk everything. I never thought I’d be on the receiving end of it, but I wanted it—wanted it so damn badly.
But was that kind of love worth everything?

With that huge announcement at the ending of The King, I desperately wanted to read this book.  But when we started to learn how the fae’s lives worked, I was shocked, just like Brighton.  It all felt so hopeless.  Brighton was left with the choice of her happiness, or the safety of the world.  All the while, she was still mentally suffering from when she was held captive.  Her flashbacks were suffocating.  But Brighton was rational, strong and knew what she had to do.  Even if it meant keeping Caden at arms length and hoping her heart wouldn’t shatter in the process.

He took a small, measured step forward. “But things are different. You have me now. You have all of me.”
It felt like a knife being shoved straight into my heart. His words shouldn’t make me feel that way. They should bring me nothing but happiness.
This isn’t fair.

I. Loved. Caden!  The King, Caden, was loving, protective, strong, loyal and intoxicating.  Even though the world rested on his shoulders, there was absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do to keep Brighton safe.  He cared so deeply and purely for her.  And as we got to see all that he would do for her, it made me fall that much deeper in love with him. I was obsessed.  Caden and Brighton seemed to be embedded into each other’s hearts and souls.  So how could he choose another?  And how could she deny him the truth?  It all felt like an impossible feat.

He took my face in his hands. “You hold a part of my soul, Brighton. You are my everything. Nothing will change that. Ever.”

With the appearance of so many favorites from the previous books and series, The Queen had it all.  Tink made me laugh so much that my sides hurt.  I loved that there was lots of laughter in the pages, but there was also so much that made my heart hurt.  This book was definitely heavier on the emotional aspect, then the action.  But it still felt like there was danger around the corner.  And I just want to say, I knew it!!  This book wrapped up with an epilogue that absolutely breathtaking.  And the door is wide open for future spinoffs, since there are some unanswered questions.  So yes, I absolutely recommend this series.  Just be prepared to not be able to put The Queen down!!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)

The Prince   #1

Review:
Jen

The King #2

Review:
Jen

The Queen   #3

Review:
Jen

REVIEW: Rage and Ruin (The Harbinger #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

REVIEW: Rage and Ruin (The Harbinger #2) by Jennifer L. ArmentroutRage and Ruin (The Harbinger #2)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Half-angel Trinity and her bonded gargoyle protector, Zayne, have been working with demons to stop the apocalypse while avoiding falling in love. The Harbinger is coming…but who or what is it? All of humankind may fall if Trinity and Zayne can’t win the race against time as dark forces gather.

As tensions rise, they must stay close together and patrol the DC streets at night, seeking signs of the Harbinger, an entity that is killing Wardens and demons with no seeming rhyme or reason. Forbidden to be with each other, Zayne and Trinity fight their feelings and turn to unusual sources for help—the demon Roth and his cohorts. But as deaths pile up and they uncover a sinister plot involving the local high school and endangering someone dear to Zayne, Trin realizes she is being led…herded…played for some unknown end. As anger builds and feelings spiral out of control, it becomes clear that rage may be the ruin of them all.

Review:

Rage and Ruin brimmed with emotions, secrets, twists and lots of charm.  Not only did this story have so much heart but it made me laugh, smile, cry and I even got the chills a few times.  I loved that their world had a richness and depth to it that I could easily visualize.  And I was obsessed with these characters that felt like my friends.  So if you love paranormal romance stories then definitely add this series to your tbr.

“I don’t know if I can do this,” I admitted in a whisper.
“I know you can,” he insisted, and my next breath came out shaky. “I don’t have a single doubt in my mind.”
I wished I could see him. His eyes. His face. See how he was looking at me, because if I could see that faith he had in me, then maybe I could feel it.

Something out there was hunting demons and Wardens.  It was referred to as the Harbinger.  And while Trinity, a half human half angel, and Zayne, a gargoyle, patrolled at night, it seemed to toy with them.  Deaths happened around them and there was nothing they could do to stop it.  They teamed up with up with demons and other acquaintances and it all led them down an addictive path where I had to know what happened next.  With emotions running high and so much unknown, it felt like everything could explode around Trinity and Zayne at any minute.

A kiss so chaste , so sweet that it shouldn’t have undone me, but it did. The kiss rattled me to my core, just as his words had.

Not only did Trinity have to deal with hunting down the Harbinger, but she was in a dark, haunted place.  She struggled from Misha’s death and betrayal.  What Trinity had to do cut into her soul.  And I understood her avoiding those she loved.  It was easier for her to keep everything locked inside, even though it was unhealthy.  Since the story was told from just Trinity’s POV, I connected so deeply with her.  Her emotions became my own and I hurt for her.  I understood why she acted the way she did, even when she was insecure or jealous at times.  This story was a huge emotional journey for Trinity, but she grew so much in these pages.  And a lot of that was because of Zayne.

I’m not trying to make it easy.
Those were his words— words that couldn’t mean what I thought they did— but the longer he held my stare, the more uncertain I became.

Zayne was such a tortured soul who spoke to my heart.  He pulled me under his spell anytime he was around.  So when Zayne would say or do stuff that felt more than friendship or was extremely thoughtful, I paused right along with Trinity.  Because while Zayne didn’t always lay his emotions out there, his actions and gestures spoke volumes.  And I’m one who loves to hunt and dig to figure out how a character feels.  It helped at times that they could feel what the other felt, through the bond, but it wasn’t always cut and dry.  Because ultimately when everything was broken down, Trinity and Zayne were forbidden.  They were not meant to ever be.

“You’re under my skin and in my blood. I can’t get you out.” – Zayne

While Zayne and Trinity were attracted to each other and felt possibly more, ultimately they were stuck with each other till death.  She was a Trueborn and he was her Protector.  They didn’t have a choice of being in each other’s lives.  So doubt festered in the air for Trinity.  Even when sexual tension between them ran high.  And in those moments you could feel the electricity in the air.  But there were untold consequences if a Trueborn and a Protector were to be together, so the push and pull between them was sensually addictive.

“Angel Face?”
Sighing, I turned and bent down so that I could see into the car. “What, Demon Spawn from Hell?”
His lips quirked into a grin. “Just so you know, what I felt for Layla and what she felt for me was forbidden. That didn’t stop us.”

We got to see some of our past favorites from Storm and Fury.   Roth and Layla had a bigger role in this story!   Roth was still beyond sexy and smile inducing, and their love felt stronger than ever.  Plus we got to see Cayman and Bambi!  I just want to say the favor thing, ohhhhh I’m so ecstatic with how that turned out!  Stacey was also back, but I wasn’t the biggest fan of her this time.  You’ll see what I mean.  But my favorite thing about these characters being back was the bromance between Zayne and Roth.  They were really good at annoying one another lol, but at the end of the day, they had each other’s backs.  It made my heart so happy!

The taste of him branded my skin, the feel of him as I slid a hand down his chest, over the tight muscles of his stomach and even lower, tattooed itself into me, and the sound of his groan echoed like a prayer.

Rage and Ruin had a climatic ending that left me desperately wanting to grab that next book right away.  I cried my eyes out and had lost all hope.  But just wait.  Because the last few pages, oh they’ll change your world.  And leave you with a ton of questions lol.  Jennifer L Armentrout is beyond talented at giving us so much in a story but then also leaving us begging for more.  So if you love fantasy, paranormal or romance then definitely add this series to your tbr.  And if you want to understand the world even better then start back with Storm and Fury.  I can’t recommend both series enough!

I’d never heard him yell before. Ever. I focused on him, really looked at him, and for a ghost, he looked freaked-out. “What?”
Peanut drifted back a foot. “There’s something here— something in the apartment.”

PS Peanut made me laugh out loud. He cracked me up and added so much light to this story!  But his moments of seriousness gave me the chills.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)

Storm and Fury #1
Reviews:

Jen
 
Rage and Ruin   #2
Reviews:

Jen

Grace and Glory #3
Reviews:

Jen

BOOK REVIEW: From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

BOOK REVIEW: From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash #1)  by Jennifer L. ArmentroutFrom Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash #1)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.


Review:

From Blood and Ash is my favorite book ever! The story was layered and the twists and turns were breathtaking. The sexual tension was absolutely perfect and the characters are forever etched into my heart. The storyline enchanted me and the action kept me glued to the pages. This book refused to be put down! If you love fantasy and romance, you definitely need to add this one to your tbr!

“You’re such a bad influence,” I murmured as I placed my hand in his.
Hawke curled his fingers around mine. The weight and warmth of his hand was a pleasant shock. “Only the bad can be influenced, Princess.”

The story started off racy, but the world they lived in could be so harsh. We were brought into a land with castles, Kings, Queens, Lords, Ladies, commoners and I was obsessed learning about it all. The Ascended ruled the land, and were given gifts from the Gods. They had fought a war hundreds of years ago, but were still plagued by the Atlantians who believed Prince Casteel should be the rightful ruler. He was said to be the reason behind most of the death that was brought to their land. And the threat of creatures that were made out of nightmares always felt a breath away. While Poppy had a past with them, she wouldn’t let fear rule her present or future!

“We’re going to walk out of here,” he said. “You’re not going to make a sound, and you’re not going to give me any trouble, are you, Maiden?”
My fingers closed around the smooth, cool handle of the dagger. I shook my head no.

Penellaphe, aka Poppy, is my favorite heroine! She was chosen by the Gods to be the Maiden. She spent her life being veiled and protected at all costs. She wasn’t allowed to socialize, besides with her maid Tawny, who I loved! And she wasn’t to be spoken to or even touched. Her life felt so lonely at times. But underneath what everyone else saw, was a girl who could easily hold her own. Poppy was fierce, brave, a fighter, and extremely brave! And I loved listening to her thoughts. She was so easy to click with and feel her emotions, especially when it came to Hawke!

“You’re an absolutely stunning, murderous little creature.”

I have betrayed all of my other book boyfriends because of Hawke Flynn. He felt like a mix between Aiden and Roth, yet he was even sexier and more forward. So Hawke was honor, respect, completely addictive and absolutely beautiful. Of course I was obsessed with him. Hawke was a guard and his interactions with Poppy had me smiling, sighing and laughing out loud. I loved that he could be seductive and sexy, and then in the next moment he was protective and thoughtful. Plus he had this ability to be sarcastic and also put people in their place, it made me love him that much harder. I didn’t care that I knew so very little about him, all I cared about is how he made me feel.

I couldn’t help but shiver when his eyes finally met mine.
“You’re so damn beautiful,” he whispered, his voice thick. “And so damn unexpected.”

When Poppy and Hawke were around each other, their antics and sexual tension had me over the moon happy. They messed with each other, and I loved how Hawke called her Princess. But neither could deny that there was a strong attraction between them. It almost felt like it was something more, especially since the friendship was so easy between them. But as the story progressed, moments between them were erotic and scorching hot! Their chemistry was steamy, even when they didn’t have the easiest path.

I knew what the consequences could be. I knew what I was, and what was expected of me, and I knew I could no longer be that. It wasn’t what I wanted in life. It had never been my choice.
But this…this I wanted.
Hawke was who I wanted.
This was my choice.

As the story unfolded, we got to see how layered it truly was. There were twists and turns. And while I saw some coming, others completely shocked me to my core. And that didn’t even include the deaths. Some I cheered at the top of my lungs for and others my sobs were inconsolable. I stared in shock at the pages, never once thinking that things would play out how they did. It felt like it twisted in the wrong way. But just wait, because by the end of From Blood and Ash I was screaming with happiness. I loved how things ended up and it made so much sense for how the story played out. So hold on, because it was an extremely emotional road and I loved every single tear, smile and sigh it pulled from me. This story was truly brilliant!

“When you listen to me, I think the stars will fall.” He followed me down so he spoke just above my ear. “I wish I could capture this moment somehow.”

From Blood and Ash is my favorite Jennifer L. Armentrout book! I loved how there was lightness and darkness mixed together in this story. I loved how I would go from laughing and sighing to crying my eyes out. I loved every single moment in this book, even the ones that gutted me. I can’t recommend this book enough!

My other favorite quotes:

Hawke’s gaze remained fastened on mine as he stepped forward. “Both halves are as beautiful as the whole.”
My lips parted on a sharp inhale. I couldn’t even look to see what the Duke’s reaction was, though I was sure it was nothing short of cataclysmic.
Hawke sensed my move and shifted, blocking my knee with his thigh. “You’re so incredibly violent.” He paused. “I think I like it.”
“Let me go!” I seethed.
“And be kicked or stabbed?” He shoved his leg between mine, preventing any future kicks. “We’ve already covered that, Princess. More than once.”
“I will kill them,” he whispered. “I will fucking kill them all.”
I didn’t think he was talking about the old scars.
Then I wasn’t thinking at all.
“Promise me,” he said, seeming to not hear me as he lifted his head. His gaze snagged with mine. “Promise me you won’t forget this, Poppy. That no matter what happens tomorrow, the next day, next week, you won’t forget this—forget that this was real.”
I couldn’t look away. “I promise. I won’t forget.”
He lifted his chin, kissing my forehead. He leaned back, sliding his thumb along my jaw. “You deserve so much more than what awaits you.”

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Reading Order & Links:

Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)


From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash Series) #1
Review:

Jen

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash Series) #2
Review:

Jen

The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash Series) #3
Review:
Jen

A Shadow in the Ember Ash (Flesh and Fire Series) 
#1
Review:

Jen

The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash Series) #4
Review:
Jen

A Light in the Flame (Flesh and Fire Series ) #2

Review:
Jen

A Soul of Ash and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) 
#5
Review:

Jen

A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire Series) #3
Review:
Jen

Visions of Flesh and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) #5.5
Review:
Jen

BOOK REVIEW: The Burning Shadow (Origin #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

BOOK REVIEW: The Burning Shadow (Origin #2) by Jennifer L. ArmentroutThe Burning Shadow (Origin #2)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the world of the Lux with The Burning Shadow, the steamy, shocking second installment of the Origin series that will leave readers reeling.

When Evelyn Dasher crossed paths with Luc, she was thrown headfirst into the world of the Lux―only to discover that she was already far more involved in their world than she ever suspected.

Because the Luxen aren’t the only ones with a hidden past. There’s a gap in Evie’s memory, lost months of her life and a lingering sense that something happened, something she can’t remember and nobody is willing to tell her. She needs to find out the truth about who she is―and who she was. But every answer she finds only brings up more questions.

Her search for the truth brings her ever closer to Luc, the Origin at the center of it all. He’s powerful, arrogant, inhumanly beautiful, extremely dangerous…and possibly in love with her. But even as Evie falls for him, she can’t help but wonder if his attraction is to her, or to the memory of a girl who no longer exists.

And all the while, a new threat looms: reports of a flu-like, fatal virus that the government insists is being spread by Luxen. A horrifying illness that changes whoever it touches, spreading panic across a country already at its breaking point.

Review:

The Burning Shadow was absolutely brilliant.  It started out slow and steady and grew into an intricate story that was deep and emotional.  I loved the ties into the Lux Series and that we got to see all of our old friends.  It felt like coming home.  But this book toyed with my emotions in the best way ever!  Lies, love, betrayal, friendship and secrets splashed across the pages and it was beyond impossible to put this book down.

“Evie.” Luc said my name as if it were a prayer and a curse.
I took a breath, but it went nowhere. His forehead touched mine, and I swore my heart stopped right then and there.

Within those first few pages, I was already laughing so hard.  That’s because the story started right where The Darkest Star ended.  With Evie’s mom, Sylvia, making lunch for Evie and Luc.  Sylvia and Luc butted heads in the most horrific ways.  They were a disaster in the making and I couldn’t look away from that train wreck or stop the laughs that were bubbling out of me.

I wanted him to kiss me. I wanted to lose myself in him. I wanted to forget, and I wanted to remember.

From there, we were taken on the most epic adventure.  So I was beyond grateful that Evie and Luc got moments where they could sit back for a few minutes and enjoy each other.  Their banter was smile inducing, but they also had these deep, emotional conversations that gutted and elated me.  Especially when Luc gave Evie little pieces of her past.  It felt like we truly got to know everything there was about them and they brought so many emotions out of me.  It wasn’t a surprise that I kept finding myself with tears falling down my face.

“Tell me what you want.” His lips brushed mine in the darkness. “You need to say the words, Evie.”
“You,” I whispered into the space between our mouths, while my heart beat so fast I didn’t understand how it could keep going. “I want you.”

But there was also heart pounding action that made it feel like I was standing on the edge of the cliff.  I was so scared I was going to fall with them down into the abyss, so I was that glued to the pages.  And as the story unfolded, we were given little clues.  When those clues started to come together I literally had chills.  And while some of the twists I figured out, a few of them knocked me on my butt.  My mind was blown.  So hold on because this book turned into a wild and twisted ride.

“You,” he spoke. “It’s only ever been you. Before. Now. Later. There’s been no one else. There . . . just can’t be.”

Luc is still holding onto my number one spot for favorite book boyfriend ever (sorry Daemon!).  The lengths he would go to protect the ones he loved was astronomical.  He did everything to keep them safe, and while sometimes it was selfish, I loved him more for it.  I also loved that he had no idea how to be modest lol.  With hysterical t-shirts, cheesy pickup lines, and being naughty and listening into Evie’s thoughts I seriously loved everything about him.  Even when he was a little too matter of fact or being violent.  His actions shouldn’t have made me laugh, broken hand scene cough cough, but it’s Luc.  I couldn’t help smiling and laughing every time he was around.

“Because I’ve already waited forever for this— for you. I’ve done nothing but watch and wait, and I am not walking away again. If I kiss you, if I touch you again, I will not be able to go back to the way things are now.” The next breath he took trembled as much as I was. “I won’t be able to pretend that you aren’t my everything.”
I couldn’t breathe.

Evie was on a huge emotional journey and grew so much!  She definitely struggled trying to figure out who she truly was.  She had her past and Evelyn Dashed mixed into who she was and my heart hurt for her.  But Evie was strong, resilient and she grew in leaps and bounds.  I was rooting for her every step of the way!  And I loved that she never once lost her confidence, snark or sassiness!

Daemon was quiet for a long moment. “Luc and I would do anything to protect the people we love.”
I stilled, unable to take more than a shallow breath as I stared at the male Luxen. I didn’t know how to respond to that.
“I would beg, plead, barter, and kill to protect Kat,” he continued, voice low, but every word struck me like thunder. “Nothing in this world would stop me, and there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do— and it’s the same for Luc when it comes to you.”

The side characters rounded out this story perfectly.  Zoe was the ultimate bff, I loved Heidi too and everyone from The Lux Series.  You guys.  My heart was elated with how many we got to see, I was screaming.  Ohhhh and be prepared because when Luc and Daemon go head to head, I didn’t know whether to laugh or hold my breath because of what would happen next.  So yes, I loved this book!  It definitely didn’t suffer from second book syndrome.  I loved every twist and turn and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next, The Burning Shadow will definitely keep readers hooked and become an instant favorite!

“Evie.” Luc’s voice was quiet but strong.
Drawing in a deep breath, I nodded. “I’m okay. I’m ready.”
And then I stepped forward, hand in hand with Luc, into the unknown.

PS Diesel gets a part in this book and it was so perfect!

PPS I love their Halloween costumes!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)


The Darkest Star #1
Reviews:

Jen
 
The Burning Shadow   #2
Reviews:

Jen

The Brightest Night
   #3
Reviews:

Jen
« Older posts Newer posts »

© 2024

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑