Onyx (Lux, #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Onyx (Lux, #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: August 14, 2012 by Entangled Publishing
Received: ARC for review from the publisher - thank you!

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. {goodreads.com}

I am OBSESSED.. completely & utterly compelled to this story like nothing else I've ever read.  Ok well maybe like a few things... but for the time being this series by Jennifer Armentrout has consumed my literary heart.  I read the first book, Obsidian, not long ago & immediately I was itching to get my hands on an ARC of the second book, Onyx.  You must understand my excitement when I received an email from the publisher granting me access to it.  There were arms flailing, silent screams happening.. all while at work.  I was one happy book blogger :)

Onyx picks up right where Obsidian left off.  I was immediately sucked back in to how crazy things ended in the first book.  To avoid potential spoilers I will just say this, the action does not let up - not one bit!  The consequences of what went down in that field at the end of the first book are slammed in to the faces of both Katy and Daemon.  Katy no longer lives in a "normal" world.  Her life has forever changed and now she's presented with new obstacles that have the potential to destroy her and those she cares about most.

My love for sci-fi sparked a flame in the first book, but it wasn't until the second book that I really started to discover the capabilities of what these alien creatures could do.  I think the reason why I am so drawn to this story is because they all appear to be so... normal.  Living mundane lives, with drama-filled teenage problems.  But then out of nowhere you're reminded of their super-power strengths and intriguing worlds they've ventured from.

The passion in this book went to a whole new level.  I had some reservations about Daemon in the first book.  Yes, he's hot - that point is obvious.  But he was also a total d-bag that left me second guessing myself.  How on earth could I find THAT attractive?!  And how stupid is Katy?? All of those thoughts are thrown out the window in this book because Daemon's true colors begin to show.  We see a more vulnerable side to him and begin to understand the reasons for why he acts the way he does.  And yes, I even found those a-hole moments to be a bit endearing.

There is a moment in this book that quite possibly is the most swoon-worthy moment I have ever read in a YA sci-fi/paranormal book.  I know that's putting a huge standard on it, but y'all... it's intense & and it made my poor little heart melt in to a sopping mess on the floor; only to solidify it back together, beaming with so much emotion.  *sigh*  Hint: it involves a Christmas tree.

I will warn you for the cliff-hanger ending though.  Yes, the story is somewhat wrapped up and we're still left with imposing threats - but I literally read the last line, went to click next on my nook, only to find a blank page, followed by acknowledgments.  I thought, WHAT?! That can't be it.  Oh but it is.  For this book anyway.  Jennifer Armentrout is a genius.  She will give you just enough to satisfy your taste and then walk away hungry for so much more... STARVING!  I adore this series and encourage everyone to read it.  This is what reading for pure entertainment is all about.