The cover for Onyx (Lux, #2) has a new look!

Onyx, the second book in the Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, is sporting a new look! I liked her previous cover (which you can find here), but this one is even better!

Onyx (Lux, #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: August 14, 2012

Summary (taken from Goodreads):

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.

Shadows, a prequel novella to the Lux series, will be released on Febraury 21, 2012. 


For more information about the Lux series or Jennifer L. Armentrout:

GoodReads / Blog / Twitter / Website / Facebook 

Half-Blood (Covenant, #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release Date: October 18, 2011

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Author Information: Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Genre: Paranormal, Mythology, Romance

Available Formats: Paperback, eBook

My Shelf: Own
Other Books in Series: Daimon (#0.5)

Buy the Book: Amazon

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Review:

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.

I have seriously not enjoyed a book this much in a long while. Holy crap.

There were two reasons why I bought this book (that was all it took). Usually, I will try reading the first few pages in the store to see if I like the writing style and see if the boos interests me at all. In this case, I did not even crack open the pages before buying. A book dealing with some Greek gods and half-bloods? I am all over it (thank you, Percy Jackson). The cover, in all of its luminescent glory, is breathtaking! I swear, I have bought more books this year for their pretty covers than ever before [sigh]. What kind of person have I become?? ><

To start off with, this book is written really well. I honestly could not put it down! From page 1, this book captured my attention and never let it go. The descriptions are awesome, the dialogue is witty and extremely well done, and the characters are easy to love and relate to. Overall, Armentrout did an EXTRAORDINARY job!

The characters are amazing! Alexandria, otherwise known as Alex, is a girl who takes no crap from anyone and has a plethora of smart aleck remarks that she can pull out of the air on command. In other words, she is my kind of girl. It is so nice to see a female character who does not rely on the men in her life to save her and faces her problems head on (which is oh-so-NOT-common nowadays in YA fiction *coughHalocough*). Sure, it sometimes gets her into trouble, but she manages in the end BY HERSELF. She is no damsel in distress, which is the main reason I like her so much. And then there is her male counterpart, Aiden. Oh, Aiden, how I could go on and on about you (where is my Aiden?!). I LOVE HIM. He is on my list of favorite male characters EVER. I am not even going to try and talk about him because I know I would not be able to stop. Forget being a pure blood, HE’S A FREAKIN’ GOD. And curly hair and silver eyes? That’s hot.

As a side note, can inventors quit trying to make time machines and instead make a device where book characters become real??? I could have Aiden, Jace, Ash, Four/Tobias, Percy, Adrian, Adam, and Bones! What a nice little harem that would make [insert dreamy sigh here].

I am really conflicted about how to rate this book. It is pretty obvious already, but I enjoyed every page of this book. And I think the reason why is because it is essentially Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series. Alex is Rose, Aiden is Dimitri, Caleb is Mason, Lea is Mia, Deacon is Adrian, etc. The story/social structure and plot elements were the same as well: a pure blood= Moroi, a half-blood=dhampire, a daimon=Strigoi, and Sentinels=Guardians. In the beginning of the book, Alex returns to the Covenant (just like Rose returns to the Academy), the relationship between Aiden and Alex is forbidden (just like the relationship between Rose and Dimitri is a big no-no),  Alex and Aiden almost ‘go all the way’ (just like Rose and Dimitri almost make it to home base), and the list goes on. If you have read VA, it is impossible not to notice. I loved and adored VA, and since these books are so similar, it is almost impossible for me not to like Half-Blood.

So as far as plot originality is concerned, there are certain parts and elements that are very much original, but the story and plot were a little too similar to Richelle Mead’s VA. But in Armentrout’s defense, there have been plenty of books that have been ripped off of other books and movies and still been a great read. I mean, hello, Hunger Games anyone? The story is a rehashing of Battle Royale (the dystopian version) and plenty of people loved it, just like me. So in terms of originality, the story was a little lacking, but in the end, it was immensely enjoyable. That’s what counts.

I am so excited for the sequel, Pure, due out April 2012. I have the date marked on Google Calendar already! Does that make me pathetic? (Please do not judge me.) It seems like the sequel will split away from the plot line of VA a little and we will see more Armentrout’s own plot twists, which I am super fired up for. I honestly cannot wait! Jennifer L. Armentrout, you have made a fan out of me.

A Great Escape!

The Cover for Deity (Covenant, #3) is Revealed!!

Jennifer L. Armentrout just revealed the cover for the third book in the Covenant series, Deity! (GORGEOUSNESS!!!)

A YA Heroine Contest is currently being held by The YA Sisterhood, and Alex from the Covenant series has been nominated and is currently up against Nora from the Fallen series by Lauren Kate. As thanks for the fans who nominated Alex, Armentrout and her publishers released the cover 5 months early!! Also, if Alex wins the contest, Armentrout will give us a steamy Aiden/Alex scene that takes place between Half-Blood and Pure, so get out there and vote, people! To vote, click here to go to the voting page.

There is currently another battle between Rose from Vampire Academy and Clara from Unearthly. To vote for either of them, go here!

Happy voting! :)

Obsidian Novella and vlog!!!

So yesterday on her blog, Jennifer L. Armentrout revealed that there would be a novella to the Lux series. The novella will be called Shadows with an expected release date of sometime in February 2012. Here is what she posted:

For those who follow me on twitter, you've seen some lines from the Obsidian novella I've been working on.  Here are some of the lines for your viewing pleasure. Keep reading, 'cuz I got news for you.

Sheer grit got him off the ground. Immeasurable stupidity had him bum rushing the thick shadow coming at him like a suped up bulldozer.

Because gosh, he kissed her like he’d been starving to do so.

Funny how seeing a culinary work of art go to waste made you mean as a sneak.

Breathless, she stared up at him and swallowed hard. “Okay. You have reflexes of a cat on steroids.”

“She makes me happy. And shouldn’t that make you happy? For me? Without her...yeah, it wouldn't even matter.”

Daemon strung together an atrocity of f-bombs. Quite imaginative, too, and even Matthew looked impressed.

There are some of the teasers I've given, but I've never, ever said who the book is actually about or what POVs you will be seeing in the novella. Details are below!

"Shadows"

Expected Publication 02/2012

Novella

Currently only planned in digital format w/ limited paper copies.

The story is told in 3 POVs.

Yes, one of them is Daemon.

But the story is really about two other characters introduced in Obsidian that are near and dear to my little heart.

The story is about Dawson and Bethany. Yep, Dawson as in Daemon's twin brother.

I am so, so excited for you to read their story, plus sharing Daemon pre-Obsidian, which is really cool. At some point, the cover and the official blurb will be shared.

In other news, Entangled will be launching a super awesome contest on Saturday. You guys are going to LOVE this. Also, it's been ages since I've done a vlog, so....

Tuesday Dec 13th 6:00pm EST

We can chat about Obsidian and Half-Blood or whatever

You can view my live vlog HERE

Hopefully I will have Pure ARCs to show and give away by then.

There was also an updated teaser of a scene between Daemon and Dawson:

The foyer was dark, and as he stopped, he frowned. Music thumped through the house. The lyrics Whoop, there it is! blasted from the speakers. He knew before he entered the living room that Daemon was listening to one of those TV channels that played nothing but music.

Sprawled across the couch, with his arms behind his head, Daemon moved his bare feet in perfect sync to the song.

Dawson’s brows arched up. “Whoop there it is?”

“What?” He tilted his head toward Dawson, grinning. “I like the song.”

“You have such questionable musical taste.”

“Don’t hate.”  

OH. MY. GOD. Jennifer L. Armentrout, you have just made my day! After reading Obsidian, I was really curious about what down with Dawson and Bethany, and it seems like my curiosity will finally be quenched. And I will definitely not object to getting some more Daemon. 

She also included these pics in her post (since they are purdy):

For more on Jennifer L. Armentrout and her books, check out her Goodreads page or blog!

To see my reviews for Obsidian and Half-Blood, click here!

Obsidian (Lux, #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Obsidian (Lux, #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release Date: December 6, 2011

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Author Information:  Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook 
Genre: Sci-fi, Paranormal
Available Formats: Paperback, eBook

My Shelf: Own

Buy the Book: Amazon

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.

Review:

Jennifer L. Armentrout, what have you done to me? I was perfectly fine until couple weeks ago, or at least until I read Half-Blood. I spent the next couple of days pining over Aiden and wishing I could find a man like him. And then you released Obsidian and introduced me to Daemon.

I am so far beyond being a lost cause it is not even funny. If he represents what aliens are really like, then they can feel free and come inhabit or take over the Earth anytime.

I am not even sure where to start. This book is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read! I could not put it down. When I finished it, I immediately wanted to read it again. I HAVE ALMOST NEVER WANTED TO READ A BOOK AFTER JUST FINISHING IT. In fact, I have already gone back and read certain parts a couple of times already! >< It was just that good.

Katy is forced to move to a new, out-in-the-boonies town and her next door neighbors just happen to be the crazy sexy Daemon and his sister, Dee. She immediately hates Daemon after a few of his snarky comments, but she quickly becomes best friends with Dee, thus being drawn into their lives. She soon finds out that they are aliens and her life becomes a bit more… interesting. The story itself is great and I love Armentrout’s explanation as to why Daemon and others have come to Earth.

However, the best part of the whole book is the amazing characters and awesome dialogue. I instantly liked Katy. She is AWESOME! She is an avid reader and even has her own book blog (just another reason to love her) and she instantly takes a dislike to Daemon. Daemon infuriates her and knows all the ways to push her buttons, but what I love about her is that she pushes back. She does not just roll with the punches, she doles them out. I love how she takes none of his crap and throws his snide remarks back in his face (and the spaghetti scene was EPICCC). Plus, her emotions and reactions are real. When she first discovers that Daemon is not exactly human, she does not get all goo-goo eyed and stare at him in awe. No, she does what any (relatively) normal person would do in a situation like that: she runs away. Seriously, if I just discovered the boy next door was an alien with the ability to stop time and tear hundreds of trees out of the ground without even moving, I do not think I would stick around very long. Daemon’s sister Dee was also great. She seemed like the perfect best friend to have!

But the spotlight stealer is none other than Daemon himself. He is hardheaded, arrogant, infuriating, and (just sometimes) a little douchey, but he is one of the best (and HOTTEST) male characters ever. There were moments where what he said would make me cringe or want to shank him (which I’m sure is also how Katy felt), but there was a reason for everything he did or said. He just wants to protect his sister and his race, and if it means being unkind and callous to one human girl, he will do it. I LOVED reading some scenes from his point of view at the end of the book. By getting his perspective of things, it made me understand why he acts the way he does and how he is not a total jerk. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love his character…. I just can’t. He is pure awesomeness wrapped in out-of-this-world sexiness. Let’s leave it at that.

When Daemon and Katy are together, the chemistry between them is just….crazy. I seriously have no idea how Armentrout did it, but it is wicked good. The dialogue between the two of them is super witty and I ate up every word. AND THE ANGST! OH GOD, THE ANGST! I cannot think of a moment where I have ever enjoyed angst this much. Everything about this book was brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.

The second book in the series, Onyx, is scheduled to come out sometime in May and I am so excited! The ending to Obsidian left me wanting more and May cannot come fast enough! I have to warn you, Mrs. Armentrout, you have created two dream men in Aiden and Daemon, and I will continuously be checking up on your blog for any info relating to the Covenant and Lux series for more of them (ahhhh, boys).

The Greatest Escape!

The Cover for Onyx (A Lux Novel, #2) is Revealed!

On December 5th, Jennifer L. Armentrout revealed the cover to Onyx, the second book in the Lux Series!

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies...

Onyz is tentatively scheduled for release May 2012 and I am so excited!! ><

The first book in the series, Obsidian, was released December 6.

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.

Do I need to say more?? If that is what aliens look like, then they can feel free to come and inhabit/take over Earth at anytime. There will be no objection from me!

If you have not read it yet, be sure to quickly add it to your to-read list! It was AMAZING! You can expect the book review to be out soon!

For more on Jennifer L. Armentrout, check out her Goodreads page or her blog!

Other books by Jennifer L. Armentrout (click on the title for Goodreads info):

Daimon (Covenant, #0.5)

Half-Blood (Covenant, #1)

Pure (Covenant, #2)

Cursed