Book #90 - Onyx (Lux #2)

Onyx (Lux #2), Jennifer Armentrout
376 pages
paranormal romance
Started 8/12/12
Finished 8/12/12
5 STARS

When I attended YA Fest earlier in the month and had the opportunity to meet Jennifer Armentrout, one of the coolest things she told me was that Onyx was being released before its official scheduled August 14 release date. What? I came home and pre-ordered it the very next day. And, sure enough, it arrived on my doorstep on August 9! But, first, I wanted to do a re-read of Obsidian (Lux #1) just so I was fresh on all the details.

Onyx picks up where Obsidian left off. Daemon and Katy are still at each others' throats, although Daemon is determined to convince Katy that she really is in love with him. All that while a new guy pulls into town. Meanwhile, there appears to be a threat bigger than they ever imagined. Especially when Katy sees someone that is supposed to be dead. In addition, Katy starts sparking some freaky powers of her own.  

Onyx was every bit as captivating as Obsidian was. Sometimes, I've found that sophomore efforts in a series are so blah. I mean, we know all the characters and most of their backstory. World building was done in book #1, so not a lot of that is necessary. At the end of Obsidian, it appeared that the greatest threat had been extinguished, so what conflict could there be? Armentrout did a fantastic job of creating new conflict and intrigue. She created a new and greater foe that threatens not only the Luxens, but the humans they become involved with. It's the perfect continuation.

Armentrout, thankfully, didn't have Katy and Daemon lulled into a holding pattern. The introduction of new characters kept their relationship exciting. Katy's new powers were also a new addition to the relationship that made it more complicated and more interesting.

I'm just so pleased with this book. After such an amazing first book, it could've fallen off the mark. But, it didn't. Armentrout found new ways to keep the story fresh and exciting. She kept me interested in the lives of our characters. And, most importantly, she has made me want more. Opal (Lux #3) comes out in December - the wait will be torture.