Review: Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout


Opal by: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Goodreads Synopsis:

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

Review:

I honestly did not think that anything could top Onyx (see review here) as my favorite book of 2012. Of course, December came around and Opal came out, and I was sure wrong. Opal was even more amazinger than Onyx.

After the sad events at the end of Onyx, the atmosphere surrounding the Lux aliens is definitely gloomy, with the whole group reeling from the loss of a loved one. Also, with the return of Blake, Daemon and Katy have no idea who to trust. With the Department of Defense’s secret organization testing and hurting hybrids, Dawson will do anything to get Bethany back. Can Daemon and Katy help Dawson without any harmful repercussions?

Katy gets stronger and stronger, physically and emotionally, every book. She learns to harness her powers even better and will stop at nothing to help the ones she loves. She does not let the fact that she is human deter her from whatever and whomever she needs to beat down. She has finally let her guard down and lets Daemon in. It really is great to see her positive development over the past 2 books. She also still hates anyone telling her what to do. Katy definitely holds her own against Daemon, and I adore Katy very much. Definitely my favorite heroine ever.

Daemon is the perfect mix of sexiness, sweetness, and snarkiness. I love him more and more every book, if that’s even possible. He is very protective of Katy and will do anything for her, no matter the cost. He is still his sarcastic and butt face self, but he is the most good-looking butt face ever. In this book, he shows all the sacrifices he is willing to make to be with Katy. It is awe-inspiring and so damn sweet, and the cliffhanger…I wouldn’t want to be anyone who crosses Daemon.

Although I absolutely adore the two main protagonists, Armentrout has a fantastic mix of a supporting cast. Dee is not the same Dee as the first two books and with good reason. She is hurting and sad, but I love her the same. Blake again(!) is a total wildcard. I’ll never understand his intentions and quite frankly I don’t like him. I love the relationship between Katy and her mother; it is sweet and Katy means the world to her. She needs to find her own happiness.

The first book was focused on the Arum, the bad aliens, while the second book was more focused on the Department of Defense. Unfortunately, there is a mix of these two evils in Opal, which is not such a good thing. There is a perfect mix of action, with many super steamy moments thrown in there. I love the writing and being able to be in Katy’s head. She is definitely unique and her voice is refreshing. And of course, I can’t leave out the romance, my favorite part of the book. All the walls that were previously up between Katy and Daemon have been destroyed and there are no obstacles between them. They have their snarky moments between each other, I would be worried if they didn’t, but they also have the sweetest scenes. I fell in love with Daemon all over again.

I am dying for Origin after that sucky cliffhanger. But, I am ecstatic that it will be in Katy and Daemon’s POV! I want to get into that horribly sexy head of his very much. All I can say is to his enemies…watch out.

Favorite Swoon-worthy Quote: The kiss started off tentative and smooth. Silky kisses created a yearning that was becoming all too familiar. The sensation of his lips against mine, the knowledge of what I wanted, sparked deep inside us and our hearts picked up together, beating heavily and fast. I let myself fall into that kiss, drown in it, become it. The swelling wave of feelings was hard to process.
Opal (Lux, #3)
Rating: 5/5 Tar Heels!

Showcase Sunday (15)


Showcase Sunday (15):
Hosted by the lovely Books, Biscuits and Tea, the aim of Showcase Sunday is to highlight our newest books bought in bookstores, borrowed from the library, or ‘stole’ from a friend!

Bought:
~Opal (Lux #3) by: Jennifer L. Armentrout – I needed a print copy!


For Review:
What did you get this week? Let me know!

Review: Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson


Valkyrie Rising by: Ingrid Paulson
Goodreads Synopsis:

Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: a tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she’ll finally get out from under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she’s there.

What Ellie doesn’t anticipate is Graham’s infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and that strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, there’s suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it’s up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them.

Deadly legends, hidden identities, and tentative romance swirl together in one girl’s unexpectedly-epic coming of age.

Review:

I’ve never read about Valkyries of course, so I had no idea what to expect from this book. I absolutely adored everything about it, from the Norse mythology to the kick-ass fight scenes and to the fun romance!

Ellie goes to visit her grandmother in Norway for one summer, but she expects that she will be super bored the whole time. But when she gets there, she finds out that young boys have suddenly vanished out of thin air. Her smothering but loving brother, Graham, disappears without a trace, and it is up to Ellie and Tuck, Graham’s frustrating but alluring best friend, to find him.

Ellie is a pretty shy girl at first because her brother is kinda overprotective, especially when it comes to her social life. Going to Norway and having to deal with really hard things without her brother was a blessing for her. She really grew up and discovered herself, something that might not have been possible with Graham watching her. After learning the truth about her heritage, she was not scared by anything, and it was really refreshing to watch her stand up to people I’d be frankly scared to death of. I really loved her as a heroine!

Tuck…oh my Tuck! He is hilarious and all girls pretty much swoon over him….me included. He may be super sarcastic most of the time, but he definitely has his sweet and adorable moments that made me fall in love with him. When faced with overwhelming adversity, he does not give up and will do anything to protect Ellie. I really love how involved he was in finding Graham; he really does play a pivotal role. All in all, I adore Tuck.

Graham is very good-looking and very popular, which leads Ellie to wonder if they are even related. Graham always has Ellie’s best intentions in his mind, although he can be a bit overprotective. It was weird to see how the tables turned once he disappeared. Instead of him taking care of Ellie, she had to take care of him. They really do have a wonderful sibling relationship, and he cares for her deeply. Ellie’s grandma is a total badass. That’s pretty much the only way I can describe her. She’s loving and funny, and she is a pretty normal grandma, of course with a lot of secret abilities.

I loved the very original premise of Valkyries and Norse mythology, with gods like Loki (I just always think of Tom Hiddleston…swoon) and Odin. The plot was exciting, with a couple of unexpected twists thrown in there. The romance is amazing of course. I just love how it has developed over many years. They are very sarcastic with each other, but they trust each other totally, which is especially important in their relationship…I don’t wanna give away why.

This was a wonderful read, and I hope very much it will eventually become a sequel! You will too, don’t worry. As you can see, there are many reasons that this book made my top 10 favorite books of 2012 (see list here)! I hope you’ll do yourself a favor and read this incredible book!

Favorite Swoon-worthy Quote: When Tuck kissed me, it was a question -  a question I’d known the answer to for so long. And I had my response at the ready. My fingers traced along the muscles in his arms as they tightened around me, to where they joined his shoulders, and finally came to rest around his neck. So that he could never get away. It was impossible to imagine ever letting him go, and from the way his body wrapped around mine, I knew he was thinking the same thing.
Valkyrie Rising (Valkyrie, #1)
Rating: 4.5/5 Tar Heels!

Top 10 of 2012 Day 5: Top 10 Most Anticipated Books of 2013!


Top 10 of 2012 Day 5: Top 10 Most Anticipated Books of 2013!
Hosted by Two Chicks on Books, Fiktshun, Confessions of a Bookaholic, A Life Bound By Books, and Magical Urban Fantasy Reads! Every day this week has a new topic, either favorite books or covers of 2012 and more! Stay tuned for more Top 10 lists!

1.    Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare: Is there any question why I am excited for this book? TEAM JEM!
2.     Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout: I am still reeling from that cliffhanger and I just want everything to be okay! I love me some sexy Daemon.
 (No Cover Yet!)
3.     Dare You To by Katie McGarry: I loved the scenes with Beth in them from Pushing the Limits, and I cannot wait to see more of her history and her future in this book!
4.    Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout: Another JLA cliffhanger! If you haven’t, read Elixir, Aiden’s novella. It shall soothe your mind…a bit.
5.     The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead: Mead released the first two chapters of this book and it made me even more excited, if that’s possible. This series is rivaling my love for the Vampire Academy series, and that’s a great love.
6.     A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard: I miss the Empress Eleanor and the inventor Daniel so much! I’ll rush to the store to buy this installment, no doubt.
7.     Ashes on the Waves by Mary Lindsey: I’ll read absolutely anything concerning Edgar Allan Poe, and this looks so good. This cover is breathtaking!
8.     The Collector by Victoria Scott: Dante Walker seems irresistible, and I am sure I will think so as well!
9.     Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins: I want more Kaiden. Like now!
10. Earthbound by Aprilynne Pike: I really adored her Wings series, and this looks equally as wonderful!

What books are you looking forward to in 2013? Comment and let me know!