Onyx (Saga LUX 2)

Por Jennifer L. Armentrout

Por fin la segunda entrega de la saga de extraterrestres que ha arrasado en Estados Unidos. Katy y Daemon descubrirán que nada es lo que parece.

"Diálogos chispeantes, personajes irrepetibles y una trama fascinante son los ingredientes perfectos para esta apasionante historia que te atrapará hasta el fi nal."
Silvia Hervás, escritora y bloguera

• Idioma: Español
• Editorial: Plataforma Neo
• Fecha de lanzamiento: 6 jun 2013
• ISBN: 9788415880301

Jennifer L. Armentrout

Jennifer L. Armentrout (also known as J. LYNN) is the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Wait for You and the Young Adult Lux and Covenant series, among other books. She writes steamy and fun New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. She is published with Entangled Teen and Brazen, SHP, Disney/Hyperion, and Harlequin Teen.

Vista previa del libro

JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT

ONYX

SAGA LUX

Libro dos

Traducción de Aida Candelario Castro

Título original: Onyx, publicada en inglés, en 2012, por Entangled Publishing, LLC, Fort Collins, CO (EE.UU.).

This translation published by arrangement with Entangled Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved

Primera edición en esta colección: junio de 2013

© 2012 by Jennifer L. Armentrout

© de la traducción, Aida Candelario, 2013

© de la presente edición: Plataforma Editorial, 2013

Plataforma Editorial

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Realización de cubierta:

Lola Rodríguez

Depósito Legal:  B. 10.145-2013

ISBN:  978-84-15880-30-1

Reservados todos los derechos. Quedan rigurosamente prohibidas, sin la autorización escrita de los titulares del copyright, bajo las sanciones establecidas en las leyes, la reproducción total o parcial de esta obra por cualquier medio o procedimiento, comprendidos la reprografía y el tratamiento informático, y la distribución de ejemplares de ella mediante alquiler o préstamo públicos. Si necesita fotocopiar o reproducir algún fragmento de esta obra, diríjase al editor o a CEDRO (www.cedro.org).

A los amantes de los libros

y a los blogueros literarios de todo el mundo

Contenido

Portadilla

Créditos

Dedicatoria

Capítulo 1

Capítulo 2

Capítulo 3

Capítulo 4

Capítulo 5

Capítulo 6

Capítulo 7

Capítulo 8

Capítulo 9

Capítulo 10

Capítulo 11

Capítulo 12

Capítulo 13

Capítulo 14

Capítulo 15

Capítulo 16

Capítulo 17

Capítulo 18

Capítulo 19

Capítulo 20

Capítulo 21

Capítulo 22

Capítulo 23

Capítulo 24

Capítulo 25

Capítulo 26

Capítulo 27

Capítulo 28

Capítulo 29

Capítulo 30

Capítulo 31

Capítulo 32

Capítulo 33

Capítulo 34

Capítulo 35

Capítulo 36

Agradecimientos

La opinión del lector

Otros títulos de la colección

Lola y el chico de al lado

Ojos azules en Kabul

CAPÍTULO 1

Transcurrieron diez segundos desde que Daemon Black se sentó hasta que me propinó un toquecito en la espalda con el dichoso boli. Diez segundos enteros. Me di la vuelta en la silla y aspiré aquel aroma a aire libre que lo caracterizaba.

Daemon apartó la mano y se dio golpecitos en la comisura de los labios con la tapa del bolígrafo. Unos labios que yo conocía perfectamente.

–Buenos días, gatita.

Me obligué a dirigir la mirada a sus ojos. Eran de un verde intenso, como el tallo de una rosa recién cortada.

–Buenos días, Daemon.

Unos mechones rebeldes de pelo oscuro le cayeron sobre la frente cuando ladeó la cabeza.

–No te olvides de que tenemos planes para esta noche.

–Lo sé. Estoy impaciente –respondí con tono seco.

Daemon se inclinó hacia delante, empujando el pupitre hacia abajo, y el jersey se le tensó sobre los anchos hombros. Oí cómo mis amigas Carissa y Lesa ahogaban una exclamación. Toda la clase nos observaba. Daemon levantó la comisura de sus labios, como si estuviera riéndose por dentro.

No pude soportar más aquel silencio.

–¿Qué pasa?

–Tenemos que deshacernos de tu rastro –dijo lo bastante bajo para que solo yo pudiera oírlo.

Gracias a Dios. No me apetecía nada intentar explicar a la gente normal lo que era ese rastro. «Bueno, es un residuo alienígena que se les pega a los humanos y los ilumina como si fueran un árbol de Navidad y actúa como una especie de faro para una malvada raza extraterrestre. ¿Quieres un poco?»

Ni de coña.

Cogí mi bolígrafo y me planteé clavárselo.

–Sí, ya me lo imaginaba.

–Y se me ha ocurrido una manera muy divertida de conseguirlo.

Ya suponía en qué consistía esa manera tan divertida: pegarnos el lote. Sonreí y sus ojos verdes brillaron.

–¿Te gusta la idea? –murmuró bajando la mirada hasta mis labios.

Una abrumadora oleada de deseo me provocó un estremecimiento por todo el cuerpo, y tuve que recordarme que el repentino cambio de actitud de Daemon tenía más que ver con el efecto que sus extrañas habilidades alienígenas tenían en mí que conmigo misma. Desde que Daemon me curó tras la batalla con los Arum, estábamos conectados, y aunque a él eso parecía bastarle para meterse en una relación, a mí no.

No era real.

Yo quería lo que habían tenido mis padres: amor eterno. Intenso y auténtico. No me conformaría con esa locura de vínculo extraterrestre.

–Ni lo sueñes, chaval –dije al fin.

–Es inútil que te resistas, gatita.

–Tan inútil como tus encantos.

–Ya veremos.

Puse los ojos en blanco y me volví hacia la parte delantera del aula. Daemon estaba como un tren, pero a veces me entraban ganas de matarlo, lo que hacía que me olvidara de lo guapo que era. Aunque no siempre.

Nuestro anciano profesor de Trigonometría entró arrastrando los pies y aferrando un grueso fajo de papeles mientras esperaba a que sonara la campana, que ya se retrasaba.

Daemon me dio otro toquecito con el boli.

Apreté los puños y pensé en ignorarlo, pero sabía que él seguiría insistiendo, así que me volví y lo fulminé con la mirada.

–¿Qué quieres, Daemon?

Se movió veloz como un rayo. Con una sonrisa que me provocó una sensación extraña en el estómago, me pasó los dedos por la mejilla mientras me sacaba una pelusilla del pelo.

Me quedé mirándolo.

–Cuando terminen las clases…

Se me pasaron por la cabeza todo tipo de locuras cuando su sonrisa adquirió un aire pícaro, pero no pensaba seguir con ese jueguecito. Puse los ojos en blanco y me di la vuelta. No me dejaría llevar por mis hormonas… ni por el modo en que aquel chico me sacaba de mis casillas.

Durante el resto de la mañana noté un ligero dolor detrás del ojo izquierdo, del que hice completamente responsable a Daemon. Cuando llegó la hora de la comida, me sentía como si me hubieran dado un buen mamporro en la cabeza. El ruido constante de la cafetería y la mezcla del olor a desinfectante y comida quemada hicieron que me entraran ganas de salir corriendo de allí.

–¿Vas a comerte eso? –Dee Black señaló el requesón con piña que seguía intacto en mi plato.

Negué con la cabeza y le pasé la bandeja. El estómago se me revolvió cuando mi amiga empezó a zamparse mi comida.

–Pareces un saco sin fondo. –En los oscuros ojos de Lesa se reflejó claramente la envidia mientras observaba a Dee. No la culpaba. Una vez vi a Dee comerse un paquete entero de galletas Oreo de una sentada–. ¿Cómo lo haces?

Dee encogió sus delicados hombros.

–Supongo que tengo un metabolismo rápido.

–¿Qué habéis hecho el fin de semana? –preguntó Carissa frunciendo el ceño mientras se limpiaba las gafas con la manga de la camisa–. Yo he estado rellenando solicitudes para la universidad.

–Pues yo he estado dándome el lote con Chad todo el fin de semana –soltó Lesa con una amplia sonrisa.

Las dos chicas nos miraron a Dee y a mí, esperando que explicáramos a qué habíamos dedicado el fin de semana. Supuse que no sería apropiado comentar lo de matar a un alienígena psicópata y casi morir en el intento.

–Quedamos y vimos películas malas –contestó Dee, quien me dirigió una leve sonrisa mientras se colocaba un mechón de reluciente pelo negro detrás de la oreja–. Nos aburrimos bastante, la verdad.

Lesa resopló.

–Pero qué sosas sois.

Empecé a esbozar una sonrisa, pero entonces noté un cálido hormigueo en la nuca. El sonido de la conversación se desvaneció a mi alrededor y, unos segundos después, Daemon ocupó el asiento situado a mi izquierda. Me colocó delante un vaso de plástico lleno de batido de fresa (mi preferido). Me dejó completamente asombrada recibir un regalo de Daemon, más aún tratándose de una de mis bebidas favoritas. Mis dedos rozaron los suyos cuando cogí el vaso y sentí que un chispazo de electricidad me recorría la piel.

Aparté la mano y di un sorbo. Estaba riquísimo. Quizá consiguiera que se me pasara el malestar. Y quizá pudiera acostumbrarme a ese nuevo Daemon que hacía regalos. Era mucho mejor que su otra versión, la que actuaba como un cretino.

–Gracias.

Sonrió a modo de respuesta.

–¿Y los nuestros? –bromeó Lesa.

Daemon se rió.

–Solo me dedico a complacer a una persona en particular.

Las mejillas me ardían mientras apartaba un poco la silla.

–No haces nada para complacerme.

Daemon se inclinó hacia mí, anulando la distancia que yo acababa de conseguir.

–Todavía no.

–¡Por el amor de Dios, Daemon, que estoy aquí! –exclamó Dee con el ceño fruncido–. Vas a hacer que pierda el apetito.

–Como si eso fuera posible –repuso Lesa poniendo los ojos en blanco.

Daemon sacó un bocadillo de la mochila. Todas las chicas de la mesa, salvo su hermana, se habían quedado mirándolo. Y algunos chicos también. Impasible, le ofreció una galleta de avena a Dee.

–¿No tenemos que hacer planes? –preguntó Carissa con las mejillas coloradas.

–Así es –respondió Dee sonriéndole a Lesa–. Grandes planes.

–¿Qué planes son esos? –Me pasé una mano por la frente húmeda.

–Dee y yo hemos estado hablando en clase de Inglés de montar una fiesta dentro de dos semanas –me informó Carissa–. Algo…

–Bestial –intervino Lesa.

–Pequeño –la corrigió Carissa con cara seria–. Solo algunas personas.

Dee asintió con la cabeza y el entusiasmo se reflejó en sus brillantes ojos verdes.

–Nuestros padres van a estar fuera el viernes, así que es perfecto.

Miré a Daemon. Me guiñó un ojo y sentí que mi estúpido corazón daba un vuelco.

–Es genial que vuestros padres os permitan dar una fiesta en casa –dijo Carissa–. A los míos les daría un infarto si les sugiriera algo así.

–Nuestros padres son bastante guays. –Dee se encogió de hombros y apartó la mirada.

Me obligué a poner cara de póquer mientras sentía una punzada de dolor en el pecho. Estaba segura de que Dee deseaba que sus padres estuvieran vivos más que nada en este mundo. Y probablemente Daemon también. De ese modo no tendría que cargar con la responsabilidad de ocuparse de su familia. Durante el tiempo que habíamos pasado juntos, había llegado a entender que la mayor parte de su horrible actitud se debía al estrés. Y además estaba el asunto de la muerte de su hermano gemelo…

La fiesta se convirtió en el tema de conversación durante el resto de la comida. La fecha fijada me venía genial, puesto que mi cumpleaños era el siguiente sábado. Sin embargo, para cuando llegara el viernes, todo el instituto se habría enterado de lo de la fiesta. En un pueblo en el que beber en un maizal un viernes por la noche se consideraba lo más emocionante del mundo, no había forma de que aquello siguiera siendo una fiesta «pequeña». ¿Acaso Dee no se daba cuenta?

–¿Tú estás de acuerdo con esto? –le susurré a Daemon.

–No puedo impedírselo –dijo encogiéndose de hombros.

Sabía que podría hacerlo si quisiera, lo que significaba que no le importaba que montara la fiesta.

–¿Una galletita? –me ofreció mientras sostenía una galleta con trozos de chocolate.

A pesar de tener la barriga revuelta, no podía rechazar algo así.

–Claro.

Levantó el labio y se inclinó hacia mí. Su boca quedó a pocos centímetros de la mía.

–Ven a cogerla.

¿Que fuera a cogerla…? Daemon se colocó media galleta entre aquellos labios carnosos que daban ganas de besar.

«Dios mío…»

Me quedé boquiabierta. Varias de las chicas sentadas a la mesa emitieron unos ruiditos que me hicieron pensar que se estaban ahogando en babas, pero no logré apartar la mirada para comprobar qué estaba pasando. Tenía la galleta, y aquellos labios, justo delante de mí.

Me puse roja como un tomate. Santo cielo, podía sentir que todo el mundo nos miraba mientras Daemon enarcaba las cejas, retándome.

Dee simuló una arcada.

–Creo que voy a vomitar.

Deseé que la tierra me tragara. Pero ¿qué pensaba Daemon que iba a hacer? ¿Coger la galleta de su boca como si estuviéramos en una versión para mayores de edad de La dama y el vagabundo? Mierda, la verdad era que me apetecía hacerlo, y no estaba segura de en qué me convertía eso.

Daemon se sacó la galleta de la boca. Le brillaban los ojos, como si hubiera ganado una batalla.

–Se te acabó el tiempo, gatita.

Me quedé mirándolo sin decir nada mientras partía la galleta en dos y me pasaba el trozo más grande. Lo cogí enfadada y estuve tentada de tirárselo a la cara… pero tenía trozos de chocolate. Así que me lo comí. Me encantó.

Tomé otro sorbo de batido y sentí un escalofrío en la espalda, como si alguien estuviera observándome. Recorrí la cafetería con la mirada, esperando encontrar a la ex novia alienígena de Daemon fulminándome con la mirada, pero Ash Thompson estaba charlando con un chico. Vaya, ¿sería otro Luxen? No había muchos de su edad, pero dudaba que la creída de Ash se dignara sonreírle a un humano. Aparté la vista de su mesa y seguí examinando el resto de la cafetería.

El señor Garrison estaba junto a las puertas dobles que conducían a la biblioteca, pero tenía la mirada clavada en una mesa llena de deportistas que realizaban elaborados diseños con el puré de patatas. Nadie nos prestaba la más mínima atención.

Negué con la cabeza; me preocupaba sin motivo. Como si un Arum fuera a asaltar la cafetería del instituto. Quizá había pillado la gripe. Las manos me temblaron levemente cuando toqué la cadena que me rodeaba el cuello. Noté el reconfortante tacto frío del colgante de obsidiana contra mi piel: aquello era mi salvación. Tenía que dejar de imaginarme cosas. Tal vez por eso me sentía aturdida y mareada.

No tenía nada que ver con el chico que estaba sentado a mi lado. Claro que no.

Había varios paquetes esperándome en la oficina de correos, pero apenas chillé de emoción. Se trataba de copias adelantadas de libros que otros blogueros me habían pasado para reseñar. Y yo ni me inmuté. Prueba irrefutable de que había contraído la enfermedad de las vacas locas.

El viaje a casa fue una tortura. Sentía las manos débiles y no podía pensar con claridad. Apreté el paquete contra el pecho e ignoré el hormigueo que noté en la nuca mientras subía los escalones del porche. Y también ignoré al chico de más de metro ochenta que estaba apoyado contra la barandilla.

–No has venido directa a casa después de clase –dijo malhumorado, como si fuera un neurótico y supersexy agente del servicio secreto y yo hubiera logrado darle esquinazo.

–¿No es evidente que tenía que ir a la oficina de correos? –contesté mientras sacaba las llaves con la mano libre.

Abrí la puerta y dejé el paquete en la mesita del recibidor. Daemon estaba justo detrás de mí, naturalmente, sin aguardar a que lo invitara a pasar.

–El correo podía haber esperado –repuso mientras me seguía hasta la cocina–. ¿Había algo importante o solo libros?

Saqué el zumo de naranja de la nevera dando un suspiro. La gente a la que no le entusiasman los libros no lo entiende.

–Pues no, solo había libros.

–Lo más probable es que no haya ningún Arum merodeando por la zona, pero no podemos bajar la guardia, y además con ese rastro los guiarías derechitos a nuestra puerta. Ahora mismo, eso es más importante que tus libros.

Qué va, los libros eran más importantes que los Arum.

Me serví un vaso de zumo, demasiado hecha polvo para discutir con Daemon. Estaba claro que aún no dominábamos el arte de mantener conversaciones educadas.

–¿Tienes sed?

Suspiró.

–Pues sí. ¿Tienes leche?

Señalé la nevera.

–Sírvete tú mismo.

–¿Me ofreces algo de beber y no me lo sirves?

–Te he ofrecido zumo de naranja –contesté mientras llevaba el vaso a la mesa–, y tú has elegido leche. Y baja la voz, que mi madre está durmiendo.

Se sirvió un vaso de leche mientras mascullaba algo. Cuando se sentó a mi lado, me di cuenta de que llevaba unos pantalones de chándal negros, lo que me recordó la última vez que había estado en mi casa vestido así. Nos habíamos enrollado. Nuestra discusión se había convertido en un apasionado beso sacado de una de esas noveluchas románticas que me gustaba leer. Aquel encuentro todavía me quitaba el sueño. Pero no pensaba admitirlo ni en un millón de años.

Fue tan intenso que los poderes extraterrestres de Daemon habían reventado la mayor parte de las bombillas de la casa y me habían frito el portátil. Echaba tantísimo de menos mi ordenador y mi blog… Mamá me había prometido uno nuevo por mi cumpleaños, pero aún faltaban dos semanas.

Jugueteé con el vaso sin levantar la vista.

–¿Puedo preguntarte algo?

–Eso depende –contestó con soltura.

–¿Sientes… algo cuando estamos juntos?

–¿Aparte de lo que he sentido esta mañana cuando he visto lo bien que te quedaban esos vaqueros?

–Daemon. –Suspiré a la vez que intentaba ignorar a la adolescente que gritaba en mi interior: «¡Se ha fijado en mí!»–. Hablo en serio.

Trazó círculos, distraído, sobre la mesa de madera con sus largos dedos.

–Noto calor y un cosquilleo en la nuca. ¿Te refieres a eso?

Levanté la mirada y vi que se le había dibujado una media sonrisa.

–Sí. Así que tú también lo sientes, ¿no?

–Siempre que estamos cerca.

–¿Y no te molesta?

–¿A ti sí?

No sabía qué decir. El cosquilleo no resultaba doloroso ni nada por el estilo, solo raro. Pero lo que sí me molestaba era lo que simbolizaba: aquella maldita conexión de la que no sabíamos nada. Hasta nuestros corazones latían al mismo ritmo.

–Podría ser un… efecto secundario de la curación. –Daemon me observaba por encima de su vaso. Seguro que estaría sexy hasta con un bigote de leche–. ¿Te encuentras bien? –me preguntó.

No mucho, la verdad.

–¿Por qué?

–Estás que das pena.

En cualquier otro momento, ese comentario habría desencadenado una guerra entre ambos, pero ese día simplemente dejé el vaso medio vacío sobre la mesa y dije:

–Creo que estoy enferma.

Daemon arrugó el ceño. La idea de estar enfermo era algo desconocido para él, pues los Luxen jamás enfermaban.

–¿Qué te pasa?

–No lo sé. Probablemente haya cogido algún virus extraterrestre.

Resopló.

–Lo dudo. No puedo permitirme el lujo de que te pongas enferma. Tenemos que salir e intentar eliminar tu rastro. Hasta entonces eres…

–Como te atrevas a decir que soy un problema, te doy una patada. –La rabia se impuso a las náuseas–. Me parece que ya he demostrado que no lo soy, sobre todo cuando alejé a Baruck de tu casa y lo maté. –Me esforcé por no alzar la voz–. Que sea humana no significa que sea débil.

Daemon se recostó en la silla enarcando las cejas.

–Iba a decir que hasta entonces eres vulnerable; estás en peligro.

–Ah. –Me puse colorada. Qué corte–. Vale, pero que conste que no soy débil.

Daemon estaba sentado a la mesa y, un segundo después, lo tenía de rodillas a mi lado. Tuvo que levantar ligeramente la cabeza para mirarme.

–Ya sé que no eres débil. Lo has demostrado. Y en cuanto a lo que hiciste este fin de semana, lo de usar nuestros poderes, todavía no entiendo cómo ocurrió, solo sé que no eres débil. Nunca lo has sido.

Caramba. Me resultaba difícil mantenerme firme en mi decisión de no ceder a la ridícula idea de que podíamos estar juntos cuando se mostraba tan… amable o cuando me miraba como si quisiera comerme. Lo que me hizo pensar en aquella maldita galleta con trozos de chocolate en su boca.

Le temblaron los labios, como si me hubiera leído el pensamiento y luchara por contener una sonrisa. No aquella sonrisilla burlona tan típica en él, sino una sonrisa de verdad.

Se puso en pie de pronto, irguiéndose sobre mí.

–Ahora necesito que demuestres que no eres débil. Mueve el culo y eliminemos parte de ese rastro.

Solté un gemido.

–Daemon, de verdad que no me encuentro bien.

–Kat…

–No lo digo para complicar las cosas. Tengo ganas de vomitar.

Cruzó los musculosos brazos, y se le tensó la camiseta de deporte por la parte del pecho.

–No es seguro que te pasees por ahí cuando pareces un maldito faro. Mientras tengas el rastro, no podrás hacer nada ni ir a ninguna parte.

Me levanté de la mesa haciendo caso omiso de las náuseas.

–Iré a cambiarme.

Daemon abrió mucho los ojos en un gesto de sorpresa mientras retrocedía un paso.

–¿Cedes tan fácil?

–¿Ceder? –Me reí sin ganas–. Solo quiero que desaparezcas de mi vista.

–Sigue diciéndote eso, gatita –repuso con una risita grave.

–Sigue alimentando tu ego…

En un abrir y cerrar de ojos, lo tenía delante de mí, bloqueándome el paso. Entonces empezó a avanzar lentamente, con la cabeza gacha y una mirada penetrante. Retrocedí hasta que toqué el borde de la mesa de la cocina con las manos.

–¿Qué pasa? –espeté.

Colocó las manos a ambos lados de mis caderas y se inclinó hacia delante. Sentí su cálido aliento en la mejilla y nuestras miradas se encontraron. Se acercó un milímetro más y me rozó el mentón con los labios. Un gemido ahogado escapó del fondo de mi garganta cuando me balanceé hacia él.

Un instante después, Daemon se apartó con una risilla petulante.

–Vaya… parece que no es falta de modestia, gatita. Ve a prepararte.

«¡Mierda!»

Salí de la cocina y fui al piso de arriba, no sin antes dedicarle un gesto con el dedo corazón. Todavía notaba la piel húmeda y pegajosa, y no tenía nada que ver con lo que acababa de suceder, pero aun así me puse unos pantalones de chándal y una camiseta térmica. Correr era lo que menos me apetecía en ese momento. Pero a Daemon no le importaba que no me encontrara bien.

Lo único que le importaba era él mismo y su hermana.

«Eso no es verdad», susurró una voz insidiosa e irritante en mi cabeza. Aunque quizá la voz estuviera en lo cierto. Me había curado cuando podría haberme dejado morir y además había oído sus pensamientos, lo había oído suplicarme que no lo abandonara.

De cualquier forma, tenía que tragarme las ganas de vomitar y salir a correr, aunque un sexto sentido me decía que aquello no iba a terminar bien.

CAPÍTULO 2

Aguanté veinte minutos.

Entre el terreno irregular del bosque, el fresco viento de noviembre y el chico que iba a mi lado, no pude más. Dejé a Daemon a medio camino del lago y regresé a casa a paso rápido. Me llamó un par de veces, pero hice como si no lo oyera.

Vomité menos de un minuto después de llegar al baño. Devolví aferrada al váter y con lágrimas bajándome por la cara. Hice tanto ruido que hasta desperté a mamá, que entró corriendo en el baño y me apartó el pelo de la cara.

–¿Cuánto hace que te encuentras mal, cielo? ¿Unas horas, todo el día o ha sido de repente?

Mi madre, la eterna enfermera.

–Llevo así todo el día. Va y viene –contesté con la cabeza contra la bañera.

Mamá chasqueó suavemente la lengua en señal de desaprobación mientras me colocaba una mano en la frente.

–Estás ardiendo. –Cogió una toalla y la humedeció–. Debería llamar al trabajo…

–No, estoy bien. –Me hice con la toalla y la apreté contra la frente. El frescor resultaba maravilloso–. Solo es gripe. Y ya me siento mejor.

Mi madre no se despegó de mi lado hasta que me levanté y me duché. Tardé una eternidad en ponerme una camiseta ancha para dormir. La habitación dio vueltas cuando me metí bajo las sábanas. Cerré bien los ojos y esperé a que mamá regresara.

–Aquí tienes tu teléfono y un poco de agua. –Dejó ambas cosas en la mesilla y se sentó a mi lado–. Abre.

Abrí un ojo a duras penas y vi que tenía un termómetro delante de la cara, por lo que abrí la boca obedientemente.

–Decidiremos si me quedo en casa dependiendo de cuánta fiebre tengas –me informó–. Lo más probable es que solo sea la gripe, pero…

–Hum… –gemí.

Me miró con cara de póquer y esperó a que el aparato pitara.

–Treinta y ocho. Tómate esto. –Hizo una pausa para entregarme dos pastillas. Me las tragué sin preguntar–. No es mucha fiebre, pero quiero que te quedes en la cama descansando. Llamaré para ver cómo estás antes de las diez, ¿vale?

Dije que sí con la cabeza y luego me acurruqué. Lo único que quería era dormir.

Mamá dobló otro paño húmedo y me lo puso sobre la frente. Cerré los ojos. Estaba casi segura de que estaba entrando en la fase uno de una infección zombi.

Una extraña niebla me invadió el cerebro. Me dormí, pero me desperté para hablar con mi madre y luego otra vez después de medianoche. La ropa húmeda se pegaba a mi piel sudorosa por la fiebre. Decidí apartar las sábanas y me di cuenta de que estaban en el otro lado de la habitación, cubriendo el abarrotado escritorio.

Un sudor frío me empapó la frente cuando me senté. El martilleo del corazón me retumbaba en la cabeza, fuerte e irregular. Parecían dos latidos a la vez. Notaba la piel tirante sobre los músculos; caliente y con un constante hormigueo. Me puse en pie y la habitación dio vueltas.

Sentía un intenso calor que me quemaba por dentro. Era como si se me hubieran derretido las tripas. Los pensamientos se me agolpaban en un torrente interminable carente de sentido. Lo único que sabía con certeza era que tenía que refrescarme.

La puerta del cuarto se abrió, llamándome. No sabía adónde iba, pero recorrí el pasillo a trompicones y luego bajé por las escaleras. La puerta principal era como un faro que prometía alivio. Fuera estaría fresco. Y yo me refrescaría.

Pero no era suficiente.

Salí al porche y el viento me agitó la ropa húmeda y me apartó el pelo de la cara. El cielo nocturno estaba abarrotado de estrellas, que brillaban con intensidad. Bajé la mirada y los árboles que bordeaban la calle cambiaron de color. Amarillo, dorado, rojo. Luego adquirieron un tono marrón apagado.

Comprendí que estaba soñando.

Bajé del porche, aturdida. La grava me pinchó los pies, pero seguí caminando, con la luz de la luna guiándome. Me dio la impresión de que el mundo se volvía del revés, pero continué adelante.

No tardé en llegar al lago. El agua del color del ónix se rizaba bajo la pálida luz. Avancé y me detuve cuando los dedos de los pies se hundieron en la tierra. Un ardiente hormigueo me abrasó la piel mientras permanecía allí. Quemándome, sofocándome…

–¿Kat?

Me volví despacio. El viento soplaba a mi alrededor al tiempo que yo contemplaba aquella aparición. La luz de la luna proyectaba sombras en su rostro y se reflejaba en sus grandes ojos verdes. No podía ser real.

–¿Qué haces, gatita? –preguntó Daemon.

Parecía borroso, y Daemon nunca se volvía borroso. Puede que a veces se moviera tan rápido que resultara difícil verlo, pero nunca estaba borroso.

–Tengo… tengo que refrescarme.

Le cambió la expresión cuando entendió qué me proponía.

–No te atrevas a meterte en ese lago.

Retrocedí y el agua helada me acarició los tobillos y luego las rodillas.

–¿Por qué?

–¿Que por qué? –Dio un paso adelante–. Porque el agua está demasiado fría. Gatita, no me hagas entrar a sacarte.

La cabeza iba a estallarme. No cabía duda de que se me estaban derritiendo las neuronas. Me adentré más y el agua fría alivió el ardor que me recorría la piel. Me cubrió la cabeza, quitándome el aliento y el fuego. El ardor disminuyó hasta casi desaparecer. Podría haberme quedado allí abajo para siempre.

Unos brazos fuertes y sólidos me rodearon y me sacaron de nuevo a la superficie. El aire gélido me invadió, pero yo tenía los pulmones abrasados. Tomé bocanadas profundas con la esperanza de apagar las llamas. Daemon estaba sacándome de la maravillosa agua; se movía tan rápido que primero me encontraba en el agua y, un segundo después, de pie en la orilla.

–Pero ¿a ti qué te pasa? –me espetó mientras me agarraba de los hombros y me sacudía levemente–. ¿Se te ha ido la pinza o qué?

–Déjame. –Lo empujé sin apenas fuerzas–. Tengo fuego en el cuerpo.

Su intensa mirada me recorrió de la cabeza a los pies.

–Sí, desde luego que sí. Esa camiseta blanca mojada te queda de maravilla, gatita, pero ¿no te parece un poco temerario salir a nadar a medianoche en noviembre?

Lo que decía no tenía sentido. El respiro había acabado y la piel me ardía de nuevo. Me aparté de sus manos tambaleándome e intenté regresar al lago.

Sus brazos me rodearon antes de poder dar dos pasos y me hicieron volverme.

–Kat, no puedes meterte en el lago. Está demasiado frío. Vas a ponerte enferma. –Me apartó el pelo que se me había quedado pegado a las mejillas–. Mierda… más de lo que ya estás. Estás ardiendo.

Algo de lo que dijo despejó un poco la niebla de mi cerebro. Me incliné hacia él y apoyé la mejilla contra su pecho. Su olor era maravilloso: masculino y a especias.

–No te deseo.

–Este no es el mejor momento para tener esta conversación.

Aquello solo era un sueño, así que suspiré y le rodeé la firme cintura con los brazos.

–Pero te deseo.

Daemon me abrazó con fuerza.

–Ya lo sé, gatita. No engañas a nadie. Vamos.

Lo solté y los brazos me colgaron inertes a los costados.

–No… no me encuentro bien.

–Kat. –Se apartó y me cogió la cara entre las manos, manteniéndome la cabeza erguida–. Kat, mírame.

¿Acaso no estaba mirándolo? Las piernas me fallaron. Y entonces no quedó nada. Ni Daemon, ni pensamientos, ni fuego, ni Katy.

Todo era confuso e inconexo. Unas manos cálidas me apartaron el pelo de la cara. Unos dedos me acariciaron la mejilla. Una voz profunda me habló en un idioma musical y suave. Era como una canción, pero más… hermoso y reconfortante. Me sumergí en aquel sonido, perdiéndome un momento.

Oí voces.

Y me pareció oír a Dee:

–No puedes hacerlo. Solo empeorará el rastro.

Me movieron. Me quitaron la ropa mojada y algo cálido y suave se deslizó sobre mi piel. Intenté hablar con las voces que me rodeaban, y tal vez lo conseguí. No estaba segura.

En algún momento, me envolvieron en una nube y me llevaron a otra parte. Un corazón palpitó a ritmo constante bajo mi mejilla, arrullándome hasta que las voces se apagaron y al final unas manos frías reemplazaron a las cálidas. Percibí unas molestas luces brillantes. Oí más voces. ¿Una era la de mi madre? Sonaba preocupada. Estaba hablando con… alguien. Alguien a quien no reconocí. Él era el de las manos frías. Noté un pinchazo en el brazo, un dolor sordo que se extendió hasta los dedos. Me llegaron más voces apagadas, y luego ya no oí nada.

No había día ni noche, sino ese extraño punto intermedio en el que un fuego me abrasaba el cuerpo. Entonces, las manos frías regresaron y me sacaron el brazo de debajo de las sábanas. Esta vez no oí a mamá cuando sentí de nuevo el pinchazo en la piel. Un calor se abrió paso en mi interior, recorriéndome las venas. Jadeé y arqueé la espalda sobre la cama. Un grito ahogado escapó del fondo de mi garganta. Todo me ardía. Un fuego diez veces peor que el anterior me devoraba por dentro, y supe que me moría. Tenía que ser eso…

De pronto, sentí un frescor en las venas, como una ráfaga de viento invernal, que se movió rápido, sofocando las llamas y dejando un rastro de hielo a su paso.

Las manos se desplazaron a mi cuello y tiraron de algo. Una cadena… ¿Mi collar? Las manos habían desaparecido, pero podía notar la obsidiana zumbando, vibrando por encima de mí.

Y entonces dormí durante lo que me pareció una eternidad, sin estar segura de si alguna vez despertaría.

Había pasado cuatro días en el hospital y prácticamente no me acordaba de nada. Solo sabía que había despertado el miércoles en una habitación con techo blanco. Y que me sentía bien. Genial, incluso. Después de pasarme el jueves diciéndole a todo el que se acercaba a mi puerta que quería irme a casa, no paré de quejarme hasta que me dieron el alta. Era evidente que había sufrido una gripe fuerte, pero nada serio.

Mamá estaba a mi lado y me observaba con un rostro marcado por las ojeras mientras me bebía a toda prisa el vaso de zumo de naranja que había sacado de la nevera. Llevaba vaqueros y un jersey fino; resultaba raro verla sin el uniforme.

–Cielo, ¿estás segura de que te encuentras lo bastante bien para regresar a clase? Puedes tomarte el día libre y volver el lunes.

Negué con la cabeza. Faltar clase tres días ya me había supuesto una montaña de deberes, que Dee me había traído la noche anterior.

–Estoy bien.

–Has estado hospitalizada. Deberías tomártelo con calma.

–Estoy bien, de verdad –le aseguré al tiempo que lavaba el vaso.

–Ya sé que crees que te sientes mejor. –Me arregló la rebeca, que al parecer me había abotonado mal–. Puede que Will, el doctor Michaels, te haya permitido volver a casa, pero me diste un buen susto. Nunca te había visto tan enferma. ¿Por qué no lo llamo para ver si puede echarte un vistazo antes de empezar a visitar pacientes?

Para rematar, resultaba que ahora mi madre se tuteaba con mi médico; al parecer, su relación se había vuelto seria y me lo había perdido. Cogí la mochila e hice una pausa.

–¿Mamá?

–¿Sí?

–El lunes volviste a casa de madrugada, antes de terminar el turno, ¿verdad? –Cuando negó con la cabeza, me quedé aún más desconcertada–. Entonces, ¿cómo llegué al hospital?

–¿Estás segura de que te encuentras bien? –Me puso una mano en la frente–. No tienes fiebre, pero… Tu amigo te llevó al hospital.

–¿Mi amigo?

–Sí, te llevó Daemon. Aunque me pregunto cómo sabía que estabas tan enferma a las tres de la madrugada. –Entrecerró los ojos–. En realidad, me gustaría mucho saberlo.

«Ay, mierda.»

–A mí también.

CAPÍTULO 3

En toda mi vida, nunca había tenido tantas ganas de llegar a clase de Trigonometría. ¿Cómo diablos había sabido Daemon que estaba enferma? El sueño que tuve sobre el lago no podía haber sido real. Ni hablar. Si lo había sido, iba a… no sabía lo que haría, pero seguro que acababa roja como un tomate.

Lesa fue la primera en llegar.

–¡Eh! ¡Has vuelto! ¿Te encuentras mejor?

–Sí, estoy bien.

Miré hacia la puerta. Carissa entró unos segundos después. Me tiró de un mechón de pelo al pasar, con una sonrisa.

–Me alegro de que estés mejor. Nos tenías preocupadas. Sobre todo cuando fuimos a visitarte y estabas totalmente ida.

Me pregunté qué habría hecho delante de ellas que no podía recordar.

–¿Quiero saberlo?

A Lesa le entró la risa mientras sacaba el libro de texto.

–Farfullabas un montón. Y no dejabas de llamar a alguien.

«Oh, no.»

–¿De verdad?

–Llamabas a Daemon. –Carissa se apiadó de mí y mantuvo la voz baja.

Oculté la cara entre las manos y dejé escapar un gemido.

–Ay, Dios.

–Fue muy tierno. –Lesa soltó una risita.

Un minuto antes de que la campana sonara

Comentarios para Onyx (Saga LUX 2)

[iwriteinbooks · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

Teenage romance is hard.You know what makes it so much harder?When your sort of, kind of, maybe boyfriend is an alien.That's Katy (book blogger turned action hero) is grappling with in the second volume of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Lux series.I mostly love this book and the continuing story. There is a lot of passion and even more adventure. The world and concept is complex and my sci-fi heart loves all of that.I have a few relationship and human dynamics quibbles, though.This is not unique to Armentrout not to this series.But I really don't love the whole "He hates me and loves me at the same time and I just don't know what to do!" issue. It's not as bad as Twilight, say, or Beauty and The Beast.No, there are some life threatening reasons for Katy's out of this world beaux being over protective and moody. I mean, I get it. And the attitude stops fairly early on.However, just given my field, it kept throwing up red flags and was distracting. He's a good guy which makes the red flags all that more concerning. While everything works out in the fiction sense, I feel like I just need to say that most guys who are trouble at the start, are not instantly going to change for a partner.Ok, I have said my thing. That annoyance aside, I really do enjoy this series and I'll probably finish the other two books, this week.

[sugarpeach_1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

This is the second book in the Lux series. I won the first one, Obsidian, started reading it, and was instantly hooked onto the story. This second book is no different. I couldn't put the Kindle down until I had read all 416 pages of it. The characters, action, suspense, mystery, and not forgetting the tension and romance were as good as ever.I received the review copy of this book when I signed up for the 30 Days of Daemon tour. For that tour, I posted my favorite Daemon quotes and moments taken from both Obsidian and Onyx. For some reason, ever since I posted that in May last year, that post has been a top post every week (I don't get it actually, I get that he is supposed to be an attractive character, but I don't understand the level of Daemon fandom...). Even until now. I intended to post the review for the book, I even wrote the draft, but I didn't publish it. So, this is my second attempt at reviewing this book.Daemon has changed so much in this book. It's actually kind of freaky the way he gets so caring and thoughtful. His kind gestures will make you go "aww". But, I missed the Daemon in Obsidian. Yes, he was more unapproachable and somewhat of a jerk, but that was him. He was blunt, teasing, nonchalant, uncaring, and mean. His character does a nearly 180° turn in this book. It takes quite a bit of getting used to, but I guess it wouldn't harm if this softer side of him continues to show.Katy was very different as well, and not in a good way. She was constantly pushing Daemon away and making up the flimsiest excuse of why they cannot be together. It was irritating and annoying. She made stupid decisions that endangered her life and the lives of those around her. She held company with the new boy, Blake, who doesn't exactly scream trustworthy. She was stubborn and pig-headed. I liked her Obsidian character better. Yes, she is still a book blogger and that was a little redeeming quality, but I wished someone would just shake some sense into her.Just like in Obsidian, there were shockers in Onyx as well. Like the person Katy saw. Before reading the book, I had a guess about the character and my guess was partly correct. The suspense was an absolute killer. As expected, the ending was a cliffhanger. The story literally ended on the climax, or at least one of the climaxes, and I found myself groaning in disappointment. I cannot stand books that have no sure ending, but this was different. Thankfully the ending wasn't a bleak and hopeless one. Instead it was a bittersweet ending.The romance was one of the two good parts. Even if I wished that Katy had better reaction, I still thought it adorable the way Daemon chased after her. I doubt the macho Daemon realized his gestures were cute. He has this tough guy image, but around Katy, he becomes a softy. And although it shouldn't be so, his jealousy was amusing (intentionally forgetting Blake's name aka calling him different names starting with B?). It was so obvious and I don't know how Katy could be so mean as to let him stew in it!The other good part is the action. There were two major situations. I cannot go much into them without giving spoilers. Let's just say there was plenty of worry, angst, determination, fighting, anything good in an action that you can think of. While much of the story focused on Daemon and Katy's chemistry, there were sufficient parts devoted to the action. And my, was the action good!Conclusion: I loved reading Onyx. It has romance in it and the usual young adult themes, but it remains relatively clean, which was actually quite surprising for me. There weren't many kissing scenes, which could be a disappointment for some. I can't wait to read the third book, Opal. I'm off to order it as soon as I'm done with this review. I've read the reviews of it and while I'm not looking forward to the cliffhanger in it, I'm looking forward to the further development in the whole DOD vs. Luxen thing and the "how" about the person who was seen alive by Katy in this book. If you know me, I try to stay away from science fiction books, but the Lux series is definitely an exception!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[ishanella · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

After breezing through the first book, I started this one with high hopes and almost lost it when I smelled this hint of a love triangle (thankfully, that was not the case).

Overall, I didn't find the story as intriguing as the first book, my assumption is that it was an information dump to set up the rest of the books. Still, it's left me curious enough for the rest of the series.

[bookswithbite · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

My goodness. Once I started this book there is no turning back for me. Forget fear of sequels!! If anything, this book took it to a whole new level!The plot of the book is the best part. Reading every plot twist and turn, I felt giddy and unbelievably happy. It dives in where the last book left off and I was back into Katy shoes bickering with Daemon. Yes, things have changed. Each chapter, Katy is getting closer to the Blacks and is changing. I like that the plot keeps moving so that the reader follows the trail like bread crumbs. You eat every piece fast only wanting another piece, and another, and another. Then you get to the end only to realize there's no more...The love interest in the book is plenty good. I LOVE Daemon sarcastic attitude and his ego. You can tell that this couples bickering will lead to lots of hardcore kissing and LOVE! I like that yes, they do argue and fight like a real couple but their feelings for each other are slowly coming to light. They don't say I love you right away and still, you know they love each other. I can't wait to read the next book!Onyx is an great addition to a series that I never want to end. A funny and action-filled story, Onyx takes the reader away. A story that will entertain you and fill-full your every Daemon fantasy, Onyx is fantastic!

[shanons_4 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Onyx is the second book in the Lux series and I can honestly say that I loved it just as much as the first book, Obsidian. Onyx definitely has a more intense tone and once you start reading it, it's so hard to stop! There's a lot more action, angst, lies, revelations and emotions in this book as well. Jennifer L. Armentrout does a superb job at keeping the reader on their toes and supplying such a wonderfully written and out of this world (pun intended) plot! I love seeing things through the eyes of Katy, the main character. She is just as sassy and funny as ever. I like how she continues to grow and how well she has handled the various changes in her life since she met Daemon. She gets some opportunities to prove just how fierce and awesome she is in this book, and I must say that I am pretty impressed. As much as I adore Katy though, she did frustrate me at times with her complete denial of her growing feelings for Daemon. She also makes some big mistakes throughout the book that result in shocking outcomes; but she's not the only one. On a lighter note, I loved how determined Daemon was to show Katy how much he cared for her. Their bond just keeps growing stronger the more the story progresses, and I can't seem to get enough of them! Daemon really is one of the most swoon-worthy characters I have ever come across. If only we could all have our very own Daemon! I really thought my book was going to catch on fire at times due to the amount of intense and sexy encounters Daemon and Katy share. There are so many things that were revealed in this book that shocked and awed me. The ending was especially jaw-dropping and I know that there are still so many more revelations to come. I have a feeling that there's going to be a lot more ass-kicking and hard decisions to make in the next book; and I'm definitely counting on the steamy romance to continue and progress with Katy and Daemon!

[lpaddycake · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

To start off this isn't a long review because I read all the books within four days and therefore came back to review after reading all the books which makes me forget exactly what happened in this book. That said Why Katy keeps denying Daemon is beyond me, however I don't care because their love/hate relationship keeps making for some very steamy scenes! New characters are introduced and old characters return keeping this reader intrigued and totally lost in their world.

[bookwhisperer · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Um, I am still tingling from finishing this book as I write the review. I should take a break, collect my thoughts so that they can make sense to you while you read this, but I cannot. I need you guys to know how amazing this story is! So much action is thrown into this story that if you start it, you will not be able to put it down. Everything about it rings perfection. There is so much mystery that enfolds in “Onyx.” Friendships are started, bonds are formed, and people are lost. Armentrout completely sucks you into their world and you live it along with them. Everything I read, I imagined it like it was on the big screen. I can see this series being turned into a movie! Lets talk about Katy. I felt like Katy did a lot of growing up in this story, even if she did make some wrong decisions. She “mans up” and starts to prepare herself for anything that is to come. Her relationship with Daemon grows and changes all at the same time and it leaves the reader in a constant state of want. Now lets talk about Daemon. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! He is everything I want in a fictional character and more. The way he pokes at Katy just to get a reaction makes me want to hate him, but then there are moments where as a reader, you realize that there is nothing more that he wants besides her. Yep, typing that just made my heart skip a beat. Example: “Kitten,” he said again, voice strained. “You don’t get to do that and then stop. That’s not how it works.”I stared at him, my breath stalling in my lungs.“Not when you’re mine.” Daemon backed us up and slide down the wall, pulling me onto his lap so I was straddling him. “And you’re mine.”IN LOVE! Enough said!I absolutely need it to be December right now so that I can get my hands on Opal so I can be submerged into their lives again and fall even more in love with Daemon.~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~

[aseelnaji · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

I've been looking forward to this book ever since I first read Obsidian in May and it didn't disappoint me at all. I loved the book. No, I'm in love with the book. It captivated me from the first word and I was unable to stop reading until the last word. And I then I wanted more. It was heart-stopping, mind-blowing and breath-taking, everything you want in a Novell.There was never a dull moment, something was always happening and the action never stopped. There were so many twists to the plot and I never knew what was about to happen next. Katy went through alot and had to make hard decisions that in the end made her stronger even if not all of them were successful. And then there was Daemon. Hott, swoon-worthy Daemon that many, if not all, of us fell in love with in the first book. What Katy and Daemon went through in this book brought them closer. We get to see a new side to Daemon, a softer one that makes you melt like chocolate on a hot summer day.If you liked Daemon in Obsidian, the first book, then you will love him in Onyx. Daemon was still Daemon, he never stopped, he just showed more emotion to Katy and was nicer. He made me blush, fan myself and sometimes laugh out loud. I don't agree with Katy about being connected to him sucks. In fact I think it's as good, if not better, as chocolate. I wouldn't mind having the same connection with him. The boy is hott!The end of the book had me staring at the words with my mouth open, not believing what I was reading and that it ended like this. I desperately wanted to turn the page and read more but there wasn't any more pages. I was left with a hunger for Opal like no other and I think the next four months are going to be a torture.If you haven't read the Lux series yet I recommend you do so immediately. You're honestly missing on so much and you don't know it. 

[missaligirl · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

After much debate, I finally picked up Obsidian earlier this year and fell head first into the whole Daemon Invasion phenomenon. So, when Onyx came out earlier this week I willingly set all other books aside to catch up with my favorite love-to-hate-you / hate-to-love-you couple.Onyx picks up pretty much right where Obsidian leaves off. Daemon is trying to win Katy over and she is still very resistant to the idea, believing his new found feelings are only due to their odd alien connection. This theme is consistent throughout much of the book. So much so, that there were plenty of times that I wanted to reach right into 'bookworld' and smack Katy upside the head. She was so strong and smart and self reliant in Obsidian and I feel she lost a bit of that in Onyx. Onyx took on a whole different feel for me. A lot changes in Katy's life and though these events should be making her a stronger person, she felt weaker to me. She was less confident, less trusting of those who have proven themselves and too trusting of those who haven't.Where as Obsidian was Katy's story, Onyx is more Daemon's. It's not from his point of view but it has the feel of everything happening to him more so than Katy. He's fighting for Katy, he's struggling with responsibilities to Katy, his family and his race and he's still searching for resolution in his brother's untimely death. Daemon grows more as a person in this volume. His famous cockiness from the first book almost feels unnatural in comparison to his new softer side.A new character is introduced, Blake, who complicates Katy and Daemon's lives in more ways than one. Blake is an integral part of the story and takes up many a page. I really never cared for him and could not figure out why Katy was so trusting of him. With Blake taking up so much of the story, there was little room left for some of the side kicks I came to love in Obsidian. Dee, Lesa and Carissa are barely more than occasional mentions and I found myself missing them. What Onyx has that Obsidian lacked was a vulnerability. You really get to see the more human side of these aliens, as well as the more alien side to Katy. There is less action and more feeling, more hurt, more evil. The DOD takes a stronger and very intriguing role and adds so much to the Dawson mystery. I really like where Armentrout is taking the storyline and am anxious to continue with the series.

[amberfib · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Wow. Just wow. Armentrout does it again with Onyx. I've begun to think that everything this woman writes is pure gold. Onyx is an action-packed emotional rollercoaster that will leave you wanting more. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire novel. I laughed and cried. Onyx is filled with suspense, and I couldn't figure out who was good and who was bad. Armentrout kept me guessing throughout the entire novel, and I, of course, loved seeing more of Katy and Daemon. This book cannot be missed. The character development throughout this novel is impressive. Katy grows immensely over the course of this book. She changes for the better, and she becomes stronger. She's still the same Katy we all know and love... just more. I can't wait to see how she continues to grow in the next book. Daemon also changes throughout the novel. I really liked his changes. He turned into a more three dimensional character in Onyx, and we get to see some of his weaknesses. As the dynamic between him and Katy shifts, we also get to see how they really feel about each other. These feelings lead to actions that allow us to know more about our two leading characters. All of these changes feel natural and not forced. In addition to Katy and Daemon, Dee is back, though we don't see as much of her as we did in Obsidian. I hope that she makes a big comeback in the next book. There are also some new character additions in Onyx, and these new characters will surprise you. The plot is intriguing and suspenseful. Once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down. It's nonstop action and adventure. Every time you think things are going to settle down or that Katy has figured something out, everything falls apart again. I was beginning to wonder how much more Katy could take. There wasn't just one climax once you've read the majority of the novel, there are several. Armentrout will lead you into a false sense of security a few times before she lets you go. The pacing is very fast, but nothing feels rushed. It speeds up as the novel progresses and toward the end, I'm pretty sure I was white-knuckling my Kindle because of the suspense. The ending answered most of the questions that were posed in this novel, but there is room for the next book. It leaves you wondering what's going to happen next with a certain situation, but it stopped before any more action could take place instead of stopping in the middle of the action. That, in my opinion, means there was no cliffhanger. Onyx will crack you up and rip your heart out all within a matter of pages. There are some very sad scenes, but Katy and Daemon offer a lot of comic relief, as usual. Their snarky banter always makes me laugh. They had plenty of obstacles to overcome in this novel. Not only did Armentrout test Katy and Daemon as characters, but she tested their feelings for each other over and over again. You'll be surprised at what they find out about themselves and their feelings through this process. Overall, I'd recommend this book (and series) to anyone. Onyx is fantastic. It's a stay-up-all-night, call into work sick/miss school so you can finish it type of novel. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Onyx as soon as it hits shelves. You won't be sorry.

[pnh002 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

When I first started this book I was a little afraid. I liked the first installment of this series, but I wasn't RAVING about it like everyone else. I feared that I would feel the same way about this one.... And I did. Idk, I just felt like the beginning was more of Katy being naieve and stupid and Daemon was always trying to convince her otherwise and then when they weren't mad/angry at each other, they were kissing. Much like the first book, it just didn't seem like much was going on at first. But then as I finally made it to the end, I finally remembered why I decided to keep going with the series. The end will leave you in a doozie. Not sure if you all like that kind of thing, where you have to read the entire story to finally get to "the good part," but it just makes me take longer on the book. Hence the reason it took me a week to read this. Idk the last book I read that took an entire week.... Anyways, the plot was a good one when I finally got past all the kissing and fluff. But then unfortunately I was able to pick out all the twists and turns as they came up. I kind of felt like Dameon himself because I was thinking the very things he was. Not sure if that's a good thing because I connected to the character, or not because I just knew how the story would end. Don't get me wrong though, I did enjoy the book. In it we are introduced to death, lust, and love and through Armentrout's writing, you are able to feel all of that as Katy goes through each emotion. Armentrout is a wonderful writer, but I just feel like this series isn't the one for me. I will continue it (because lets face it, that ending had me like: *&^&%#)(*%#!!$^&((&%#) just to see how it ends

[peptastic · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Onyx was in many ways better than it's predecessor, Obisidian. It took one of the bothersome aspects and made it useful as a plot device. Katy's trust issues with Daemon were honest and relateable. I believed she couldn't accept Daemon's claims that he was attracted to her. She was very hurt and angry from some of the things he had done. Nothing was swept under the carpet or as they might say in a TV show forum "retconned" into not happening. Onxy took some of the cliches of Katy's favourite ya, paranormal and romance fiction and played around with it. Daemon was still too overprotective but it worked when Katy did stupid things and made mistakes. She did not wish to be a liability but stand as an equal. I applaud the use of the most cringe-worthy aspects of the last book being used to make the characters grow. No one veered into Mary-Sue terrority by being perfect. Katy made several realisations about her own character flaws that were believable from someone as well read as she was. I hate it when a supposed book nerd [read Bella Swann] never actually opens a book or doesn't jump to the right conclusions that are obvious in fiction. The love triangle was not as it appeared on the surface either. Katy describes the new guy Blake as safe which he was anything but. Blake's moments of recklessness were shown in glimpses but in a realistic way. Such as a pervert takes one or two steps forward then backtracks into gaslighting the victim. "I was only kidding." She did the same thing in the previous book and chose to ignore her gut feelings. I'm personally more paranoid and trust my gut feelings, but we all have to learn to be mistrustful of everyone from somewhere right?Katy wanted so badly to be as powerful and useful as her friends because of the events in the last book that she talked herself into trusting him. After her attempted date rapist, Simon, goes missing who can blame her from not wanting to tell Daemon some of the things Blake does? I didn't buy Blake as a viable love interest but I don't think we were meant to.Onyx still had a few cliches thrown in but they were there as a homage to the genre. Katy bemoaned instalove for an example or the creepy mom's new boyfriend reminded me of the episode "Ted" from Buffy the Vampire Slayer."Buffy - I mean, so far all I see is someone who apparently has a good job, seems nice and polite and my mother really likes him. Xander - What kind of a monster is he? Buffy - I'm just saying, there's something a little too clean about this clown. Willow - He's a clean clown! I have my own fun.The mother dating a bad guy is the new evil step-mother. Buffy's mom, Scott's mom on Teen Wolf and now this book. There are probably countless others. I think it fits in with this series to use some aforementioned tropes. Onyx was a delightful and entertaining read without creeping me out this time. I enjoyed Obisidian as I would any regular trash read or soap opera, but this one didn't leave me feeling guilty for enjoying it. It fits right there in the ranks of shows like Roswell or The Facualty in good clean fun.

[yabreviews_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

What is going to happen to Katy and Daemon now? Daemon Black is back in the sequel to Obsidian. The story starts out where it left off in Obsidian. Katy has a trace on her because of Daemon healing her. Not only does she have the trace, it seems that she and Daemon are connected. At times, Katy likes this and other, she doesn’t. She wonders whether Daemon wants to be with her now because they are connected, or whether he truly wants to be with her. Before healing her, he would act like he didn’t want her in the same room.Other strange things are happening. There is a new kid at school, Blake. Katy is intrigued by him at first. She thinks that he is ticket to “normalcy,” even though things are far from normal to her. She gets sick, really sick and spends four days in the hospital. During that time, her mom has started a relationship with her doctor, Will. Then there are Katy spotted a girl who was with the DOD that looked eerily similar to the girl Bethany that she saw on posters when she first moved there. The DOD is reining their control over the Luxen and is starting to ask more questions. What is going to happen with the DOD? Is that really Bethany? What is going to happen between Katy and Daemon? Who is Blake and what does he want with Katy?After reading Obsidian, I was so excited to read its sequel. I went to the RT Booklovers’ Convention in Chicago with one goal in mind: Snag a copy of Onyx. I told my sister and nieces and nephews that this was my goal. We went to the Entangled party and won copies. We were so excited when we left. I will say that I am glad that I read Shadows, because it gave me the history and the significance of some of the characters and what it means for Luxen to fall in love with humans. I love Daemon’s snarky attitude. I love the naiveté that Katy shows and the quirky sayings that she says. I like that Dee is a little shy at times and other times, she is not. I love Armentrout’s writing style and the passion that she puts into her stories.

[alcarinqa_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Whoa! Onyx is even more explosive and steamy than Obsidian, and the stakes are even higher as the DoD has come into town, keeping a close eye on the Luxen, and Katy. The book is full of action and intrigue, a little betrayal and a whole lot of Daemon!I really have to give Katy props for not losing her head every time she was anywhere near Daemon in this book – he’s wonderful when he’s not trying, so you can imagine how devastating he is while trying to convince Katy that he feels something real for her. Katy stands up for herself and remembers that it was only a few months ago that Daemon was being very mean and rude to her, and doesn’t give in easily. Katy and Daemon have both grown a lot in this book and I loved getting to know them better and watching them unlock one another’s secrets.Since Katy is a book blogger, there are a lot of little throw away lines that made me extremely happy while I was reading Onyx. She records an IMM post with Daemon (that scene is wonderful!), mentions Tod from Soul Screamers, and I think, reads Touch and Shattered Souls at different points (the last two are guesses based on how the plot and cover are described).The secondary characters in the book also shine through. As usual Dee is vibrant and dependable, and I enjoy her friendship with Katy. She also got an expanded storyline in Onyx, which I enjoyed. Katy’s other school friends also develop a little more, although I would have enjoyed having them interact more with Katy instead of the usual ‘isn’t Daemon hawt?’ routine. Katy is struggling to deal with the aftermath of Daemon’s healing in Obsidian, and there’s a new character in the book, Blake, who helps her out with that. Daemon is none too happy that there is another guy in Katy’s life, and the ensuing jealousy and snark whenever they are together is simply hilarious.Katy’s strange new powers and the appearance of the DoD bring a lot of action and mystery into her life, and she is quickly thrown in the thick of it. The suspense drives the plot along at break-neck pace and kept me guessing at every turn – every new clue only deepened the mystery further. Katy is prone to place inexplicable trust in people she got bad vibes from, however, and this irritated me. I think it created a lot of unnecessary tension, especially when she should have just listened to her gut and avoided said people. But otherwise I think the storyline is incredible, and the cliff-hanger at the end almost killed me.A wonderful follow-up to the awesome that is Obsidian, Onyx doesn’t suffer from the problems that many sequels do. Onyx is a must read for fans of Obsidian, and I recommend the Lux series to those who enjoy YA Fantasy and Science Fiction.

[psteinke1122_1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

GoodReads Synopsis: Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.Something worse than the Arum has come to town…The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.But then everything changes…I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he 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…My Thoughts: I have to say that I like “nice” Daemon a whole lot more than “douche bag” Daemon! And yes, we do get a glimpse or two of “nice” Daemon.Lots of revelations here! A few are surprising, most you could see coming if you wanted to. The chemistry between Kat and Daemon hits stratospheric levels…but with those highs come some real tear jerking lows too. What I love about Kat is the fact that she seems like a reasonable, normal, high school kid. I love Daemon’s snark, arrogance, and his great big squishy heart that only gets revealed in tiny bits. Armentrout creates great characters and I have no doubt I will be following them to the “ends of the Earth”Ultimately, the story remained just as “un-put-down-able” as all the other Jennifer L. Armentrout books I’ve read, thank goodness…the only problem with that is that it always seems like an interminable wait for the next installment.

[darkfaerietales_1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & Dirty: Wonderful world filled with aliens, special powers and teenaged angst. Opening Sentence: Ten seconds passed between when Daemon Black took his seat and when he poked me under my shoulder blade with his trusty pen. The Review: The second book in the Lux series finds Katy conflicted over her feelings for Daemon. She wants an everlasting love like her parents had and she only thinks Daemon is attracted to her because of this new bond that they share. Katy is also gaining abilities that are similar to what Daemon and the Luxon can do. She begins to get close to the new human boy whom she thinks likes her for who she is but then she realizes that Blake isn’t exactly who he seems. He knows how to help Katy train with her developing abilities. The Department of Defense had also been hanging around town. They registered the powers used recently (the ending of Obsidian) and want to know what happened. They are watching the Luxen closely and have taken an interest in Katy. Blake offers to train Katy so the DOD will not be aware of her powers. Daemon also offers to train her but she turns him down for Blake. Katy is not quite the same girl that she was in Obsidian. She is still having problems putting her trust in Daemon but their banter isn’t quite the lust/hate filled electricity that it once was. She does become more of a loner. She is avoiding her feelings for Daemon and replacing him with Blake and since she is spending so much time with Blake she never sees her friends anymore. One thing Katy is trying to do is become strong, she doesn’t want anyone having to protect her or risk their lives by protecting her. Daemon is really trying to woo Katy. He is trying to make up for how he treated her when they first met. He is trying to prove to Katy that their link isn’t what is causing their attraction. He begins to get possessive but he does give Katy the space she wants. But all Daemon wants is Katy’s trust but it may turn out to be too late for that. Onyx expands on the Luxen world and the danger that they must face with the DOD. This world is dark, complex and dangerous. Onyx is not quite the relationship driven story that Obsidian was, but it will leave you shaking your head and wanting more. In fact the only thing I was really disappointed about in Onyx was that it ended. I kept turning the pages hoping for more. Thankfully, Opal will be released in December. Notable Scene: I was attracted to him on a level that was nearly painful. Being around him had ever cell in my body burning, but this was Daemon. Caving to him was like saying the way he’d treated me was okay. And more importantly, it required blind faith in the theory that our feelings were real. And when they turned out not to be? It would be heartbreak, because I would seriously fall for him—fall more than I already had. Wiggling down, I dipped under his arms. A dull ache shot through my injured leg as I backed up. “Is this like a ‘I didn’t want you until someone else wanted you’ type of thing?” Daemon leaned against the table. “That’s not what this is.” “Then what is it, Daemon?” Tears of frustration built in my eyes. “Why now, when three months ago you couldn’t stand to breathe the same air as me? It’s the connection between us. It’s the only thing that makes sense.” “Dammit. Do you think I don’t regret acting like such a douche to you? I’ve apologized.” He stood there, towering over me. “You don’t get it. None of this is easy for me. And I know this is hard for you. You have a lot to deal with. But I have my sister, an entire race counting on me. I didn’t want you to get close to me. I didn’t want another person to care about, to worry about losing.” I sucked in a breath, and he went on. “It wasn’t right how I acted. I know that. But I can do better than that—better than Benny.” “Blake,” I sighed, limping away from him. “I have a lot in common with Blake. He likes that I read a lot—” “I do, too,” he challenged. “And he also blogs.” Why did I feel like I was grasping at straws? Daemon caught a piece of my hair and wrapped it around his finger. “I have nothing against the Internet.” I knocked his hand away. “And he doesn’t like me because of some stupid alien connection or because some other guy likes me.” “I don’t either.” His eyes flashed. “You can’t keep pretending. It’s wrong. You’ll break that boy’s poor little human heart.”FTC Advisory: Entangled Teen provided me with a copy of Onyx. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[capnrandm · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.allthingsuf.comSmart, funny, and aware that sexual chemistry doesn’t equal true love, I am head over heels in love with Katy, the book loving heroine of the Lux series. Pair her up with a macho dreamboat that thinks he knows best, and the banter and action don’t miss a beat. As much as I enjoyed OBSIDIAN, ONYX was even better.The irreverent back and forth flirtation between the main characters is one of my favorite parts of this series (and color me juvenile, but Katy calling Daemon a “douche canoe” made me laugh out loud). Katy’s verbal darts are just the right foil for Daemon’s ego and alpha tendencies, and their banter never gets in the way of the smoking hot chemistry. Katy’s quips often bridge the “cute guy with a huge ego”/”my neighbor is an alien” gap, and the supernatural aspects of ONYX are just as seamlessly integrated with the plot. Though YA, these kids face very, very grown up issues. Above and beyond underage drinking and sex, their happily ever after has to deal with Department of Defense oversight, mating to continue a species, and the knowledge that being together means constant peril.The sheer number of dangers surrounding Katy and Daemon means I read ONYX in a state of suspense. While the character twists were fairly obvious, Armentrout took me by surprise with a few of the developments between opposing groups. There are no small answers for the challenges these characters face,but given the developments in Luxon/human mythology that Armentrout reveals, I think it’s safe to assume she has big plans for where this series goes next. Lux is one of my favorite, bawdy teen series, and I can’t wait to get my hands on book three.Sexual Content: Suggestion of rape, discussions of sex, sexual scenes.

[abibliophobic1 · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

Well it took me a while, but I finally finished Onyx. I have some very mixed feelings on this book and so without further adieu, I'm going to jump right into my review!Onyx picks up right where Obsidian left off. Not only has Katy's relationship with Daemon changed, but Katy herself has changed, and she's not sure what's happening to her. She feels sick all the time and suddenly, objects begin to move at her will. As if that wasn't enough to deal with, the DOD come into the picture and she and her friends are no longer safe. Secrets begin to unfold around them and Katy and the gang must figure out who they can trust, and who are their enemies.This is going to be a very difficult review for me to write. First off, the pacing in Onyx was a little off for me. I had trouble reading more than 20 pages at each sitting and while the first book took only a day to read, this one took over a week for me to get through. Once I got to the end of the book, things happened so fast I felt rushed and confused. This made it hard for me to enjoy this book.I also didn't love the change in characters in this book. I felt like the strong and sassy Katy we saw in Obsidian was gone, replaced with a timid, worrisome girl who cried all the time. I understand that characters change as do their circumstances, but Katy's character was one of my favorite parts of book 1. Daemon's change in attitude was also troubling for me. In book one, Daemon had a very strong and snarky personality with a sort of sweet sensitivity behind the outer rude boy. In this book, I kind of had trouble finding the real Daemon. It seemed like he completely changed and not for the better.The last and possibly biggest problem I had with this book was that I read it was another copy cat. I've just recently finished Half-Blood and as a huge fan of Vampire Academy, I didn't love the extremely similar plot line and characters, but I tolerated it. I read a recent review of this book by the Book Slayer, indicating that the Lux series followed one of her favorite T.V. shows called Roswell. While I've never seen a single episode of the show, it's pretty disappointing that once again, one of Armentrout's novels is a play on another show or book. I was right in the middle of a super slow part of Onyx when I read Lauren's review and it just made it that much harder to finish.The ending was interesting and more intense than the rest of the book, but my enjoyment was tainted with the knowledge that this was just another copied story. I understand taking creative liberties on existing stories, but this seems more like an unoriginal author taking another story and using it as their own. I'm a little disappointed. I've been dishing out a lot of 5's and 6's lately so hopefully I read something the blows my mind soon! I hate being in this slump!Happy Reading :)6 out of 10

[alwaysyaatheart · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Well, here I am again trying to figure out what I can say about this book that hasn't already been said. Hands down, it is as amazing as all the reviews have claimed it is. Daemon Black.....just his name makes be swoon. He has to be one of the hottest characters EVER written in a book series. I am dying to see this series made into a movie, but OMG, who in the world could play him and do him justice? Onyx picks up where Obsidian left off. If you have not read Obsidian and Shadows, you definitely need to read both of these books before Onyx. The Lux series is like tasting fine wine, a completely sensory experience. You have to hold it up to the light, swirl it around in the glass, smell it, taste it, and savor it. I am a total Jennifer L. Armentrout fangirl, so forgive me if I gush, but I know there are a ton of fellow fangirls gushing with me. Daemon has become like a drug to us, our own personal brand of heroin - okay, cheesy, cheesy, slap me, but I couldn't resist.....sorry Edward.If you thought the laptop scene in Obsidian was hot, the sexual tension and chemistry gets even hotter in Onyx. For real. You will not be disappointed. Bless her heart, even though Katy tries to tell herself that the attraction they feel is only because of the connection, her attempts are futile. Try as she may, even she doesn't believe it. Daemon and Katy both have it, and they have it bad. There is also a lot of action and suspense in this series. It's actually really exciting in a nail biting kind of way. We are introduced to some new characters in this book, i.e., "the new boy" in the synopsis above, and frankly, I didn't trust him or like him either, and you can believe Daemon doesn't. We also see a lot more interaction with the DOD, and the story and the characters really take on a new level of depth and intrigue in this book, which I really loved. There are twists and turns around every corner and your interest is piqued from beginning to end. I can't say too much more than that without spoiling it, but believe me, it is GOOD. We definitely do get to see another side of Daemon in Onyx. Though still fiercely loyal, protective, and cocky, with an ego the size of Jupiter, we get to see past the surface into the deep waters of Daemon in this book. He is quite the romantic, at least when it comes to Katy. Ah, Katy, you can't help but love her. She is such an awesome heroine herself, and like Daemon, she to is fiercely loyal and protective, minus the ego. Katy and Daemon's relationship sucks you right into the middle of the book with them. Jennifer has such a talent for enabling the reader to actually become part of the story. Her characters are so real, and the interaction between the characters, the pacing of the book, and the story line itself is beyond excellent. Several of the reviews I read talked about a cliffhanger at the end, and there is somewhat, but personally, I was really pleased with the ending. It left me satisfied, yet longing for more, like only an Oreo Blizzard can do. Therefore I dub thee, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Princess of the Pages. She knows how to put the R in Romance, the S in sizzle, and H in HAWT. Trust me when I say, that Onyx and the entire Lux Series is something that you do not want to miss, you know, kind of like you don't want to miss breathing. On a happy note, I am so excited that we don't have to wait that long for Opal. I'm dying to see where the story goes from here.

[tanat-1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

review to come shortly

[nlsobon · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Review from July 27th, 2012:Jennifer has done it again, folks.Jennifer has a way of pulling readers in from the very first word, leaving them completely lost in her words until the very final page. The character development alone in ONYX is utterly fantastic, and the romance isn’t too shabby either. ;)ONYX is everything that a sequel should be. In fact, for me, ONYX is even better than OBSIDIAN.I adore Armentrout’s Covenant series, I do, but the LUX series may just be my favorite out of the two. Alex is a kickass heroine, yes, but Katy? She’s tough in OBSIDIAN, but Katy in ONYX? Everything that she goes through in this novel forces her to fight for the things that she cares about, and boy, does she fight.Since I could go on all day about this one, I’m going to highlight what I think needs to be discussed:Let’s start by going back to SHADOWS, shall we? I know that some readers prefer to skip over novellas that are released in between the next series installment, and I can understand why. Some of the novellas can be filler material (when I say some, I do mean some – most of them do actually move a series along). But if you’re planning on skipping SHADOWS and jumping right into ONYX? I’m going to have to suggest you reconsider. Yes, we hear about Bethany and Dawson in OBSIDIAN, but when I say that it is vital that you read SHADOWS, I do mean it is vital.Now that we’ve got that covered:Daemon Black: In ONYX, we see an entirely different side to Daemon, and I do mean an entirely different side. Yes, he’s still sarcastic, and at times, he can be a jerk. But in ONYX, we get to meet the softer side of Daemon, the side that discusses feelings, and actually makes it a point to showcase his emotions. In OBSIDIAN, there's a blossoming romance between Daemon and Katy, but in ONYX, it finally develops into something more. (Fangirl translation: OMGgjidhgkdhkhYEShghkhgfkhfgkYAYfkhkgh).The new guy: I’m not going to go into much detail here, as I don’t want to ruin anything. I will just say this: within the first few pages of his character being introduced, you’ll develop a certain feeling towards him, and chances are that you’ll be right.The action: Oh, hello there, action! There is so much that goes on in ONYX. It is undeniably a darker story than OBSIDIAN is. There’s a ton of action, but it isn’t overdone. Jennifer manages to balance it well, never overdoing it or throwing it in just because. The only downside to the action scenes is just how emotional there are; I don't think I've ever screamed at a book so much (my emotions were all over the damn place during the action scenes).Katy: As I’ve already stated, Katy grows throughout this story. The girl at the end of ONYX is a far cry from the girl at the beginning of ONYX.The ending: Holy. Smokes. Did that actually just happen? Seriously?! And now I need to wait for the next book? You’re killing me, Jenn. You’re killing me, but it’s okay.I love where Jennifer is taking this series. The ending of ONYX will leaving you desperate for the next book, yes, but it doesn’t end on a terrible cliffhanger (thank you for that one). It’ll be interesting to see what happens next with Daemon and Katy, and well, with a certain character back in the picture.If you haven’t done so yet, I’d suggest pre-ordering ONYX, and while you're at it, you should plan on skipping work (or canceling whatever plans you have on the release day), because once you start reading this one, you’re not going to be able to put it down.

[brandileigh2003 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Holy chocolate chip cookies. This book was hot and I could not put it down. Jennifer did not disappoint in this sequel to Obsidian. It is just as action packed loaded with humor, sarcasm, plot twists and our favorite book blogging heroine Katy. It is pretty much leave me alone, I'm reading, or Oh is it seriously 3am? kinda book where the world seems to fall away and I get to experience what Katy is feeling and almost feel like I am a part of this world of smoking hot aliens, dept of defense peeps around every corner, and trying to figure out certain boys who shall not be named. It is so hard to review this without talking about what happened, but let me try. There are so many conflicts going on, I just want for the characters I love to be happy, but I guess what kind of series would it be then? There is conflict with Dee, not only with Adam and what their relationship should be, but also between Dee and Katy. Katy makes some bad decisions, and I just want to smack some sense into her (and so does Daemon for that matter), but I totally understand her motivations behind each of those decisions. And that makes her still a strong and determined main character that I admire. But anyways, one of her bad decisions eats up pretty much all of her time, and leaves some feelings between her and Dee. There is also the DOD peeps, and several other new characters that I had absolutely no idea what to think of. They can seem so harmless and good intentions one second, and then the next I am questioning them and wondering if I am paranoid. The drama between Katy and Daemon is so thick you can cut it with a knife. And I love every second of it. Their bickering, his pen pokes, the sexy moments and the whispered endearments and declarations. I ate it up. It kept me turning the pages just looking for another scene between them, and then left at the very end yearning, wishing the next book was in my hands. And mother of all cliffhangers, really? December can't come fast enough so I know what happens, if revenge is sought, and what exactly they meant about everything changing with mystery character rescued that shall not be named. Jennifer is an amazing author, and I love this series, as well as the Covenant series, and just like I know I will probably love everything she writes.

[.riley. · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

The saga continues. Another great installment of The Lux series. I'm really enjoying it.

[bornbookish · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

I almost gave this book four hearts instead of five because there were a few things I didn’t love about it. Then I was thinking, any book that roots you to a chair for eight hours because you can’t pull yourself away to sleep like a normal person, or has you seriously considering driving an hour to the nearest library that has a copy of the third book deserves the full five hearts!Now down to business, I want to apologize upfront if a few of my details are a little off. I read all three of these book so close together that they have become one big blur in my mind.It’s funny because Katy & Dameon pretty much switched places for me in this book. In the first one I really liked Katy and hated Dameon. In this one Katy bugged me a good three-quarters of the way through, while Dameon took a total 180 and was super sweet and not 98% jerk Dameon that we met in book one. We get introduced to some new characters in book two that bring along some interesting twists and turns I didn’t see coming. We also got to learn more about the Luxen race, their powers, and history, which I really enjoyed. Also, every little comment about book blogging brought a ridiculous smile to my face +DThere is SO much more I want to say but can't without spoilers so my lips are sealed!Overall, while it got off to a frustrating start it really picked up and easily became my favorite one in the series so far. Bring on book number three!

[diavoletto-1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

i cried for adam. i was really starting to like him

[eomalley_2 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

I had been looking forward to Onyx since the moment I finished Obsidian, anxious to know where the story of Daemon and Katy was going to head next. The intrigue, action and heat all increase in Onyx, yet there were definitely some issues that managed to keep me from falling completely in love with the story the way I did with Obsidian. Let’s start with the positives.

Storyline and character development are definitely Jennifer L. Armentrout’s strengths. Building on the foundation set with Obsidian, Armentrout manages to increase the danger and intrigue yet keep the tone from getting too dark, which is a huge accomplishment. Onyx focuses on the repercussions of Daemon’s efforts to save Katy in Obsidian. The power involved has caught the eye of the Department of Defense (DOD) and leads to a major change in Katy that will affect her life forever. As if that weren’t bad enough, the new guy at school is showing an interest in her, her mom has a new boyfriend, and someone who’s supposed to be dead suddenly reappears. Filled with twists, turns and shocking revelations the story races along and sets things up for some major confrontations between the Luxen and the DOD – with Katy caught in between.

The characters that we spend the most time with are well-developed and have depth to them. Katy, Daemon and new guy Blake are the centerpieces, holding everything together and providing a lot of the conflict. Blake and Daemon do NOT get along, but Katy barrels ahead anyway spending time with both. I liked the addition of Blake, even if I didn’t completely like him as a character. He is rash and manipulative, but a vein of desperation lies beneath it all. His actions are fully explained by the end but, while I found myself in sympathy with the reasons behind everything he did, his methods and the consequences of those actions were too drastic to ignore. Daemon continues to be one of the sexiest jerks around, and how Katy can continue to believe his feelings for her aren’t real is beyond me. He is such a strong character that he tends to dominate any scene he is in – even if he is just sitting and observing what is going on around him – but he shows vulnerability, especially when dealing with those he loves. He is one of the most protective male characters I’ve come across, yet that protectiveness also leads to impulsive and reckless actions that can have serious consequences. He needs someone strong to stand up to – and with him – and that is Katy. I had some real reservations about Katy in this book (more on that shortly), but there is no denying that she can hold her own with Daemon. Her snippiness is the perfect counterpoint to Daemon’s jabs, and she can be just as protective in her own way as Daemon is in his. Of course, one of the things I adore most about Katy is her love of books and blogging. It was great to recognize the little hints dropped in her conversations with Daemon about books that I have read and enjoyed, and to see the sheer joy she gets from just having books around her. I can’t help but relate to that aspect of her character.

Secondary characters didn’t have quite the depth of the primaries, but most of them showed enough shades to keep them interesting and enjoyable. I wish there had been more of Dee, but as Katy was struggling with everything that was going on and Dee was happily involved in a relationship they naturally pulled apart in this installment. The DOD characters did tend to fall a little too much towards the cardboard cut-out “bad guy” clichés, but since they weren’t in the story a great deal of the time the clichés quickly forged the sense of threat that was necessary to increase the tension of the story. Sometimes, clichés just work.

Sexual tension ran high in this book, as Daemon tried to make Katy realize he really did care for her. From bringing her dinner and stalking her blog, to a simple flower, Daemon did his best to let Katy know how important she was to him. He continues to show that no matter how much of a jerk he is (and he can be a BIG jerk), he loves deeply and protectively. One bruise on Katy could make him blow a gasket – and the number of times he was on the verge of beating Blake to a pulp were many. I have to say the bedroom scenes were my favorites though, with their combination of hot and sweet moments (but no sex – yet!). Daemon and Katy strike sparks whenever they are together.

The biggest problem I had with Onyx turned out to be Katy. I loved Katy in Obsidian, and there were points where she shined in Onyx, but she ended up making so many poor choices that my frustration with her character was too much to ignore. Time and time again she ignored her instincts about several characters, and time and time again it led to major problems – up to and including a tragic death. I have never seen a character work so hard to ignore what was right in front of her, the good and the bad. Every relationship she had came into question at some point (sometimes at many points), and almost always she choose the wrong answer. And when her choices blew up in her face, she STILL went back for more.

Here’s the second problem I had – Onyx had a very abrupt ending. I’m not talking cliffhanger here; I’m talking a sharp drop off the edge. The last few chapters had a lot of excitement and were action-packed, but I ended up feeling like they had been tacked on as an afterthought to give “just a little bit more” instead of ending the story on a more natural note. When I came to the end of chapter 32, it really felt to me like I had reached an ending point. Maybe it was the slightly hopeful tone at the end after the huge tragedy that had just occurred, but those last sentences felt like a perfect stopping point. The story continued on, however, some major action occurred, and a missing character returned – and the story ended right there, on a porch after a hug, with a question lingering in the air. It was quick and it felt off. Sometimes you really can have too much of a good thing.

With a great storyline that features twists and turns galore, danger, sexual tension and heartbreak, Onyx has the makings of greatness. But with a heroine who becomes a little too frustrating due to her many poor choices and an extremely abrupt ending, I just don’t feel comfortable bumping this to a full four stars. I’ll be waiting anxiously for December to see if Opal manages to make me as giddy as Obsidian did, so that I fall in love with this series all over again.

[shayanasha · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

OH MY GOD!! I LOVE YOU DAEMON BLACK... YOU ARE AWESOME!*swoons* *hyperventilates*
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Oh, who am I kidding? Like I will ever get over my Daemon swoonfest!! This book was awesome, even better than Obsidian. If you think you had a crush on the amazingly hot and annoying and jerk Daemon Black this new sweeter Daemon will blow your mind! He is just that awesome.

This book picks up where Obsidian left off with Katy and Daemon being bound by some freaky alien connextion after Daemon healed her. Daemon is not hiding his feelings for Katy anymore and she thinks this change in attitude has more to do with the alien mojo than what Daemon really feels. The book is pure YA. Superhot chemistry. Amazing drama. Hot sexual tension. Hilarious dialogues. And breathtaking action. I was hooked from the very first pen poke and until the last page. When the book was over my first thought was - now what the eff am I supposed to do until Opal comes out? The ending was so torturous I don't think I can last any longer without knowing what happens next!!


And that little extra from Daemon's point of view... Was Armentrout trying to make us all spontaneously combust? I would've fallen in love with Daemon just from that little bit if I had not already been head over heels. Seriously... Ms. Armentrout if you see dark shadows riaming around your house, they are not Arum. Just a fanatic me trying to find out what happens next!!

[anjanipm · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

GASP. This's such a roller coaster of action, witty, heartbreaking, sweet read with a swooned hero to drool over ( _ d)

[nicola26 · Calificación: 2 de 5 estrellas]

Ehh. I really loved book one, and gave it five stars, even if it's similarity to Twilight was kind of ridiculous. However, this just didn't do anything for me. I felt like I spent the entire book waiting for it to get good and it just never did- by the end I admit I was skimming. I will read some spoiler reviews for book 3 as I want to know what the imfamous cliffhanger is, but I have no real interest in taking the time to read it.

And the constant book-blogging references got boring. Given the majority of readers aren't book bloggers, it was just too much. And I wasn't impressed with the several references to a certain controversial blog.

Anyway, this just wasn't for me!

[jyl22075 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

So many things happened in this book that I'm not even sure what I just read. There were a lot of twists in this one and I think the whole Trust-No-One-X-Files thing definitely applies here.

This book picks up where Obsidian left off and shows how Kat is changing after Daemon heals her. Many interesting things come to light, relationships are tested and not everyone makes it out alive.

I found the book extremely readable and I was definitely flipping pages to see how everything was going to play out. There is a bit of a cliffhanger ending here, but it wasn't as intense as I thought it would be based on some things I had heard.

As for negatives, my main problem was Kat. I loved her in Obsidian, but in this book I often found her frustrating. So many things could've been different if she would've communicated better with Daemon or even just followed her own gut instincts which she often wrote off as paranoia. In the situation she was in, paranoia was a good thing. I did appreciate that she understood and accepted the mistakes that she made and I look forward to seeing how she grows in the next book.