Title: Beginnings: Obsidian & Onyx
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
First published June 3, 2014
801 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781622664481 (ISBN10: 1622664485)
Rating: 4.55
Overview
Get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure with Beginnings: Obsidian & Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout, now available together in one thrilling package.
In the first two books of the bestselling Lux series, meet Katy, a girl who discovers that her next-door neighbor is an alien with some seriously infuriating qualities. But when danger strikes and Daemon’s abilities become crucial to their survival, Katy finds herself drawn to him in ways she never expected.
As their connection deepens and they face even bigger threats, Katy and Daemon must uncover the truth about their enemies and the mysterious government agency that seems to be after them. With bonus content exclusive to the print edition, Beginnings is a must-read for fans of sci-fi romance.
RT Book Reviews raves, “A thrilling ride from start to finish.”
Editoral Review
Beginnings: Obsidian & Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a young adult fantasy novel published on June 3, 2014.
Armentrout is a New York Times bestselling author who has written over 50 novels in various genres, including young adult, adult, and new adult fiction. The novel is set in a world where aliens, known as Luxen, live among humans in secrecy.
It is the first book in a series and follows the story of high school student Katy Swartz who becomes entangled with a group of Luxen after moving to a small town in West Virginia. Armentrout’s writing style is engaging and her world-building is intricate, creating a vivid and believable setting for her characters.
At the heart of the novel lies the romance between Katy and the Luxen boy, Daemon Black, which is both compelling and frustratingly slow-burning. The two have a natural chemistry that is both believable and endlessly alluring but is constantly stunted by the tensions between their two worlds.
The novel’s strengths lie in its character development and the slow reveal of the world-building. Each character is well-drawn, with their own motivations and backstory that serve to make them feel like real people.
The pacing of the novel is also well done, with Armentrout managing to keep the reader engaged throughout the book’s 400+ pages. One of the novel’s weaknesses is that it can feel overly formulaic at times, relying too heavily on romance tropes and predictable plot twists.
Additionally, the world-building can be overwhelming at times, with too many details introduced too quickly. However, these flaws are minor and overall, the novel is a well-crafted and engaging read.
The novel deals with themes of love, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect those they care about. Moreover, it also addresses the issue of xenophobia through the subplot of the fear and suspicion that Luxen face from humans who do not understand or trust them.
Given the current political climate, the novel’s themes are timely and resonate with the reader. Fans of young adult fantasy and romance will enjoy Beginnings: Obsidian & Onyx.
However, the novel is not without its flaws, and those looking for a completely original or unconventional story may be disappointed. Overall, the book is recommended for those seeking a well-written, engaging, and timely read.
In conclusion, Beginnings: Obsidian & Onyx is an enjoyable read that combines well-crafted world-building with engaging characters and a slow-burn romance that will keep young adult readers hooked from beginning to end. With its timely themes and engaging storytelling, Armentrout’s novel is a must-read for those looking for a captivating and thought-provoking young adult fantasy novel.
I would give this book four out of five stars.
