Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Obsidian
Jennifer L. Armentrout

Grade: A


Description from Goodreads.com:


Starting over sucks. 

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up. 

And then he opened his mouth. 

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens. 

The hot alien living next door marks me. 

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

My thoughts on the book:

I absolutely adored this book! The only reason that it got an A instead of an A+ is because it needed better editing. The first time I read it, I didn't even notice the typos and minor inconsistencies. The story was THAT good, but this second time, I noticed them. I don't blame Armentrout for this, it was probably sloppy editing from the publishing company. However, it does detract from the story, and what a story it is.

I normally detest sci-fi books, movies, TV shows, etc., but Armentrout built a world that I can totally relate to and love. The novel itself reads more like a paranormal romance, just with aliens in the place of werewolves, angels, or vampires. The story is quick-moving, and I read it all in one sitting. 

Katy, the protagonist/heroine, who is also a book blogger, has just moved to West Virginia from Florida with her mother the summer before her senior year. They moved because her father died of brain cancer three years ago, and her mother is still running away from the pain. She is sarcastic, funny, and easy to relate to. Once she gets to West Virginia, poor Katy just can't stay out of trouble, and Daemon (her super hot next door neighbor) has to keep saving her. Of course most of her problems are because of Daemon's alien heritage, anyway, and even though Daemon saves her, he is still a jerk to her most of the time. This leads to a lot of sexual tension, and when they finally act on that tension (no sex, just a hot and heavy make out session), it is one of the steamiest scenes I've ever read, which is shocking because this is a young adult book. However, the build up really adds to the budding romance between Katy and Daemon, and while Daemon comes across as a jerk at times, he is also a very endearing character. It's clear that he wants to do what's best for Katy, and he just can't figure out what that is. 

Katy doesn't want Daemon's help though, and she refuses to take his crap, which he likes. Instead of depending on Daemon, like many of the heroines of YA novels do to the heroes, she wants to take care of herself and not become a liability to him and his sister (and Katy's BFF) Dee. Because of her stubborn streak, Katy gets into more trouble than she would have gotten into if her pride hadn't gotten in the way so many times, but her problems make the book that much more interesting. She's always trying to antagonize Daemon and prove that she can get along fine without him, but she can't. Not anymore because she got involved in something she knew nothing about and isn't able to protect herself because she's a weak human.That doesn't keep her from trying, though, and she at least earns the respect of Daemon and Dee (and a couple of other aliens) through her loyal (though sometimes stupid) actions. 

Dee is another character that really makes this book stand out. She is one of those characters that you just have to love, and even though she is so alive, her exuberant personality doesn't detract from Katy's personality at all. Each character has his or her own quirks and personality traits, and none of them are boring. Dee is hyperactive and super sweet and caring, and she is a terrific friend to Katy. Since the story is told from a first person POV (Katy's), it is impossible not to love Dee as much as Katy does. 

The characters and story are fantastic, and Armentrout is a wonderful writer. However, because of some language and heavy make out scenes, I'd recommend this book to people who are 14 years of age or older. That being said, Obsidian is one of the best novels I've read all year. I cannot wait for the sequel. Don't miss this out-of-this-world roller coaster ride! 

Want to try Obsidian for yourself?