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Review

“Dear God, she was seconds away from melting into a useless puddle of girlie girl.”

Oh yeah, I’m right there with that sentiment!

This book is a prequel to Obsidian, but in actual fact, should be read AFTER that book, when the world and some of the characters are already established. Chronologically though, the events of this book take place prior to Obsidian and tell the story of Daemon and Dee’s missing-and-presumed-dead brother, Dawson.

Holy freaking swoon! I confess here and now to being a massive Daemon fan, but for all of Daemon’s bad-boy snarkiness, Dawson is pretty much the exact opposite, and is all romance and tenderness, and holy hell is it hot!!! He and Bethany meet at school and have an instant, all-consuming attraction. Told in mixed POVs, the story of their romance is paced beautifully and is absolutely gorgeous. Armentrout really captures the feeling of first love as Dawson and Bethany fall hard and fast for each other.

He bent down, pressing his head against her forehead. “Seriously though, I want this – I want you … More than I’ve ever wanted anything.”

Of course the rest of the Luxen crew are against the relationship with Bethany, but Dawson knows he wants her, and isn’t prepared to allow anybody to stand in his way.

“Don’t ask me to give her up before I even really get to know her … Because you’re not going to like my response.”

Dawson and Bethany are so beautiful together, and even with all of the obstacles in their way, all they know is that they love each other and want to be together, so they make it happen. The contrast of their relationship compared to Daemon and Katy is MASSIVE! Dawson and Bethany are all about love and affection and tenderness, whereas Daemon and Katy are snarkiness and fiery passion. And Armentrout rocks it all!

There is a fair bit of Daemon in this book, and I loved seeing more of him as the protector for his family. Watching his actions, and what he goes through as the story unfolds, shows a different side of him, which actually helps explain some of his actions in Obsidian. And, of course, seeing the three siblings together was gorgeous, they have a fantastic relationship with lots of love and funny banter.

Dee backed away slowly, blinking. She glanced at Daemon. “The world is going to end. And I’m still a vir-“
“No!” both brothers yelled in unison. Daemon looked like he was actually going to vomit. “Jesus, don’t ever finish that statement. Actually, don’t ever change that. Thank you.”
Her mouth dropped open. “You expect me to never have-“
“This isn’t a conversation I want to start my morning with.” Dawson grabbed his bag off the kitchen table. “I’m so leaving for school before this gets more detailed.”

The book is a must-read and ties in really nicely with the rest of the series. And even knowing how the story was going to end, I was still 100% invested, and cried at the inevitably tragic conclusion – particularly the final chapter with Daemon and Dee’s reaction. Absolutely heartbreaking!

I can’t wait to go on with the series! Anticipating that things are not as they seem, there is some serious awesomeness to come!

 

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The Lux series

 

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