Author: Jennifer Armentrout
Series: Book Three in the Dark Elements Trilogy
Published By: Harelquin Teen (July 28, 2015)
Source: Purchased
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!
Book Description:
Some loves will last ’til your dying breath
Every choice has consequences—but seventeen-year-old Layla faces tougher choices than most. Light or darkness. Wickedly sexy demon prince Roth, or Zayne, the gorgeous, protective Warden she never thought could be hers. Hardest of all, Layla has to decide which side of herself to trust.
Layla has a new problem, too. A Lilin—the deadliest of demons—has been unleashed, wreaking havoc on those around her…including her best friend. To keep Sam from a fate much, much worse than death, Layla must strike a deal with the enemy while saving her city—and her race—from destruction.
Torn between two worlds and two different boys, Layla has no certainties, least of all survival, especially when an old bargain comes back to haunt them all. But sometimes, when secrets are everywhere and the truth seems unknowable, you have to listen to your heart, pick a side—and then fight like hell…
Why does Armentrout always have this amazing ability to draw me into her stories even when those stories make me want to roll my eyes, shake my fist in the air and chuck the book across the room with the nonsense of it all?
I honestly don't know. And even though I know I will more than likely get a headache from all the ups and downs of reading one of her books, I still pick the darn suckers up and dive into the pages.
I don't like so many tropes that her books have, love triangles and angst and and and...gah! Some how when I am reading her books. I find myself liking them and enjoying the show. Why is that? It almost sickens me. And yet, she makes it work and she makes me like it. Darn her.
I love Layla and Zayne and yes, even Roth. How could I not. Layla is tough and good with a slight bad side to her but most of all she is kick butt and gets things done.
Zayne is the ultimate hero and good guy. The kind we all want and then of course Roth is his opposite. A bad boy through and through and yet, he still manages to have some redeeming qualities that make us love him.
I absoltuely loved the direction this whole series went, from Layla getting stronger and coming into her own to the direction the friendships and even romance went. It was done so well, so realistically to the story and there were still twists I didn't see coming and things that kept me on my toes.
This series like all of Jennifer's writing, was so addictive and I really did have a lot of fun with it, over used tropes, drama, and all.
I still need to read the last Lux book! I'm not entirely sure about starting any of her other series. Her books are fun distractions for me, but that's about it. Nothing makes me want to just dive in. Glad this worked for you!
ReplyDeleteHer Lux series is by far my favorite.
DeleteGlad to see you loved this. I ave this sitting on my kindle and I really need to get to it because I loved the other two books. Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt took me awhile to get to it as well but I'm so glad I finished the trilogy, it was worth it. :)
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed this series. I've yet to try her, even as I have book one of the Lux series already on my iPod ready to listen. You know, some authors can write those tropes that we hate and make them really good. That is how they became so popular to begin with. Then other authors decide they need to use them too and it all goes to hell. Glad this works out. Like I said, I really need to try her.
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads
I couldn't agree more. I really hope when you get to them, that you like them as well. She does have a way of just sucking you in.
DeleteI know exactly what you mean! Her books are like drugs. I resent so many things, but I nevertheless can't stop reading them. This one will be no different, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteI missed you, Ali!
I've missed you Maja!! So good to see you!!! And yes, definitely like crack. :P
Delete"Why does Armentrout always have this amazing ability to draw me into her stories even when those stories make me want to roll my eyes, shake my fist in the air and chuck the book across the room with the nonsense of it all?"
ReplyDeleteYES!!! Her books always have the same set of elements, just new characters and circumstances, but somehow they suck me in every time too Ali. I haven't finished this series yet though, I wasn't too keen on the whole "vote" thing with the two guys. Still, I'm definitely curious and I know I'll tear through it if I decide to pick it up!
That was interesting and nothing I ever took part in but I did like the ending so I guess it must have worked. ;)
DeleteI used to be obsessed with her books, but all of her books are the same version of the others. The love triangle in this one didn't make me happy so I never continued with the series. I am however glad that you loved this ending and was satisfied with it. It's a great feeling! :D
ReplyDeleteThat is true. ;) Sorry this one wasn't for you but I really do understand.
DeleteArmentrout is one of the most talented writers I've ever known. She can build the most interesting characters and stories, and the rate at which she can write, edit and publish a book is incredible to me.
ReplyDeleteYes Tyler, I do wonder if the poor woman ever sleeps!
DeleteI have this series to start, and I cannot wait to meet these characters! It does indeed sound addictive, and I'm glad you enjoyed this installment.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, I really hope you do as well!
DeleteOOOOOOOOOO fantastic review! Armentrout does have some great writing. Very addictive. I can't wait to finish the Lux series and read some of her others as well.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to try her adult stuff but I have loved all of her YA books so far.
DeleteBout this book months ago but have not read it yet. TBD did not have the earlier books available in paperback back then but I still wanted to pre-order this one. Will try and get the previous 2 soon. Darn lack of availability and international shipping fees. Which thankfully I have no shipping fees with TBD.
ReplyDeleteAt least you were able to grab one. I hope the others come up soon as well!
DeleteI know! I'm with you. Honestly with all her books I worry that it just won't draw me in as much as the others... and each time I'm wrong. So glad to hear that this one also sucked you in. This is on my wishlist already, but I may have to push it up that list!
ReplyDeleteYes! I've felt the same way but nope, they do every single time!
DeleteLove your review, Kindlemom. Sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie!
DeleteCan you believe I've never read a JLA book, despite how popular she is? I've been meaning to get to one eventually, just to see what all the hype is about. From what you've said, though, it seems like her writing is like a favorite food that's bad for your health. You know it's not good for you, but you still love it anyway, lol.
ReplyDeleteGood review!
Brittany @ http://www.spacebetweenthespines.com/
That pretty much describes it exactly LOL!
DeleteI bought this one when it came out, b/c I couldn't help myself, but I never read it! I'm going to though, that's for sure! nice review :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it.
DeleteI haven't tried JAL, I'll have to ask you guys where I should start should I find the time to squeeze her in.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I really need to finish this series soon! I loved the first book but for some reason never picked up the second. I'll have to change that soon!
ReplyDeleteI hope you love them!
DeleteSome authors are just really good storytellers, you know? It doesn't matter WHAT they write about, it just grabs people! Glad you liked this one.
ReplyDeleteThat is true and a great way to put it too!
DeleteOh no! This sounds like a wild roller coaster :D I'm glad you enjoyed it in the end despite the hair-pulling and tug-of-war you've had to endure.
ReplyDeleteThanks Claudia!
DeleteYeah, yeah, I need to read her books already. But it's a good sign when a character gets you to enjoy those tropes when you normally don't.
ReplyDeleteThat is very true and she is great at doing that for sure.
DeleteI really need to read more books by her
ReplyDeleteI need to try her adult books I think.
DeleteI read the prequel novella of this series and bought book one and it's been sitting in my tbr for way to long. I like this author a lot but only have The Lux series and a few others to know anything about. Haven't thrown my Kindle yet but I bet there is still time for me to do that! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteIt is tempting sometimes. ;) I do hope you like her books, frustrating parts and all. ;)
DeleteIt is always wonderful when an author grabs you, even if the tropes make you crazy!
ReplyDeleteThat is so true!
DeleteI'm so glad you liked this one! I loved the first book but I couldn't finish the second -- I don't know, the crowd sourcing of the love interest bugged me and I felt like Layla totally changed from book 1 to book 2. I may have to try and re-read the series at some point but great review!!
ReplyDeleteThat was a little strange. I took a step back from it after that as well so I don't blame you at all.
DeleteI think it's her tropes that she uses so often that actually make it so unpredictable for me. Sometimes I just hate it and other times I love it. More like I feel I should hate it, but don't. I don't know. She definitely does a good job with THE FEELS.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean and yes, she really is!
DeleteI really liked this series as well! This is one of the few cases where I really liked both guys - JLA can work that magic in the swoon department. :)
ReplyDeleteYep I really did too but she handles it well and realistically I think.
DeleteI didn’t have luck with J.Armentrout lately, and I was thinking about this series. Glad to hear you enjoyed the last installment, Ali. And I totally agree with you first passage, her stories, especially paranormal ones are so addictive despite their flaws.
ReplyDeleteYes! glad I'm not the only one that loves to hate them and hates to love them. ;)
DeleteOh you totally made me snort. It's amazing how some authors have that ability!
ReplyDeleteIt truly is.
DeleteI tried one book by Jennifer, and that was one of her new adult titles called Wait For You and GIRL . . . I just couldn't deal. I read it, and felt so strongly about it, (not in a good way either) that I vowed to never read anything by her again lol. Explain to me why I picked up the first two books in the LUX bind up lol. Idk, maybe her writing isn't for me, orrr maybe I need to give another one of her books a chance.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I only like her paranormal stuff, the other, not so much. ;)
Delete