Shadows (A Lux Novel Prequel to Obsidian) By Jennifer L. Armentrout Book Review

Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

(A Lux Novel Prequel to Obsidian) 

I am one of the few people who did NOT read Obsidian before reading this book, since I had not read any of the Lux books, I decided to start with the Prequel, many people suggested this. I am glad I did. But I will say, I LOVE Dawson, much more than I will ever love Daemon ( I will admit now I just finished Obsidian, he is pretty hot and cool too, as I see through his abrasive personality). Come on, Dawson has the same hot looks, but with an amazing personality to go with the great looks. Where Daemon, is harsh, and rude. Though I do understand WHY he tries to keep the humans at an arm’s length, still, he is just rude. But I was also saddened by the fact I heard the talk, that Dawson does not have a good end. BUT I do have hope for him and Bethany, I have this feeling there is more to their story, and will make a return, just a gut feeling, but we shall see in Onyx (I finished Obsidian about 3 hours after I finished this one, watch for that review too)

As for this book, I loved Bethany; she is such a good person, sweet girl. Not all timid and boring before the boy comes along, that is common in YA today, she is a strong girl on her own, and love that she is an artist, and gives those artist descriptions of things, and people. I loved how she said that she would never be able to get the sparkling green color right on the painting she did of Dawson.

Another thing I really liked about this book, is that Dawson and Bethany liked each other, and took the time to get to know one another, and it progressed nicely, without all kinds of 2 boys, one girl drama that I get sick of. It was refreshing, it really was. I love Jennifer’s writing, and am a big fan. I am hooked on her Covenant series too, now this one too.

I will say, this series so far has that same feel as a very much favorite tv show I used to watch, called Roswell (late 90’s I think it was on tv). Has the 3 teenage alien hybrids, they have the powers, one of them to heal, and they manipulate molecules, of course the whole story is different, but same in the way, they are hiding from being discovered, but like I said, it’s still different. I knew I would like this book, as I loved that show, and love the Lorien Legacies books too (by Pitticus Lore, first book was a movie too, called I am Number Four, book is better) anyway, I love these kind of books.

I do not want to do too much spoilery, as I know there will be plenty of people who have not read Obsidian yet before reading this.

In this book, we get to know more about the triplets, Dawson, Daemon, and Dee, this story is told mostly from Bethany, and Dawson’s POV, but do get some glimpses in Daemon, and even Dee, who I love by the way.

Trouble starts when Dawson accidently marks Bethany with a “trace” it’s a slight glow that only other Lux can see, and their enemy the Arum. He lost some control when he…… I will let you go find that out, lol.

The rocks around where they live hide the Lux, but it won’t hide a human with a trace, so it puts all Luxen in danger. So, we get the hatefulness from other Lux like Ash and Andrew (2 of the other set of triplets), not Adam, he is as sweet as Dee is.

I was crying at one part, when Dawson thought he lost Bethany, won’t say more about that, you will find out, but I will tell you, I thought the worst, then was happy, then I was devastated again. Man, this book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. Have those tissues ready.

Here is a fun quote 

Andrew leaned forward and said in a low voice, “Your girl is going to turn into one huge, mother—”
“Finish that sentence and I will stab you in the eye with the spork Bethany’s about to pull out of her bag for her apple sauce.” He smiled gamely. “And she’d be very upset if I got her spork all messed up. She’s rather fond of the thing.”
I also love this part

 “I want you two to listen, because I swear this will be the last time I say this. I want both of you to leave Bethany alone. Don’t talk to her. Don’t approach her. Hell, don’t even consider thinking about her.”
Andrew raised himself fluidly, his blue eyes starting to glow like diamonds. “Or what?”
The back of Dawson’s neck started to burn. Screw the whole telling him part. He shed his human form in an instant and shot down the narrow aisle, slamming into a still-human Andrew. Over the roar in his ears, he heard Ash’s surprised shriek. The force of his impact took them both all the way to the screen and when they hit, it ripped right over the dickhead’s face.
Wrapping his hand around Andrew’s throat, he rose off the ground, dragging the struggling boy with him. Andrew had switched forms, but he couldn’t break Dawson’s hold. Dawson took him all the way to the vaulted ceiling, pinning him there.
Or what? Dawson spoke directly into Andrew’s thoughts, driving the point home. You threaten Bethany again, in any way, and I’ll make sure you can’t talk again. To anyone. Ever. Do you understand me?
“Dawson!” Ash yelled from below. “What are you doing? Stop! Do something, Adam!”
Adam’s laugh followed. “Someone needed to put Andrew in his place. I always figured it would be Daemon. Who knew.”

How can we not LOVE Dawson, at least as much as we love Daemon, I don’t know about you all, but I have plenty of room to love both hot twins! I will say, now that I have read Obsidian, I can understand his behavior and actions more, I can see through them now, as I got to understand him better by reading Shadows. I think it’s BEST to read Shadows first, before Obsidian, that’s my take on it. And FOR sure read it before Onyx, its necessary, I read from many friends who got Onyx early, that Shadows is full of info we need for Onyx.

It took me awhile to figure out who the DOD was, I know in real life it means Department of Defense, but I did not know that is also what it meant in this book. It does not clarify that for at least halfway through the book. Drove me nuts, guess that’s one thing you just KNOW if you read the other book first. Anyway, I hate that they are involved, and act like the Men In Black, making sure they all behave and stay put. Seems they are prisoners to me. That really sucks.

Here is a steamy teaser for you

Lowering her slowly against his chest, he grinned as her cheeks flushed. Her whiskey-colored eyes heated seconds before he kissed her. When he settled her on her feet again, she swayed a little.
“That’s the kind of greeting I like,” she said, touching her lips.
His eyes followed her movements to those pink lips. There was green paint on her pinkie, and seeing that, his heart expanded. As he wrapped his hand around the one on her mouth, he realized he was absolutely crazy about her. Pulling her into the living room, he kept going until the backs of his legs hit the couch and he sat. Bethany climbed into his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Dawson stopped breathing as he tilted his head back, and she lowered her mouth to his. The kiss was deep and scorching, endless. Not breaking contact, she unzipped her hoodie and he pushed it off her shoulders. Running his fingers up her bare arms, he grinned against her mouth when she shivered.

That scene get you going? I will leave you with that steamy though, go get Shadows, you won’t be disappointed!

I highly recommend this book if you like paranormal romance, or sci/fi with some romance. The writing is beautiful and if you never read a book by Jennifer yet, this is a good one to start with. If you reads and liked her Covenant series, I promise you will also love this series too.

Summary from Book:
The last thing Dawson Black expected was Bethany Williams. As a Luxen, an alien life form on Earth, human girls are…well, fun. But since the Luxen have to keep their true identities a secret, falling for one would be insane.

Dangerous. Tempting. Undeniable.

Bethany can’t deny the immediate connection between her and Dawson. And even though boys aren’t a complication she wants, she can’t stay away from him. Still, whenever they lock eyes, she’s drawn in.

Captivated. Lured. Loved.

Dawson is keeping a secret that will change her existence...and put her life in jeopardy. But even he can’t stop risking everything for one human girl. Or from a fate that is as unavoidable as love itself.

Check out these other post I have, there is some other teasers of Lux series you may like. Tuesday Teasers , there is a teaser for this book that is not here. 
Be sure to check out my Young Adult Giveaway, One of the prize packs is this book and Obsidian. (review coming for Obsidian soon) Be sure to check out Jennifer's website, she has lots of extra scenes from both her series there, including some POV of Daemon (Obsidian) See both giveaway buttons below, one is a book tour as well as giveaway for Pledged.
Others in series: