#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the world of the Lux with this steamy, shocking third installment of the Origin series that will leave readers reeling. The hardcover edition of The Brightest Night includes a bonus short story, and the first printing will be signed by the author. He is the darkest star. She is the burning … author.
He is the darkest star.
She is the burning shadow.
And together, they will bring about the brightest night.
Less than a year ago, Evelyn Dasher was a normal girl, living a safe, rather unremarkable life–a life that was a total lie. Now she’s learned the truth about who she was and what she is.
Hidden within Zone 3, she knows that if she loses control of her dangerous abilities again, she not only puts everyone in the secret community at risk, but also the beautiful, deadly inhuman Luc. He will do anything to keep her safe. Lie. Barter. Beg. Kill.
But there are truths that not even Luc can prepare for, and as Evie’s abilities evolve, the consequences of everything he’s done turn devastating.
Luc is stepping into the darkness. But Evie might already be lost to the shadows.
At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
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I’ve loved all of this series and was actually pretty glad to hear that this wasn’t going to be the final book in the series. Although knowing that it wasn’t the last one also meant that I knew it would have a cliffhanger. And as I just finished with that major cliffhanger, I don’t know how I’m going to wait another year. As usual it is hard to write a review about the third book in a series where all the books so far have had cliffhangers and not spoil for others who haven’t read yet. But I’ll do my best!
Now, I’ve always talked about how much I love Daemon Black, and how even though I love Luc in this series, I still was feeling more for Daemon. But this book Luc totally took over and kept me thinking about him and Evie/Nadia the whole time. What I really liked about this book is all the things we learned about what created Evie, as well as even more about Luc’s past, not to mention even more just about the Luxen and Arum themselves. Now when I read the book before this, I was kind of excited that my city had a big part in that story. Well, now that part of the story feels even more real, although on a larger scale, because it had to do with a mysterious flu type of virus/disease. COVID-19 anyone? Now I had some little inklings of things as the story went along that could possibly be where the cliffhanger of this book might end up. And I was actually right about one of those little thoughts I had. But as usual, Armentrout kept me guessing the whole time, throwing other things out, other things that did actually fill in the bits and pieces that led to where that one aspect of the story finally exploded.
Now, I read a lot, and I know a lot of you read more than I do. But suffice it to say that this book was really good, because I got behind in reading, and it was 450 pages I had three days to read. I read about 275 of those pages the last day. And it wasn’t like I had to force myself to keep reading. Nope, the minute I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down, and really only did that when I’d get interrupted by something.
I know we’ve all been wanting a time machine to jump past the year 2020 to hopefully be done with all the pandemic craziness, but I’m going to need that just to get to where book 4 is ready for me to read. I say that, but then there is the third book in the Harbinger series by Armentrout that comes out next summer, so I guess I would want to stop the time machine so I could get that one right away too. And it’s not like there isn’t the new Blood and Ash series she started this year, that I have the first one sitting on my shelf waiting to read. So I’ll live I guess. But let’s finish up this review by saying again how much I love, love, love, LOVED this book!
“He wouldn’t do anything that would ever hurt me. That was the one thing in this world I knew for certain. He would rip himself apart cell by cell before he harmed a single hair on my head.”
We start The Brightest Night exactly where The Burning Shadow left off. Evie and Luc have just found out that Jason Dasher, who they thought was dead, is actually still alive and still leading Daedalus. Evie is still trying to come to terms with everything that she has learned as well as getting a handle on her powers. While that’s going on, other things are happening with Daedalus and we have some surprising characters appear. While they find themselves dealing with things they had never dreamed of, the question becomes if they will be able to survive it.
I loved seeing Evie learn about her powers and figuring out how to control them. The girl has had a lot thrown at her in a short amount of time and instead of letting it beat her, she has found a way to embrace it and make herself stronger while also staying true to herself. I also loved seeing the absolute faith that Luc has in Evie. He believes that she can learn to control her powers and not lose herself to the programming that was done during her time with Daedalus.
I was beyond excited to read The Brightest Night and I was not disappointed. I was sucked in from the beginning and stayed that way throughout the book. And that ending! I mean Jen, how are you going to end a book like that?!? Although I shouldn’t be surprised because Armentrout has been known to throw you for a loop at the end of the book and leave you clamoring for more. And that’s exactly what she did with this one. I cannot wait to read the last book of this series and find out how this story is going to ultimately end.
“I love you, Evie. I fell in love with you within the first week I met you. I loved you before I even knew what that meant, and I loved you even when you were gone, and I loved you when you became someone else. (…) And I fell even more in love with you when you walked through the doors of Foretoken. I’ve never stopped loving you. I never will.”
I got the audiobook of this from NetGalley, so I decided to read this that way even though I pre-ordered the hardcover. It’s my first JLA audiobook. I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrator. It wasn’t horrible, but not my favorite either
Let’s get to the actual story. I didn’t realize I forgot so much from the last one, but I quickly got caught up.
Evie grows a lot here which I liked. She also had to face difficult moral decisions which I appreciate. This world is becoming more life or death, so that was realistic. Luc is still arrogant and over-the-top. I appreciate him as a character, but he does get on my nerves sometimes.
The romance continued to progress and I liked where that part of the plot went. I’m curious to see what happens next.
The larger plot was ok. I’m just not sure how much actually happened. And it didn’t completely hold my attention. I would get distracted and have to rewind my audio. This will probably end up being a bunch of set-up for the next/final book.
• •
: The Brightest Night
: Origin #3
: Jennifer L. Armentrout
: 5/5
This book killed me in the best way possible aka I loved this book and the story: it just keeps getting better. I was absolutely amazed about the plot twists and the story line in general. I loved everything about this book and once I passed the halfway mark, I just couldn’t stop reading. Especially since we get to re-meet so many amazing characters from the Lux series. It just made everything even better, I was so happy to read about them again and see where they ended up. Even when the book was a bit slow paced at times, I was just so excited to read about these characters that it didn’t really matter for me. I absolutely loved Luc and Evie, but for me Kat had some show stealing moments.. I love the powerful woman she has become. I thought the last book had the craziest cliffhanger, well joke’s on me. This book has the craziest cliffhanger!!!!! WOW!!! I need the next book like asap.
My reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
The Brightest Night is book #3 in the Origin Series and I’d say it’s necessary to read the two former books to understand the story.
For the very best and full experience, actually I’d recommend to read the Lux Series before (Origin is a sequel) but it’s not necessary.
If you haven’t read the former two books be aware of possible spoilers. There’s no spoiler for book #3.
I’m kind of obsessed with everything about Luxen, Arum and Origins and I was very excited to read this book, because the end of book #2 was like dropping a bomb.
It starts right were book #2 (The Burning Shadow) ended and I was immediately back to the story about Luc and Evie.
Evie has been through a lot and she has still a few more secrets to discover. Same goes for Luc, although he thinks he knows everything.
This book is more about emotions than actions. The relationship between Luc and Evie becomes more intense. I really loved the chemistry between them.
And there is Grayson. After reading this book my heart ached for him. Badly! He’s kind of a dislikable, unfriendly and grumpy guy, but now I understand a lot more, why he acted like a jerk around Evie.
I was also very happy to meet Hunter again (yes, he’s my favorite alien ) The Black siblings with their partners were also a part of this book. Mostly Daemon and Kat.
But there were also surprisings guests and when I read about this special person, all I thought was NO No No NOOOOO!!! THAT CAN’T HAPPEN!
Let’s talk about Luc. I can’t even tell how much I love him. When I first met him in the Lux Series I thought, “wow, what a freaking little jerk”, but now … gaahhh, his development is so brilliant. He really would do anything for Evie. And by anything I mean ANYTHING.
In the past he made some decisions which left the impression that he is coldblooded, calculating and unbelievably cunning. But he also has a soft spot and he’s vulnerable too. And I don’t mean physically.
I really really liked Daemon in the Lux Series, but Luc … he’s a whole new level for me.
Thank you Jennifer, for writing this story, but DAMN … this end is killing me. I’ve never expected THAT.
I can’t wait to read the final installment.
RATING: 4,5/5
I just finished the The Brightest Night and I am no way near being okay.
The Brightest Night hooked me from the very first page and those hooks were deeply embedded in me until the very end. This book is a thrilling, emotionally-charging and incredibly captivating third installment of the Origin series.
It starts off where the The Burning Shadow left off. Evie and Luc have arrived to Zone 3 seeking refuge and they have just found out that Jason Dasher, who they believed to be dead, is in fact very much alive and is actually in charge of the newly found alien species called the Trojans. Trojans are programmed to only answer to Dasher, which is bad news for the gang because Evie has also been turned into a Trojan. Talk about fuckery of epic proportions.
Evie and Luc is what you call an epic love story. Their love is so selfless, passionate and explosive. They have been through so much and life keeps on putting more roadblocks in front of them, but that does not deter them. Their love for each other is so strong and pure and they believe that as long as they have each other, they can get through anything. Their love for each other has honestly took my breath away.
Evie has undergone incredible character growth in this book. So much has been thrown at her, so much has been revealed about her past, her present and her future. Some of the things have really shocked me and I had hard time believing that Daedalus could stoop so low, but no matter what information was revealed, she remained strong, fierce and courageous. She was very impressive in this book.
We first met Luc when he was 13 years old. Even back then we knew that he was something rare and unlike any other alien we have met before. Coupled with his incredibly cheesy pick-up lines and t-shirts with silly slogans, he truly is one special snowflake. There is no-one quite like him. He has done some horrible things, but he didn’t do them out of malice, but out of his desperate need to save the one person he loves the most in the world. For the longest time, I had to shout at my brain that it is okay to find Luc attractive, because it had difficult time differentiating him from the 13 year old we have met all those years ago. After reading this book, my brain has finally got it. Luc is no longer the 13 year old boy, he is something more. He has grown into himself and we have witnessed him maturing and blossoming into man he is today. While he is not perfect, because no one really is, he is aware of his flaws and he does his best to prove to Evie that he is worthy of her love.
The Daemon/Luc bromance is alive and kicking. Those two have brought smile to my face on multiple of occasions. They have such a rare and special relationship. I love how they try to get rise out of the other every chance they get, but then they are there for each other when it really counts. That is what I call real friendship.
Having mentioned Daemon, I am so happy that he played quite the big part in this book. As always he made me swoon and on multiple times he has taken my breath away. Him and Kat are such an important part of the story, and to see them getting ready for parenthood is such a privilege. Having been on the not so pleasant end of Evie’s powers, it is understandable that he is a bit apprehensive about her staying in Zone 3, where all of his closest friends and family live. But I was so happy to see him stand up for Evie. It really shows what kind of person he is.
I am very curious about Grayson and I hope that we learn more about him in the next book. We also get to see little of our beloved characters from the Lux series; Dawson, Bethany, Archer, Dee, Hunter and Serena. We also get to see little Ashley and those moments have been so precious. We also get introduced to new characters that do not have the clearest of intentions. And some characters show up that left my mouth hanging open. Is it just me, or are some of these people like cockroaches? Impossible to get rid off…
The two best words to describe The Brightest Night are emotional rollercoaster. So much is revealed and so much is still left unsaid. The ending gutted me and I don’t think that wound will hill until I get my hands on the last book. It is everything you expect a good book to be: soul-shattering, breathtaking, passionate, fast-paced, exciting, action-packed, emotional and a page-turner. Jennifer has really outdone herself. What a brilliant book this was!
Another amazing book my JLA
After 6 years I know that I will devour everything this woman writes. And this book was no exception.
Before starting this book I was super afraid, I mean Luc and Evie already went through hell to survive and be together and things were too perfect…too calm. I should have known better.
Luc and Evie were the sweetest thing in this book. Their relationship evolved so much in so many levels! They are so perfect together. Evie is so strong and fierce even if she doesn’t realize that, and Luc is such a dork sometimes, those lame pick-up lines crack me up! But he is also so complicated…All that stuff he did…but he did them for a strong reason.
I really liked the way the Evie/Nadia dilemma turned out. It couldn’t have been more perfect!
The book is by far my favorite from this series. We get to see old faces and new ones. I really loved seeing old friends from the original series, Daemon keeps being the Daemon we all love, and Kat is still a super bad ass. Hunter was a surprise, I wasn’t expecting to see so much of him, but it was awesome that jerk is funny as hell.
There were a lot of funny moments Luc’s and Daemon’s snark is everything. There were also a few tense moments when I was so scared of what could happen, I had so many theories while reading the book…
Chapter 34 completely blown my mind!!! I was screaming HOW?!?! HOW THAT HELL IS THIS POSSIBLE?!?! I lost it for a second there . And the end… God that end killed me. I was expecting half of it, I just had a feeling that would happen, but the other half…how I’m a supposed to wait a whole year for the next one after that?????
I have so many theories and thoughts and feelings about that ending and what comes next! Lux world will always be one of my favorites and in the Origin series this world his definitely expanding.
The bad guys in this world/series really have no limit. They would do anything in their greed. If I thought I hated Daedalus before, now…it’s 1000 times worst.
This book was amazing! It was a roller-coaster of emotions! So many things happen…and I have a feeling the next one will take everything to the next level! Can’t wait!!!
Ps: The bonus scene completely melted my heart .
So glad there’s more of this world I get to be apart of!!! My emotions were all over reading this one!! Most anticipated book and it delivered in spades!! Keep it coming! Can’t wait for more!!!
Omg I absolutely loved this book. Evie & Luc are absolutely my all time favorite couple. Luc with his cheesy pick up lines will make you swoon. Once I started reading this book I didn’t want to stop. I was completely hooked and wasn’t disappointed at all. The ending wtf I need the next book ASAP. Another phenomenal read by Jennifer that I wish I could give more then 5 stars.
Luc, I love Luc! This book was fantastic! We continue with the Origin series, this time we get more answers about Evie, Luc, and more about our other beloved Lux series characters. There is no way for me to hide how much I love JLA books, this one is no exception, I love every page of it, every word I heard on the audiobook, yes, I also got the audiobook which is brilliant, the narrator Saskia Maarleveld is one of my top favorites for PNR narrations. The sound mix and edition was fantastic. Each emotion and character voice was perfectly portrayed. The story is amazing, I can’t wait for the next book, it’s going to be another long wait but totally worth it and overall you won’t feel it that far away with all the other books JLA has in store for us. I will forever one-click on her books and so I am totally biased saying you need to experience this story.
no words….. just no words.
Advanced Readers Copy
Title: The Brightest Night
Series: Origin #3
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Tor Teen
Edition: Kindle
Amount of Pages: 432
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Sci-fi, Fantasy/Paranormal
Date Read: 10-10-2020 – 14-10-2020
Favorite Quote: “No matter how you come back to me, as Evie or as Nadia or someone else, I’ll still love you like I do now, like I did yesterday and the day before, and that’ll be enough.”
Review:
I was really looking forward to reading this book, I wanted to see what would happen next and I hoped to see more of Daemon and Katy. Anyhow this book definitely didn’t disappoint, then again non of Jen’s books do in my biased opinion haha.
What is this book about:
This book takes off right where the last one ended. Evie and Luc arrived at the 3d zone and meet up with Daemon, Katy, Dawson, Beth, Archer, Dee and the others. Evie and Luc just had a bomb dropped on them and it definitely won’t be the last.
While trying to find out exactly what Evie can do and how to control it they are also trying to figure out how to make their relationship work.
Not only that the Deadalus is still out there hunting them down. They need to be stopped once and for all. The Deadalus isn’t an organisation that needs to be underestimated but how far they where willing to to go, nobody guessed.
What did I like/love:
I loved seeing everyone again. I absolutely loved it. It was great seeing Evie and Luc’s relationship evolve and grow.
I loved seeing Daemon and the others again. Overall I can’t say much without spoiling this book but it’s one of my favorites in this series and I can’t wait for the next one!
What did I dislike/hate:
/
Rating:
5 it was amazing stars
Narration 5 stars
Favorite Author
I have to start at the end. ARGUH !!!! Yes, that was my final word. Yes, the ending was monstrous and left me gasping, sputtering and angry. I might have been a bit emotional. Don’t judge, just wait til you read it, you’ll see.
The story was a rollercoaster ride, moments of climbing to something just out of reach then, shifting away squeeing around a ship turn, then an unexpected drop, to the slow steady climb again to the top, then on to drop off a cliff ! I really loved the ride but was not always loving it. I just don’t like one of the characters.
Evie aka Nadia, I really have to try to like her. She is such an immature snowflake, still. She has been through so seriously hard moments, lived a hard life and still acts like a preteen. Oh stop hatting, I know she forgot most of her before, that’s no excuse. How can one live through that kind of act crazy and still act childish ?
Luke I like Luke, I don’t get why he’s’ so nutters in love. Oh he loves beyond a sane level There is something else there, perhaps that is the excessive draw to Evie ? He’s the perfect guy, powerful, hot, body-licious, funny, smart, attentive, and he likes lamas. Why are they never like this in real life ? I want better for him than this immature Evie. There is still at least one more book.
The rest of the characters really fit well into the story adding to the depth of the story. There were backstabbers, sneaky liars, birthing mothers, protective friends and more. I enjoy Grayson, and the time I got to spend with him. I want him. to get his story.
Well the next book isn’t out yet and I’m sitting here fretting over that ending but I have to wait. I did learn to like Evie, still not her biggest fan but she kind of won me over. Thank you Ms. Armentrout, for another winning read.
I received a copy of the audiobook from the publisher for an honest review
Having devoured The Darkest Star and The Burning Shadow I knew I was going to want this story as soon as I could get it and I was correct, this was a thrilling ending for the series. I really enjoyed the tension, action and romance and think the author did a wonderful job of pulling all the plots lines/threads together to make this an explosive ending. I listened to this all in one day because it was so easy to do and the story pulled me in. The narrator is great. For those who have followed this story from the beginning I think you will find this a great addition. No spoilers but the romance and the action was a great balance and made the best sense for the characters. I received an ARC via NetGalley and MacMillan Audio and I am leaving my honest review.
This review will contain spoilers to the last book. So, if you have not read it and don’t want to be spoiled, go read it and come back.
This series is a rollercoaster for me, I have such a hate- love relationship with this series. First book, I disliked first, then reread and liked it better, second book was better, this book I had issues with again.
Before we get too far into this book, I would like to point out that I love JLA books, The Lux series is actually the one that got me into her books. So that I have such a hard time with this series is really sad for me.
But I am now certain what it is about these books I dislike.
I absolutely DO NOT like Evie/ Nadia. She is seems super immature and just goes back and forth between she is over confidant she can do this, to nahhh I will never be able to do this. I have read middle grade books were the characters see more mature than her. There were a few times I felt for her, but for the most part I was super annoyed by her.
Another thing was that I never really saw the romance between Luc and Evie/Nadia. I just never could behind it and relate to it. Maybe because most of the falling in love part was when she was Nadia (at least for him) and of page or book. But I just never could see it.
Luc, I of course I enjoyed for the most part unless he was with her and they both became pre-teen again.
Okay now for the parts I liked and loved …… The over story I loved it, there was so much stuff that was happening, now that we know that Dasher is still alive … all things have changed. There are a few other surprises along the way. People just don’t want to stay dead in this series, it seems.
We get a lot of Greyson time in this book and I LOVED it, I love Greyson and I hope we get so much more of him. We also learn some interesting things about him along the way.
I also loved that we get Kat and Dameon so much in this book, or more than the other books I should say.
While I’m not her biggest fan, I felt bad for Evie at times, not knowing her past and also the struggle with her mother, who is not her mother. She finally comes to terms with certain things…. about her mother who is not her mother.
But also, her emotions are the one thing that that can lead them all into doom if she is not careful.
Overall, there is lots of action, lots of humor and some pretty big plot twists.
The end … WOW … OMG …. What now … how could she ended it like that …..where my only thoughts…..
Some things I could see coming from half way through but other things where a shock to me and even though I struggled at times with this book, or more so Evie I now need to read the last and final book in the series.
I had the Audio and I loved it….. the narration was excellent and brought the people and situations to live fabulously.
Overall, even though I did not care for Evie/ Nadia I loved the story, other characters and narration ….. so, I will give it 3.5 – 4
WHATTTT I thought this was going to be a trilogy! I need the next book now! I was left hanging! I just loved how much more Luc and Evelyn’s relationship developed and seeing more of Damon and Kat and also with the new addition.
Saskia Maarleveld I just love her narrations!
I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Luc and Evie are back! We get to see so much of their romance in this book and I LOVE that. Luc is so swoony and complete book boyfriend material.
I adore the glimpses we get to see of Daemon and Katy. But of course the scenes with Luc and Daemon are my favorite, love their sarcastic banter.
Jennifer Armentrout once again proves why she’s one of my favorite authors. She will leave you feeling desperate for more!
That ending…. lets just say I’m dying to get my hands on the next book!
Bullet style
•I like this cover A LOT better than the old style.
•Still loving this new political JLA, bringing up all sorts of “controversial” topics and owning it.
•If you’ve read the Lux series, there are some inconsistencies, which is really irritating.
•Lots of lovey dovey. Like lots.
•Super slow going for a good majority…
•Pretty much everything you thought you knew is wrong. Oh so wrong. That’s all I can say. (But I likes it. Even if I’m still confused .)
Not a spoiler but kind of a spoiler? Get ready for cliffhanger hell, because that’s where you’ll be living until the next book. OF COURSE.
***4 Every Breath You Take Stars ***
Jennifer Armentrout is back with yet another installment to the Origin series that resolves around the infamous Luc & his beloved Evie. The Brightest Night begins right where The Burning Shadow ended leaving us readers bewildered with the bombshell JLA left us with. The answers we were dying to know are finally revealed and all bets are off the table. Secrets that were long thought to be dead and buried are out in the open and both Luc & Evie are trying to pick up the pieces of their new future together.
“I’ve waited for you forever, and the only thing that scares me—that terrifies me—is that something is going to take you from me, and I won’t be able to do a damn thing about it.”
Not to mention Evie with her powers. I was waiting for the pin to drop where she could no longer control herself and become an anomaly. To not only herself but to those she holds dear. But I was wrong, Evie surprised me in The Brightest Night. From her character growth to the relationships she has built from the very beginning it has been no easy feat. Even though this book lacked the action in the previous books I expect a very explosive finale. The stakes are higher than ever and I cannot wait to get my hands on the fourth and final book.
“We just all have a little bit of a monster inside of us. How could we not when we love someone like we do?”
OMG!
I absolutely loved, loved, loved this book. I love Luc and Evie so much, but that ending OMG THAT ENDING. Be sure to have tissues too I absolutely cannot wait for the next book too