In the world of the Lux, secrets thrive, lies shatter, and love is undeniable. #1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout brings her trademark drama and intrigue to a new romantic YA science fiction series with The Darkest Star. Set in the beloved world of the Lux, a girl pulled into in a world she doesn’t understand finds herself confronted by … understand finds herself confronted by long buried secrets, a betrayal that could tear her life apart…and Armentrout’s most swoonworthy book boyfriend yet.
Seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher knows firsthand the devastating consequences of humanity’s war with the aliens. When she’s caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxen can mingle freely, she meets Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initially assumes is a Luxen…but he is in fact something much more powerful. Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she’d only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head…
Welcome to the Origin series.
At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
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So glad JLa decided to continue with this world! Absolutely love luc !! He made me laugh out loud and was just the perfect book boyfriend!
If I was to rate this on writing I would give it 4.5 stars but I have read this book but I still don’t know what the point of the story was. I mean it is just a really long story of a girl meeting an alien, learning a few truths (that can be seen from a mile away, nothing but predictable) and then the end (a few more things happen but really…) I get this is book one in a trilogy so I hope there more plot in book two and three. Now don’t get me wrong I very much enjoyed this story but there didn’t feel like that much to it. It’s a fast read and well written, nothing that taxed my brain or has me thinking or guessing. I was a bit passive in thus story rather then involved. Definitely unique in the alien aspect.
I listened to the audible version of the story and enjoyed it a lot. I’m definitely looking forward to more of Evie and Luc. It’s a great story for paranormal lovers looking for a good story with humans, aliens, and so much more. There’s secrets that will blow you away and revenge that leads to deadly consequences. This story also has funny, sweet and steamy moments. The narrator did a fantastic job and I can’t wait to start the next book. I will be recommending this one to family and friends.
luc!!!!!
.
I’ve wanted more of Luc’s story since he first popped up in Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Lux series. He was so weirdly intriguing and he’s all that and more in The Darkest Star!
Now I know y’all are tired of hearing me say this but it holds true again…The Darkest Star is a spinoff and can be read as a standalone. Armentrout does an amazing job recapping and bringing you into the Lux universe but I’m telling you it’s SO MUCH BETTER when you’ve read The Lux series first. Stepping back into this world was like coming home. Some of my favorite characters showed up and were just as snarky and awesome as ever. Luc is all grown up and swoony as hell. It was fantastic! I devoured this book. It had everything I love angst, swoon, and some really great twists!
It’s been four years since all the drama that went down in the Lux series, and we’re thrust into a society that’s just started to get it’s footing again. Things are different. People are weary, and more change is coming. Evie goes with her best friend to a club where tons of Luxen hang out, a place she knows her mother would not approve, and she meets Luc. She’s convinced she has him figured out and should not be around him, but she’s drawn to him all the same. Luc is awesome! He’s always been awesome; we just get to see more of it now. He’s funny, supportive, willing to do whatever it takes for those he loves, and he still does it in ridiculously punny shirts. Evie is perfect for Luc. There were moments my heart hurt for her. She had so much she still needs to figure out but she can hold her own with Luc and has bravery in her that she doesn’t even realize.
This story was beautifully written. From start to finish I was hooked. It was masterfully layered with the perfect amount of witty banter, romance, secrets, and hilarious characters-both new and ones that we know and love! There were secrets revealed and some questions left unanswered that had me wishing for the book to never end! This is just the beginning of another epic journey in the Lux/Origin universe.
I will be the first to admit that books about aliens aren’t really my jam, but having read this book I might just have to re-evaluate that. I went into this book without having read the Lux series, of which this book and its subsequent works follow after. Now that I have read The Darkest Star, I’m incredibly eager to dive into the Lux world and discover more about our friends from another planet.
I was impressed that the author made it easy to understand the history and relationships between humans and the Luxen without making the reader feel like they missed out on some key info from the original series. Luc was equal parts charming and annoyingly smug (as any good YA love interest is) and Evie, although having some (arguably deserved) pity party moments, didn’t come across as a helpless damsel in distress and I admired her fiery personality. Can’t wait to read the next one!
I loved it!
New Book Boyfriend Alert
Wow Jennifer Armentrout you never disappoint! This book was perfect! For this one I listened to the audiobook because being chronically ill can really interrupt your life…like reading for example, which is sooo not cool! Hence I totally HAD to find a work around and here started my new trend of audiobooking (totally not a word but I just made it one ). That aside, the narration of this book by Saskia was ahhmazing she honestly did an incredible job! So thank you for that
But moving on to more important stuff aye…coz hot damn Luc is all grown up and oh boy, oh boy…I think I’m more in love with him now *sighs staring off into space dreamily* #newbookboyfriendalert – hey don’t judge guys until you read.
Also I would just like to say I totally was right – I honestly don’t know why I keep surprising myself when I work stuff out but alas it still continues to bamboozle me. Go figure but dang I LOOOVVEEE being right! but hey I’m giving no spoilers away here so your just going to have to read to find out for yourself.
So really the only reason you‘re probably even reading this review is to find out how awesome it was…well let me clear that up once and for all. If your not familiar with Jennifer’s work then that’s totally understandable as to why you need to find this out without diving head first into the book…sooo I shall I’ll forgive you of this but guys she’s an amazing, talented author and this book is just another of hers to add to that ever growing list of hers. It’s well written, captivating, the pace of the book is crafted to perfection and your going to love some of the things that pop out their mouths, especially Luc’s (but I’m sure you expected that lol).
So aside from thinking this book was great. Let’s talk a little about the story. So it follows after the events of Opposition in the Lux Series. Luxen now live alongside the humans known and registered (well most of them – some have managed to evade this outcome). But although they live among the humans they are not trusted nor are they really treated the greatest (people can be so judgey right?). Anyways this basically sets the scene for this book. I won’t go into too much detail because in my opinion that’s not really what reviews should be focused on coz you got the blurb for that stuff lol. But anywho, you have teenage girl Evie who goes to this club with her friend – a club that a certain young fella owns *wink wink, nudge nudge* and that my friends is where I’m going to leave it. Let the drama begin
Heads up though, as sort of mentioned, I’d definitely suggest that you read the Lux series first as it does follow after these events. So be sure to check out the first book Shadows to kick start the series. You won’t be disappointed in it. It’s one of my favs!
Anyways that’s all…another quick thank you to Jennifer Armentrout! U never cease to amaze me! seriously though I NEED MORE!
Cheerio everyone and Happy Reading My Nerdy Friends!
So sweet!
Luc and Evie belong together. Forever and ever, amen! You just don’t realize how true that fact is until the end when the story all comes together.
Okay, so you learn things throughout the book, it keeps you turning page after page, but the core of the story is in the last few chapters.
I had already learned about these different beings in Obsidian, but this series is focused on Luxen and Arun. More powerful than the Origin we learned of. Especially, the Luxen. Just like humans have good and bad people, so do the Luxen. Definitely takes you on a nailbiting adventure as Evie learns about herself. (She lives among those beings.)
I admit, there were a couple moments that I was almost about to lose interest and then something would happen to pull me back in…
With being as vague as I’m being, I can tell you it’s a great start to the series. If you are a fan, you won’t be disappointed. If you like sci-fi-ish stories with a romance twist, read it!
Another winner from Ms, Armentrout’s pen. It was easy to connect with the characters and fall in love with Livie and Luc and their relationship. The action was consistent and the romance oh-so promising. Some of the plot was pretty standard for YA sci-fi and so a bit predictable, but the author made up for it with some awesome and totally unexpected surprises. Am I going to read the next book in the series? Absolutely. A couple questions were smartly thrown into the arena without any answers as yet. Well done!
I looooooved Luc in the Lux series. We didn’t know any thing about him, but I knew I was fascinated by him.
I’ll start with my one peeve about this book… there wasn’t enough Luc! I wish this had been written in dual POV so we can see inside his head, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. I really liked Evie though. She was smart, very easy to like and root for, and she made sure to have an open mind throughout the book. I loved her passion for photography. Luc is really easy going most of the times, but do not piss him off because you will regret it. I loved his funny/corny t-shirts he wore throughout, it was a great way to show off more of his personality.
ALSO THERE IS AN F/F COUPLE SJKSHKSJ. Evie’s best friend is bisexual and the book starts out with Heidi dragging Evie to a club so she can meet her crush (which is actuallo how she meets Luc too). I swear to god if anything happens to Heidi and Emery Imma be pissed.
Lux fans series definitely need to pick this up. This book has everything you loved in the Lux series (except Damon, but he does make a cameo!). This picks up after Opposition and it was awesome to see what happened to the world after the Luxen invaded.
This was a character driven novel (which was fine!) but I do hope we get some more action and plot in the next book. I’m so glad I picked this up as it was completely entertaining and I can’t wait for more.
I’m going to preface this by saying that I LOVED the original Luxen series and Daemon and Katy. Loved them. They were fantastic.
This story is about Luc and Evie. It’s fun, it’s entertaining, and it’s all sorts of mysterious in places that make you want to find out what is happening right now.
I am a little disappointed this one doesn’t live up to the original Lux series. That one was better, hands down. This one is good and a great addition to the Lux universe, but I’m not as involved with Luc and Evie as I was with Katy and Daemon. I’m having more problems connecting with them, I guess.
Still, I’m dying to find out what happens in the next book!
Dynamic and engaging…
Let me start by saying this is my review of both The Darkest Star and The Burning Shadow. I read some of the more negative reviews of The Darkest Star and all I have to say to the naysayers is this , “Wait for it …” The Darkest Star sets the stage for what is to come as the series progresses. I read both books back to back and honestly couldn’t put them down. The Origin Series picks up some four years after the Luxen invasion and Luc is no longer a child. For all you Lux series fans that have not started the series, what are you waiting for? We all wanted to see how Luc would turn out, and boy was it ever worth the wait.
Honestly, I can’t give too much away, but here goes. Luc is as take charge as ever in a world trying to heal after the alien invasion. We soon come to realize that not everyone want’s the Luxen around. In walks Evie Dasher, literally into a club ran and operated by none other than Luc, and that’s just the beginning. As the series unfolds the readers learn that Luc made a deal with the devil for all the right reasons, but when you dance with the devil you’re liable to get burned. Secrets, lies, and ambitions are revealed to the reader if you choose to continue the series, but be warned, The Burning Shadow ends on a bit of a cliffhanger leaving the reader wanting the next book in the Origin Series. I’m going out on a limb here and making a guess as to the title of the next book in the series and predicting that it will be The Brightest Night. I could be wrong but either way, I hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next installment to the series.
For you Lux fans, if you’re patient you will get a glimpse of some of your favorite characters from the original series. But make no mistake, the Origin Series is Luc and Evie’s story. If you are hoping for a continuation of Daemon and Kat’s story you will be disappointed, they are there in the background and the readers do get to catch up with them and what they are doing now but it ‘s really a background story. That being said, I hope that you will get to know Luc and Evie and take a chance on The Origin Series. Things in this universe are changing in a big way and I hope you choose to go along for the ride.
The Lux Series has been one of my favorites like ever, and being thrust back in that world was like meeting up with well loved old friends and I ate up every word!! Luc and Evie were a quiet storm and I felt the feels so hard, and couldn’t put it down even if I had a million other things I should have been doing. Lost amid the action, the twists, and the fiery heat between the two, I never wanted it to end!! Luc is hotness personified and his power and his hysterical antics caused me to fall head over heels!! I loved every single word!!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
I never read a alien book before but this one got my attention. I really enjoyed reading and started the second book.. Jennifer is a good writer and I have enjoyed all of her books. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you haven’t tried an alien book before, I think you will enjoy this one.
If you are already a fan of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Lux series you are familiar with Luc; The comic relief to Damon and Katie’s angsty alien romance. Some of my most favorite parts of Origin and Opposition were due to Luc’s snarky and superior teen arrogance.
‘Luc moved to the center of the floor. “I don’t have all day, guys. I have things to do. A nap I want to take this afternoon. There’s a new movie out on Netflix I want to watch, and a goddamn coupon for a free Whopper Jr. that’s calling my name.”’
Quote from Origin: Lux Series #4
The Darkest Star is set a couple of years after the war between Humans, Lux, and Arum ending in the wholesale slaughter of entire populations of humans. In the aftermath, very tentative segregation exists between the races. Some people fearlessly mix; many don’t know that those around them are anything more than what they appear. The plot and continuity were so solid and seamless that there was no doubt in my mind that this is in the same world as the Lux Series or the Arum novel. And after writing so many books in this world JLA is fantastic at subtly dropping hints here and there that you don’t see until she starts pulling the strings together.
Finally, Luc has his own Scooby gang, a handful of misfits, mysteries, and murderers. Well, I use the murderer term in that way you do when you see some familiar ass-kicking characters who may or may not have burnt down Las Vegas and sent an Army of Arum to hunt their enemies.
The new collectives are perfect character foils and compliments to who Luc is and what he can do. One of Luc’s enforcer is Grayson and he was stale bread for most of the story but during one little encounter, he shined like a new penny… if a new penny loved the smell of blood and the sound of desperation. Until that point, I wasn’t sure that Grayson was a throwaway character or underdeveloped. Kent is one of my favorite newbies.
‘Kent moved closer to me. “I don’t think we’ve formally met. You’re Evie. I’m Kent. I like long walks in dark cemeteries and I want to pet a llama before I die.”’
Quote from The Darkest Star: Origin Series #1
I guess I can’t complete this review without a little on the development of the hero and our book girlfriend, Evie. This new series is about Luc but the book is not in his POV until a few chapters at the end of the book. Don’t build it up in your mind to be a POV swap because it isn’t. Evie is our narrator and it allows the reader to be tantalized by our favorite Origin. Luc is more enigmatic for all that is revealed. He still makes me burst out laughing with his wittisomes and irreverent comebacks. Just as Damon was a fully autonomous character in the Lux Series, Luc is fleshed out here. The complexity of Luc’s origins (no pun intended) hinted during his first introductions in Onyx unravel and run free. He’s one of my most beloved literary characters in contemporary times.
Why is Evie a book girlfriend? She is awkward, intuitive, combative when necessary, and likes befriending curmudgeons. And our girl knows to stay away from bad boys with too much power at far too young of an age. All the reasons are a bullseye that Luc wants to hit over and over again.
Recommendations:
Obsidian
Unknown
Archaic
The Girl who Shot First: The Death Fields
Absolutely, truly an amazing 5 Star read that I didn’t want too put down. Luc, will make you swoon, big time. I absolutely love the story, definitely love the characters and now I definitely have to check out Jennifers other books.
I really love the Lux series, but this new Origin telling Luc’s story started with a bang and now I need the next one. I never thought Daemon would need to be afraid of getting a second place as book boyfriend but Luc is stepping close.
Jennifer L. Armentrout has such a compelling writing style, it was so easy to get sucked into her Luxen world yet again.
While this book may not have the kind of “plot” some people might expect, I loved it completely. The Darkest Star was very much a story about getting to know the new protagonist and her backstory, while setting up what will become the major story arc in the upcoming books.
Some readers of the previous Lux series, might feel like some parts of this book were a little redundant because we’re being told things we already know, but it was all handled really well so that it could catch new readers up who haven’t read the previous series, or just as a refresher if you haven’t read it in a long while. Since it is written this way, you don’t necessarily need to read the original series beforehand, but I would recommend that you do… for no other reason other than the fact that it’s outstanding!
It was written to be engaging and never felt like it was dragging. I personally didn’t mind reading about past events coming from another character because reading Evie’s reactions and raw emotions to it all made me feel like I was experiencing it all over again for the first time.
Evie has a very likeable narrative. In some ways I felt like she was more likeable that Katy, which surprised me because I LOVED Katy. Armentrout knows how to write fantastic female leads!
Like many people who read the original series, we all have a soft spot for Luc. He stole every scene that he was in in the Lux series, with his swagger and easy confidence. Now that he’s older he just oozes sex appeal at the same time as being utterly complex and he still has that insufferable know-it-all grace that made us all love him to begin with. I can only hope we get his POV as well as Evie’s in the next book.
The thing that made me happiest about this book is that Armentrout finally gave us a bit of a break. She gave as an ending that was more or less neatly wrapped up with just a few tweaks and bits that are leading up to the big upcoming plot. The Queen of Brutal Cliffhangers let us off easy, I can only imagine it’s possible she’s apologizing in advance for whatever hair ripping, book throwing, full on sob-fest she has in store for us for book 2!
Waiting is going to be torturous…