Review: The Burning Shadow (Origin #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Burning Shadow (Origin #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published: October 8th, 2019 by Tor Teen

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Romance 

Recommended to: fans of the Lux series and those who love swoony male leads

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About The Burning Shadow

When Evelyn Dasher crossed paths with Luc, she was thrown headfirst into the world of the Lux—only to discover that she was already far more involved in their world than she ever suspected.

Because the Luxen aren’t the only ones with a hidden past. There’s a gap in Evie’s memory, lost months of her life and a lingering sense that something happened, something she can’t remember and nobody is willing to tell her. She needs to find out the truth about who she is—and who she was. But every answer she finds only brings up more questions.

Her search for the truth brings her ever closer to Luc, the Origin at the center of it all. He’s powerful, arrogant, inhumanly beautiful, extremely dangerous…and possibly in love with her. But even as Evie falls for him, she can’t help but wonder if his attraction is to her, or to the memory of a girl who no longer exists.

And all the while, a new threat looms: reports of a flu-like, fatal virus that the government insists is being spread by Luxen. A horrifying illness that changes whoever it touches, spreading panic across a country already at its breaking point.

RATING: ★★★★★

This was so much more than I anticipated. The second book in a series is usually a letdown but I am really glad this was not. After reading too many Jennifer Armentrout books, I can definitely say that we fit. I want swoon as much as I want action and she never lets me down in both aspects.

I read The Darkest Star before I read the Lux series so it was something new to me. It was one of the reasons why I liked it very much. But since I read the Lux series before reading The Burning Shadow, I didn’t set my expectations too high. I’m just glad to revisit its world and my favorite characters. You would think that after a full five-book series, Jen would run out of ideas. But no, her imagination runs deep.

What did I like about this book? Well, first things first: Luc. Seriously. He is such a complex but irresistible character. I remember being initially pissed at him in The Darkest Star but I understood him after reading the Lux series. So reading The Burning Shadow made me see him a different light. If it was possible to fall in love with him more, it’s exactly what I did. Seriously, who can resist him? Not me (and not Evie), that’s for sure.

Another thing I liked about this book is the plot. To me, it was just the right pace. Things sped up at the right moment and I was seriously holding my breath at one point. I was stressed but in a good way. I honestly loved everything about it and I never felt that it was boring. A scene made me want to scream and shout hallelujah. The ending made me want to say all the curse words I know. Enough said.

I am really excited about what’s in store for this series. I know there will be heartbreak and suffering in the future (if you know Jen, you know enough to expect this). The road won’t be easy but I am ready. I’m just so glad it will be a long road (3 more books, I heard) because I’m really not ready to let go of Luc — I mean, of this series — yet.

“What is that teaching us ladies? That if you’re not physically strong, if you can’t kick ass, you’re weak? That if you feel overwhelmed or emotional, you’re not strong? Or that if you aren’t emotional, something is wrong with you? That’s bullshit, and it’s unrealistic. Real strength does not exist in muscles or deadly skill. It exists in your ability to pick yourself up and keep going after the shit hits the fan. That’s strength.”