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The Dark Elements #3
Every Last Breath
Listening time 12 hours 6 minutes
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…
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…
Audible Audio
First published July 28, 2015
About the author
Jennifer L. Armentrout
149 books142k followersHey Guys! Please note: I don't send out ARCs for review. If you're interested in reviewing a book of mine before release date, please contact the appropriate publisher. I also do NOT check my Goodreads email.
To email me, please use the below addy.
[email protected]
# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.
To email me, please use the below addy.
[email protected]
# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,792 reviews
October 30, 2021
El final perfecto para una trilogía que te enamora.
QUÉ FANTASÍA.
No sabía si estaba preparado para leer El suspiro del infierno, puesto que las cosas no pintaban demasiado bien para nuestros protagonistas. Especialmente, para Layla. Realmente ella se ha convertido en una protagonista de la cual me encanta todo, incluso sus momentos de heroína intensa. ¿Será por el estilo de la Armentrout? Pues seguramente.
En esta tercera y última parte veremos cómo la situación entre el Infierno, la Tierra, los Guardianes, demonios y el Lilin está un poco... en la mierda. Todo parece que se va a pique y que no hay manera de salvarlo. La forma en la que empieza este libro, literalmente en la misma escena donde terminamos el segundo, me pareció brutal. Conocemos por fin qué es y cómo actúa el Lilin y aprenderemos muchísima más historia de este universo.
Porque si en la reseña de la anterior entrega hablaba sobre que agradecía que la autora no hubiera incluido muchas más cosas del worldbuilding, en este opino lo contrario. El hecho de tener frente a frente a las nuevas amenazas y los cambios que comienza a haber en Layla necesitaban de nuevas explicaciones. Así que las tenemos. Y oh, boy... Me quedé a cuadros. ¡Todo está más pensado de lo que imaginaba! Tantos detalles, tantas tramas ancestrales y milenarias sobre luchas eternas entre cielo e infierno... Buah, es que me ha encantado. Quiero siete spin-offs sobre el tema, por favor.
Tengo que mencionar, sin duda, el tema del triángulo amoroso. ¡Y estoy tan, pero tan feliz con la decisión! Ya sabéis perfectamente de qué team soy, y me gusta tanto cómo la autora ha conseguido no construir un romance que asfixie al lector o a la historia principal. De verdad, o sea, sí, es algo importante, pero no tan determinante como en otras sagas o trilogías del estilo. Aquí estamos para una cosa, y eso queda claro en todo momento.
Y oye, ¿por qué cinco estrellas? Pues porque creo que es el mejor libro de la trilogía. Jennifer L. Armentrout sabe cómo manejar las tramas a la perfección (y no solo las tramas en sí, sino los tiempos entre ellas, dejar a otras respirar, comprender los desarrollos de los personajes...) y eso ha hecho que todo lo que ha estado contando en los dos anterior libros tenga sentido en este. Comprendes a dónde quería llegar desde el primer momento la autora y el viaje que realizan los personajes en esos libros para llegar a este momento hace que la toma de decisiones sea correcta, proporcionada y coherente. Ah, y por supuesto, no podemos olvidar la cantidad de mamarracheo que tenemos. Porque o sea, ahora es Layla la que se empodera y deja a Roth casi a la altura del betún. No me podía creer las salidas tan graciosas que tenía. La adoro.
Desde los pequeños detalles sobre qué son los familiares, las historias secundarias, Lilith o los momentos de acción, este libro se convierte en mi favorito de la trilogía y el que más rápido he leído sin ninguna duda. Qué maravilla, qué intensidad de la buena, qué personajes... No sé, enamorado de esta saga y de su autora. Necesito más dosis de la Armentrout en vena YA.
Solo me queda convenceros para que probéis a leer esta historia. Es fantasía urbana de la de antaño, de la de calidad, sin tomarse demasiado en serio lo que pasa pero con la seriedad justa para construir algo que merece la pena. Adoraría ver esto adaptado a la gran pantalla; creo que daría muchísimo juego. Si os gusta el romance paranormal, es vuestro libro. Si os va más la acción, es también vuestro libro. Sea como sea, lo recomiendo para todo el mundo. Jennifer understood de assignment.
QUÉ FANTASÍA.
No sabía si estaba preparado para leer El suspiro del infierno, puesto que las cosas no pintaban demasiado bien para nuestros protagonistas. Especialmente, para Layla. Realmente ella se ha convertido en una protagonista de la cual me encanta todo, incluso sus momentos de heroína intensa. ¿Será por el estilo de la Armentrout? Pues seguramente.
En esta tercera y última parte veremos cómo la situación entre el Infierno, la Tierra, los Guardianes, demonios y el Lilin está un poco... en la mierda. Todo parece que se va a pique y que no hay manera de salvarlo. La forma en la que empieza este libro, literalmente en la misma escena donde terminamos el segundo, me pareció brutal. Conocemos por fin qué es y cómo actúa el Lilin y aprenderemos muchísima más historia de este universo.
Porque si en la reseña de la anterior entrega hablaba sobre que agradecía que la autora no hubiera incluido muchas más cosas del worldbuilding, en este opino lo contrario. El hecho de tener frente a frente a las nuevas amenazas y los cambios que comienza a haber en Layla necesitaban de nuevas explicaciones. Así que las tenemos. Y oh, boy... Me quedé a cuadros. ¡Todo está más pensado de lo que imaginaba! Tantos detalles, tantas tramas ancestrales y milenarias sobre luchas eternas entre cielo e infierno... Buah, es que me ha encantado. Quiero siete spin-offs sobre el tema, por favor.
Tengo que mencionar, sin duda, el tema del triángulo amoroso. ¡Y estoy tan, pero tan feliz con la decisión! Ya sabéis perfectamente de qué team soy, y me gusta tanto cómo la autora ha conseguido no construir un romance que asfixie al lector o a la historia principal. De verdad, o sea, sí, es algo importante, pero no tan determinante como en otras sagas o trilogías del estilo. Aquí estamos para una cosa, y eso queda claro en todo momento.
Y oye, ¿por qué cinco estrellas? Pues porque creo que es el mejor libro de la trilogía. Jennifer L. Armentrout sabe cómo manejar las tramas a la perfección (y no solo las tramas en sí, sino los tiempos entre ellas, dejar a otras respirar, comprender los desarrollos de los personajes...) y eso ha hecho que todo lo que ha estado contando en los dos anterior libros tenga sentido en este. Comprendes a dónde quería llegar desde el primer momento la autora y el viaje que realizan los personajes en esos libros para llegar a este momento hace que la toma de decisiones sea correcta, proporcionada y coherente. Ah, y por supuesto, no podemos olvidar la cantidad de mamarracheo que tenemos. Porque o sea, ahora es Layla la que se empodera y deja a Roth casi a la altura del betún. No me podía creer las salidas tan graciosas que tenía. La adoro.
Desde los pequeños detalles sobre qué son los familiares, las historias secundarias, Lilith o los momentos de acción, este libro se convierte en mi favorito de la trilogía y el que más rápido he leído sin ninguna duda. Qué maravilla, qué intensidad de la buena, qué personajes... No sé, enamorado de esta saga y de su autora. Necesito más dosis de la Armentrout en vena YA.
Solo me queda convenceros para que probéis a leer esta historia. Es fantasía urbana de la de antaño, de la de calidad, sin tomarse demasiado en serio lo que pasa pero con la seriedad justa para construir algo que merece la pena. Adoraría ver esto adaptado a la gran pantalla; creo que daría muchísimo juego. Si os gusta el romance paranormal, es vuestro libro. Si os va más la acción, es también vuestro libro. Sea como sea, lo recomiendo para todo el mundo. Jennifer understood de assignment.
July 31, 2016
La decepción del año.
Dios mío, Armentrout me ah demostrado con éste libro que ya no me dan ni las ganas de leer un libro suyo. Así de decepcionante fue.
Al final, tanto jaleo por nada.
*****
Layla better ends up with Roth.
Dios mío, Armentrout me ah demostrado con éste libro que ya no me dan ni las ganas de leer un libro suyo. Así de decepcionante fue.
Al final, tanto jaleo por nada.
*****
Layla better ends up with Roth.
Read
December 30, 2014Fantastic end to an incredible paranormal romance trilogy. I truly loved this whole journey and I think Dark Elements fans are going to be very satisfied with all of Layla's choices. ;)
January 14, 2021
Let me tell you a story that has started a year ago, after I read the blurb of the first book,
White Hot Kiss.
Like my profile says, Iabsolutely fcking loathe love triangles.
Scratch that, from now on I know what to do: I won't read her new books. I'm just going to finish the series I've already started. Happy The Dark Elements isn't one of them because of the shit I've read on her website.
This has been really hard.
Unlike anyone too. (Or at least, I hope so.)
"She never thought [Zayne] could love her back...", so this means she loves him, right?
"[Roth] He’s the bad boy she never knew she wanted and now can’t stop thinking about...", oh wait, she wants someone else. She can't stop thinking about Roth, meanwhile "dreams that once seemed impossible [with Zayne] might finally be within her reach".
Wow.
What's there to think about a love-ew-triangle if not always the same shit?
"The guy who gets the most votes...", VOTES.
It's a talent show, okay?
No spoilers, please.
No spoilers.
No. Spoilers.
Okay?
*cough*
Roth.
*cough*
"I promise the book will be epic and definitely worth the wait!"
But...
"I promise the book will be epic and definitely worth the wait!"
I am one of them, but shit like this is my deal breaker. She lets readers decide about her books. Her FINAL book in this trilogy. It's not cute or awesome, okay? It's pathetic. She IS the writer, not us. I loved her polls, until today. It's one thing to let readers decide a book's title or a character's name and completely another to let them decide about the story/plot/book/whatever itself.
We all know Stone Cold Touch will be all about Zayne and Layla. Just look at the cover. Surprise, this time it's Zayne on the cover!
I know, I know, now it's even worse.
"Layla needs all the help she can get in choosing between the world’s hottest two guys!"
THE WORLD'S HOTTEST TWO GUYS!
Sorry Daemon, you're not included anymore.
Aaaaaaaaaand last but not least: LAYLA NEEDS ALL THE HELP SHE CAN GET. From us. US!
So, please VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE!
Because:
1. This love triangle is not what I think it is.
2. She (the writer) is still not sure which guy she likes better for Layla.
Okay, now I'm serious. I hope she is joking and this is just some promotional shit.
Edit: It was not a joke.
Like my profile says, I
Scratch that, from now on I know what to do: I won't read her new books. I'm just going to finish the series I've already started. Happy The Dark Elements isn't one of them because of the shit I've read on her website.
This has been really hard.
Unlike anyone too. (Or at least, I hope so.)
"She never thought [Zayne] could love her back...", so this means she loves him, right?
"[Roth] He’s the bad boy she never knew she wanted and now can’t stop thinking about...", oh wait, she wants someone else. She can't stop thinking about Roth, meanwhile "dreams that once seemed impossible [with Zayne] might finally be within her reach".
Wow.
What's there to think about a love-ew-triangle if not always the same shit?
"The guy who gets the most votes...", VOTES.
It's a talent show, okay?
No spoilers, please.
No spoilers.
No. Spoilers.
Okay?
*cough*
Roth.
*cough*
"I promise the book will be epic and definitely worth the wait!"
But...
"I promise the book will be epic and definitely worth the wait!"
I am one of them, but shit like this is my deal breaker. She lets readers decide about her books. Her FINAL book in this trilogy. It's not cute or awesome, okay? It's pathetic. She IS the writer, not us. I loved her polls, until today. It's one thing to let readers decide a book's title or a character's name and completely another to let them decide about the story/plot/book/whatever itself.
We all know Stone Cold Touch will be all about Zayne and Layla. Just look at the cover. Surprise, this time it's Zayne on the cover!
I know, I know, now it's even worse.
"Layla needs all the help she can get in choosing between the world’s hottest two guys!"
THE WORLD'S HOTTEST TWO GUYS!
Aaaaaaaaaand last but not least: LAYLA NEEDS ALL THE HELP SHE CAN GET. From us. US!
So, please VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE!
Because:
1. This love triangle is not what I think it is.
2. She (the writer) is still not sure which guy she likes better for Layla.
Okay, now I'm serious. I hope she is joking and this is just some promotional shit.
Edit: It was not a joke.
Want to read
June 1, 2015TEAM ROTH ALL THE WAY WITHOUT A DOUBT!
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1626057011i/10717098._UX200_CR0,33,200,200_.jpg)
November 10, 2015
Every Last Breath by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the third and final book in the series The Dark Elements. Holy Canola Oil and Wow, just Wow! This book was amazing! There were no down times, no slow spots, just amazing from page one until the end. And what a fantastic ending it was.
This is going to be one of those reviews where I am so limited as to what I can say without spoiling anything. Things start right where the previous book left off. The Lilin has taken over Layla’s friend Sam’s body. But not just taken over, he has taken his soul. Layla, of course, feels like this is all somehow her fault, and that she alone is responsible for rescuing Sam’s soul from Hell.
Layla is also still filled with guilt over what happened between she and Zayne. She knows that she can’t continue on this way, that she must decide between these two men who are so important to her. Who really does hold her heart? Who is she truly in love with? The beautiful gargoyle shifter that she has loved since she was seven years old or the dark and brooding Crown Prince who looks at her with a longing she might never really understand.
Layla starts to notice subtle changes in herself. She isn’t craving souls the way she used to. She’s not cold the way she was. She’s a little faster, and a little stronger. And when she shifts, well, wow! What is happening and what does it all mean? There are many questions as to who and what Layla really is and all questions are answered.
“As I parted ways with Stacey, I knew that my promise had done very little to reassure her. Truth was, the promise was one I never should’ve made. Because I had a lot of stupid left in me, and I knew what I had to do.”
The Lilin wants Lilith set free and if she is, she will bring on devastation to the world. If she isn’t set free, the Originals will come and do the same. And of course, all the responsibility of figuring all of this out rests on Layla’s shoulders.
“What was happening was so much bigger than us, so much more important than what we wanted or desired.”
There is so much Layla want to do. She wants to finish high school, go to college. She wants to travel. She’s never been anywhere. She has never been accepted by the clan who raised her, been rejected by those that created her. So why does she feel responsible to fix everything? She could run, go somewhere and hide. But the Layla we have all fallen in love with won’t do that. She’ll fight for what she feels is right, no matter what the sacrifice.
This whole series was amazing and the ending was epic. I expected no less. This is Jennifer Armentrout and everything I have read of hers has been equally wonderful and unique. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end. But as much as there is ugliness in Layla’s world, there is beauty. She is in love. I sighed so much during this book that I might have hyperventilated. I have to say thank you again to JLA for a wonderfully entertaining series. I don’t know where all your creativity comes from, but I thank you for it.
November 18, 2017
Loved this entire series.
January 7, 2021
AFTER
Thank the many Daemon babies that Layla ended up with the right boy, I just wish JLA had known it would be him from the beginning because I feel really bad for the other boy. I really liked what I saw of the Hell JLA made, but I felt like I didn't get to see enough of it as big a part as it was. But overall, I really really liked it. But I'm still royally pissed about Bambi.
________________________________
BEFORE
My spidey senses are picking up that people are upset about a "love triangle." First off, there is no love triangle in this book, there is only Roth. Secondly, a triangle is totally the wrong shape, as it would imply that Roth and Zayne also fancy each other. Not the case, my friend. Actually, it's a line segment, with Layla as the midpoint. And really? We're gonna judge books based on their love shapes? You can't enjoy reading about multiple swoony guys in one book, you have to complain?
Thank the many Daemon babies that Layla ended up with the right boy, I just wish JLA had known it would be him from the beginning because I feel really bad for the other boy. I really liked what I saw of the Hell JLA made, but I felt like I didn't get to see enough of it as big a part as it was. But overall, I really really liked it. But I'm still royally pissed about Bambi.
________________________________
BEFORE
My spidey senses are picking up that people are upset about a "love triangle." First off, there is no love triangle in this book, there is only Roth. Secondly, a triangle is totally the wrong shape, as it would imply that Roth and Zayne also fancy each other. Not the case, my friend. Actually, it's a line segment, with Layla as the midpoint. And really? We're gonna judge books based on their love shapes? You can't enjoy reading about multiple swoony guys in one book, you have to complain?
October 24, 2023
It's been a long time since I've gotten behind the wheel of a Jla book, and it's been a long time since I devoured a book this fast. Started it at 3 and finished at five. Every Last Breath is the third and final book in the Dark Elements Trilogy, if you haven't read the first two please do not pass go and do not pick up two-hundred dollars. GO BACK NOW AND READ THE FIRST TWO!!!! Every Last Breath does not let down.
As much as I want to load this review with spoils that would turn you rotten I won't.
ELB picks up right where Stone Cold Touch left off. The Lilin is still out and causing chaos. Layla is still confused about what she is. And of course we are still waiting on the answer of who the hell does Layla pick. Gargoyle Zayne or Crown Prince of the UnderWorld Roth... I, like everyone else, was mainly waiting to find out which dude she be choosin. Clearly being team Roth I was on the edge of my seating waiting for the moment when the big question was answered... And boy do we get an answer. No, I wont tell you what happens... I will give you (of course) a run-down of what I thought.
Layla is still one of my favorite Fems and brings the thunder in this book. Finally putting on her big girl panties I was so happy with her character development. She goes from a strong physical character, to a strong emotional character. She starts making decisions and realizes becoming an adult means having to make tough choices, but you have to make them. Good or bad outcomes must be done. Then we have sweet sweet Zayne. Who again continues to be a strong male presence and someone you want to cheer for... Even if deep down inside, in this case, you'll want the nice guy to finish last... sorry. I overall liked his character in this book, even though at one point I did think the direction something was taken was a little cheese. On to Roth... HOLY HOT DEMON BABIES EVERYWHERE ROTH... WHOOSH... SWOON! I'd walk through hell for his hottie! He blew my mind in this book. Didn't think it was possible for him to get any better, but yup WRONG. Every time he was present I had to make sure I was sitting down; I just got so weak in the knees. If getting pregnant by reading was possible... Well I wouldn't need Maury to tell me that Roth IS the father.
" And my desire for you increases every waking second in a way that should frighten me, but really just excites me. But most of all, I love you... Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow, a hundred decades from now, I will still be in love with you..."
I thought Layla had a lot of growth, but she has nothing on Roth. I will give this tiny bit of information... There is a drunk Roth scene and oh Lord did I love it!!! He was on my list of favorite fictional guys but has definitely moved up. Also my favorite topic when it comes to Jla books. Yes, her side characters! Jla wrote some of my favorite side characters. Doesn't matter how big or small their rolls are, I always love them. My two favorites hands down were Tony the seer who happens to require you to bring him dinner when you visit and Cayman, Roth's right hand man. Both had my sides splitting! Especially Cayman. I didn't remember loving him so much Stone Cold Touch, but he loved him so much in Every Last Breath. Every sarcastic sentence that oozed from his mouth was perfect. Every character in this book is so easily liked.
The plot of this book went very differently than I thought. It was a lot heavier on the smushy romance (no this isn't a complaint) and saved a lot of the action for the last half of this book. Knowing this was surrounding a love triangle I knew there was going to be a lot of smutty goodness but had no idea what I was in for! I was actually happy with how this played out, because I won't lie I was worried. I think if anyone else besides Jla would have attempted to do such heavy romance and hold off on the action till the end it might not have played out as well. When the action does come, though a tiny bit predictable, it still hits home and cuts deep. I again wont lie, though I wanted action, that wasn't why I chose this book. I chose it because I knew it was going to be a fun, hilarious, romantic read, with a well written triangle. Going into it wanting that and then getting it has me left completely stratified with the ending to this wandering and different paranormal trilogy. I highly recommend this series. Was getting in a bit of a slump and as usual Jennifer pulled me right back out. This was the perfect summer romance read.
As much as I want to load this review with spoils that would turn you rotten I won't.
ELB picks up right where Stone Cold Touch left off. The Lilin is still out and causing chaos. Layla is still confused about what she is. And of course we are still waiting on the answer of who the hell does Layla pick. Gargoyle Zayne or Crown Prince of the UnderWorld Roth... I, like everyone else, was mainly waiting to find out which dude she be choosin. Clearly being team Roth I was on the edge of my seating waiting for the moment when the big question was answered... And boy do we get an answer. No, I wont tell you what happens... I will give you (of course) a run-down of what I thought.
Layla is still one of my favorite Fems and brings the thunder in this book. Finally putting on her big girl panties I was so happy with her character development. She goes from a strong physical character, to a strong emotional character. She starts making decisions and realizes becoming an adult means having to make tough choices, but you have to make them. Good or bad outcomes must be done. Then we have sweet sweet Zayne. Who again continues to be a strong male presence and someone you want to cheer for... Even if deep down inside, in this case, you'll want the nice guy to finish last... sorry. I overall liked his character in this book, even though at one point I did think the direction something was taken was a little cheese. On to Roth... HOLY HOT DEMON BABIES EVERYWHERE ROTH... WHOOSH... SWOON! I'd walk through hell for his hottie! He blew my mind in this book. Didn't think it was possible for him to get any better, but yup WRONG. Every time he was present I had to make sure I was sitting down; I just got so weak in the knees. If getting pregnant by reading was possible... Well I wouldn't need Maury to tell me that Roth IS the father.
" And my desire for you increases every waking second in a way that should frighten me, but really just excites me. But most of all, I love you... Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow, a hundred decades from now, I will still be in love with you..."
I thought Layla had a lot of growth, but she has nothing on Roth. I will give this tiny bit of information... There is a drunk Roth scene and oh Lord did I love it!!! He was on my list of favorite fictional guys but has definitely moved up. Also my favorite topic when it comes to Jla books. Yes, her side characters! Jla wrote some of my favorite side characters. Doesn't matter how big or small their rolls are, I always love them. My two favorites hands down were Tony the seer who happens to require you to bring him dinner when you visit and Cayman, Roth's right hand man. Both had my sides splitting! Especially Cayman. I didn't remember loving him so much Stone Cold Touch, but he loved him so much in Every Last Breath. Every sarcastic sentence that oozed from his mouth was perfect. Every character in this book is so easily liked.
The plot of this book went very differently than I thought. It was a lot heavier on the smushy romance (no this isn't a complaint) and saved a lot of the action for the last half of this book. Knowing this was surrounding a love triangle I knew there was going to be a lot of smutty goodness but had no idea what I was in for! I was actually happy with how this played out, because I won't lie I was worried. I think if anyone else besides Jla would have attempted to do such heavy romance and hold off on the action till the end it might not have played out as well. When the action does come, though a tiny bit predictable, it still hits home and cuts deep. I again wont lie, though I wanted action, that wasn't why I chose this book. I chose it because I knew it was going to be a fun, hilarious, romantic read, with a well written triangle. Going into it wanting that and then getting it has me left completely stratified with the ending to this wandering and different paranormal trilogy. I highly recommend this series. Was getting in a bit of a slump and as usual Jennifer pulled me right back out. This was the perfect summer romance read.
August 3, 2015
I realized something while reading Every Last Breath, I was in it for the romance. I was in it for the will she choose Roth? Or Zayne? Will we get more smexy scenes? Give me my angsty romance-indecision fix!
LET'S BE REAL: I wasn't in it for the plot, not really, while I thought the relationship between the characters was super entertaining when it came to the world development I realized that it isn't that original or even that interesting. The bad guys aren't even that bad, to be honest.
And once that was all done with? (she decides within like 100 pages of starting the book) Well then, I started really looking into the plot and realized something: I was bored. Demon comes out of hell and wants to destroy the world, the demon has mother issues, blah blah. Also, did anyone notice how the demons of this story are all basically huge puddles of cuddle? I've been watching Supernatural (again, for the hundreth time) while reading this book and I realized something, I like my demons to be, well, evil. Roth is a huge puddle of sexy and good intentions (even though he may not care about anyone's opinion and speaks his mind, that doesn't make him evil--I never once saw him skin someone alive). Isn't he supposed to be the Crown Prince of Hell? The "Boss" as they call the devil is surely slacking.
The dialogue is as smooth as always (even with its cringe worth moments of cheesyness-- some of which Layla even points out as being the ultimate of cheese, but does that negate the moment?) and it takes no time at all to go through the book. There are plenty of steamy scenes, even the obligatory "gentle taking of your precious virginity" scene. But, I also noticed something, while I may be all into Roth, my favorite sexy scene of this series involves Zayne (when they are in bed together and he is all tracing the snake in book 2). Go figure.
There are also some pretty cool battle scenes, where Layla gets to show off her FEATHERED wings (don't forget, they have FEATHERS). There is also this particular scene where Layla goes toe to toe with the Lilin at the end... I really liked that scene. It stands out in my mind.
As far as the ending is concern, well, I don't buy it. It ended with the biggest and prettiest red bow. Everything fell into place so perfectly... making sure no FEATHERS were ruffled and no fan rages against the machine.
I read this book solely for the love triangle, because it was one of the best ones out there. I am a little disappointed with the rest of the story truth be told, because it was wayy too predictable. And cheesy. If you are in it for the romance then you will get what you are being promised (AND MORE), but don't try to go too deep because you will find this is the equivalent of a kiddie pool.
LET'S BE REAL: I wasn't in it for the plot, not really, while I thought the relationship between the characters was super entertaining when it came to the world development I realized that it isn't that original or even that interesting. The bad guys aren't even that bad, to be honest.
And once that was all done with? (she decides within like 100 pages of starting the book) Well then, I started really looking into the plot and realized something: I was bored. Demon comes out of hell and wants to destroy the world, the demon has mother issues, blah blah. Also, did anyone notice how the demons of this story are all basically huge puddles of cuddle? I've been watching Supernatural (again, for the hundreth time) while reading this book and I realized something, I like my demons to be, well, evil. Roth is a huge puddle of sexy and good intentions (even though he may not care about anyone's opinion and speaks his mind, that doesn't make him evil--I never once saw him skin someone alive). Isn't he supposed to be the Crown Prince of Hell? The "Boss" as they call the devil is surely slacking.
The dialogue is as smooth as always (even with its cringe worth moments of cheesyness-- some of which Layla even points out as being the ultimate of cheese, but does that negate the moment?) and it takes no time at all to go through the book. There are plenty of steamy scenes, even the obligatory "gentle taking of your precious virginity" scene. But, I also noticed something, while I may be all into Roth, my favorite sexy scene of this series involves Zayne (when they are in bed together and he is all tracing the snake in book 2). Go figure.
There are also some pretty cool battle scenes, where Layla gets to show off her FEATHERED wings (don't forget, they have FEATHERS). There is also this particular scene where Layla goes toe to toe with the Lilin at the end... I really liked that scene. It stands out in my mind.
As far as the ending is concern, well, I don't buy it. It ended with the biggest and prettiest red bow. Everything fell into place so perfectly... making sure no FEATHERS were ruffled and no fan rages against the machine.
I read this book solely for the love triangle, because it was one of the best ones out there. I am a little disappointed with the rest of the story truth be told, because it was wayy too predictable. And cheesy. If you are in it for the romance then you will get what you are being promised (AND MORE), but don't try to go too deep because you will find this is the equivalent of a kiddie pool.
September 16, 2015
Excuse me, but why do they even bother changing the covers, if the outcome is even worse than before? And I thought that the original ones were fugly as hell.
Shame on me for believing it couldn't get worse. It just did.
______________________
To be honest Roth is the only character I like and care about in this trilogy. I couldn't care less what happened to all the other characters.
It's unfortunate, but what can you do, right? :'D
Still a solid conclusion though.
Shame on me for believing it couldn't get worse. It just did.
______________________
To be honest Roth is the only character I like and care about in this trilogy. I couldn't care less what happened to all the other characters.
It's unfortunate, but what can you do, right? :'D
Still a solid conclusion though.
August 12, 2016
3.5 stars
Just wanted to reiterate, 3 stars is NOT a bad rating. I liked this book I just didn't love it.
Every Last Breath is the conclusion to The Dark Elements series. And while it's not my favorite series by JLA I still thoroughly enjoyed it. This last book just wasn't for me. And it's not because she didn't pick the guy I liked. Or maybe it is? You find out about 20% in and that's not a spoiler because JLA said before she wrote it we would know at the beginning so no fan torture (thank you JLA! Much appreciated!)
Honestly, I'm just going to put the entire review in a spoiler tag so read at your own risk.
Obviously I still enjoyed this book as a 3 on Goodreads means "I liked it". But I guess I was expecting more? What else I couldn't tell you, I just didn't find myself as enraptured in this book like her other series.
Just wanted to reiterate, 3 stars is NOT a bad rating. I liked this book I just didn't love it.
Every Last Breath is the conclusion to The Dark Elements series. And while it's not my favorite series by JLA I still thoroughly enjoyed it. This last book just wasn't for me. And it's not because she didn't pick the guy I liked. Or maybe it is? You find out about 20% in and that's not a spoiler because JLA said before she wrote it we would know at the beginning so no fan torture (thank you JLA! Much appreciated!)
Honestly, I'm just going to put the entire review in a spoiler tag so read at your own risk.
Obviously I still enjoyed this book as a 3 on Goodreads means "I liked it". But I guess I was expecting more? What else I couldn't tell you, I just didn't find myself as enraptured in this book like her other series.
August 18, 2015
4.25 Stars
Very creative series I love the familiar idea so very cool. As with every love triangle I kind of felt bad for he who wasn't chosen. An exciting, entertaining series with great characters and paranormal plot.
Full review to come still hanging with the Mouse.
Very creative series I love the familiar idea so very cool. As with every love triangle I kind of felt bad for he who wasn't chosen. An exciting, entertaining series with great characters and paranormal plot.
Full review to come still hanging with the Mouse.
August 1, 2015
This was wonderful! Spectacular! And mostly, a great ending to one of my favorite series by JLA of all time. I'm going to sorely miss these characters for sure now that it's the end *cries*
---
October 31, 2014: All I'm saying is that Layla better end up with Roth or I will drop kick a puppy. Or she could leave both guys and just be a badass girl team with Bambi. Either works.
But in other words I CANNOT CONTAIN MY SENSE OF GLEE!
I mean c'mon, between the Prince and the Warden... Vote for Roth?
---
October 31, 2014: All I'm saying is that Layla better end up with Roth or I will drop kick a puppy. Or she could leave both guys and just be a badass girl team with Bambi. Either works.
But in other words I CANNOT CONTAIN MY SENSE OF GLEE!
I mean c'mon, between the Prince and the Warden... Vote for Roth?
October 4, 2017
Bis auf ein zwei klitzekleine Logikfehler, war das ein perfekter Abschluss der Dark Elements Reihe. Ich bin auch froh, dass Frau Armentrout das Liebesdreieck direkt zu Anfang dieses Buches endlich auflöst, alles andere hätte mich auch immens genervt. Der Humor war wieder klasse, genau wie die Verweise zu Supernatural, The Walking Dead & Co. Der Schreibstil war gewohnt locker und flüssig zu lesen und Props an Layla, eine Protagonistin mit Hirn! 😅👌🏻 Eigentlich recht schade, dass die Reihe nun schon wieder vorbei ist 🤷🏼♀️
May 17, 2020
Edit(after reading):
Yes! Yes!!! YES!!! Everything is exactly how it should be! How? Click on the spoiler tag and you shall know all(and I mean all, so make sure you really want to know before you click on it):
Edit: WHAT IS THAT COVER?????? Do you see it you guys? it doesn't even match! And it's so *gag* ugly! Just look at it in all it's glory(not):
I think I prefer this one:
And why don't we get the Kindle cover:
The world is so unfair.
Pre Edit:
I voted for Roth . . . How 'bout everyone else?
Yes! Yes!!! YES!!! Everything is exactly how it should be! How? Click on the spoiler tag and you shall know all(and I mean all, so make sure you really want to know before you click on it):
Edit: WHAT IS THAT COVER?????? Do you see it you guys? it doesn't even match! And it's so *gag* ugly! Just look at it in all it's glory(not):
I think I prefer this one:
And why don't we get the Kindle cover:
The world is so unfair.
Pre Edit:
I voted for Roth . . . How 'bout everyone else?
January 31, 2016
2 stars
All in all, this conclusion was pretty underwhelming. I get the feeling me and JLA need to break up. Her books just aren't working for me anymore.
EDIT: I just found this slightly amusing paragraph on my phone and thought I'd share:
It was cheesy, cringe-worthy and predictable. There were lots of moments were I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt and the dialogue between Layla and Roth was so ridiculous at times that I, the former captain of their ship, got annoyed and started skimming paragraphs. And I swear to god, I was this close to punching something when she described yet again how incredibly good looking he was. His tawny eyes. His abs. His dimples. I GET IT. TAKE MY MONEY AND SHUT UP.
All in all, this conclusion was pretty underwhelming. I get the feeling me and JLA need to break up. Her books just aren't working for me anymore.
EDIT: I just found this slightly amusing paragraph on my phone and thought I'd share:
It was cheesy, cringe-worthy and predictable. There were lots of moments were I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt and the dialogue between Layla and Roth was so ridiculous at times that I, the former captain of their ship, got annoyed and started skimming paragraphs. And I swear to god, I was this close to punching something when she described yet again how incredibly good looking he was. His tawny eyes. His abs. His dimples. I GET IT. TAKE MY MONEY AND SHUT UP.
February 6, 2016
My goodness. This book was amazing. I have to say that this series gets better as it goes on. There were no disappointments. I don't even know what to write about here. For you to fully understand what I'm going through right now, you'll have to read the series.
So this book starts with the sort of cliffhanger that the Lilin was in someone else's body and that his soul was gone. Through all of the chasing of the Lilin and stopping the apocalypse, Layla has to make her choice of who she'll want to be with. She loves both Roth and Zayne but there is only going to be one who she'll be able to spend the rest of her life with.
Layla has to choose which side she'll be on and which part of her she'll trust. They'll all have to work together to stop the Lilin from continuing the chaos and the war that would kill billions of lives and leave the Earth bare.
So there were many thing I loved throughout the final installment of Dark Elements.
1. The characters: I still love Layla and she is even stronger in this one. I remember thinking that she might have been a little weak in the beginning of the series but come on. Who wouldn't be scared when your whole world is changing? Roth *sigh* I loved him even more since he loved Layla. He is so funny and sarcastic yet he can somehow be kind to Layla. Now onto Zayne. I think that my opinion of him has shifted but I don't know how. He's pretty good but I never felt that man-I-really-wish-you-were-real feeling that I had with some other characters. A minor character that I just wanted to mention is Stacey. In my review of White Hot Kiss, I said that I didn't like how she acted as if she was dumb or all over the boys in the school. She definitely "found her lady balls" and accepted whatever was thrown her way, which was a lot more than in the previous books.
2. The action. There was non-stop action and in the times where there were slight pauses, they were finding new or talking about other problems. And did I mention the plot twists? I was like "Oh no!" and then "YAY!" as I kept reading. You don't know how often I was like:
Before I realized it was okay. I couldn't rip my eyes from the pages which is exactly what I like.
3. And last but definitely not least, the ROMANCE! It was so good. Some readers might have decided that it was cheesy but no, no it wasn't. Here is an example:
“I love you,” I told him, and I told him that every day and I would tell him that over and over again.
[He] lowered his forehead to mine as he brought our joined hands to his chest, placing them above his heart. “And I love you,” he said. “With every breath I take, I will always love you.”
Is that cheesy? I think not
There was nothing about this book that I didn't like and I'm definitely going to have to reread this series a bazillion more times before I get enough of this. I'm just kidding, that will never happen. I'm most definitely continue reading Ms. Armentrout's wonderful writing as you should too.
So this book starts with the sort of cliffhanger that the Lilin was in someone else's body and that his soul was gone. Through all of the chasing of the Lilin and stopping the apocalypse, Layla has to make her choice of who she'll want to be with. She loves both Roth and Zayne but there is only going to be one who she'll be able to spend the rest of her life with.
Layla has to choose which side she'll be on and which part of her she'll trust. They'll all have to work together to stop the Lilin from continuing the chaos and the war that would kill billions of lives and leave the Earth bare.
So there were many thing I loved throughout the final installment of Dark Elements.
1. The characters: I still love Layla and she is even stronger in this one. I remember thinking that she might have been a little weak in the beginning of the series but come on. Who wouldn't be scared when your whole world is changing? Roth *sigh* I loved him even more since he loved Layla. He is so funny and sarcastic yet he can somehow be kind to Layla. Now onto Zayne. I think that my opinion of him has shifted but I don't know how. He's pretty good but I never felt that man-I-really-wish-you-were-real feeling that I had with some other characters. A minor character that I just wanted to mention is Stacey. In my review of White Hot Kiss, I said that I didn't like how she acted as if she was dumb or all over the boys in the school. She definitely "found her lady balls" and accepted whatever was thrown her way, which was a lot more than in the previous books.
2. The action. There was non-stop action and in the times where there were slight pauses, they were finding new or talking about other problems. And did I mention the plot twists? I was like "Oh no!" and then "YAY!" as I kept reading. You don't know how often I was like:
Before I realized it was okay. I couldn't rip my eyes from the pages which is exactly what I like.
3. And last but definitely not least, the ROMANCE! It was so good. Some readers might have decided that it was cheesy but no, no it wasn't. Here is an example:
“I love you,” I told him, and I told him that every day and I would tell him that over and over again.
[He] lowered his forehead to mine as he brought our joined hands to his chest, placing them above his heart. “And I love you,” he said. “With every breath I take, I will always love you.”
Is that cheesy? I think not
There was nothing about this book that I didn't like and I'm definitely going to have to reread this series a bazillion more times before I get enough of this. I'm just kidding, that will never happen. I'm most definitely continue reading Ms. Armentrout's wonderful writing as you should too.
August 5, 2015
So after finishing this book, I don't even know why I liked this series in the first place.
1. It was sappiest thing I've ever read. It was just cringeworthy.
2. I wanted Roth and Layla to be together, and unsurprisingly they were, I just didn't like how it was done. For one, the fact that JLA had people voting for him or Zayne made me feel like no matter what, Layla's choice wouldn't be sincere, just cuz I knew JLA didn't write it based on her characters, but based on a poll. And their relationship happened way too early on in the book for my liking. Not only this, but the plot was overshadowed by the romance. It seriously had me wondering if JLA didn't know what to write about and just decided on making the book focused on Roth and Layla instead.
3. What little there was of the plot reminded me of Supernatural. But a much crappier Supernatural with a lazy storyline and a cop-out ending so everything can be focused on the romance instead of what's actually going on.
I don't even feel like writing more. Didn't like the book. Now that I think of it, I don't care for the series either.
*******
I need this book so badly I could cry.
I need Roth and Layla together so badly that I could cry.
I need this book so badly I could cry.
If Zayne and Layla end up together, then I, without a doubt, will die.
And another thing-
I need this book so badly that if I don't get it, hunting down JLA and threatening her life seems very realistic.
1. It was sappiest thing I've ever read. It was just cringeworthy.
2. I wanted Roth and Layla to be together, and unsurprisingly they were, I just didn't like how it was done. For one, the fact that JLA had people voting for him or Zayne made me feel like no matter what, Layla's choice wouldn't be sincere, just cuz I knew JLA didn't write it based on her characters, but based on a poll. And their relationship happened way too early on in the book for my liking. Not only this, but the plot was overshadowed by the romance. It seriously had me wondering if JLA didn't know what to write about and just decided on making the book focused on Roth and Layla instead.
3. What little there was of the plot reminded me of Supernatural. But a much crappier Supernatural with a lazy storyline and a cop-out ending so everything can be focused on the romance instead of what's actually going on.
I don't even feel like writing more. Didn't like the book. Now that I think of it, I don't care for the series either.
*******
I need this book so badly I could cry.
I need Roth and Layla together so badly that I could cry.
I need this book so badly I could cry.
If Zayne and Layla end up together, then I, without a doubt, will die.
And another thing-
I need this book so badly that if I don't get it, hunting down JLA and threatening her life seems very realistic.
August 4, 2021
3/5 ★★★☆☆
“Words could cut just as deep as sharpened claws, and while the skin could heal, the wounds words left behind never faded as quickly.”
First of all: Three stars isn’t a bad rating!
Strangely, I enjoyed the first two books more than this one. It was just as addictive, but it didn't fascinate me as much and I feel like it needed more to keep up.
Every Last Breath focuses much more on the romance, neglecting the plot a bit and leaving some characters aside. There was little action, and the ending was a bit hasty, which left me unsatisfied. However, at no point did I get bored, and I don’t think it’s a bad book.
I think it’s important to mention that some questions were left unanswered and there were several loose threads that made it not seem like the last book of the trilogy. I'm curious to see if this is going to be resolved in the spin-off about Zayne (which I'm dying to read!)
Anyway, now I’m going to start with the spoiler section, so don’t continue if you haven’t read the book.
━━━━━•❃°•°•°•°❃•━━━━━
SPOILERS:
I'll start with the characters. I need to talk about them before I go with anything else.
1. Layla: I liked her attitude in this book and seeing her finally accepting herself. I didn't expect at all that she had drunk the blood of a fallen angel, but I suppose it was a clever move so that she could be with Roth without the mortality problem.
“Being a demon or a Warden didn’t make me who I was. My decisions and my actions did. And I wasn’t perfect—and I wasn’t evil. I was just me.”
She still isn’t my favorite protagonist, but I think she's a good main character anyway. Her evolution was great, and I loved her relationship with Roth.
“He’d once said that people with the purest souls could be capable of the greatest evil, and I knew that worked both ways, especially when it came to him. I might not be able to see a soul around him and everyone might say he didn’t have one, but at his core, he was better than most humans and Wardens I knew.”
2. Roth: Seeing him cry destroyed me. Seriously, what a cute and heartbreaking thing! His love for her absolutely melted my heart.
“I, Astaroth, Crown Prince of Hell, am in love with you, Layla Shaw. Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. A hundred decades from now, I will still be in love with you, and it will be as fierce today as it will be a decade later.”
I think what I liked the most about this character is that he doesn't try to pretend to be what he is not. Roth always admits his selfish side and that he doesn't really care if humanity goes to hell if Layla is alive.
“You make me wish I had a soul so that I could be worthy of you.”
I drew in a sharp breath. “You are worthy of me.”
3. Zayne: WHY DOES THEY HURT HIM SO MUCH!? He doesn’t deserve it! Zayne is such a good person 😭
He didn’t appear much in this book (sad for me), but still suffered a lot. I really hope that in the spin-off he gets his happy ending. Even Bambi likes him, c’mmon 🤣
4. Cayman: He reminded me so much of Kieran from From Blood and Ash. Why is it that I always love these characters? 😂 His loyalty to Roth was precious.
“Don’t mind me,” Cayman said. “I’m not here. Nope. I’m not the awkward third party, having to witness you two eat each other’s face.”
I really liked Stacey's brief participation in the plot, although I would have liked to see her more.
Talking more about the book itself, I loved that the demonic familiars were in human form in Hell 🤯 That was ingenious! Too bad we didn't see too much of Robin.
Something that disappointed me a bit about the book was that I felt that there were a lot of underdeveloped conflicts. First, we never really met the witches or know everything they had to offer, they were only there to take Bambi and voila. Second, we also didn’t fully explore the topic of the Church of the Sons of God, which is disappointing because so much could be gleaned from it. Third, Elijah's appearance was practically insignificant and very short, I would have liked to see more of both him and Lilith. And there is also the fact that we knew almost nothing about the Alphas and their appearance was very brief, I expected more after three books.
━━━━━•❃°•°•°•°❃•━━━━━
While the book had its details and wasn’t perfect, I have to say that I enjoyed it and don’t regret having read this trilogy. Perhaps for those who haven’t read so much fantasy this will suit you perfectly.
Without a doubt, I’m fascinated by Jennifer's writing and will read her other books. She has a unique ability to transport you through the story and connect you with her characters, which is worth gold to me.
P.S. Who (or what) is Morris? 🤔
P.S.2. I'm sorry, Abbot's death couldn't have mattered less to me. Am I cruel? 😆 I felt sorry for Zayne.
P.S.3. Jennifer's protagonists have a problem with the shivers 😂
“Words could cut just as deep as sharpened claws, and while the skin could heal, the wounds words left behind never faded as quickly.”
First of all: Three stars isn’t a bad rating!
Strangely, I enjoyed the first two books more than this one. It was just as addictive, but it didn't fascinate me as much and I feel like it needed more to keep up.
Every Last Breath focuses much more on the romance, neglecting the plot a bit and leaving some characters aside. There was little action, and the ending was a bit hasty, which left me unsatisfied. However, at no point did I get bored, and I don’t think it’s a bad book.
I think it’s important to mention that some questions were left unanswered and there were several loose threads that made it not seem like the last book of the trilogy. I'm curious to see if this is going to be resolved in the spin-off about Zayne (which I'm dying to read!)
Anyway, now I’m going to start with the spoiler section, so don’t continue if you haven’t read the book.
━━━━━•❃°•°•°•°❃•━━━━━
SPOILERS:
I'll start with the characters. I need to talk about them before I go with anything else.
1. Layla: I liked her attitude in this book and seeing her finally accepting herself. I didn't expect at all that she had drunk the blood of a fallen angel, but I suppose it was a clever move so that she could be with Roth without the mortality problem.
“Being a demon or a Warden didn’t make me who I was. My decisions and my actions did. And I wasn’t perfect—and I wasn’t evil. I was just me.”
She still isn’t my favorite protagonist, but I think she's a good main character anyway. Her evolution was great, and I loved her relationship with Roth.
“He’d once said that people with the purest souls could be capable of the greatest evil, and I knew that worked both ways, especially when it came to him. I might not be able to see a soul around him and everyone might say he didn’t have one, but at his core, he was better than most humans and Wardens I knew.”
2. Roth: Seeing him cry destroyed me. Seriously, what a cute and heartbreaking thing! His love for her absolutely melted my heart.
“I, Astaroth, Crown Prince of Hell, am in love with you, Layla Shaw. Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. A hundred decades from now, I will still be in love with you, and it will be as fierce today as it will be a decade later.”
I think what I liked the most about this character is that he doesn't try to pretend to be what he is not. Roth always admits his selfish side and that he doesn't really care if humanity goes to hell if Layla is alive.
“You make me wish I had a soul so that I could be worthy of you.”
I drew in a sharp breath. “You are worthy of me.”
3. Zayne: WHY DOES THEY HURT HIM SO MUCH!? He doesn’t deserve it! Zayne is such a good person 😭
He didn’t appear much in this book (sad for me), but still suffered a lot. I really hope that in the spin-off he gets his happy ending. Even Bambi likes him, c’mmon 🤣
4. Cayman: He reminded me so much of Kieran from From Blood and Ash. Why is it that I always love these characters? 😂 His loyalty to Roth was precious.
“Don’t mind me,” Cayman said. “I’m not here. Nope. I’m not the awkward third party, having to witness you two eat each other’s face.”
I really liked Stacey's brief participation in the plot, although I would have liked to see her more.
Talking more about the book itself, I loved that the demonic familiars were in human form in Hell 🤯 That was ingenious! Too bad we didn't see too much of Robin.
Something that disappointed me a bit about the book was that I felt that there were a lot of underdeveloped conflicts. First, we never really met the witches or know everything they had to offer, they were only there to take Bambi and voila. Second, we also didn’t fully explore the topic of the Church of the Sons of God, which is disappointing because so much could be gleaned from it. Third, Elijah's appearance was practically insignificant and very short, I would have liked to see more of both him and Lilith. And there is also the fact that we knew almost nothing about the Alphas and their appearance was very brief, I expected more after three books.
━━━━━•❃°•°•°•°❃•━━━━━
While the book had its details and wasn’t perfect, I have to say that I enjoyed it and don’t regret having read this trilogy. Perhaps for those who haven’t read so much fantasy this will suit you perfectly.
Without a doubt, I’m fascinated by Jennifer's writing and will read her other books. She has a unique ability to transport you through the story and connect you with her characters, which is worth gold to me.
P.S. Who (or what) is Morris? 🤔
P.S.2. I'm sorry, Abbot's death couldn't have mattered less to me. Am I cruel? 😆 I felt sorry for Zayne.
P.S.3. Jennifer's protagonists have a problem with the shivers 😂
November 23, 2021
“It would always be you.”
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😳🤬😏🤓🥰
The heroine: Layla - she is changing and her powers are changing as well. She thought she was half gargoyle and half demon but finds that she is more different then she ever thought possible. She also knows she has to make a decision that will hurt one of the men she loves.
The Hero(s): Zayne - he is a gargoyle and grew up with Layla and was the one person who always believed in her. He always stood by her and he has shown her how much he loves her.
Roth - the crown prince of Hell. He is an upper level demon and he has worked with Layla in fighting to make sure the apocalypse doesn’t happen. He has saved her on more than one occasion.
The Story: Layla gets in to more than one bad situation, including one with the gargoyle wardens she grew up with. She realizes that she has to do what her heart wants even though it will hurt someone she loves. Though once that is done, it isn’t like she can live happily ever after. A Lillan has been born of her and her mother’s blood and her and her cohorts have to stop it before it wreaks havoc on earth.
Layla goes to Hell and back for her friends and the romance in this book is as sweet and steamy as it was in the last book. It was a young adult book, so no over the top intimate scenes, but I really enjoyed both the romance and the exiting storylines.
Like the two previous books, the narration in this one was good. It was a great series to listen to via audiobook. However, I will take one point away for only having one narrator. I definitely like books with dual or even more narrators. The story was terrific and I loved all the references to Supernatural!
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😳🤬😏🤓🥰
The heroine: Layla - she is changing and her powers are changing as well. She thought she was half gargoyle and half demon but finds that she is more different then she ever thought possible. She also knows she has to make a decision that will hurt one of the men she loves.
The Hero(s): Zayne - he is a gargoyle and grew up with Layla and was the one person who always believed in her. He always stood by her and he has shown her how much he loves her.
Roth - the crown prince of Hell. He is an upper level demon and he has worked with Layla in fighting to make sure the apocalypse doesn’t happen. He has saved her on more than one occasion.
The Story: Layla gets in to more than one bad situation, including one with the gargoyle wardens she grew up with. She realizes that she has to do what her heart wants even though it will hurt someone she loves. Though once that is done, it isn’t like she can live happily ever after. A Lillan has been born of her and her mother’s blood and her and her cohorts have to stop it before it wreaks havoc on earth.
Layla goes to Hell and back for her friends and the romance in this book is as sweet and steamy as it was in the last book. It was a young adult book, so no over the top intimate scenes, but I really enjoyed both the romance and the exiting storylines.
Like the two previous books, the narration in this one was good. It was a great series to listen to via audiobook. However, I will take one point away for only having one narrator. I definitely like books with dual or even more narrators. The story was terrific and I loved all the references to Supernatural!
“Unless it had been Castiel, because I was totally cool with him rising me up from perdition if that was what happened.”
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July 12, 2019
FINISHED! OMG, this book!!!!
This was a pretty damn good trilogy finale. I felt like there was a lot more emotion to it, lots more tragedy, lots more love, lots more loss....lots more of everything.
I love that it started RIGHT where book 2 left off. Its been a few months since I read it, so it really helped me remember what had happened. That tore me up, ugh, damn those things called feelings!! A lot of sad things happened in this book...and normally, I would have been really pissed off, but when I got to think about it, they were all done with a purpose that actually made sense
I was so excited for this book to finally come out, oh fuck, fine, I was BEYOND excited, and I was totally freaking out, and my husband thought I was a crazy person...and then continued to think so after I finally GOT the book, and wouldnt stop freaking out in excitedment and fangirling over EVERYTHING! What can I say? I may be turning 26 soon, but, I can still act like a kid sometimes! I'm short enough...ANYWAY I was so excited, and this book totally didn't disappoint!! I couldn't have been more happy, regardless of things that I didn't want happening, happening.
I am just rambling on now, so I am going to call this good. Its after 2am, and I still need to read some of another book I promised to get to....*sigh*
LOVED THIS, I'm so sad to see it end, but it ended perfectly. GOOD JOB JLA!!!!!!!
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This was a pretty damn good trilogy finale. I felt like there was a lot more emotion to it, lots more tragedy, lots more love, lots more loss....lots more of everything.
I love that it started RIGHT where book 2 left off. Its been a few months since I read it, so it really helped me remember what had happened. That tore me up, ugh, damn those things called feelings!! A lot of sad things happened in this book...and normally, I would have been really pissed off, but when I got to think about it, they were all done with a purpose that actually made sense
I was so excited for this book to finally come out, oh fuck, fine, I was BEYOND excited, and I was totally freaking out, and my husband thought I was a crazy person...and then continued to think so after I finally GOT the book, and wouldnt stop freaking out in excitedment and fangirling over EVERYTHING! What can I say? I may be turning 26 soon, but, I can still act like a kid sometimes! I'm short enough...ANYWAY I was so excited, and this book totally didn't disappoint!! I couldn't have been more happy, regardless of things that I didn't want happening, happening.
I am just rambling on now, so I am going to call this good. Its after 2am, and I still need to read some of another book I promised to get to....*sigh*
LOVED THIS, I'm so sad to see it end, but it ended perfectly. GOOD JOB JLA!!!!!!!
come find me:
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IG: ash.reads Twitter: @ReadsAsh
October 9, 2015
After I finish Stone Cold Touch
Zayne???
Or Roth??
How about get them both?
Can I get them both?
pleassseee...?
Zayne???
Or Roth??
How about get them both?
Can I get them both?
pleassseee...?
July 29, 2015
AN EPIC CONCLUSION TO A FANTASTIC SERIES!
“Well, there was only one that I knew I would always be happy with, one that I would always laugh with. One that I did more than long for, but yearned for, and each second that passed ignoring it was a second I wouldn’t get to spend with him- a second I wouldn’t live life with love in it, real love in it, the kind that did have lasting power.”
I’ve not long finished this book and already my mind is reliving my favorites moments, I seriously just want to crawl back and read it all over again!!
I’m sure everyone was blown away at the ending of Stone Cold Touch, when we found that our beloved Sam was the Lilin. Every Last Breath picks up from this revelation but now Layla is faced with a haunting decision; she must kill her best friend. The Lilin continues to create havoc in the city and leaving a trail of wraiths in it’s wake, Layla & Co’ know it’s only a matter of time before the Alpha’s intervene and wipe out all Warden and Demon life, resulting in war and eventually the apocalypse.
This book is far from predictable, every time I felt myself becoming familiar with the plot a dramatic twist that you never see coming turns everything upside down… and these twists they just kept coming! I was unable to take my eyes away from the book. There was death, heartbreak, and turmoil, this was a very emotional read!
“It’s him. It’s always been him.”
Now for the most important bit of this review as I’m sure you will agree is.. Layla’s decision. I can’t comment much on this as I’m sure you are all aware of what Team I am on and I would never spoil this for you, you really should discover this for yourself.. BUT for those of you who are just dying to see who said this quote look here at the spoiler at your own risk ;)
“I’m here… I’m here because this is where I’m happy, with you.”
Roth or Zayne?!>>>>
AND better yet, I didn’t have to read ¾ of the book for find out who she choose, nope quite early-ish on actually, which allowed me to enjoy the relationship and fangirl but also enjoy the journey. Even with Layla’s important choice the romance was turned up about 70 degrees, I mean this was seriously bringing on a serious blush at times but it was oh soo good. The swoony moments are what I live for and JLA doesn’t disappoint at all. All those silly predictions? Throw those out the window and prepare to be shocked.
To be honest there were some not bad but I'd say repetitive writing/phrases such as: 'rocking in a corner somewhere' or 'I hate to say this'. Also the later plot twist and the ending reminded me of the Covenant series which was a little sad because these are two completely different series however I still loved the book. I was a little baffled by the twist ending as it didn't have the sense of finality and I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, granted this could have been me having a blonde moment or the affects of reading for too long!
I was so impressed by the ending and I'm seriously still a little bit emotional at the shock twist! The blurb did warn us that ‘an old bargain comes back to haunt them all.’ Haunting isn’t a good enough word for it.. I am crushed, but seriously for you guys who have read this series and loved it, I would scream at you if I could.. You seriously need to read this book, it’s just amazing. The pacing was perfect and packed full of action but as the Queen of romance JLA packs everything in a gorgeously sizzling package. Fellow fans of The Dark Elements.. this is what you’ve been waiting for ;)
“I’m pissed off because I love you, Layla, and the idea of losing you fucking terrifies me!”
Literary-ly Obsessed
“Well, there was only one that I knew I would always be happy with, one that I would always laugh with. One that I did more than long for, but yearned for, and each second that passed ignoring it was a second I wouldn’t get to spend with him- a second I wouldn’t live life with love in it, real love in it, the kind that did have lasting power.”
I’ve not long finished this book and already my mind is reliving my favorites moments, I seriously just want to crawl back and read it all over again!!
I’m sure everyone was blown away at the ending of Stone Cold Touch, when we found that our beloved Sam was the Lilin. Every Last Breath picks up from this revelation but now Layla is faced with a haunting decision; she must kill her best friend. The Lilin continues to create havoc in the city and leaving a trail of wraiths in it’s wake, Layla & Co’ know it’s only a matter of time before the Alpha’s intervene and wipe out all Warden and Demon life, resulting in war and eventually the apocalypse.
This book is far from predictable, every time I felt myself becoming familiar with the plot a dramatic twist that you never see coming turns everything upside down… and these twists they just kept coming! I was unable to take my eyes away from the book. There was death, heartbreak, and turmoil, this was a very emotional read!
“It’s him. It’s always been him.”
Now for the most important bit of this review as I’m sure you will agree is.. Layla’s decision. I can’t comment much on this as I’m sure you are all aware of what Team I am on and I would never spoil this for you, you really should discover this for yourself.. BUT for those of you who are just dying to see who said this quote look here at the spoiler at your own risk ;)
“I’m here… I’m here because this is where I’m happy, with you.”
Roth or Zayne?!>>>>
AND better yet, I didn’t have to read ¾ of the book for find out who she choose, nope quite early-ish on actually, which allowed me to enjoy the relationship and fangirl but also enjoy the journey. Even with Layla’s important choice the romance was turned up about 70 degrees, I mean this was seriously bringing on a serious blush at times but it was oh soo good. The swoony moments are what I live for and JLA doesn’t disappoint at all. All those silly predictions? Throw those out the window and prepare to be shocked.
To be honest there were some not bad but I'd say repetitive writing/phrases such as: 'rocking in a corner somewhere' or 'I hate to say this'. Also the later plot twist and the ending reminded me of the Covenant series which was a little sad because these are two completely different series however I still loved the book. I was a little baffled by the twist ending as it didn't have the sense of finality and I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, granted this could have been me having a blonde moment or the affects of reading for too long!
I was so impressed by the ending and I'm seriously still a little bit emotional at the shock twist! The blurb did warn us that ‘an old bargain comes back to haunt them all.’ Haunting isn’t a good enough word for it.. I am crushed, but seriously for you guys who have read this series and loved it, I would scream at you if I could.. You seriously need to read this book, it’s just amazing. The pacing was perfect and packed full of action but as the Queen of romance JLA packs everything in a gorgeously sizzling package. Fellow fans of The Dark Elements.. this is what you’ve been waiting for ;)
“I’m pissed off because I love you, Layla, and the idea of losing you fucking terrifies me!”
Literary-ly Obsessed
August 7, 2015
(Edit after reading it at the end of the review)
OMG JULY 2015, how can we wait that long?
White Hot Kiss and Stone Cold Touch were respectively Roth's and Zayne's books. We had two books to choose our team sexy leader, thank you Armentrout. Now, let's try to clear things out:
Reasons to root for a Layla-Roth HOT-SEXY-AS-HELL (wink-wink) ending:
1)Because Roth is a Disney fan, how cute is that? Because you just can't wait to see Bambi again and to finally meet Thumper.
2)Because his tattoos and his rock-hard body have that effect on you:
3)Because he's fighting for you. Despite being chained down by what he IS (a demon, but more than that: THE Crown Prince of Hell for God's sake, talk about responsibilities!) he still doesn't give up on what he wants, on what he doesn't think he deserves but still adores: you.
4) Because he will get hurt again and again for you. He will do anything to protect you, even if it means watching you being with Stony. He knows what "self-sacrifice" means, and how ironical for a demon, he does it only for you. Again, and again. And again.
5) Because he's a badass with a foul mouth (that does wonderful thinks on your body hmm). Roth is a real tease that has the grace and power of a predator... a demon pierced in real magical places...
6) He won't judge you. You can do anything you want, the more yourself you get, dropping your walls and chains on your way, the more "hot" you become to him. Just be yourself (finally)!
7) He won't tie you down, he will let you make your mistakes but be right by your side to help or save you at all times. He's not a control-freak, he doesn't think you're a fragile female that needs to be protected and dotted on at all times. You and him, you're a team .
8) He's the epitome of the bad-boy type, but between his teasing, his smugness and general hotness, he's gentle to you only. Talk about feeling special!
9) Because even if the Big Boss down there ORDER him to kill you, he can't. He protects and try however he can to save you and let you have a happy life in the bright light of the "good side".
10) Because he lost himself when he found you.
Because it's ROTH people, R-O-T-H
Now reasons to be on Team Zayne:
1)Because he's... blond? A Warden? Your kinky brotherly-incest wet dream?
2)If you're into good-guy. I mean EXTREME good guy. The kind of guy you can lie to, practically cheat on, insult, get cranky and bitchy on his ass and that would still FORGIVE and LOVE YOU because you're just that awesome. Obviously you're not the one in the wrong, it's the whole world that's at fault. No biggie for you, he still worships you.
3)....Humm...well I got two! It's already a miracle for someone without a personality like him, right?
...Anyway.
J.L. Armentrout has an addictive writing style that make her readers swoon and scream and blush without interruption. Their eyes are glued to her book's line while their emotions are all over the place. And it's good. Handsomely good. I'm like a tree years-old that awaits for her Christmas, I WANT MY Every Last Breath, my heart's crying over here!
My conclusion?
Here it is:
Edit after reading the book:
Just... wow! This final book was amazing! Gontrats Armentrout for no boring down times, there was adventure, suspense, love (maybe a little too much vanilla love, I didn't count how many "I love you"s she wrote but I think I never read so much in one book).
Honestly, here was my reaction at the end of each chapter:
I won't spoil but I'm SO HAPPY with how Lalyla managed her love life! Go girl!
This whole series was amazing and the ending was awesome and epic! I feared being disappointed but I was so SO wrong!! This book kept me on the edge of my ... bed from the beginning to the end.
Thank you JLA for this wonderful series!
I HIGHLY recommend it!!!
OMG JULY 2015, how can we wait that long?
White Hot Kiss and Stone Cold Touch were respectively Roth's and Zayne's books. We had two books to choose our team sexy leader, thank you Armentrout. Now, let's try to clear things out:
Reasons to root for a Layla-Roth HOT-SEXY-AS-HELL (wink-wink) ending:
1)Because Roth is a Disney fan, how cute is that? Because you just can't wait to see Bambi again and to finally meet Thumper.
2)Because his tattoos and his rock-hard body have that effect on you:
3)Because he's fighting for you. Despite being chained down by what he IS (a demon, but more than that: THE Crown Prince of Hell for God's sake, talk about responsibilities!) he still doesn't give up on what he wants, on what he doesn't think he deserves but still adores: you.
4) Because he will get hurt again and again for you. He will do anything to protect you, even if it means watching you being with Stony. He knows what "self-sacrifice" means, and how ironical for a demon, he does it only for you. Again, and again. And again.
5) Because he's a badass with a foul mouth (that does wonderful thinks on your body hmm). Roth is a real tease that has the grace and power of a predator... a demon pierced in real magical places...
6) He won't judge you. You can do anything you want, the more yourself you get, dropping your walls and chains on your way, the more "hot" you become to him. Just be yourself (finally)!
7) He won't tie you down, he will let you make your mistakes but be right by your side to help or save you at all times. He's not a control-freak, he doesn't think you're a fragile female that needs to be protected and dotted on at all times. You and him, you're a team .
8) He's the epitome of the bad-boy type, but between his teasing, his smugness and general hotness, he's gentle to you only. Talk about feeling special!
9) Because even if the Big Boss down there ORDER him to kill you, he can't. He protects and try however he can to save you and let you have a happy life in the bright light of the "good side".
10) Because he lost himself when he found you.
Because it's ROTH people, R-O-T-H
Now reasons to be on Team Zayne:
1)Because he's... blond? A Warden? Your kinky brotherly-incest wet dream?
2)If you're into good-guy. I mean EXTREME good guy. The kind of guy you can lie to, practically cheat on, insult, get cranky and bitchy on his ass and that would still FORGIVE and LOVE YOU because you're just that awesome. Obviously you're not the one in the wrong, it's the whole world that's at fault. No biggie for you, he still worships you.
3)....Humm...well I got two! It's already a miracle for someone without a personality like him, right?
...Anyway.
J.L. Armentrout has an addictive writing style that make her readers swoon and scream and blush without interruption. Their eyes are glued to her book's line while their emotions are all over the place. And it's good. Handsomely good. I'm like a tree years-old that awaits for her Christmas, I WANT MY Every Last Breath, my heart's crying over here!
My conclusion?
Here it is:
Edit after reading the book:
Just... wow! This final book was amazing! Gontrats Armentrout for no boring down times, there was adventure, suspense, love (maybe a little too much vanilla love, I didn't count how many "I love you"s she wrote but I think I never read so much in one book).
Honestly, here was my reaction at the end of each chapter:
I won't spoil but I'm SO HAPPY with how Lalyla managed her love life! Go girl!
This whole series was amazing and the ending was awesome and epic! I feared being disappointed but I was so SO wrong!! This book kept me on the edge of my ... bed from the beginning to the end.
Thank you JLA for this wonderful series!
I HIGHLY recommend it!!!
December 7, 2020
TODAS LAS ESTRELLAS.
OMG, me acabo de dar cuenta que lo leí como 2 en días jajajaja pero así de bueno y adictivo es!! Creo que fue una estupenda conclusión a la mejor trilogía que leí este año. Fue una montañarusa de emociones, porque dios santo pasaron TANTAS TANTAS TANTAS cosas y cuando pensabas que estaba todo tranquilo BOOM pasa algo más y ctm jajaja... ya, me calmo.
Fuera de broma, disfruté un montón este libro, me dejó muy satisfecha y con muchas ganas de seguir leyendo a la Jenny.
OMG, me acabo de dar cuenta que lo leí como 2 en días jajajaja pero así de bueno y adictivo es!! Creo que fue una estupenda conclusión a la mejor trilogía que leí este año. Fue una montañarusa de emociones, porque dios santo pasaron TANTAS TANTAS TANTAS cosas y cuando pensabas que estaba todo tranquilo BOOM pasa algo más y ctm jajaja... ya, me calmo.
Fuera de broma, disfruté un montón este libro, me dejó muy satisfecha y con muchas ganas de seguir leyendo a la Jenny.
December 30, 2020
1 out of 10
Ревью в моем блоге/This review on my blog
Living A Thousand Lives (please use Chrome/Yandex browser or Android/IOS to see the page; otherwise, spoiler-tags I use to make my post compact may not work)
Genre: urban fantasy, YA
Stuff: gargoyles, angels, demons
Fail: every tiny detail
POV: 1st-person, female
Love-Geometry: zero
Quote-Core:
“You’re like the cute version of the village idiot.”
Okay, something did happen with my taste. Only last fall I could tolerate simplicity of JA's books, I understood how unoriginal and meh they were, but it didn't bother the process. Now I just want to kill them all with fire. Gone blindness before hot guys. Gone fun from witty banters. Gone every JA's book from my TBR.
First of all, JA doesn't write fantasy novels, she isn't able to. All her fantasy books are typical romances with alpha guys and virgin TSTL girls. To call love-interest aliens or gargoyles or faeries then make them represent different kinds of exotic creatures and make from an MC a hybrid is not enough for a FANTASY novel. Your fucking non-humans should act like non-humans and not like boys-next-door or the-hottest-quarterbacks-ever. You have to build a new world within your own with unique rules and laws. JA never does it. And I'm fed up with her bullshit which is all about abs and sex.
Now to the book and its ridiculousness. Spoiler alert!
I won't retell you the plot, just pick out some really stupid things you can find here and in any other JA's works:
- A lot of flashbacks and a huge info-dump of the previous events. You can start reading around 50% and nothing would be changed. Actually, you can stop reading at 50% and nothing would be changed too.
- Gay-stereotypes. There's a guy, Сayman. And Jen decided to make him the gay guy. I mean, with a passion for fashion, a love for girl-ish talks, and a way to address people with sugar-words. Kiera Cass has the same vision of gays, she and JA have to be friends...
- Everyone has to be in a relationship. Cassandra Clare and Sara J. Mass would be proud of Jen Armentrout. In her books, you're either dead or in love with somebody. Even familiars (yeah, those animated tattoos) flirt with each other.
- Anticlimactic things. Love-triangle, a serious one with all these I-love-them-so-much and I'd-never-be-able-to-choose, was resolved in a matter of seconds at the beginning of the book. Mind that the romance was the driving force of this series. There was no actual plot to be interested in after the girl chose who would have her virginity.
- Convenient circumstances. One of the MCs was immortal while the other should grow old and then rest in peace, but BOOM the other MC turned out to be immortal too. Ooookay...
- Romance. A mix of NA and teen-ish stuff. MCs do sex, but lack brains. She wonders what he thinks about her, he gets drunk 'cause he's jealous. He orders her around, she finds it sexy. He'd been a very bad boy for ages, she managed to change him. There are tones of declarations of love. And talks about love. And making love. Meh.
- The Choice. It's Roth, I'm ok with it, but Leyla says that Zayne has always been just a friend to her, that her feelings weren't romantic at all. Well, yeah, I love making out with my friends too. Nothing romantic. Or logical.
- Sex and making out sessions. I've seen the same scenes with the same descriptions before. In JA's books. Copypasting isn't writing...
- Nothing makes sense. Angels, demons, gargoyles, witches, apocalypse, school, cartoon characters... everything reminds me of comedies in da American Pie's style. I know, this series isn't about saving the world or a war between different beasts, it's just a crappy romance with super hot teens falling in love forever, but even this kind of books has to have plots and a bit of logic.
- No suspense, no worries. In Jen's books, MCs never die. Mentors die, bad guys die, random people die, but not MCs. You read with a poker-face and as much poker-heart, 'cause what actually may happen? Does somebody break a leg?
- Attack of the clones. Beautiful girls, handsome boys, tough muscles, round boobs. Hello everyone from Jen's books! No diversity. No personalities. Just good bodies and maidens who have no idea of their perfection.
PS: I finished this book only last night and remember next to nothing about the entire series.
PPS: Bye JA. Bye forever.
The Dark Elements (Тёмные элементы):
— Bitter Sweet Love (Горько-сладкая любовь) #0.5/3
— White Hot Kiss (Жаркий поцелуй) #1/3
— Stone Cold Touch (Холодные объятия) #2/3
— Every Last Breath (Каждый вдох) #3/3
November 17, 2017
HOLY MOTHER OF GODS.
This book is the perfect mix of hot princes, brave gargoyles, and one very annoying half-brother.
Writers, take your pens out because it's note taking time! :D Here is how Armentrout finally pulls the story together:
1. Layla and Roth finally get their shit together.(okay, more like Roth finally explains himself.)
2. Zayne is heartbroken (me:mwahaha, find another girl, sucker) (Fan girls of Zayne: Noooooooo)
3. The Lilin finally dies
4. Lilith decides to be a good dog. Either it's out of her love for Layla or she just doesn't want to die
5. Layla's father realizes his mistake and protects her😀
Of course there is much more good stuff, but that's for you to find out! Amazing job bombing this book, Armentrout!
This book is the perfect mix of hot princes, brave gargoyles, and one very annoying half-brother.
Writers, take your pens out because it's note taking time! :D Here is how Armentrout finally pulls the story together:
1. Layla and Roth finally get their shit together.(okay, more like Roth finally explains himself.)
2. Zayne is heartbroken (me:mwahaha, find another girl, sucker) (Fan girls of Zayne: Noooooooo)
3. The Lilin finally dies
4. Lilith decides to be a good dog. Either it's out of her love for Layla or she just doesn't want to die
5. Layla's father realizes his mistake and protects her😀
Of course there is much more good stuff, but that's for you to find out! Amazing job bombing this book, Armentrout!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
July 20, 2015Where Layla picks Roth, loses her V, and Zayne falls for Danika.
Oh, dreams. Please come true. I'm counting on you, cricket.
Sing your star song.
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Hating the cover. Reminds me of a bitch IRL I can't stand.
Oh, dreams. Please come true. I'm counting on you, cricket.
Sing your star song.
____________________________________________
Hating the cover. Reminds me of a bitch IRL I can't stand.
August 23, 2015
This book was so much fun. I tell myself I'm not going to get sucked into these books because they are silly and a tad ridiculous, but I can't help it. I have pages where I'm rolling my eyes at the cheese and then a page later I'm crying and freaking out. JLA has a way of taking something that could very easily be construed as silly and generic into something sassy, fun and still heartfelt. If you are a fan of her Lux series, or you want something Twilight-Esque but better because of the humor, you should try this series out. They are a fun time :)
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