The Burning Shadow (Origin Series, 2)

I will say that I do like aspect of Evie and Luc's relationship, but it was overall a much slower paced book and there was a lot of "emotion" and "feelings" rather than action, moreso than the other books from this and the Lux series. I noticed there were a couple of times where Evie came off a lot more juvenile in this book than the last one with the way that she behaves irrationally toward others.Unfortunately, I also noticed that there were a lot of political undertones here. For any good book, I don't want to be able to guess what political party the author is affiliated with but it was blatantly obvious here with how everything is portrayed to the point that it impacts the flow of the book. I want to read more about Evie and Luc, not political opinions, as I read books to escape having to think about things like politics. I hope the next book is better, as I do want to see what happens with Evie and Luc, but I won't continue to purchase from the author if book 3 is more of the same.

JLA does it again. I mean, there has yet to be a book by her I haven’t enjoyed but I always feel like her paranormal books are just at another level. I was introduced to JLA with Obsidian back when it first released and to see how far this series has come is just so crazy. The world has expanded so much and it’s a testament to her writing and world building. This book picks up right where The Darkest Star left off and it doesn’t take long to get going.I love Evie so much! She is a great character and she has been through so much in such a short time. She is a fighter and she stands up for what she believes in. Her world is basically turned upside down but she handles it and stays strong. And then we have Luc. If you would have told me when I met Luc that this is how he would grow up I would not have believed you. Luc is still the scary dangerous Origin that he always was… probably even more so now… but he is also hysterical. He is so charming and so funny and so witty and his cheesy pick-up lines are THE BEST. And the way he feels about Evie is just so clear and he doesn’t hold back with how he feels. I will never say that he is better than Daemon because Daemon holds a special place in my heart but Luc really does give him a run for his money. And I love these two together so much. JLA is the Queen of romance and this book shows all the reasons why.This is not a short book but it is so easy to devour. I felt like the pacing was just right; it really builds to a bombshell of an ending. It never drags along the way and has just the right amount of action spread throughout. And the story is rounded out with a great secondary cast. Kent absolutely stole my heart… just STOLE IT. And I adore Zoe and love how she is such a fantastic friend to Evie. I am always here for positive representation of female friendships. On that note, love Heidi and Emery as well. And Grayson… well I just wanna know what his deal is. And catching up with some old friends again was wonderful. If you read and loved the Lux series you’ll be happy to see some familiar faces.The Burning Shadow really delivered and it is probably one of my favorite reads this year. I always know going into a JLA book that I am going to enjoy it, but somehow she still manages to exceed my expectations. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book because I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS.

I received this free eARC novel from the author and Edelweiss. This is my honest review.This book literally starts with the exact scene that book #1 ended, and since I re-read the first book, it felt like it was all one massive novel! I loved every second of this book and was very disappointed when it ended.Evie goes through a lot of stuff throughout this book. Seriously, no one should have to deal with the amount of stress and life-threatening situations that this poor girl is going through. And the emotions she roller coaster through - it's a miracle she is still normal ... well, as normal as she can be I suppose.I loved the scene with the car chase and Kent and the "Ballroom Blitz" and - gah, it was just hysterical and serious all at once. I was legit laughing out loud - it was like watching a movie, that's how great JLA wrote that scene!Evie and Luc's relationship and attraction toward one another is seriously intense in this book. Like, I thought it was smoldering in Book #1, but I was wrong. This book tops that - it ALMOST tops Daemon and Katy's attraction (I'm kinda partial to those two, though, so my opinion maaay be biased). Luc is blunt and truthful and knows what he wants, but he's sure to tell Evie all of it upfront. Guys, it's seriously so intense you'll be pining over Luc and being so extremely jealous/mad at Evie because she has Luc for herself.The secrets and revealed mysteries will keep you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you have everything figured out, BAM!, JLA strikes again with her awesome writing skills and throws you another curve-ball that you never saw coming.There is a slight cliff-hanger, but nothing like Opal's ending. If I ever have to go through that kind of cliff-hanger, I would scream. I'm actually not surprised by the big reveal - which is literally the last words of the book - but I am very intrigued to see how everything pans out in the next novel.I'm so glad I got a chance to read this awesome book by this awesome author, and, as always, I CANNOT WAIT for more books to be released by JLA!!

I enjoyed this second installment, but not as much as the first one. It takes a while to get going and once it does, lots of interesting things happen.Luc is a strong and intelligent "Origin" who got away from Daedalus. He now spends his time helping those who need it the most. Don't get on his wrong side though.Evie is an average teenager who lives with her "loving" mother until everything she knows about herself is turned upside down.Luc has this terrific sense of humour. His pick up lines and shirts logos are rather entertaining. His loyalty knows no bound unless that especial person is involved, then all bets are off.Evie is quite naive. She is a likable person, but her continuous internal monologues become tedious after a while. The development of her relationship with Luc is engaging. It's a good follow on to the first installment, but repetitive in places. The revelation at the end is enough incentive to read the final installment. Interesting read.

After waiting a year for the follow up to the Darkest star, I wondered if this storyline could improve. Boy has it. It was excellent before and now is exceptional. We meet Luc and Evie embarking on exploring their own relationship. We encounter Evie’s mother! Who doesn’t exactly portray maternal instincts. The warmth and tenderness between the two characters is so delightful, even though both characters are under 21. There is so much action, drama, tenderness, and sadness, as certain characters met an untimely end. I loved Damean, Dawson and still do, but feel Luc is a tad more desirable. Evie stroke Nadia is one powerful lady, and the cliff hanger at the end is phenomenal. Hopefully the next instalment won’t be another year, but I can fully understand it takes Jennifer a while to come up and write down her exceptional vivid and enthralling storylines, that are fantastic and believable. Well worth 5 stars.

Another five star read. This started at a high tempo and just kept going. Loved Luc's terrible pick up lines and surprises. Lots of twists and turns along the way. Great to catch up with old friends too.

Great action, romance and dystopian drama. How long have we got until the next book😳? If you enjoyed Daemon’s journey then Luc’s blows his out of the water!

What an ending, I can not wait until October for the next one, it can not come quick enough.Happy reading :)