Summary
What happens when the brooding alien next door isn’t just impossibly gorgeous – he’s also dangerously powerful and absolutely determined to keep you at arm’s length? Katy Swartz’s simple move to rural West Virginia becomes anything but ordinary when she discovers her infuriatingly attractive neighbor Daemon Black harbors secrets that are literally out of this world. This electrifying first installment in the Lux series delivers a perfect storm of sizzling tension, supernatural intrigue, and the kind of slow-burn romance that will have you hitting replay.
Audiobook Info
- Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Narrator: Laura Kirman & Christian Rummel
- Duration: 17 hours and 30 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
- Release Date: January 6, 2015
- Series: Lux
- Book: 1
Review
The dual narration by Laura Kirman and Christian Rummel transforms Obsidian from a compelling read into an absolutely immersive listening experience. Kirman captures Katy’s sharp wit and vulnerability with pitch-perfect delivery – her sarcastic internal monologues had me laughing out loud more than once. Rummel, meanwhile, brings Daemon’s arrogance and underlying complexity to life with a voice that manages to be both infuriating and swoon-worthy. The alternating perspectives give listeners intimate access to both characters’ thoughts, making the push-and-pull dynamic between them even more delicious.
Jennifer L. Armentrout has crafted something special here – a story that wears its paranormal romance heart on its sleeve while delivering genuine substance. Katy isn’t your typical YA protagonist waiting to be saved; she’s a book blogger with backbone, quick comebacks, and the courage to stand her ground against beings who could vaporize her with a thought. Her chemistry with Daemon crackles from their very first antagonistic encounter, and Armentrout expertly builds the tension through seventeen hours of will-they-won’t-they that never feels artificially prolonged.
The world-building surrounding the Luxen – aliens hiding in plain sight among humans – strikes an impressive balance between accessible and intriguing. Armentrout doesn’t overwhelm listeners with exposition dumps; instead, she reveals the mythology organically through Katy’s discoveries. The small-town West Virginia setting provides an unexpectedly perfect backdrop for extraterrestrial drama, grounding the fantastical elements in relatable teenage experiences like annoying neighbors, new school anxiety, and the universal struggle of having your life upended by forces beyond your control.
What elevates Obsidian above standard paranormal fare is its emotional authenticity. Beneath the alien powers and looming threats, this is fundamentally a story about trust, protection, and learning to let someone past your carefully constructed walls. Daemon’s hostility toward Katy stems from genuine fear for his family’s safety, adding weight to his eventual softening. The stakes feel real, the danger tangible, and the romance earned rather than convenient.
This audiobook is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers dynamics, readers who devoured Twilight but wished Bella had more fire, and anyone seeking an addictive series to binge. At over seventeen hours, you’re getting substantial value and a complete story arc while still being left desperate for book two. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or curled up for a weekend listening marathon, Obsidian delivers entertainment that doesn’t quit.
Download & Listen
Ready to meet the alien next door who’ll steal your heart while pretending he can’t stand you? Download Obsidian now at KTAudiobooks.com and discover why millions of readers have fallen for the Lux series. With dual narration that brings both Katy and Daemon’s perspectives to vivid life, this is one audiobook experience you won’t want to pause.
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