Luc and Evie's story continues after the thrilling events of The Darkest Star (2018). Evie's life is now completely different than it was 48 hours ago. She's been kidnapped, almost killed (more than once), and learned that she has alien DNA and that her mom isn't her mom d then there's her alien boyfriend, Luc. Unsurprisingly, Evie is questioning who she truly is, and she's finding no easy answers. She's also dodging bigots at school rmer friends who believe the alien Luxen, who invaded Earth four years ago, are evil d trying to just be normal. The news of a killer virus that might be controlled by the Luxen isn't helping, either. As Evie pieces together the lies she's been told all her life, she discovers that she's more powerful than almost any other Luxen, and she might be able to save the world for humans, aliens, and every hybrid in between. Armentrout's sci-fi romance series returns in full force. Fans of the first book or the original Lux series will flock to this continuation.

Hylas and Pirra, separated at the end of the prior novel, find their fates still intertwined as they both end up on Thalakrea, an island on the verge of volcanic destruction. New and old friends and enemies vie to avenge wrongs and fulfill prophecies. History, mythology, and good storytelling make for compelling action that propels the novel to its cliffhanger ending.

The second book in Michelle Paver's Gods and Monsters series drops readers right into the action once again. Readers meet up with reluctant hero Hylas just as a slaver abducts him. Back in the clutches of the Crows, his enemies from the first book, Hylas is forced down a copper mine on the island of Thalakrea. He must hide his true identity from the Crows, who believe him a key player in a prophecy that predicts their fall from power. Meanwhile, Pirra, daughter of a high priestess, is on the run from yet another unwanted arranged marriage and washes up on Thalakrea. Hylas escapes the mine, befriends a lion cub who proves a helpful companion, and reunites with Pirra. Together, they must stop the Crows, who have awakened and angered the gods in their grab for power.As in the first book, Hylas simply wants to find his lost sister and live a quiet life. Fate, however, has other plans for him. Paver keeps the plot moving with plenty of action. Beneath the action lie the central themes of complicated relationships, loyalty, and responsibility. All the main plot elements return from the first book, making the story feel a bit formulaic this time, but the characters grow and learn, loyalties are tested, and relationships deepen. Fans of the Gods and Warriors series will love The Burning Shadow, as well as other installments to follow.Amy Fiske.