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 …
NON-SPOILER SECTION
For those familiar with Jennifer L. Armentrout’s work, you’ll probably know what to expect. This series is much like her other books. It has a quick plot, humorous dialogue, and cheesy romance. I personally enjoyed reading it as it was entertaining and easy to read.
JLA is also very creative in the creation of her creatures and world, which is always interesting to uncover as the story progresses. This series features gargoyles that protect the world from demons. Our main character Layla turns out to be half gargoyle and half demon, giving her the strange ability to see and tag demons.
While this series is not for everybody, I’d recommend it to anyone with an affinity for teen romance novels.
END OF NON-SPOILER SECTION
This last installment of The Dark Element Series was a blast to read. It’s cute and funny in all the right places, with a strong plot that holds to the end. In regards to the love triangle … TEAM ROTH ALL THE WAY! This love triangle was unique in the way that Layla could’ve ended up with either guy, and it would be logical to the plot. Compared to other books, usually there is one more obvious person. So, what Armentrout did, is she created a poll and let the readers choose! I was all for Zayne near the beginning of the series, but Roth was the definite winner by the end of the second book. Gosh, I can’t even imagine what it’d be like for Layla to end up with Zayne!
Well, now that I’ve gotten the most important thing out in the open (kidding), let’s talk plot. I have to say, the plot was enough for me to keep turning pages. It wasn’t the most brilliant read, but it’s fun and I enjoyed the story immensely. The little plot “twists” — the word is a little extreme — that popped up throughout the book were unexpected, and convinced me to keep on going.
When I discovered she was Lilith’s daughter:
And when I discovered that the familiars were actual people:
But when Sam died:
The romance featured in this book is the gushy, heart-melting kind of romance, but I think it was executed rather well.
“You make me wish I had a soul so I could be worthy of you.”
“You are so beautiful, Layla. And if I could pick one thing I could stare at for the rest of eternity, it would be you.”
“Do you know how hard it is for me to sit on the other side of this booth and not reach across and pull you against me? Just to make sure you really are alive?”
At the same time, Armentrout’s writing style is hilarious!
“You need to stop the Lilin, as the only thing you’ve really accomplished is the loss of your virginity.”
In this particular series, she made several references to pop culture: Guns ‘n’ Roses, One Direction, Supernatural, and more!
“A gray leather couch was against the wall. Above it was a giant framed photo of One Direction.”
Ha ha, great comic relievers.
I definitely enjoyed this series. Let me know what you thought in the comments below!
RATING
The Jinxed Goblet 