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Oblivion

Oblivion

by Jennifer L. Armentrout 2015 352 pages
4.29
22.0K ratings
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Plot Summary

Arrival of the New Neighbor

A mysterious girl moves in next door

Daemon Black, a powerful but secretive alien, is unsettled when a human girl, Katy, and her mother move into the house beside his. The Luxen, Daemon's alien race, have strict rules about staying hidden, and humans living so close is a threat. Daemon's initial reaction is suspicion and hostility, but he can't help but notice Katy's determination and spirit. As Katy struggles to adjust to her new life, she's drawn to the enigmatic Daemon, unaware of the dangerous world she's entered. Their first encounters are tense, laced with Daemon's attempts to push her away, but a spark of curiosity and attraction ignites between them, setting the stage for a collision of two very different worlds.

Secrets in the Shadows

Katy discovers Daemon's true nature

As Katy settles into her new home, she becomes entangled in the lives of Daemon and his twin sister, Dee. Daemon's efforts to keep her at arm's length only pique her interest, and a series of strange events—impossible speed, bursts of light, and unexplained rescues—lead Katy to suspect something is off. When Daemon saves her from a life-threatening situation, his secret is revealed: he and his siblings are Luxen, aliens with extraordinary powers. The revelation is both terrifying and exhilarating for Katy, who must now navigate a world where danger lurks in every shadow, and trust is a rare commodity.

Collision of Worlds

Katy and Daemon's lives become inseparable

The exposure of Daemon's secret binds Katy to the Luxen, as her contact with their powers leaves a trace that can attract deadly enemies—the Arum, a rival alien race. Daemon is forced to protect Katy, and their constant proximity intensifies the tension and attraction between them. As Katy learns more about the Luxen and the risks they face, she's drawn deeper into their world, forging a reluctant partnership with Daemon. Their banter and clashes mask a growing connection, but the threat of discovery and the ever-present danger of the Arum make every moment fraught with peril.

Dangerous Connections

The government and enemies close in

The Department of Defense (DOD) monitors the Luxen, and the arrival of Katy has not gone unnoticed. Daemon's past—marked by the loss of his brother Dawson to a human relationship—makes him wary of getting close to Katy, but circumstances force them together. As Katy's trace glows brighter, the Arum are drawn to her, and Daemon's protective instincts war with his fear of repeating history. Meanwhile, the DOD's interest in the Luxen and their human connections grows, and the lines between friend and foe blur, making trust a dangerous gamble.

Unlikely Alliances

Katy gains powers and new allies

After a near-fatal encounter, Daemon heals Katy, inadvertently changing her on a cellular level. She begins to manifest powers similar to the Luxen, making her both a target and a potential asset. A mysterious hybrid, Blake, enters their lives, offering to help Katy control her abilities. Daemon's jealousy and suspicion of Blake create new tensions, but the group is forced to work together as the DOD's experiments and the Arum's attacks escalate. The fragile alliance is tested by secrets, betrayals, and the ever-present threat of exposure.

The Price of Power

Training, pain, and the cost of survival

To rescue Daemon's lost brother and survive the DOD's traps, Katy, Daemon, and their friends must build a tolerance to onyx, a substance that weakens Luxen and hybrids. The training is brutal, pushing them to their limits and forging bonds of loyalty and love. As Katy and Daemon's relationship deepens, so does the danger, and every victory comes at a cost. The group's unity is strained by grief, guilt, and the knowledge that their actions may doom them all.

Betrayal and Consequences

A friend's betrayal leads to tragedy

The group's trust in Blake is shattered when he betrays them, leading to the death of a beloved friend and the near-destruction of their circle. The fallout is devastating: Dee is consumed by grief, Daemon is wracked with guilt, and Katy is haunted by her role in the tragedy. The betrayal forces the group to confront the harsh realities of their fight, and the lines between right and wrong blur as they seek justice and survival in a world where every choice has consequences.

The Cost of Trust

Love and loyalty are tested

As the group reels from betrayal, Daemon and Katy's relationship is put to the ultimate test. Secrets come to light, and the weight of past mistakes threatens to tear them apart. The DOD's machinations grow more sinister, and the group must decide who they can trust as they plan a daring rescue mission. The cost of trust is high, and the stakes are life and death. Daemon and Katy must choose between their love and the safety of their friends, knowing that one wrong move could destroy everything.

Love in the Crossfire

Daemon and Katy's love deepens amid chaos

In the midst of danger and loss, Daemon and Katy find solace in each other. Their love becomes a beacon of hope, giving them the strength to face impossible odds. As they prepare for the final confrontation, they share moments of vulnerability and passion, confessing their deepest fears and desires. Their bond is tested by external threats and internal doubts, but together they find the courage to fight for a future that seems increasingly out of reach.

The Trap at Mount Weather

A rescue mission turns into a deadly trap

The group's plan to infiltrate Mount Weather and rescue Bethany and Chris is set in motion, but nothing goes as expected. The DOD's security is more advanced than they imagined, and the group is ambushed by both human and alien enemies. In a desperate bid for survival, Daemon and Katy are separated, and the mission spirals into chaos. The cost of freedom is higher than anyone anticipated, and the group is forced to make impossible choices as the walls close in.

Shattered Bonds

Separation and heartbreak threaten everything

Trapped behind enemy lines, Katy is captured, and Daemon is left outside, powerless to save her. The pain of separation is unbearable, and both are haunted by the fear that they may never see each other again. The group is fractured by loss and betrayal, and the bonds that once held them together are tested to the breaking point. In the darkness, Daemon makes a vow to do whatever it takes to bring Katy back, even if it means sacrificing himself.

The Promise to Return

Daemon's vow and Katy's resilience

As Katy endures captivity and the horrors of Daedalus, Daemon is consumed by his promise to rescue her. Their connection, forged in love and pain, becomes a lifeline for both. Katy's strength and determination are tested as she faces unimaginable trials, while Daemon gathers allies and risks everything for a chance to save her. Their love becomes a symbol of hope, defying the odds and inspiring those around them to fight for a better future.

The Enemy Within

Betrayal from unexpected places

The group discovers that the greatest threats come not from outside, but from within. Friends become enemies, and the true motives of those around them are revealed. The DOD's experiments and the hybrid program are more insidious than anyone realized, and the group must confront the reality that not everyone can be saved. The enemy is everywhere, and survival depends on making the hardest choices.

The Weight of Guilt

Haunted by loss and mistakes

The aftermath of betrayal and loss leaves the group reeling. Daemon and Katy are haunted by guilt over the lives lost and the choices made. Grief threatens to consume them, but their love becomes a source of healing and redemption. Together, they face the consequences of their actions, determined to honor the memory of those they've lost by fighting for a future worth living.

The Last Rescue

A final, desperate bid for freedom

With time running out, Daemon and his friends launch one last rescue mission, risking everything to save those they love. The battle is fierce, and not everyone will make it out alive. Sacrifices are made, and the true cost of freedom is revealed. In the end, love and loyalty prove stronger than fear, and the survivors emerge forever changed by the trials they've endured.

The Heart's Confession

Love triumphs over darkness

In the aftermath of the final battle, Daemon and Katy confess their love, finding solace and hope in each other's arms. Their journey has been marked by pain and loss, but together they've discovered a strength they never knew they had. As they look to the future, they know that challenges remain, but their love is unbreakable. The promise to always return to each other becomes their guiding light, no matter what lies ahead.

The Calm Before Storm

A fragile peace and new beginnings

With the immediate threats behind them, Daemon, Katy, and their friends try to rebuild their lives. The scars of battle remain, but moments of peace and happiness offer hope for the future. Relationships are mended, and new bonds are formed. Yet, beneath the surface, the specter of Daedalus and the dangers of their world linger, a reminder that the fight is never truly over.

The Final Sacrifice

A new threat and the ultimate choice

As a new enemy emerges, Daemon and Katy are faced with a choice that will determine the fate of their world. The lessons of love, sacrifice, and trust guide them as they confront the unknown. In the end, they realize that true strength comes not from power, but from the willingness to fight for those they love, no matter the cost. Their journey is far from over, but together, they are ready to face whatever comes next.

Characters

Daemon Black

Protective, conflicted alien leader

Daemon is a Luxen, an alien with extraordinary powers, fiercely protective of his family and those he loves. Haunted by the loss of his brother Dawson and the dangers of human relationships, Daemon initially keeps Katy at a distance, masking his vulnerability with arrogance and sarcasm. His relationship with Katy forces him to confront his fears and the cost of trust, as he navigates the treacherous world of government surveillance, betrayal, and war. Daemon's journey is one of growth, as he learns to balance his duty to his people with his love for Katy, ultimately embracing vulnerability as a source of strength. His evolution from a closed-off protector to a partner willing to risk everything for love is the emotional core of the story.

Katy Swartz

Resilient, evolving human-turned-hybrid

Katy begins as an ordinary girl thrust into an extraordinary world. Her curiosity and determination draw her into the Luxen's secrets, and her relationship with Daemon transforms her—literally and figuratively. After being healed by Daemon, Katy develops powers, becoming a hybrid and a target for both the DOD and the Arum. She struggles with guilt, loss, and the burden of power, but her resilience and compassion drive her to fight for those she loves. Katy's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to wield her abilities, confronts betrayal, and ultimately chooses to stand beside Daemon, even when it means facing unimaginable danger. Her growth from outsider to hero is marked by sacrifice, love, and the refusal to be defined by her circumstances.

Dee Black

Grieving, loyal sister and friend

Dee is Daemon's twin, a Luxen with a bright, optimistic spirit. Her friendship with Katy is a source of joy and pain, especially after the loss of her boyfriend Adam and the betrayals that follow. Dee's grief hardens her, but her loyalty to her family and friends remains unshakable. She struggles to forgive and trust again, but her journey is one of healing and rediscovering hope. Dee's energy and compassion are vital to the group's survival, and her willingness to fight for those she loves makes her a formidable ally.

Dawson Black

Haunted, determined survivor

Dawson, Daemon and Dee's brother, is a Luxen who returns after being presumed dead. His love for Bethany, a human, is the catalyst for much of the story's conflict. Traumatized by his captivity and the experiments of Daedalus, Dawson is driven by a singular goal: to rescue Bethany. His pain and determination mirror Daemon's own struggles, and his journey is one of reclaiming agency and hope. Dawson's resilience and love inspire those around him, even as he grapples with the scars of his past.

Blake Saunders

Ambiguous, desperate hybrid

Blake is a human-turned-hybrid who enters the group as both ally and betrayer. His motivations are complex, driven by the desire to save his friend Chris from Daedalus. Blake's actions—training Katy, betraying the group, and ultimately blackmailing them—force the characters to confront the cost of trust and the gray areas of morality. He is both a cautionary tale and a catalyst for the group's evolution, embodying the dangers of desperation and the consequences of choices made under duress.

Bethany Williams

Lost, changed love interest

Bethany is Dawson's human girlfriend, whose transformation into a hybrid and subsequent captivity by Daedalus serve as a central mystery and motivation for the group. Her relationship with Dawson is a mirror to Daemon and Katy's, highlighting the risks and rewards of love across worlds. Bethany's fate is a reminder of the story's stakes and the enduring power of hope.

Matthew Garrison

Steadfast, surrogate father figure

Matthew is an older Luxen who acts as a mentor and protector to Daemon, Dee, and Dawson. His wisdom and experience guide the group through crises, but his own secrets and regrets add depth to his character. Matthew's role as a surrogate parent is both a comfort and a source of tension, as he struggles to balance caution with the need for action.

Ash Thompson

Sharp-tongued, grieving friend

Ash is a Luxen and former romantic interest of Daemon, whose grief over the loss of her brother Adam and her complicated feelings for Daemon and Katy add layers to the group dynamic. Her sarcasm and defensiveness mask vulnerability, and her journey is one of learning to let go and find new purpose.

Andrew Thompson

Cynical, loyal ally

Andrew, Ash's brother, is a Luxen whose skepticism and bluntness often serve as a reality check for the group. His loyalty is unquestioned, but his grief and anger over Adam's death make him wary of outsiders and quick to judge. Andrew's arc is one of learning to trust and fight for something greater than himself.

The Arum and Daedalus

Relentless, inhuman antagonists

The Arum are the Luxen's natural enemies, feeding on their powers and representing the ever-present threat of annihilation. Daedalus, the shadowy government organization, is a more insidious foe, conducting experiments, manipulating hybrids, and blurring the lines between protection and exploitation. Both forces drive the story's conflict, forcing the characters to confront the limits of power, the cost of survival, and the meaning of humanity.

Plot Devices

Dual Perspectives and Shifting Narratives

Story unfolds through alternating viewpoints

The narrative is primarily told from Daemon's perspective, offering insight into his internal struggles, motivations, and evolving feelings for Katy. This device allows readers to experience the emotional stakes and conflicts firsthand, deepening the connection to the characters. The shifting focus between action, romance, and internal monologue creates a dynamic, immersive experience that balances high-stakes drama with intimate moments.

The Trace and Hybridization

Powers as both blessing and curse

The concept of the trace—an energy signature left on humans exposed to Luxen powers—serves as a catalyst for conflict, drawing enemies and forcing alliances. The process of hybridization, where humans gain Luxen abilities through healing, blurs the line between species and raises questions about identity, agency, and the cost of power. These devices drive the plot, create tension, and explore themes of transformation and belonging.

Betrayal, Trust, and Moral Ambiguity

Alliances shift and trust is tested

The story is propelled by betrayals—Blake's duplicity, the DOD's manipulation, and the group's own secrets. Trust becomes a precious commodity, and the characters must navigate a world where loyalty is uncertain and every choice has consequences. The moral ambiguity of survival—killing, lying, sacrificing others—forces the characters to confront their own values and the price of victory.

High-Stakes Action and Emotional Intimacy

Danger and romance intertwine

The plot is driven by a series of escalating threats—Arum attacks, government experiments, rescue missions—that test the characters' physical and emotional limits. These external dangers are mirrored by internal struggles: grief, guilt, love, and the fear of loss. The interplay between action and intimacy creates a narrative that is both thrilling and deeply personal, grounding the fantastical elements in real, relatable emotions.

Foreshadowing and Cyclical Patterns

History repeats and lessons are learned

The story is structured around cycles of loss and redemption, with Daemon's fear of repeating Dawson's mistakes serving as a constant undercurrent. Foreshadowing is used to build tension and highlight the consequences of choices, while the repetition of themes—sacrifice, trust, love—reinforces the story's central messages.

Analysis

Oblivion, as a retelling of the Lux series from Daemon's perspective, is a story about the collision of worlds—alien and human, love and duty, trust and betrayal. At its core, it is a meditation on the cost of survival and the transformative power of love. The narrative explores what it means to be human in the face of extraordinary circumstances, using the supernatural as a lens to examine universal themes of grief, guilt, and hope. The relationship between Daemon and Katy is the heart of the story, evolving from antagonism to partnership, and ultimately to a love that defies the odds. Their journey is marked by sacrifice, loss, and the refusal to give up on each other, even when the world conspires to tear them apart. The story challenges the notion of destiny, suggesting that true strength lies not in power, but in the willingness to fight for those we love, to forgive, and to hope. In a world where every choice has consequences, Oblivion reminds us that the greatest risk is to open our hearts, and that even in the darkest moments, love can be a light that leads us home.

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Review Summary

4.29 out of 5
Average of 22.0K ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Oblivion is highly praised by fans of the Lux series, especially for providing Daemon's perspective on events from the first three books. Readers appreciate the additional scenes and insights into Daemon's thoughts and motivations. Many found it to be an enjoyable revisit to the series, with Daemon's humor and charm shining through. Some readers felt the retelling was unnecessary, but most fans of the series and Daemon's character were thrilled with the book. Overall, it's considered a must-read for Lux series enthusiasts.

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4.65
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About the Author

Jennifer L. Armentrout is a #1 New York Times and International Bestselling author from West Virginia. She writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. Her works have been published by major publishers and have won numerous awards. Armentrout was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in 2015, which has inspired her to educate people about blindness. She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, successful annual events featuring bestselling authors. Armentrout's writing career began in algebra class, where she wrote short stories instead of paying attention. She continues to write and plans to do so as long as she can.

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