Twists & turns galore! I had forgotten past events in this series, but JLA recapped them all easily in the first chapter. The narrator was perfect and well-paced. The plot moved quickly so the audiobook was a delight to hear. I loved listening to this book while I packed. Fans of the series will love all of the cameos, many swoon-worthy cameos too. I certainly enjoyed it!

First about the story:
Luc and Evie are back, picking up right where we left off. Evie is a bit of a mess, not really knowing what’s going on with her life. Luc is a mess, having just found out that the most evil person to cross his life is back. Despite all of the turmoil surrounding Luc and Evie, their love story is still going strong. Luc is always there to catch Evie when she falls, no matter how hard that fall is.

The plot of the Origin series thickened at the end of the second novel, The Burning Shadow, when Luc, Evie, and crew ended up in Zone 3, which used to be Texas before the fall out of the Lux series. Now that the crew are deep into Zone 3, some of those familiar characters are back and I was definitely swooning over Daemon and Katy all over again.

Throughout the book, Evie learned how to embrace her powers and really comes into her own as a strong independent character, and we love that for her. She was truly the star and overcame so many unexpected struggles. Though these were definitely alien struggles and not something anyone would ever face, it was so relatable. Some times I just wanted to scream that life was just so unfair to Evie, but she just kept killing it, and who doesn’t love that?

(Full review on my goodreads!)

About the audio:
This narrator has such a calming voice. She reads at a steady pace and it isn’t too slow like some audio books can be. It also sounds animated and enthusiastic. She pronounces all of the names and unusual words as expected, so it was all familiar, especially after having already read the print version of this book. What was a bit irksome though was how she threw her voice for male characters. While it did help to differentiate in scenes with a lot of characters, it was almost distracting at times, especially in scenes where the characters were in more steamy situations. Overall though, I enjoyed this narrator’s reading and would listen to her again.

I enjoyed the characters and the well constructed world, but I would recommend this one in e-book version rather than audio. The narrator was good for the straightforward arts, but whenever she did a male voice it managed to distract me enough to take me out of the story, and when there dialogues involving more than two characters, I would have to go back and listen again to catch who said what. So, good story, but I would definitely accompany the audio with a text version.

I received an audioARC in exchange for an honest review.

Narration 5 stars
Favorite Author
I have to start at the end. ARGUH !!!! Yes, that was my final word. Yes, the ending was monstrous and left me gasping, sputtering and angry. I might have been a bit emotional. Don't judge, just wait til you read it, you’ll see.
The story was a rollercoaster ride, moments of climbing to something just out of reach then, shifting away squeeing around a ship turn, then an unexpected drop, to the slow steady climb again to the top, then on to drop off a cliff ! I really loved the ride but was not always loving it. I just don’t like one of the characters.
Evie aka Nadia, I really have to try to like her. She is such an immature snowflake, still. She has been through so seriously hard moments, lived a hard life and still acts like a preteen. Oh stop hatting, I know she forgot most of her before, that’s no excuse. How can one live through that kind of act crazy and still act childish ?
Luke I like Luke, I don’t get why he’s’ so nutters in love. Oh he loves beyond a sane level There is something else there, perhaps that is the excessive draw to Evie ? He’s the perfect guy, powerful, hot, body-licious, funny, smart, attentive, and he likes lamas. Why are they never like this in real life ? I want better for him than this immature Evie. There is still at least one more book.
The rest of the characters really fit well into the story adding to the depth of the story. There were backstabbers, sneaky liars, birthing mothers, protective friends and more. I enjoy Grayson, and the time I got to spend with him. I want him. to get his story.
Well the next book isn’t out yet and I’m sitting here fretting over that ending but I have to wait. I did learn to like Evie, still not her biggest fan but she kind of won me over. Thank you Ms. Armentrout, for another winning read.

I received a copy of the audiobook from the publisher for an honest review

This book is full of heart racing action, some pretty incredible fight scenes, and full fledged steaminess between Evie and Luc. Since I had not read the previous books in this series, I will admit I came in quite confused and lost as to who was who and what was what. I will say it is something I would like to catch up on because the story was very interesting but also extremely complex and for me it was difficult to get past that. Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for this review.

Having devoured The Darkest Star and The Burning Shadow I knew I was going to want this story as soon as I could get it and I was correct, this was a thrilling ending for the series. I really enjoyed the tension, action and romance and think the author did a wonderful job of pulling all the plots lines/threads together to make this an explosive ending. I listened to this all in one day because it was so easy to do and the story pulled me in. The narrator is great. For those who have followed this story from the beginning I think you will find this a great addition. No spoilers but the romance and the action was a great balance and made the best sense for the characters. I received an ARC via NetGalley and MacMillan Audio and I am leaving my honest review.

Jennifer Armentrout knows how to write a page turning book. The ending of The Brightest Night completely blew my mind in every way possible. In no way did I see it coming. I couldn’t stop reading till the very end. This will be a long year waiting for the next installment.

This review will contain spoilers to the last book. So, if you have not read it and don’t want to be spoiled, go read it and come back.

This series is a rollercoaster for me, I have such a hate- love relationship with this series. First book, I disliked first, then reread and liked it better, second book was better, this book I had issues with again.

Before we get too far into this book, I would like to point out that I love JLA books, The Lux series is actually the one that got me into her books. So that I have such a hard time with this series is really sad for me.

But I am now certain what it is about these books I dislike.
I absolutely DO NOT like Evie/ Nadia. She is seems super immature and just goes back and forth between she is over confidant she can do this, to nahhh I will never be able to do this. I have read middle grade books were the characters see more mature than her. There were a few times I felt for her, but for the most part I was super annoyed by her.

Another thing was that I never really saw the romance between Luc and Evie/Nadia. I just never could behind it and relate to it. Maybe because most of the falling in love part was when she was Nadia (at least for him) and of page or book. But I just never could see it.

Luc, I of course I enjoyed for the most part unless he was with her and they both became pre-teen again.

Okay now for the parts I liked and loved …… The over story I loved it, there was so much stuff that was happening, now that we know that Dasher is still alive … all things have changed. There are a few other surprises along the way. People just don’t want to stay dead in this series, it seems.

We get a lot of Greyson time in this book and I LOVED it, I love Greyson and I hope we get so much more of him. We also learn some interesting things about him along the way.

I also loved that we get Kat and Dameon so much in this book, or more than the other books I should say.

While I’m not her biggest fan, I felt bad for Evie at times, not knowing her past and also the struggle with her mother, who is not her mother. She finally comes to terms with certain things…. about her mother who is not her mother.

But also, her emotions are the one thing that that can lead them all into doom if she is not careful.

Overall, there is lots of action, lots of humor and some pretty big plot twists.

The end … WOW … OMG …. What now … how could she ended it like that …..where my only thoughts…..

Some things I could see coming from half way through but other things where a shock to me and even though I struggled at times with this book, or more so Evie I now need to read the last and final book in the series.

I had the Audio and I loved it….. the narration was excellent and brought the people and situations to live fabulously.

Overall, even though I did not care for Evie/ Nadia I loved the story, other characters and narration ….. so, I will give it 3.5 – 4★

With thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy, all opinions expressed here are my own.

The Brightest Night by Jennifer L Armentrout, the third Origin book is a spin-off from her ever popular Lux series. This book was definitely one of my most anticipated this year as JLA can do no wrong with her writing. With Saskia Maarleveld narrating you know you’re in for an excellent audiobook.

This book had everything, great character development, good advancing of the plot (Even if some was a little close to home), much loved previous characters and the list goes on. A highly enjoyable and recommend read. If you haven’t read JLA before, what are you waiting for?

A solid five star read.

I don't think this author is one for me. I have read a few of her books and I listen to this one but I just got bored.

.If you liked this author's books then maybe you will like this one but her books are just not for me.

THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!
I'M SO HAPPY THAT I DECIDED TO READ THIS TRILOGY.
I'VE BEEN WHITING FOR THUS BOOK FOR ALMOST 3 YEARS AND IT WAS DEFINITELY WORTH IT.

WHATTTT I thought this was going to be a trilogy! I need the next book now! I was left hanging! I just loved how much more Luc and Evelyn's relationship developed and seeing more of Damon and Kat and also with the new addition.

Saskia Maarleveld I just love her narrations!

I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Is there going to be another book?



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💙💜💛🖤
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📔📙
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌎
Character development: 👤👤👤👤👤

The setting: Earth

The Hero: Luc – The “Origin” who did everything he could to save his girl. Luc is an awesome hero. He is arrogant, but funny, he wears silly t-shirts and makes stupid jokes. He likes Llama’s and hates Koala bears. He loves Evie more than anything in the world.

The heroine: Evie/Nadia – Evie is what is known as a Trojan. She was mutated and has the DNA of both the Luxen and Arum mixed in with her human DNA and is stronger than anyone else out there.

The Love Story: Luc and Evie have been through a lot and they go through a bunch more in this book. Though they love each other through it all. They both admit they will do anything for each other.

This was the first audio book I have listened to all the way through and I admit I kind of liked it. I could do other things while listening. I did a few puzzles while listening. The one thing I didn’t like is that it was a woman doing men’s voices when Luc, Greyson or Daemon spoke. I wish they would have at least one female and one male to do the voices of the two leads. It is a bit hard to listen to or imagine the steamy scenes when it is a woman doing a man’s voice. That is one thing I like more about reading the books. But I did like the woman’s voice and I think I will be trying more audiobooks after this!

Though the story was so good and the ending was great but it left things up in the air. So I hope there is another book. Also there was this side story about Greyson being in love and I kept thinking it would come out that it was Evie he was really in love with. So I want more information. I want a Greyson story where he gets his own love. The ending was not and end so I do definitely need more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this!! It was pretty long, but I sucked it right down. The first, not even one quarter of the book didn’t grab me. But then once it did I couldn’t stop!!! Took me less than two days to finish!!

I freaking love Luc so much!!! But we also saw many of those we came to adore in the Lux series, even Hunter and Sabrina!!! Oh yes, and somebody is having a baby.

But this book was action packed!!! I love the Origin series a smidgen more than the Lux. But I love both and how the Origin series is just a branch of the Lux.

The audible was so good. Saskia Maarleveld is such a great narrator anyway and she had a lot of different voices in this book, and I never wondered who was talking. She has such a wide range!!

Jennifer Armentrout is one of my favorite authors for paranormal young adult books. This was a great addition to the series. this was a fast-paced book, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I really appreciate the publisher for providing me with an ARC of the audiobook via Netgalley.

Let me start by saying anytime I see that Saskia Maarleveld is narrating a book, I'm all over it. I love her narration! She never disappoints, and this was no exception.

This was my first book to read by Jennifer Armentrout, believe it or not. It seemed a little weird jumping into this series at Book 3, but while I did feel like I'd missed some back story, I didn't at all feel lost or confused about anything going on. I could tell there was history that I'm actually interested in going back to read now. And obviously, the series doesn't stop here because things were still happening and needing to happen when this book ends.

So let's talk about the characters. Evie is some sort of sleeper human alien hybrid science experiment who isn't supposed to remember anything about her life before she was changed. But come on, when will these villains learn that love conquers all? Love transcends time and space and death and complete identity changes and science induced amnesias. She's got these powers she must learn to control, not only so she doesn't hurt anyone she cares about but so it doesn't completely consume her in the process.

Luke is a rough and rough alpha type Hero who seems to take turns saving and being saved by Evie. He knew her from before and seems to be the only one who can withstand her full force powers, though not without effort.

I really liked this story. I liked the characters including the side characters, and I liked this sort of sci-fi spin on what felt like an urban fantasy with lots of action and conflict. It seems like a well developed world with an interesting, almost X-men like magic system.

Count me in for more.

Loved this story and loved Luc! There was plenty of action and perfect swoon! That cliffhanger got me good!

This is a story about love in the time of aliens.

I loved this book! I laughed, I cried, I went back to read the first 2. Now, I'm eagerly awaiting book 4. I've read other reviews that reference the prior series by the author and indicate that it's better, but having not read those I had no basis of comparison.

This book had excellent pacing, and while the love story was central to the plot- there was also a sufficient amount of action to keep me interested as someone who doesn't typically prefer romance. It's soft science fiction, with really nifty concepts without a lot of explanation- but it's really fun to read, and the malevolent company attempting to create monstrous things, is chilling to read about this year.

Engaging and unique paranormal YA romance - just the perfect escape from everyday life.

Even though The Brightest Night is the third book in the Origin series, I didn't have any problems following the plot or getting to know the characters, so it can definitely by read as the first in the series - but of course, since it's a series, I had the underlying feeling that I should have started from book one. I was just really craving to listen to something different, and I decided that a paranormal romance just hits the spot.

I really loved some parts of this book - especially the romance between Luc and Evelyn, which the author managed to make very, very emotional while keeping it YA. I kept wishing for some steam, but I admit that it's very appropriate, so props for the author for keeping it this way. I also enjoyed the vivid writing and the unique sci-fi plot.

At the same time, this book is very character-based and rather a slow-burn. Keep this in mind when reaching for it, because for me it did feel a little too slow. I was also not expecting the cliffhanger ending, which I can't stand it books in general. It is a GOOD book - just be ready to have to read the entire series, hence my rating.

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Well, this is going to get uncomfortable.

The Brightest Night is the third installment to Jennifer L. Armentrout's, Origin series. Since this is the third book, some minor spoilers may lay ahead.

First off, the rating for this book currently is off the charts, so please do not let the fact that I did not enjoy this one, sway you from picking it up if you have been loving the Origin series. I too, had been loving the series, but this felt like something completely different. I feel like I read the wrong book, and with that cover, who knows!? Maybe I did.

For me, this was incredibly boring. Gone was the witty banter, the high body count, the twists and reveals. Now that Luc and Evie are together, I found their relationship completely insufferable.

60% of this book was them professing their love, their feelings, their attraction, their obsession. You are a gift, you are the greatest, you are amazing, how can a creature as perfect as you exist, I love you, I can't live without you, I will die for you, have I mentioned I love you?

30% was talking about other topics, mainly babies, making babies, giving birth to babies, raising babies and, oh yeah, Evie's powers.

10% was engaging plot.

Unfortunately, I had to push myself the entire way through to complete this. I was so relieved when it was finally over, and with it, my commitment to this series. Obviously, Armentrout is a widely talented and successful writer, this one was just an absolute miss for me.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Tor Teen, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. As always I appreciate the opportunity.

There's a Reader for every book, and a book for every Reader, sadly this one just wasn't for me.

As far as the audiobook goes, it was fine. The same narrator as the previous two books, who I like. Obviously, it is recorded incredibly slow. I listened to it at 2.5x speed and had no problem keeping up.