Friday, February 5, 2016

{Book Review} Lux (Nocte, #3) by Courtney Cole



From Goodreads

LET THERE BE LIGHT. 


My name is Calla Price and I’m broken. 

My pieces are all around me, floating on the wind, even as I desperately try to grasp them. 

Who is dead? Alive? Insane?

What is the truth?

I don’t know. 

I do know this: The darkness is strangling me. With every breath, I choke on another lie. 

My mind has protected me, but that shield will soon be lowered. 

All will be revealed. 
Every answer to every question. 

It’s all been leading to this. 

Don’t be afraid. 
Be terrified.


My Thoughts 

4 "Twisted, Twisted, Twisted" Stars


Reading order: 
Nocte
Verum
Initium (novella that I highly recommend reading for a better grasp on the last book) 
Lux.


**** Spoiler free! *****

We're all prisoners. Prisoners of expectations, prisoners of reality, prisoners of life.



The Nocte series has been one of the most twisted, confusing, and fascinating mindfucks I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Despite its Young Adult (toes the very early new adult line) category, it's incredibly dark, violent, and downright disturbing at times. It kept me ensnared in the story and desperate for more, even as I shuddered at some of the things that happened. With a touch of romance and strong family bonds, this series is right up my alley. 

The almost simplistic and minimal writing style of the trilogy leaves so much up to the reader, allowing them to flesh the story out as they see fit. The flow of the story does a fantastic job of showcasing the heroine's struggle and confusion, leaving you just as twisted up as she is. You really do become Calla as you read the story.


Save me, and I'll save you.


Lux, the third and final novel, was the one I'd been waiting for. The dozens of questions accumulated after reading the previous books left me salivating for answers, and on most aspects, Lux was a satisfying read. 

With a fast paced plot filled with flashbacks and all kinds of odd things, Lux was a book I devoured in less than a day. This book was definitely the most twisted one of the three, and several times I found myself muttering "that's just wrong" as I frantically read the pages. These revelations raised more questions than they answered, but that didn't bother me too terribly much, and what info we are given was satisfying and starling in equal measures.
Lux is a riotous mixture of emotions, going from desperation to anger to sadness to guilt and back again in the blink of an eye. It gave me whiplash and had me dying to see what happened next.

The big reveal of sorts was a tad anti-climatic and confusing for me. It's a bit open-ended, and leaves the reader free to decide where they think the story went. While half of me appreciates fittingness of the not-quite- perfect-ending, the other, sappier part longed for a definite happily ever after. It did work for the story, however!
(It's not a not-happy ever after, but it's definitely not tied up with a bow all nice and neat)



May you always have the courage to live free, and the strength to do what is right. 



My favorite part had to be how this story played out in my head; each scene was so vivid that I felt like I was either living it, or watching a really well done movie. It was like I could reach out and touch something as it unfolded for me.
Lux was one of those books that just begs for a soundtrack. I like to listen to music as I read, and a few songs were so perfect for the story I had them on repeat.

Lux Mini-Playlist:

Running Up That Hill - Placebo
I'll Take Everything - James Blunt
Wherever You Will Go - The Calling
Ugly Love - Griffin Peterson
Take Me to Church - Hozier
Letters From The Sky - Civil Twilight
I Know You - Skylar Grey
Angel - Massive Attack


Overall, Lux was a mostly satisfying conclusion to a fantastic series. I highly recommend checking the trilogy out!


Stats:

Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Young adult/new adult, mystery, suspense, dark, romance
Series: Nocte, #3
POV: 1st person
Warnings: Lots, but can't tell for spoilers!
Length: 274 pages
Published: October 26th, 2015
My own copy

- The Bibliophile Babe



9 comments:

  1. I know how much you liked these books - I'm glad you were happy with the ending!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Another series I need to read Amanda! So glad this was a satisfying end, there's nothing more disappointing than a lackluster end to a favorite series.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I own the first book so I am excited to start the trilogy now knowing it ends well!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I keep seeing this series around, and I am curious, but I am worried about it being dark and twisted.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This sounds like a hard book to really get into but when you do, it takes you by storm. I like a HEA, sometimes need it, but I also enjoy a different kind of ending that feels like a good ending.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Can I just say that I love "Running Up that Hill" by Placebo? I need to read this series. Good to know there is a pertinent novella to read too. :)

    -Lauren

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ah! This sounds so good. I hadn't heard of this series yet but thanks so much for turning me on to them!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ooo the ending sounds tough, but you have me curious about the series overall.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Still haven't found the courage to read these books. Will it kill me? Lol.

    ReplyDelete