“I was going to die. Not right now, not in the next five minutes, but soon. My heart was pounding, my lungs were burning, and my legs felt like they were going to give out.”
— Katy's initial encounter with Daemon's true form and powers.
Archivist's Choice
Obsidian
Jennifer L. Armentrout (2011)
Genre
Fantasy / Science Fiction / Romance
Reading Time
6-7 hours
Key Themes
See below
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When a snarky new girl moves to West Virginia, she discovers her infuriatingly attractive neighbor is an alien who accidentally marks her, thrusting her into a dangerous intergalactic conflict where staying close to him is her only chance of survival, if she doesn't kill him first.
Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Katy Swartz moves to West Virginia, expecting a boring senior year, but her plans are upended by her gorgeous, infuriating neighbor, Daemon Black. Daemon and his twin sister, Dee, are Luxen, an alien race with incredible powers, living disguised among humans. After a frightening encounter with another alien, a 'pure-blood' who attempts to drain Katy's life force, Daemon intervenes, saving her by accidentally imbuing her with some of his own alien energy, 'marking' her with a glowing symbol. This mark makes her a target for other hostile aliens and links her to Daemon, requiring them to stay in close proximity to prevent her from draining his energy and dying. As Katy navigates her new, secret-filled life, she learns about the Luxen's abilities, their enemies, and the Department of Defense's efforts to capture them. Despite their constant bickering and Daemon's overprotective, arrogant nature, a strong attraction grows between them. Tensions escalate as more pure-bloods appear, threatening Katy and Dee, forcing Daemon to reveal his powers publicly to protect Katy. The story ends in a dramatic confrontation where Daemon sacrifices himself to save Katy from a pure-blood attack, only to be taken by the DoD. Katy is left to deal with the aftermath, her alien connection to Daemon, and the desperate need to find him.
Reading time
6-7 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Snarky, Romantic, Suspenseful, Action-packed
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy fast-paced, snarky, enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance with aliens and a touch of YA drama.
✗ Skip this if...
You dislike love triangles, instalove (or rapid attraction), or high school settings in your sci-fi romance.
Plot Summary
New Beginnings and Mysterious Neighbors
Seventeen-year-old Katy Swartz, a book blogger, moves with her mother to Martinsburg, West Virginia, after her father's death. She wants to make the best of her senior year, despite the change. Upon arrival, she meets her next-door neighbors, the attractive twins, Daemon and Dee Black. Dee is immediately friendly, but Daemon is rude, arrogant, and dismissive, making a terrible first impression. He seems to antagonize Katy, creating an immediate antagonistic dynamic between them, much to Katy's frustration and confusion, especially given Dee's warm nature. Katy tries to avoid Daemon, but their proximity makes it difficult.
A Frightening Encounter and Unveiled Truths
One evening, while walking home alone, Katy is suddenly attacked by a shadowy figure. Just as she's about to be harmed, Daemon appears, moving with impossible speed. He uses an unearthly light and an invisible force to stop her attacker, literally freezing time around them for a moment. Afterward, Daemon's touch to her arm leaves a strange, glowing mark. He reveals that he and Dee are Luxen, an alien race with incredible abilities, and the attacker was a 'pure-blood' hostile to their kind. Katy struggles to process this shocking revelation, her world changed by the existence of aliens next door.
The Mark and the Connection
Daemon explains that his touch during the attack inadvertently 'marked' Katy, giving her some of his Luxen energy. This mark makes her visible to other Luxen, both friendly and hostile, and essentially turns her into a beacon. He warns her that this connection makes her a target for the pure-bloods who want to exploit or eliminate Luxen. The mark also gives her a strange, almost telepathic link to Daemon, making her feel his emotions and sense his presence. This new reality forces Katy to stick close to Daemon, despite their mutual dislike, as it's the only way to keep her safe and for the mark's effects to eventually fade.
Strained Coexistence and Growing Tensions
With the mark making her vulnerable, Katy unwillingly spends more time with Daemon and Dee. Dee is happy, but Daemon continues his hot-and-cold behavior, alternating between infuriating arrogance and surprising moments of protectiveness. Their forced proximity leads to constant bickering, sharp retorts, and arguments, especially as Daemon tries to control Katy's movements for her safety. However, beneath the antagonism, an undeniable sexual tension begins to simmer between them. Katy is both repulsed and drawn to Daemon, confused by her own reactions to the infuriating alien. She also learns more about the Luxen and their precarious existence on Earth.
Learning About the Luxen
Dee, eager to share her world with Katy, explains more about the Luxen: their abilities (light manipulation, super strength, healing), their origins, and the 'pure-bloods' who hunt them. Katy also learns about the Department of Defense (DoD), a government organization that monitors and experiments on Luxen, forcing them into hiding. Daemon reveals that he, Dee, and their two other siblings, Ash and Adam, are the last of their family, having lost their parents to the pure-bloods. This tragic past partly explains Daemon's guarded nature and fierce protectiveness over Dee, and his general distrust of outsiders like Katy, whom he sees as a liability.
School, Scrutiny, and Secrets
As Katy starts her senior year, she tries to maintain some normalcy, but her new reality with the Luxen makes it difficult. She struggles to keep their secret, especially when strange occurrences hint at their presence. Students like Andrew, a jock who has a crush on Katy, become distractions. Daemon's possessive behavior, though often protective, raises eyebrows among their peers. Katy also notices that Daemon and Dee's 'cousins,' Ash and Adam, who also attend their school, are equally mysterious and sometimes hostile, adding to the layers of secrecy and tension surrounding the Luxen family. The pure-bloods continue to be a lurking threat, making ordinary life dangerous.
The Pure-Blood Threat Intensifies
The pure-blood attacks become more frequent and direct, targeting Katy specifically because of her mark. During one harrowing incident, pure-bloods ambush Katy and Daemon, forcing Daemon to use his full powers to defend them, further exposing the dangerous world Katy has been thrust into. These encounters highlight the constant danger they face and the urgency of the mark's fading. Katy witnesses Daemon's immense power and his ruthlessness in protecting her, which both frightens and attracts her. The pure-bloods are relentless, making it clear they will stop at nothing to get to Katy and potentially the Luxen.
A Forced Kiss and Conflicting Emotions
During an intense moment, fueled by their constant bickering, undeniable attraction, and the stress of their situation, Daemon unexpectedly kisses Katy. The kiss is electrifying, full of passion that surprises them both. It solidifies the unspoken tension that has been building between them, revealing the depth of their connection and Daemon's hidden feelings. Katy is left reeling, confused by her strong emotional and physical reaction to him, especially given his often infuriating behavior. The kiss marks a turning point, making it impossible for either of them to ignore the powerful bond forming between them, despite the dangers it entails.
The DoD's Intervention
The Department of Defense (DoD), having monitored the Luxen, begins to close in on Daemon and Dee. Their presence becomes more noticeable, with unmarked cars and suspicious individuals appearing in their vicinity. The Luxen fear being captured and experimented upon, a fate they've witnessed with other Luxen. Daemon becomes even more protective and paranoid, knowing that Katy, with her mark, is a significant liability that could expose them all. The DoD's increasing surveillance adds another layer of threat to their already perilous existence, forcing the Luxen to consider drastic measures to remain free and safe from government control.
The Confrontation and Daemon's Sacrifice
The DoD finally acts, ambushing and capturing Katy. They intend to use her as bait to draw out the Luxen and study the mark. Daemon, frantic with worry and rage, tracks them down. In a desperate attempt to save Katy and protect his family, he confronts the DoD agents. To prevent them from taking her and to sever their dangerous connection, Daemon uses his powers to forcefully remove the mark from Katy. This act is incredibly painful and depletes him, leaving him vulnerable. He makes a sacrifice, choosing Katy's safety over his own and risking exposure to save her from the DoD's clutches, solidifying his true feelings for her.
Aftermath and Lingering Effects
Katy is rescued, but the experience leaves her traumatized and changed. The mark is gone, but she still feels a lingering connection to Daemon, a phantom sensation where the energy once pulsed. Daemon is weakened but alive, and the incident strengthens the bond between them, though their future is uncertain. The DoD's interest in them has only intensified, and the pure-bloods are still a dangerous force. Katy now has undeniable proof of the alien world existing alongside hers and knows she can't go back to her old life. The book ends with Katy and Daemon acknowledging their deep feelings, but with the knowledge that their fight is far from over.
Principal Figures
Katy Swartz
The Protagonist
Katy transforms from a cautious, introverted bookworm into a courageous young woman who accepts the existence of aliens and fights for those she cares about, embracing a dangerous new reality.
Daemon Black
The Love Interest/Co-Protagonist
Daemon's arc sees him slowly shedding his defensive, arrogant facade, revealing his true protective and loving nature as his feelings for Katy grow, forcing him to confront his fear of attachment.
Dee Black
The Supporting
Dee remains a loyal and supportive friend throughout, her primary arc being her unwavering friendship with Katy and her role in bringing Katy into the Luxen family.
Ash Black
The Supporting
Ash remains largely unchanged in this book, serving as a foil to Katy's integration into the Luxen world and representing the more wary aspect of their group.
Adam Black
The Supporting
Adam's arc is not fully developed in this book, serving primarily as a strong, protective member of the Luxen family who is cautious of outsiders.
Andrew
The Mentioned
Andrew's role is largely static, serving as a plot device to highlight the budding romance between Katy and Daemon and Katy's detachment from normal high school life.
The Pure-Bloods
The Antagonist
The pure-bloods serve as a consistent external threat, their actions driving much of the plot's conflict and forcing the characters to confront danger.
Department of Defense (DoD)
The Antagonist
The DoD represents a looming institutional threat that becomes increasingly active throughout the book, culminating in their direct intervention and capture of Katy.
Themes & Insights
The Nature of Otherness and Acceptance
This theme explores how 'otherness' is perceived and the challenges of acceptance. The Luxen, as aliens, hide their true identities, fearing persecution from both pure-bloods and the government. Katy, initially an outsider in a new town, becomes an 'other' herself once marked, forcing her to confront her preconceived notions. The story questions what it means to be human and what it means to be alien, highlighting the prejudice and fear directed at those who are different. This is clear in Daemon's initial hostility towards Katy, viewing her as a liability due to her human nature, and the constant threat of the DoD and pure-bloods who seek to control or eliminate the Luxen.
““Being human isn’t a disorder. It’s a privilege. You should try it sometime.””
Forbidden Love and Dangerous Attraction
This theme explores the strong, often dangerous, attraction between Katy and Daemon, despite their initial animosity and the perilous circumstances. Their love is 'forbidden' not by societal norms, but by the inherent danger it brings to Katy's life and the Luxen's secrecy. The intense chemistry between them, with Daemon's protectiveness, drives much of the romantic tension. Their relationship grows amidst life-threatening situations, showing how danger can forge deep bonds. The forced proximity due to Katy's mark intensifies their feelings, making their connection both a source of strength and extreme vulnerability.
““I’m not trying to kiss you. I’m going to kiss you. The choice is whether you kiss me back.””
Family and Loyalty
The loyalty Daemon and Dee have for each other, and for Ash and Adam, is a central theme. Having lost their parents, their small Luxen family unit is all they have, and they are fiercely protective of one another. This loyalty extends to Katy once she becomes entangled in their lives, particularly from Daemon, who eventually risks everything to save her. The theme explores the sacrifices made for family and the deep bonds that form out of shared trauma and the need for survival. Daemon's entire existence is shaped by his need to protect his family, often at the expense of his own happiness or safety.
““I would protect Dee with my life. Nothing else mattered. Not even my own happiness.””
Loss and Trauma
The characters, especially the Luxen, are deeply affected by past losses and trauma. Daemon and Dee lost their parents to pure-bloods, shaping Daemon's guarded and protective nature. Katy herself is grieving the recent loss of her father, which is why she moved to West Virginia. This shared experience of loss creates an underlying current of sadness and resilience. The trauma of being hunted and living in hiding has hardened the Luxen, making them wary of outsiders. Katy's own traumatic experience of being attacked and marked further adds to this theme, forcing her to confront the fragility of life and the ever-present danger.
““Grief is a tricky thing. It can make you do things you wouldn’t normally do.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Mark
Daemon's accidental imprint on Katy that links them and makes her a target.
The mark is a glowing, energetic imprint left on Katy's arm after Daemon touches her during the first pure-blood attack. This device serves multiple functions: it physically links Katy to Daemon, making her a beacon to other Luxen (both friendly and hostile), and it forces their prolonged proximity. It is the primary catalyst for Katy's involvement in the Luxen world and the central conflict driving Daemon's protectiveness. The mark also subtly enhances Katy's senses and creates an emotional connection between her and Daemon, escalating their romantic tension and the stakes of their situation.
The Secrecy Veil
The Luxen's ability to appear human and the necessity of hiding their true nature.
The Luxen possess an innate ability to project an illusion of normalcy, making them appear human to most people. This 'secrecy veil' is crucial for their survival on Earth, as it protects them from both human persecution (the DoD) and pure-blood hunters. The device highlights the constant tension between their true identities and their forced facade. It also creates dramatic irony, as Katy is initially unaware of the aliens living next door, and later must learn to maintain the secret, adding to the psychological burden and danger of her new life.
The Pure-Bloods
An antagonistic faction of Luxen who actively hunt and eliminate other Luxen.
The pure-bloods serve as the primary external antagonist, providing consistent threats and action sequences. Their existence establishes the high stakes of the Luxen's hidden lives and the constant danger they face. They act as a catalyst for Daemon's protective instincts and force Katy to confront the brutal realities of the alien world. Their relentless pursuit of Katy and the Luxen drives much of the plot's tension and directly leads to pivotal moments, such as the initial attack on Katy and the subsequent confrontations.
The Department of Defense (DoD)
A government organization that hunts and experiments on Luxen.
The DoD acts as a secondary, institutional antagonist, representing the human threat to the Luxen. Their surveillance and eventual intervention create a sense of paranoia and urgency, forcing the Luxen to remain in hiding. This device explores themes of government overreach and the ethical implications of scientific pursuit without consent. The DoD's actions, particularly their capture of Katy, serve as a major plot point, pushing Daemon to his limits and forcing a dramatic confrontation that highlights his true feelings and sacrifices.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“You’re a human. That’s like a really, really tiny speck on the cosmic scale. And I’m… well, I’m a lot bigger than that.”
— Daemon explaining the vast difference between himself and Katy.
“I don’t want to be the one who saves you. I want to be the one who you can’t live without.”
— Daemon's declaration to Katy, revealing his growing feelings.
“Being with him was like being caught in a lightning storm—terrifying and exhilarating all at once.”
— Katy's internal thoughts about her relationship with Daemon.
“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
— Katy reflecting on her feelings for Daemon, a variation of a famous quote.
“I think I'm falling in love with you. And it scares the hell out of me.”
— Katy's internal confession about her developing feelings.
“I hated him. I hated his arrogance, his good looks, his complete and utter inability to be anything but a complete ass. And I really, really hated that I wanted him.”
— Katy's early conflicted feelings about Daemon.
“Some things are worth fighting for. Even if you know you might lose.”
— Katy's resolve to protect her friends and stand up for what's right.
“There are things in this world that you can’t explain, things that defy logic and reason. And sometimes, those things are the most beautiful.”
— Katy pondering the existence of the Luxen and the supernatural.
“You really have no idea how much I want you, do you?”
— Daemon expressing his intense desire for Katy.
“Sometimes, the most dangerous people are the ones who look the most innocent.”
— A warning about appearances, particularly regarding the Luxen.
“My life wasn't boring anymore. It was chaotic and terrifying and wonderful, all because of him.”
— Katy's reflection on how Daemon changed her life.
“You were so much more than I expected. So much more than I ever deserved.”
— Daemon's admission of his feelings and Katy's impact on him.
“Trust me. I’m an alien.”
— Daemon's sarcastic remark, highlighting his identity and his sometimes unreliable nature.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
'Obsidian' centers on Katy Swartz, a human girl who moves to West Virginia and discovers her attractive, yet infuriating, neighbors, Daemon and Dee Black, are aliens with incredible powers. It blends young adult romance with science fiction and fantasy elements, focusing on the forbidden love and interspecies conflict that arises.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
