Dark Elements (2) - Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout
And to the stunning sequel: Stone Cold Touch (in German Eiskalte Sehnsucht) I read it in English where it contained 448 pages. Originally published 2014.
After the events at her gym, Layla is more than desperate. She will never see Roth again. Her Warden family doesn't even trust her as far as they can shove her. Her abilities are changing – and she has a giant snake on her body which likes to put her head in places you don't wand to know. Additionally, a being that is so abnormal it was erased from Earth was created – wasn't it? Or was it really Layla who made all that wraiths, stripping people of souls without knowing it? As time passes, she doubts. And when Roth comes back from hell, she doubts a whole lot more. When Zayne kisses her and survives, Layla is confused even more...
Wow. First of all, poor, poor Layla. Seriously. She has the worst card of them all! Like it was said at some point, everyone, her family, her friends, the loves of her life and even herself think she's a monster. That sucks.
But I won't give away too much. Roth's come-back was totally not credible. The reason why he did? Yes. How he did? Yes! But why he acted like that? NO!
Spoiler:
Seriously, when he explains his actions, it doesn't make sense at all! He said that Abbot's little talk made him that way. But first of all, why didn't he show himself when he stalked Layla BEFORE the meeting? And second, why didn't he kidnap her? That would be totally Roth! If the reason is, that he doesn't want her to loose her family, fine. But say it then! Apart from that, it's cool how he trusts Layla to protect herself – as well as his humour and his mysterious comments.
Abbot is an ass by the way. How he treats Layla is beyond shitty! How can he, who is so fanatic and basically more evil than a demon, have a son so good? Don't misunderstand me, the latter is no critique to the book.
Apropos his son. Zayne's really made himself. It's nice he finally comes out and says – or shows – Layla what he feels for her and the other way around (even though the scene in the car before the restaurant was epically awkward). He's cool. And very, very patient. Good god, he's a saint. But I think that's why he and Layla don't fit all that well. Don't misunderstand me, please. He's gorgeous and she's a good person, but he unconsciously forces her to reveal parts of herself to please him. And her heart is some place else, so that relationship was nice, but really not morally soundproof.
Bambi rocks. I LOVE that snake! She's just gorgeous!
Cayman's a special snowflake as well. And I'm so sorry for Sam and Stacy!
The Church of God's children is so stupid. Seriously. Where's Darvin there??
Danika is an interesting character. I feel for her. Her situation... being in a cage like that and wanting to go out of it, while seeing – and wanting – Zayne and knowing that she can not have him. And that he won't be entirely save with the girl her settled on, that's hard. Especially because she likes Layla. Danika is a very interesting character, I hope we hear more about her.
In brief:
All in all, it was a very good book, but I have to delete the content star. Apart from that, SoGH and stars for ideas, characters and style as well as the veiled truths.
Prequel:
Sequel: