I started this book not remembering much abouth the Lux series which I read years ago so I really appreciated that this book could also be read as the start of a stand alone series. The author took the time to re-immerse in the universe without recapping the previous series. The characters were fascinating. I kept reading because I wanted to see what they would do and how they would react. This is a book that I would definitely recommend to teens who are interested in scifi/fantasy.

The Quick Cut: A girl's world is turned upside down when she is at a club in the middle of a raid and meets Luc - a boy she's incredibly attracted to, but definitely isn't human. Chaos breaks loose when she discovers the truth and worlds are turned upside down.

A Real Review:
Thank you to Macmillan for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Spinoffs in general can be a real shot in the dark. Even though you come with a pre-established world and a built in audience, there is always the risk that a new focus and crew of characters will not bring in the same amount of interest. With this spinoff to the Lux series, the focus is now on a girl named Evie and the boy he meets named Luc.

Evie lives with her military mom after her dad died during the war between the human and the Luxen not so long ago. The remaining peaceful Luxen agreed to wear disabling wristbands and be registered by the government. It's a life and world that can now live in peace. Evie thought that was what she knew when a friend dragged her to a Luxen safe club... until she ended up meeting Luc and her life gets blown to pieces. Luxens aren't the only aliens around, her parents are not who they appear to be, and not everyone is registered for a reason.

Full disclosure: I never read the original series for this one. So I'm a newbie to this universe. That being said, the start was really strong for this book and then really seemed to lose steam. Once the author started unveiling information, it all got confusing VERY quickly and once that happens you lose an audience fast. On top of that, many reveals happen far too late in the game... we're talking the final ten percent or so. With more of a build-up, the emotional power behind that would've been so much stronger.



One piece that was not lacking is the chemistry between Evie and Luc. Their bond is very confusing at first considering Luc has far more information, but the more time they spend together (and pushing back and forth with their power plays) the more clear it becomes how strong their chemistry is. It doesn't get an opportunity to shine until about three quarters of the way through, but once it happens... get yourself some lotion because the fire from their sun is bound to burn.

Although it has a strong start and some heavy chemistry between the leads, the plethora of data spilling put at one time gets confusing for a reader unfamiliar for a new reader.

My heart is so full I love love love love this book!

Thank you very much to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this book before I realised it was a spin off from the Lux series, and I have not read the Lux series. However, I do know the very basics about the series and what it was about. I had a little knowledge in regards to that this book was going to be about the alien species in these books known as the Luxen. I do not believe that not having read the Lux series, it deterred me from understanding the plot of the book. Yes there were bits and pieces that did not make sense and would probably have made sense if I had read the original series. I think Armentrout did well with making it readable without needing to read the Lux series.

I loved both Evie and Luc's characters and their growth in their relationship. From Evie not trusting Luc at all, to slowly becoming friends and experiencing so called Luxen attacks. There were times where I just wanted to grab Evie by the shoulders and shake her to her senses, but her emotions were also valid considering what she was experiencing and finding out about herself and her friends and family. I found Luc absolutely wonderful and I loved everything about him. From his dorky and punny t-shirts to his sass and sarcasm, he is everything I love in main male characters. Yes at times, he was a bit pig-headed and stubborn, but he also shows his empathetic and human feeling side to himself.

I loved the character development for all of the characters. I loved reading Evie growing as she learnt more about the Luxen world and what was happening in her home town and to the people she knows.

I personally didn't pick the main plot twist, but I don't know if that's because I don't know the full Lux series storyline, or because I just didn't pick it. In saying that, I did like it and I was probably a bit naive to not think that was the plot twist with particular conversation lines dropped into the storyline from Luc. I found the ending good, as there was no major cliffhanger, but it definitely leaves it open for a second book with many unanswered questions that I hope are explored in the sequel.

My only real negative was that I do think that at times the writing is more aimed and suited for a younger audience, but in saying that, it was a good lighter read that even someone who is in their mid 20s still thoroughly enjoyed.

3.5 stars. I think the story was well-written and fleshed out nicely, but I had trouble getting into it. It didn't help that the beginning felt like I was reading a book written how someone thought a teenager SHOULD talk as opposed to how teenagers (at least the ones I know) actually do speak and behave.. Still, for the most part that passed and I didn't have too many issues with the writing itself beyond that. Sci-fi can be a hard genre to really get into sometimes and for me to really love one it needs to check all my boxes. This didn't do that for me. I will say this though: I read the entire thing in one sitting.. So, as far as "I couldn't put it down"ness goes . . . well I couldn't put it down. After the first fifty or so pages anyway. It took the book a while to get started and truthfully I almost DNFed it until it finally picked up. I don't know how much my desire to keep going had to do with the plot more than with my fascination with the characters, though. That's one thing I loved, and the reason this review is 3.5 stars as opposed to the 2 stars I would've otherwise given it. Fans of her other books will love this one, but casual fans may want to tread lightly here. It was overall an average book. Am I happy I read it? I think so, yeah. Would I read it again? Right now it's doubtful.

First of all, I did not know there's a Lux series before this novel. Now, that I've finished this book, I really do want to read the Lux series. This book made an excellent stand alone novel.



It was supposed to be a romance novel but it didn't come across like that to me at all. There is a little bit of romance.



This about your typical 17 year old girl's world started changing the moment she stepped in the night club illegally after sneaking out of her house with her friends.



There was never a dull moment in the book. Plot after plot, twist upon twist, mystery upon mystery kept me on my toes.



As the pages flipped, I respected Evie more and more due to the fact she chose to be herself, not afraid of expressing her feelings, standing up for others and standing up for what she believes in. I like the fact as she learns more about herself and others around her, she knows she's going to be okay as a kick ass chick for a human being.



I really did enjoy this book and the characters. Jennifer L. Armentrout has a way with words that keeps you engrossed in her story where you don't want the story to end. She's a rarity for keeping your interest that long.



Now, I need to hit those Lux series.



4 stars by the way. Well worth my 5 hours today!

I received this engrossing Sci-fi ARC from MacMillan-Tor/Forge through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

Jennifer Armentrout has once again managed to sweep me away to a fascinating place that I could never dream up!

I don't know what it is about the Luxen/Origin world that enthralls me so much, but I love the story line and I'm so glad that it is continuing with Luc and Evie.

The Darkest Star takes place 4 years after the Luxen invasion and we find out what Luc has been doing during that time. Evie is introduced to Luc and let the swooning begin.

I don't want to spoil anything, but love how everything is tied together.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I will be sitting on pins and needles waiting for the rest of the series!

Omg. Guys I loved this book.
I have heard of Jennifer before, however I have not read any of the books already in this series. I caught on quickly and Luc was such a HOT hero!!! I immediately went to download the previous books to read after finishing this book. A great read!

Soooo GREAT! OMG! The push and pull, the questions that fill your head as you try to put the puzzle pieces together and the well there’s Luc...total YA hotness. Action, edge of your seat battles and everything we devoured in the Lux series but with new characters.

The world carried on after the attack. Put its parts back together and tried to regulate everything to provide a mirage of safety. Evie just a girl with great friends and teenage woes mixed with dealing with the fall out of a alien invasion. Until she crosses his path.

An explosive teetering on your toes and can’t read fast enough new JLA series and I can’t wait to discover all the secrets as they reveal in the other books.

Evie knew being in Foretoken Club is a bad idea. Not only is she an underage, the notorious club is also known as a hangout place for unregistered aliens. There she met Luc, who she thought is an alien, a Luxen, but turned out to be something more. It doesn’t help that he's not registered and worse he seemed to know so much about her. Warning bells filled her mind yet she can't seem to stay away from him. And it seems that things get more complicated as they get closer to each other. Secrets are revealed, psycho killers are on the loose and innocents get killed. And Evie's life as she knows it is being turned upside down.

This book seemed to have everything you can ask for in a YA Paranormal Romance. First, there are government secrets and conspiracies that started way before the alien invasion 4 years ago. Second is a semi-forbidden romance that is sweet enough and lastly, aliens. Gorgeous, dazzling aliens that surely can be dangerous.

After reading this, my first thought was, there are still many questions left unanswered. I’m not even sure yet who or what are the real antagonist. All I know is that the government kept and is still keeping secrets about the aliens. And that there are more to know about these aliens. So really the whole plot of this series is unclear yet and for me, that’s a good thing because it kept the intrigue and mystery alive.

Personally I’m contented for what the author decided to give me, mainly about Evie and Luc’s identities. And the repercussions of what Luc did before. It's what sparked the conflict of this book. Though I must say there’s no real reveal or twists in this book. The secrets behind Evie and Luc’s connection are a little predictable and you can guess them from chapter one. But weirdly that didn’t put me off from reading. This is one of those books that'll hook you in right from the first chapter, you might roll your eyes as you keep reading but you can't stop.

And mind you there are tons of eyeroll-inducing moments/scenes/lines/parts and even cliche parts. Mainly because this is too YA, and that again mainly, because of Evie. Stereotype alert. All I can say about her is that she's a high school student. She likes photography but thinking of taking nursing. She especially aggravated me how she reacted when she finally knew everything. Jesus! There were like five confrontations, her saying the same things, same sentiments over and over again. I do understand her sentiments but come on, girl, there's a psycho alien in the loose, and things are happening in the world, and the people around you just want to protect you and you act like freakin' immature. It hurts but you must understand why they did it. Put your sentiments aside and act like you care for not only yourself. Heck, just be thankful you're still breathing.

"I didn't spend half of my godforsaken life trying to keep you alive for you to just throw it all away!"

When Luc said this, I literally said, 'come on Luc, tell her'. And God, I don’t like Evie’s lines. Like she’d say, ‘You have a terrible way of showing it. Terrible.’ or ‘I don’t like it. At all.’ And the book’s in her POV so... But what I own is an ARC and that might change upon publication.

Luc, on the otehr hand, is so easy to love. I mean he’s an alien. Who doesn’t love an alien??? Hehe. Kidding aside, I find Luc funny and irresistible. I love his lines and his conversations with Evie usually become banters and again, who doesn’t love banters? I really hope that in book 2, I get more of Luc’s thoughts. Because I don't him to be just funny. That can get old and I'm afraid he ends up anther stereotype character. Funny but no real personality. Ugh! But anyway, so far I’m enjoying Luc and because of him, I love the romance. A little twilight-y but I can forgive that. And I think you can too because Luc has more valid reason than Edward.

Overall, this is such a fun and engaging read. Once you start reading, it’s hard to put this down. And that’s the reason why I rated this book high. It’s questionable if you look into my complaints but the fact that I couldn’t put this down and read it for three hours without getting up, that says a lot. I’m really a fast reader, but not getting up for three hours? That’s a good writing right there guys. Jennifer L. Armentrout is applaudable and I vow to read all her books. Especially Lux series. But this, this is a very promising series and I’m excited to read book 2. Also there's no big cliffhanger so you can ease your heart.

By the way, Origin takes place four years after LUX ended. And even though I haven't read LUX yet, it was easy to understand the world of Luxen. So you can read this without reading Lux.But if you already did, well, you’re in for a treat because Daemon (Lux’s protagonist) made a cameo here and those are great scenes. :)

My *spoiler free mini* review

All the book feels for Jennifer L. Armentrout's The Darkest Star. If you love Daemon, wait till you meet Luc. Luc's story was totally worth the wait! I absolutely loved being in this world again. It’s been awhile since I lost sleep over a book, but #TheDarkestStar was totally worth it.

Dear Daemon, I’m sorry, Luc has stolen your place. I still love you. You were the first, but Luc may be the last. I loved that you had a part in his book. Now I need to go re-read your books.

Dear Luc, Daemon is pretty hard hard to replace. Congratulations, you’ve proved otherwise. Just don’t keep me waiting too long for more of your stories. I NEED MORE!

If you’re a fan of Jennifer L. Armentrout's Lux series, you NEED TO READ this book! It’s a brand new story that I fell in love with, and has all the elements you’d except from an Origin/Lux story. Yes, a few favorite nonhuman characters make appearances. If you’re a fan of Daemon, just wait till you meet Luc! This book will be out in October from Tor Teen, and I highly recommend picking it up.

I'll be posting my full review closer to the release date.

I just finished reading The Darkest Star by Jennifer Armentrout, a spin-off of the Lux series and let me just say OMG, Mind Blown! This story centers around Luc, you know our young origin in the Lux series that helped out Daemon, Kat, and Daemon’s brother Dawson, if you don’t remember or haven’t read The Lux series, don’t fret you don’t have to read it in order to enjoy this story, but I do highly recommend it. So let me get back to my review. This story is about Luc and Evie. Evie is a senior in high school and lives with her mom, she’s a normal teenager going about her regular life, nothing exciting happens until she steps in Luc’s club Foretoken one night with her friend Heidi, not wanting her friend to go alone, she’s there for moral support. Foretoken is a club where everyone can be themselves. Humans and luxen alike attend to have a great time without any judgement, because after the invasion the luxen are kept on a tight leash from the government and humans are still scared of them, so there is a lot of prejudice in this story. Luxen and humans cannot intermarry or date and if they do there are consequences, also the luxen wear a disabler on their wrists to mute their powers. During her time at the club Evie meets Luc and they get off to a rocky start, she doesn’t get along with him and a raid full of government agents enter the club to find unregistered luxen, but this is the least of Evie’s problems, because their is a serial killer on the loose, killing girls that resemble Evie that also happen to attend her school. During their tenuous relationship Luc seems to care an awful lot about Evie and her well being and insinuates that he knows a lot about her and her life. Evie is a little unnerved by this, but isn’t scared of Luc, she keeps going back to him because she’s interested in the secrets her mom is keeping from her that Luc seems to know an awful lot about. Evie ends up finding out all kinds of things about the Luxen and government conspires that she never thought about in her wildest dreams and also finds out about an even bigger secret that involves her, that i think the people who have read The Lux series would know immediately from the moment Evie meets Luc. The excitement about the secret was not me finding out, but the anticipation of Evie finding out.

Hello my name is Ashley and I have an addiction to Jennifer Lynn Armentrout. I fell head over heels with Daemon in her Lux series and when we were introduced to Luc in the series and the vital role he played I hoped and prayed to the book gods that there would be a book about him. Cue me flailing like a maniac when I see that she wrote a book about Luc AND I was able to read it early. Its a double edge sword because I very much want to scream from the mountaintops that everyone needs to read this book but also I'm stuck in limbo knowing it'll be at least another year before the second book comes out. Also I would like a refund on my heart. It keeps beating really fast whenever Luc is mentioned and it weeps for Evie after that MAJOR plot twist at the end. 

This story picks up about four years after the events in the last Lux book. There is mention of our favorite characters which brought me great joy because I was dying to see what they were up to. Although this book takes place in the same world Jennifer did a wonderful job blending and giving us little bits of information (without it looking like a info dump) so this book is open to anyone. You definitely do not need to read the previous Lux books. Although I recommend them because duh, aliens. 

Evie was super refreshing and I loved that she was human. I loved Kat from the Lux series but it was extra fun to see a human with all their weaknesses and faults go head to head with all the big baddies in this book. Evie may look weak and physically be weak sometimes but she is not lacking in courage. That girl is fierce! It was also so nice to see a close knit group of friends and how they all took care of one another. You don't see it as often in YA as I would like nowadays. 

There is a lot that can be considered as spoilers so I'm not able to get into the plot but just know that Jennifer writes a killer story! Overall I'm just going to say that if you are a fan of fast pace, paranormal-y-scifi stories with strong lead characters and tons of emotional turmoil and enough hormones to make this reader fan herself then The Darkest Star is for you!  

Would I buy this book? YES! I pre-ordered it since there is an awesome pre-order campaign going on right now!

Would I recommend it? YES

Would I re-read it? YASSSSSSSSSSSS

The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the first book in her new YA Origin series, which is a spinoff of her wonderful Lux series. I am a huge fan of Armentrout’s Lux series, and was thrilled to find out that she was returning to this world. I totally loved reading The Darkest Star, and so happy to be back home again.
Evie Dasher, our heroine, is convinced to go with her friend Heidi to Foretoken, a notorious club that Luxens and Humans can mix, but at seventeen, Evie is forbidden to go there. While at the club, the place is raided, and she meets the club’s owner, Luc.

Luc is extremely handsome, not to mention very powerful. Much to Evie chagrin, Luc seems to know everything about her, and all she knows is that he is a Luxen. Luc helps her escape the club, but her life is about the change, as he plans on being a big part of her life going forward.

Evie will find out her mother knows Luc, and as time moves on, other people close to her know him too. In a short time, Evie finds herself attracted to the beautiful Luc, and meets some of his friends. She learns some of the truths from her mother about who her father really was. Why does Luc know everything about Evie? What are the secrets that some are hiding from her?

What follows is a wonderful story, where a rogue Luxen is killing some students, creating dissention in the school between those against the aliens, and those on their side. The danger escalates putting Evie in danger, as the villain is someone from the days before the war.

In time, Evie will learn all the truths and secrets about her life, and about Luc. Though I understand her refusal to believe the truths, she was a bit stubborn early on, but in time she allows herself to open her heart to Luc, and accept the truth about her past, and forgive those who kept those secrets.

Armentrout does a fantastic job of grabbing our attention early on, and never letting go. She keeps us on our toes, as she slowly reveals different twists or revelations that catch us by surprise. The Darkest Star was an exciting, fast paced, intense & intriguing story that was also fun, with a sweet slow build romance between Evie and Luc. Evie will learn and see for herself just how powerful Luc really is.

I loved Evie and Luc, and also was thrilled to get to see some of our old favorites such as Daemon and Archer. I also like some of the new characters, such as Evie & Luc’s friends. It was great that we get to learn more about the Origins that was barely hinted in the previous series.

The Darkest Star was fantastic YA thriller, wonderful déjà vu sweet romance, and though the story ended satisfactory, there are so many questions still to be answered. I cannot wait for the next book, and what Jennifer L. Armentrout has in store for us. Thank you Jennifer for bringing us back to this world.

The Darkest Star is straight from the early 2010 with a few 2018 elements. I hadn't read a JLA book in years, since the first Lux book which I can't even remember but I think, unlike me, you have to have read the previous books to be able to follow this story line or the ridiculous pronoun game this book is so obsessed with. JUST CALL STUFF WHAT THEY ARE, BOOK. I got so tired of the "you know what I mean" "you know what things" "I know you know what I'm talking about", just don't.

Evie, a 17yo who talks like authors think 17yos talk *side eye* gets caught in a raid at the Luxen club she went to with her friend, using a fake ID the bouncer knew was fake but whatever, and that's how the story begins. Inside the packed club, full of all kinds of people, including Luxen (that's aliens for you) she happens to catch the eye of Luc. A Luxen. Named. Lux. I'm sorry, I meant Luc. He is the usual douche who is all tough and mysterious, for literally no reason, from the moment he meets her.

What unfolds is a decade old storyline with so much drama and secrets and Evie being beyond stupid for her age and the severity of the situation she is in - for example:

"She is no one you need to worry about, Archer."
Archer? What kind of name was that?

This comes from a girl named Evie, in a book with people named Luc, Kent, and Chas. *sodonewiththis*

Overall, reading this felt like going back in time but not in a good way, the archaic way of writing teenagers and conveying emotions on paper were so outdated, Evie was annoying for the most part and Luc unbearable.

When everything you thought you knew is challenged. Just one night out turns Evie Dasher’s world upside down. The club she goes too with her friend Heidi gets raided and she comes across a handsome guy she assumes is Luxen. Luc is so much more than that and it seems like he knows Evie even though she has never met him. She will discover there are different beings on earth besides Humans and Luxen and they all aren’t good.

A creative story and fast paced. There are twist and turns and will keep you reading just to figure out what it happening. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend fo you to add to your reading pile.This is the 1st book in the series Origin can’t wait to read more!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This is by far one of the most unique interesting novels I have ever read. Introducing Luc and the world of the Luxen that is the highest of class you can get and then we meet Evie the girl next door that just wants to get through her life. I really hope this becomes a series and see what will happen with the lives of Kuc and Evie and I know Our patrons will fall in love with them too.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. We will definitely consider this title for our young adult collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

I gave this book 5 stars. It deserved all the stars. Which I think is fitting because they’re aliens.


This book starts about 4 years after where Opposition ends off. Luc is all grown up now, he’s still doing illegal shit and being a little shit, but we love him. From what we knew of Luc he was a bit of a brat who liked getting his way and this book really expanded on his character and we saw into why he may have done a lot of what he did. 


The story starts off by introducing us to a character named Evie. Evie is completely normal, her father died in the fight against the alien invasion, or so she thinks. One night at a nightclub upends everything. 


Luc and Evie meet in a bundle of confusion that makes no sense until you get to the second half of the book, or earlier if you’re really good at guessing. 


The Darkest Star was so much more than I expected it to be. Obsidian was the first book I ever reviewed (don’t bother trying to find the review, it’s private until I get around to editing it) which goes to show how much I loved it. It was the first book on my mind when I decided I wanted to review books and to say it was my favorite book by Jennifer L. Armentrout would have been accurate. However, after having read The Darkest Star I have to say I think TDS has stolen the crown. 


I’ll always love me some Daemon, but Luc has found a new place in my heart. I have a strong feeling he’s gonna be at the top of my Top 10 Book Boyfriends of 2018 list later this year. 


Speaking of Daemon, I wish there had been a bit more of the original crew in this one. We got a few hilarious Daemon cameos, and we did see Archer once, but other than that we didn’t see much of anyone else. Kat and Dee were mentioned, but that’s it. I need more! Also, I really feel like I need to reread the Lux series and then read The Darkest Star again so everything is cohesive and fresh in my mind. I would highly suggest rereading the Lux books if you have time to because there is some stuff that is mentioned that you might not remember as well.



Also, side note, Opposition came out four years ago. FOUR! Do you feel old yet because I do.

ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

It feels like I've been waiting g forever for this book, but it was so worth the wait.
The Darkest Star contains everything you'd expect from a Jennifer L Armentrout book. Mystery, murder, suspense, humor and a swoony boy, with cameos that'll make you legit scream.

Read it people. Just read it

I don’t think I will be able to write a coherent review about this one so bear with me.

First of all, in preparation for The Darkest Star, I decided to reread all of the Lux series, which is one of my first ever book obsessions. I love Kat so damn much and Daemon a little less damn much, but most of all I love Jennifer L. Armentrout. I know I’ve talked a lot about her in my blog and there is one reason and one only: her books are like chocolate or like chips: you can never have just one!

So when I saw that The Darkest Star was up for review on NetGalley I thought I’d try my luck and YES! I GOT THE ARC!

That brings us to the actual review (told you this review would make zero sense).

★ Luc is the love of my life. I want to simultaneously love him and protect him from all the bad things in this world even though he is probably much much much stronger than me and can protect not only himself but also others. ANYWAY, Luc is a very interesting, multi-layered character and in this first book I felt like we barely got to scratch the surface. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next books!

★ Evie is a sweetheart. I think I like Evie even more than I like Kat and that is saying something. She is kind and kind of a dork and adorable and I want to hug her and never let go. I loved how she stood up to Luc and their banter restored me back to life. I am practically a second Jesus.

★ The twist!!!! To be honest I knew what the twist would be from the beginning BUT this did not make it any less shocking and WOW. I NEED TO KNOW HOW EVERYTHING WILL PLAY OUT AFTER ALL THIS PLEASE BOOK 2 WHERE ARE YOU.

★ The Darkest Star is also way more political than the Lux series; you can see that Armentrout has developed and matured as an author; where in the Lux universe there was some kind of hint for racism and discrimination, in this book she took the alien/human allegory to another level. Also she included people of colour and some LGBTQA+ characters (LESBIANS) which is always a plus.

I have high hopes for the continuation of Luc and Evie’s story and I sincerely hope that the dear author won’t hurt my babies a lot in the upcoming books!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Teen for providing me with an e-ARC. All opinions are my own.*

LOVED this book! I had heard so many great things about JLA’s books, I have only read one and that was earlier this month and I loved the writing style. This was the same, the writing was so easily read, the story just flowed organically. I loved how plot driven this book was, with a sprinkle of romance (which I feel I need to continue to see where both the romance and story goes). The twists that happened throughout made this book a page turner. I loved the characters, particularly Luc and his abrupt and in your face attitude, I totally fell for him haha! I feel this was a great introduction to this new series, and its really got me keen for the sequential books to come! I have not read any of the LUX series, but this book has made me obsessed with the world that I feel I need to pick up those books ASAP!