Review: Apollyon (Covenant #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Date Read: March 14 - 17 2013
Release Date: April 9th 2013
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Source: Paperback
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy

My rating:  (Not enough stars)

This review contains no Apollyon spoilers, but does contain spoilers for the PREVIOUS books

Synopsis:
"Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex.
Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself."

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“I was the Apollyon. I wielded control over the four elements and the fifth and the most powerful – akasha.”

There’s no other way to start this review than with… HOLY DAIMON BABIES! Jennifer L. Armentrout has gone above and beyond everything I could have ever expected for a book four...  or any book really. I thought Deity was amazing, it was one of my favourite books of 2012 – but Apollyon? Hands down one of my favourite books EVER! I loved this so much that, despite my huge TBR list, I managed to read Apollyon twice :P

I have never read a series where the books just keep getting better and better. Usually the first book draws me in, the second is further plot and character development, everything happens in the third and the rest are fillers. But Covenant has gotten better and better, the characters are maturing and developing constantly, the plot thickens and yet it doesn’t make things any more complicated or introduce anything drastically new.

Picking up straight where Elixir left off, we see Alex connected to the First and Aiden’s unwavering belief that his and Alex’s love can make it through anything. The first few chapters were especially painful as I read through Alex’s struggle with what Seth was telling her, what Aiden was telling her, and what her locked away feelings were trying to make her feel again. Armentrout writes this in the most convincing manner! I could really feel Alex’s devotion to Seth and her hatred for all those around her. As disgusted as I was by the exchanges between the two Apollyons, I could really see Alex believing everything Seth said. Oh and as much as I tried to like Seth before, I really hate him now.

“Seth’s approval washed over me like I’d just stepped out into the summer sun. I basked in it, like a good little puppy with a full tummy.”

Alexandra Andros. What a character this girl is. Such a strong and resilient heroine. Watching Alex grow over the course of the series has been an amazing and bittersweet journey – she’s endured the death of her best friend, being tortured, killing her own mum, and finding out she possesses the power to kill gods/fuel the God Killer. But still she persevered! Alex has however, always had an impulsive streak and constantly dived into situations without thinking of her actions and their consequences; she would act immaturely and more often than not, her stubbornness would never allow her to admit she was wrong. That all changed in Apollyon. Throughout the book I could see her take a step back each time she wanted to jump into things; she’d hold her tongue when she wanted to rebut – there were moments where I would have snapped a retort back, but despite the cringe worthy embarrassment of being told she was wrong, she accepted it and moved on. Her consideration for others improved drastically and I was just in awe of her emotional, mental and physical strength. To say she kicks daimon butt is an understatement!

“I’ve been riding the Alex-Is-Important train for quite some time… I’ve been a handful. I know that.”

I loved the continuous appearance of the gods throughout Apollyon. I really love reading about Greek mythology so seeing the slight humorous takes on them was extremely enjoyable. Apollo I found to be hilarious with his popping in and out and, playing Wii with Persephone? Count me in! Thanatos is also a new favourite of mine. The development of Alex’s relationship with characters like Marcus, Laadan and Lea were really refreshing. I think they really helped her see another side of herself. Also, I’m extremely curious about Alex’s father now! The appearances of some characters brought on nostalgia and some tears for me. I think I just loved all the secondary characters in general!

“Tall and broad and a head full of honey-coloured hair, the man had the face of an angel.

Oh for the love of gods, I couldn’t catch a freaking break.

Thanatos.”

So… Aiden St. Delphi *swoons*. Where do I even start with this man? This man filled with so much internal turmoil, who’s seen too much for someone his age and yet still has the capacity to love so unconditionally. Reading from his POV in Elixir killed me but seeing the way he is with Alex in Apollyon just had my heart in a whole new frenzy. His absolute faith in her and belief in their love, his willingness to die for her – it never ceased to amaze me. Nobody is perfect, but Aiden? Well he comes close to it. Seeing the sensual side to Aiden was also really amazing. He’s so sweet and tender my heart just clenched at his very touch. Aiden is definitely my number 1 book boyfriend!

“I would never give up on you, Alex. Never.”

“You are my everything.”

Alex and Aiden’s romance *heart stutters*… well let’s just say that, together, the heat they create should have made them spontaneously combust!  I loved reading about their stolen moments together – it made them all the more special and precious. And all the more meaningful with the demise of the world looming above them.

“The kiss deepened, flipping and twisting my insides into a pleasant mess, and it was like the very first time we kissed… He kissed me like he’d never expected to do so again…”

Now the plot. Dayum I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Alex’s journey in Apollyon was not an easy feat and what she is faced with is more than any 18-year-old should ever face. And woah the build-up to that ending? Spectacular! I totally did not see that coming, I was holding my breath until the very end.

“Part of me died right then, maybe not a physical death, but on some mental, some emotional level I was good as dead.”

Perfectly paced, great character development, amazing heroine supported by the most loving guy and a thrilling plot that could mean the end of the world. I think the only book that can possibly be better than this is Sentinel. Can someone please hand me a time machine so I can fast forward to November 12 and get my hands on the final book?!

 “Paradise is waiting for you in the end.”