Title:Starcrossed
Author: Josephine Angelini
Pages: 487
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 31st May 2011
Source: From Author
How do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.
This book was pure magic. It was a whirlwind of romance, mythology, action. I fell in love with all the characters and the life Josephine created for them.
I loved Helen. She was strong, brave, a romantic and had super duper Greek God powers. How freaking awesome! I loved how we were in the same situation as Helen, experiencing everything with her. Another character I loved was Lucas. The love interest of Helen and boy I wish he was my love interest. So kind and protective. I loved how much he cared for Helen and what he would sacrificial to protect her.
Many of you will know that I adore love hate relationships. This, however, is a refreshing twist on this concept. The Three Fates make Lucas and Helen hate each other (which I didn't get why for ages because I am silly). Once their romance kicks in I was completely hooked. I was most definitely rooting for them to be together. But as always, things aren't so simple for them.
The secondary characters were just as exciting and added a lot to the story. I loved Helen's dad and Cassandra. I was definitely rooting for Claire and Jason (I think that is who I mean). I really felt something for these characters which I think is so important in a book.
The writing was in 3rd person which I'm not usually a fan of but the way it was done still allowed the reader to see into Helen's mind and see what else was going on. Josephine is just a talented writer and has a great way with words.
The ending is action packed and eventful and as a great novel does, lots of cliffhangers and shocks. There is so much going on before the end that you just know the next book is going to be as good. There is enough suspense to keep you excited and enough closure to tie it up nicely.
I adored the mythological element. I don't know much about greek mythology but it has gotten me so excited. I think I am going to buy some non fiction books on the subject just so I can learn more about it. If a book gets you to learn more then it is a darn good book!
If you love mythology, romance and some action then this is definitely the book for you! A fabulous read.
Now that's the kind of review that makes me so glad that I have this book on pre-order :-) Thanks Alice!
ReplyDeleteI love mythology too!
ReplyDeleteWow! Sounds fantastic. I really can't wait to read this... I hope I'm not disappointed!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I din´d read it yet but I'm going to read it once. It's not my priority, but still look forward to read it.
ReplyDeleteAnother great book :) One of my favourite reads on 2011 :)
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that the main reason I want to read this book is because of the Greek mythology. I am half-Greek and live in Greece, so I was actually taught mythology as a lesson at school. Needless to say, I absolutely loved it and I am rather curious to see how the author has used the main themes of Greek mythology to make them into a story of her own. Same reason I want to read The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter too!
ReplyDeleteLovely review, by the way! It seems as if you really enjoyed it! :)
-Great review! I really want to read this book and you made me want to read it even more! :D
ReplyDeletex
Sierra
I love how Angelini adds in twists just when you think the story's going one way. It's a twisted fate for Lucas and Helen with a few losses and secrets revealed. Definitely makes your jaw-drop a couple of times. She definitely did her research with mythology! Made it so much more interesting with some different touches and interpretations to the story.
ReplyDeleteThe Fates were pretty creepy in this book. With all the dreams, "hallucinations", prophecies, control and power?? Just mind-blowing. The myth with the Oracle, Apollo and the Fates was one I've never heard. With this book, I've discovered a whole legion of myths which I'd never heard of, and the smallest mention of them makes them comes alive in this story.