Published: May 31st, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: Starcrossed, Book 1
Rating: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Amazon
❘ Goodreads ❘ WebsiteHow 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 Review is based on an ARC (Advanced Readers's Copy). The final text/cover may be different.**
When the word 'starcrossed' comes up, it's always been associated with 'starcrossed lovers'. Actually, it comes from here (I believe):
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;
Looks familiar anyone??
Romeo and Juliet, is probably the most famous piece in literature to include the context of 'starcrossed lovers'. But of course, with that, comes along the story of Paris and Helen.
Starcrossed was an amazing blend of Mythology and Romance. It was a long read, but I got through it, and I was glad I did! I haven't read a Modern Mythology book in a LONG time (Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs being the last...) and it just brings back so many memories of learning about the gods and the Trojan War and stuff. There was some stuff I didn't know, like the story of the Iliad (although I did watch the movie Troy) but that didn't matter.
This book ROCKED.
I did find, however, Helen's character a bit...shifty. It's like, she had mood swings a whole bunch of times. For example, she would get mad at Claire one day, and then be crying on her shoulder the next. I would usually say 'hormones' (hey, I'm a teen too. I get it!) but it...was pretty mood-swingy. But other than that, she's a total-butt-kicking-awesome-who-rocks-socks-off heroine and if she had been different, well, the story wouldn't have been the same. It would actually not be as good. Maybe Helen of Troy had daily rages like this when her milk bath was 2% instead of 1%?? I dunno. But I would say they do have similarities. They're both pretty (that's how the guy falls for them. duh!) and yeah...don't worry yourself too much about the story of Paris and Helen if you don't know it. It'll still be a freaking amazing read :)
LOVED. LUCAS. Can I say more? Feel so sorry for him though, being the person who has to smooth things over, and be the "calm" one most of the time. But still...*sigh*....
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.
The 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.
Overall, Starcrossed is another should-be-at-the-top-of-your-reading-pile book, with Greek Mythology conveyed to readers in an enjoyable and exciting way. Josephine Angelini excites and brings back legends and myths of heroes and lost love...hotter than ever! Can't wait for book 2, Dreamless :)
If you like this, try...
(US)
I have to say, I prefer the UK version...it looks much more dramatic! :D
Starcrossed was an amazing blend of Mythology and Romance. It was a long read, but I got through it, and I was glad I did! I haven't read a Modern Mythology book in a LONG time (Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs being the last...) and it just brings back so many memories of learning about the gods and the Trojan War and stuff. There was some stuff I didn't know, like the story of the Iliad (although I did watch the movie Troy) but that didn't matter.
This book ROCKED.
I did find, however, Helen's character a bit...shifty. It's like, she had mood swings a whole bunch of times. For example, she would get mad at Claire one day, and then be crying on her shoulder the next. I would usually say 'hormones' (hey, I'm a teen too. I get it!) but it...was pretty mood-swingy. But other than that, she's a total-butt-kicking-awesome-who-rocks-socks-off heroine and if she had been different, well, the story wouldn't have been the same. It would actually not be as good. Maybe Helen of Troy had daily rages like this when her milk bath was 2% instead of 1%?? I dunno. But I would say they do have similarities. They're both pretty (that's how the guy falls for them. duh!) and yeah...don't worry yourself too much about the story of Paris and Helen if you don't know it. It'll still be a freaking amazing read :)
LOVED. LUCAS. Can I say more? Feel so sorry for him though, being the person who has to smooth things over, and be the "calm" one most of the time. But still...*sigh*....
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.
The 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.
Overall, Starcrossed is another should-be-at-the-top-of-your-reading-pile book, with Greek Mythology conveyed to readers in an enjoyable and exciting way. Josephine Angelini excites and brings back legends and myths of heroes and lost love...hotter than ever! Can't wait for book 2, Dreamless :)
If you like this, try...
- Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs (Amazon
❘ Goodreads)
- The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Amazon
❘ Goodreads)
- Nobody's Princess by Esther Friesner (Review ❘ Amazon
❘ Goodreads)
(UK)
(US)
I have to say, I prefer the UK version...it looks much more dramatic! :D
Other covers:
I found this on Josephine Angelini's website, it's the song Where Do I Belong by DemiGoddess, and I believe it's Helen's song? It's really good :)
I've heard nothing but good things about this one. I've got to go get a copy soon!
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