Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Title: Starcrossed
Author: Josephine Angelini
Published: May 2011 by HarperTeen

My Rating: 5 stars
Tags: YA | Romance | Paranormal | Series (Book 1)
Includes: Sensuality, Violence, Murder

First Lines: "But if you bought me a car now, it would be yours when I go away to school in two years. Still practically new," Helen said optimistically. Unfortunately, her father was no sucker.

Helen Hamilton has always felt different than others. She can run inhumanly fast, not seem to get injured, and is beyond beautiful. Soon she begins to have nightmares stranded in the same dry, dreary desert, only to wake up with sore feet covered in blood and dirt. A new family moves to the island of Nantucket, and their arrival is the buzz around town. While every other girl swoons over the Delos boys, the first time Helen sees Lucas, she does the complete opposite. Attacks him, with the fierce urge to kill him, even though she has no idea who he is. She begins to notice three weeping, disturbing women near her every time Lucas is in her presence. It isn't until the two come to a near-death experience that the frightening figures disappear, along with Helen's urge to kill Lucas on sight. Now, they are both able to begin spending time with one another and Helen can finally find out the truth about who she is: a demigod. But there's much more she still has to learn, because suddenly her life is in danger along with the entire universe's existence.

This. book. was. unfreakingbelievable. Almost 500 pages long, and I finished it in four days (which those of you who keep up with my reading pace know that it takes me a week to finish just a simple, short novel). This is going to be such a tough review to write because I do not want to spoil anything, and believe me, there are new surprises in every single chapter! Let's start out with the storyline. Modern Greek mythology morphed into something entirely new and unique. It was so refreshing reading a new type of paranormal romance novel, that I had no idea what to expect. And what I did end up getting completely blew me away! The author obviously did her fair share of research about Gods, mythology, the Furies, demigods, and the like...but she put her own spin on them. If only we could read this type of book in English class, I know for a fact that it would become everyone's favorite subject. I liked that the author took her time explaining the huge background story, and didn't cram it down the reader's throat in just one chapter. In fact, I learned more and more about demigods and Helen's backstory as the novel progressed. Also, the author seemed to read my mind because as soon as a question started forming in my head, it was immediately brought up or answered.

Helen. Wow, what a protagonist. One of my favorite things is a character that sticks with you, and she is definitely one that I'll remember for a long time. Helen had so much depth and practically became a human right before my very eyes. She was mature but stubborn, intelligent but still made mistakes, craved to be loved but still held back. Helen was tough and when it came down to it, she could kick some major demigod butt. Her relationship with Lucas was fascinating to read about and I fell in love with their connection. As much as I hate to say it, this novel did have many parallels with Twilight, even though it was thankfully vampire-free. A teenager growing up only with her dad, a mysterious, sexy new guy in town who wants more than anything to be with her but can't, and even a few scenes in particular that were very similar to the Twilight saga. However, hands down this was a much better read and I'd choose the caring, sensitive Lucas over stalker Edward any day.

I can't stress how much I fell in love with this creative, breath-taking, and addicting book. My family was vacationing while I was reading it, and even while everyone was outside on the beach, I chose to stay inside, glued to the couch, and soak up as much of the story as I could. I simply couldn't put it down. Angelini's writing is beautiful, vivid, and danced around behind my eyes as I read. There was constantly something happening and never a dull moment set in. I grew attached to even the minor characters who ended up playing a bigger role as the story progressed. The author weaved together a mix of memorable and original characters, sexy romance, suspenseful drama and action, and talented writing. My hands are already itching to hold the next book in the series!

Cover Thoughts: Absolutely gorgeous! I love the one-of-a-kind text used for the cover and chapter labels, and the beautiful picture on the front (love the touch of lightning in the sky!).

Book Supplied by: Author for review.