Monday, April 25, 2011

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.

23 comments:

  1. I can't wait to read this! It sounds awesome! Great review :)

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  2. Wow I had no idea it had so many pages, i'm actually one of the few who love "big" books lol. This review has just made me even more excited to read Starcrossed.

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  3. This book was on my wishlist before, but I might just have to move it up to the top. I love Greek mythololy. This sounds like a really good one.

    Bethie
    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

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  4. Hmm, after reading this review, I really want to go out and buy this book right away, and maybe read a bit of Greek myths. This was a very detailed review, and I can tell you really really loved this book. And yes! The cover is beautiful! Book covers these days are doing a lovely job, as you are with this blog. (:

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  5. This was an interesting review. Any book that keeps you reading while everyone else is on the beach having fun has to be a winner.

    o2oole(at)verizon(dot)net

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  6. Helen sounds like an amazing character, "depth" - many characters these days are lacking just this. They might stick with you for a bit after reading the book but they don't stick with you much longer because of the lack of their "depth". I am dying to read this book. AMAZING (not great but amazing) review!!

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  7. I'm glad to hear that it is something new and different. I am so tired of basically reading the same thing over and over.

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  8. I'm so glad you liked this book! I really want to read it and I've heard nothing but good things about it!

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  9. Sounds like an amazing book. Can't wait to read it.
    (\___/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

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  10. I loved this book too. I read it quickly as well. Well, I get Stuck In Books you see and well my family thinks I'm strange but there you go.

    I love Lucas. He is so dedicated to Helen. I'm really worried about him right now. The ending was hard on him. I hope there is hope for him in the next book. The boy thrives on hope.

    Really glad you like the book too.

    StuckInbooks.com

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  11. -I had no idea it had those many pages! I thought it was only like a 200 pages novel, (the normal length for loads of books being published). I love big books so that alone makes me want to read it! I really want to get my hands on this book and learn more about Helen! I'm not a huge mythology fan, but I bet once I finish this book, I will be!

    Thanks for this review!

    x
    Sierra

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  12. I'm looking forward to this one! Everyone says it's fantastic, as well. Great review!

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  13. ahahaha, yes Lucas over Edward ANY DAY. I also agree that she took time to answer you (not directly) and that the story should *totally* be an English Class read because no doubt kids would love it.

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  14. I didn't really enjoy it as much as you, though I did still like it, I just found Helen too perfect, though I will be reading the next one in the series :) Great review!

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  15. This book WAS freaking unbelieveable! It was an interesting reincarnation story of Helen of Troy and you did a good review of it!

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  16. I have heard so much about this book. I keep seeing the cover everywhere (love it btw). Hopefully i'll get a chance to read this book soon. Sounds good.

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  17. I don't think you're alone. I read it in 3 hours.

    Helen is a really strong protagonist. Like you said, mature yet realistic. She makes mistakes too.

    God, all that sexual tension was driving me nuts.

    I was waiting for them to kiss around page 100 or so.

    I can't wait for Dreamless honestly. Oh and by the way, have you seen the UK trailer? You'll fall in love with Starcrossed even more..Watch it please... =)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjRD87LEifs

    Zoe

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  18. My God. This book. I read it in two days. Two days. At first, honestly, I was confused and didn't know what the heck was going on.
    But then, starting with the page 99, it all went perfectly brilliant! I loved this book. Full of great action and characters! Nice job Josephine.

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  19. What is this book about? I heard it was great but some of my friends are having mixed feeling about it...... its on my TBR list so ill find out(:

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  20. great review. can't wait to read it.


    gomezrose61@yahoo.com
    savanna ucinski

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  21. Starcrossed has been one of my favorite books this year. I Loved it. I think te whole mythology thing is very interesting and Josephine did a great job. I loved Lucas!!!! I loved the book!!!

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  22. Hey.. it's me again, Zoe!

    I already commented on this post a few weeks ago. But I just kept thinking about Starcrossed.

    =)

    Wonder if Josie's gonna make it into a movie?

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Thanks, I love what you have to say!