Review: Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

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. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

I will try not to be super fangirly when writing this review, but I thought this book was uber fantastic! Yes, I said uber. Once you read this book you will understand why I chose that word. There are just no words to describe the awesome that is Starcrossed. The story is based on Greek mythology, or more specifically The Trojan War. Ms. Angelini definitely did her homework when writing this story. It is obvious to readers that she thoroughly researched the topic, but what is even more impressive is that she modernized the story in such a way that makes readers also want to learn more about it. She was able to convey her story in a way that reaches readers on an emotional level. Starcrossed is beautifully written. There are no "hangups" in the flow that would make one stop and question what was just read. I was so entranced with Starcrossed that I was depressed when I learned that I was over halfway through the book. I wish it was so much longer. Luckily, the second book in the trilogy, Dreamless, is already completed and will be released sometime in 2012. The sooner the better I say, because you can never get enough of this heartbreaking tragedy that Ms. Angelini has created. 

The plot is to die for, literally. Helen and Lucas are a power couple. There interactions are so real, but also so magical. When they first meet, they are overwhelmed by one another which leads to an altercation. No matter how hard they try, they cannot stay away from each other. Helen and her father have quite the relationship. Their interactions are quite comical, especially when they are alone. Her father, Jerry, is quite a character himself with his quirky comments. He knows how to help Helen, but also when he should drop the subject. He provides the support that she needs. The entire Delos family is something to behold. Each is dreamy and otherwordly. The descriptions of the characters creates such a vivid picture that it is almost as if the reader is in the scene watching it unfold. The setting is also given wonderful descriptions. Helen's Nantucket is as real to readers as it is to her.


As much as I love Lucas, I have to say that Hector may actually be my favorite character. He is tough, challenging, and of course full of pride,  but he also has a softer side. He delights in provoking Helen which I enjoy immensely. Jason and Ariadne are also very interesting. Evey character is given a wonderful personality even if it is one you hate, although I won't spoil it by giving names. I also loved watching Lucas and Jason. They had an understanding of one another that showed a deep bond. They didn't even need to speak to know what the other was thinking. I know there are other wonderful characters that I did not mention, but that is because I don't want to create too many spoilers.


I hope I didn't give too much away and that you all go out and buy this book NOW, because it is seriously that good. Josephine Angelini's debut is one that shocks and awes me. Starcrossed is a spectacular novel and an even more spectacular debut. Well, I hope I got everything that I wanted to say into this post, but if not, you may see an update tomorrow. =)


--Raychelle