Reviews

Not so long ago, when I had lost my love for reading after having to read stuffy Dutch classics in high school, my mom was the one recommending me great YA books to read. Nowadays it's the other way round. However, she read the original Starcrossed trilogy, fell in love and told me to give it a go. I fell in love too and when I saw this fourth book I had to request it on Netgalley and I was so happy I got it! Now I hope that it will be translated to Dutch so my mom can read it too!

Angelini created one of the most original Greek Mythology inspired worlds in history. I've read a lot of retellings over the years and not one reaches this level of uniqueness. And there are only a few with as many endless possibilities for heartbreaking and tragic stories and romances. Because that's what this mythology does: it sets people up for heartbreak. And this book, just like the original trilogy, was not an exception.

I loved how this book shed some new light on the burden of having to wear the pretty face that launched countless ships into war, the war that eventually ended the old Greek society. At times it was sickening, at times it was crossing countless moral borders, but it makes incredibly much sense. On top of that it's a great way to show disgusting behavior by men, even when those men DO believe that whatever they do or say is out of love.

Since this is basically a prequel I believe it's totally possible to read it without ever having read the original trilogy. You miss a few easter eggs and of course you miss out on some dramatic irony and comments that do come and haunt characters later in life, but you will still be able to fully enjoy this heartbreaking romance. Because it does have the full package. Greek Gods, monsters, prophecies, oracles, furies, fate and a few young characters trying to break free from their destiny.

I'm incredibly excited that there's gonna be a fifth book too!

ateachersguidetoreading's review

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5.0

"Tell me your favourite colour, Daphne, and I'll paint the sky with it..."
*
I literally screamed when I heard about this book! I couldn't believe that over a decade from discovering the Starcrossed series I was getting to return to that world! I mean, Josephine Angelini and this series are the reason I wanted to be a book blogger in the first place - I feel like I've come full circle.

I adored the Starcrossed series and Lucas and Helen's story as an older teen(don't get me started about how excited I am for their new story). I was drawn in my the Greek mythology - something that wasn't common in YA books at the time, well the ones in my library anyway. I remember thinking at the time I'd love to know more about Ajax and Daphne, Helen's Mum.

Scions delivered on that, giving their prequel story set in the 90s (don't ask me why but it just gave Buffy the Vampire Slayer 90s vibes reading it). It allowed me to understand Daphne so much more and connect her actions. It was great seeing familiar characters pop up and oh my gosh did I swoon for Ajax! Teen me already had a thing for older Ajax so it was inevitable!

I highly recommend reading it alongside the original trilogy but it can be read and understood as a stand alone too.

Scions is top tier enemies to lovers filled to the brim with Greek mythology, a kickass female lead and irresistible starcrossed lovers...

Thank you to Sungrazer Publishing and Josephine Angelini for the chance to read an ARC of Scions.

leaaaaaa02's review

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

josbooks's review

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2.0

Look I adore the original series. It’s one of those series I read when I was young and despite it being dated now, I still have a lot of love for it. I was hoping after 11 years the writing would improve but no. This feels like it was written back in 2011 and oh lord the plot holes that it creates are astounding.

I find myself trying to explain away and make excuses but there’s just so many plot holes that it’s obvious Angelini doesn’t remember the specifics of the original trilogy.

It also wasn’t even fun to read. I had to push myself to get through it. I feel like there were things that I did like but overall I would’ve been okay never reading this.