Scan barcode
A review by annettebooksofhopeanddreams
Scions by Josephine Angelini
4.0
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!
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!