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A review by sfmclaren
Starcrossed City by Josephine Angelini
5.0
WOW!
If I could stop this review at that one word, I probably would, because it’s the first that comes to mind when I try to describe how fantastic this novel really is. In all honesty, I wasn’t too sure about reading the novel at first. I’m a bit strange when it comes to character names – if I see a character with a name I don’t like, I find it difficult to want to read a novel. However, after reading some great reviews, I decided to give Starcrossed a go – and I am so glad I did!
First things first, the protagonist’s name, Helen, no longer bothered me when I learned its relevance in the novel – and I really loved what it was that made it relevant. The whole idea of Greek mythology in a YA novel was very fresh and interesting for me, and I adored how Josephine Angelini rewrote it and adjusted it to suit her novel. Everything was explained to perfection; something which can often be lacking in other YA novels. The way everything unfolded, revelation after revelation, kept me compelled the whole way through – to the point where I read the majority of the novel in one day as I had to get to the end (although I’m slightly sad I did, as I don’t think I can wait ‘til May next year for the sequel!)
I also loved Helen’s relationship with her father and Kate. I think these relationships were very strong, and were a really nice aspect of the novel. As well as this, I enjoyed her relationship with her best friend, Claire. It was rather realistic in the fact that it was flawed, but they were always there to support one another when they each needed it most. I really enjoyed the fact that Claire stayed faithful to Helen throughout everything that happened in the novel.
Of course, you can’t talk about this novel without mentioning Helen and Lucas! I absolutely adored the strange way these characters met each other – there was no gushing about how hot he was; no instant falling in love – in fact, it was quite the opposite – but I don’t want to spoil it, so let’s just say they weren’t too fond of one another! I’ve seen a few people criticise how quickly the two characters fell for one another; however, I feel that, without saying too much, in the circumstances that their falling in love took place, it was completely justified and really quite sweet. The relationship between Helen and Lucas throughout the novel was lovely to read about, and the sexual tension was pretty unbearable to say the least!
There are so many twists and turns in this novel; some fascinating, some heart-wrenching – but each and every one of them is guaranteed to keep you hooked to this novel until the very last word. Angelini has done a fantastic job in creating a fresh, intelligent YA novel as her debut; one that will be read time and time again. I would recommend this to any fan of the Young Adult genre, and I, alongside many others, am beyond excited for the release of Dreamless!
If I could stop this review at that one word, I probably would, because it’s the first that comes to mind when I try to describe how fantastic this novel really is. In all honesty, I wasn’t too sure about reading the novel at first. I’m a bit strange when it comes to character names – if I see a character with a name I don’t like, I find it difficult to want to read a novel. However, after reading some great reviews, I decided to give Starcrossed a go – and I am so glad I did!
First things first, the protagonist’s name, Helen, no longer bothered me when I learned its relevance in the novel – and I really loved what it was that made it relevant. The whole idea of Greek mythology in a YA novel was very fresh and interesting for me, and I adored how Josephine Angelini rewrote it and adjusted it to suit her novel. Everything was explained to perfection; something which can often be lacking in other YA novels. The way everything unfolded, revelation after revelation, kept me compelled the whole way through – to the point where I read the majority of the novel in one day as I had to get to the end (although I’m slightly sad I did, as I don’t think I can wait ‘til May next year for the sequel!)
I also loved Helen’s relationship with her father and Kate. I think these relationships were very strong, and were a really nice aspect of the novel. As well as this, I enjoyed her relationship with her best friend, Claire. It was rather realistic in the fact that it was flawed, but they were always there to support one another when they each needed it most. I really enjoyed the fact that Claire stayed faithful to Helen throughout everything that happened in the novel.
Of course, you can’t talk about this novel without mentioning Helen and Lucas! I absolutely adored the strange way these characters met each other – there was no gushing about how hot he was; no instant falling in love – in fact, it was quite the opposite – but I don’t want to spoil it, so let’s just say they weren’t too fond of one another! I’ve seen a few people criticise how quickly the two characters fell for one another; however, I feel that, without saying too much, in the circumstances that their falling in love took place, it was completely justified and really quite sweet. The relationship between Helen and Lucas throughout the novel was lovely to read about, and the sexual tension was pretty unbearable to say the least!
There are so many twists and turns in this novel; some fascinating, some heart-wrenching – but each and every one of them is guaranteed to keep you hooked to this novel until the very last word. Angelini has done a fantastic job in creating a fresh, intelligent YA novel as her debut; one that will be read time and time again. I would recommend this to any fan of the Young Adult genre, and I, alongside many others, am beyond excited for the release of Dreamless!