Starcrossed (Awakening) [Paperback]

This book had me absolutely gripped from the first page.

Angelini manages to successfully create a modern day stage for a twist on old Greek Mythology and history, namely about Helena and Paris who, the gods not happy with the tragedy of Troy, want history to repeat itself. This time in the form of their modern day counterparts; Helen Hamilton and Lucas Delos.

Helen, as we come to understand and learn about first, is different, but only comes to terms with her difference to humanity with the arrival of the Delos family which Angelini has cleverly made similar to Twilights the Cullens and just as lovable and friendly. All are surprised by Helen and her actual existence, but while they contemplate what Helens presence means, and us the reader, their presence makes Helen angry to see them, for no reason that she or we can fathom. Not only that but she feels she wants to really hurt them, especially Lucas Delos. He too feels the same urge to kill and the first encounter of each other, they nearly do, but with this moment comes truth. Who Helen and the Delos family are to each other are revealed and after Lucas and Helen save each others lives, the anger and urge to kill is sated, and instead anger turns into the most beautiful love.

Lucas and Helen don't become star crossed over nothing though, the tale has a sour and sad twist. The attraction and love they feel for each other is forced to be over as quickly as it started. We are lift with the bitterness of gods, uncertainty and sadness. Clear though, that we as the reader have been privy to the truth which could set them free of a centuries old curse and a lie which is keeping them apart. In true dramatic fashion we are left to endure the sadness that this truth is not ready to be revealed yet and therefore urging us to want to read on to what will definitely be an exciting sequel.

Their love from a distance is sure to crack soon, it is clear Helen and Lucas share a powerful kind of love and it is just a matter of time...

I can not wait for the sequel, as soon as it is announced I will be pre ordering.

Cassandra220689

Review:
I know I tend to gush about books I really like but I have to tell you this one just blew me away. I want to force it into the hands of passing strangers and tell them to read it. As soon as I finished the last page I wanted to go back to the beginning and start all over again. It is one of those books that you can read over and over and never tire of. I don't usually get too attached to books (apart from my Twilight collection and Heavenly) I think that is because I get to see lovely books in the school library all day. However, this is one book that will be going in my permanent collection - what more of an accolade could I give. I want the stunning hardback because I think the cover is so much prettier.

From the beginning you know Helen is different, she is able to do things that aren't normally physically possible, she is incredibly beautiful yet tries to hide it afraid to draw attention to herself, bad things happen to her if she draws attention to herself, this is explained later in the book and was extremely clever. I felt as if I wanted to shield her from the harsh realities of High School life, my mothering instinct kicked in with full force for Helen.

I loved the relationships that Helen had with her Father and Kate, who proved a mother figure for her. They had a very close relationship but one of equal responsibility and sharing. It was heartwarming to imagine.
I can't mention relationships without mentioning Claire, Helens best and only friend, different in her own way (she's Chinese) and that sets her apart from the crowd in this small island. I adored her loyalty to Helen and her calm acceptance of the existence of Demi-Gods. Her antics and snarky comments added humor and lighten the tension. A brilliant character to visualize. The way in which the bickering was portrayed between Claire and Jason made me giggle the idea that if a boy likes you he picks arguments with you, imagery of little boys pulling girls pigtails popped into my head.

I already knew that the book was based on Greek Mythology, in particular the Iliad, so I kept trying to figure out who was who and how it related to the storyline. In the end I gave up and went with the flow of the narrative. I am so glad I did as the mythology is explained and woven into the plot with such creativity. Take my advice put all your assumptions aside to begin with and go with the flow, it will be worth it.
I don't want to go into too much detail about the Delos family, especially Lucas *swoon* as it really is such a wonderful book I want you to read it yourself and not know too much about the plot. Needless to say, the relationship between Lucas and Helen set fireworks off in my head. I didn't care about the fate of the world or any of that `minor' stuff, lol, I just wanted Lucas and Helen to get together.

The use of the Fates and the Underworld brought the Greek Mythology to vivid life. Creating a realistic world of Destiny controlled by the Gods co-existing with the modern world within my imagination.

I particularly liked how the mortal characters within the plot weren't just there for decoration. They were strong, fearless and loyal, often taking charge in the case of Lucas's Mother. Their inclusion and depth of character not only added to the realism of the story but gave characters that you could aspire to. We can't all be demi-gods but we can all have the qualities portrayed by these characters.

There are a few shocks and surprises in store, that now have me bouncing around in desperation for the next part of the story.

As I said at the beginning of this review there is no higher accolade I can give this book than by telling you the finished copy is going in my permanent collection. I loved it with a capital L.

Alongside Die For Me by Amy Plum, this has got to be one of the most anticipated YA books of the year and quite frankly I can see why. This is most definitely a page turning, sleepless night kind of book that I personally struggled to put down. The best way to describe this book is as a mythical modern day Romeo and Juliet, where everything that can be done to keep the starcrossed lovers apart is tried and tested yet fails abysmally.

Helen comes across as a rather clumsy character to begin with, but you soon realise that it is because she isn't really like any other normal human being and has yet to discover her full potential. When the Delos family arrive in her hometown, something takes over Helen and on her first encounter with Lucas Delos, she tries to kill him. I kid you not! Every time their paths cross they are both desperate with murderous intentions. It is only when their hatred turns to desire that Helen discovers she is rather different from any other normal teenager. She is a Scion, just like Lucas and the rest of his family; she is a descendant from the Greek Gods and her family has been at war with the Delos family for centuries. Lucas helps Helen to learn how to use her extraordinary powers, whilst trying to ignore his strong feelings for her which would rip his family apart.

Josephine Angelini has created a real diamond of a book. Her story is mindblowingly original and I loved every word of it. I loved the use of Greek mythology within this book and I definitely feel that it could become one of my favourite genres.

As soon as the Delos family arrive in the book, I found myself being sucked into the story. The build up to their arrival had me intrigued and curious to meet them. I didn't like Helen to begin with, I don't know why I just found her annoying. However as soon as the sparks flew between her and Lucas, she seriously went up in my estimations. The heat of the romance between Lucas and Helen had me reaching for an electric fan to cool the room temperature down. Lucas, I loved from Helen's first attempt to kill him. He is everything you want in a lead male character; gorgeous, lustful yet gentlemanly as well as having a few cool super powers nicely thrown in. I loved the furious hostility between Helen and Lucas to begin with. Their utter hate for each other really brought the story alive and then the author goes and turns this hatred on its head, to create instant lusting. Helen and Lucas are surrounded by a cast of beautifully written characters, who I wanted to get to know individually. There are other romances blossoming amongst the Delos family and their new found Nantucket friends,which I can't wait to see blossom in the next book.

The plot line was fast and furious; the whole idea behind the book was breathtaking and when I came to the end I felt like I had just experienced my first bungee jump. Josephine Angelini writes like a professional boxer fights, and doesn't stop punching you with her plot twists and turns until the very end, where she pushes you off the cliff alongside her cliff hanger ending!

All I can say to Josephine Angelini is 'Welcome to the YA paranormal genre, may your journey through it be a long and prosperous one'.