The Trojan War is one of my favorite stories of all time. There’s something about throwing it all away (really foolishly) for love, igniting tensions, starting an all-out war, and to have it all come crashing down around you in a rain of fire and blood, it just fascinates me. Angelini takes the Trojan War story and makes it the heart and soul of Starcrossed, but with a modern twist while weaving a new unique mythology into a classic. I was definitely drawn to the windblown Grecian style dress on the cover. But I didn’t truly grasp the importance of the ominous clouds and the rolling violent ocean in the background of the island shore until later in the story. Not much is solidly known about Helen of Troy, but when she’s imagined in books her god gifted beauty is always at the forefront and Starcrossed is no exception, I mean she is “The Face that Launched a Thousand Ships”. With such extreme beauty she tries her best to go unnoticed while hiding a host of secrets. She takes the phrase “painfully shy” to a whole new level, but when she finally finds out her true history she embraces herself a bit more and *insert training montage here* she gets pretty kick ass. I’m a bit conflicted about Helen, she’s not exactly the most intricate character ever, but I feel that she’s perfect for the role that she plays in the whole grand scheme of things. She acts as a catalyst for all these events, and an unwilling puppet. She lives her life, and in doing so the fates throw her into the path of Lucas Delos, that reignites an epic battle between ancient Greek houses and showing her a fate that is far bigger than she could have imagined. Angelini weaves incredible imagery especially with the Furies, every time I think of them it’s all very Japanese ghost horror movie with the pale cold skin, dark hair over a gaunt face with blood and bone chilling cries. The world building, which includes the usual modern small town with a highschool backdrop for the most part, but I feel like I get glimpses of a Greek theme that manage to slip their way into the buildings once in awhile. Where Angelini really excels is in landscapes, from the sweeping beaches of Nantucket to this hot and unforgiving desert in Helen’s sleep, where she walks until her feet bleed. The details in this dreamscape aren’t soon forgotten. The secondary character stand out much more for me. Most are named after a traditional Greek myth character. The family gets pretty extensive, but with such prominent names attached, it was easy to figure out who was who. What I saw with the characters is that their personalities reflected their mythical namesakes. So we see character’s like Cassandra (of Troy) who is sister to Lucas and an oracle, Hector the cousin who acts like the older brother to everyone and protects his family ferociously. The twins Ariadne and Jason (cousins to Lucas) and an aunt Pandora (naming your kid Pandora is just ominous!). Lucas, you can guess who he was supposed to be named for. He's at first a bit of a jerk, and I didn't really feel a pull to him. But after everything's explained, I could rationalize his behaviour and he gets pretty adorkable. He and Helen have a very unconventional relationship to begin with. I was really surprised that they were so viciously at each other’s throats, but it was really effective in reinforcing the mythology that pertains to their Houses. They can’t deny an intense physical attraction to one another. Since this story has been repeated throughout history it’s the most practical reasoning behind why these two are fated to be together. I mean in the original story Helen met Paris, and pretty much ran away with him (some say kidnapped) almost immediately after meeting, abandoning her husband AND daughter to be with him. It’s a Greek God ordained event, I’ll forgive my usual insta-love irritation at the fact, especially since they fit together so well afterwards, even with this whole will they or won’t they tension going on. Angelini used this book primarily to establish her world of myths, and to get Helen acquainted with her powers. I was completely swept up into the House politics. But she definitely took the reader on some twists and turns, reveals and betrayals that I didn’t see coming. I’m really looking forward to what the sequel Dreamless is going to entail, good thing it’s sitting on my desk just waiting to be read!

I found that the first 200 or 150 pages were really hard to get into. After that the book became really good. I loved the characters and the plot. It was a little confusing at time more near the end but still good. I didn't really like the ending but at the same time I would have never exspeted it. The author did a really good job of keeping the ending a secret and not droping hints like in books that you already know what's gonna happen in the end. Overall 4 and like a half stars! Really liked it! :D

I really liked this book! Although, the ending did leave me very frusterated, with how it ended and all. But overall, the book was very interesting with the greek mythology and romance. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one in the series, Dreamless!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars! For a book that's almost 500 pages in length, Starcrossed is a book I devoured in one siting! The story of Helen of Troy was one of the few Greek myths that I haven't read before, but reading this book made me want to go back and study it right away. The first thing that drew me in was the sort of insta-hate relationship between Helen and Lucas — where they literally want to kill each other — which I thought was so original! Josephine Angelini crafted a sizzling, fun, and very sweet romance with these two, and along with the fast-paced plot and cool Greek mythology, it made a compelling combination. One of my favourite things about Starcrossed had to be the secondary characters. Every single member of the Delos family had their own distinct personalities and abilities as demigods, and I was constantly grinning at the witty banter that passed between them. But as much as I adore selfless characters, the way Helen let herself get beat up and took it with a smile made me want to shake some sense into her. She was witty and fun and had some really hilarious one-liners, but the third person narrative and the way she reacted to things made it really hard to connect with her. It was also sometimes hard to tell who was thinking what because the perspectives switched constantly mid-chapter. Overall, even with those little things, Starcrossed was a blast to read and it'll have you hooked on the story from beginning to end! You should definitely give it a shot whether you like Greek mythology or not. I can't wait to see what's going to happen in the sequel! :) BUY or BORROW?: If you love a good starcrossed romance with an original take on demigods and Greek myths, then this is the perfect book to add to your collection!

-May contain minor spoilers- Being a guy I was hesitant to read this- it seemed a little girly for my taste. However, my girlfriend badgered me into it and I was pleasantly surprised! Obviously it was geared towards more of a female audience, however the action was what kept my attention! The interactions between the Delos boys vaguely reminded me of my own brother and our relationship (except we don't have super powers). Overall I think it was a pretty decent book.

I am a voracious reader and have friends who own bookstores and are always getting their hands on ARCS. When I glimpsed the cover of Starcrossed in a pile of my friends recently received ARCS, I grabbed it and ran. I have no regrets. I was captivated from the very first chapter by the character of Helen, her near hatred of Lucas and his family and the extraordinary abilities that she has been hiding all of her life. Obviously, any book with the title Starcrossed will feature lovers who are destined to be parted in someway, yet Angelini makes this age old story fresh and new,I loved the addition of the Greek Furies and their culture of blood for blood and how the complications between the two lovers is not just that their families hate each other, but that it was physically impossible for them to be together without their overriding hatred forcing them to try and kill each other. Even when that issue is resolved, another complication blocks their way. I have reread this novel 3x and have recommended it to several teachers for a fresh look on its retelling of the Iliad story. I am ravenously looking forward to seeing its next installment in 2012.

Well if the title doesn't give it away, I'm not sure what will! Starcrossed is set in Nantucket- not an overly interesting place, according to our lead heroine Helen Hamilton. However, when the Delos family moves to her small hometown, things definitely start to get exciting and a little nerve wracking; especially when usually even tempered and non-spotlight attention oriented suddenly acts out in a way that has everyone talking- and the Delos kids struggling with what her existance means for them- especially the dark haired, blue-eyed Lucas. This is when Helen's seemingly easy going life is turned upside down into a world she never even knew existed. She's thrown into a whirlwind of mythical proportions- literally- that puts herself and the people she holds close in danger which ends in a climactic ending leaving readers itching for more, the wait feeling like they've entered a place that leaves them breathless and wandering aimlessly, waiting for that void to be filled and questions to be answered. Definitely a great debut for Josephine Angelini, her writing is upfront and her explanations for certain aspects, which could potentially confuse and disinterest a reader definitely shines as she delves into this mixed world of mythology and history! I know I'm waiting on edge for the next installment in this series, definitely recommend!!

Ms. Angelini's Starcrossed is a great book not only for young adults, but also adults. I will admit, I judged this book by its cover, and it has not disappointed! Starcrossed is an absolutely amazing read on a modern twist to the trojan war. Full of deceit and betrayal, this book has not failed to peak my interest. Helen hamilton is not who she thinks she is. She has spent the better half of her 16 years in the dark with no clue that she was a demi goddess, a decendent of zeus, or that she had a murderous hatred towards the one boy she could ever love, Lucas Delos. Fate cannot keep these starcrossed lovers apart, no matter the circumstances.

Originally Posted at: http://iliveforreading.blogspot.com/2010... **This Review is based on an ARC (Advanced Readers's Copy). The final text/cover may be different.** When the word 'starcrossed' comes up, it's always been associated with 'starcrossed lovers'. Actually, it comes from here (I believe): From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life; Looks familiar anyone?? Romeo and Juliet, is probably the most famous piece in literature to include the context of 'starcrossed lovers'. But of course, with that, comes along the story of Paris and Helen. Starcrossed was an amazing blend of Mythology and Romance. It was a long read, but I got through it, and I was glad I did! I haven't read a Modern Mythology book in a LONG time (Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs being the last...) and it just brings back so many memories of learning about the gods and the Trojan War and stuff. There was some stuff I didn't know, like the story of the Iliad (although I did watch the movie Troy) but that didn't matter. This book ROCKED. I did find, however, Helen's character a bit...shifty. It's like, she had mood swings a whole bunch of times. For example, she would get mad at Claire one day, and then be crying on her shoulder the next. I would usually say 'hormones' (hey, I'm a teen too. I get it!) but it...was pretty mood-swingy. But other than that, she's a total-butt-kicking-awesome-who-rocks-socks-off heroine and if she had been different, well, the story wouldn't have been the same. It would actually not be as good. Maybe Helen of Troy had daily rages like this when her milk bath was 2% instead of 1%?? I dunno. But I would say they do have similarities. They're both pretty (that's how the guy falls for them. duh!) and yeah...don't worry yourself too much about the story of Paris and Helen if you don't know it. It'll still be a freaking amazing read :) LOVED. LUCAS. Can I say more? Feel so sorry for him though, being the person who has to smooth things over, and be the "calm" one most of the time. But still...*sigh*.... I love how Angelini adds in twists just when you think the story's going one way. It's a twisted fate for Lucas and Helen with a few losses and secrets revealed. Definitely makes your jaw-drop a couple of times. She definitely did her research with mythology! Made it so much more interesting with some different touches and interpretations to the story. The Fates were pretty creepy in this book. With all the dreams, "hallucinations", prophecies, control and power?? Just mind-blowing. The myth with the Oracle, Apollo and the Fates was one I've never heard. With this book, I've discovered a whole legion of myths which I'd never heard of, and the smallest mention of them makes them comes alive in this story. Overall, Starcrossed is another should-be-at-the-top-of-your-reading-pile book, with Greek Mythology conveyed to readers in an enjoyable and exciting way. Josephine Angelini excites and brings back legends and myths of heroes and lost love...hotter than ever! Can't wait for book 2, Dreamless :)

Mini Book Review: Ok, I am a sucker for books that have anything to do with Greek/Roman mythology. I have been fascinated since I was a little girl when my dad read me a book about Hercules, and I have not grown out of it. This was a nice fast paced story with realistic (well for gods anyway) and strong female characters and plenty of dry humour. It was one of those wonderful pages turners, that you just don't want to put down. Loved the relationship between Helen and her Dad, as well as the fabulous dialogue between Helen and her best friend Claire. I love the setting of Nantucket and the author does a nice job with making you feel like you are there. My only real complaint are that the story jumps a little (not horribly so though) and the history of the characters is a wee bit confusing. Maybe a guide to characters at the beginning would be helpful. I am looking forward to the sequel which comes out May next year. Also loved the cover, but would have liked a more original title, as I already have a book on my shelf called Starcrossed LOL. 4 Dewey's Natasha lent this to me & I did not have to review it -- I just like to share