Starcrossed

Starcrossed (2011) Josephine Angelini

Helen Hamilton lives on Nantucket and feels like the biggest freak on the island. She’s tall. She lives with her Dad because her mom abandoned them when she was a baby, And she can do things that other girls her age can’t do. She tries very hard to fit in but has had mixed success.

All those attempts are for naught when a new family moves to the island, and Helen’s first reaction is to try and kill the gorgeous Lucas Delos.

I started reading this book, and kept thinking, “I don’t think this is what I want to read right now, maybe I’ll start something else,” yet I kept on reading, and at some point I realized I couldn’t but the story down.

Weirdly, this is the second YA I’ve read this year based on the idea that mythological heroes were real, and their descendents have remained hidden among us. Which is of course one of the things that drew me to the stories, since I love mythology and folklore.

And I love the idea of subtly encouraging people to read the classics.

This is a YA book, and there is certainly a recognition that teenagers have sex. There is also a huge sexual tension between Helen and Lucas, but the author managed to force them apart, which I thought was an interesting twist.

I have to say I’m enjoying this trend of mythology-based fantasy, and wouldn’t mind seeing the trend continue–as long as it remains done well.

What I don’t love is that this is the first book in a series (hopefully just a trilogy), and although it doesn’t end badly, there is a LOT left hanging at the end of the book.
Rating: 8/10

Published by Harper Collins

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