Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

UK Paperback Edition

• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books (3 Jun 2011)
• ISBN-10: 0330529730
• ISBN-13: 978-0330529730

When shy, awkward Helen Hamilton sees Lucas Delos for the first time she thinks two things: the first, that he is the most ridiculously beautiful boy she has seen in her life; the second, that she wants to kill him with her bare hands.

With an ancient curse making them loathe one another, Lucas and Helen have to keep their distance. But sometimes love is stronger than hate, and not even the gods themselves can prevent what will happen . . .

As soon as I heard about this book I wanted it way before it was released....a YA with forbidden love and ancient mythology it's the perfect type of book for me.

US Hardcover Edition

Cover: I think both the UK paperback edition and the US hardback edition are great covers and are relevant to the plot, making them even better in my eyes.

The UK cover I think shows with the lightning the tempestuous emotions of the main characters struggling with love and hate.  The same can be said of the sea and clouds in the US cover, as well as having a girl matching Helen's description dressed in a Greek way in reference to the Ancient curse.

Plot: Helen always knew she was different.  What, she didn't know was what...a freak?? No.  When the Delos family moves to Nantucket she finds out what she is because she is the same as them.  Scions.  Descendants of Greek Gods, with superhuman strength and abilities.  When she sets eyes on Lucas she throws herself at him and tries to kill him.  But when they inadvertently save each other the urge to kill is gone and the chance for the Delos family to teach Helen about what she is and to train her powers emerges, along with friendship and perhaps more with Lucas.  But what Helen doesn't know is that Lucas and her can't be together...at least without devastating effects on the world that goes back to the time of the Trojan War. And could the mother that abandoned her bring help or danger.

Characters:

Helen- Helen wants to be normal but being a Scion has some perks, like being able to win a track scholarship.  She has been afraid f her abilities for so long it's hard for her to accept what she is...but the flying makes up for it!  Once she gets past wanting to kill Lucas she falls for him but doesn't understand why they can't be together and worries either Lucas doesn't feel that way or that he leads her on.

Lucas- A good looking, strong but noble guy.  He knows that he can't be with Helen and tries to keep his distance, but he falls for her anyway.

Creon- A cousin of the Delos family.  He takes notice of Helen, she could be the key for a dark plan of his.

Writing Style: I found that Josephine Angelini had a very easy to read and follow writing style.  Once I picked it up I didn't want to put it down.  It's predominantly Helen's perspective but you briefly get to read from Lucas's and Creon's point of view.

Rating: 5/5 stars.  I loved this book!  While I was reading I didn't feel like I was re-reading another YA paranormal romance book, but rather a stand out and original book.  The forbidden romance was a real forbidden romance, not like in other books when the characters can't be together and you think 'but why not??'.  The characters were all likeable and the diverse members of the Delos family each had their own little traits.  I loved Jason and Claire- Lucas's brother and Helen's best friend, and they argue all the time but you can see they would be a perfect couple  (aww totally cute :P). Josephine Angelini really made me care about the characters, Helen and Lucas in particular and I find myself desperately hoping for a way they can be together.  I can't wait for the next book.
I would definitely recommend this for fans of YA Paranormal romance, it's definitely one of the best I have read for a while! A plus if you're a fan of Greek Mythology or looking for something other than vamps and werewolves.