Starscossed may possibly be one of my favourite books. Ever. It is based around a kind of modern day retelling of Ancient Greece, as well as a Romeo and Juliet-esque theme running throughout – although much more tasteful and less sad than Shakespeare's original.
The main character is Helen Hamilton, Lennie to friends, who doesn't know that she is a scion (a demigod to us mere mortals), and is rudely awakened to the fact when her life is turned upside down by the Delos family. Now, I'm sure that this sounds like your typical run of the mill boring old book where girls life is changed by the new boy in the 'hood, but really this book is so much more. With the addition of the Greek tragedy of the world, the characters are so deliciously crafted, so full of emotion and alive with passion that this book is completely unlike any other.
I've always been rather obsessed with any story containing a wee bit of Greek mythology (Percy Jackson anyone!), because it is just so interesting, and this story of Helen and Paris (named Lucas in this story who is dreamy beyond belief) really just plays on the love and feeds the fire. Throw in some stellar supporting characters (Hector was my personal favourite) who really add depth to the story then you've got one fab book.
I think that books like this are often ignored in the tempestuous world of YA because they do stray into a somewhat different category, not quite historical, not quite romance, not quite drama but they pave the way for a new kind of book, one that I will enjoy immensely.
This book was a delightful read, with a brilliant amount of Greek to add some intrigue, clever characters (who are nothing like their often tragic namesakes) and a wonderfully woven story- as well as a read on cliffhanger- then how could I put it down?
Roll on book number two.
• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
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