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Tuesday, June 12, 2012
I loved Dreamless so much more than Starcrossed, although I was still disappointed with several aspects of it unfortunately. Still, it was an excellent read and I genuinely enjoyed it. I felt that it was an extremely well-done second installment and I was especially impressed by the character development.
THE HEROINE
HELEN
Helen grows a lot in this book. Unfortunately, it's a rather slow growth, and it takes a while to really get into it. She starts out unsure and weak, just trying to make her way, even if she kills herself. She doesn't really know at first what to do; all she knows is that she has to keep going. Later, she acs beautifully and steps into her role and really takes charge. However, she is a but too impulsive and doesn't always think before her actions, and it's clear there will be consequences.
THE LOVE INTERESTS
LUCAS
Much as I loved Lucas in Starcrossed, I really wasn't sure for the longest time how I felt about him in this book. I didn't approve of one of his initial decisions. Sure, he was misguided, but it was still his choice. I didn't like at all what he chose to do, and knew there were other ways. Such as figure out they're not actually cousins. I still have no clue why none of the characters are smart enough to figure it out. Anyway. He had a pretty great plot twist that I found really cool.
ORION
Mmm, now here's a character to love. He's beautiful, and I want one. He's such a neat character and he's so kind and sweet. He really wants to help Helen but he's more accepting and open than she is. He helps her figure out who she is and I couldn't help but tumble headfirst into love with him. He's strong and smart and does what needs to be done. He also has an air of mystery that surrounds him and I cannot wait to find out more about him!
(SOME OF) THE OTHER SECONDARY CHARACTERS
HECTOR
Hector has always been, and will always be, my absolutely most favorite character. He's so freaking hot, and besides, apparently gives amazing hugs, which I so want. In general, I just want him. I love his strength and his gentleness and the deep love he feels for his family. He's so brave, and never backs down. He's protective without being possessive. I completely adore him and would be totally satisfied if the entire book revolved around him dancing with seagulls. That's how much I love him.
ZACK
I felt really sorry for Zack in this one, and was sad to see some of his choices but glad to see others. He really struggles, blurring the line of good vs evil, and that was really interesting to see. I loved being in his head and seeing what he was thinking.
JASON
I love Jason too. I honestly don't even know why, I just do. He's awesome. And hot. And I love him for no apparent reason, but whatever.
CLAIRE
Actually, I didn't like Claire at all in this book. I'm not suing she is one, but she kind of acted like a bitch and i really didn't like that. I was really disappointed in her character and that was saddening, since I loved her so much in Starcrossed.
THE PLOT
The plot was epic, intense, and everything I could have hoped for!
Although in actuality, it started off far too slowly for my taste, and I was quite disenchanted with that. I felt like it took quite a while to get into the actual story itself. I didn't really care for that too much.
Also, this whole Helen-and-Lucas are cousins thing has got to stop before I punch someone. If you really love each other, it shouldn't matter whether you're related or not. Furthermore, they're not related, and I find it hard to believe that they're all that ridiculously dumb and none of them can figure it out.
Still, once the plot really got going, it was completely awesome. I couldn't put it down. There were so many plot twists that I could never completely guess just what was going to happen next.
I completely loved the concept and the intense action and everything that was going on, the creepiness and the mythology and the little details and everything. Perfection.
THE ROMANCE
In my dream world, Helen would ditch both Lucas and Orion and end up with Hector. Then again, if she doesn't want him, I'll take him. However, since she won't, the choices are Lucas and Orion. I'm actually not really sure what team I'm on for possibly the first time ever in my life. I have good reasons for both Lucas and Orion and negative reasons for both. The romance was so beautifully well-developed and there's such heartache. If I really had to choose, I'd probably--oh, come on, I can't choose! For the first time in my life, I don't have a team. It's so weird.
THE WRITING
Josie's writing has gotten so much better since Starcrossed! I love the gorgeous descriptions and the inner voices of the characters. Their thoughts fit them so well. Told mainly from third person POV via Helen, there's actually quite a variety of characters that take turns narrating the story, which is really cool and definitely contributes to its general awesomeness. I loved how much the writing became so real and really felt myself drawn in to the story.
THE ENDING
The ending was, in one word, perfect. There was betrayal. There was death. There was drama. There was love. There was war. There was resolution. There was everything I want to see at the end of a book and more, even better things. It was completely amazing and wrapped up the book beautifully, while leaving just enough unanswered and undone for the third book. Everything that had happened earlier in the book clicked together nicely.
WRAUP
This book was so much better than Starcrossed, and I look forward to reading Goddess immensely! I am sure that the conclusion will be explosive and almost too awesome to be real, and I am ridiculously excited. Josie is showing real promise as an author, and I can't wait to see what she brings us next!
****FINAL RATING: 3.60 STARS****
28 comments:
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- Annabelle Marie Veronica
- I'm a high school senior and ballroom dancer who spends too much time curled up with a good book. Red roses are my favorite and I love a good love story.
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Great review! I'm always curious to see if the 2nd book in a series is as good or better than the 1st and this sounds like it was better. Sorry to hear that you thought it started slow but glad that it picked up and ended with 3.6 stars! I like well developed characters and a plot that has action so this book sounds great to me! Plus, I love what you say about the ending – that it has everything a good ending should. Sounds perfect!
ReplyDeleteI am about half way through Starcrossed and I really like it so far. So I am really excited to read Dreamless. I hate when you have a hard time choosing a boy cause you like both of them so much!!! There are a few series that I have had a hard time choosing like the Convent series by Jennifer Armentrout. I really love both boys and I honestly don't know who I want the girl to end up with!!!! Also in Cassandra Clares Infernal Devices I lean towards Will most of the time but sometimes I really want her to end up with Jem!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat review :) I haven't gotten to Starcrossed yet (it's about 3 books down on my TBR list) but reading reviews like yours on Dreamless makes me want to read it now!! I am genuinely curious about Hector and if I am going to end up feeling the same way about him. What caught me the most was how well you say the ending was done. Endings for me really make the book or take it down a couple notches for me.
ReplyDelete*sigh* Sadly I haven´t read this book, but my friends say it´s really good. I always wonder about this Lucas and honestly I am dying to meet him.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I love how you take those points. I don´t have any doubt that this book is amazing!
I love your review! But now I really wish I had Dreamless in my hands. I've heard about Orion, and so far from what I've read, he sounds like a great addition to the characters. And I totally agree with you about Hector. I loved him by the end of Starcrossed, and I can't wait to find out what happens to him in this book. I'm really excited and can't wait to read this book!
ReplyDeleteI love your review! I'm currently reading it and it's lagging a bit as you said, but I'm sure it will pick up. All the great aspects that you have listed make me eager to finish this! :)
ReplyDeleteI do agree that Claire was being mean for leaving Helen alone a lot. I loved this review. I read it before I started Dreamless and it left me wondering even MORE about who Orion is. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI really can't wait for Goddess to come out, I know it's going to be AMAZING. :D The only problem is, I'm not sure what else I can read before then. Can you recommend me some good books? Thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read Starcrossed for weeks now and still haven't gotten to it. :/ I'm with you, it sounds like maybe Helen should drop Lucas and Orion and go for Hector. The ending sounds really intense. Just how I like them!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to say I should start on Starcrossed tomorrow, if all goes well. *crosses fingers*
Thanks for such a thorough review, Annabelle!
I really like this cover. I really want to read this book. I have the first book and haven't read it yet. Will probably read them both together.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Lovely review. I can't wait to read Dreamless, I'm hanging out for it. Hector and Jason are two of my fave characters as well, so I can't wait! Hannah @ The Girl in a Cafe
ReplyDeleteWow, what a wonderful review! You really get down to the nitty-gritty when talking about what you liked, and didn't like, in the book. I love it! Just from reading your reviews, I get a VERY good idea if I would like the book or not.
ReplyDeleteAnd from what you say of Dreamless, I think this is one I would enjoy. Not sure if this is a series to be read in order...as I haven't read Starcrossed yet. But they look good!!
And that cover for Dreamless is gorgeous!!!!!!
Thanks for that great review!
ReplyDeleteIt's really ood to know, that you enjoyed the second book even more than the first one, because after a bunch of disappointing sequels I'm kind of hesitant to pick up any other sequel, including Dreamless although I got it lying around here...
So, thanks again for that helpful review ;)
I haven't had a chance to read Starcrossed yet although i will. I will probably read both books together. Glad you thought the sequel was good. I also always hope that the second book of a trilogy won't let me down.
ReplyDeletethanks.
Jennifer k
Super-awesome review *_*
ReplyDeleteNow I have to find out why is Hector soo lovely and adorable and charming, and why he isn't the main male character? O_o
Great review. I'm happy that you think that Josie's writing has gotten better since Starcrossed.
ReplyDeleteFrom your review, I think that I'm going to love this book more than Starcrossed.
I have been trying to decide if I wanted to read Dreamless or not. I am so iffy about love triangles. Sometimes they are really hit or miss. This one however does not sound so bad. I will be adding it to my list! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBrittany S
Great review!! :) My friend who blogs with me really likes this series! :) We have similar taste in books so I believe I'll love it too! :)
ReplyDeleteLoved the ending, and I mean LOVED. I like Lucas with Helen, although I do really like Orion.
ReplyDeleteAnd the cousin thing? That's the only thing about the story that ticks me off. Ajax died 19 years ago, Helen is 17. HELLO! I hope we get some explanation for this, even if it's not a good one. It's just to glaring of an error to let go.
Thanks for the review. I haven't even read Starcrossed so your review makes me want to add these 2 books to my wishlist!
ReplyDeleteI entered your Dreamless giveaway under Nikki O
I really don't understand why I keep putting this series off. It sounds really good... I'm glad you mentioned that the writing does get better from the first one... I hate it when books don't improve as the series goes on :( Awesome review (and Hector sound so sweet <3)
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad you enjoyed the book! I tend to shy away from books if I see reviewers didn't enjoy the second one. The whole point of a series is for a writer's writing techniques to improve as the series progresses. If that doesn't happen, what's the point?
ReplyDeleteGreat review! Happy reading!
Great review! I agree that the writing improved some since Starcrossed. However, I wasn't as blown away by the characters this time. I hope that the next installment grabs me more. I really enjoyed this book, don't get me wrong, I just wanted to beat Lucas in the face a few times, haha.
ReplyDeleteGFC Amber Lane
I'm reading starcrossed now. So far i'm loving it! really looking forward to this one. I adore the romance! gagagaga
ReplyDeleteOoh. I loved Starcrossed and have good hopes for Dreamless. -Len D.
ReplyDeleteI have this one but I haven't read it yet. Too much books but too little time >,<
ReplyDeleteBut I looking forward for this one, thanks for the review ^^
This review...MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY.
ReplyDeleteHector is also my favorite character! There's just something about him that makes you want him over any of the other guys. But I do have to say that I am on Team Lucas. I absolutely LOVE Orion, but Lucas is just the one... haha
Great review!
haven't read this series yet...so i don't know which team i am...lucas or orion...
ReplyDeletethc 4 the review :)