Firewalker by Josephine Angelini

Firewalker by Josephine Angelini
Release Date - September 1, 2015
Publisher Website - Macmillan / Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 352 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Worlds divide, magic slays, and love lies in the second book of Josephine Angelini’s The Worldwalker Trilogy.

"You think I’m a monster, but my choices, as ruthless as they seem, are justified."

Lily is back in her own universe, and she's ready to start a new life with Rowan by her side. True, she almost died in the Pyre that fueled their escape from New Salem, and must hide her magic for the safety of everyone she cares about, but compared to fighting the Woven, the monstrous creatures inhabiting the alternate Salem, life is looking pretty good.

Unfortunately, Lillian, ruthless ruler of the 13 Cities, is not willing to let Lily go that easily. If she can’t persuade Lily to return to her world, she will force her to come back by doing away with the ones she loves.

Picking up right where Trial By Fire left off, Firewalker is another sexy, fast-paced, heartbreaking thrill ride from internationally bestselling author Josephine Angelini!

Having witches in your novel is an easy way to grab my attention. Particularly with some sort of unique hook to the premise. I immediately was interested in a series that promised a different take on the classic mythology and Trial by Fire more than delivered on that promise. In Firewalker, Josephine Angelini continues to weave a delightfully twisted take on witches and the Salem witch trials. She blends witch mythology with parallel universes to stunning impact, and thrills with this second installment of her trilogy.

In this second installment, Josephine Angelini makes you view the characters very differently than you did in the first. She widens your point of view, and makes you question what you thought you knew. Who is good and who is evil isn't quite so clear, and it embraces that sometimes people become a monster for the right reasons. The murkiness, and complexity of what is happening is my favourite part of this series. There isn't a clear answer, and like most things, it comes down to whose point of view you're seeing it from.

Lily continues to be one of my favourite characters in this series. She thinks rationally about things, and scientifically while everyone else is purely reacting on instinct. Her desire, particularly where it comes to the threats around them, to understand is incredibly intelligent. She questions things instead of blinding following. She's powerful, and that matched with her intelligence makes her formidable. There is always that tantalizing tease that she could become Lillian under the right circumstances, and this novel shows how true that statement really is.

With Lily's disappearance being the focus in the first novel, her subsequent return to home added a layer of realism to this otherwise magic ridden novel. There is an investigation, police are involved, there are consequences for a teenager going missing. This was a stark contrast to a lot of novels of this genre that gloss over the more practical realities of this actually happening. It added another layer of tension to a story already fraught with high stakes. There is a brutality to Josephine's writing. She promises nothing, and nobody is safe. This series already packs a pretty high death count, and as the stakes (and flames) grow steadily higher so do the casualties.

A series filled with steamy romance, dark magic, and the delicious tingle of possibility. Josephine Angelini has crafted a breathtaking, complex world, and even more complex characters. The second novel outshone the first, and I am breathlessly awaiting the conclusion to this incredible series.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

I received some pretty amazing books in my mailbox this week!

First up two review books that arrived this week.

Menagerie by Rachel Vincent  (goodreads)
Firewalker by Josephine Angelini (goodreads)

I am very excited to read both of these. The synopsis of Menagerie has me DYING to read it. I also really enjoyed Trial By Fire (the first book in Josephine Angelini's series).

A huge thank you to Harlequin and Raincoast Books for these!

I also purchased an ebook this week after talking with Emilie. She recommended this one and it fits with the travel inspired book kick I've been on.

Where Sea Meets Sky by Karina Halle (goodreads)

Seems like a fantastic summer read. Hoping to sneak it in soon.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Trial By Fire by Josephine Angelini

Trial By Fire by Josephine Angelini

Release Date - September 2, 2014

Publisher Website - Raincoast/Macmillan
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 384 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem—one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily's other self in this alternate universe.

What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected.

I've always loved witch stories. It's rare, however, that I find one that completely stuns me. After devouring Trial By Fire I was enthralled. A unique, tightly woven story that mixes parallel universes with some intricately planned witch mythology. It takes the Salem witch trials and delightfully twists it into something breathtaking.

Everything from the world building, to the characters, and connections between them is strongly developed. This is one of those books were each element is given equal attention and creates something smart, and incredibly readable. The setting is a tweaked reality that offers enough normalcy to be unsettling while embracing it's startling differences. The inclusions of parallel universes can be tricky, but this novel weaves them together in a way that is easy to follow.

Lily's character is another element of the story that is carefully plotted. From her last name, to the powers she has nothing is there by accident. Each little inclusions adds to the larger picture, sometimes in unexpected ways. Lily is plagued by health issues and I was afraid that she was going to be a weak character. Josephine wisely balances this 'illness' with Lily's driven, brave attitude. She may have this 'illness', but she refuses to let it define her. This allowed for her to be immediately embraced by the reader. You want her to succeed. She isn't some simpering girl who allows herself to be treated horribly. She knows her worth, and knows that she deserves to be treated kindly. It was refreshing to see a YA heroine who demanded she be treated well, and didn't immediately forgive because of a pretty face.

Lillian, at first glance, feels opposite from Lily. She's secretive, and cruel. She's right in the middle of the intricate politics that exist in this different Salem. As the story continues it becomes clear that things are not so straight forward. Lily and Lillian are perhaps not so different. Just a product of different circumstances. While we do not get the full story, we see that there is more to Lillian than it first appears. This is the central focus of the book. How alike are Lily and Lillian? Is Lily capable of being Lillian if subject to the right circumstances? Lillian deliciously tells Lily that she is her at one point in the novel, and it's shiver inducing. The tantalizing idea of how do you begin to fight when you're literally your own enemy is threaded throughout the novel in very real ways. Choices, and their consequences are going to be a prominent theme, and I cannot wait to see what choices Lily and Lillian make going forward.

Another theme is the notion of survival. How far would you go to survive and what would you do to protect others and yourself? Is the sacrifice of a few worth the survival of many? These are questions that both Lily and Lillian grapple with. It offers an insight into who Lillian is, and we've only just scratched the surface. It ties back into the grey areas these characters, and the world itself, exist within.

There are plenty of sexy, sensual moments throughout the novel. Witches have been portrayed as sensual before, but this is a case of understatedly sexy. Due to it's subtle approach it's effect is blush inducing. Less is more, and Josephine Angelini has mastered the tease of just enough when it comes to the romance, and sexiness. Plenty of the witches spells are incredibly provocative, and allows for plenty of chemistry between the characters. The romance was something I fully enjoyed because it felt logical. The love interest himself comes with some interesting baggage that creates it's own set of problems. There are lingering questions, and enough drama to keep the potential for heartbreak high, and that means I am fully invested. While some many sense a love triangle, I do not think that is what is happening, but I do enjoy the dynamic.

A steamy, well developed, intense start to a captivating series. Josephine Angelini has put her own twist on witch mythology and it burns brightly throughout these pages.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week. Short and sweet this week!

BOOKS

Trial By Fire by Josephine Angelini

The first book in the Worldwalker Trilogy has a cover! This twist on Salem, and witches sounds delightful. The synopsis will have you dying to get your hands on it, and I do love the cover.

OTHER

Heathers - The Musical 

I have tickets! Not only do I have tickets, but they are front row tickets! Kelly (from Kellyvision) and I are eagerly anticipating going to see this. It's a little surreal to have tickets already. I can't get over that we were able to secure them for a great price, and FRONT ROW!

So what are you obsessed with this week?

Goddess by Josephine Angelini

Goddess by Josephine Angelini
Release Date – May 28, 2013
Publisher Website -  Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages - 432 pages
My Rating- 4.5/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.

To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores.

In Josephine Angelini’s compelling conclusion to the masterfully woven Starcrossed trilogy, a goddess must rise above it all to change a destiny that’s been written in the stars. With worlds built just as fast as they crumble, love and war collide in an all-out battle that will leave no question unanswered and no heart untouched.

Josephine Angelini ends her twist on Greek mythology with a thrilling ending that both delivers action and romance in equal measure.

Greek mythology on a whole, but especially a fairly well known story of this mythology, provides the inspiration behind this installment of Helen's story. Each character has a specific role to play, and seeing it all fall into place rather magical.

This novel shows the planning, and forethought that went into the series. It's like Josephine set up this intricate set of dominoes, and when the time was right, let them tumble. Each thing fell into place perfectly. Every single little detail was tied in somewhere. Things you may not have realized would have a huge impact on the story end up being important.

Helen's transformation because staggeringly apparently in this novel. She's changed from the shy, timid, and unsure girl in the first novel into a strong, smart goddess. I love that she uses not only her power, but her intelligence to over come things. There are numerous scenes where it's her fast thinking that comes in handy, and it's a wonderful nod to the trickery of the gods themselves.

Orion's back story is revealed in full heartbreaking detail. It made me love his character even more. He quickly won my affection in Dreamless and I fully rooted for him to get the girl. I was satisfied by Orion's ultimate fate, and what destiny had in store for him.

Fans of Lucas will delight in knowing that the brooding, destructive boy from Dreamless is mostly gone. He's a different person, and is ready to step into the role of soldier in this war. His story, and path, take an interesting twist that I did not see coming. The impact of some of his choices is huge.

The gods appear in full force in this novel. They are everything you would expect them to be. Ruthless, and deadly, they present a true force to be reckoned with for Helen and her family/friends. This war, sadly, has causalities, and they are heartbreaking. One in particular is crushing because once you figure things out, it's obvious that it's coming..

I couldn't think of a more perfect way to end this series. It was a ending that was satisfying without having everything too nicely wrapped up. There are things left unexplored that could be a fantastic jumping point for another series if Josephine wanted to continue on, which I hope she eventually does. This is a world I would be glad to return to.

 Romance, action, and a delicious unveiling to all the secrets that have been building up since the first novel await. A stunning ending to an amazingly constructed series.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews). 

So much excitement this week! I have a bunch of fantastic things in my mailbox.

First, and the most exciting arrival is my new Kobo Aura HD. Thanks to the lovely Laura at Kobo Canada I am getting to test out the new device. I will be posting a review on it once I have had the chance to really test it out. It's sleek and a fantastic reading experience so far.

Oh, and I also love the brown colour I got!

With the Kobo I also got to pick an ebook to load into it. I chose....

Before I Go To Sleep by S.J Watson (goodreads)

I've been hearing amazing this about this, and when it was selected as the Harper Collins Fan Choice book as part of their 50 Book Pledge I knew I had to finally read it. Excited to start it.

I also borrowed....

Goddess by Josephine Angelini (goodreads)

I read this one already and LOVED it. Expect a review later, but it's a fitting end to the series.

That's it for me. Be sure to leave a link to your mailbox so I can stop by.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOKS

Glitter and Doom by Bethany Griffin

I stumbled upon this whlie looking at the Harper Collins summer catalog. A e-novella coming between Masque of the Red Death and Dance of the Red Death. Super excited to read it and find out who it's about. Does it feature someone else's point of view other than Araby?

Cover of Josephine Angelini's Goddess

These covers are rather striking, and I think I like this one the most out of all of them. I am curious to find out how Helen's story ends (and if she ends up with Orion).

Cover for Belladonna by Fiona Paul

I really enjoyed Venom and can't wait to read the follow up. This cover is just as pretty as the first in the series.

Cover for Towering by Alex Flinn

I didn't know this was even being released. I LOVE fairytale re-tellings and this one about Rapunzel sounds awesome.

TV

Once Upon A Time's Killian Jones (AKA Hook)

Yup...totally smitten. Devilish charm, a stunning accent and the guyliner. It all worked, and I hope he stays forever.

OTHER

Ontario Blogger Meet Up 

This event takes place TODAY! I am beyond excited to meet so many people that I talk to over twitter. It is going to be an amazing afternoon filled with books and book chat. I am also really looking forward to the Cassandra Clare signing right after that we are all heading to. It is going to be a incredible but busy day.

So what you are obsessed with this week?

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

Release Date –  May 29, 2012

Publisher Website –  Harper Collins

Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader

Pages -  487 pages

My Rating- 4.5/5

**obtained from the publisher for an honest review**

**********SPOILERS FOR STARCROSSED**************

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Can true love be forgotten? 

As the only Scion who can descend into the Underworld, Helen Hamilton has been given a nearly impossible task. By night she wanders through Hades, trying to stop the endless cycle of revenge that has cursed her family. By day she struggles to overcome the fatigue that is rapidly eroding her sanity. Without Lucas by her side, Helen is not sure she has the strength to go on. 

Just as Helen is pushed to her breaking point, a mysterious new Scion comes to her rescue. Funny and brave, Orion shields her from the dangers of the Underworld. But time is running out—a ruthless foe plots against them, and the Furies’ cry for blood is growing louder. 

As the ancient Greek world collides with the mortal one, Helen’s sheltered life on Nantucket descends into chaos. But the hardest task of all will be forgetting Lucas Delos. 

Josephine Angelini’s compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding as an unforgettable love triangle emerges and the eternal cycle of revenge intensifies. Eagerly awaited, this sequel to the internationally bestselling STARCROSSED delivers a gritty, action-packed love story that exceeds expectation.

Some books are just written to be enjoyed at the beach. Dreamless is a scorching read  that is perfect for those hot days of summer. The romance is steamier, the action more intense and the mythology dives deeper. 

The mythology is explored, revealed and developed in even greater details in this book. I felt like we got some insight into the Greek myths and how they are going to intertwine with Josephine’s story.  Josephine’s writing is as addictive as it was in Starcrossed. The paces her chapters well, and it makes you want to turn the pages quicker.

Helen showed how strong she is in this instalment. She suffered going into to Underworld night after night all to benefit the other Scions and prevent further pain for people she cares about. Her decisions may aggravate you, or you may want to shake her and say “LISTEN TO PEOPLE”, but you can understand her actions and motives. I like that she didn’t sit around and wait. She embraces her destiny and is determined to fulfill it, even it comes at the cost of her life. She took action and did what she felt she needed to. It was also refreshing to see her not being treated as weak or incapable by the people around her. They still wanted to protect her, and help, but it never felt patronizing. 

The addition of Orion is one that I am sure is going to cause people to react very strongly. Lucas fans, watch out! Orion is charming, sexy and will steal your heart. He’s there for Helen when she needs him most, and while their relationship is tricky for it’s own reasons, he is a good fit for her. I felt the bond between them was made by their experience together. Lucas is still very present and, while he and Helen know they can not be together, they can't stay away from each other either. This is a triangle that feels natural, and not overwhelming to the story.

Matt intrigued me in this novel. I couldn’t help but love how honourable, caring and what a fantastic friend he was. I think there is more than meets the eye to this character, and I hope to learn more about him in book three.

Dreamless is a much more intense novel than Starcrossed. The stakes seem  higher, the characters are in real danger, and real consequences come from actions. The action sequences are plentiful and make for a fast paced, quick read.

I enjoyed Dreamless even more than I enjoyed Starcrossed. Josephine Angelini gives a second novel that has everything you want from this series. Romance, action, and deeper mythology. She moves the plot along and actually has real consequences for the characters, which is rare for the second book in a series. At the end the characters are irrevocably changed and the impact is going to be felt in the third book. I am breathless waiting to see how this story will end.

In My Mailbox

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

Starting my IMM with the eGalley copies I got for review this week

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (goodreads)
Dreamless by Josephine Angelini (goodreads)

Huge thanks to Harlequin Teen, and Harper Collins for the chance to review. I am a huge fan of Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series, so I am so excited to dive into this one. Starcrossed left me wanting more, so I am excited to get to read Dreamless.

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks (goodreads)
Scarlet by A C Gaughen (goodreads)

Of Poseidon was provided for review by Raincoast Books. Huge thanks to them. I obtained Scarlet from my library. I am very excited for both of these I have heard nothing but amazing things about both. Of Poseidon especially.

Happy reading everyone.

In My Mailbox....

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

My mailbox was pretty awesome this week...ok so pretty awesome is an understatement. SO many amazing books.

These are books I was gifted or received for review

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin (goodreads)
A Million Suns by Beth Revis (goodreads)

The amazing Kristina from LadyBug Storytime got me a copy of Masque. I literally squealed when it came in the mail. It's been really high on my wish list and I can't wait to finish it (already started and LOVING it). The cover is so stunning, even in ARC form.

The amazing and lovely Christy from The Reader Bee sent me a belated Christmas gift and it was A Million Suns. I have heard nothing but amazing things about it.

Thank you so much to both Christy and Kristina. You ladies are amazing!

I helped Marissa Meyer celebrate the release of her fantastic novel Cinder. She was sweet and offered swag to people who helped her and it is awesome! Thank you so much Marissa.

Here are some books I purchased this week

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood (goodreads)
Cinder by Marissa Meyer (goodreads)
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini (goodreads)

I also have two copies of Entertainment Weekly with the cast of the Vampire Diaries on them. I have the Paul Wesley/Nina Dobrev cover as well, but my friend has it as she had to pick it up for me (none of the stores near me had it). They are even hotter than this picture shows. Scorching!!

Happy reading everyone!

Waiting on Wednesday...Dreamless

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

*SPOILERS FOR STARCROSSED! Go read that first!*


Here is the Goodreads synopsis

As the only Scion that can enter Hades at will, Helen descends to the Underworld in search of a way to overcome the Furies and end the cycle of revenge that has cursed the Scions. But she’s running out of time. Each descent weakens her both in mind and spirit. A mysterious stranger might be her only salvation, but the price may be her love for Lucas Delos.
As an unforgettable love triangle emerges, Josephine Angelini’s compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding. The eagerly awaited sequel to the internationally bestselling Starcrossed, Dreamless delivers with a huge emotional impact that will leave readers satisfied—and longing for more.

I really enjoyed Starcrossed and am looking forward to reading more about Lucas and Helen. Love triangle huh? Well, he'll have to be pretty awesome to compare to Lucas.

Expected release date - May 29 2012

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
Release Date – May 31, 2010
Publisher – HarperTeen
Pages - 496
My Rating- 9/10
ARC from HarperTeen and Net galley (thank you to both of them)


Here is the synopsis from GoodReads

How do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

This is a YA debut author and the first in a 3 book series. Josephine Angelini’s writing style is easy to get used to, descriptive and refreshing. I am floored by the amount of planning that must have went into the background and mythology of this series.

When we first meet Helen she is so fully unaware of how special she is. The girl we first met was awkward, shy, and really sweet. Her father and her have a great relationship. They take care of each other and are there for each other. The Delos family moves to Nantucket and they are immediately big news as the island is basically a small town. Helen also changes. She becomes the type of heroine I adore. Strong, capable and someone who embraces what is in her. She is no damsel in distress.

Helen’s best friend Claire may have been my favourite part of the novel. She’s tiny, spunky, feisty and hilarious. I felt myself relating to her as I am 5 fee 0 inches myself. Claire just seemed to jump off the page and really was a delight to read. I hope to see more of her in the next books.

Lucas is the perfect hero - handsome, sweet, strong and caring. His connection with his family was also very sweet. They are so close. It was hard for me at times to not think of them as being all brothers and sisters. The chemistry between him and Helen is electric. It doesn’t matter if they are wanting to kill each other, or wanting to make out the reader can feel the passion and connection between these two. I am curious to see what the consequences of some of their actions will be.

Lucas’s extended family were great as well. I really liked Hector and am looking forward to seeing the rest of his story unfold as I was quite invested in him by the end of the book. Jason was also a highlight as was Ariadne. We are introduced to a lot of characters rather quickly but Josephine gives each one a distinct personality.

I felt like we were just getting to meet the villains in this novel. I however, think that this novel was more about building the world, Helen and Lucas’s connection and Helen coming into her own. There is tons of potential for the next two books to deliver in the villain department and I can’t wait to see where the story goes.

I would recommend this if you are a fan of any YA series out there right now. The world Josephine has created, the mythology and the characters will draw you in. I am going to be counting down the days until I can get my hands on Dreamless.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My selection this Wednesday is Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini.

Here is the GoodReads synopsis

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history. As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

This is a Greek mythology based novel. It’s based on the Helen of Troy tale. The cover is simply beautiful. Very striking. The premise is what hooked me though. I love great tragic romances and the Helen of Troy/Paris romance fits that. I am looking forward to seeing what the author has done with the tale.

Expected release date is May 31st 2011 by HarperTeen.