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. (From Goodreads)
I was a little worried about where book two in the Starcrossed series would go - Helen wandering around the Underworld, seemed like it could either be a little boring or hard to follow. Also, I was not happy when I heard about a second boy. I was also anxious because the end of Starcrossed left me ranting furiouly and working really hard not to throw things around my room. So, starting from that point was a little nerve wracking. Not to mention, Starcrossed was absolutely epic and I so didn't want to be let down by the second book.
I wasn't. It was just as epic (I use this word a lot when it comes to the Starcrossed series....), if not more so. Instead of solving Helen's problems from Starcrossed and making new ones arise, Josephine Angelini just made everything larger and more complicated. As much as I wanted resolution, I really appreciate this because it makes the book really feel like another installment in a story line, rather than a different adventure with the same characters. The best part was that these weren't just characters with connection to Greek mythology, but the structure of the story was shaped like a Greek epic. With all the revenge, tragedy, inappropriate relationships, and the fight against fate this story has gone beyond a modern re-telling and formed into it's own myth. In Josephine Angelini's world, I could totally see people telling the classic story of Helen and Lucas.
But to the love triangle, which was a huge concern of mine. I have to say that the new boy, Orion, totally surprised me. I was all set on disliking him, but he's kind of impossible not to like. And here is why I think he works: He's not just there to challenge Lucas or to make Helen conflicted. He's actually an important part of the story. Helen needs his help and the job that she's doing is crucial. So in the larger scheme of things, he needs to be a part of the story. And of course, Helen is supposed to be mirroring the life of Helen of Troy - and let's not forget the importance of the two different men in her life.
And if I thought Starcrossed got me all riled up, Dreamless was quite possibly even more emotional. Seeing all the deception and the unfairness of the roles these characters are forced into was difficult. Not to mention the Lucas/Helen thing was painful to read. This is one of those instances where I seriously wish I could transport myself into these pages and yell at everyone involved. I will say that if there's a flaw in this book though, there's definitely not enough Lucas. That was a bummer.
Josephine Angelini blew me away again with another novel full of amazing characters, a great story that seems to have a direct line to ancient Greece, and of course a myriad of emotions that range from devestation, to elation, from anticipation, to rage. I had reservations going into Dreamless but I don't have any concerns about the third book. I have complete faith that Angelini will deliver and the third book will solidify an - yes I'm going to say it again - epic series.
