Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by erica_s
StarCrossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce
3.0
A captivating adventure story about a clever street-thief who is first sheltered by some teenage nobles in a medieval-like small city, and then neatly incorporated into their lives. Once there, she is blackmailed by a mysterious member of the family's entourage into spying on the family...which is involved in something intriguing.
It was captivating, but the gradual unfolding of Celyn's secret background made it seem more complex than it was, once revealed. I kept thinking she had a very deep, dark secret, but it was a child's secret, that kept its power over her even though she was nearly adult. It bothered me that a very likable character was abandoned too early in the book, never to reappear, although his name was too similar to the name of a person introduced later in the story, who I wished would go away, but wouldn't.
However, the worst part is that Celyn betrays the very few people who are kind to her and who she trusts, and even though she is forced to do it, she never fully confesses nor is she forgiven, but her assumption of innocence continues after she confesses a very minor act. In contrast, an unpleasant character accomplishes one betrayal, and exiles herself immediately afterward.
Perhaps discussion happens "off-screen" so I'm unsure what has been explained between characters, although they seem to have no interest in speaking to one another.
Definitely a set-up for a sequel.
It was captivating, but the gradual unfolding of Celyn's secret background made it seem more complex than it was, once revealed. I kept thinking she had a very deep, dark secret, but it was a child's secret, that kept its power over her even though she was nearly adult. It bothered me that a very likable character was abandoned too early in the book, never to reappear, although his name was too similar to the name of a person introduced later in the story, who I wished would go away, but wouldn't.
However, the worst part is that Celyn betrays the very few people who are kind to her and who she trusts, and even though she is forced to do it, she never fully confesses nor is she forgiven, but her assumption of innocence continues after she confesses a very minor act. In contrast, an unpleasant character accomplishes one betrayal, and exiles herself immediately afterward.
Perhaps discussion happens "off-screen" so I'm unsure what has been explained between characters, although they seem to have no interest in speaking to one another.
Definitely a set-up for a sequel.