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****
