“There is a reason, after all, that the great poets have always chosen to compare love to death.”
— Helen muses on the powerful and often destructive nature of love, particularly her own forbidden feelings.
Archivist's Choice
Starcrossed
Josephine Angelini (2011)
Genre
Fantasy / Historical Fiction / Mystery / Young Adult
Reading Time
900 min
Key Themes
See below
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On Nantucket, an ordinary girl learns she is a demigod, caught in a cursed romance with a descendant of Troy, and must defy the Fates to avoid reliving an ancient Greek tragedy.
Synopsis
Helen Hamilton, a typical sixteen-year-old on Nantucket, experiences troubling visions and nightmares. These grow worse with the arrival of the mysterious Delos family, especially Lucas, who immediately attracts her. Helen soon learns she descends from Helen of Troy, and Lucas from Paris. They are demigods, part of a cursed line meant to repeat a tragic cycle of love and war, controlled by the Fates. As Helen's powers awaken, she enters a world of Greek mythology, finding she can draw emotions from others. She and Lucas are drawn together, but their love is forbidden and cursed to bring destruction, like the Trojan War. They must navigate a dangerous world of gods, Furies, and prophecies, training to control their powers while trying to defy the Fates and break their families' ancient cycle of violence. Their quest leads them to confront powerful beings, uncover family secrets, and make difficult choices to forge a new destiny.
Reading time
900 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Romantic, Mythic, Mysterious, Angsty
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy modern retellings of Greek myths with a strong romantic element, forbidden love, and a focus on defying destiny.
✗ Skip this if...
You dislike love triangles, 'chosen one' tropes, or stories where characters are constantly fighting against an inescapable fate.
Plot Summary
Unsettling Visions on Nantucket
Sixteen-year-old Helen Hamilton lives a normal life on Nantucket Island with her adoptive parents, Jerry and Kate. However, her world is increasingly troubled by strange experiences. She has vivid nightmares of a desert journey, waking up thirsty with sand in her bed. During the day, she sees three weeping women, whose tears appear as blood. These visions grow, especially at school, making it hard for Helen to focus. Her best friend, Claire, sees Helen's distress but thinks it's stress or an overactive imagination.
The Arrival of the Delos Family
The Delos family arrives on Nantucket. They quickly become the talk of the island due to their wealth, beauty, and secretive nature. Helen first meets Lucas Delos at school. The moment their eyes meet, she feels an intense connection, along with fear and a sense of coming trouble. The Delos siblings — Lucas, Hector, and Jason — are attractive and move with an unusual grace. Helen feels drawn to Lucas despite a strong, instinctual urge to stay away, a feeling that gets stronger with each meeting.
A Violent Encounter and Unveiled Truths
Helen's life becomes dangerous when three monstrous creatures attack her in the school library. During the fight, she finds she has incredible strength, allowing her to fight back with surprising force. Lucas Delos intervenes, saving her. Afterward, he tells her the truth: Helen is a descendant of Helen of Troy, a demigod, and the creatures are Furies, sent to punish her. Lucas explains that his family also descends from Greek gods, specifically the House of Atreus, destined to repeat the tragic cycle of the Trojan War with Helen's family, the House of Troy.
Training and Forbidden Attraction
Lucas and his family begin to train Helen, helping her understand and control her new powers. These include enhanced strength, speed, and a unique ability to influence emotions. They explain the world of the Scions — mortals descended from gods — and the ongoing feud between the Houses of Troy and Atreus. Despite being destined enemies, Helen and Lucas feel increasingly drawn to each other. Their attraction is powerful, defying the historical animosity and the Fates that dictate their tragic love story. This forbidden romance becomes a main conflict for Helen.
The Fates and the Cycle of Violence
Helen learns that the Fates, three ancient and powerful beings, cause the curse that makes the descendants of Troy and Atreus relive the Trojan War. They manipulate events and emotions, ensuring Helen and Lucas are drawn together only to be torn apart, leading to widespread death and destruction. Helen discovers she is a pawn in their cruel game, forced to embody Helen of Troy and endure a tragic destiny. This revelation fills her with a desperate need to break free from the cycle, even if it means defying fate itself.
Confronting the Furies and the Underworld
To understand their situation better and possibly find a way to break the curse, Helen and Lucas go on a dangerous journey into the Underworld. They face mythological creatures and overcome obstacles, showing their growing powers and their reliance on each other. This journey strengthens their bond but also highlights the immense power of the forces they face. They learn more about the Fates' plans and the curse's true extent, realizing that understanding is not enough; they need a way to fight back.
The Oracle's Prophecy and a Glimmer of Hope
Helen seeks an Oracle, a Scion with prophecy, hoping to escape her predetermined fate. The Oracle gives a cryptic prophecy, hinting that while their destiny is set, there might be a loophole or a way to change the outcome if they act with true love and sacrifice. The prophecy is vague but offers a sliver of hope, suggesting the Fates' power might not be absolute. This gives Helen and Lucas new determination, but also shows the immense challenge ahead, as interpreting and fulfilling the prophecy will be difficult.
Family Secrets and Betrayal
As Helen looks into her past, she uncovers surprising truths about her adoptive parents, Jerry and Kate. She learns they are not who she thought and that Nantucket itself holds ancient secrets connected to the Scions. It's revealed that her parents were part of a larger network trying to protect her, but they kept much from her. This revelation causes Helen deep betrayal and confusion, making her question everything she thought she knew about her life and identity, further isolating her even as she gains allies.
The Impending War and Difficult Choices
The ancient feud between the Houses of Troy and Atreus grows, threatening to start a full war on Nantucket. Helen and Lucas are caught in the middle, their forbidden love sparking much of the tension. They must make difficult choices, weighing their love against their families' safety and potential destruction. The stakes rise as other Scions, both allies and enemies, arrive on the island, preparing for a confrontation that seems unavoidable, pushing Helen and Lucas to their limits.
A Desperate Plan to Defy Fate
Determined to break the cycle of tragedy, Helen and Lucas create a dangerous plan to defy the Fates. This plan involves a deep sacrifice and a direct confrontation with the ancient powers that control their destiny. They gather their allies, including Hector and Jason, and prepare for a final showdown. The plan is risky, and success is not guaranteed, but both Helen and Lucas are resolved to risk everything for a chance at a future together, free from the Fates' grip, even if it means facing death.
The Confrontation with the Fates
The climax shows Helen and Lucas directly confronting the Fates. This is not a physical battle, but a struggle of wills and a test of their love against the Fates' ancient power to weave destiny. They must prove their love is strong enough to resist the predetermined tragic outcome and break the curse that has plagued their families for millennia. The confrontation is intense, pushing both Helen and Lucas to their limits, demanding sacrifices and choices that will decide not only their future but the future of all Scions.
A New Beginning, or a Respite?
After the confrontation, Helen and Lucas achieve a fragile victory, seemingly breaking free from the Fates' immediate control. They find a moment of peace, a chance to forge their own path. However, the ending leaves uncertainty. While they have defied destiny for now, the Fates are ancient and powerful, and the true, long-term consequences of their actions remain to be seen. They have won a battle, but the war against fate may not be over, leaving the reader with hope mixed with lingering tension for their future.
Principal Figures
Helen Hamilton
The Protagonist
Helen transforms from a confused, ordinary girl into a powerful, determined demigod who actively fights against her destiny, embracing her strength and making profound sacrifices for love and freedom.
Lucas Delos
The Love Interest / Deuteragonist
Lucas evolves from a resigned participant in his family's curse to a determined rebel, willing to fight against destiny alongside Helen for their love.
Hector Delos
The Supporting
Hector moves from suspicion and animosity towards Helen to becoming a loyal and protective ally, recognizing the need to break the ancient curse.
Jason Delos
The Supporting
Jason remains a supportive and diplomatic figure, using his intellect and charm to aid Helen and Lucas in their defiance of fate.
Claire
The Supporting
Claire remains a constant, supportive presence for Helen, adapting to the extraordinary circumstances as much as a human can.
The Fates (Clotho, Lachesis, Atropos)
The Antagonists
The Fates remain largely unchanging, representing the unyielding force of destiny that Helen and Lucas must overcome.
Jerry Hamilton
The Supporting
Jerry transitions from a seemingly ordinary father to a revealed protector, demonstrating his deep, if secretive, commitment to Helen's safety.
Kate Hamilton
The Supporting
Kate's arc mirrors Jerry's, revealing her hidden role as a protector and her unwavering love for Helen.
Themes & Insights
Destiny vs. Free Will
The main theme asks if individuals can defy fate. Helen and Lucas constantly fight the Fates, who have woven a tragic destiny for them, forcing them to relive the Trojan War. Their forbidden love directly challenges this ancient curse. Scenes where they try to find loopholes in prophecies or make choices against what their ancestors would do (like Helen refusing to leave Lucas, or Lucas refusing to kill Helen) show their struggle for free will over destiny.
““We are not our ancestors. We don’t have to repeat their mistakes.””
Forbidden Love
The powerful, undeniable attraction between Helen and Lucas forms the emotional heart of the story. They are destined enemies, their families locked in an ancient feud, yet they fall deeply in love. This forbidden romance is a direct result of the Fates' curse, designed to create tragedy. Their love becomes a symbol of hope and defiance against predetermined violence. Every stolen moment, every act of protection they offer each other, emphasizes the intensity and danger of their connection, making their love a catalyst for challenging destiny itself.
““Our love is a mistake, a glorious, terrible mistake, but I don’t care.””
Identity and Heritage
Helen's journey is about discovering who she is. Raised as an ordinary girl, she must accept her heritage as a demigod, a descendant of Helen of Troy. This involves understanding her powers, her lineage, and its historical burden. The revelation of her adoptive parents' secrets and her true origins forces her to rethink her entire identity. This theme is explored as she learns to embrace her abilities and her place in the Scion world, not just as a recreation of her ancestor, but as her own person.
““I am not Helen of Troy. I am Helen Hamilton.””
The Weight of History and Legacy
The novel explores how the past, specifically ancient Greek myths and the Trojan War, directly affects the present. The characters are living out a historical curse, forced to repeat their ancestors' actions and conflicts. The Houses of Troy and Atreus are bound by a legacy of violence and tragedy. This theme highlights the difficulty of escaping inherited burdens and the power of historical narratives to shape individual lives. The characters' knowledge of their ancestors' fates constantly hangs over them, influencing their decisions and fears.
““History is a wheel, and it always turns the same way.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Curse of the Fates
A predetermined, recurring tragic cycle imposed by the Fates.
This is the overarching plot device that drives the entire narrative. The Fates have cursed the descendants of the Houses of Troy and Atreus to endlessly repeat the tragic events of the Trojan War. This curse manifests as an irresistible attraction between a Helen (of Troy's line) and a member of the Atreus line, leading to conflict, betrayal, and widespread death. It forces the characters into roles they don't want, creating the central conflict of destiny versus free will. Breaking this curse is the ultimate goal for Helen and Lucas.
Demigod Powers
Superhuman abilities inherited from divine ancestors.
Helen and the Delos family possess various demigod powers, such as enhanced strength, speed, agility, and unique abilities like Helen's emotional manipulation. These powers are crucial for survival in their dangerous world, allowing them to fight mythical creatures (Furies) and engage in combat with other Scions. They also serve as a constant reminder of their non-human heritage and the extraordinary stakes involved in their lives. Learning to control these powers is a significant part of Helen's character development and essential for her defiance of fate.
Visions and Hallucinations
Precognitive or ancestral memories experienced by Helen.
Helen experiences vivid nightmares of a desert journey and waking hallucinations of three weeping women. These are not random occurrences but rather manifestations of her ancestral memories and the Fates' influence. They serve as early clues to her true identity and the impending danger, foreshadowing the larger mythological conflict. These visions also create a sense of unease and mystery, drawing the reader into Helen's confused state before the full truth of her heritage is revealed.
The Underworld Journey
A literal descent into the Greek mythological realm of the dead.
Helen and Lucas's journey into the Underworld serves as a rite of passage and a crucial information-gathering mission. It deepens their bond, tests their powers, and provides them with vital knowledge about the Fates and the nature of their curse. This device grounds the fantasy elements in classical mythology and raises the stakes, showing the extreme measures the characters are willing to take to alter their destiny. It also introduces them to powerful mythological beings and locations, expanding the world-building.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Every fate is chosen, not given. It is your choice to be a hero or a villain.”
— Hector offers Helen a different perspective on destiny and free will.
“We are not our parents, Helen. We are ourselves. We make our own choices.”
— Lucas tries to convince Helen that they can break the cycle of their families' ancient feud.
“The gods are not kind. They are powerful. And they are bored.”
— A character reflects on the capricious and often cruel nature of the Olympian gods.
“Sometimes, the only way to save someone is to let them go.”
— Helen grapples with the difficult decisions required to protect those she loves.
“There are some things you can’t outrun, no matter how fast you are.”
— Helen recognizes the inescapable nature of her destiny and the ancient curse.
“Being a hero isn't about being strong. It's about being willing to do what's right, even when it's hard.”
— Helen learns what true heroism entails beyond physical strength.
“The past is a stubborn thing. It doesn't want to be forgotten.”
— The characters are constantly reminded of the ancient history and its influence on their present.
“Every beautiful thing has a darkness inside it.”
— Helen observes the dual nature of beauty and danger in the world around her.
“Fear can make you do terrible things, but it can also make you incredibly brave.”
— Helen reflects on the complex role of fear in her actions and choices.
“Some secrets are meant to stay buried, no matter how much you want to unearth them.”
— Helen faces the consequences of digging into her family's hidden past.
“You can't change who you are, but you can change what you do.”
— Another perspective on the interplay between inherent nature and personal agency.
“Sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones you fight within yourself.”
— Helen struggles with her own desires, fears, and the internal conflict of her destiny.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Helen's central conflict stems from her inexplicable physical and psychological manifestations, such as waking up with desert dust in her sheets and experiencing vivid hallucinations of three weeping women. These occurrences set her apart on Nantucket and hint at a deeper, supernatural reality she's only beginning to grasp, foreshadowing her demigod heritage.
About the author
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