The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White
Isadora’s family is seriously screwed up.
Of course, as the human daughter of Egyptian gods, that pretty much comes with the territory. She’s also stuck with parents who barely notice her, and a house full of relatives who can’t be bothered to remember her name. After all, they are going to be around forever—and she’s a mere mortal.
Isadora’s sick of living a life where she’s only worthy of a passing glance, and when she has the chance to move to San Diego with her brother, she jumps on it. But Isadora’s quickly finding that a “normal” life comes with plenty of its own epic complications—and that there’s no such thing as a clean break when it comes to family. Much as she wants to leave her past behind, she can’t shake the ominous dreams that foretell destruction for her entire family. When it turns out there may be truth in her nightmares, Isadora has to decide whether she can abandon her divine heritage after all.
Publishes in US: September 10th 2013 by HarperTeen
Genre: YA Fantasy Mythology
Source: Harper Teen
Series? Yes. Sequel in 2014
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Author stalk away: site, Twitter and Facebook
Okay, I will admit, got off to a confused start because I know nothing about Greek mythology much less Egyptian and the names and implications that I probably should know a bit about the backstory threw me for a bit, but I soon figured out the important pieces. I was sent for review though, so I kept reading, and boy am I glad that I did.
Things really picked up for me once Isadora came to the US. I came to appreciate her voice even more, and I liked that she was tough, I loved her snark, and I also admired the vulnerability under it all. It is fun to see her adjusting to the culture, and always lends a light moment. I can't imagine coming here and really only cultural experience is from tv or a teen movie, lol.
And oh man, do I wish there were a picture of Ry. My imagination does a pretty good job, but I feel for the slightly antisocial, hot and secretly sweet and amazing guy. It was hard to see how Isadora held love and friendship at arm's length though because she didn't want to get hurt and was convinced that love would end and wasn't worth it.
Also, Tyler was amazing. She is also "working" at the museum and she takes Isadora under her wing. She is just this side of awkward which makes me connect with her immediately, because that could describe me.
The characters are amazing, I loved every interaction, serious to funny, and always wanted more. Isadora was unique in her culture, the way she grew up with gods and goddesses but is not one, and also that she has a passion that comes through, her interior design. I love how that was a theme throughout the book and also kept Ry in the picture even when she decides that she is attracted but doesn't want to have a relationship but doesn't want to get hurt. There is action too, and that kept things moving.
It was also a lot of fun to see the relationship between Isadora and her parents, especially her mom Isis evolve. They learn so much about each other, and that was a great plot element.
The ending was well done, and glad it tied up things pretty well. I am still really eager to get the next in the series.
My question to you, my lovely readers:
How would you feel if your family was immortal but you weren't.
