Pages: 244
Published: December 8th
2011 by Speak
Genre: Y.A/ Historical
Format: Paperback
Acquired: My own TBR
Shelf
Date Finished: 23th
March 2013
Synopsis: Some loves are not made
to last . . . Like Romeo and Juliet, Heloise and Abelard were doomed from the
start, and their romance was destined to pass into history. Yet when
sixteen-year-old Callie Martin discovers a diary hidden within an antique book,
their story - and hers - takes on another life. For the diary leads Callie to
the brilliant and handsome August, who is just as mysterious as the secret the
diary hides. Their attraction is undeniable. As the two hunt down the truth
behind the diary - and that of Heloise and Abelard's ancient romance - their
romance becomes all-consuming. But Callie knows it can't last . . . love never
does. Will their love that burns as bright as a shooting star flame out, or
will these star-crossed lovers be able to defy history
Buzz words: Paris, History, Books about books, Antiques, Mystery and Suspense, Romance, with a little magic thrown in.
I first heard about Illuminated while
watching a video on The Story Sirens channel back in 2011. Back then I knew
little of it, but with the mention of Star-crossed lovers and hidden diaries I
was pretty determined to have the book in my collection. Fast track to 2013 and
I went into my book stressed and undecided about what to read next, when I
reached for Illuminated and started reading, I knew I had picked the right book
and I fell in love with the story from the get go.
Illuminated is a great exploration of
love in all its forms and how people can come together through the most magical
of experiences. With its fantastic pacing, easy reading and wonderfully painted
detail you will want to devour it all in one sitting, possibly under
candlelight with a wonderful hot beverage and a snuggly blanket. But you could
definitely enjoy it in any situation and at any time.
The connection between August, Callie
and A, being that both have lost their mothers in some way, that their fathers
are both not there to varies extents and that Astrolabe has lost both his
parents made this book more real to me. It is a fantastic reflection that even
through history there are some emotions and situations that do not change, but
also pose to remember that we are never alone.
I Like the evolving relationships
between Callie and the characters, from August and his dad, to her Uncles and
most importantly with her father- which is the strongest breakthrough;
relationship wise. She learns about her mother through the truth and in doing
so breaks through the barrier of communication, understanding and love.
It is a fairly clean read, although
there is are a few cute make out scenes and swoon worthy moments and If you’re
looking for a straight up one on one romance with no love triangles [unless you
count the adults] then this is for you. You might also enjoy, like I did the
added touch of whimsical mystery A - with the quotes starting at each chapter.
Overall Illuminated is a brilliant
novel. As soon as I finished it I wanted to go back to the start and experience
the story all over again. I will definitely be picking up more work my Erica,
and I cannot wait to see where this novel takes me. It was satisfying in every
way and has made me even more passionate about medieval history and the power
of the truth. Illuminated is a stand out novel.
I am giving this;
★★★★★
Shooting Stars
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