Defy the Stars

Dec 04, 2012 karen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: pomes, pretty-girls-make-graves

Romeo and Juliet: Love Story or Cautionary Tale?

this is the question this book conveniently asks in the middle of the narrative, giving me the perfect jumping-off point for my review.

because this is a retelling of romeo and juliet, with meth. in verse.

thought i should get that part out of the way right off the bat. because, yes, i have bemoaned to book-in-verse format time and time and time again, because i think that usually, it doesn't really do the book any favors; it just looks like a buncha...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Magen Corrie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contempt

"I don't know if it's about love, so much, as fate. Something bigger than Romeo and Juliet, something greater than any two people, pulled them to each other, entwined their lives like...like a knot that no one could untangle. They could no more change what happened than...than stop a star from falling.-Reed"

This book was beyond what I thought it would be.
It ensnared me, held me captive from first sentence to the last page.
I had no chance to escape once I read the first word.
Defy the Stars is stu...more

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Dec 01, 2012 Sarah added it

Shelves: free-verse-is-kind-of-fun, contemporary-ya

I'm going to say this straight up: I totally missed that this is a cautionary tale about drug abuse until I was about a quarter into the book. If I had known this, I probably would not have read it, because I don't care for novels about drug abuse.

While this is a verse novel, and I love verse novels, Defy the Stars is largely more of a fractured prose-style than a more structured verse novel like, say, Love and Leftovers. I tend to prefer the later, so again, my personal preferences are a knock...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Ashley Williams rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary

“For never was a story of more woe..” Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

This was a gripping modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet. It was written in verse style and was an easy read. I liked the fact that the Stephanie inserted snips of Romeo and Juliet in the beginning of some chapters. Thus, you knew how it related to the original story.. or didn't.

The story follows Julia, a senior in high school and an accomplished pianist; and Reed, a stoner kid from the wrong side of the tracks. As with the origi...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-young-adult, read-in-2012

"...what could I have done?
Could I have changed this song, altered
this key? Or was this tragedy
already written, black notes
of music on the page,
a story in the stars? "
With it's stunning verse narrative and star-crossed lovers, Defy the Stars is a modern day Romeo and Juliet that will steal your heart.
I love books written in verse. I suppose I always have, but I didn't consciously realize that until I read Love and Leftovers late last year. So when the author asked me to review Defy the Stars,...more "...what could I have done?
Could I have changed this song, altered
this key? Or was this tragedy
already written, black notes
of music on the page,
a story in the stars? "
With it's stunning verse narrative and star-crossed lovers, Defy the Stars is a modern day Romeo and Juliet that will steal your heart.
I love books written in verse. I suppose I always have, but I didn't consciously realize that until I read Love and Leftovers late last year. So when the author asked me to review Defy the Stars, and mentioned it was written in free verse, I knew I had to read her story.

Defy the Stars was so stunning, so beautiful, that I'm at a loss here. I always take notes while reading books for review, but I couldn't bear to stop and write down my thoughts. The fact that I didn't stop tells you how deeply I was drawn into Reed and Julia's story. I didn't want to interrupt the flow of the story. The way the author staggered the lines set up such a dramatic effect. At times, a simple word, precisely placed on the page, had the effect of a bomb dropping on my heart.

Much like their inspiration, Reed and Julia are the ultimate star-crossed couple. Like Romeo and Juliet, familial ties conspire against them. Julia is a girl of privilege, content, but not quite happy. Her parents want the best for her, and are sometimes misguided in their attempts to lead Julia to what they deem best for her. But one crazy night, Julia gets to know the real Reed, not the boy who gets high, but the boy who is sensitive, kind, who loves to play guitar. He's a boy who has everything going against him: no parents, a drug dealing brother, a penchant for being numbed by drugs himself. Everything about them screams "wrong for each other". But the closer they become, they harder they fall for one another. Fate seems determined to bring the two together, altering their destinies forever.

From it's dark prologue through the stunning conclusion, Defy the Stars is a story that hit me so, so hard. I read with such an impending sense of doom, yet remained hopeful throughout. I was left sobbing, heart-broken. But ultimately, I'm happy I read Defy the Stars. Not many books can inspire such an emotional response. If you're a fan of stories written in verse, stories with characters you will love and cry for, a story that will hit you square in the heart, then I can't recommend Defy the Stars highly enough.
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Aug 22, 2012 Alexis rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, books-on-blog, ebooks, verse, retellings

I had little to no expectations going into this book. I had received a review request, and saw that the book was in verse. I'm a huge fan of verse novels, so I thought I would give this a try.

I loved it. It consumed me for two days. I couldn't stand putting it down, because I was so into the characters and plot of this novel. I play the piano, so I especially loved all the musicalness that Stephanie injected the verse with. If you don't know anything about music, I'm sure you could still enjoy...more

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Nov 06, 2012 Dani rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: based-on-a-classic, contemporary

“Love story or cautionary tale?” asks a character in Stephanie Parent’s Defy the Stars regarding Shakespeare’s doomed lovers.

Perhaps the answer isn’t as black and white as the question suggests. Life so rarely is. Why should the love story of Juliet Capulet and Romeo Montague be any different?

So perhaps then, it is both. A love that burns so intensely, so brightly, so recklessly, yet so truly and with such wild abandon that it can’t help but come to abrupt and tragic ends. A love that becomes so...more

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Nov 09, 2012 Kristina Snyder rated it 3 of 5 stars

“For never was a story of more woe..”

Defy the Stars was beautifully written. I didn't give it 3 stars due to not liking it. I just get so emotionally involved with the characters that I want them to have happy endings. I know this story was a modern-day retelling of Romeo and Juliet, but I was hoping that the story would change. At the beginning, of the story, it lets you know the ending and that someone dies. I almost didn't read it because of that. I mean what is the point if one is going to...more “For never was a story of more woe..”

Defy the Stars was beautifully written. I didn't give it 3 stars due to not liking it. I just get so emotionally involved with the characters that I want them to have happy endings. I know this story was a modern-day retelling of Romeo and Juliet, but I was hoping that the story would change. At the beginning, of the story, it lets you know the ending and that someone dies. I almost didn't read it because of that. I mean what is the point if one is going to die. I continued reading though hoping for it to change. The ending had a little change to it, but it still broke my heart. Defy the Stars is written in verse as well. This is the first book I have read in verse, and I loved it!!!

Julia loves playing the piano. She has her whole life figured out. She plans and organizes everything in advance. All that changes when Reed steps into her life. They immediately have a connection, and I got to see that connection grow through the story. The thing is Julia doesn't believe in love happening that quickly. I loved watching her sort these feelings out. She was a character that I was easy to relate to. She wanted to help Reed anyway she could,.

Reed is a stoner. He takes meth and other drugs to escape reality when it is bad. He gives up. All that changes when Julia steps in his life. He loved her from the moment he heard her play the piano and loves her more than anything in the world. His brother put him in a bad place though. When he started to get on the right track, his brother gets arrested so Reed has to take care of his brothers debt. If not he will be killed. I was so rooting for him in this book. I really wanted him to beat the odds and win.

I didn't like where this book mainly focuses on drugs. Reed did drugs nonstop, but then Julia starts doing drugs as well. I didn't like reading about the details of what it felt like to get high. I wouldn't want young adults to read that, because that would make them want to try it. That was the main issue I had with this story. Other than that, I enjoyed it!!!(less)

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Nov 07, 2012 Debbie (at) I Heart YA Books rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tours-books, favorites

Defy the Stars ripped my heart out. I thought waiting a week after reading this heart-breaking love story would let my emotions calm down enough to write a review, but I’m still crying. Stephanie Parent’s awesomeness as a talented writer can clearly be seen is this beautiful novel. Parent has just become one my favorite authors. I love Parent's verse writing. The verse definitely made Julia and Reed's love for each other a deeper, heart-felt read for me. I also loved that Parent showed the real...more Defy the Stars ripped my heart out. I thought waiting a week after reading this heart-breaking love story would let my emotions calm down enough to write a review, but I’m still crying. Stephanie Parent’s awesomeness as a talented writer can clearly be seen is this beautiful novel. Parent has just become one my favorite authors. I love Parent's verse writing. The verse definitely made Julia and Reed's love for each other a deeper, heart-felt read for me. I also loved that Parent showed the real lifestyle of today’s teens. Julia’s a heroine that I absolutely loved because she wasn't "little miss perfect". Reed’s a loser bad boy that totally stole my heart, and Perry, who this world would see as the nice, respectable teenager, is nothing but a slithery, evil snake. Perry goes on my all-time Scum Bag List. I really disliked this guy.

Julia is waiting for this last semester of her senior year to be over. She’s ready to start her new life as a pianist at Peabody College. She can’t get away from her life in the town of Fairvern, her parents, and Perry the pervert fast enough. But in Julia’s English class, the Romeo and Juliet play, and stoner bad boy name Reed changed Julia's life and heart forever.

Reed's life was already defined by the stars to be a loser. He drew the short stick in life. But when he and Julia fall in love, her love is everything to him, but it's still hard for him to believe that the stars could give him a chance at a better life. I fell in love with Reed. He’s one of those loser bad boys that really is a good person and has a good heart, he just needs that one person to love him and show him the way to believe in himself.

Perry—there are no words for him, other than to call him king of the pricks. I definitely hate this guy. He's the kind of guy that wants something just because he can't have it, and if he can't have it, he makes damn sure no one else will either. His character is one I love to hate!

Defy the Stars is a beautiful, Romeo and Juliet love story set in today time. Stephine Parent has done an amazing job of putting her own heart-felt twist of woe with Julia and Reed's love story. Defy the Stars is definitely going on my most favorite books list. I recommend Defy the Stars as a break-your-heart, must read.

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Dec 02, 2012 Pooja (On books!) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-stars, best-of-2012, ohmyeffingodsobrilliant

Review (originally posted on my blog) + Giveaway of the book: http://aandhowareyou.blogspot.in/2012...

Julia and Reed.

Modern-day versions of Romeo and Juliet.

This should be easy, you might think. Their fates are locked the minute their eyes meet and are made to read the parts of Romeo and Juliet in English class.

I felt uneasy as I started reading Defy The Stars, the opening verses setting the tempo to a relationship that was doomed from the start. Julia, after all, is well-off while Reed is from...more

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Dec 13, 2012 Shari rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-reading-challenge-2012, debut-author-challenge-2012, ebook-challenge-2012, read-for-tour, read-in-2012, reviewed, ya-verse-challenge-2012, ya-reading-challenge-2012, ya-contemporary-challenge-2012

Defy the Stars is a frustratingly beautiful and heartbreaking novel. You know you've fallen for characters when you find yourself screaming at them and expecting them to listen to you. Then feeling devastated for them when you see the outcome you predicted. Right away you know that things aren't going to be all sunshine and lollipops for Julia and Reed. I knew my heart was going to be broken, I just didn't realize how severely it would break.

Julia has everything going for her, she seems to have...more Defy the Stars is a frustratingly beautiful and heartbreaking novel. You know you've fallen for characters when you find yourself screaming at them and expecting them to listen to you. Then feeling devastated for them when you see the outcome you predicted. Right away you know that things aren't going to be all sunshine and lollipops for Julia and Reed. I knew my heart was going to be broken, I just didn't realize how severely it would break.

Julia has everything going for her, she seems to have the perfect life, but looks can be deceiving. Her life was missing something, that spark that you don't even know you need until you find it and realize that you don't ever want to be without it again. She makes stupid decisions, lies, and forgives more than any person should. Reed is sweet and pathetic all at once. One minute I adored him and the next I didn't want anything to do with him. I think there comes a point in a relationship where no matter how much it hurts you have to let go of that other person to save yourself. Reed was one of these people that needed to be let go of and it was hard to watch Julia hold onto him even as he was breaking her.

This book is written in verse but didn't always read like a verse book if that makes sense. Not a bad thing at all, I just noticed that it was different from other verse books that I have read. I definitely enjoyed Defy The Stars even though the ending left me with tears streaming down my face.

Plot: You know all along where this story is taking you but as it pulls out emotion after emotion you forget that you knew all along.
Characters: The characters are so frustrating because as the reader you can see the logic that they can't and you just want to save them from themselves. (that wouldn't make for a very good story though) They are so believably flawed.
Writing: The verse style of Defy The Stars makes it easy to read this book straight through to the end in one sitting because of how wonderfully it flows.
Ending: Completely heartbreaking
Content: This book contains drug use, and some non graphic sexual content. This is by no means a light or fluffy read.(less)

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Nov 07, 2012 Angeline rated it 4 of 5 stars

The first thing that popped into my mind was wow these words are so poetic. Dur...It's written in free verse. But, the poetic lines and rich language made the book that much better for me. The lines written were incredible and besides the line shifts and line breaks I never felt like I was reading poetry. I felt as though I was reading emotion and passion the way it's meant to be. Understood with a meaningful purpose.

The whole Romeo and Juliet aspect was taken very seriously and I loved how the...more

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Nov 05, 2012 Neysa Kristanti rated it 4 of 5 stars

[FOR MORE REVIEW, CHECK OUT : http://mnkbooklife.blogspot.com/]

"There he is, his lips against mine. There we are, our world changed forever. And then the images are propelling me up, away from the piano, though the chords roll on inside my head as I run out of the room, down the hall, through the back door, and outside, bare feet on the dew-soaked grass."
—Julia

Defy the Stars totally piques my interest with the line "Much more than just another Romeo and Juliet story". I mean, that story was alre...more [FOR MORE REVIEW, CHECK OUT : http://mnkbooklife.blogspot.com/]

"There he is, his lips against mine. There we are, our world changed forever. And then the images are propelling me up, away from the piano, though the chords roll on inside my head as I run out of the room, down the hall, through the back door, and outside, bare feet on the dew-soaked grass."
—Julia

Defy the Stars totally piques my interest with the line "Much more than just another Romeo and Juliet story". I mean, that story was already so bittersweet. But when I decided that I would read this book, I totally got what that sentence mean, which is true.

Defy the Stars introduced us to our uptight main character, Julia Cape, the daughter of the wealthy Cape family. Her world was just like a constant schedule, in that time doing this, and in this time doing that. Never would it occurred to her that she was about to take a dramatic turn. Until she met Reed.

The plot in this book was quite great in my opinion. Stephanie told the reader a lot about Julia's life so that the reader would get all the details, yet it was still interesting and not boring. I also love how Julia and Reed's relationship seemed so true, and was based by a strong connection between them, not just another He-is-oh-so-handsome-and-now-I'm-so-into-him kind of love.

The character was well-developed too, especially Julia and Reed as the main character. The thing that drew me most was how they both came from a very different world, yet they struggled with life in such a similar way. I also love Julia's strict parent, who loved fame more than their own child's happiness. It was so believable I could totally sympathize with Julia.

One thing I'm not quite fond of this book was, while the main character was great, some of the minor character, like Julia's second best friend, and the teacher, and well, some side character, was not as developed as the main one. I think it was quite okay since they didn't appeared in a lot of scene, but it gave some kind of incompleteness feeling on it.
I also thought that the ending could use some more impact. It delivered, but it didn't really went straight to my heart. But while it lacked of impact, it sure still lingered for a long time even after I've finished reading it.

Overall, if you love contemporary book, and would love to read something about life struggle, insecurities, and how sweet and heartbreaking our teenage's love is, this book is totally worth the read.(less)

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Oct 04, 2012 J. Andersen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Over the few days it took me to read Defy the Stars, the book became like a drug to me. Each moment away had me itching for more of the high. Granted I had to take breaks to do things like, *Gasp* feed my children or *sigh* shower. But if I could have avoided those things, I would have in order to get the next fix of this book.

Defy the Stars is a beautifully written, poetic interpretation of the classic Romeo and Juliet story. The flow of the writing is flawless and draws the reader into the sto...more

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Nov 08, 2012 Angela Fristoe rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-books

As I started reading Defy the Stars, I found myself completely torn. On one hand I love anything Shakespeare (yes, even the cheesy 10 Things I Hate About You), and Romeo and Juliet is one of my favorites. On the other hand is that I hate sad endings and Defy the Stars starts off letting you know this will be a sad ending, which really shouldn't be a surprise considering it's a retelling of one of the saddest love stories ever told.

So, where did that leave me? Well, I went in cautiously. I tried...more As I started reading Defy the Stars, I found myself completely torn. On one hand I love anything Shakespeare (yes, even the cheesy 10 Things I Hate About You), and Romeo and Juliet is one of my favorites. On the other hand is that I hate sad endings and Defy the Stars starts off letting you know this will be a sad ending, which really shouldn't be a surprise considering it's a retelling of one of the saddest love stories ever told.

So, where did that leave me? Well, I went in cautiously. I tried not to let myself care about Julia and Reed, to realize that I knew exactly where their story was going so that I wouldn't feel let down. And for a while it worked, I picked apart things about them I didn't like, how quickly their relationship developed, how cliche the characters were, but by the end I cried. I can't say I was a big fan of Julia. She was so easy to jump into danger again and again, I just wanted to smack her, especially since she does it simply because she likes a guy. Reed, however, felt like a much more powerful character. He has deep problems that even at the end I didn't feel were ever truly revealed. I really wanted to know more about him, and while his storyline was realistic for his character, it was also very sad. Ultimately it was Reed's character that kept me reading, and hoping that maybe this reimaging of Romeo and Juliet would have a happy ending.

I didn't quite getting the happy ending I wanted, not surprising considering Parent let's us know that right up front in the prologue. But neither did the ending go exactly the way I was expecting. While Parent stayed true to some aspects of Shakespeare's original tale, she does make it her own. Despite finding the ending sad and hopeless, there was just a touch of light at the end, something to make the reader think that maybe all hope is not lost, and that the experiences we have that seem so unsurvivable can make us stronger.

The writing style was definitely different as it is set up as verse, and while there were times I could fall into the rhythm of it, other times I would stumble over a word that didn't follow the regular soft-hard pattern of the syllables and it pulled me out of the story. After a while, though, I found myself focusing more on the characters, and simply reading the story as regular prose.

I would recommend Defy the Stars to lovers of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and anyone who loves a romance with a good cry at the end. (less)

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Oct 29, 2012 Henrietta rated it 4 of 5 stars

Because this story contains mature language and themes, including drug use, I was a little apprehensive at first. I didn’t want to prematurely judge the characters but I was afraid I would feel drown in the darker, brooding mood that overshadowed the fragile, sweet love of two teenagers.

From the blurb, it’s already hinted that Reed’s upbringing is very different from Julia’s. Even though they go to the same high school, they associate themselves with different crowds. Reed is often seen with tho...more Because this story contains mature language and themes, including drug use, I was a little apprehensive at first. I didn’t want to prematurely judge the characters but I was afraid I would feel drown in the darker, brooding mood that overshadowed the fragile, sweet love of two teenagers.

From the blurb, it’s already hinted that Reed’s upbringing is very different from Julia’s. Even though they go to the same high school, they associate themselves with different crowds. Reed is often seen with those who smoke and take drugs. Julia is usually found running to the practice room playing the piano whenever she has a spare moment. But are they really two different types of people?

I like that for the most part, Reed and Julia are trying their best to hang onto hope and sanity. What they have is fragile. The families are hostile to one another. The pressure is suffocating, making them both question about their existence, their sense of self-worthiness. I feel so sad watching them struggle with what they can hang onto, and when they feel they have nothing left to treasure, it’s just the epitome of tragic woe.

To be honest, I never like Romeo and Juliet. I never feel much of a connection with the characters and I find the family hostility pointless. Reading Defy the Stars, however, helps me see the tragic love story in new light. The male protagonist may be weak and melodramatic but he does have a sweet friendly nature that is charming and attractive. In Defy the Stars, Reed is vulnerable. He thinks lowly of himself. Making poor decisions definitely wouldn’t save him from troubles but when he is thoughtful, he is so… lovable, considerate and swoon-worthy! I can’t help but feel sad and achy for all the crap he has to endure.

What can I say about Julia? When she is rational, she organizes her routine with plans and charts. In moments when she yearns for freedom, she goes a little wild, takes risk and lets her emotions take over. I personally find the essence of the third movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata really captures the nasty ups and downs of Julia’s emotional ride. You have to read the story to see what I mean but if you’d like to hear what the third movement sounds like, check out this video and if you’d like to hear all three movements of the sonata, click here.

Even though tragedy is not my usual cup of tea, I enjoyed reading the story and felt deeply moved by the ending. Defy the Stars is gripping, touching and heartbreaking. With an ending that is powerful and emotional, I doubt I’ll forget this story any time soon.

--
This review was originally posted on my blog.

A copy of the book was provided by author for review purposes.(less)

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Aug 03, 2012 Shane rated it 5 of 5 stars

My musical interest is unlimited, and any story that has music in the mix is bound to get my attention. Defy the Stars stands on its own as one of the most exhilarating, thought-provoking, and fascinating story portraying the life of a young girl coming into her own and deciphering what it truly is she wants in life.

What's so wonderful about Stephanie's writing, other than the fact that the story's written in verse, is how instead of chapters things are taking place throughout the course of mon...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Maria rated it 5 of 5 stars

Hey, you guys! So, for the first time ever and author contacted me and asked me to review her book. I, of course, was super excited and said yes! I was even more excited to learn that it was an "edgy contemporary Romeo and Juliet retelling in verse." I love books like that (Hi, Prom and Prejudice). Stephanie Parent is an amazingly kind lady and I'm sure that her book is going to get super popular in the near future. (By the way, I will be posting the Amazon link for her book at the end of this p...more

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Dec 20, 2012 Adrienne Fray rated it 2 of 5 stars

On my first read of Romeo and Juliet, I really wasn’t the biggest fan. Chalk it up to having had a really terrible English teacher that year, or being too unfocused to ‘get it’. Whatever it was, I wasn’t a fan.

Of course, nothing is what it appears, and after the second reading I was head over heels. Regardless of how you feel about the plot alone, R&J opens up a million conversations that I find endlessly fascinating, about choice and love and fate.

Defy The Stars was a pretty exciting concep...more

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Aug 27, 2012 Janna Mashburn rated it 5 of 5 stars

These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume.

Heres much to do with that, but more with love.-Shakespeare

Julia and Reed might have graduated high school without ever speaking to each other…until, during a class discussion of Romeo and Juliet, Julia scoffs at the play’s theme of love at first sight, and Reed responds by arguing that feelings don’t always have to make sense.

"I don't know if it's about love, so much, as fate. Some...more These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume.

Heres much to do with that, but more with love.-Shakespeare

Julia and Reed might have graduated high school without ever speaking to each other…until, during a class discussion of Romeo and Juliet, Julia scoffs at the play’s theme of love at first sight, and Reed responds by arguing that feelings don’t always have to make sense.

"I don't know if it's about love, so much, as fate. Something bigger than Romeo and Juliet, something greater than any two people, pulled them to each other, entwined their lives like...like a knot that no one could untangle. They could no more change what happened than...than stop a star from falling."-Reed

Julia is a pianist studying her whole life, this is her talent, dream and passion. I could relate to Julia's character in some ways, as she was very passionate in everything she did. She loved like she played piano, full of emotion and passion, her emotions taking over. Reed was hard to relate to, he was a troubled teen who seemed to have lost his way. He came from a troubled home, he's the guitar playing, bad boy constantly fighting an internal struggle with the pressures of drugs and violience. This story feels real, the characters relatable and it does not hold back when it comes to young love and the pressures of being a teenager. These starcrossed lovers shared a passion for music, they were not willing to fight fate and they believed that true love would prevail.

This beautiful and lyrically written story is written in verse, and the chapters are a timeline of the story which I thought was brilliant. The minute I started this book, I knew I was not putting it down. This story was REAL and RAW and evoked every emotion I have ever felt about love, life, death and hope right to the surface. It reminded me of that blissful yet painful first love that is so intense, nothing can change it or take it away. Its a love you are willing to fight for, give up for, change for and sometimes die for. My heart bled for Julia and Reed and when I was finished I breathed, dreamt and ached over ths story. I still do...

"For never was a story of more woe..."

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Nov 11, 2012 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: nook, young-adult

This review can be seen here on Books and Swoons .

**I received a copy of this book from the author for a blog tour stop but it not did not influence this review in any way.**

As I first started reading, I found myself clicking with the protagonist, Julia. Julia is the good girl who always seems to do what she's told and doesn't question her parent's choices for her. The only thing she's passionate about is the piano and she spends the majority of her time either playing it or inside her own head...more This review can be seen here on Books and Swoons .

**I received a copy of this book from the author for a blog tour stop but it not did not influence this review in any way.**

As I first started reading, I found myself clicking with the protagonist, Julia. Julia is the good girl who always seems to do what she's told and doesn't question her parent's choices for her. The only thing she's passionate about is the piano and she spends the majority of her time either playing it or inside her own head. I felt some sort of a camaraderie with her and I was things to go right for her and I became her biggest cheerleader. When she meets Reed, I was so excited. Good girl meets bad boy and they fall in love is such a cliche story line, but I love it. Reed is a dark, broody and mysterious guy but he and Julia seems to have this spark that just pull them together.

Now I don't want to spoil what happens but after one night between Julian and Reed, my views of them started to change. I became really disappointed in them and while I tried to keep and open mind, I just expected more from Julia. She transform to this completely different person, she became a whiny, rebellious, crazy mood swings person after always being a smart, rational girl. I also expected a lot from Reed as well, he should have told Julia the first time and for what happens in the end? I was as angry as Julia was. He should have fought for himself and like Julia said "...but you should have tried anyways."

As these changes happened and I tried to put my grown-up wisdom aside, I realize what it was that the author was trying to do. Julia was this adult-like teenager that when she fell in love and started doing things out her norm, she changed. Julia had to trip, fall, and make mistakes so that she would learn for herself and come out stronger. The author created characters where you can see the changes they went through and that it was necessary for them to grow. So I have to give Ms. Parent her credit for creating such a wonderful tragic love story.(less)

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Aug 07, 2012 Tabitha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Books written in verse always surprise me. For some reason I think that they won’t be able to convey the same amount of emotions as a traditional novel, but I’m ALWAYS wrong. Defy the Stars is written in verse, and it continued my streak of great verse novels.

Defy the Stars is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet written in verse. I loved the way the story was told, it wasn’t a complete retelling of the original story. Just snippets, and those snippets helped to contribute to the overall theme of th...more Books written in verse always surprise me. For some reason I think that they won’t be able to convey the same amount of emotions as a traditional novel, but I’m ALWAYS wrong. Defy the Stars is written in verse, and it continued my streak of great verse novels.

Defy the Stars is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet written in verse. I loved the way the story was told, it wasn’t a complete retelling of the original story. Just snippets, and those snippets helped to contribute to the overall theme of the book. When the story begins, it’s already at the end of Julia and Reeds story. But then we get to go back four months and see how everything happened. I was definitely shocked at how some parts of the story played out.

Julia and Reed were both pretty ordinary characters. Julia is a concert pianist and is always pressured by her parents into being perfect. Then there’s Reed. He’s the classic bad boy. He does drugs, ditches class, and is a musician. Reeds character just broke my heart, so many bad things have happened to him and nothing ever worked out for him. Just thinking about it makes me want to cry. I think part of the reason why Reed and Julia started a relationship is because both of their lives were so screwed up to begin with that they were... clinging to whatever sense of normalcy that they could find.

Julia and Reed’s romance was the only the thing that bothered me about this book. Sure they had this instant attraction, but they didn’t need to fall in love so darn fast! I don’t even know if love is the right word... maybe just an insane amount of attraction? Their relationship may have bothered me, but it just worked for this story. If they had more time together I think their relationship could have grown into something fantastic.

This book is intense. At first it was kind of like “okay, this is a cute verse book”, and then about 30% into the book things started to change. It was a natural change that never seemed forced. There was some drug use, and I don’t normally say this but I wish there had been more of it. Not that I condone that kind of thing, I just wanted to see more of how it affected the characters.

Defy the Stars is a book that I really enjoyed, but I’m not going to lie and say that everyone’s going to love it. It’s one of those books that’s hit or miss, you’re either going to really like it... or not enjoy it at all. Fans of Ellen Hopkins, and Gayle Forman will most likely enjoy this book!

Check out more of my reviews atTabitha's Book Blog (less)

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Dec 06, 2012 Laurel Garver added it

I'm not a huge reader of verse novels, in part because the genre often can be both bad poetry and mediocre story telling.

On the whole Parent doesn't fall into either trap, though there are some sections I think would have been more effective as prose. When she's describing the mind of a musician, she's a riveting writer. The weakness of the verse novel genre is dialogue. It felt a bit too prosaic to be versified. And yet, the authenticity was there. It's a tricky balance.

The subject matter cert...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Rebecca Rogers rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, own, contemporary, romance, poetry

For never was a tale of more woe . . .

If you’re a fan of Romeo and Juliet retellings, then here’s your chance to pick up an awesome book. Defy the Stars is a one-way ticket to the Emotional Rollercoaster, where you can’t get off until the ride is finished. Dark and gripping, Defy the Stars is a modern-day retelling of the famous Shakespearean love story, and the characters and plotline are just as tragic.

Reed (Romeo) and Julia (Juliet) are from opposite sides of town. Both, however, love music...more For never was a tale of more woe . . .

If you’re a fan of Romeo and Juliet retellings, then here’s your chance to pick up an awesome book. Defy the Stars is a one-way ticket to the Emotional Rollercoaster, where you can’t get off until the ride is finished. Dark and gripping, Defy the Stars is a modern-day retelling of the famous Shakespearean love story, and the characters and plotline are just as tragic.

Reed (Romeo) and Julia (Juliet) are from opposite sides of town. Both, however, love music; Julia plays piano, and Reed plays guitar. Gradually, these two begin talking to one another, until one night, after one of her parents’ social dinners turns into a nightmare (thanks to Perry (a.k.a. Paris)), Julia runs into Reed and they share their first kiss. From then on, these two slowly gain each other’s trust. Julia attempts to understand Reed’s addiction, why he sells meth for his brother, etc.—and she even tries some!

But along the way, there’s trouble in paradise. Julia’s uncle is a cop, and he’s about to bust a meth lab. Could it be Reed’s house? Perry has started following Reed and Julia, showing up at the oddest places. What does he want? To top it all off, Julia’s parents have forbidden her from seeing Reed when they learn he’s a drug addict. Will they run away together?

Overall, do not expect butterflies and gumdrops and rainbows as you head into this book; it’s very, very gloomy, touching upon the main theme of drug addiction. Also, this novel is told in verse. I know that’s not everybody’s thing, but I love poetry, so I was all for it. The ending? What can I say? I was a bit teary-eyed, to be honest. There was one particular page—which only had a few words on it—that made my heart feel like someone vacuumed it out of the rear of my ribcage and left a cavernous hole inside. The only downside I saw to this book is Perry didn’t get what he deserved (and by this I mean, a good shanking or two). If you love realistic, dark fiction, especially Romeo and Juliet retellings, then I’d recommend picking this book up.

**A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review(less)

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Aug 27, 2012 Michelle (In Libris Veritas) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: poetry, young-adult, romance, new-adult, contemporary

I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Oh wow…just…wow. This put me in a predicament once I finished it. I wanted to rave about it and share it with people, but it left me utterly speechless and I had no clue how to even start. Luckily after a some deep breathing and some reflection I think I can handle it.

Defy the Stars is not something I typically read on multiple accounts, one it’s contemporary which is usually a no go because reality fiction tends to be too ‘real’ a...more I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Oh wow…just…wow. This put me in a predicament once I finished it. I wanted to rave about it and share it with people, but it left me utterly speechless and I had no clue how to even start. Luckily after a some deep breathing and some reflection I think I can handle it.

Defy the Stars is not something I typically read on multiple accounts, one it’s contemporary which is usually a no go because reality fiction tends to be too ‘real’ and two it’s written in verse. Well neither of those held me back from enjoying this at all, in fact I read it in about 7 hours (only because I had to take food breaks). This was addicting, pun slightly intended in this case. The verse is great, and though I’m sure I’m still not quite getting the whole idea behind verse novels I really enjoy how it’s set up and how it flows. I love when the words are spaced a part different and when they zig zag across the pages. It really gives the emotion a visual kind of presence in the book. The book is set up in months as opposed to traditional chapters and I think that’s fantastic, it gives you a better sense of time when it comes to the events and how Julia changes over the course of the book. The story itself is…raw and emotional, and it had my heart aching. There is just so much and it was tugging me back and forth on how I felt about it, much like Julia herself. The writing is exceptional and I can really tell that the author enjoys music because parts of this are practically lyrical in nature.

When it comes to Romeo and Juliet I usually have the rare opinion, I love it but I have never seen it has romantic. It was just tragic to me, on my bad days I see it as just too teenagers who didn’t think things out. I mention this because Julia herself mentions it in the novel, we shared the same opinion. I suppose when I read this I kind of expected the same emotions but I was so surprised to find myself hoping against all reason they would find a way to work things out and be together. Logic and reason were utterly tossed aside for Julia and Reed. Julia is a great character, she’s structured and organized and she has the world ahead of her. Music is her life and because of her passion I could practically hear the music she would play. And then there is Reed, who is so different. His life is far from ideal, he doesn’t have money and drugs are no stranger…but for some reason I really liked him. He isn’t a bad guy, though his choices are far from good…he’s redeemable. I can’t even describe how odd that feels to me, I normally would never see a person this way especially not after the crap he takes, but he truly broke my heart. Their relationship is complicated to say the least and it both lifts them up and drags them down. There were times when all I saw was how much she was enjoying her life and how happy she truly was, but then there would be a major snag and my mind would be screaming for her to get away from the situation. Julia’s heart is so open when it comes to Reed and it really puts her at risk, and I think Reed needed that in a way. He really has something to look forward to but it made him more vulnerable, and I think it just brought things down on him harder. The ending wasn’t what I was expecting and I’m glad, even though this book left me kind of shattered in a way.

I could go on and on about this book at this point, and even though I’ve taken the time to write out my thoughts I’m still saying wow. I completely recommend this one to pretty much anyone who will give verse novels and contemporary a try. It’s worth the time and the money I think.(less)

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Nov 08, 2012 Tee loves Kyle Jacobson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-must-reads, nov-2012, ya-bound-blog-tours

Defy The Stars is one of the books that is both heart wrenching and heart felt. It grabs you from the beginning and keeps you reading right till the end. This is a story about about three people who all want something but are not so sure they can get it let alone deserve it. The verse writing was only a plus with this story because it made me love the characters more. I could feel what they felt and it kept me reading and reading late into the night.

Julia is a senior and waiting for school to en...more

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Aug 26, 2012 Kristin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, ya

Julia is a straight edge kid. She's never drank, done drugs and hasn't really even kissed a guy. It all changes when she takes notice of one of the stoners, Reed. Reed is the total opposite of what her parents would call an appropriate suitor. Not only is he not from the same class but her mother is in charge of the Anti-Drug Defense for the area. But they put their differences aside and try to make a relationship work. No matter how many cards are stacked against them.

I honestly didn't know wha...more

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Dec 17, 2012 Eatonlm rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned, tina

I am a complete emotional wreck. This book wove itself around my heart. It made me breath differently, feel more. It was tragic, and beautiful in so many ways. This is one that will stay with me for a very long time.

At first the writing style threw me. Having tried to read other books in similar style I was instantly turned off. The description of the story made me hold on and pull through. I’m so glad I did. Reading this with all the stops and starts, the breaks, it makes you feel something mo...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Helen rated it 5 of 5 stars

I noticed this book during a promotion and cracked it open during the holidays. Right away, I was swept into the depths this beautiful, dark story. I stayed up late and woke early to read, devouring it in less than 24 hours.

I loved Julia's character, gifted in music and uncertain in life in so many ways. This story was about Julia's coming-of-age and reminded me about the rebellious phases that we all go through as youth. Different from her friends, she wonders if she is missing out on something...more

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Aug 28, 2012 Crystal rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, for-review

What starts out as a simple love story between two people from two different worlds, turns out to be so much more complicated and tragic that my heart still hurts.

Julia simply put is your average student just trying to survive high school and eventually go off to college where she can practice her music. She feels like no one understands her even her parents and she knows that life will be so much better when she can just be around other music people like herself. With pressure from her friends,...more

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