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Dreamless

(Starcrossed #2)

Josephine Angelini (Goodreads Author)

4.18 · Rating details · 41,583 ratings · 2,438 reviews

Can true love be FORGOTTEN?

As the only Scion who can descend into the Underworld, Helen Hamilton has been given a nearly impossible task. By night she wanders through Hades, trying to stop the endless cycle of revenge that has cursed her family. By day she struggles to overcome the fatigue that is rapidly eroding her sanity. Without Lucas by her side, Helen is not sure she ...more

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Hardcover, 487 pages

Published May 29th 2012 by HarperTeen

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· 41,583 ratings · 2,438 reviews

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Oct 16, 2011 Patti rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Simple Mathematics People: Helen is 17 years old…Ajax died 19 years ago…HOW CAN HE BE HER FATHER? They can't even subtract 17 from 19? This better get resolved early in the book.
UPDATE: GORGEOUS COVER

Oh no…a love triangle. Didn't see that coming -.- Angelini, please do it tastefully!

So this is a link to an email from Angelini that actually does clear up this date discrepancy. Thank you to Angela who emailed the author!
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/9...

After reading:
I can't. Form. Comple ...more

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Aug 23, 2010 Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten) marked it as to-read

Shelves: i-own-but-havent-read-yet, i-own, arc-s, pan-macmillan-sent, publisher-sent

The way the first book ended makes me wanna cry. Poor Helen and Lucas. I want them to be together!

I NEED this book! Soon. Like now!! Or yesterday, whichever is best!

may 29

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Jun 19, 2011 Annabelle rated it really liked it

Shelves: love-triangles, romance, fantasy, favorites, books-that-made-me-cry, gorgeous-cover, signed-by-author, magic, mythology, cliffhangers

****FINAL RATING: 3.60 STARS****

CATCHALL
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 o ...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Michelle marked it as to-read

Now that I've read Starcrossed I'm really excited about this. Hopefully Helen and Lucas will be told that they are not cousins(and why has nobody else figured it out? I could have sworn like 3 people told her that Ajax died 19 years ago and there was the picture of Jerry kissing Daphne's pregnant stomach!) ...more

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May 14, 2013 "That's All" Ash rated it really liked it

Shelves: couldn-t-put-it-down, heartbreaking, omg, will-definitely-be-continuing-this, best-heroines, i-heart, too-damn-good, intense, insert-curse-word-here, sexy

Hold on a sec while I pick my jaw up off the floor…

WOW!

I’m suffering from one GARGANTUAN (love that word) book hangover. Seriously, I’m a mess. You can’t see me right now, but my hair is doing that I’ve-never-heard-of-a-brush thing, and my clothes are direly craving the ironing board (that I never use), and my emotions are off somewhere crying in a corner begging for a shot or bottle of Tequila.

And the buttprint on my very comfy couch is getting larger. I’d like to think that the largeness ...more

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Jun 27, 2011 Cait marked it as to-read

Shelves: unsure-about-plot, please-no-more--incest

As an unforgettable love triangle emerges...

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A........ a love triangle?!?!?!?

After spending about three weeks researching for an hour-long presentation about Helen and Paris and knowing how their relationship truly was (which I will be editing on my Starcrossed review very soon), I hate this book even more, and she had to add a love triangle into this already jumbled up, mixed up mess?!

[image error]

Nononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononnononnonnononono ...more

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Jun 06, 2013 Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies rated it it was ok

"'Please,' she sobbed quietly. 'Just kill me now.'"

Oh, Helen, my dear. I would if I could, if only so this book could end sooner and I didn't have to suffer through a month of reading it.

The main thing I can recall about reading this book is that it was so incredibly boring. It took me so long reading it, trudging through it by bits and pieces at a time because it was so completely, utterly unabsorbing. I'm always amazed at how a plot-driven book can be so dull, but this book proves that it can ...more

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Dec 19, 2010 hayden rated it really liked it

Shelves: own-it, arc, own-arc-want-finished, hurry-up-and-get-published

Google, define "sophomore slump" for me, please.

"A sophomore slump or sophomore jinx refers to an instance in which a second, or sophomore, effort fails to live up to the standards of the first effort."

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the antithesis of a sophomore slump. Angelini steps up the action and the passion and the sizzling tension in DREAMLESS; in fact, breathing isn't an option. You'll be holding the air in your lungs and turning pages faster than you can believe.
Helen Hamilton just can't ...more

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Jul 01, 2011 Sarah Dieng rated it it was amazing

I am looking forward to reading this one after loving the first one. You find out near the end of the first that Daphne lied about Helen being Ajax's daughter so her and Lucas are not cousins. I just hope they found out soon that they can be together. Can't wait for this one! Great job Josephine! ...more

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May 09, 2012 Lucia rated it did not like it

Shelves: paranormal, ya, 1-2-stars-read

Everything I liked in first book was not present in this instalment. Moreover, author introduced new character and created love triangle. A big no-no for me!

My Lucas, Helen and Orion:

This book is excellent example of how to ruin series which had plenty of potential. So what would I recommend not to do?

*Change heroine from lovable girl into whinning self-pittying girl.

*Take away banters and interactions between hero and heroine which were the most interesting part of book #1 and which made this s ...more

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Aug 28, 2018 Lara rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy, greek-mythology

3,5 stars

“It's not our talents that make us safe or dangerous, it's our choices.”

I have so many things to say about this book since my opinion about the whole series changed from negative-ish to positive. I have no idea how to rate this book, no more than 4 stars for sure, but 3 stars seems too low since Dreamless was better than Starcrossed in so many aspects.

Plot picks up where Starcossed left it. Helen keeps descending to Uderworld in order to stop the furies while rest of the Delos family tr 3,5 stars

“It's not our talents that make us safe or dangerous, it's our choices.”

I have so many things to say about this book since my opinion about the whole series changed from negative-ish to positive. I have no idea how to rate this book, no more than 4 stars for sure, but 3 stars seems too low since Dreamless was better than Starcrossed in so many aspects.

Plot picks up where Starcossed left it. Helen keeps descending to Uderworld in order to stop the furies while rest of the Delos family try to help her as best as they can. She can’t get in contact with her mysterious mother Daphne who pops in her life only when she has something important to add, but at least she helps her by sending Orion- double Heir with artifact that enables him to descend with Helen. Her best friends Claire and Matt start getting involved with Scions and Helen’s dangerous life and protecting them becomes harder every day. Since descending prevents her to sleep, Helen becomes more exhausted every day her relationship with Lucas is going to hell and on top of everything, major part of the House Thebes wants her dead.

Although I didn’t like world building and abilities demigods inherit trough the first book, I started to ignore the fact that there was not specific way of inheriting certain powers and rather enjoyed connections with Greek gods and their abilities. Parallels with Greek mythology were explained and deepened and many things made more sense. For example, Helen’s descending was much clearer and easier to grasp and imagine. Everything about Houses, Outcasts and Rogues was thoroughly explained, rather than just stating prophecies and confusing facts or concepts that have been briefly mentioned in conversation.

This is probably just me, but I could sense obvious improvement in writing style. It felt like narrative was flowing more naturally and dialogues stopped being forced in some kind of weird slang.

Even though I am used to second book in trilogy being the most non-dynamic, this wasn’t the case. Plot was way more intense and dynamic than the first book and there was always something happening. It had just the right amount of twists, descriptions and endangering characters to entertain the reader. After half of the book I couldn’t stop reading and the ending was intense and unpredictable with much tension and opening for an amazing finish in last book of the trilogy. (view spoiler) ...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Ina rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, power, desire, mythology

Wow....... Got to say, before, I thought this was gonna be... "Ehh..." Because of the mention of "Love Triangles" But, when I got a hold of that ARC, Wow... IT WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Josie cleared up a lot of messes we were talking about. such as, the cousins part, and added a very cute new character ;D
LOVED IT!!!
I stayed up all night reading it! Definite must read!!!

My review before I read this:
"A... Love.. Triangle... WTF... I now completely DETEST love triangles.. I mean, it is good ...more

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Sep 04, 2013 Cora Tea Party Princess rated it did not like it

The start of this book was actually OK, for the first 10 pages or so and then it went down hill. So... Let's try something different here...

***

Hi, my name's Helen. I am the absolutely STUNNING AND PERFECT LOOKING protagonist of this book. In fact, I'm the most freaking beautiful girl in the world. No joke. The face that launched a thousand ships and all that. Doesn't matter that beauty is subject to the eyes of the beholder and different cultures have different definitions of beautiful.

Last book The start of this book was actually OK, for the first 10 pages or so and then it went down hill. So... Let's try something different here...

***

Hi, my name's Helen. I am the absolutely STUNNING AND PERFECT LOOKING protagonist of this book. In fact, I'm the most freaking beautiful girl in the world. No joke. The face that launched a thousand ships and all that. Doesn't matter that beauty is subject to the eyes of the beholder and different cultures have different definitions of beautiful.

Last book, I fell in LURVE with Lucas but then was told that he's my cousin but I still want to get it on with him. Like, really badly. My lips pucker at the sight of him and everything.

Oh, but look! Someone new! Hi there, Orion, I think I fancy you now. Mmmhhmmm.

Everyone keeps telling me that I'm so skinny I look like I should be sectioned. It's not my fault I go down to the underworld every night and walk for days and days and end up getting hurt and this all means that my body needs more energy. And it's SO not my fault that I'd rather dick around flying in the sky than have my dinner after having only some pancakes for breakfast and a sandwich after school. It's not my fault I'm skinny and I wish everyone would get off my back about eating even though I don't eat.

Oh, and I'm falling behind in my school work because I literally don't sleep and I rarely eat. And I don't have time to do my homework cause I'd rather be pissing around flying. But don't worry, I'm not bottom of the class or anything. I'm Mary Sue. I mean, I'm Helen. How could I be bottom of the class?

Oh, did I mention that I'm also immensely powerful? But I don't know it. Or course. I mean, if I knew I was so powerful and actually used the power, I'd be a slightly more complex character rather than a bland-as-paint-drying-Mary-Sue.

***

Yeah, I didn't like this book. I mean, I quite liked Helen's torture at the beginning. That was interesting. But I definitely did not like her woe-is-me-everyone's-getting-at-me-and-it's-not-my-fault-blah-blah-blah selfish yet selfless personality. Urgh. Grow up, eat a freaking sandwich and get your priorities right you selfish little child.

I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads. ...more

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Feb 27, 2013 Colleen Houck added it

Shelves: mythology, gods-goddesses

Lots of action. Another swoon worthy boy. Cool new powers. What's not to love? Very excited to move on to the last book! Can't wait to see what happens next. =) ...more

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Mar 30, 2012 Glass rated it it was amazing

Shelves: paranormal-romance, mythology

***NOTE! review is posted on Ja čitam, a ti?

Are you, Jose Angelini, one of the descendants of, um, I don't know... Is there Greek goddess of torturing by cliffhangers? Just to make one thing clear - I wouldn't mind if you leave the love story as it is. Yes, I am that kinky.

Second book in Starcrossed series picks up where first one ended so maybe it would be good idea if you refresh your memory before you start reading. Dreamless is more focused on Helen's role in the new world she found hersel ...more

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May 31, 2017 linda rated it liked it

Shelves: love-triangle-included, mythology-especially-greek

I was so excited when starting this one! Angelini introduces a new demigod called Orion and Helen gains strength when getting new abilities. I am still on #TeamLucas because that's the only ending-ship I am going to accept.

A great sequel; giving ☆☆☆.

.+:｡(ﾉ･ω･)ﾉﾞVisit my blog for more reviews and recommendations or take a look at my bookstagram. Thank you for reading this review! 💐 ...more

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Dec 20, 2016 maegan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mythology, love-triangle

Ok so why is nobody fangirling over Hector?

I liked Dreamless slightly less than Starcrossed. The amount of ink and paper dedicated to Helen just wandering around a nightmarish desert was too much. Everytime I turned a page and saw cursive I couldn't help it, I rolled my eyes and thought "not the Underworld again!"

There were also a few other things that I didn't enjoy:

1) The infamous love triangle, and even more so when you just know how the series is going to end because, well, Helen and Paris ...more

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Sep 21, 2012 Nasty Lady MJ rated it did not like it

To see full review click here: http://yalbookbriefs.blogspot.com/201...

Screw the format I usually follow.

I can't do it today. Not after I read this rainbow turd of a book. That's right, I said rainbow turd. And when I say rainbow turd, you know the book's shitty. If you don't want to read my entire rant about why Dreamless was even more insipid than its shitty predecessor, I'll briefly summarize why I hated it: it was way too long, the character is on the same Mary Sue level as Bethany Church, a ...more

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May 24, 2020 mina rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2020, read-2017

↠2+

🙃 The end didn’t come fast enough. I just can’t wait to finish the third book too and forget about this series, forget I ever read it :) On the positive side, I think I wasn’t as pissed reading this one as I was reading the first book.

The only good thing in this book was Orion.

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May 23, 2018 Caylynn rated it it was amazing

Re-re-reread review!

These visits to the parts of the Underworld where she was in no immediate danger lasted the longest and ended up being the hardest in the long run... Hell didn't need lakes of fire to torment. Time and solitude were enough.

Me every time I reread this trilogy-

Seriously. I fucking love this trilogy SO MUCH. It is one of those extremely rare ones where the sequel is just as good as (and some rereads even better than) the first installment, and I know every time I dive in ...more

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Sep 08, 2017 Marianna marked it as to-read

A few minutes ago I finished Starcrossed and writing my review I said "Can't wait to read the sequel".
And when I come here to mark this as Want-to-Read what do I see? WHAT DO I SEE?

!THERE IS A LOVE TRIANGLE!

Why do bad things happen to good people????
(Good people=Me, bad things=Love Triangle) ...more

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Feb 01, 2021 brie rated it liked it

as much as i can acknowledge they TRIED to not "what in the alabama" the situation... they kind of failed.

this book was not nearly as "great" as the first one just because helen seems so powerless and whiney in this one and it very much got on my last nerve ...more

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Feb 01, 2012 Erin rated it really liked it

Shelves: tbr-on-ipad

*****3.5 stars*******

Okay, so this is a toughie for me. I am a huge Starcrossed fan, it is such a well-executed, thrilling story with characters that I just absolutely fell in love with. The wait for Dreamless was a long one, so I couldn't wait to dive right in the day it was released. Honestly, though, I found myself really struggling to get back into the story, and at about 20% in I had to shelf this one for a few weeks. I finally sat down today and finished it, and I was a little disappointed *****3.5 stars*******

Okay, so this is a toughie for me. I am a huge Starcrossed fan, it is such a well-executed, thrilling story with characters that I just absolutely fell in love with. The wait for Dreamless was a long one, so I couldn't wait to dive right in the day it was released. Honestly, though, I found myself really struggling to get back into the story, and at about 20% in I had to shelf this one for a few weeks. I finally sat down today and finished it, and I was a little disappointed when I was done.

The fact that the plot just didn't hold my interest was a big part of the issue. In the beginning of Dreamless, Helen is essentially just repeating the same process over and over again, going down to the underworld searching for the answer to stopping the furies. There wasn't a whole lot else going on, even with the secondary characters, so I just got bored with it. When Orion finally came into the picture, things started looking up a bit. Not b/c I was all that into his character, but it was a twist that I could latch onto. There was a lot of fact-sharing and history-revealing, but without any exciting action going on in the mean time, it was hard to keep interested.

Then here's my biggest problem; the thing that I loved MOST about Starcrossed was the beautiful romance between Lucas and Helen, and I realized early on that their relationship (of any capacity) was just absent here. Yes, Starcrossed ended with them thinking they were cousins, so we all knew where this was going for awhile. But I didn't expect Lucas to just be gone from the story in the way he was in Dreamless. He was heartbroken and alone, and Helen was heartbroken and going through hell, but they hardly even speak to each other. It bothered me that all of the other characters just expected them to get over it, and just expected Helen to put herself through the nightly torture. Everyone acted as if they were just being asked to do these simple tasks, and when they struggled with them it was shameful. It made the whole situation even more hard to swallow for me.

What saved this book for me was the last 25-30% of the story. There are plot twists and struggles with the enemies that kept me glued to the book, plus I FINALLY got what I'd been waiting for. Here, we finally see the return of the Lucas we all so dearly missed, the love that they share, and how amazing they are when they work together!!! He helps Helen finally sort things out in her head, and he's there for her to support her so she knows that she's not alone. THIS was what was missing in the first part of this book, and I was so very happy to have it back!!!! God, I just love Lucas!! I really ended up liking Orion in the second half of the book, too, despite my objections to Helen falling for him. It's so not fair to Lucas, but I didn't let that fact cloud my judgement of Orion. He's sweet, caring, brave, and drop-dead gorgeous, so it's hard to not love him!! =)

Lucas and Helen by far make the greatest changes in Dreamless, and they both become much stronger and more confident in their strengths. Though Helen does doubt herself during her trips to the underworld, she keeps pushing through and pushing herself to the limit so that she can complete the task and save all of them from the furies. When the final battles come around, she once again finds the strength within herself to fight for all of them. I loved watching her get all bad-ass again, I hated seeing her run down and desperate. And Lucas, between his growing temper and newly developed abilities, is shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with in the future!! I'm miffed that he and Helen still don't know the truth at the end of Dreamless, and I worry what that will mean for him in the next book. I really hope they don't have to be in the dark much longer, I could just strangle Helen's mother for keeping the truth from them!!

So, overall I wanted much more from a good portion of the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed the rest. I'm still a huge fan of the series and I very much look forward to reading Goddess next year! ...more

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Dec 26, 2011 Sally rated it it was ok

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 2.5 stars.

Alright, so this book wasn't that bad. It was creepy and seriously stupid but apart from that, it was bearable. In the first book, Lucas and Helen were all laddi-da-da, totally in their "together forever" mode. Now, after they found out that they're ohmigosh, cousins! They can like never ever be together. Apart from the fact that IT'S COMPLETELY STUPID HOW NO ONE REALISED THAT IT'S IMPOSSIBLE. I have no idea what the hell happened. Lucas is missing for like literally half the f**king b 2.5 stars.

Alright, so this book wasn't that bad. It was creepy and seriously stupid but apart from that, it was bearable. In the first book, Lucas and Helen were all laddi-da-da, totally in their "together forever" mode. Now, after they found out that they're ohmigosh, cousins! They can like never ever be together. Apart from the fact that IT'S COMPLETELY STUPID HOW NO ONE REALISED THAT IT'S IMPOSSIBLE. I have no idea what the hell happened. Lucas is missing for like literally half the f**king book. Idk what kind of shit he gets up to, just sitting and watching her like freaking Edward while she sleeps. Then he goes on and ignores her while she is clearly SUFFERING. She's practically getting frozen in her little iceberg of a bedroom, which btw i have no idea how her dad doesn't realise that it's like a freaking igloo or arctic shit in there. I mean what kind of parent doesn't at least poke their head in once to see how their kid is doing? I was surprised she didn't have to don snow gear and start shovelling out some ice because it had gotten to the point where her bedroom has become an ice rink.

Then there was the other guy. OF COURSE THERE HAD TO BE ANOTHER GUY. I MEAN WHAT KIND OF TEEN ANGSTY BOOK WOULD IT BE WITHOUT A LOVE TRIANGLE? Another completely unoriginal and overused idea. The other reason it made me annoyed was that having one, made me really question how much she actually "loved" Lucas, and if she really did love him at all. Because as my god Johnny Depp said "If you find yourself in love with two people, choose the second one, because if you really loved the first one you wouldn't have fallen for the second.”

Okay, so maybe she doesn't really love Orion and the "excitement" she felt with him was just an excuse to cover the fact that he's a sexually attractive, Adonis-looking male and she has...the face that launched a thousand ships. And they're both definitely not blind so come one people, if you put two and two together...yep you got it. They're horny. lol, probably not but that's my guess because i can not understand how a pair of star-crossed lovers turned into a menage minus the sex. Cause that's what it basically was in the last few chapters.

Ok, so with the characters... i didn't really like Helen to begin with. I couldn't connect with her or actually anyone in the book. Sure, some parts were funny but all in all, this book never really touched my heart. The world-building was great (apart from the few plotholes), fight scenes were pretty good and I'll give it Josephine that the whole plot was fantastic but the characters lacked a special something that made me fall in love with them.

Will I be reading the next book? Yes, i will. I'm actually pretty proud of myself for not skipping to the end and reading what happened because this book was seriously long and confusing as hell at some parts. It is definitely not a good sign when you're reading a book and realise that you are only half way through and you're already struggling.

The first thought that came into my head when i finished was "finally.." And can i just say the ending was meh...made me feel sleepy. YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO FEEL SLEEPY AFTER READING THE END. YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO FEEL PUMPED AND EXCITED FOR THE NEXT BOOK. YOUR HEART HAS TO BE RACING AND YOUR BREATHING ACCELERATED AS YOU FLIP THE LAST PAGE AND CLOSE THE BOOK. YOU HAVE TO FEEL LIKE YOU WENT ON A PRIVATE JOURNEY AND EXPERIENCED EMOTIONAL TORTURE AT THE HANDS OF A PAPERBACK.
That was a disappointment.
All in all, a sound novel but lacking. ...more

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Jan 28, 2016 Olivia rated it it was amazing

5 stars!!

IM IN LOVE WITH THIS SERIES! This book was as good (or even better) than the first one! Ahh I can't even come up with words to describe how amazing it was. The writing is phenomenal and all the dialogue between the characters is so funny and flawless!

If you haven't read this series, start it right now!! ...more

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Feb 05, 2012 Julianna Helms rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Fans of Greek mythology and literature

Shelves: re-read-status, best-boys, recent-favorites, arc-tours

Quick Reaction: I should make it clear that there are many different ways to judge a book, and I'm judging Dreamless in relativity to Greek myths. Some pet peeves we see abundantly in today's literature are common and incredibly vital to Greek plots, and I must say that in both that aspect and Angelini's soothing narrative, this book certainly deserves 5 stars.

I thought I would hate Orion, but he actually turned out okay. Though Helen annoyed me a bit at some parts, she never crossed the line th Quick Reaction: I should make it clear that there are many different ways to judge a book, and I'm judging Dreamless in relativity to Greek myths. Some pet peeves we see abundantly in today's literature are common and incredibly vital to Greek plots, and I must say that in both that aspect and Angelini's soothing narrative, this book certainly deserves 5 stars.

I thought I would hate Orion, but he actually turned out okay. Though Helen annoyed me a bit at some parts, she never crossed the line that made me hate her like Kill Me Softly because at least she was sacrificing for others, instead of being a selfish b-witch.

Anywho, this book was just fantastic. It's gripping and quite addictive and, honestly, filled with tension that Greek fans are sure to fall head-over-heels in love with.

Actual, full review: This review has been scheduled to post on my blog on 5/15/2012. Here it is, specially early for Goodreads followers and friends! :D (Note: due to copy-and-paste, formatting and links have been lost.)

Josephine Angelini has the uncanny ability to tread uncharted waters and come back with loads of gold in her hands. In other words: what was an aggravating tale of insatiable love, a tale that spanned centuries with infamy and worship--the epic of Helen and Paris, has been transformed completely by Josephine Angelini into an addicting series gleaming with beauty.

It has been established, hopefully, that I am as big of a Greek mythology fanatic as they come, and I am not the first to say that this book is not for everyone. It's entertaining and fascinating, of course, but the true core of this novel lies within its ability to reincarnate lost characters into ones radiating with compassion and believability. For fellow geeks of Greek mythology, and others who yearn for a world fastened with gods and weaved with power, Dreamless captures and re-captures the fulfillment of that wish numerous times.

This book is obsessive and gorgeous. I just couldn't stop reading it; it was as if I myself was stuck within the lines smothered between words, trying to claw my way out of Helen and Lucas's mesmerizing world yet failing to do so without much care at all. It's Josie's prose, I think, that makes this book such a gripping one: she tells you everything you want to know, but the characters don't know it, and you're just sitting there waiting for them to just freakin' wake up already and see. But it's not the type of frustration that results from annoyance: it's a frustration comprised of your own desires as well as the characters; a concoction that truly glues the reader to the page, I believe.

Before I wrap up this review, let's talk about Orion. Ah, yes, Orion: the boy I hated from the moment I read the summary--how could I not, when Helen and Lucas's love was so fragile and so, therefore, also beautiful? But within pages of meeting him, I couldn't help but understand Helen's attraction to Orion as well, for Orion is a charismatic boy who tries so hard to help everyone else; he's altruistically brave, but he's not stupid, and he's understanding as well. So I must say that, even if you believe in Helen and Lucas's love ferociously and fiercely, please don't let it deter you from opening your eyes to try and understand. It's difficult, but I believe that there are roads you never would've seen once you let Josie carry you away in her words.

Greek mythology has constructed a vital and irreplaceable contribution to our very society and government, no matter where in the world you are; Josephine Angelini is a storyteller mastering the YA mythological world, and wherever we travel with her next, I know the ride will be as at ease and thrilling as one could dare to dream.

P.S. Check out my review of the first book in the trilogy, Starcrossed! ...more

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Jun 08, 2011 Sylvia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: dual-multiple-pov, young-adult, bad-boys-for-the-red-room, male-pov, all-time-favourite-ya, greek-mythology

Oh my word I did not want this book to end. What can I say the Gods must be doing something right by giving Josephine Angelini a remarkable ability to spin a web of adventure rooted deep in mythology and tragedy. This book was an amazing follow up to Starcrossed, which I adored but had me screaming and yelling at the end in disbelief. We left off with the notion that Lucas and Helen were actually related and that the love they share and have for one another is forbidden. But we know the stinking Oh my word I did not want this book to end. What can I say the Gods must be doing something right by giving Josephine Angelini a remarkable ability to spin a web of adventure rooted deep in mythology and tragedy. This book was an amazing follow up to Starcrossed, which I adored but had me screaming and yelling at the end in disbelief. We left off with the notion that Lucas and Helen were actually related and that the love they share and have for one another is forbidden. But we know the stinking truth and it's the only thing we have to go on when picking up Dreamless. You don't know how desperate I was to find this book. The mere anticipation was boiling over and as soon as I got my hands on this baby I never let it go.

I was mesmerised, captivated and enthralled at the get go. I was completely enamoured with the story and how dark and gothic like it had become. I was completely intrigued by the major role that Helen played in this and found her to be matured, selfless, heroic and one bad ass demigod. She is the Descender and the only one who can enter the Underworld to try and break the curse by killing the Furies. This curse keeps family members apart from one another all for the sake of a blood oath. It's a humongous burden that Helen bears, wandering the Underworld and trying to forget the one boy she is forbidden to be with, Lucas! Oh dear lord in heaven. Why must we endure the torture of these two being apart? But worse still, why must they be tormented for even looking at each other? Seriously my heart breaks every time I think of the pain they go through by just speaking each other's name. But the pain was more unbearable when told from Lucas's POV. The tragedy and beauty that deems this relationship makes me want to quote Shakespeare it's that crazy insane. What's worse is we know the truth dammit and watch them suffer through it, well more Lucas. He's love for her is so unwavering and selfless to the point that he would even encourage the new guy, Mr Adonis himself Orion, to woo her (well so to speak).

Orion, who is an outcast, has been sent by Daphne (don't make me swear when I say her name she makes me so mad. She is selfish!) to the Underworld too. He is a descendant of Adonis and can seduce and control desire. Now the notion of a love triangle infuriated me. I was not liking it one bit. How can Helen even think about looking at anyone else but Lucas. WE KNOW the truth about them so why add another guy to the mix? Because it keeps us guessing and wanting more and I have to say I really liked Orion. He didn't push or intrude if that makes sense. He's relationship with Helen actually felt natural. Don't get me wrong I am all for Lucas (he has my heart) and Helen, but it's really hard to explain unless you read it. Once you do you will understand the importance of Orion's role in the story, and to Helen and Lucas as well.

So much goes down in the story and I'm not going to reveal any of it. You all just have to read it for yourselves. All I'm going to say is that I was so frustrated by the torment and torture that Helen and Lucas endured *bangs fist against wall imagining Daphne's head* This is all her fault. And right to the end she continued to keep the truth away from them. They still don't know arrrggghhhh!! I think she is up to no good and has something big up her sleeve. At one point I really wanted to slap her and wished the Furies set Helen on her own mother. I would have loved to see Daphne fry. I know, I know it's a bad thing to say but I loathe that woman. Right till the EPIC end she wanted Helen to do more even though at that point she'd done enough. So annoying. Anyways, the end was magnificent and again we are left with a cliffhanger leaving us wanting more. I eagerly await book 3 and am going to suffer terribly in the meantime.

...more

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Aug 18, 2012 Lili rated it really liked it

This book was much better than its prequel. The character development, especially Hector's, was superb, the plot growth was interesting, and the new characters were enticing. I found this one to be a much easier read that I didn't want to put down.

Again, what I really adored about this book was the heavy focus on mythology. And though it was much of the same stories this time, this one had an extreme focus on the Underworld and Helen's travels in it as the Descender, as well as her meetings with This book was much better than its prequel. The character development, especially Hector's, was superb, the plot growth was interesting, and the new characters were enticing. I found this one to be a much easier read that I didn't want to put down.

Again, what I really adored about this book was the heavy focus on mythology. And though it was much of the same stories this time, this one had an extreme focus on the Underworld and Helen's travels in it as the Descender, as well as her meetings with many other people and creatures in the Underworld. I often found myself waiting for her to go to sleep because as awesome as her real-world efforts were this time around, the Underworld brought about a world including so much magnificent detail. It was pretty cool that we got to meet kickass Gods like Hades and Persephone, too.

What made this book more bearable than its prequel was the fact that Helen grew in this one. She was literally carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders and refused to allow it to make her shrink. Instead, she prospered and grew stronger, determined to follow through with her quest and to save everyone. She wasn't the whiny lovestruck girl we met in book one.

Lastly, I have to applaud Angelini for bettering her plot progression. I didn't feel like characters were doing things impulsively at every turn like they were last book. Everything made sense or was foreshadowed. While there are still plot twists galore in this one, they were executed more thoroughly and all plot points were fully fleshed out instead of being forgotten.

I was a little worried about this book because it had the makings of a love triangle between the new character, Orion, Helen, and Lucas. In the end, I'm glad to admit it wasn't anything insane, though I'm not sure what the next book will hold. I loved Orion's character, he was genuinely helpful and intelligent, but he always seemed to pop up everywhere randomly. At times he was a little out of place and other times you couldn't be more thrilled that he popped in to save the day. Either way, this shows hints of Angelini's tendency to randomly drop characters where they need to be without much of an explanation. I really hope that this doesn't continue in the next book.

With everything being said, I did enjoy this one more than it's prequel, but it did have a few problems. With Angelini's writing style improving, I'm even more excited to see what happens in the next book. It can only get better from here because the plot continues to thicken! ...more

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Jan 18, 2012 Jackie (No Bent Spines) rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle, covers-worth-remembering, must-be-greek

Before I Read
How could you do such a terrible thing?!?! Can they not subtract!!!!! I mean Ajax died 19 YEARS AGO!!!! Shes 17!!! I hope, hoPE, HOPE that they end up together! they're meant for each other!!
_______________________________________________________________________
After I Read
Okay-so i wanted to kill Lucas, kiss Orin (a lot)
THEY STILL DONT KNOW THERE NOT COUSINS!?!? OMFG. Seriously-i am freakin pissed here.
I <3 Orin!!!
Sooo as you can see: mixed emotions :) ...more

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Dec 31, 2011 aniryllis rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: to-sell, covergasm, my-2013, owned, for-bonfire

Edit - May 27, 2013:

A fucking love triangle ruined almost all the fucking book.
Actual rating: 2.5 stars

Edit - December 31, 2011:

A love triangle?!
An unforgettable love triangle?!?!?!
Really?!

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Why the Delos clan hasn't figured it out about Helen. (spoilers ahead)	77	1778	Mar 21, 2020 11:12AM
Orion or Lucas?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!	54	275	Jun 06, 2019 03:00PM
YA Buddy Readers'...: Dreamless (Starcrossed #2) by Josephine Angelini- Starting October 10th	6	7	Oct 25, 2017 06:06PM
Más libros para Latinoamérica!!	1	1	Mar 01, 2017 08:04PM
Did Daphne know that Ajex wasn't Helen's real father or was she just making it up?	4	45	Aug 05, 2014 02:42AM
Addicted to YA: Dreamless	14	276	Jul 14, 2014 01:41PM
Crazy for Young A...: Dreamless by Josephine Angelini (Starcrossed #2) → Start Date: October 24, 2013	29	32	Nov 17, 2013 04:26PM

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About Josephine Angelini

Josephine Angelini

7,211 followers

Josephine Angelini is a #1 international bestselling author. A Massachusetts native and the youngest of eight siblings, she graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in theater with a focus on the classics. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter. ...more