Title and Author: Illuminated by Erica Orloff
Publisher: Speak
Publication Date: December 9th, 2011
Paperback/Hardcover: 256
Genre: Young Adult
Summary:
An epic romance full of mysteries that transcend time—fans of Romeo and Juliet and The Time Traveler’s Wife will rejoice!
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
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
Review:
The cover of this book was the first thing that caught my attention. I really liked it and I thought the whole premise was interesting.
When Callie’s uncle finds an illuminated manuscript with a hidden message, they decide to track the story of the manuscript and end up stumbling into the story of one of history’s most well-known star-crossed lovers.
I actually liked the main character, Callie and thought she was quite smart, trustworthy and likeable. I also really liked he uncle. He was a great secondary character that brought a lot to the story.
August was another character I liked. He’s very smart as well, kind and sexy.
I do think there could have been a little more character development, though, and I would have liked if the romance between Callie and August hadn’t been so instantaneous. I still liked them as a couple, though; I just would have liked their relationship to develop more slowly.
I enjoyed the mystery behind the manuscript they find and the fact that the story between Heloise and Abelard is a real one. This is a short book, though, so I knew things would develop quickly.
All in all, Illuminated is an interesting book with a good story. There’s adventure, a little mystery and romance with a slight paranormal element in there.
If you like a little bit of history mixed with mystery and romance I think you might enjoy this book. It was definitely able to keep me entertained.
When Callie’s uncle finds an illuminated manuscript with a hidden message, they decide to track the story of the manuscript and end up stumbling into the story of one of history’s most well-known star-crossed lovers.
I actually liked the main character, Callie and thought she was quite smart, trustworthy and likeable. I also really liked he uncle. He was a great secondary character that brought a lot to the story.
August was another character I liked. He’s very smart as well, kind and sexy.
I do think there could have been a little more character development, though, and I would have liked if the romance between Callie and August hadn’t been so instantaneous. I still liked them as a couple, though; I just would have liked their relationship to develop more slowly.
I enjoyed the mystery behind the manuscript they find and the fact that the story between Heloise and Abelard is a real one. This is a short book, though, so I knew things would develop quickly.
All in all, Illuminated is an interesting book with a good story. There’s adventure, a little mystery and romance with a slight paranormal element in there.
If you like a little bit of history mixed with mystery and romance I think you might enjoy this book. It was definitely able to keep me entertained.
Rating: Worth Your Time (4 Stars)
I remember seeing the cover of this one ages ago and thinking it was a book that I must get...sadly it never made it off the wishlist (or at least it hasn't yet).
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