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Star-Crossed
Patricia Kelley has been raised a proper British lady--but she's become a stowaway. Her father is dead, and her future in peril. To claim the estate that is rightfully hers, she must travel across the seas to Barbados, hidden in the belly of merchant ship.
It is a daring escapade, and the plan works--for a time. But before she knows it, Patricia's secret is revealed, and she is torn between two worlds. During the day, she wears petticoats, inhabits the dignified realm of ship's officers, and trains as a surgeon's mate with the gentle Aeneas MacPherson; at night she dons pants and climbs the rigging in the rough company of sailors. And it is there, alongside boson's mate John Dalton, that she feels stunningly alive.
In this mesmerizing novel of daring, adventure, tragedy, and romance, Patricia must cross the threshold between night and day, lady and surgeon, and even woman and man. She must be bold in ways beyond her wildest dreams and take risks she never imagined possible. And she must fight for her life--and her love.
From the Hardcover edition.
It is a daring escapade, and the plan works--for a time. But before she knows it, Patricia's secret is revealed, and she is torn between two worlds. During the day, she wears petticoats, inhabits the dignified realm of ship's officers, and trains as a surgeon's mate with the gentle Aeneas MacPherson; at night she dons pants and climbs the rigging in the rough company of sailors. And it is there, alongside boson's mate John Dalton, that she feels stunningly alive.
In this mesmerizing novel of daring, adventure, tragedy, and romance, Patricia must cross the threshold between night and day, lady and surgeon, and even woman and man. She must be bold in ways beyond her wildest dreams and take risks she never imagined possible. And she must fight for her life--and her love.
From the Hardcover edition.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 14, 2006
9 people are currently reading
1276 people want to read
About the author
Linda Collison
17 books71 followersLinda Collison is the award-winning author of novels, short stories and creative nonfiction.
She has enjoyed a composite career as a registered nurse, a professional skydiving instructor, a volunteer firefighter, parent, and freelance writer. After nursing school Linda studied history at Metropolitan State University. Together, with her husband Bob Russell, she has sailed thousands of miles aboard Topaz, their 36-foot sloop, whose home port is Hawaii. They also served three weeks as crew aboard Endeavour, a replica of Captain James Cook's 18th-century ship -- and it was during the crossing from Vancouver to Hawaii that the idea for Star-Crossed was born.
Published by Knopf, Star-Crossed was chosen by the New York Public Library to be among the Books for the Teen Age -- 2007 and inspired the Patricia MacPherson Nautical Adventure Series. Collison also writes coming-of-age fiction and short dystopian fantasy pulp fiction as L.S. Collison.
Linda loves to travel, by land or by sea. Fast cars and slow boats are her favorites.
She has enjoyed a composite career as a registered nurse, a professional skydiving instructor, a volunteer firefighter, parent, and freelance writer. After nursing school Linda studied history at Metropolitan State University. Together, with her husband Bob Russell, she has sailed thousands of miles aboard Topaz, their 36-foot sloop, whose home port is Hawaii. They also served three weeks as crew aboard Endeavour, a replica of Captain James Cook's 18th-century ship -- and it was during the crossing from Vancouver to Hawaii that the idea for Star-Crossed was born.
Published by Knopf, Star-Crossed was chosen by the New York Public Library to be among the Books for the Teen Age -- 2007 and inspired the Patricia MacPherson Nautical Adventure Series. Collison also writes coming-of-age fiction and short dystopian fantasy pulp fiction as L.S. Collison.
Linda loves to travel, by land or by sea. Fast cars and slow boats are her favorites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 8, 2008
Linda Collison's Star-Crossed reminded me of a mixture of The Witch of Blackbird Pond and a more mature The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. Like Kit and Charlotte, sixteen-year-old Patricia Kelley is forced into a radically new life, but remains stubbornly determined to shape it to her will. Orphaned, illegitimate, and penniless, Patricia stows away on a British merchant ship bound for Barbados. She was born there and is certain her father left her his sugar plantation before he died. She is soon discovered by bosun's mate Brian Dalton. But instead of exposing her, Dalton gives her a set of sailor's clothes and helps keep her presence a secret. In the dead of night, he spirits her up onto the deck and teaches her how to climb the rigging and track their progress by the stars.
Their secret is soon revealed, however, and she is only allowed to stay in the capacity of assistant to the ship's doctor, Aeneas MacPherson. Patricia gets through her days learning how to set a bone and stitch a wound, but she longs for the clear nights when she can climb to the top of the crow's nest with Dalton. Upon reaching Barbados events do not unfold as Patricia hoped. With no choices available to a girl in her position, Patricia numbly accepts Aeneas' proposal of marriage and Dalton leaves immediately for a gunner's position aboard a naval ship. The second part of the novel follows her life with Aeneas, while the third depicts the unexpected chain of events that lead to her crossing paths again with Dalton, once again disguised as a boy, this time aboard a naval ship in the midst of war with Spain.
Like its lovely cover, everything about this book is strong and vivid. Patricia's first attempt climbing the rigging to dizzying heights, gruesome descriptions of patients suffering from yellow fever, fiery battle sieges at sea, and the few stolen moments when Patricia and Dalton are able to speak freely. All of these leave the reader breathless and feeling as though she were actually there with them, desperate to survive. The novel is meticulously researched and I loved the map, glossary, background information, and particularly the closing quote by Sappho. "I tell you, someone will remember us." I look forward to Patricia's further adventures as Ms. Collison has indicated it will be a trilogy.
Their secret is soon revealed, however, and she is only allowed to stay in the capacity of assistant to the ship's doctor, Aeneas MacPherson. Patricia gets through her days learning how to set a bone and stitch a wound, but she longs for the clear nights when she can climb to the top of the crow's nest with Dalton. Upon reaching Barbados events do not unfold as Patricia hoped. With no choices available to a girl in her position, Patricia numbly accepts Aeneas' proposal of marriage and Dalton leaves immediately for a gunner's position aboard a naval ship. The second part of the novel follows her life with Aeneas, while the third depicts the unexpected chain of events that lead to her crossing paths again with Dalton, once again disguised as a boy, this time aboard a naval ship in the midst of war with Spain.
Like its lovely cover, everything about this book is strong and vivid. Patricia's first attempt climbing the rigging to dizzying heights, gruesome descriptions of patients suffering from yellow fever, fiery battle sieges at sea, and the few stolen moments when Patricia and Dalton are able to speak freely. All of these leave the reader breathless and feeling as though she were actually there with them, desperate to survive. The novel is meticulously researched and I loved the map, glossary, background information, and particularly the closing quote by Sappho. "I tell you, someone will remember us." I look forward to Patricia's further adventures as Ms. Collison has indicated it will be a trilogy.
September 15, 2021
3.5 stars
This book grew on me as it went along. At the beginning I was planning on giving it a two star rating, but it really did get better and more interesting. By the end, I fully invested in the characters. I also really enjoyed how much effort the author put into making it historically accurate.
This book grew on me as it went along. At the beginning I was planning on giving it a two star rating, but it really did get better and more interesting. By the end, I fully invested in the characters. I also really enjoyed how much effort the author put into making it historically accurate.
August 2, 2010
This felt more like an adult novel than YA to me. I liked it, but sure wish there had been more pirates.
Patricia is an illegitimate daughter of an English Barbados plantation owner. When she gets word that her father has died, she leaves her English boarding school and having not a penny to her name, boards a merchant ship and stows herself away, hoping to reach Barbados to claim her father's plantation.
Not the brightest crayon in the box, but she has guts. Naturally she is discovered and her plan goes awry. Something good does come out of it tho. She becomes an apprentice to the ship surgeon and even marries him despite her crush on a mere sailor, Brian. I forgot to mention that of course, women back then were not allowed to inherit property so her trip to Barbados was for naught as apparently her father didn't leave her the land after all..
Patricia must find her own path now. Will her marriage to the kind Scotish surgeon play out well or does fate have other plans? What of Brian? What of her Barbados home? Is it gone for good?
The ending has Patricia donning male attire and depending on no man. I had a hard time getting into this one at first tho. The beginning is rather slow as it is all aboard ship with no pirates or anything happening. I also had a hard time growing to like Patricia. She comes across as a spoiled brat at times. The island is dying of yellow fever and all she thinks about is her plantation..
Four stars.
Patricia is an illegitimate daughter of an English Barbados plantation owner. When she gets word that her father has died, she leaves her English boarding school and having not a penny to her name, boards a merchant ship and stows herself away, hoping to reach Barbados to claim her father's plantation.
Not the brightest crayon in the box, but she has guts. Naturally she is discovered and her plan goes awry. Something good does come out of it tho. She becomes an apprentice to the ship surgeon and even marries him despite her crush on a mere sailor, Brian. I forgot to mention that of course, women back then were not allowed to inherit property so her trip to Barbados was for naught as apparently her father didn't leave her the land after all..
Patricia must find her own path now. Will her marriage to the kind Scotish surgeon play out well or does fate have other plans? What of Brian? What of her Barbados home? Is it gone for good?
The ending has Patricia donning male attire and depending on no man. I had a hard time getting into this one at first tho. The beginning is rather slow as it is all aboard ship with no pirates or anything happening. I also had a hard time growing to like Patricia. She comes across as a spoiled brat at times. The island is dying of yellow fever and all she thinks about is her plantation..
Four stars.
August 30, 2011
No, no, no, and...no. The story was okay. The characters were decent. I learned a lot of interesting facts about how medicine was practiced in the late 1700's and about how a ship is run. So there were SOME good qualities to this book, but not enough for a good review. One star means "didn't like it", so that is what I gave it. A lot of language. Too much talk of prostitutes and crude talk of women in general. Although there was nothing explicit, there were many sexual situations placed in the book that left little to the imagination. Just way too much information sometimes. Again I'm disappointed, because I scoured the reviews on goodreads to be sure this would be a clean book, and could find nothing objectionable. I know I may have a more "prudish" outlook on reading than most people, but still...I thought there would be at least SOMEONE who would mention some of this in their reviews. I want to read books where the main character inspires me, not disappoints me. I have had a lot of luck just randomly picking books off the shelf, but I guess it would be too much to hope for to think that they would always be worth reading. Don't waste your time on this one.
Oh, and the ending was super dumb. So anticlimactic.
Oh, and the ending was super dumb. So anticlimactic.
September 12, 2011
This tale of a young woman who stows away on a ship in hopes of gaining an inheritance overseas reminded me in some particulars of L.A. Meyer's 'Jacky Faber' novels. However, where Meyer's over-the-top tales cruise on their own high-spirited energy, the more down-to-earth tone of "Star-Crossed" serves to point out some of the events' unlikeliness. Still, can there really be too many tales of girls leaving their stuffy schools, running off to sea, and finding adventure, independence and love amidst the waves? Probably not.
March 25, 2008
I loved this book. I loved the personality of the heroine to begin with, but she just got better and better as she matured and gained experience. I LOVED the love stories. I loved that it wasn't the typical boy meets girl, they meet obstacle and then overcome...It was much more creative, unexpected, and fulfilling. I can't wait for the next book. ( no fantasy in this one, but there was some historical facts that were interesting)
July 16, 2011
Considering I wrote a book about 18th century pirates, it probably comes as no big surprise that I loved this book. Linda Collison knows her seafaring, let me tell you. And she manages to weave that nautical knowledge into a wonderful story about a teenage girl whose misfortunes lead her to disguise as a man and become surgeon's mate aboard a frigate.
Don't be fooled by its "YA" market -- this is a book for adults as well, and just about anyone who loves a good adventure story.
Don't be fooled by its "YA" market -- this is a book for adults as well, and just about anyone who loves a good adventure story.
March 29, 2008
I picked up this book because of the title. The words star-crossed reminds me of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet (“a pair of star-crossed lovers”). I’m not a fan of tragedies and huge dramatics like soap operas (though if it’s toned down a bit, I don’t mind) but the inside flap made the book sound interesting. Of course, it helps that I’m a fan of historical fiction (not a big fan, but just enough) as the setting is 18th Century England.
Never been the one to worry about anything other than being a proper British lady, Patricia Kelley’s life suddenly takes an unexpected turn when her father dies and leaves her nothing but a promise of a home. Her boarding school no longer the home she needs, Patricia becomes a stowaway in a ship, hoping to return to Barbados, her birthplace. But when Patricia gets discovered and is threatened to be thrown off the ship before her destination, how will she get home?
I can tell that this author has put a lot of work into this book. The speech, though I know very little about 18th century dialogue, seems realistic enough, especially with all the ship talk about oakum, sappers and whatever. (This is where the trusty glossary at the back is most helpful.) And it’s an interesting way to put emphasis on the journey from “girl” to “woman” by having her disguise as a male just so she can do the things she wants to do without having the others look down upon her because of gender.
“I had said I could never be an ordinary woman but it occurred to me there were no ordinary women, or ordinary men. We’re all extraordinary. And no matter what else it was, life was rich in possibilities” (Collision 380). I like the message behind this story and especially at the structure of these three sentences. It’s something that everyone knows and believes in, but sometimes, you need someone to tell it to your face before you finally see what they’re talking about. It’s kind of weird, actually. But it’s inspiration/influence of the words.
However, I didn’t like it. Although I don’t like to describe books as boring, I think that’s the word I’m going to use here. I mean, there’s a lot of action and events, but they don’t spike any interest to me. The pacing contributes to a lot of my dislike, actually. The romance—too fast, too early. The storyline—too slow, too unnecessary (some parts). The book kicks in with Patricia’s actions but it takes too long for her real journey to begin, and that’s supposed to be the juicy part. And I’m still thinking about the title. Brian and Patricia end up together even though they’re supposedly in “two different worlds” so I guess that touches the surface of “star-crossed”. And since there are so many mishaps and misunderstandings, I can sort of see why the title fits. But trust me; it’s nothing about forbidden love. That is reserved for Bella Swan and Edward Cullen (Twilight) in my heart.
I don’t know. I’m also not entirely convinced about the heroine. She starts off being spunky and interesting but even in 1st person writing, her distinctive characteristics almost trails away. It’s only at the last chapter that she finally becomes an idol again, but I’m no nobody wants to wait till the final pages before you like the protagonist. But, even though I’m not at all impressed by this novel, I’m sure others might prefer the adventurous tale than me. The reviews for this book seem pretty good though, so maybe I’m missing something? Still, I doubt I will put this on my Books to Re-Read List.
Never been the one to worry about anything other than being a proper British lady, Patricia Kelley’s life suddenly takes an unexpected turn when her father dies and leaves her nothing but a promise of a home. Her boarding school no longer the home she needs, Patricia becomes a stowaway in a ship, hoping to return to Barbados, her birthplace. But when Patricia gets discovered and is threatened to be thrown off the ship before her destination, how will she get home?
I can tell that this author has put a lot of work into this book. The speech, though I know very little about 18th century dialogue, seems realistic enough, especially with all the ship talk about oakum, sappers and whatever. (This is where the trusty glossary at the back is most helpful.) And it’s an interesting way to put emphasis on the journey from “girl” to “woman” by having her disguise as a male just so she can do the things she wants to do without having the others look down upon her because of gender.
“I had said I could never be an ordinary woman but it occurred to me there were no ordinary women, or ordinary men. We’re all extraordinary. And no matter what else it was, life was rich in possibilities” (Collision 380). I like the message behind this story and especially at the structure of these three sentences. It’s something that everyone knows and believes in, but sometimes, you need someone to tell it to your face before you finally see what they’re talking about. It’s kind of weird, actually. But it’s inspiration/influence of the words.
However, I didn’t like it. Although I don’t like to describe books as boring, I think that’s the word I’m going to use here. I mean, there’s a lot of action and events, but they don’t spike any interest to me. The pacing contributes to a lot of my dislike, actually. The romance—too fast, too early. The storyline—too slow, too unnecessary (some parts). The book kicks in with Patricia’s actions but it takes too long for her real journey to begin, and that’s supposed to be the juicy part. And I’m still thinking about the title. Brian and Patricia end up together even though they’re supposedly in “two different worlds” so I guess that touches the surface of “star-crossed”. And since there are so many mishaps and misunderstandings, I can sort of see why the title fits. But trust me; it’s nothing about forbidden love. That is reserved for Bella Swan and Edward Cullen (Twilight) in my heart.
I don’t know. I’m also not entirely convinced about the heroine. She starts off being spunky and interesting but even in 1st person writing, her distinctive characteristics almost trails away. It’s only at the last chapter that she finally becomes an idol again, but I’m no nobody wants to wait till the final pages before you like the protagonist. But, even though I’m not at all impressed by this novel, I’m sure others might prefer the adventurous tale than me. The reviews for this book seem pretty good though, so maybe I’m missing something? Still, I doubt I will put this on my Books to Re-Read List.
March 14, 2016
In Star-Crossed, Patricia is the bastard daughter of a sugar-cane plantation owner in Barbados. Her mother was an Irish slave girl who died shortly after Patricia was born. Her father sent her away to an English boarding school but when he dies suddenly of an infection, Patricia decides her only option is to go back home. Without her father's support she doesn't have the money to book passage aboard a ship. She then sneaks on board a boat with prostitutes that's going towards a ship Patricia believes to be heading for Barbados. After a narrow escape from some uncouth sailors, she manages to find a place to hide for the next few days without being discovered. Someone does manage to find Patricia, and eventually the whole ship learns a stowaway is aboard ship. The ship's surgeon takes pity on her however and offers Patricia a deal. If she wants to stay aboard ship and not be set on land at the nearest port she is to become the surgeon's apprentice. She'll have to work during the day learning the tools and practices of the surgeon. However, during the night she takes to wearing men's garb and learning how the ship is run with the sailors. However, everything doesn't go as planned and Patricia has a hard time leaving one sailor in particular.
I really liked this book. The language used is very descriptive and you really feel for Patricia and what she faces. It reminded me a lot of an expanded, more adult version of 'Bloody Jack' by L.A. Meyer which is one of my favorite books. There isn't a lot of humor in Star-Crossed but it's very moving and large in scale. It's definitely one of those books that takes you places and creates a wonderful escape from every day life. There was one decision Patricia made towards the middle of the book that I wish she didn't and I wished this book was even longer. Readers who are a little squeamish on descriptions of places plagued with sickness and the entailing symptoms be warned. Some parts go in detail of an area plagued with yellow fever and it's pretty gross. Otherwise though it's a very enjoyable read.
I really liked this book. The language used is very descriptive and you really feel for Patricia and what she faces. It reminded me a lot of an expanded, more adult version of 'Bloody Jack' by L.A. Meyer which is one of my favorite books. There isn't a lot of humor in Star-Crossed but it's very moving and large in scale. It's definitely one of those books that takes you places and creates a wonderful escape from every day life. There was one decision Patricia made towards the middle of the book that I wish she didn't and I wished this book was even longer. Readers who are a little squeamish on descriptions of places plagued with sickness and the entailing symptoms be warned. Some parts go in detail of an area plagued with yellow fever and it's pretty gross. Otherwise though it's a very enjoyable read.
December 14, 2023
I read this book for the first time nearly ten years ago. Although I never felt compelled to read the sequel, there were several scenes that stuck with me quite vividly (Patricia's wedding night with the ship's doctor, when she's working as a surgeon in the battle of Havana disguised as a man, to name a few), even years later, which I think speaks a lot for the book. For some reason I was thinking of this story the past several months, and I finally bought a used copy for a reread.
I have to say, I really enjoyed rereading this for reasons that I usually never list when describing why I love some of my favorite books, and I was surprised at how much I remembered verbatim from the book, something that rarely happens. This isn't a story where you become obsessed with the characters (which I generally enjoy doing). It's about Patricia's survival, and people come and go as she experiences one event after another. More than the first time I read this, I admired the lengths Patricia went to and the sacrifices she made in order to simply stay alive and make a living as a woman with no prospects, connections, family, or money. I related to the scenes where she forced herself to swallow her pride because she was dependent on the other person, and also to the scenes where she was rash and impulsive and delusional with determination to reach a goal that even the reader could tell was nothing more than a pipe dream. Her pride, her lack of contentment, the few moments she felt really alive--these were all well rendered by the author.
I'm not sure if my interest in this kind of story would last throughout a sequel--I do feel that I need some sort of attachment to the characters to stay invested for that long--but I am curious enough to consider purchasing it...we shall see. In any case, this was a great trip down memory lane and a refreshing reminder of what YA was like back in the 2000s. I'd recommend it if you're in the mood for something a little grittier and more realistic, but not without some YA flair.
I have to say, I really enjoyed rereading this for reasons that I usually never list when describing why I love some of my favorite books, and I was surprised at how much I remembered verbatim from the book, something that rarely happens. This isn't a story where you become obsessed with the characters (which I generally enjoy doing). It's about Patricia's survival, and people come and go as she experiences one event after another. More than the first time I read this, I admired the lengths Patricia went to and the sacrifices she made in order to simply stay alive and make a living as a woman with no prospects, connections, family, or money. I related to the scenes where she forced herself to swallow her pride because she was dependent on the other person, and also to the scenes where she was rash and impulsive and delusional with determination to reach a goal that even the reader could tell was nothing more than a pipe dream. Her pride, her lack of contentment, the few moments she felt really alive--these were all well rendered by the author.
I'm not sure if my interest in this kind of story would last throughout a sequel--I do feel that I need some sort of attachment to the characters to stay invested for that long--but I am curious enough to consider purchasing it...we shall see. In any case, this was a great trip down memory lane and a refreshing reminder of what YA was like back in the 2000s. I'd recommend it if you're in the mood for something a little grittier and more realistic, but not without some YA flair.
November 8, 2012
Reviewed by Emylee for TeensReadToo.com
Patricia Kelley, a former pupil at Wiltshire Boarding School for Gentlemen's Daughters, has recently been orphaned at the impressionable age of sixteen. Left with nothing but her wits and the promise of her deceased father's estate in the Barbados, she sneakily stows away on the Canopus, a seemingly distinguished merchant ship. She does not stay hidden for long, and soon must earn her passage on the Canopus by training to become the surgeon's mate. It is during her stay on the ship that she meets the free-spirited Brian Dalton, bosun's mate and unattainable love interest.
Unexpected complications arise when Patricia tries to reclaim her birthright, and she marries out of desperation in order to survive. She wonders if she can survive a loveless marriage as well as her continuing life as a surgeon's mate. As if she does not already have enough things to worry about, thoughts of Brian Dalton keep reappearing in her mind after she and her husband leave the Canopus to fulfill their duties aboard a warship. Can Patricia handle the enormous changes headed her way?
Filled with vivid descriptions of sea-life and the historical restrictions that were placed on women during the time period, STAR-CROSSED is an exceptional novel that will entrance readers of any age. When I first picked up the book, I was skeptical of whether or not I would enjoy it. However, by the fifth page I was completely hooked. The action in the novel greatly adds to the piece, and the romantic theme does not dominate the plot. I recommend this book to readers of any age or gender.
Patricia Kelley, a former pupil at Wiltshire Boarding School for Gentlemen's Daughters, has recently been orphaned at the impressionable age of sixteen. Left with nothing but her wits and the promise of her deceased father's estate in the Barbados, she sneakily stows away on the Canopus, a seemingly distinguished merchant ship. She does not stay hidden for long, and soon must earn her passage on the Canopus by training to become the surgeon's mate. It is during her stay on the ship that she meets the free-spirited Brian Dalton, bosun's mate and unattainable love interest.
Unexpected complications arise when Patricia tries to reclaim her birthright, and she marries out of desperation in order to survive. She wonders if she can survive a loveless marriage as well as her continuing life as a surgeon's mate. As if she does not already have enough things to worry about, thoughts of Brian Dalton keep reappearing in her mind after she and her husband leave the Canopus to fulfill their duties aboard a warship. Can Patricia handle the enormous changes headed her way?
Filled with vivid descriptions of sea-life and the historical restrictions that were placed on women during the time period, STAR-CROSSED is an exceptional novel that will entrance readers of any age. When I first picked up the book, I was skeptical of whether or not I would enjoy it. However, by the fifth page I was completely hooked. The action in the novel greatly adds to the piece, and the romantic theme does not dominate the plot. I recommend this book to readers of any age or gender.
September 21, 2009
I started reading nautical fiction, specifically C.S. Forester’s Hornblower series, as a teenager. The Hornblower novels, while meant for adults, were great “boy books,” full of adventure and action, with a hero with just enough self doubt and angst for a teenager to relate to. The readers of most nautical fiction seem to be primarily boys and men, which is not surprising for a genre whose heroes and villains are overwhelming male. Is there room for female readers and indeed a female heroine in these crowded waters? And if so, what role could she and would she play? After reading Linda Collison’s novel, Star-Crossed, the answer to the first question is clearly yes.
The second question is less easy to answer and indeed is the heart of the novel. Linda Collison brings an established archetype to life in a fresh and wonderfully authentic tale of a young lady seeking her place in the world while caught in the fever-ridden islands of the Indies in the midst of the Seven Year’s War.
While the Hornblower books have long been the domain of men and boys, there has been a spike in female readership following the Emmy award-winning A&E mini-series of 1999. (Quite a few Hornblower fan-girls and boys hang out at the Horations. ) Perhaps Star-Crossed will provide another avenue for introducing girls and young women to nautical fiction. In any case, it is a great read, regardless of one’s age or gender.
The second question is less easy to answer and indeed is the heart of the novel. Linda Collison brings an established archetype to life in a fresh and wonderfully authentic tale of a young lady seeking her place in the world while caught in the fever-ridden islands of the Indies in the midst of the Seven Year’s War.
While the Hornblower books have long been the domain of men and boys, there has been a spike in female readership following the Emmy award-winning A&E mini-series of 1999. (Quite a few Hornblower fan-girls and boys hang out at the Horations. ) Perhaps Star-Crossed will provide another avenue for introducing girls and young women to nautical fiction. In any case, it is a great read, regardless of one’s age or gender.
June 4, 2023
I found this liberated book through BookCrossing and was intrigued by the cover. I've been reading with the assistance of audiobooks due to migraines, which made this book more of a challenge. I couldn't find an audio version anywhere and had to take a lot of breaks to rest my brain. But it was SO worth it! I do wish I had known about the resources in the back of the book while I was reading, because I did an awful lot of research the author had already done for me.
I was incredibly impressed with the historical accuracy of the book, as well as the details and characterization which allowed me to explore a world I had never quite considered in this way before. I was surprised by some of the modern connections in the work, especially since it is set in the past and wasn't written particularly recently. The characters were realistic and well-rounded, the plot was entertaining and inspired me to research related topics, and the ending was "just right" - not too happy, not too unresolved.
I would definitely read more of Linda Collison's books, if this is an indication of her style!
I was incredibly impressed with the historical accuracy of the book, as well as the details and characterization which allowed me to explore a world I had never quite considered in this way before. I was surprised by some of the modern connections in the work, especially since it is set in the past and wasn't written particularly recently. The characters were realistic and well-rounded, the plot was entertaining and inspired me to research related topics, and the ending was "just right" - not too happy, not too unresolved.
I would definitely read more of Linda Collison's books, if this is an indication of her style!
August 23, 2010
I came across this book at the library and took it with me on vacation. I'm so glad I did! While classified as YA, it's very heavy in history and I didn't think it read like your typical young adult novel.
Set in the mid 18th century, the story follows a young girl, Miss Kelly in her quest to win back the sugar plantation of her childhood in the Barbados. With little resources and nothing for her in England, Kelly stows away on a ship bound for the Caribbean.
The main characters were all very likable and I feel like I gained an interesting perspective of naval politics during the 1700's.
I actually hope she continutes Miss Kelly's story.
Set in the mid 18th century, the story follows a young girl, Miss Kelly in her quest to win back the sugar plantation of her childhood in the Barbados. With little resources and nothing for her in England, Kelly stows away on a ship bound for the Caribbean.
The main characters were all very likable and I feel like I gained an interesting perspective of naval politics during the 1700's.
I actually hope she continutes Miss Kelly's story.
September 5, 2011
Wow, is all I can say! I was recommended this book from cheap reads on facebook. It was a cheap book for the e-reader. It sounded interesting, so I downloaded it from barnes and nobel.
Well this story did not disappoint. It was predictable to a point, but the ending was not what I expected. There was a lot of adventure on the ocean,between sicknesses, storms, castaways, pirates, wars. The heroine was not your typical young lady! I cannot say enough. I would recommend this one to anyone as the romance is minimal.
5 stars for me!
Well this story did not disappoint. It was predictable to a point, but the ending was not what I expected. There was a lot of adventure on the ocean,between sicknesses, storms, castaways, pirates, wars. The heroine was not your typical young lady! I cannot say enough. I would recommend this one to anyone as the romance is minimal.
5 stars for me!
March 4, 2008
This is one of those stories that your mind wanders back to again and again. Very solid writing, with what (I felt) was a realistic portrayal of the times and what the heroine went through. It's one I would buy for my library. It's youth fiction, and has some grown-up themes to it. Overall, I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it whole-heartedly.
October 18, 2011
I really enjoyed this book because I love books about the Napoleonic Wars, but there aren't enough books about the period that feature female protagonists. The young girl was a believable character and I liked her gutsy, rigging-climbing nature. It was obvious the author had done her homework and knew the historical period, too.
December 23, 2008
This is one of those books where you have high hopes and it kindof doesnt materialize to anything. The book started out okay, but left to many things open. It wasnt even very well written. I finished it just to say that i finished it.
June 25, 2016
The best woman-on-board-story since "Pirates" by Celia Rees. A lot of interesting historic details, a captivating story, a slowly maturing heroine, a little bit of cross-dressing and a nice love story with a swashbuckling bosun's mate.
September 18, 2011
The most interesting part of this rather predictable and cliched book was the fact that my dad accidentally set my copy on fire in the microwave. (Actually, the library's copy. Oops.)
July 15, 2012
There's a lot of talk of salt water in this story, so grab yourself some Freshwater. The troubles in MacPearson's life are flecked with historical accuracy.
August 27, 2009
Dirty, stupid, and boring.
April 8, 2020
I tried so hard to like this book. I really did. It has many elements that I love (in theory) - historical fictions, ships, long journeys. But in the end it just turned out disappointing and boring.
The plot follows 17-year-old Patricia as she journeys on a ship to Barbados to claim her father's plantation estate there after he dies. There's a few hitches in her plan, though- 1. She's her father's illegitimate daughter with no legal standing, 2. She has no money, and 3. She needs to get all the way from Britain to the Caribbean. Patricia manages to sneak onboard a merchant ship, though she quickly discovered by the crew. Most of the plot appertains to Patricia's experience on her long sea journey to Barbados and her relationships with the crew.
The main problem with this book, in my eyes, is that it didn't really go anywhere. Patricia has no real adventures or has anything exciting happen to her (the first part of the book, where she sneaks onboard the ship, is by far the closest thing to "adventure" in this book.) Most of the book is about random occurrences onboard the ship and Patricia's relationships with people. None of the plot elements seem connected in any way. Patricia herself is a naive, unlikable character for the most part. Despite many people telling her that is foolishness to think so, and knowing the legal and practical impossibility of it, Patricia genuinely believes she can walk right up to her father's estate and just take it. This is just one nonsensical aspect of her character of many.
There were also some weird, creepy parts of this book that I feel are a major problem. Patricia (an underage teenage girl), is married to a man more than twice her age after she fails to retake her father's plantation. Their sexual encounters are not described in explicit detail, but are still depicted. Whether or not their relationship or these acts are consensual is never really answered. She is obviously very unwilling and resentful at first, but then later states that he "wore away at her". What? Either she consents or does not. Whether or not with time she came to love him has nothing to do with it. This an awful, creepy message to put in a book targeted to teenage girls.
This book was interesting and fun in theory, but turned out to be boring and had concerning messages.
The plot follows 17-year-old Patricia as she journeys on a ship to Barbados to claim her father's plantation estate there after he dies. There's a few hitches in her plan, though- 1. She's her father's illegitimate daughter with no legal standing, 2. She has no money, and 3. She needs to get all the way from Britain to the Caribbean. Patricia manages to sneak onboard a merchant ship, though she quickly discovered by the crew. Most of the plot appertains to Patricia's experience on her long sea journey to Barbados and her relationships with the crew.
The main problem with this book, in my eyes, is that it didn't really go anywhere. Patricia has no real adventures or has anything exciting happen to her (the first part of the book, where she sneaks onboard the ship, is by far the closest thing to "adventure" in this book.) Most of the book is about random occurrences onboard the ship and Patricia's relationships with people. None of the plot elements seem connected in any way. Patricia herself is a naive, unlikable character for the most part. Despite many people telling her that is foolishness to think so, and knowing the legal and practical impossibility of it, Patricia genuinely believes she can walk right up to her father's estate and just take it. This is just one nonsensical aspect of her character of many.
There were also some weird, creepy parts of this book that I feel are a major problem. Patricia (an underage teenage girl), is married to a man more than twice her age after she fails to retake her father's plantation. Their sexual encounters are not described in explicit detail, but are still depicted. Whether or not their relationship or these acts are consensual is never really answered. She is obviously very unwilling and resentful at first, but then later states that he "wore away at her". What? Either she consents or does not. Whether or not with time she came to love him has nothing to do with it. This an awful, creepy message to put in a book targeted to teenage girls.
This book was interesting and fun in theory, but turned out to be boring and had concerning messages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2024
Have been clearing out my childhood bookshelf, and I keep reading this one, forgetting to review it, forgetting the book entirely, cue cycle for over ten years. An honest review ain't going to happen.
August 9, 2024
This book kind of reminded me of a movie called "The Perils of Pauline" where everything that can go wrong does go wrong. The main woman in this book just seemed to go from one misadventure after another.
December 3, 2022
Wow this book took me by surprise. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions reading this. I have been eyeing this book for ten years and I finally read it. It did not disappoint.
August 13, 2012
Okay, it's a three star. I had to give it that, because as I was reading it felt like a lot of effort was put in, and I understood all the details and ways of talking, even though I'm not used to oldies talk style. It was an admirable book, but I do have a couple complaints.
1) Throughout the book, it has very... Severe sexual scenes. No, no, they are appropriate for young adults in the STYLE they are written, but it implies so, so, so much more. Usually we teens read books that appeal to us in the sense that we will connect with the character and be all "Oh yeah! That's totally me!" or "I can seriously see this happening!" or "Man, wish that's me!". Being married to a thirty-something man and listening to the author describe his... Desire to be with this girl ("let me show you what an old man knows about love") doesn't really evoke these feelings. At times I found myself thinking, "this should be an adult book!". It's different for everyone, so don't trust my opinion until you try the book for yourself.
2) If you have a weak stomach or feel faint at the mere mention of blood, I would not recommend this book. In the book, Patricia Kelley gets married to the old surgeon/physician, and before and after that, she is his apprentice (or something like that). There were some scenes in the book where the physician drilled holes in people's head, and amputations and stuff were described thoroughly. I sometimes skipped entire paragraphs, because I hate to read about stuff like that. Also, yellow fever comes up a lot. If you don't like to read about people puking and peeing black putrid stuff - ditto.
3) IT'S NOT A BOOK ABOUT PROSTITUTES!! Then WHY do they come up so much???
4) The author puts so much pressure on the book to prove that Patricia is a "wild child" and not like normal girls. She's braver, takes risks, and doesn't like her petticoats. What makes me mad, is that when it comes to deals for who she will marry, her prospects, her dowry, etc, she describes her ideals in a sense that SHE IS NOT INTERESTED IN MARRIAGE UNLESS HE CAN HELP HER GET HER ESTATE or whatever. That being said, I was glad, because I thought she had a bright future. And what happens?? When the physician proposes, she doesn't want to say "yes" but she feels trapped to do so. Because she didn't want to "break his heart:" or whatever. Of course, there were more reasonable reasons, like the fact that the surgeon was her friend, he could brighten her future and all that. But it just surprised me that the author made Patricia so strong on the subject, then let her give in at the peak. I was all "whaaaaaaat?". Maybe I missed something.
I was going to give a reason #5, (the ending), but then I went to Linda Collison's profile and I think there's a second book. Don't think I'm going to read it. So don't judge the ending because I think there're a second book. Yeah there is.
I recommend this for: teens who are OK (or idc) in the medical field, (not as career, but as a patient type deal). Also those who are looking for a book about a girl braving the seas, with adventure, romance, and all that stuff to go.
1) Throughout the book, it has very... Severe sexual scenes. No, no, they are appropriate for young adults in the STYLE they are written, but it implies so, so, so much more. Usually we teens read books that appeal to us in the sense that we will connect with the character and be all "Oh yeah! That's totally me!" or "I can seriously see this happening!" or "Man, wish that's me!". Being married to a thirty-something man and listening to the author describe his... Desire to be with this girl ("let me show you what an old man knows about love") doesn't really evoke these feelings. At times I found myself thinking, "this should be an adult book!". It's different for everyone, so don't trust my opinion until you try the book for yourself.
2) If you have a weak stomach or feel faint at the mere mention of blood, I would not recommend this book. In the book, Patricia Kelley gets married to the old surgeon/physician, and before and after that, she is his apprentice (or something like that). There were some scenes in the book where the physician drilled holes in people's head, and amputations and stuff were described thoroughly. I sometimes skipped entire paragraphs, because I hate to read about stuff like that. Also, yellow fever comes up a lot. If you don't like to read about people puking and peeing black putrid stuff - ditto.
3) IT'S NOT A BOOK ABOUT PROSTITUTES!! Then WHY do they come up so much???
4) The author puts so much pressure on the book to prove that Patricia is a "wild child" and not like normal girls. She's braver, takes risks, and doesn't like her petticoats. What makes me mad, is that when it comes to deals for who she will marry, her prospects, her dowry, etc, she describes her ideals in a sense that SHE IS NOT INTERESTED IN MARRIAGE UNLESS HE CAN HELP HER GET HER ESTATE or whatever. That being said, I was glad, because I thought she had a bright future. And what happens?? When the physician proposes, she doesn't want to say "yes" but she feels trapped to do so. Because she didn't want to "break his heart:" or whatever. Of course, there were more reasonable reasons, like the fact that the surgeon was her friend, he could brighten her future and all that. But it just surprised me that the author made Patricia so strong on the subject, then let her give in at the peak. I was all "whaaaaaaat?". Maybe I missed something.
I was going to give a reason #5, (the ending), but then I went to Linda Collison's profile and I think there's a second book. Don't think I'm going to read it. So don't judge the ending because I think there're a second book. Yeah there is.
I recommend this for: teens who are OK (or idc) in the medical field, (not as career, but as a patient type deal). Also those who are looking for a book about a girl braving the seas, with adventure, romance, and all that stuff to go.
December 1, 2018
I gave this book one star.
Maybe I'm not being fair to the book. This book is... well written, mostly, historically accurate, and it's very different than what I had wanted it to be. But I don't care.
I thought, "Hey, book with a lady with a ship on her head, I can't go wrong here with this purchase!". Well, surprise. This book had no ladies with ships on their heads.
Patricia doesn't start off annoying, she kind of grows to be annoying. She starts off spunky (man, so many YA heroines are solely "spunky") and naive, attempting to stowaway to the Caribbean and take back her father's plantation even though she's an illegitimate daughter. She almost immediately gets found out by the cabin boy and becomes the assistant to Dr. MacPherson on the ship while spending her nights climbing the rigging with handsome and dangerous Dalton. Unfortunately and kind of predictably, when she gets to her plantation she cannot take control of it and it has already been sold.
MacPherson "helps" by getting married to her and together they go to different ships and MacPherson begins to teach Patricia medicine even though she's insanely squeamish.
This is kind of where the book lost me.
There is a lot of detail when it comes to the story from here on out. But most of the detail is about disease and bloody injuries. I'm not as squeamish as Patricia, but I still felt like throwing up. MacPherson is kind of an interesting character, but then .
The rest of the story has to be a spoiler:
The main issues of this book (I'll try to constrain myself) is that this book, or at least my edition, needs a different cover--I was expecting a swashbuckling, almost magic-history book but instead it was gritty-realistic, well, I don't know what the opposite of swashbuckling is. The book also needed to decide what it wanted to be--was it the story of a girl becoming a doctor? Was it her finding love (like the title would have you presume)? Was it her becoming mature? 'Cause that didn't happen. I've heard that there's a sequel and maybe that solves some of these issues, but I didn't enjoy this book enough to read that one.
Maybe I'm not being fair to the book. This book is... well written, mostly, historically accurate, and it's very different than what I had wanted it to be. But I don't care.
I thought, "Hey, book with a lady with a ship on her head, I can't go wrong here with this purchase!". Well, surprise. This book had no ladies with ships on their heads.
Patricia doesn't start off annoying, she kind of grows to be annoying. She starts off spunky (man, so many YA heroines are solely "spunky") and naive, attempting to stowaway to the Caribbean and take back her father's plantation even though she's an illegitimate daughter. She almost immediately gets found out by the cabin boy and becomes the assistant to Dr. MacPherson on the ship while spending her nights climbing the rigging with handsome and dangerous Dalton. Unfortunately and kind of predictably, when she gets to her plantation she cannot take control of it and it has already been sold.
MacPherson "helps" by getting married to her and together they go to different ships and MacPherson begins to teach Patricia medicine even though she's insanely squeamish.
This is kind of where the book lost me.
There is a lot of detail when it comes to the story from here on out. But most of the detail is about disease and bloody injuries. I'm not as squeamish as Patricia, but I still felt like throwing up. MacPherson is kind of an interesting character, but then .
The rest of the story has to be a spoiler:
The main issues of this book (I'll try to constrain myself) is that this book, or at least my edition, needs a different cover--I was expecting a swashbuckling, almost magic-history book but instead it was gritty-realistic, well, I don't know what the opposite of swashbuckling is. The book also needed to decide what it wanted to be--was it the story of a girl becoming a doctor? Was it her finding love (like the title would have you presume)? Was it her becoming mature? 'Cause that didn't happen. I've heard that there's a sequel and maybe that solves some of these issues, but I didn't enjoy this book enough to read that one.
December 2, 2019
Summary: In 1760 England, recently orphaned Patricia Kelley sneaks aboard a merchant ship bound for Barbados. There, she hopes to inherit her late father’s plantation. But a life at sea is more than this English rose bargained for. With the help of unlikely friends, Patricia learns to sail, practices medicine, and falls in love.
Thoughts: This book is action-packed and thoroughly researched. Patricia’s 1st person voice will draw you into her story. Her naïve remarks will annoy you, charm you, and bring you to tears. The heart-pounding adventure on the high seas and in the Caribbean will consume you to the point where you might smell saltwater. The characters are multi-dimensional and bring unique perspectives to the Seven Years War conflict, Britain/French/Spanish relations, and especially the role of women during the 18th Century.
Content Advisory: Star-Crossed is not for the faint of heart. This is a Young Adult book but I would recommend it to anyone 16+. Foul language is limited to the occasional “h*ll,” “damnation,” and “bastard” (to describe an illegitimate child). There is not much sexual content, but the main character gets married and makes love (not graphically). She also cavorts with another lover interest later in the story. Symptoms of intense sickness – such as yellow fever – is described in gruesome detail. War, injuries, and death are a main component of the story. Despite all these things, the story is uplifting and empowering (if you can believe it).
Spiritual/Moral Lessons: While not geared towards a religious audience, Christianity and prayer is mentioned due to the nature of the time period. People ask for God to help them, heal them, guide them to safety. The ship’s doctor is more faith-filled than our protagonist. But Patricia learns some important lessons: Do not take anyone for granted, see the good in every situation, the will to live can overcome impossible odds, life is fragile. She presses on through hardship and may inspire readers to do so, or at least help them appreciate their own lives.
Impressions: Readers will learn that a tale about the 1700s reads almost like a fantasy novel. The struggles are so different than what we face today, but the indomitable human spirit remains the same. Patricia’s journey and struggles will be eye opening for history lovers and those curious about a completely different time.
Thoughts: This book is action-packed and thoroughly researched. Patricia’s 1st person voice will draw you into her story. Her naïve remarks will annoy you, charm you, and bring you to tears. The heart-pounding adventure on the high seas and in the Caribbean will consume you to the point where you might smell saltwater. The characters are multi-dimensional and bring unique perspectives to the Seven Years War conflict, Britain/French/Spanish relations, and especially the role of women during the 18th Century.
Content Advisory: Star-Crossed is not for the faint of heart. This is a Young Adult book but I would recommend it to anyone 16+. Foul language is limited to the occasional “h*ll,” “damnation,” and “bastard” (to describe an illegitimate child). There is not much sexual content, but the main character gets married and makes love (not graphically). She also cavorts with another lover interest later in the story. Symptoms of intense sickness – such as yellow fever – is described in gruesome detail. War, injuries, and death are a main component of the story. Despite all these things, the story is uplifting and empowering (if you can believe it).
Spiritual/Moral Lessons: While not geared towards a religious audience, Christianity and prayer is mentioned due to the nature of the time period. People ask for God to help them, heal them, guide them to safety. The ship’s doctor is more faith-filled than our protagonist. But Patricia learns some important lessons: Do not take anyone for granted, see the good in every situation, the will to live can overcome impossible odds, life is fragile. She presses on through hardship and may inspire readers to do so, or at least help them appreciate their own lives.
Impressions: Readers will learn that a tale about the 1700s reads almost like a fantasy novel. The struggles are so different than what we face today, but the indomitable human spirit remains the same. Patricia’s journey and struggles will be eye opening for history lovers and those curious about a completely different time.
July 15, 2013
I started out reading this book with no expectations. I liked the cover, the premise, and a friend lent it to me, insisting I read it. It started out interesting enough; Patricia Kelley stowed away on the Canopus, a merchant ship bound for Barbados in the 18th century. She's soon discovered and the story begins.
And drags on.
And on.
And on.
While it was interesting at first, after getting more than half way through the book I was wondering where the story was going. I missed the characters introduced in the first part and lacked the connection with all the other cast that Patricia met after leaving the merchant ship. I missed Dalton's presence, the most, even though he flitted through the entire story.
I don't usually read historical. I don't overly care for them. But I like Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, and hell, I may as well attempt to broaden my reading spectrum. I've read too many PNR's as of late-YA and adult-so this was refreshing, to say the least. But the plot dragged on a little too much after the first part and I found myself skimming the last 200 pages.
There's a sequel, Surgeon's Mate, but I'm not certain I'm willing to read another book set in this world. Historical lovers may find this a lot better than I did, and certainly those who are nautical lovers, too, since the majority of the book is set on a ship of some kind.
And drags on.
And on.
And on.
While it was interesting at first, after getting more than half way through the book I was wondering where the story was going. I missed the characters introduced in the first part and lacked the connection with all the other cast that Patricia met after leaving the merchant ship. I missed Dalton's presence, the most, even though he flitted through the entire story.
I don't usually read historical. I don't overly care for them. But I like Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, and hell, I may as well attempt to broaden my reading spectrum. I've read too many PNR's as of late-YA and adult-so this was refreshing, to say the least. But the plot dragged on a little too much after the first part and I found myself skimming the last 200 pages.
There's a sequel, Surgeon's Mate, but I'm not certain I'm willing to read another book set in this world. Historical lovers may find this a lot better than I did, and certainly those who are nautical lovers, too, since the majority of the book is set on a ship of some kind.
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