Fictional Candy: Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett (Review)

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett (Review)

Title: Starry Eyes
Series: Standalone
Author: Jenn Bennett
Release Date: April 2018
Format: EGalley
Pages: 432 per Goodreads

Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern day, Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets.

But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together.

What could go wrong?

With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely.

And as the two travel deeper into Northern California’s rugged backcountry, secrets and hidden feelings surface. But can Zorie and Lennon’s rekindled connection survive out in the real world? Or was it just a result of the fresh forest air and the magic of the twinkling stars?

I haven't read YA in a while. Starry Eyes was a complete joy of a read, to bring me back into the genre. Jenn Bennett has instantly turned into an author I need to read more of (and with 2 more books on the way - I can't wait!)

Starry Eyes is told from Zorie's perspective, and I really like this girl. She has her eyes in the sky, and has a need for order. She likes lists and plans, and I am so on board with that! She's a smart young woman who just doesn't know where she fits into the puzzle of life yet, and I really felt that I could connect with her as a character even though I am... well, much older.

There isn't really anything I would change about this book, except maybe I would love to see some of it from Lennon's POV. Lennon is Zorie's friend. Well, ex-friend, and she's just discovered they are going camping together. I can't even tell you how many ways I love Lennon, he is so good. Smart, logical, emotional, creative, respectful... he is the epitome of who you actually would want your teenage daughter to date.

I'm so glad I read this story. The camping trip into the backcountry made me long for a camping trip of my own. It was a nice peaceful setting, and I loved every inch of this story. Friends to enemies to ... well, that would be spoiling it. But I'm sure you get the gist of it. Bennett writes in a nice and easy tone. I felt as relaxed as the campers, and as wound up as they were when the situation called for it. And even more, the characters are a wide variance of people. I really enjoyed that, knowing not everyone was "identical". I could keep gushing on and on, but I won't just read the story and tell me you agree!