Juliet Immortal by Stacy Jay

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

—Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The most tragic love story in history . . .

Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.

 I've been dying to read this book since I first heard about it. It's such an original idea to twist the classic story around like that, plus the cover is so gorgeous and romantic! And it really is a beautiful story Stacey Jay has created. Juliet is such a determined, intriguing, even broken character. Although it's her mission to help people find their true soul mate, she doesn't really believe in love herself. That's why I really admired her for trying so hard to make Ariel's (the name of the girl who's body she possesses) life better, even while desperately trying to stay away from Ben, the boy she's forbidden to have feelings for. Who doesn't love a good forbidden romance? It was a kind of 'love at first sight' thing, but the way the author describes it in the book makes it much easier to understand and believe. And Romeo, O Romeo. I was expecting him to be this evil, deplorable character that dies a horrible and painful death in the end, but there was really more depth to him than I would've thought. Even when he was being a total jerk, I couldn't help but see that shred of humanity left in him. The poor guy was weak, the complete opposite of Juliet. Both of their endings surprised me-- in a good way.

 The writing style was lovely, perfect for showcasing all the character's different emotions. This is one of those books where I can really feel what the character is going through, sometimes even needing to shut my eyes or wince at certain parts like it was a movie. I also liked the way the author used Romeo and Juliet's situation to explain how their 'false' story came to be. Everything just fits so perfectly in this novel. Go Stacey Jay for shaking it up a little! 

 Warning: If you are completely in love with the original story of Romeo and Juliet, you probably shouldn't read this book-- it will just make you mad at the author for trying to change it. I was never really fond of Shakespeare's tragedy, which is why I loved this version so much. Just a little cautionary advice:)