Juliet Immortal by Stacey 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.

Juliet Immortal is a revamped retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet with the biggest twist. Instead of being starstruck lovers, Stacey Jay has created a version of the most infamous lovers being mortal enemies. Romeo murdered Juliet and now the two are in a centruries long battle of good vs. evil, light vs. dark, for the souls of true love.

I really enjoyed this version of Romeo and Juliet. It was very dark, twisted, and sinister, not at all what you would expect from the original story. I think that is what made me so attached to this story, that it is so different and unique. Romeo is literally a cruel monster who is out to convince soulmates to sacrafice each other just as he murdered Juliet. And Juliet is a steadfast warrior for the light who must save these couples and outwit Romeo. While doing so, she ends up falling in love which throws the diabolic wrench into the whole plan.

Although I did love the concept of this story, at times it felt a little rushed. The whole books takes place in the span of three days leaving some plot and character depth to be desired. Everything sort of just happens and there isn't a lot of progression. At the start Juliet is placed inside Ariel's body to intervene and stop Romeo from his mission, but no one ever seems to really recognize the complete character change that Ariel undergoes. There was also quite a bit of explaining of the different realities, laws of the universe, and Ambassador vs. Mercenary which left me a little confused. I just wish that those aspects of the book were a bit more clear and detailed.

However, Juliet Immortal was a pleasant read. I really loved the creepiness of the story, with the spectors of their former selves haunting Juliet and Romeo. Some of those scenes with the spectors were really freaky and I could totally imagine how it would play out in a thriller movie. I also really fell in love with Ben. Stacey Jay always knows how to create such a romantic gentleman who you just can't help rooting for. Ben was definitely him, plus had the bad boy past which made me want him even more! Even better though, was Romeo's character. He was dark and evil, but with a heart deep down, which I'm hoping we will get to see more of! I just love when the villain is likeable, it takes some real talent to write that.

Overall, Juliet Immortal was a fun read. It wan't a deeply intense story, but I was still left satisfied at the end. I appreciate the creativity and originality that went into making one of literature's classic into a new modern horror story! Even better, Jay leaves the ending way open for a sequel, which I'm crossing my fingers will happen!