Still Star-Crossed

Gr 8 Up—This fast-paced, captivating sequel to Romeo and Juliet is a fascinating homage to one of the Bard's best-loved plays. Mercutio, Tybalt, Paris, Romeo, and Juliet have all perished by the sword or by poison, and yet the houses of Capulet and Montague still rage against each other. Prince Escalus, desperate for peace in his city, determines that the only way to end the bloodshed is for a marriage to take place between the households. Rosaline, niece to Capulet, who once rejected her erstwhile suitor, Romeo, and Benvolio, nephew to Lord Montague, are the chosen, but they have no interested in marrying each other and resolve to end the violence without approaching the altar. Meanwhile, Rosaline's sister Livia discovers that Paris is still alive and falls in love with him while secretly nursing him back to health. However, Paris, guided by the treachery of Lady Capulet, decides to amass an army to dethrone the prince. Full of secrets, duels, and duplicity, this novel brings a joyous ending to a once-tragic tale. Although Paris and Lady Capulet are evil personified, Rosaline, Benvolio, and Livia are well-developed characters, and Escalus and Friar Lawrence, though less important, are believably complex. The period details of costume and custom greatly enhance the story's realism, and the quick-moving action will keep readers both alert and entranced. This well-written novel, whether standing alone or serving as a back-door introduction to the original, should be a first purchase for school and public libraries.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI