Customer Reviews

Star Crossed: Aries Rising

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Logan McRae wants to accomplish two important goals before finishing her sophomore year in high school: get accepted into a prestigious summer writing program and get a date with Nathan, the senior she can't stop thinking about. Her chances of achieving either goal seem remote until she happens to find a book in a closet at home called Fearless Astrology. Can Logan use the information she finds out about her teachers and friends by reading their star signs to help her get what she wants?

Aries Rising is the first in the Star Crossed series by Bonnie Hearn Hill. The premise is intriguing: use astrology to find out what motivates the people you know to act the way they do, then adjust your own actions to help you get along with them better and maybe get what you want in the process. It's a tribute to Hill's writing that Logan doesn't come off as manipulative in her quest.

She truly wants to understand people, and as she tests the things she's learns in Fearless Astrology, she also finds out how to see below the surface that most people project. When she looks past the preconceived notions she has about the English teacher many students despise and the art teacher they dismiss as ditzy, she starts to see real people, motivated by real emotions. This means she begins to relate to them differently too, and the reader can see her grow in the process.

Each chapter of Aries Rising starts with a quote from Fearless Astrology, setting the tone for the action to come. Each chapter also ends with a "Notes to Self" section written by Logan. Even though the book is told from Logan's perspective, these notes are similar to diary entries, and they reveal a little more about her than what the reader learns from the chapters. Each of these features keeps the action moving along.

There's also a bit of mystery involved. A group of students dubbed The Gears has been vandalizing the school. Their actions escalate as the book progresses, and Logan is convinced she can figure out who they are and stop their actions by using astrology.

I believe Aries Rising is a great book to read with a mother-daughter book club whose girls are in high school. Moms can remember their high school days, and daughters can identify with their current experiences. Both will likely know with what it feels like to be insecure and thinking that many people around you are more confident and have their lives more together than you do. In many ways that seems to be a universal feeling, and the lure of using a book to help you figure it all out is strong.

The astrological information is also fun. Logan talks a lot about what she learns for each of the sun signs of the people around her. Once she gains more confidence, she digs deeper and looks at moon influences and rising signs. You'll also find a page of temporary tattoos for each sign inserted into the back of the book. It all may just send you out looking for your own version of Fearless Astrology.

Logan McRae may seem average on the surface, but that's hardly the case. She's an Aquarius out to save the world--well maybe just her school first. ARIES RISING, the first of the Star Crossed series, is refreshing and fun. It's also informative, especially if, like me, you don't know much about astrology. After reading this, you'll crave more. I did. Best of all, the characters jump off the page. You can't help but wish you could spend time in their world and that school in Terra Bella Beach. Much about this book makes it stand out. Characters, plot, writing. In the end, though, what really works is the hope that comes through. All is possible, and could there be a better time in their lives for young people to be given the message that if they work, if they pursue their dreams, it can happen? This is a perfect read for teenagers, but I can't imagine an adult who won't fall in love with it too.

I just finish this book, and I loved it. Great character's, and fantastic storyline. I can't wait for the sequel.

This book surprised me! I honestly did not think I would like it as much as I did. I have never read anything with astrology as the main focus before. Before reading Aries Rising, I knew little to nothing about astrology. Sure, I knew my sign is Taurus, but I had no idea that that was just the beginning. I was surprised to discover that I enjoy astrology. I learned so many interesting tidbits about it thanks to this book.

I liked how the chapters were set up. Each chapter starts with a little passage from Fearless Astrology, Logan's go to astrology book that essentially changes her life. Then the chapter ends with a sort of journal entry from Logan. There is also a What's Your Sign section and Star-Crossed tattoos in the back, which I thought was kind of cool.

The story was so much fun to read. I thought it was so original that Logan used her astrology skills to better understand and snatch her crush, Nate. It was exciting to see her use her knowledge for her own good. I did not this book to have a mystery in it, so that was an added bonus. It was fun to guess who did it.

Aries Rising is definitely an inspiring book. I loved how Logan and her best friends grew into themselves throughout the book. Thanks to Fearless Astrology, they discovered the confidence they always had inside of themselves.

As you can probably tell, I really enjoyed this book. Aries Rising is like a good present. I did not know what to expect before opening it, but it was a great surprise! It was definitely a nice surprise. It was interesting, intriguing, original and full of mystery! I loved how it was written. It is definitely one of the most fun books I have read in a while. I think teenage girls will devour this book.

I got my 12 yo daughter a digital copy for her kindle, she read it cover to cover in 2-3 days. (I think that says it all)

So, I'm not actually into astrology. I know they say it's a science and all, but I've never really believed it. That being said, I really REALLY liked this story. This first book in the series was a sweet spin on YA contemporary fiction. Taking place in Terra Bella Beach, a town some 90 minutes outside San Francisco.

I don't know what it was about the book that I enjoyed so much. Maybe it was the different subject matter, or maybe is was the excellent writing. I'm not sure, but whatever it was, I'm glad for it.

Aries Rising, the first in the series is a captivating story of a young girl who finds her way through the crap that is high school and into a world where she actually feels like she has control. Well, as much control as the cosmos will give a girl anyway. Logan, our main girl, was a fun character for me. In the beginning, she doesn't seem to know exactly where she fits in the whole scheme of things. She knows what she wants, but has no idea, really, how to get there. Until she finds a book in her dad's stash of junked items. This is where the story begins. Logan uses this book to help her discover things about life and herself.

Now, personally, I know some people gave this book grief because of the astrology aspect, but for me, I figured if I can read books about vampires and zombies and fairies - which I have yet to see any proof of their existence - I can read a book about astrology and get it. And, yeah, I really did feel for Logan throughout Aries Rising, but she seems to be able to pick herself up and keep pushing through. Plus, once she finds her groove, she says what she feels and that, above everything, is what I love about her. I've always wanted to be able to do that and be eloquent, and she hits it on the nose.

Although, it always seems like her love life is a bit in the crapola range, if you know what I'm saying. I felt a bit like the Trix bunny all over again and that love wasn't meant for Logan. But, I supposed that's what a good author throws at us. They make us wait for the good stuff so it's just that much better in the end when we finally get it. Which isn't so much the case in this book.

I'd say, overall, this book was fun and entertaining. I always like some good YA contemporary fiction, it really helps on those days that seem to drag. It was light and made me think. And although I don't really believe in astrology, let's just say, after these books, I'm a bit more interested. So, if you like secret gangs who streak, teenage fashion designers, Armenian food, and some vehicle vadalism, than you should pick up this series.

Let me begin by saying that I would never have read this book had it not been a free giveaway at ALA, along with the second in the Starcrossed series (which I will read as well, although probably not review). Aries Rising was entertaining, but it will not be the latest teen fad or receive critical acclaim. Learning about astrology is (for me) amusing, but I cannot help laughing at how seriously Logan takes the whole thing. No comment is ever made about the obvious drawbacks of astrology (like the fact that every person born at the same time and place will not have the same personality).

The book does manage to avoid getting too cheesy, which was definitely appreciated. While she does moon over Nathan, she does so in a very realistically high school way, rather than in a Twilight-ish-we're-totes-in-love-already kind of way. Her relationship with her teacher, Frankenstein, and her friends are believable as well, and probably the best part of the book. The plot and the revelation of whodunit are straightforward in obvious. The guilty parties for the various pranks and graffiti-ing that occur within the book are obvious almost as soon as they happen (to me although not to Logan or anyone else in the book). Logan is convinced for much of the book that one of the Gears is a guy with a lot of tattoos, regardless of the fact that one of the pranks involved the Gears streaking past while Logan and her friends were in Chili's hot tub; if one of them had tattoos, she would have seen them. Such obvious deductions are above and beyond our teenage astrological sleuth.

Recommended for teenage girls who check their astrological forecast every day.

At the beginning of the book, Logan was an average girl, a little bit insecure, that only when she's with her friends she feels comfortable. But when she finds an astrology book, which says it'll change her life, she wants to try it.

She learns to use the zodiacal signs to understand people and get along with them, and to finally get what she wants (as the cute guy). It is interesting to read Logan's changes from shy to a very secure girl just because of the book, and also I think it's very original to have included Astrology. I had some knowledge about it, but I still learned a lot. In each chapter you can read some tips about each sign while Logan has to deal with people (for example: Aires people), and although at some point it seems that she becomes very dependent on astrology, at the end it teaches you that "The Sun is not the sum".

Unfortunately, I didn't liked Nathan, the cute guy. It was nice boy, but very shallow and I just thought he was another pretty boy. Maybe in the next book, Logan can find someone better.

The writing is simple and light, and it's easy to read and not get bored with Logan. But it is not a fast-paced book, one of those that doesn't let you go to sleep without ending it.

A young and innocent story, and although a bit predictable, very nice. Surely, I'll read the next books.

Logan McRae loves writing. Her wish for the summer is to go to a summer writing camp in Monterey. She also wants to be semi-popular in school so she can land Nathan, the hottest senior around, as her boyfriend. These feats seem impossible - until she discovers a book called Fearless Astrology.

With this book, she's able to figure out what personality tendencies people have: her teachers, the school newspaper editor, and Nathan - landing her the boy of her dreams, the column she's always wanted, and the recommendation she needs for her writing camp.

When things get out of hand, however, and a rumor gets spread that Logan is going to identify the Gears, a group of students who are terrorizing and vandalizing the school and teacher's personal property, her life spins out of control. Deciding to try and do just what the rumor suggests, Logan starts using astrology and a website she finds online to figure out when the Gears will strike next.

The Gears, though, get intimidated and start trying everything they can, even dangerous tactics, to stop her from identifying them. Will Logan figure out the members of the Gears in time, or will they do something harmful to both her and themselves?

ARIES RISING is a fun, fast read. The characters are complex and likable, even the school bullies. The plot is intense and enjoyable, and the author even manages to throw in some unexpected humor. Those who like realistic fiction, friendships, humor, mysteries, and a bit of romance will all enjoy reading ARIES RISING.

Reviewed by: Kira M

This is a really good series for young adults who are interested in astrology. It's a fun story with educational tidbits sprinkled in, and the characters really demonstrate their signs. I study astrology and when put into a story, I felt like I learned more from this book than an actual educational book! Wish there were more of these!