While the story is complex, it’s incredibly easy to follow. Jenn Bennett makes her multiple narrative paths easy to traverse (and not just because of the super cool maps included in the book). I wanted to make a pun about not getting lost in the narrative (because of how it’s a wilderness survival story) but I couldn’t make it work. There are also side narratives, such as various events in their past (shared and separate). Through Zorie and Lennon’s journey through the wilderness, the complexities of relationships (friendship, family, romance), loss and the transition to adulthood are all explored. Bennett deftly crafts both genuine friendship and the fraught feelings of teen angst with a really sweet romance.

Every aspect of the story fits together, creating a solid foundation on which to explore a variety of complex threads. Starry Eyes is an incredibly well-executed novel. Endearing characters in an adorable romance with a hefty dose of angst. An entertaining, easy read that can be devoured in one sitting. It’s well-written, heartwarming and funny. A contemporary YA that’s part Romeo and Juliet, part friends-to-enemies (and enemies-to-lovers), plus teenagers stuck in the wilderness with no choice but to stick together. I knew I would enjoy reading Starry Eyes. Soon it's not simply a matter of enduring each other’s company, but taming their growing feelings for each other. But as the two travel deeper into the rugged Californian countryside, secrets and hidden feelings surface.

Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to try to make their way to safety. But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern-day version of the Montagues and Capulets. Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett is published by Simon & Schuster Australian and is available in bookshops now.Įver since last year's homecoming dance, best-friends-turned-worst-enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. I am part of the Starry Eyes blog tour - you can find the rest of the tour stops here.

Starry eyes book review