Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund



When the human race began to genetically engineer their offspring in order to create perfect babies, they thought they were successful. However, the babies subjected to the experiment lead to the birth of the reduced - mentally and physically impaired children. Those who were affected with this tragedy, the Lost, turned against those who rejected the experiment and caused annihilation - this is called the Wars of the Lost. After the wars, the survivors created a new home which they called New Pacifica.

Centuries later, New Pacifica has been separated into two countries - Albion, the northern island and Galatea, the southern island.  Aristocrats (descendants of those who have not been reduced) and the regulars (descendants of the reduced) have been living together in peace. Until that one fateful day..

Persis Blake is a beautiful, intelligent and adventurous aristocrat from the country of Albion. When news of revolt in Galatea has reached their country, she decided to check the situation herself and visit Galatea.

On that very day, the Wild Poppy was born.



Diana Peterfreund has once again weaved her magic by bringing us Across a Star-Swept Sea which is based loosely on the classic novel, The Scarlet Pimpernel.

Though the story is set in the same universe as For Darkness Shows the Stars, this novel brings us something different as we are introduced to the continent of New Pacifica, which the two countries - Albion and Galatea are opposites when it comes to their lifestyle and beliefs.

I loved Persis who plays both the foolish and fashion leader Persis "Flake" and infamous spy the Wild Poppy. I also liked the kind and sweet Justen and enjoyed their push-pull, love-hate relationship. Readers of the previous book will also find familiar names which made me happy. And they weren't just cameos, they had a role to play in this book.

There is more politics in this book than the first one and more action too as with Persis being a spy, rescuing Aristos from the clutches of the revolting Galateans. One of my problems with the book is the the ending felt too abrupt, which left me hanging. It would have been more better with an additional chapter to tie up loose ends.

Peterfreund has managed to create an adequate retelling of one of my favorite classic novels. So to those who wants enjoy a fun, romantic, dystopian story  with a heroine who kicks butt and still manages to become fashionable - this is a story you must read!

A prequel to this book, entitled The First Star to Fall is free to download here.

Title: Across a Star-Swept Sea
Author: Diana Peterfreund
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance
Published: 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Rating: ♨♨♨♨♨

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