Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

This is not your typical Romeo and Juliet love story. For one thing the starting premise is the one where Juliet did not commit suicide for the sake of everlasting true love as the Bard's version claims but was killed by her lover Romeo who exchanged her life for immortality. But the betrayed and forsaken Juliet did not die according to plan. On the contrary she become an immortal, an ambassador of light whose sole purpose is fight for the sake of true loves across time against her one true love and arch nemesis Romeo.  

Reborn in to the mortal realm each time to help soul mates find each other Juliet has to give up the life she inhabits every time her job is completed. But the irony of the matter is Juliet who is destined to bring true loves together herself do not believe in true love. After her experience with true love Juliet wants nothing more to do with it herself. But that is until she meets Ben a kind hearted boy with whom she experiences an instant connection. Now when circumstances urges Juliet to rethink her position Romeo enters the picture and he will do anything to ensure that Juliet remains his for all eternity. 

When I first picked up this book I admit I wasn't much excited to read about a YA Romeo and Juliet story. In fact that was the last thing I wanted. But my inquisitiveness got the better of me and I decided to give it a try. Surprisingly I found this book a very enjoyable and interesting read. The concept is fresh and the treatment commendable. The one part worth mentioning is the practicality associated with the story of Romeo and Juliet. Rather than portraying Romeo and Juliet as the symbols of undying love the book makes you think about practical scenarios by looking at Romeo as an exiled 17 year old noble with no skill or livelihood and Juliet as a 14 year old innocent girl who never had to face actual hardship in her well pampered life. The book portrays Juliet as a strong and stubborn character who has faced her share of challenges but still moves forward strongly, Romeo as a misunderstood and naive character who is forced to live with the consequences of his wrong choices. Even though Romeo was portrayed as an evil character I couldn't find it in me to hate him. The new character Ben on the other hand is likable and refreshing. It is always a treat to read about characters who are so sure of what they want and do not shy away from expressing it. The premise and settings are well developed and the story manages to engage you in all the crucial points. This book I would recommend to all those readers who are willing to keep and open mind and treat the story from an entirely different point of view. Some readers though may find it difficult to cope with some of the liberties the author has taken with the Romeo and Juliet story but here also open mindedness is the key. But this book like most books is not without its own set of flaws that stick out. For one thing it goes on and on about the concept of love. But if you are willing to overlook such misgivings you might find your self highly satisfied.