REVIEW: Alex & Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz

Descended from two of the oldest and most distinguished bloodlines in New York, the Schuylers are proud to be one of their fledgling country’s founding families, and even prouder still of their three daughters—Angelica, with her razor-sharp wit; Peggy, with her dazzling looks; and Eliza, whose beauty and charm rival that of both her sisters, though she’d rather be aiding the colonists’ cause than dressing up for some silly ball.

Still, she can barely contain her excitement when she hears of the arrival of one Alexander Hamilton, a mysterious, rakish young colonel and General George Washington’s right-hand man. Though Alex has arrived as the bearer of bad news for the Schuylers, he can’t believe his luck—as an orphan, and a bastard one at that—to be in such esteemed company. And when Alex and Eliza meet that fateful night, so begins an epic love story that would forever change the course of American history.

I am OBSESSED with Hamilton: The Musical. De La Cruz' novelization of Alexander and Eliza's epic love story may appeal to teen readers wanting a dramatized, historical romance but I was rather disappointed with the book.  I think I had such high expectations stemming from the musical plus other books that I've ready that I could not connect with this characterization.  It felt forced and all too flat--as if it was trying to be the next Pride and Prejudice--but let's face it there is only one Jane Austen.

Final rating: 2 out of 5 stars