I received this book for free from From Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman, Meagan Spooner Series: Starbound #1
Published by Disney Hyperion on December 10th 2013
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Format: ARC
Source: From Publisher
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It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.
Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.
Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?
Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.
--
A timeless love story, THESE BROKEN STARS sets into motion a sweeping science fiction series of companion novels. The Starbound Trilogy: Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy.
‘Titanic in space’, that’s what I heard about These Broken Stars before I opened up a copy for myself. And in ways, it really was. Our main characters, Lilac and Tarver, are from two different worlds yet there is a spark between them as they meet on board the spaceliner, Icarus. But something happens to take down that ship and when they crash on a planet all alone, they have to lean on each other to survive.
There is so much about this plot that worked tremendously for me. From the vivid crash, to the witty banter between Tarver and Lilac, surviving the elements, the addition of an intelligent life, and an interesting twist. It was one exciting and new thing after another! I must say, this one twist FLOORED me. Like, whaaaaaat just happened? I’m equal parts weirded out and amazed by it and when you read it, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. It came out of left field and I always enjoy when a book can really surprise me.
The science fiction elements were spot on. It was very futuristic and some elements were unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Some might find the middle to be a bit slow as the focus is on the trek across the planet and the characters trying to find ways to survive, but I’m the type of person who finds that sort of thing fascinating so it didn’t bother me in the least.
Now on to the romance. Guys, I love some UST (unresolved sexual tension) and there was plenty here! Tarver and Lilac are like star-crossed lovers. She’s rich and has a strict dad that doesn’t allow romance in his daughter’s life and will do anything necessary to ensure that. Tarver is a celebrating hero from the military and even though sparks ignite right from their first meeting, they push each other away. Well, she pushes him away for his own good, really. And though that can often be annoying, it wasn’t so much here because it was right from the beginning.The coming back from that makes it all worth it though! The relationship blossoms and their connection is palpable.
“And Lilac, I was right. Forget everything else. Forget everyone else. You’re exactly my kind of girl.”
Overall, a wonderful read and a series I expect so much more from! Can’t wait to see what these authors do next!
About Amie Kaufman
I’m a young adult author from Melbourne, Australia, represented by Tracey Adams of Adams Literary. I write fantasy, science fiction and all things speculative.
My favourite procrastination techniques involve chocolate, baking, sailing, my dog Jack, gardening, plotting and executing overseas travel, napping, my music collection and reading. Also my husband.
About Meagan Spooner
Meagan Spooner grew up reading and writing every spare moment of the day, while dreaming about life as an archaeologist, a marine biologist, an astronaut. She graduated from Hamilton College in New York with a degree in playwriting, and has spent several years since then living in Australia. She’s traveled with her family all over the world to places like Egypt, South Africa, the Arctic, Greece, Antarctica, and the Galapagos, and there’s a bit of every trip in every story she writes.
She currently lives and writes in Northern Virginia, but the siren call of travel is hard to resist, and there’s no telling how long she’ll stay there.
In her spare time she plays guitar, plays video games, plays with her cat, and reads.
Allie @ Little Birdie Books
I love it when I read such great reviews for books on my TBR 😀
I’m glad the Sci-Fi elements were on the money and didn’t try to hard (or not hard enough). Sci-Fi in YA can be quite hit-and-miss because those elements are either pushed to the side to focus on a romance or overdone so much your head starts hurting lol.
Oooh and Tarver sounds … hehe, well 🙂
Allie @ Little Birdie Books recently posted…Review: Where the Stars Still Shine {Trish Doller}
BornBookish
Wow, I definitely have to add this one to my TBR! Great review! I’ve been in love with this cover since I first saw it but wasn’t too interested in the story, until now.
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Elizabeth (@aftrnoonbkprty)
This book sounds so good! The whole “titanic in space” thing made this a definite must read for me!
Elizabeth (@aftrnoonbkprty) recently posted…2013 End Of The Year Read-a-thon #ReadingCram
Patrick @ The Bookshelves
Great review Sara! I’m really dying to pick this book up and the cover has me hooked! And I liked how you said it was “titanic in space”
Happy Reading
Patrick @ The Bookshelves
Shelly
Everyone is talking about this one and I can totally see why based on your review! It seems so good and I can’t even describe how amazing it sounds. Awesome review! 🙂
tonyalee
I have this one coming up and I am SO excited to start it! 🙂 Glad to hear you loved it!
tonyalee recently posted…ARC Review~ Pawn by Aimee Carter
Aman
Ooh, I like that! “Titanic in space” Even though I don’t read much sci-fi, this is the book I can’t let go! Starcrossed lovers! Hell Yeah!!! Don’t need anything else! Though I love that this is a complete story because I don’t like waiting for sequels. Great review, Sara! I can’t wait to read it next month!
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Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
YES! Loved this book so much. I wasn’t a fan of Lilac at the beginning but ended up loving her.
Brilliant review, Sara! <33
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Jeann @ Happy Indulgence
I just started reading this and it feels like an old school romance, I actually picture Lilac to be like Rachel McAdams 🙂 Loving it so far, great review!
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brandileigh2003
The romance sounds amazing to me~!
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Chantelle
Aghh!! My friend is gifting me this novel and now after her review I just want her to hurry up and give it to me already! I was a little put off at first when I heard the titanic comparison but you’ve definitely reassured me. And UST?! Definitely a fan haha
jayd @ books, food and other things
Wow, I’ve seen a lot of reviews for this book pop up and it seems like a lot of people enjoyed it. The huge romance part of it is kinda putting me off though. I feel like I might give it a try, just for the survival and science fiction parts!
Kate @ Ex Libris
I looooooved this book! It was so well done and the UST made it so romantic.