Unraveling: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Title: These Broken Stars

Series: Starbound Trilogy Book One

Author: Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Publication Date: December 10, 2013

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.

  

***

My Thoughts

This book was something else. I don't usually read sci-fi because I tend to find way too many issues with it to actually enjoy them but These Broken Stars has gotten so many raving reviews that I had to see what the fuzz was about. I had already mentally prepared myself for a let down because I usually end up going against the norm when it comes to over-hyped books, but I'm so glad that wasn't the case here.

I loved the writing style and the way the book was done. The writing just flowed and it never once clogged up. Sure the book was mainly a survival story, but it was so well done that it never really dragged, it slowed down at times but never to the point were it would get tedious. The switching of the PoVs was done very well, and I loved being inside both of their the heads, to match their thoughts and expectations to their actions. I adored the little interrogation snippets between each chapter. It gave such a realistic feel to the story being told.

Character-wise, I'm not gonna lie, I hated Lilac at the start, say the first 30-40%. She was the quintessential mean rich girl. Condescending, know-it-all, over the top bitchy and I just really wanted to smack her around some till she got a grip. Her attitude was beyond infuriating. BUT! There was character growth, she stopped being so condescending and finally got off her high horse, stood on her own to feet and got down to it, and not a moment too soon! At the end she ended up being a strong minded kickass girl.

Our other main character, Tarver, was great from start to finish. He had some issues to work through as well as Lilac, but they both got through them and I just loved Tarver's smart mouth. Always ready with a witty comeback, probably why I liked those interrogation snippets so much.

The world-building was...non existent? I mean we know it's some kind of advanced world, obviously. The way they travel through hyperspace is explained as well as some stuff about different dimensions and what not, but the rest? Nothing at all. How many planets where there exactly? What did these corporations all do? What was up with the rebellions in these outer colonies? what the hell is terraforming?! All I could figure was that they somehow made the planet hospitable? How, I have no clue, but apparently they put in specific plants and animals...I don't know it was all very bizarre. Oh and I didn't get their social structure? It was like a fake Victorian Age or something? All very proper and what not, yet fake somehow. Again, I don't know, cause it wasn't explained. There are a billion other questions, but you get the point.

Then there was the ending. That thing that happened with Lilac. I don't get it. (view spoiler) Simply put I wasn't very satisfied with how things went down towards the end.

So, sure it didn't end up being a 5 star book but it was still a thoroughly enjoyable read.


So...

Would I Recommend it?

***


Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy.

Other books in the Starbound Trilogy:

1. These Broken Stars
2. This Shattered World
3. Untitled

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