Wednesday, December 18, 2013

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Genre: YA Sci-Fi/Romance
Series: Starbound #1
Publication Date: 10th December 2013 (1st published Nov 2013)
Pages: 384
Book Source: Disney Hyperion & NetGalley

Synopsis: 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.

My Thoughts:
These Broken Stars holds appeal across genre's, the writing is gorgeously lyrical but spare and I read it in one entertaining sitting. 

I found the world-building convincing and satisfying (for YA Sci-Fi ... not that I'm saying YA should be 'light' or watered down but the adult Sci-Fi I enjoy is extremely detailed) but I would have liked more time aboard the Icarus before it was pulled from hyperspace, crashing on a virtually unknown planet.  

Tarver and Lilac are alternating narrators with distinct voices (I wonder if Amie Kaufman, and Meagan Spooner wrote one each?) From disparate social classes, they're endearing characters ... Tarver for his loyalty, strength and confidence and just being a being a genuinely decent guy and Lilac, I didn't think I'd like spoilt, bitchy Lilac but she had a certain depth, revealed as the story progressed and a backbone of steel.  

These Broken Stars is a lovely combination ... survival story with a unique, slightly paranormal twist and slow budding romance. Not to mention secrets, power play and the corruption that goes hand-in-hand ... hopefully this will be explored further in future installments.  

Even though we start again with a new pair of star crossed lovers I can't wait for This Shattered World in 2014. 


Recommend: for sure! in spite of my 'hype' wariness, avoidance ... ok paranoia, These Broken Stars really came through :)

Cover: Striking

Connect with Amie Kaufman
Connect with Meagan Spooner









12 comments:

  1. I am in love with the cover. I'm not really big into YA but I would definitely read this.

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    1. yup, cover fairies were right on with this one :)

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  2. Replies
    1. It's been very popular Sheila and I've mostly seen positive reviews :)

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  3. I haven't ventured into the reading world of Sci Fi really and I'm thinking YA Sci Fi would be a good place to start. Lovely review.

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    1. I think you should jump in ... it's tame on the 'love' compared to what you normally read but I think you'd like it.

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  4. I loved this book though I had some trepidation about it too because of the high praise. I think it is a low key science fiction book that wouldn't scare away readers new to the genre. I liked pretty much everything about it and I'm glad the story arc wraps up nicely in one book.

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  5. I really enjoyed reading this one too also despite my skepticism over the early hype. I read that each author did write one character though I can't remember which right now.

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