Sunday 11 May 2014

Book Review: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner!

Title: These Broken Stars
Authors: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Series: The Starbound Trilogy #1
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication date: December 10th, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance


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.




This book was absolutely amazing! ALL THE STARS!  These Broken Stars doesn't conform to the tendencies of most young adult novels, but that is exactly what makes it so incredible. Forget the whiney female protagonists with 'problems' that aren't really problems and male leads who are all muscle and no mind.

The premise of this story was extremely intriguing. I mean, like the Titanic but set in space? Who wouldn't be curious? I felt the plot of the story was incredibly unique, the whole concept of space and travelling between galaxies was mind-blowing. It was such an amazing journey that had both my heart and mind racing. There were a few times where I felt a little bit confused about the sci-fi jargon, but I always figured it out quickly enough to continue with the story and fall more in love with it.

Though I didn't particularly love the main characters at the beginning of the novel, if there is one thing that this book does outstandingly well, it's character development. At the start, Lilac took the term 'daddy's little girl' to a whole new level. On the surface she was extremely snotty, shallow, arrogant and superior, I found her insufferable. But I came to love Lilac. Beneath that shiny exterior the true Lilac lay, sweet, intelligent, and incredibly strong. She became so much more than just 'the daughter of the richest man in the universe.' Her voice and her persona was written so well, yes she was a little bit of a diva at first, but she still had smarts and glorious wit! I didn't feel like she changed, I don't like using the term changed when it comes to character development,  because it is just that, development. I feel as though she grew into herself, and finally learned to fit in her own skin and it was bloody brilliant.



Tarver and Lilac begin as polar opposites. Unlike Lilac, Tarver has had to work to earn his spot upon the Icarus. He hails from a middle class family and has worked his way through the military and managed to become a decorated war hero and earn the title of 'major' all by the age of eighteen. I loved Tarver from the beginning, he was a little bit naive at first, but he was always so intelligent and full of snark. He was a classic gentleman, chivalrous, protective and brave without being stupid. I also loved that he was so in touch with his feelings and emotions. Most boys I read about are afraid to feel, or express their feelings because they think it emasculating, but Tarver wasn't afraid to express or emote.

One of the most defining features of this novel was the romance which, thank the heavens, steered clear of insta-love. It was one of the more genuine dystopian relationships I've read. Too many YA novels, especially those of the paranormal or dystopian kind, feature the sometimes sweet but often dreaded 'insta-love'. Although Tarver and Lilac definitely feel an initial attraction to each other, it's just as any two normal healthy teenagers would react when meeting someone interesting and attractive. The love doesn't just appear, it develops. It grows as they grow, and that's exactly how it should be done folks! It takes its time to build, but that is just what made it so much more believable and genuine. I find that it is so much more satisfying, because after all this isn't a book about falling in love. It just happens to occur along the way.

Overall, Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner's debut was an excellent one. Written beautifully, with an incredibly executed plot, starring two outstandingly well developed main characters, and a romance of epic proportions, These Broken Stars shines brighter than the stars in the sky! I can't wait to carry on with the series and read the sequel This Shattered World when it comes out!




2 comments :

  1. Brilliant review. I loved this book two and thought the character development was so well done. I think it was one of the best romances I have seen in dystopian too. I really liked the fact it developed slowly, I am so fed up of insta love. Great review, thanks for sharing :)

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    1. Thank you so much! It makes me so happy knowing that other people have loved this book just as much as I have! :)

      Maddie @ The Girly Geek

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