Thursday 5 December 2013

Review: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner


Title: These Broken Stars
Author: Amie Kaufman, Megan Spooner
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Release Date: 20th November 2013
Source: Bought
Rating: 5 out of 5

Description: 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 to 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 in this place 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. The first in a sweeping science fiction trilogy, These Broken Stars is a timeless love story about hope and survival in the face of unthinkable odds.

With an immensely compelling tale of romance, survival and hope, These Broken Stars is a book that will stand out and enchant you. It was one of the best books I have had the pleasure of reading this year.  Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner have written an intense story that is equal parts heart breaking, touching and beautiful.  Taking two very different people from very different worlds Spooner and Kaufman have fashioned an emotion filled, heartbreaking romantic story. It’s a books you won’t be able to stop thinking about long after you read it. These Broken Stars will make you fall in love with its world and characters before completing shattering your heart into a million pieces, then putting it back together piece by piece. I was completely enthralled and engrossed. Lilac and Tarver will leave a mark as they tell you their story of survival.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver is a solider. When their ship crash-lands on an unknown planet, Tarver and Lilac need to find a way to get a long and survive until they are rescued.  Survival is not their only issue as the planet holds secrets that might change everything.  I love the universe that was created right from all the people to the technology and life in space.  The world building of this story felt very real, right from the environment, animals, and weather. The writing was beautiful, sharp and laced with humour and wit. It painted a very vivid picture about the world right from the technology, planet, and people.

Between each chapter were interrogation scenes. They served as a perfect backdrop to the story stirring curiosity and foreshadowed what to expect in the upcoming pages.  The real standout aspects of this book are its characters. Tarver and Lilac are complicated, layered individuals that have their own share of insecurities, fears and desires.  Their journey together changes them, challenges them and tests them as they are confronted by their own daemons, past shadows and hope for the future.  I loved how much Tarver and Lilac change throughout their journey, they subtly become stronger as they learn to accept each other and themselves. Especially Lilac who goes from a girl who is unaccustomed to harsh circumstances to one who learns not only about her inner strength but the strength to step out of her fathers shadow and be her own person. I love her tenacity and willingingness to protect Tarver. Tarver was a solider and he slowly learns to believe in the things beyond his control.  

The sacrifices these two make for each other is completely shattering. You can clearly see them falling in love and their walls coming down as they grow closer, find common grown and overcome their misconceptions. The romance was so potent and sweet and filled with the best kind of chemistry. They pushed each other buttons and their banter was delightful. When a certain scene takes place my heart was completely wrecked. I was entirely caught up in this story. These Broken Stars completely holds your attention from the first page. It holds your attention right from the first page.  However Lilac and Tarver didn’t seem like they were just 17 and 18. Their voices felt older, as if they were in their early 20’s. I think most of that had to the society they were raised in.

As soon as I got to the end of These Broken Stars I was disappointed because I wanted more. I’m not ready to let go of Tarver and Lilac. I would love to know what happens next for them. This was also a story that I felt like reading again the minute I put it down. I can’t wait to see what Amie and Megan write next because I’m sure it will be out of this world. An incredible read.

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