Review: These Broken Stars

Title - These Broken Stars

Author - Amie Kaufman

Series - Starbound

Genre - YA Sci Fi

Format - Kindle Ebook

Expected Publication - December 10th 2013

Publisher - Disney Hyperion

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

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.

Review

I received These Broke Stars in return for an honest review from the publisher Disney Hyperion via Netgalley. Tarver is a decorated war hero obligated to hang out in with the rich well to do aboard the Icarus spaceship. When he sees Lilac he’s drawn to her from across the room, her hair is standout just like her dress. Without knowing she’s the daughter of the richest man in the universe he approaches her sparking up a conversation. However he soon learns that she’s not the girl he thought but the kind of rich girl he tries to avoid. After all he’s the son of a teacher and poet not nearly on the same level as Lilac only in the same area due to being a hero.

When the ship suddenly malfunctions forcing everyone into escape pods Tarver is forced to save Lilac again but this time when the pod refuses to launch its Lilac who surprises him and manually forces it to launch.  The pod launches the pair towards an unknown planet that they learn has been terraformed but doesn't seem to have any inhabitants. They watch as the Icarus crashes into the planet leaving with it a path of destruction. Hoping the rescue crews will find them they head off to the crash site. While Tarver is down for the count it falls to Lilac to salvage the Icarus. When Lilac starts hearing whispers they follow the flowers into the forest finding a station hoping to make a signal but learn more secrets are hidden in its depths. Will they survive? Will they be rescued? What’s looming in the darkness? What are the whispers?

At first I wasn't sure if I would like Lilac because of the way she treated Tarver but really she was mean so that her father wouldn't find out about him. She’s stubborn but smart she also has a geeky side which makes me connect with her. I love Tarver he’s just the good guy who you can’t help falling in love with the way he protects and takes care of Lilac. I think they are a perfect match they each have something to offer and it allows them to be who they really are.

These Broken Stars is a fast paced adventure that grabs you right from the start keeping you drawn in till the very end. The author has created a captivating concept of the future which leaves the imagination wondering what if? I know I’m wondering if we can terraform Mars. The story has hints of Romeo & Juliet with a little of Titanic mix in but with the authors own unique twist. I think the author has created a brilliant story that is written beautifully from both points of view giving us insights into both Lilac and Tarver. The characters are memorable, easy to connect with and you can’t help cheering them on as they struggle on the planet. The story is filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of the sofa I had a few nervous moments but the author has written a perfect end. It's one of those books that will leave you thinking about it after you finish. I really loved the book and can’t wait to see what the future for the series holds. 

5 out of 5 stars