reveriesociety_
Written on May 14, 2014
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.
- ISBN10 1423171020
- ISBN13 9781423171027
- Publish Date 23 January 2014 (first published 10 December 2013)
- Publish Status Transferred
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Disney Publishing Worldwide
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 382
- Language English
Reviews
lizarodz
Written on May 10, 2014
Even though I got These Broken Stars at BEA last year and I saw many promising reviews, it took me all this while to actually read it. Finally, I got it in audiobook and I just LOVE it! I’m kicking myself in the behind for not reading it before now.
I haven’t read anything by Amie Kaufman before, but I read Meagan Spooner’s Skylar (see my review here ), which I really enjoyed. In a nutshell, These Broken Stars is a combination of ‘Titanic’ in space and it also reminded me of Veronica Rossi’s Under the Never Sky (because of the main characters.) If you read the synopsis, you know that I’m not giving anything away. Lilac LaRoux is the daughter of the richest man in the galaxy, she’s the picture of the perfectly spoiled brat and in a sense, she is; but there is more to her that meets the eye.
Tarver Mederdsen is a ‘war hero’ and has gained the rank of major. He has made a name for himself and is being ‘rewarded’ by being invited to the Icarus to intermingle with the rich people. It is here that he meets the untouchable Ms. LaRoux and ends up saving her life. They end up in the same escape pod and crash land together. It is in this unknown planet that they learn to tolerate each other, and later fall in love. At the beginning, they don’t even like each other, but they slowly realize that there is more to each other and to the stereotypes they want to fit each other in. Lilac and Tarver complement each other really well and I love them as a couple. In case that you can’t tell, the characterization is outstanding, and it really had to be since we spend much of our time with only these two characters. The story is told from both Lilac and Tarver’s point of views, in the first person. Between each chapter, there is an interview with, presumably, an investigator (?) and Tarver, after they‘re rescued. Thus, we know from the beginning that they will eventually rescued.
There aren’t many other characters, but we do get to meet Lilac’s father briefly and he is a piece of work! I’m happy, albeit a bit freaked out with the ending :)
You would imagine that the plot is really simple, but it you would be wrong. Thrown in for good measure is a sci-fi / paranormal twist that makes the story different to anything I’ve read before. The world building is really good and easy to understand, even when it gets a little technical. The pace was a bit slow at the beginning, and even though I wasn’t bored, I kept wishing it could go faster. I think that besides the characters, the crowning glory of this book is the writing. The writing is easy to read, beautiful and lyrical.
Overall, These Broken Stars is a great space romance-sci-fi story. It has great characters, an unforgettable romance, and incredible writing. I’m looking forward to the rest of the books in the series and I hope we can see how Lilic and Traver are doing then.
About the narration – I enjoyed this one. Chapters are narrated by either Jonathan McClain (I’m assuming this is Tarver), and Cynthhia Holloway as Lilac. Also, as stated above, the person interviewing Tarver after the rescue is another narrator too. Overall, the pace is good, it was easy to understand them and I particular loved Tarver’s interpretation.
About the cover – The cover is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. The circle of stars in the background has a lot of meaning for the story. The gorgeous, vibrant, flowing dress and the couple reaching for each other. Breathtaking.
Some quotes from you:
“You don’t mention death when it’s hovering near someone you love.”
“You don’t mention death when it’s hovering near someone you love. You don’t want t attract the reaper’s attention.”
“For a moment the image before us is frozen: our world, our lives, reduced to a handful broken stars half lost in uncharted space. Then it’s gone, the view swallowed by the hyperspace winds streaming past, blue-green auroras wiping the after-images away."
Jordon
Written on Apr 30, 2014
These Broken Stars was nothing I expected yet everything I wanted. I really enjoyed reading this book, it's ended up being one of my favourites.
First off, that cover! I love the cover, I love the font and the way it takes up most of the picture and is displayed over the main picture. I also love the spacey look, I always love covers that look more like space art than book covers though.
These Broken Stars did start off a little slowly in my opinion, the first thing I thought of was the movie Titanic. The different status’ between Tarver and Lilac, the way the higher status treated the lower status, located on a ship even if it was travelling through space, the ship wreck. However as the story progressed it was nothing like Titanic and became it’s own story. The first few chapters introduce the characters, their circumstances and how different they are from each other. I found myself wishing it would hurry up so something different would happen, luckily for me the book didn’t dwell too long on the beginning and life on board the Icarus.
These Broken Stars is a love story, when I had heard that about this book I thought I wouldn’t like it, but I was wrong. I loved this. This love story isn’t insta-love, the characters don’t pine after each other, they don’t think stupid things like how ‘intoxicating’ they smell to each other or how much they want to take each others clothes off. I mean I’m sure they do think that but we don’t read it as it’s not important pertaining to their survival. This love story is raw, heart warming and also heart wrenching.
Lilac and Tarver somehow manage to escape the Icarus as it’s somehow pulled out of hyperspace too early. Their escape-pod crash lands on a planet that they realize has been terraformed by one of the large companies, yet they seem to be alone which is puzzling and perhaps worrying. Tarver takes immediate action and works to keep himself and Lilac alive, even if he can’t stand the woman and she criticizes everything he does.
I ended up really liking both Lilac and Tarver, I was glad we got to see each of their points of view in the story. The romance builds up and sneaks up on them without them even realizing which I loved. It felt believable despite their differences and status’. I mean I may have even cried at one point which never happens, I’m never moved or invested enough in a story to really feel it as much. But These Broken Stars ‘gave me all the feels’ as everyone puts it. I was very invested in this story and these characters, I was even invested in this world and the planet. These Broken Stars was just brilliant.
Overall These Broken Stars was a compelling read. It was intense getting to see how Tarver and Lilac had to work together to survive, it was addicting to read, the world was rich, the characters were rounded, and the universe that this series is set in is scary. I loved it. I completely adored this book.
Always,
Jordon
This review was originally posted on Simply Adrift
ladygrey
Written on Feb 7, 2014
First of all, how can you have a book that only includes two characters that is so engrossing? Two characters dynamic enough to actually carry the entire story and keep it so interesting. It's like the book version of Supernatural where two characters are just completely capable of doing all the heavy lifting.
And secondly... just. . .
At first you think it's just a survival story that will walk its way into a romance. But it's also refreshingly realistic. Not that I know an awful lot about the realism of being stranded on a strange planet but they don't shy away from the conflicts of the elements or the raw sort of living that would be. I like that they dealt with practicalities in an honest way without being boring.
The writing is pretty straight forward, but not in a way that's annoying or anything. Just in a way that's nice. In a sci-fi, matter of fact way that still marvels at wonder and acknowledges when the world takes your breath away.
And the interludes between chapters give Tarver so much personality and say so much about the story without saying anything at all. And then... it's so... horrifying. And filled with this unexpectedly poignant grief. So haunting...
I really liked Lilac as a character because she's sixteen. She's naive and condescending but she manages to also be tough and honest and dimensional. She is never a trite character and I liked her for that.
And Tarver's awesome. He'd have to be because it's just the two of them and this book is never boring. It's intriguing and surprising and sweet and I can't wait to read the next one.
abigailjohnson
Written on Jan 6, 2014
Less than 10% of THESE BROKEN STARS takes place on the Icarus spaceship, the majority occurs after it crashes into a deserted planet leaving rich Lilac stranded with soldier Tarver. As these two are forced to survive together on a dangerous, uninhabited planet, a tender romance blossoms. There is no insta-love, but rather respect born from mutual reliance and sacrifice, and eventually a deeply bonded love.
The strange phenomenon they encounter and the mystery of why the planet was abandoned is equally as exciting as the romance. It was unpredictable and full of twists that made the ultimate revelation all the more rewarding. And while this is a SF book, those elements are very light so even SF phobic readers will be transported by this romantic survival story. I can't wait for the next book in the Starbound trilogy which takes place 6 months after this book and will feature a new couple.
KitsuneBae
Written on Dec 10, 2013
This review also appeared on Thoughts and Pens
While others were quite annoyed with the slow pacing of the plot, I wasn’t because 1. The beautiful prose is highly entertaining and 2. I am a very patient person (as long as the book deserves it). I quite enjoyed accompanying Lilac and Tarver conquering the obstacles laid out by the strange planet. It even got more exciting when the characters were spooked by strange voices and mirages. Clearly, the plot of These Broken Stars is driven by the survival, mystery and relationship aspects of this book. As for sci-fi, I am sorry to say that there’s not so much in this book apart from the fact that the story took place on the galaxy and that there are ethereal alien beings on the new planet whose existence were not fully explained.
Lastly, that additional twist near the ending was heart stopping yet annoying. I just hated the authors for scaring the living daylights out of me. I was like, “No! No! Please anyone but…” Good lord, I just want to drink a memory serum so as not to be reminded of that nightmare.
To conclude, These Broken Stars is an outstanding storytelling of a timeless romance in the outerspace. It’s more than what I expected for a sci-fi book despite that its sci-fi aspect is its strongest flaw. Giving your heart to this book is definitely worth it. I am just sad that the sequel wouldn’t focus on Tarver and Lilac anymore. I just hope that the authors will still give us glimpses of them though because I want them to be really okay. That ending didn’t quite give an assurance that Lilac and Tarver will get their happy ever after.
littleread1
Written on Nov 22, 2013
Official Review:
I have been struggling with what I am going to say about These Broken Stars ever since I put it down 2 nights/mornings (it was 3am) ago. Nothing I can say is going to express the beauty this story captures, in the characters, in the world, or in the writing. But I will do my best.
The story starts of like many YA Sci-Fi romance stories I've read; boy meets girl, they are attracted to one another (but not insta love I promise!), there is some reason they can't be together, some event forces them to be together, and they fall in love. Typical. What is not typical is the twists and turns Lilac and Tarver take to get to the love, and the story doesn't end with the love. There are some moments that had me staring at the page, re-reading certain sections, and not believing my eyes. That can't happen!! Kaufman and Spooner take some risks - and those risks pay off magnificently.
Something else that is not typical - the writing. From the first chapters my attention was glued to the page. I didn't want to do anything else; not get up to take a break, not get a drink of water, not even sleep. The imagery and dialogue from the beginning and all the way through is enchanting and mesmerizing, and all other adjectives describing wonderful, good, and amazing things.
I want to gush over this book, and talk about things that happen with you. So know that as you read it, and when you get to those parts that elicit strong emotions (even days later when I think about certain parts, I have an emotional response) I am here for you. Email me, tweet me, message me, whatever. I will be your support, although I won't tell you what the outcome will be. You will have to suffer through it, just like I did. But you won't have to do it alone.
I love a lot of books, I would be a hobby reviewer if I didn't. But These Broken Promises is making picking a favorite just that much more difficult. It has thrown itself into a very short list of favorite books of 2013, if not all time. Sleepless night and all. This is one of those stories I will remember for a long time to come, and the next book cannot come fast enough.
Kelly
Written on Nov 22, 2013
These Broken Stars was phenomenal. Rarely does a book lure me in so quickly, but it was simply perfection. Told in dual points of view, the illustrious Lilac, wealthy socialite and oppressed teen. She's the only daughter of a single parent, her over protective and controlling father having lost Lilac's mother years ago. He's wealthy, powerful and influential which is the reason why Lilac keeps acquaintances at an arm's length, including Tarver. Tarver is a simple boy that has returned from war as a hero. His new found status has thrust him into a vain and materialistic world. Two worlds collide when the Icarus hits trouble and the soldier and heiress learn to enable one another to survive.
It's clear the annoyance with one another is fused with an attraction that neither of them cares to admit, but slowly a romance blossoms, a deep respect and mutual admiration forms between the two. I absolutely loved the fusion between science fiction, romance, fantasy and survival. It was intriguing, the storyline was unpredictable and kept me on the edge of my seat. Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner have created a completely seamless partnership, a beautiful yet dangerous world, a multitude of secrets and phenomenons and a romance that defies boundaries. These girls are utterly brilliant, I'd read their shopping list if they stuck a cover on it.
Angie
Written on Nov 14, 2013
After I heard that These Broken Stars was "Titanic in space" I knew I had to read it! And that comparison is 100% spot on, at least for the first part of the book. After that, it turns into something that I have no comparisons for. It's utterly unique, interesting, confusing, and awesome. But if you want to keep with the Titanic theme, it's like Titanic in space if Jack survived and the rescue ship never came, with a hint of Survivor, and let's throw in some The Journey of Allen Strange while we're at it. I don't know if my brain was just in 1912 mode, but the story does have a kind of old-timey feel to it, which I liked. I think this has more to do with the way the characters speak than with the actual setting though. Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed These Broken Stars.
In the opening chapters, we meet sixteen year old Lilac, who is the daughter of the richest man in the galaxy. Not just the world. Her father could probably buy the world. She's enjoying a luxury cruise on the latest spaceliner, Icarus, which of course, daddy built. Eighteen year old war hero, Tarver is also at this party, where he doesn't really belong, since he's poor, but rich people like rags-to-riches stories. At least for the cameras. Needless to say, they meet, have a moment, Lilac is rude to him order to push him away, then the ship starts shaking. Obviously somethings goes wrong when everyone is heading to their escape pods, and Lilac and Tarver are forced together in their own pod, which is the only one that gets away before the ship is pulled down into a fire ball of doom. Our heroes crash land on an unknown planet and must now survive and wait for a rescue ship that may never come. Totally my kind of story, and the end of all things Titanic related.
This is where These Broken Stars gets really good and totally branches off from the obvious path. Tarver, being the military man, is in charge of their survival. Lilac isn't exactly a damsel in distress, but she is trekking through a forest in an evening gown and high heels, so she's clearly not much help. She's trying though. But then things get weird. Why has no one come to rescue survivors or clean up the mess? It's not like this was some dingy cargo vessel. And where are the planet's inhabitants? And why is Lilac all of a sudden hearing voices and going into complete hysterics?! I actually loved how not together Lilac was. It was quite refreshing from the totally kick ass heroine who can survive all on her own. Shock is a very real part of trauma, and I'm sure falling straight out of the sky in the middle of space counts as traumatic. Then there's a twist, that I cannot mention, because it is spoilerific and it is bizarre! I had to know what the heck was going on on this weird planet that's bursting with every kind of life except for humans!
My favorite part of These Broken Stars was how it was all laid out. It's told in dual POV, which is great, but every chapter ends with pieces of an interview between Tarver and some unknown person. It's clear from the beginning that something very strange or very wrong happened, but I couldn't figure out what. Obviously he had to survive, and most likely Lilac along with him, but then the questions take on a more...disturbing tone. It kept me flipping pages to find out what was really happening!
There are a few things that bothered me, which kept me from totally falling in love with These Broken Stars. The first was why no one came by the crash site. I didn't completely buy the whole theory that they were too far out, and too suddenly pulled off course to be found. I bet with the level of technology that existed, someone out there would know the ship went down and could estimate some possible locations. Plus, if it's owned by the richest man IN THE GALAXY, it would definitely have gotten a space wide search party. The second was why the ship went down in the first place. I don't think it's because it was named Icarus. There is a kind of explanation, but not a full one. I would have like a clearer answer. The third is spoilery, but I want to know what's up with Lilac at the end of all this. Finally, why the heck was there a random giant cat with a taste for flesh in the forest?
Overall, These Broken Stars definitely kept me guessing right up until the last page. I was hooked from the beginning and fell in love with the atmosphere the authors created, even if I didn't fall quite as hard for the story. It's undeniably unique and stands out from other YA Sci-Fi novels for sure. It's clear why so many readers are head over heels for it. It's exciting and strange, and I really enjoyed it. I just wish the authors had taken a risk and not fixed everything that went wrong.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Amber
Written on Nov 7, 2013
Full review on Books of Amber