Review: THESE BROKEN STARS

Title: THESE BROKEN STARS
Authors: Amie Kaufman, Megan Spooner
Published: December 2013
Series: Starbound #1
Genre: YA Sci-fi / Romance
Pages: 374
POV: 1st person, dual
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Format: Hardcover
Source: Vine Program
Rating: The Royal Library, Middle Shelf

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.

I understand why many people compare this story to Titanic, because These Broken Stars strongly resembles that tragedy in more ways than one. Lilac and Tarver are two of the many current residents of the Icarus¹. But, Lilac and Tarver are from two very different worlds: Lilac is the daughter of one of the most wealthy and influential men, and Tarver is a war hero from a humble background. When tragedy strikes, these two seemingly polar opposites come to rely on each other as they explore a strange new world, struggle to survive, and maybe fall in love.

While there are initially a few predictable moments, These Broken Stars captivates from the beginning and features quite a few shocking moments in the latter portion of the story. It was easy to become swept away by the two very intriguing and authentic points-of-view, the budding romance between the two narrators, and the mystery revolving around their unfortunate situation. The initial familiarity became comforting as I started to get to know the two protagonists, and I soon found myself rooting for both of them to make it through such a traumatic experience. I was expecting a story with a heavy dose of romance, so I was pleasantly surprised to find this is more of a survivalist story, with a genuine romance on the side. Exciting and thrilling, These Broken Stars is a magnificent tale of love, survival, and discovering the truth.

Highlights: The dual POV is top notch: Lilac and Tarver have their own distinct voices and personalities. Humor, romance, mystery, and more, These Broken Stars doesn't disappoint. The setting descriptions were marvelous, and made everything easy to visualize. I liked the little interruptions between chapters, involving an interview with Tarver regarding the tragedy. The romance takes some time to begin, and I'm glad that it took that time. 

Lowlights: Initially, it is a bit predictable, but that fades as the story continues. I wish more time had been spent aboard the Icarus, though.

Rating: The Royal Library, Middle Shelf. These Broken Stars is fantastic, worth owning, and has earned a spot in the royal library. I enjoyed this story very much, despite a few small issues, and would recommend this book to other readers.

1 Only a fool would name a spaceship Icarus, considering the legend. I mean, really. It's asking for trouble when you name something that flies after Icarus.