These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman, Meagan Spooner Published by Disney Electronic Content ISBN: 9781423187783
on December 10, 2013
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy & Magic, Love & Romance, Action & Adventure
Pages: 384
Read it as: Paperback
Source: Purchased
My rating:
Check it out in Goodreads
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. 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.
I needed these books in physical format so last year I went and ordered them. This week I finally reread These Broken Stars. I felt like I needed a redo of this review because the first one… I’m kind of embarrassed now! It didn’t say anything real about the story. Hopefully this one will be better.
Was this a good story?
Of course this depends on your own definition. But for me, technically, it’s a good balance between plot and character development, that gives me some great thematic questions to ponder and that hopefully will make me remember and love the book forever.
These Broken Stars is not a bad story. It’s just weak. Still very enjoyable, just not very memorable. I was so there for the romance between Lilac and Tarver, but after finishing the book, and wondering how to rate it, I had to accept that there’s just not much to the plot.
I’ve read the whole trilogy and I know there’s much more going on, but on its own, These Broken Stars is just about Lilac and Tarver, on the surface. And I get why that might drive off some people. If it were written any other way, if I didn’t love the characters or how it was all done, this would have gotten like 2.5 stars.
So yes, I still love this story. Had to point out its flaws though.
Oh yes, it could’ve been worse. Believe me.
In this paperback copy I have now, the authors talked about how initially, the book was going to end two chapters earlier. And it got me thinking, without the ending the way it is now, the book would’ve suffered. All that journey, everything… it needed a closure. A proper one.
The book isn’t really about Tarver, or the planet where they land, or mega corporations. To me, it’s just about Lilac, and her fears of being herself, or being toxic as she puts it.
The story itself isn’t amazing character-development wise, but without that last LaRoux confrontation, it would have been even worse. Because Lilac falling in love means nothing if she isn’t willing to fight for it.
Let’s be honest, Tarver is a goner from the moment he sees Lilac. It’s Lilac who does the growing in this book, and the one who makes sure that there’s a semblance of a life together waiting for them on the other side.
[divider]
That’s the These Broken Stars reread for you! You have no idea how happy I am that I didn’t end up hating this book. That’s always a fear when returning to books that I read years ago.
I remember seeing this book when I first started blogging, with its gorgeous cover and sci-fi premise. I’ve since discovered that sci-fi is just not for me, but this book still intrigues me so I think I’d still give this book a chance. Thanks for sharing, and I’m glad you still enjoyed your book in your second read! 😀
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I’ve been curious about this series, and I’m still on the fence, but I dislike books without a strong plot. I want the characters to be well-written AND have a purpose or a goal they’re trying to achieve. I know it varies from book to book, because different genres give certain things a higher priority, but I like what I like. I do love the covers for this series!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
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Hmm the thing with this one is that they do have a goal. But it’s the story goal. I think it’s a little weak in the scene goals. So it seems like it’s just a long walk from one place to another. It doesn’t have a very strong structure in that sense. And you’re right, I can’t get over the beautiful covers!
I’m always so scared to re-read books I loved as well, because what if I end up hating them? I’m so glad this re-read was a good reading experience, I really should give this book series a try 🙂
Yes! Do read them! And you know, this is a particular fear reserved for those books I’ve read like two or more years ago. The most recent ones I don’t think I’d have a problem rereading because they’re more contemporary to my current reading tastes. Not like they’re wildly different now, but different enough to know there are a ton of books that just wouldn’t be as fun now.
I’m a little tempted to reread these books again now. But also wary because I loved the series, and I don’t want that to change!
I totally get that feeling. I feel the same with the Grisha trilogy for example. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t enjoy them much if I reread them.