Review + Giveaway: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Title: These Broken Stars
Author: Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Pages: 384
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: December 10, 2013

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.

My Thoughts: I think the cover of These Broken Stars had me hooked before I even started reading the first page. But even if the cover wasn't that mesmerizing, I would have been sucked into the story by the very first few pages anyway. These Broken Stars was such an addictive read with awesome characters and writing that flowed nicely. I couldn't wait to reach the end of the book, but at the same time, I almost wish it didn't have to end.

These Broken Stars was a story of survival and forbidden love set on a deserted planet full of mystery and secrets. Each chapter switched between the POVs of nineteen-year-old Tarver Merendsen and soon to be seventeen-year-old Lilac LaRoux. They met aboard a ship named the Icarus a few days before it suddenly crashed onto a nearby planet. I'm really glad to have been able to get inside both of their heads and know exactly what they were thinking at certain moments. It helped me connect with them quickly, and I felt for them during all their struggles and worries. They went through so much together and grew immensely as individuals. Many things that happened to them I didn't even see coming. I remember my emotions being all over the place, especially in the last third of the book. One moment I was happy, next I was angry and wanting to cry, and then I was relieved but still upset. It was crazy and intense and made me appreciate Lilac and Tarver even more.

Something I really loved about These Broken Stars was Tarver and Lilac's relationship and how it developed. They were attracted to one another when they first met, but once they realized it could never work between them (Lilac's father is the richest and most powerful man in the universe and he's extremely overprotective of his daughter and Tarver is just a hero in the military from a low class family), they kept their distance and treated each other coldly. I enjoyed seeing them slowly but surely open up with each other. It wasn't easy for them, though, because they kept pushing each other away, thinking it was best for them both. However, when they began really trusting each other, their relationship became much sweeter and stronger. It was amazing what each were willing to sacrifice in order to keep the other alive. It may have caused lots of heartbreak, but it proved how deep and real their love was.

One more thing I would like to mention is that in-between each chapter there was a glimpse of an interrogation one of the characters had to go through after the entire incident on the planet. While it may seem like it spoiled the outcome, it didn't reveal the journey and all the hardships and the sacrifices Tarver and Lilac had to endure. Most importantly, it did not reveal the fate of either of them. It's not known whether or not this story ends in tragedy or happiness for these characters until the very end. And I have to say, all that buildup caused me plenty of anxiety and grief.

As soon as I closed this book, I started to miss Lilac and Tarver and their resilience and bravery. It was bittersweet, yet completely satisfying. From what I've heard, it seems that this particular story is complete and the next book will focus on a new set of characters. Whatever the case may be, These Broken Stars was a breathtaking read, and I cannot wait to continue on with the next book in this stunning, new trilogy.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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I want to give someone the chance to read These Broken Stars early too, so I'm giving away my ARC! This giveaway is open to US residents and ends October 25. Be sure to read my Giveaway Policy. Enter through the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
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