Review: These Broken Stars

These Broken Stars

By Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Published: 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 review:

This book has been described as "Titanic in space" and while only the first part takes place in space, the comparison has some merit. Lilac and Tarver are from opposite social classes like Jack and Rose and the scenes where they first meet are reminiscent of Titanic. Of course the ship crashes too though it doesn't hit an iceberg in space. The comparisons stop after that point however and the story takes unexpected turns as Tarver and Lilac explore their new surroundings and try to stay alive. 

At first glance Lilac appears to be a spoiled and pampered princess type but once the disaster hits she shows her strength. Tarver may have gotten them to the escape pod but it is her quick thinking that saves their lives. On the planet she proves that she is capable of hard work and she doesn't give up easily. Tarver is equally admirable and the development of their friendship and romance is sweet and appealing.

With unexpected suspenseful twists, a detailed setting, and a satisfying romance, These Broken Stars is a page turner that took me by surprise. I think even readers who don't usually go for science fiction would find much to like here. Another bonus is that this is a standalone novel but there will be other companion novels set in the same universe.


Note: I received an e-ARC for review purposes courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher