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yodamom's review against another edition
3.0
2.5
Audiobook. I had a real hard time trying to figure out how I felt about this story.
What I didn't like came up first. There was too much talking, along with too much walking across a dull terrain with very limited unique items. Topping that was a snotty plastic princess who spends more than 1/2 the book putting on the ugly mask of superiority. I didn't like her, didn't want her to live, didn't care of the spooks took her. She did finally show some redeeming qualities in the last 30 %, too late. The man who was to be the hero was so badly treated by society I was revolted by his kindness. Both of them where unbelievable in their actions. The final end not he really good part of the story was too brief and unsatisfying.
What I did like, the idea of the planet being tera-formed and the mystery behind the Whisperers. I wanted more of their story. When we got to the stronger visions I started to get excited about the prospect of the What if theories. Oh the places it could go, but didn't.
I liked the last 30%.
Audiobook. I had a real hard time trying to figure out how I felt about this story.
What I didn't like came up first. There was too much talking, along with too much walking across a dull terrain with very limited unique items. Topping that was a snotty plastic princess who spends more than 1/2 the book putting on the ugly mask of superiority. I didn't like her, didn't want her to live, didn't care of the spooks took her. She did finally show some redeeming qualities in the last 30 %, too late. The man who was to be the hero was so badly treated by society I was revolted by his kindness. Both of them where unbelievable in their actions. The final end not he really good part of the story was too brief and unsatisfying.
What I did like, the idea of the planet being tera-formed and the mystery behind the Whisperers. I wanted more of their story. When we got to the stronger visions I started to get excited about the prospect of the What if theories. Oh the places it could go, but didn't.
I liked the last 30%.
laura_mayfair's review against another edition
4.0
What a nice surprise! I wish we could give half stars -- I'd actually give this one 3.5 stars.
Lovely writing and a compelling story. I couldn't put this book down and I found myself thinking about it, even after I had finished it. I liked the mystery of the planet that Lilac and Tarver crash landed on, the fantastical sci-fi elements, and the surprise but maybe-a-bit-too-neat ending.
All in all, quite enjoyable. I would recommend this one.
Lovely writing and a compelling story. I couldn't put this book down and I found myself thinking about it, even after I had finished it. I liked the mystery of the planet that Lilac and Tarver crash landed on, the fantastical sci-fi elements, and the surprise but maybe-a-bit-too-neat ending.
All in all, quite enjoyable. I would recommend this one.
mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
Let me just say that I expected better. The book has rave reviews, everyone seems to love it. And sure, I did like it (see the 4 stars), but there were just quite a few things that I didn't like.
Though I guess, all those little things could be summed up to one big one, Lilac. Dear Lord in all Heavens, she was so annoying, so spoiled, so bleh. Even later on, she just didn't even want to show her true feelings, instead hiding behind a façade again!
And yes, I know why she was hiding her feelings, because, yes, ladies and gentlemen, this woman is afraid of her daddy. And sure, he did some shitty things that weren't nice, some things that were terrible, but girl? That is no reason to treat everyone as shit.
Tarver just tries to help you out, and what do you do? Walk around like a fucking princess. OMG my heels! OMG my dress! Oh yes, your poor poor dress, your poor poor designer shoes. Oh noes, whatever shall we do? Apocalypse now?
For a big part of the book she is just acting like a spoiled little princess. Again, yes, I know what her dad did, but again, no reason for her to act like this.
There were also parts that were just unbelievable. She is afraid of rain, I just rolled off my bed when I read that. Wow.... rain, yes the silent killer. OHHHhhhhhhhh *insert waving arms and scary noises*
Add to that the stupid stuff she did (explosions anyone?).
And sure she had a few good things. But mostly? Nope, nope and nope. Her POV was the one I dreaded to read.
Thankfully we have Tarver, or Trevor as I called him (Tarver just didn't make sense, and my head immediately went to make it Trevor). He was amazing. Witty, smart, funny, charming, sweet. He did everything for Lilac, even though she was (for most) an ungrateful wench. He cared so much for her, he would walk through fire and back for her.
I loved how he immediately made a plan when they crashed, immediately took charge and tried to help. How he found food, how he wasn't afraid to do things.
Trevor (sorry, I am just going to call him that from now on) was amazing. His POV (and also the POV when he is interviewed) were the best ones in the book. I looked forward to hearing his voice again, to seeing him do everything he could.
And sure, at times, he was a bit grumpy, but then again, everyone would with such an idiotic girl following you.
I also loved the romance, the planet and the figuring out what was wrong with it, the whispers, the exploring, the ending. There were a few moments that teared me up. Enough reasons to rate this a 4 stars. It is just a shame that Lilac was just so terrible. :(
The cover is also amazing! I just love how it looks.
Will I be reading the other books in this series? I am not sure yet. They do sound nice, but I am hesitant to read them. I don't want yet another Dual POV with one character to dislike.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Though I guess, all those little things could be summed up to one big one, Lilac. Dear Lord in all Heavens, she was so annoying, so spoiled, so bleh. Even later on, she just didn't even want to show her true feelings, instead hiding behind a façade again!
And yes, I know why she was hiding her feelings, because, yes, ladies and gentlemen, this woman is afraid of her daddy. And sure, he did some shitty things that weren't nice, some things that were terrible, but girl? That is no reason to treat everyone as shit.
Tarver just tries to help you out, and what do you do? Walk around like a fucking princess. OMG my heels! OMG my dress! Oh yes, your poor poor dress, your poor poor designer shoes. Oh noes, whatever shall we do? Apocalypse now?
For a big part of the book she is just acting like a spoiled little princess. Again, yes, I know what her dad did, but again, no reason for her to act like this.
There were also parts that were just unbelievable. She is afraid of rain, I just rolled off my bed when I read that. Wow.... rain, yes the silent killer. OHHHhhhhhhhh *insert waving arms and scary noises*
Add to that the stupid stuff she did (explosions anyone?).
And sure she had a few good things. But mostly? Nope, nope and nope. Her POV was the one I dreaded to read.
Thankfully we have Tarver, or Trevor as I called him (Tarver just didn't make sense, and my head immediately went to make it Trevor). He was amazing. Witty, smart, funny, charming, sweet. He did everything for Lilac, even though she was (for most) an ungrateful wench. He cared so much for her, he would walk through fire and back for her.
I loved how he immediately made a plan when they crashed, immediately took charge and tried to help. How he found food, how he wasn't afraid to do things.
Trevor (sorry, I am just going to call him that from now on) was amazing. His POV (and also the POV when he is interviewed) were the best ones in the book. I looked forward to hearing his voice again, to seeing him do everything he could.
And sure, at times, he was a bit grumpy, but then again, everyone would with such an idiotic girl following you.
I also loved the romance, the planet and the figuring out what was wrong with it, the whispers, the exploring, the ending. There were a few moments that teared me up. Enough reasons to rate this a 4 stars. It is just a shame that Lilac was just so terrible. :(
The cover is also amazing! I just love how it looks.
Will I be reading the other books in this series? I am not sure yet. They do sound nice, but I am hesitant to read them. I don't want yet another Dual POV with one character to dislike.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
magencorrie's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars!
My Thoughts:
All I can say about this book is that I was absolutely blown away by it! It was a very intense, entertaining, and emotionally gripping read. From the very first page to the last sentence I couldn’t get enough of it. I loved the characters, the settings, and the emotional aspect of it. All in all, These Broken Stars is another book that’ll always remain close to my heart!
Lets first talk about the cover. It is one of the most beautiful covers I have seen as of late! I love the combination of the colors and, of course, the beautiful pattern of stars. Then we have that breathtaking dress. And I have to mention the models; they are a perfect representation for the characters. I just have to say, this cover goes amazingly perfect for the book. I could stare at it forever.
I was at first unsure of this book, I really didn’t pay it much attention. That was until I had quite a few people say just how amazing it was, and after a good book friend of mine just raved about it. Oh, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Without a doubt, I wasn’t let down with this one. It wasn’t what I was expecting at all. The characters, the environment, the setting, and the pacing pretty much were wonderful, in my opinion.
I felt the pacing to move just right for me, yes, it does take a while for things to get started and about the middle of the book, it may seem to stall a bit. However, that never bothered me. I felt everything built at a great pace, and the built up of the conflict just to my liking. I love when books build slowly, to me, that makes the characters and their world just that more believable. The writing style was also just beautiful. I adored the flow and ebb of the words.
This is a very character driven book, and I have to say, I fall for both characters. Tarver and Lilac. Without a doubt, one of the greatest combination of characters I have come across. Lilac, the main female protagonist, definitely shows a few different sides of her throughout the book. I got to see the snobby spoiled side, the daring adventurous side, and the caring loving side. And though Lilac does come off a certain way at the beginning of the book, she is one of those characters that really just grows and develops. And she developed beautifully. I really liked that about her, and the strength and courage she showed following the calamity that took place.
And of course, a book like this cannot be without an amazingly hot male character. Tarver became my favorite character right from the start. Yes, he’s pretty darn swoony, but he is a deep character. Though unlike Lilac, right from the beginning you get a great feel for his character and who he is. He’s a very strong individual, and that was a major element for the book too. And him being an all-out sexy soldier didn’t hurt matters at all.
One of the aspects I enjoyed so much of this book was the growth, and interaction of Lilac and Tarver. Their relationship wasn’t one of the easiest ones. With lilac’s position and, of course, Tarver’s, conflict between them started right off the bat. But I enjoyed the tension between them. I loved that when they are first thrown together, all they did was piss each other off. But as the dangers of being on this strange planet take its toll, you really see them grow together, care for each other, and want to protect each other. Their relationship built just wonderful for me, and I loved watching it grow.
Now, the plot of this book isn’t what it seems. The planet they crash on is one full of danger, and a lot of mystery. I adored that mysterious piece in the book. I honesty couldn’t figure out the twists that kept popping up. They kept me on my noes to say the least. And then that added paranormal factor was a bit creepy, but again, I enjoyed it so much!
The ending of the book had me wishing that I had the next installment of this series. The ending left me wanting more and very curious as to what’s going to happen now for Tarver and Lilac. Though I never really get into sci-fi books, this one was phenomenal and blew me away. I fall for the characters, and I enjoyed being with them on their adventure.
These Broken Stars is a great romance, mystery, and epic sci-fi, book all rolled into one. I definitely recommend this one if you love a slow burn romance book, with mystery thrown in, a creepy factor added, and a tale of survival.
My Thoughts:
All I can say about this book is that I was absolutely blown away by it! It was a very intense, entertaining, and emotionally gripping read. From the very first page to the last sentence I couldn’t get enough of it. I loved the characters, the settings, and the emotional aspect of it. All in all, These Broken Stars is another book that’ll always remain close to my heart!
Lets first talk about the cover. It is one of the most beautiful covers I have seen as of late! I love the combination of the colors and, of course, the beautiful pattern of stars. Then we have that breathtaking dress. And I have to mention the models; they are a perfect representation for the characters. I just have to say, this cover goes amazingly perfect for the book. I could stare at it forever.
I was at first unsure of this book, I really didn’t pay it much attention. That was until I had quite a few people say just how amazing it was, and after a good book friend of mine just raved about it. Oh, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Without a doubt, I wasn’t let down with this one. It wasn’t what I was expecting at all. The characters, the environment, the setting, and the pacing pretty much were wonderful, in my opinion.
I felt the pacing to move just right for me, yes, it does take a while for things to get started and about the middle of the book, it may seem to stall a bit. However, that never bothered me. I felt everything built at a great pace, and the built up of the conflict just to my liking. I love when books build slowly, to me, that makes the characters and their world just that more believable. The writing style was also just beautiful. I adored the flow and ebb of the words.
This is a very character driven book, and I have to say, I fall for both characters. Tarver and Lilac. Without a doubt, one of the greatest combination of characters I have come across. Lilac, the main female protagonist, definitely shows a few different sides of her throughout the book. I got to see the snobby spoiled side, the daring adventurous side, and the caring loving side. And though Lilac does come off a certain way at the beginning of the book, she is one of those characters that really just grows and develops. And she developed beautifully. I really liked that about her, and the strength and courage she showed following the calamity that took place.
And of course, a book like this cannot be without an amazingly hot male character. Tarver became my favorite character right from the start. Yes, he’s pretty darn swoony, but he is a deep character. Though unlike Lilac, right from the beginning you get a great feel for his character and who he is. He’s a very strong individual, and that was a major element for the book too. And him being an all-out sexy soldier didn’t hurt matters at all.
One of the aspects I enjoyed so much of this book was the growth, and interaction of Lilac and Tarver. Their relationship wasn’t one of the easiest ones. With lilac’s position and, of course, Tarver’s, conflict between them started right off the bat. But I enjoyed the tension between them. I loved that when they are first thrown together, all they did was piss each other off. But as the dangers of being on this strange planet take its toll, you really see them grow together, care for each other, and want to protect each other. Their relationship built just wonderful for me, and I loved watching it grow.
Now, the plot of this book isn’t what it seems. The planet they crash on is one full of danger, and a lot of mystery. I adored that mysterious piece in the book. I honesty couldn’t figure out the twists that kept popping up. They kept me on my noes to say the least. And then that added paranormal factor was a bit creepy, but again, I enjoyed it so much!
The ending of the book had me wishing that I had the next installment of this series. The ending left me wanting more and very curious as to what’s going to happen now for Tarver and Lilac. Though I never really get into sci-fi books, this one was phenomenal and blew me away. I fall for the characters, and I enjoyed being with them on their adventure.
These Broken Stars is a great romance, mystery, and epic sci-fi, book all rolled into one. I definitely recommend this one if you love a slow burn romance book, with mystery thrown in, a creepy factor added, and a tale of survival.
bookishjosh's review against another edition
4.0
I became interested in this book (series) primarily because of the hype it received in the BookTube community. And to be honest, like most readers, I was inevitably intrigued by the pretty book cover.
While reading it, I initially couldn't help but think that the love-hate relationship between Lilac and Tarver was kinda overrated. However, since this book was written in the first person POV, I found myself smiling and chuckling at their respective mental narratives, aka inner monologues. It was really fun to read their conflicted thoughts and feelings about each other. I especially appreciated Lilac's character development. Her evolution from annoying to inspiring was meticulously crafted.
Another strength of the novel was its plot and world building, which I believe were deceptively predictable. Lilac and Tarver were shipwrecked on an "unknown" and "isolated" planet, and after reading the Across the Universe trilogy by Beth Revis, I immediately made predictions about the planet's name and purpose. To my delight, nearly all of my jaded expectations were thwarted in the last 70 pages. I don't know if I just haven't read enough science fiction, but I was really intrigued by that particular moment in the finale. (I don't want to spoil anyone, so I'm gonna keep it hush, hush.)
In the end, if you like literary concoctions of sci-fi, romance, and a little bit of socio-economic issues, then I suggest you pick up this novel.
While reading it, I initially couldn't help but think that the love-hate relationship between Lilac and Tarver was kinda overrated. However, since this book was written in the first person POV, I found myself smiling and chuckling at their respective mental narratives, aka inner monologues. It was really fun to read their conflicted thoughts and feelings about each other. I especially appreciated Lilac's character development. Her evolution from annoying to inspiring was meticulously crafted.
Another strength of the novel was its plot and world building, which I believe were deceptively predictable. Lilac and Tarver were shipwrecked on an "unknown" and "isolated" planet, and after reading the Across the Universe trilogy by Beth Revis, I immediately made predictions about the planet's name and purpose. To my delight, nearly all of my jaded expectations were thwarted in the last 70 pages. I don't know if I just haven't read enough science fiction, but I was really intrigued by that particular moment in the finale. (I don't want to spoil anyone, so I'm gonna keep it hush, hush.)
In the end, if you like literary concoctions of sci-fi, romance, and a little bit of socio-economic issues, then I suggest you pick up this novel.
luna_lovelace's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I was hooked on the book because the plot was unbelievably good and I had to know more about the mysterious place they ended up in.
It would be nice if there was more romantic chemistry between them. It was a bit awkward how they quickly fell in love with each other, considering how long it took for the story to unfold. Nevertheless, it didn't diminish how endearing each character was on their own. There wasn't a moment where I had any doubts about their motives.
I didn't realize it was a series for some reason, but now I am excited to read the next book!
It would be nice if there was more romantic chemistry between them.
I didn't realize it was a series for some reason, but now I am excited to read the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Classism
blackarrow16's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
neelamreadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
Titanic meets Lost. When it comes to spaceships, and galaxy settings, I'm usually the first to turn away. Not because I don't find them visually interesting, but because I find them rather boring to read - too many details that I would rather see than imagine. I think I rather enjoy it here because the sci-fi in this novel is kept in check and not too over the top. One thing that did start to get on my nerves were the internal monologues post-love confession. I could have done without the "my Liliac" and "my Tarver" drone that was scattered across the last half of the book. But I can overlook that minor detail to say that I still really liked this story. I'm interested to see what the next two novels will be like (it is after all meant to be a trilogy).
jenhurst's review against another edition
2.0
I honestly found it super boring for being a scifi book. It wasn’t really hard scifi, it was more a romance with a scifi twist.
booktallie's review against another edition
3.0
A reincarnation of the titanic, These Broken Stars put a new sci-fi twist of the story of romance and tragedy. Meagan Spooner and Amie Kaufman, team up to spark new light on this magnificent; stunning adventure of courage, fear, survival, and love be on hope.
The Icarus is deemed to be the best, safest spaceship flying through space. But then...catastrophe strikes.
“The Icarus is falling. She’s like a great beast up in the sky, and I imagine her groaning as she wallows and turns, some part of her still fighting, engines still firing in an attempt to escape gravity.”
Two people manage to reach escape pods - Lilac LaRoux, the daughter of the richest man in the universe; and Tarver Merendson, a dedicated war hero. Crash landing on a mysterious, supposedly uninhabited planet, Tarver and Lilac have to accept their differences if they want to stay alive and be rescued.
The style of writing was unbelievably amazing full of detail and emotion. The chaos and beauty intertwined throughout this story makes it vivid and real in the reader’s mind.
Much like the titanic the main woman role is a rich, pampered, and misunderstood brat. Lilac’s character is not the most likeable but she doesn’t have her moments through the book. The way she stand up for the things she believes and the way she take risks, show how strong she truly is. Her transformation is visible as the story progresses. As for the man role of this story, choosing a war decorated soldier was a nice unaccepted delight on this soon titanic retelling. Tarver, the boy next door type, home grown is just amazing and he makes you fall for him automatically. How anyone would or even could hate him is totally unbelievable but Lilac found a way and for good reason. Their social class pin them into the animosity and hatred. But being stranded alone can make a person change their mind or at least let them truly show how they felt but couldn’t say. Tarver and Lilac make an epic team and the spark between them is enchanting.
However all the excitement of this book takes a while to accumulate and so the beginning of the whirl wind adventure doesn’t start till the ship starts to fall. At this point there is a lot of scene building and character detailing. Also the romance was kind of slow build as well, just kiss her already.
I did find myself enjoying this incredible read despite the slow progress. I recommend this book to all hopeless lover romance types, if you loved the titanic then this story is for you.
The Icarus is deemed to be the best, safest spaceship flying through space. But then...catastrophe strikes.
“The Icarus is falling. She’s like a great beast up in the sky, and I imagine her groaning as she wallows and turns, some part of her still fighting, engines still firing in an attempt to escape gravity.”
Two people manage to reach escape pods - Lilac LaRoux, the daughter of the richest man in the universe; and Tarver Merendson, a dedicated war hero. Crash landing on a mysterious, supposedly uninhabited planet, Tarver and Lilac have to accept their differences if they want to stay alive and be rescued.
The style of writing was unbelievably amazing full of detail and emotion. The chaos and beauty intertwined throughout this story makes it vivid and real in the reader’s mind.
Much like the titanic the main woman role is a rich, pampered, and misunderstood brat. Lilac’s character is not the most likeable but she doesn’t have her moments through the book. The way she stand up for the things she believes and the way she take risks, show how strong she truly is. Her transformation is visible as the story progresses. As for the man role of this story, choosing a war decorated soldier was a nice unaccepted delight on this soon titanic retelling. Tarver, the boy next door type, home grown is just amazing and he makes you fall for him automatically. How anyone would or even could hate him is totally unbelievable but Lilac found a way and for good reason. Their social class pin them into the animosity and hatred. But being stranded alone can make a person change their mind or at least let them truly show how they felt but couldn’t say. Tarver and Lilac make an epic team and the spark between them is enchanting.
However all the excitement of this book takes a while to accumulate and so the beginning of the whirl wind adventure doesn’t start till the ship starts to fall. At this point there is a lot of scene building and character detailing. Also the romance was kind of slow build as well, just kiss her already.
I did find myself enjoying this incredible read despite the slow progress. I recommend this book to all hopeless lover romance types, if you loved the titanic then this story is for you.