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    These Broken Stars
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    These Broken Stars
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    These Broken Stars
    Audiobook11 hours

    These Broken Stars

    Written by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

    Narrated by Cynthia Holloway, Johnathan McClain and Sarge Anton

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    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.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateDec 10, 2013
    ISBN9780804123440
    Unavailable
    These Broken Stars
    Author

    Amie Kaufman

    Amie Kaufman is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author of young adult fiction. Her multi-award winning work is slated for publication in over 30 countries, and has been described as ""a game-changer"" (Shelf Awareness), ""stylistically mesmerising"" (Publishers Weekly) and ""out-of-this-world awesome"" (Kirkus). Her series include The Illuminae Files, The Aurora Cycle, the Other Side of the Sky duology, The Starbound Trilogy, the Unearthed duology and The ElementalsTrilogy. Her work is in development for film and TV, and has taken home multiple Aurealis Awards, an ABIA, a Gold Inky, made multiple best-of lists and been shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards. Raised in Australia and occasionally Ireland, Amie has degrees in history, literature, law and conflict resolution, and is currently undertaking a PhD in Creative Writing. She lives in Melbourne with her husband, daughter and rescue dog, and an extremely large personal library. http://amiekaufman.com/

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    Reviews for These Broken Stars

    4/5

    340 ratings52 reviews

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    • 3/5
      The first part of this book reminded me a lot of the movie "Titanic" which I rather enjoyed especially once the spaceship began to disintegrate, but once Traver and Lilac landed safely on another planet, the story became more of a survival tale with a budding romance thrown in for good measure. Told in alternating chapters between the two main protagonists, each chapter was preceded by snippets of the interview recorded during Traver's interrogation after their rescue. Of the two, I liked Traver's voice better as I thought his back story was more interesting and his voice stronger and more emotive. Lilac was okay, but I didn't connect with her as much. However, I felt that both of them should have been a few years older than what they actually were - they didn't feel like seventeen and eighteen year olds, especially Traver who could have easily been in his mid-twenties. The book lost me about three quarters of the way through when the paranormal elements were introduced. After that, I just wanted it to finish; I won't be bothering with any sequels.
    • 4/5
      I remember the first time I read These Broken Stars fondly. After reading, I had so many varying emotions pent up inside of me that I couldn't focus enough to write a review. The words just wouldn't come. What could I say to convey the way that this book made feel? So I let it sit, and then I forgot about it, and now I'm back to remedy that lapse. I chose the audio book this time around and I'm sincerely glad I did. By the time I reached the ending, I could imagine Lilac and Tarver no other way than how their narrators portrayed them. It was perfection.

      As a reader who generally has no love for spoiled rich girls, I never expected to love Lilac as much as I did. I wasn't expecting her to be so damn easy to like. I loved her fire. Loved the way she held herself, even when there was no one around to look. Was so impressed by her overwhelming desire to make something better for herself. This girl isn't a spoiled princess. She's a warrior. Then there's Tarver. The handsome soldier, with a past filled with regret. He's as swoon-worthy as they get ladies and gentlemen. His whole persona screams charm, and you'd be hard pressed to ignore that. These two together were like fire and ice, and it was a beautiful thing to watch as they slowly came to understand one another.

      That is, in fact, what made These Broken Stars such a stellar read for me. The vast majority of this book focuses on just one thing: Lilac and Tarver. While they navigate an unknown planet, and try to survive, the whole time it's just the two of them adapting to life as a team. I couldn't help but fall for their chemistry. There's no insta-love here. No simpering girls. Just a man, and a woman, who only have one another left. Lilac and Tarver aren't perfect, and their relationship takes work. That's my kind of romance.

      Throw these characters into a gorgeous story, with twists and turns around every corner, and you have my heart. Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner have managed to take a romance story, blend it perfectly with science fiction, and then wrap it all up with a beautifully written bow. There was nothing I didn't love about this book. This was my second time experiencing These Broken Stars, and it still managed to surprise me. That, my friends, makes this a five star read for me.

      So if you haven't already taken the time to give These Broken Stars a place on your reading list, I'd highly suggest that you do. I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series. I want all the Lilac and Tarver there is!
    • 4/5
      I liked this audiobook a whole lot more than I expected to. I sometimes (ok, often) rant about books that are just a little too YA and full of tropes. This one does have some of the usual for the genre, and at the beginning I was rolling my eyes at Lilac and Carver (those name...) and their angst even before anything happened, but it got better. The sci-fi elements and the whole Titanic-like vibe put it solidly in the pick column.
    • 4/5
      This is a book that's a nice mix of borderline dystopian while still being a solid sci-fi and romance work. You don't see quite that combo all that terribly often. I especially liked the way it was written from the two separate points of view in alternating chapters, and the way that the stuck-up rich girl really wasn't what she seemed. The whole story really does give an emphasis on character development alongside the external plot, and it ends up working quite well.
    • 4/5
      Disney-Hyperion, ISBN 9781423171027, December 2013

      This is a thoroughly enjoyable execution of a seemingly unpromising plot. A young war hero from a lower-class background is on an official PR tour on a luxury spaceship when he meets the pampered daughter of the head of the corporation that owns it--one of the richest girls in the galaxy. Shortly after they meet, there's some kind of an accident, the ship is destroyed, and our heroes, Maj. Tarver Merendsen heiress Lilac LaRoux, are stranded on a terraformed but uninhabited planet, the only survivors.

      It works because Kaufman and Spooner have created original and interesting characters, and while the expected romance is there, it's the secondary plot.

      The main plot involves the strange things Lilac sees and hears on the planet, sights and voices that can't be there. It complicates their trek to the main crash site, where they have a better chance of being rescued. Is it the stress making Lilac break down emotionally? Or is there something truly strange about this planet, something that would explain why it was terraformed but never colonized?

      Except for what seem to be her hallucinations, Lilac is, yes, a girl who has been pampered all her life, but underneath that a smart, tough young woman with interests and skills Tarver did not expect. That's as crucial to their survival as Tarver's more obviously relevant background.

      As they make their way cross-country through forest, plains, and mountains, they begin to find signs that there is something very strange, and possibly very dark and threatening, about this planet.

      It's the first of a trilogy, but the plot of this book comes to a satisfying conclusion, while leaving open the larger arc of the trilogy.

      Recommended.

      I received a free electronic galley from the publisher via NetGalley.
    • 4/5
      These Broken Stars has many elements to it: there's the science fiction- space travel, terraforming new planets; a survival story- two teens crash landed on an unidentified planet, trying to survive the terrain and the unknown; the romance- poor boy meets rich girl, both dislike each other until their guards come down and their true selves are exposed; and then there is the underlying mystery of what happened...what made the spaceship leave hyperspace, where are they, how can you explain these strange things that keep happening.

      I'll be honest: there were times this book scared me. Yes, I felt that it was largely a romance set in a futuristic place, but all of the unknowns, the whispers, the isolated planet that didn't fit the mold, I felt apprehensive. I think this shows the authors ability to create a compelling world.

      What I enjoyed most was Tarver's and Lilac's will to survive. Tarver had his training and instinct, and I felt Lilac showed great strength- she came from a world of pampering and privilege, yet she didn't turn into a whiny socialite.

      Seeing as this is the first in the series, I wondered how they were going to make their story stretch out over multiple books, as I felt that it ended at the perfect spot. Now that I know they are companion novels, I am eager to get my hands on the next one!
    • 5/5
      These Broken Stars is a beautifully structured, beautifully written novel which, refreshingly, has logical and believeable motivations for both characters all the way through the story. I was initially dubious about the 1st person POV that alternates chapters - as someone who reads quite quickly and for long stretches at a time, I can easily get confused by this structure (usually because I don't notice that I've even started a new chapter). I had no such problem with this book, and the double view point enabled me to become more invested in both main characters. I loved the 'interrogation snippets' between chapters too. I could really feel Tarver's frustration, and respect his patience given that I knew what he really wanted to say (don't worry, T, I said it for you. Out loud. On the plane). I loved watching Lilac find her strength. Can't wait to see what she does next.
    • 4/5
      Pretty mind-blowingly great.
    • 4/5
      Here is another book I wish I could have give half stars to. My rating would be 3.5. I had a hard time deciding if it was a 3 or 4 star book. I settled on 4 but it is a weak four. For the most part, I enjoyed the story. I thought the characters worked. I thought Lilac was especially believable and her character acted just as I thought a spoiled, pampered girl would act. However, some of the plot was just a bit out there for my tastes and the ending. It felt like a study in what is unbelievable. It just didn't work for me. I will not rush to read the second book, if I ever do. Just glad I got this from the library instead of paying money for it.
    • 4/5
      I read something by Meagan Spooner last year and was curious about what else she had written, so when I saw the library had the audiobook, I gave it a go.I am not a fan of the cover. It screams “clichéd YA about star-crossed lovers!”, which is not my favourite, and the first two chapters didn’t alter that impression. Two teenagers meet while travelling through hyperspace aboard the Icarus. She’s a privileged socialite. He’s a lowborn military officer, only allowed on the upper decks because of his medals for heroics. When they meet, they’re immediately interested in each other. (Of course.) But Lilac knows how her father reacts if she shows interest in a boy, so when Tarver asks to see her again, she turns him down publicly.However, the story abruptly changes direction when something goes wrong on the Icarus. Lilac and Tarver are left with no choice but to work together. Their survival depends upon it.I was glad I pushed past my initial doubts. These Broken Stars is intense and gripping. I loved the suspense and the mystery, formulating my own theories of what was going on. (Including wondering why Tarver is answering evasively in the interview excerpts which prefix each chapter.) I loved the dramatic visuals of the landscapes - halfway through I thought This would make an awesome movie. And I really enjoyed seeing Tarver and Lilac learn to work together and trust each other. They have to navigate disagreements and their differences (of opinion and of abilities), and while I was frustrated by a few of their earlier choices, it was really satisfying to watch the characters - and their relationship - grow. I was surprised by how invested I became. “What did you make of your companion?” “It was a change of pace from a platoon.” “That’s not a substantive response, Major Merendsen.” “I hadn’t had long to form an opinion. The situation wasn’t ideal.” “For you or her?” “For either of us. Do you know anyone who’d have been pleased in our places?” “We’ll ask the questions, Major.”
    • 5/5
      The stars, although seemingly off throughout the series of fortunes and misfortunes, manage to tangle themselves into a portrait of love, tragedy, loss, hope, second (or third) chances, and just outright beauty. This is a classic.
    • 4/5
      Lilac & Tarver: Starbound #1 - 4.5 stars...

      Lately I've been in the mood for some soft & hard sci-fi space opera and since I absolutely loved Amie Kaufman's (& Jay Kristoff) Illuminae, I knew I had to read Kaufman's (& Megan Spooner) Starbound Trilogy too. These Broken Stars is the first book in the trilogy and although it was immensely enjoyable, so far Illuminae still holds the number one spot for me.

      The story starts out on board the Icarus, a luxury spaceliner built by LaRoux Industries. When it starts hurtling out of hyperspace, Lilac LaRoux, the rich and spoiled daughter of the LaRoux founder is thrown together with Major Tarver Merendsen, a decorated war hero from the wrong side of the universe. They are forced to survive together on a terraformed but deserted and strange planet that has something in store for them around every corner.

      At the beginning Lilac is snobby and very irritating but as the story progressed she really developed some character and started growing on me. I enjoyed their harrowing trek across the planet as much as I did their time on the Icarus. I thought the love story was done well too. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I thought the whole thing with the whispers and the rift and Lilac's return went too far off the rails for my tastes.
    • 5/5
      Inhaltsangabe:Sie befinden sich auf dem größten und luxuriösesten Schiff, der Icarus. Lilac, Tochter aus reichem Haus und Tarver, ein gefeierter Held aus einfachen Verhältnissen. Seit der ersten Begegnung ist es um sie geschehen und doch trennen sie buchstäblich Galaxien.Plötzlich stürzt die Icarus auf einen völlig fremden Planeten ab. Nur mit Glück können sie sich aus der Rettungskapsel retten und glauben daran, dass bald die Rettungsschiffe kommen. Doch sie kommen nicht und Lilac und Tarver sehen sich gezwungen, durch die Wildnis zum Wrack zu gelangen.Jedoch spüren sie sehr schnell, dass Geheimnisse sie begleiten und obwohl Lilac ihrem Ruf als abgehobene Schickimicki-Tochter alle Ehre macht, müssen sie wohl oder übel zusammen arbeiten. Viele Abenteuer warten auf sie!Mein Fazit:Auch mir ist dieser Hype nicht entgangen. Aber ich konnte mich bislang nicht dazu aufraffen, das Buch zu kaufen. Beim Hörbuch konnte ich dann schließlich nicht widerstehen.Das Hörbuch hat drei Sprecher, die Namen sind in der Produkt-Beschreibung nicht alle aufgeführt. Die Stimme von Tarver hat mir am Besten gefallen. Marie Bierstedt als Lilac wirkte mir am Anfang ein bisschen zu hektisch, es hörte sich immer so ein bisschen atemlos an. Aber das legte sich mit der Zeit. Insgesamt gesehen hat es mir vom Vorlesen gut gefallen. Die Erzähl-Perspektiven wechseln zwischen Tarver und Lilac, so wechselten auch die Stimmen und ich konnte mir ein gutes Bild machen.Die Geschichte ist eine klassische Liebesgeschichte, die sich durch die begleitende Handlung des geheimnisvollen Planeten von anderen hervorsticht. Tarver als gefeierter Soldat hat einen guten Blick dafür. Nach dem Absturz fühlt er sich verantwortlich für Lilac, obwohl sie ihm das Leben wirklich nicht leicht gemacht hat mit ihrer Zickerei. Mir übrigens auch nicht, am Anfang hat mir Lilac überhaupt nicht gefallen. Armes reiches Mädchen, wirklich zu bedauern … Sie ging mir mit ihrer Arroganz und Abgehobenheit sogar ziemlich auf den Keks. Aber vielleicht war es von den Autorinnen auch so beabsichtigt? Schließlich macht Lilac eine tolle Entwicklung durch, sie lernt und sie begreift, dass sie nur zusammen stark sind. Ihre Gefühle zueinander werden dabei immer stärker und doch gibt es so viel Unausgesprochenes. Auch sie hat Geheimnisse und ihre bisherigen Versuche, sich vom dominanten Vater abzugrenzen, schlugen fehl. Auch wenn sie den besonderen Schutz durch ihren mächtigen und reichen Vater genießt, so wünscht sie sich ebenso Loslösung und Eigenständigkeit. Tarver hingegen hat auch schon Verluste erlitten, aber er ist in einer intakten Familie eingebettet. Bodenständigkeit und Normalität zeichnen sein Leben aus und der feste Wille, in seinem Fach der beste zu sein.Beide Figuren haben ihre Macken und Kanten und wachsen mir mit der Zeit ans Herz. Ab etwa der Hälfte des Hörbuchs wurde es dann auch richtig spannend und zuweilen auch dramatisch. Immer mehr Geheimnisse offenbahren sich ihnen und doch tauchen immer neue Fragen auf. Immer wieder gibt es die Abschnitte mit dem Verhör, wo Tarver zu den Geschehnissen auf dem Planeten befragt wird. Trotz der Spitzfindigkeiten lässt sich Tarver nicht aus der Ruhe bringen, was ihn auch sehr sympathisch machte. Zu 100% konnte am Ende nicht alles aufgeklärt werden, aber das war nun vielleicht auch nicht so wichtig in diesem Fall.Es hat mir trotz der kleinen Kritik-Punkte sehr viel Spaß gemacht dem Hörbuch zu lauschen. Schade, dass der zweite Teil der Reihe noch nicht vorgelesen wurde. Dieser Teil bekommt fünf Sterne und eine klare Hör-Empfehlung.
    • 3/5
      I heard a lot about this book before reading it so I was really looking forward to it. It's not bad but still not what I was expecting based on all I knew about it. The beginning was great, but the middle sagged with predictability and a molasses-slow plot. Instead of a story about the high-tech, space-traveling people of the future, it ended up being a pretty boring story about two lovestruck, hormonal teens from different socioeconomic backgrounds s-l-o-w-l-y getting over themselves and coming to terms with the fact that they're into each other.

      Because Lilac and Tarver are conveniently stranded on an uncharted planet while trying to work out their feelings for the majority of the book, there is hardly any world/universe building. The technology of the future was barely figured into the story aside from the very beginning and very end, which is also where the majority of the action resides. I guess the hectic ending was supposed to make up for the rest of the story but it was too late for me by then. The story was just okay, about 2.5/5.
    • 4/5
      Once upon a time around the year 1998, or maybe it was 1999, I found myself slightly obsessed with the sinking of the Titanic. The weird thing was that my obsession wasn’t even slightly fueled by the very popular film starring one of my favorite hunks Mr. Leo himself. You see in order to be fueled by the film I would have had to actually sit down and watch the film, which I have still not seen to this very day. Nonetheless I found myself briefly immersed in all things Titanic. Don’t worry I’m getting to my point.

      While reading the beginning chapters of These Broken Stars I found myself fondly remembering my love for all things Titanic related, mainly because the massive spaceliner, the Icarus, is essentially the space version of the Titanic. The only difference, well besides being in space and its size, would be the lack of survivors. When the Titanic sunk there were a decent amount of survivors. When the Icarus fell out of the sky only two people managed to make it out alive, Lilac and Tarver.

      Obviously when only one female and one male survive it’s inevitable that they will fall madly in love despite their differences. When they come from different social classes then they clearly need to try to deny their love for as long as possible as to create intense sexual tension. Just once I wish that the obvious wouldn’t happen. These Broken Stars started out so awesome for me, what with the similarities to the Titantic and then the shift into survival mode / playful banter. However, as soon as that tension was alleviated I found myself feeling the same way I did when Nick and Jess got together or when Jim and Pam finally decided to be a couple. The thrill was gone and I found myself slightly bored despite the element of the mysterious fuel source on the planet. The final discovery of that was also slightly a let down.

      I didn’t love These Broken Stars nearly as much as most of the population seemed to. I really, really loved the first half of the novel and that is why my rating is as high as it is. I think These Broken Stars just lost me somewhere shortly after Lilac and Tarver scour the wreckage of the Icarus. I’m doubting that I’ll read the next book in the Starbound series, but I am really interested to see how These Broken Stars translates to the somewhat big screen.
    • 4/5
      That was. . . really good. Like seriously, REALLY good!I totally LOVED the dual perspectives, the slow building romance, and the slight mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. Not to mention the mixture of sci-fi, futuristic technology, and Victorian sensibility.Above all, though, I loved the writing. This book is SO cinematic! I could picture everything so clearly in my head --- the crash of the Icarus was. . .EPIC. Lilac and Tarver's exploration and subsiquent fight for survival on an alien planet was ridiculously believable---convincing---accurate??? Whatever it was, I totally bought it.The mystery behind the "whispers" had me enthralled and turning the pages at warp speed, and the last 20% of the book was surprisingly intense --- I almost cried!I understand that the next book is more of a companion book than a sequel and ,normally, I'm not a fan of this. But, if it means I get to read more of this duo's incredible writing, or there's even a slight chance that we get to see Lilac and Tarver again, I feel like the odds are favorable for my liking it ;)
    • 4/5
      When the luxury space liner Icarus plummets out of hyperspace and crashes onto an unknown planet only two people are able escape in a pod to land safely on the planet’s surface. Thus opens These Broken Stars by Aimee Kaufman and I was immediately pulled into this YA survivor/romance story as the two, Lilac and Tarver, embark on a journey across this strange planet to try and find rescue. Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe while Tarver is a simple soldier. Their attraction to each other was obvious but I was pleased that the romance was held back in favor of survival. Only once they were relatively safe did these two give in to their growing emotions.This is the opening book of a trilogy and although the beautiful cover both attracted me and made me a little leery that there was going to be too much teen angst, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. Both the writing and the plotting are well done and, even as the main characters start hearing whispers, see ghosts and hallucinate, the story makes sense. Told in alternating fashion the reader sees the story unfold from both characters point of view, and while I would have like a little more of the science part of the story and a little less of the romance, overall it was an engaging read and I will not hesitate to continue on with this trilogy.
    • 4/5
      I'd been searching for a good YA novel for weeks and finally found it here. The opening "interview"' before the first chapter grabbed me with its terseness and sense of the unknown. The first chapter plunges the reader into a sort of "Titanic" in space, where the voice of Tarver Merendsen introduces you to the elite class on board the enormous space ship, "Icarus." Tarver doesn't really want to be at the party, but his status as a hero soldier demands it. When he spots an out-of-place man approaching a rich girl, his instincts propel him into action. As he nears the pair, he realizes the girl has deflected the man's attentions easily and with some compassion. Tarver is surprised at the latter, as most girls of this class can be quite cruel. When Tarver and the girl speak, they subconsciously realize they're attracted to each other, but their training and social status doesn't allow them to be in the same space. They part badly.Soon after, the "Icarus" faulters and space and I'm again reminded of the Titanic. Once again, Tarver and Lilac are thrown together and escape in a small pod with Lilac's electronic skills, crash-landing on a planet. Lilac is in a green evening gown and heels. Tarver has an emergency pack. They spar, but realize they must work together to survive. Though Lilac realizes she wouldn't survive without Tarver's skills, Tarver also realizes that Lilac is tougher and more intelligent than he imagined. Then Lilac starts hearing voices that Tarver cannot hear. Is the planet really as unihabitated as it seems? I loved the chapters alternating between Tarver and Lilac's voices and the short interviews Tarver undergoes which foreshadow future happenings. Both are strong and compassionate characters, equals in many ways. The world-building is suspenseful, the romance light and tasteful, the science fiction believable, the plot intense. Highly recommended for teens and adults who enjoy a well-done sci-fi romance.
    • 5/5
      Thanks to Netgalley.com and Disney Book Group for allowing me access to this title.

      This was amazing! And it reminded me why I love sci-fi romances. It was realistic and full of depth, while at the same time there were things that built and layered upon themselves to make the story rich and entertaining. I can't wait to for the next installment! I'm also excited that these are companion-type novels for the series instead of chronological ones with the same characters. I'm really enjoy that type of series.
    • 5/5
      Lilac is the daughter of the world's richest man. She is on a voyage of the Icarus, her father's latest luxury space ship. A chance encounter with war hero, Tarver, makes her wish to meet him again even though she knows that can't happen. When the shipbis pulled out of hyperdrive and a crash seems imminent, Lilac and Tarver find themselves together in an escape pod, crashing on a terraformed but seemingly deserted planet. The two must use every skill they possess to try to survive and uncover the truth.A thoroughly enjoyable read.
    • 5/5
      This book is simply gorgeous. I adored the world, the characters, the lovely writing . . . but frankly, the underlying premise and the twists -- wow. As a writer, I can look at this as a blueprint for pushing both personal and overall stakes, but it also brings home how textbook terms like stakes and character growth translate to reader love. I can't say enough about this book. Read it. I hope you will love it as much as I do.
    • 4/5
      Aboard the luxury spaceliner Icarus, Tarver Merendsen feels out of place among the wealthy and elite. His claim to fame, he is a military hero at the age of 18. After a brief and embarrassing encounter with a beautiful, red-head in blue, Tarver is left feeling even more apart the before. When the Icarus is suddenly pulled out of hyperspace, Tarver and the red-haired beauty are the only survivors. Now Tarver must save her and himself against almost unthinkable odds. If you like the movie Titanic, you will love this book. It is like Titanic-In-Space. The characters are enjoyable and the plots twists abound.
    • 5/5
      Words cannot express how much I loved this book. I’ve been procrastinating my life away because I can’t coherently express how in love I am with this book.“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.” When Tarver and Lilac first meet, it’s on board the Icarus, one of the biggest and most powerful ships made for intergalactic travel. He’s a lowly war hero while she’s the daughter of the richest and most influential man in the universe. It becomes clear that a romance between the two would be next to impossible. And yet they can’t help but have a certain attraction towards each other. When the Icarus crashes, Lilac and Tarver appear to be the only survivors because they were lucky to latch onto an escape pod in time. This is where their real story begins.These Broken Stars was my most anticipated book of 2013 and the very first book I read in 2014. This book is extraordinary!I started this book with incredibly high expectations. I was hoping for an amazing story with a swoony romance and that’s exactly what I got.The story isn’t difficult to grasp; the world building is easily believable. Seeing all of civilization living among the stars isn’t something necessarily original, but still nice to read about. We’re subtly introduced to new aspects like “Galactics” as currency, talks about “the past” and new technological items as well.Lilac and Tarver are the protagonists of this story, and also the narrators. It was fun seeing both of their points of view, because we get to see both sides of the coin.Tarver was such a refreshing male character! He’s not the same cookie cutter good guy that we’re used to seeing. I loved Tarver!Lilac at first was tolerable at most. I thought she was a snob. But then we get to see her mask crumble, and we get to see a down to earth, relatable character. Lilac had so much going on, but she never failed to keep up with the pretense of perfection everyone always expected. I enjoyed seeing her shed that mask.Whenever Lilac and Tarver interacted, I proceeded to laugh until I couldn’t breathe. Both of them had such different perspectives that when they clashed, it was difficult not to laugh.Lilac: “Where will I sit?” Tarver: Why, on this comfortable chaise lounge I’ve carried here for you in my pocket, Your Highness, so glad you asked. She’s keeping her voice polite and even, like she’s at a garden party and I’m some annoying aunt who just won’t back off. Maybe if I [Tarver] shut up, she’ll electrocute herself.Tarver: “It’s raining […] it’s fine. Straight from the clouds to you.” […] Lilac: “Straight from the clouds? Is that hygienic?”And then, somehow, between witty banter and trying to survive, they fall in love. It’s so wonderful, because they don’t even know they’re falling in love with each other! And then when they actually do fall in love, it’s the most wonderful kind of love: a love so pure, and so selfless that there’s nothing they wouldn’t do for each other.You’d think that reading a story just about two people trying to survive on a deserted place would be boring, but it was nothing but. There was intrigue, mystery, creepiness and action thrown into the mist.The writing and prose are captivating. The fact that this was written by TWO authors isn’t present, just because the story flows along so nicely.This book is much more than a beautiful cover, and if I had the next companion novels in my hands, I would have read them already.If you haven’t started this book yet, get to it!
    • 5/5
      4 ½ Stars - Audiobook
      Original story in a very creative world.
      Narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life.
      I love audiobooks with multiple narrators and this one was not an exception. I'm looking forward to the release of next book/audiobook.
    • 4/5
      These Broken Stars is an excellently written science fiction young adult novel that stands on its own. With its strong characterization and appeal to both the younger and older (me!) crowd, I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. I will say, however, I was not a *huge* fan of the ending.
    • 4/5
      Seemingly star-crossed lovers, Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen, find themselves having to survive on an abandoned planet after the luxurious spaceship known as the Icarus crashes. From two completely different worlds - Lilac who's had everything at her fingertips thanks to her well-known, business savvy father and Tarver whose family is relatively average but has risen up in the military after stellar service - these two teens must embark on a perilous journey in an unknown world, in an attempt to return home. They encounter many surprises along the way, however, both external and internal - ones that catch the reader off guard as well! [At least for me. :)...]Told in alternating viewpoints as well as an extended flashback, this love story/space opera is definitely worth the read. The more recent influence of romance and psychology on science fiction has greatly increased my appeal for the genre. I love space operas!! I appreciated the writing style as well as the pace of the plot in this novel. Both main characters were fully developed, and I could enter into the lives/perspectives of each. Very good, emotional read!
    • 5/5
      Oh my god I loved this book. I almost glanced over it because of the cover (I tend to not trust teen novels with girls in pretty dresses because said heroine turns out to be an awful angsty teenage brat) but thank god I didn't listen to my inner book cover security system.Major Tarver Merendsen(okay I may or may not have docked a point because of his name) and Lilac LaRoux have crash landed in an uncharted planet in a space pod barely detached in time from the fallen spaceship Icarus. Lilac having come from a very prestigious society has no clue as to what the first rules of survival in the unknown are so she really has to depend on Tarver's knowledge from the army and learn to trust him with her life until rescue comes for them. Tarver on the other hand has the skills and abilities to survive but because of an altercation on the Icarus just hours before it's demise, has to put up with Lilac and her naivete. But when days go by and nothing turns up they begin leaning on each other mutually for support and it may or may not turn into something more...so read the book if you want to know XDANYWAYS so like I said...I hate his name, it's so annoying to read out loud that I almost just skip it anytime I have to. But that's probably the only biggest concern I have about it. There are some loose ends that I felt weren't tied up very nicely but I heard this is going to be a series so hopefully at some point they are acknowledged. I'm still not a fan of the ever changing points of view thing, I feel like if an author wants to make us see things from all perspectives then they should use third person but in this case I believe the authors each took on a different perspective when writing the book and it shows because of the different prose...I guess...I felt that I was reading as the book went on. So that last point could be something good or something bad...mostly good I hope?Anyways, I liked the fact that it was not a straight up romance novel because I would have gone insane if it were 374 pages of their lustful interactions. Spoiler alert : They don't even kiss until page 235 so that was a plusThe interrogations with Tarver (ugh I even hate typing his name) were interesting but the only thing I feel like they accomplished was basically telling us that they were definitely going to be rescued or something like that. I really liked it though. Sci-fi eeee enough to keep me interested with a little something mixed in for the hopeless romantics. It took me a while but I figured out what I reminded me of: Titanic mixed in with After Earth (that one movie with Will Smith but with a better plot). Like I said and I'll never stop saying it I really liked it.
    • 4/5
      This was an awesome audiobook! Wonderfully unpredictable space opera/lost-in-space romantic drama with high fashion. If you like books by Jack McDevitt or enjoyed Beth Revis' "Across the Universe" series then this is your next pick. I can't wait to see what these two authors come up with next.
    • 4/5
      Lilac and Tarver meet on an interstellar voyage with 50,000 other passengers. Lilac, the only daughter of the wealthiest and most powerful man in the universe, and Tarver, a young and well decorated war hero with little social status, come from two very different worlds. Before they have a chance to get to know each other however, Lilac mercilessly removes all hope of any kind of future relationship. They were both set to carry on with their own lives until an unthinkable tragedy happens, and as a matter of life or death they are forced back together again. They find themselves stranded on an alien planet, and both need to play a part if they are to stay alive. This story has elements of science fiction, fantasy, and ultimately a love story, which would be sure to keep the interest of a teenage reader. While a few aspects of this story are predictable, the authors surprise the reader with some unexpected and shocking twists which makes one forget, or at least forgive, any predictability. Readers will be sure to anticipate the next book in this trilogy.
    • 5/5
      NOTE: I received the eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

      I'm stunned. I'm mesmerized. I can't breathe! These Broken Stars has simply left me brokenhearted. Why? Because it's over, that's why. The amazing story, the incredible characters... and it's over. And I'm suffering from a severe depression because of it. Do you know how awfully difficult it is to find a book that really speaks to your heart? Do you? I know, and I also know the after effects. Above mentioned depression is certainly one of them. Then there's also sadness, and later on comes hope. Yes, hope. Because I realized a new companion novel in this series is coming out in 2014 and I cannot wait for it!

      Amie Kaufman seems to be a new blinding star in the family of awesome writers. I have to be-fan her, that's for sure, because she definitely deserves it. Not only has she worked hard on These Broken Stars, but she's also made the book impossible to let go of! And to think that she's gifting us with two more stories to come? Well, that's what I call a present!

      Anyway, I suppose you gathered exactly how much I liked These Broken Stars. The story was unique to me, as I haven't read many universe related novels. There was an unforeseen adventure that took my breath away in it's complicated simplicity. And of course there was romance, but it wasn't the real driving force of the events. It became a larger part of the story towards the very end, but definitely not before. Still, there were sparks that had me giggling and wishing for Lilac and Tarver to just kiss already! Then there was the mystery of the planet where all events take place - it had a certain note of paranormalcy that had me chewing my nails in anticipation for what would happen next.

      Now onto the characters.

      I loved Lilac from the moment I met her. Sure, she was a somewhat spoiled brat, but she was also kind and sensitive in her heart. She had to keep her real self hidden deep inside for fear her father might hurt whomever decided to take a peek of the real girl behind the pretense, so most of the time her behavior was that of the 'expected', of the norm for her position in society. I was really impressed by her, for wanting to protect Tarver, even though it meant being rude to him and pushing him away. Then when they 'landed' on that planet, she had to suck it up and be bold and brave and to trust Tarver. Not an easy task when still trying to pretend that she hated him. I really truly loved that girl. She stood up for herself and for the one she loved and I could only admire her.

      Then there's Tarver. He was a sweetheart, a poet, a boy turned man in the nick of time. Totally swoon-worthy on his own - but when you add the Major uniform with medals and such and the character of a survivor... Yum! He wasn't your average guy either - he'd gone through family tragedy, through war that jumped him from a soldier to an Officer, and then he crashed on a forsaken planet with the only company of a bratty girl, whose father more or less owned the universe. It was obvious that Tarver was extremely well trained to survive whatever situation he may get stranded into - he was realistic, he knew how to look for food, he could recognize a planet's state of terraforming right away, and he could lie his way out of any question.

      In other words, These Broken Stars can only make you eager to read more of the wonderful world Amie Kaufman has created. I didn't want the story to end, and I'm certain any reader who decides to pick this book up would feel the same way too.