Book Recommendation: ‘These Broken Stars’

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live up in space? Fight for your life in space? Fall in love in space? Maybe you have and maybe you haven’t ever considered such outlandish circumstances. Either way, These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner will take you there. 

Image courtesy of goodreads

Exquisitely written from the point of view of a highly decorated military Major, Tarver Merendsen, and a spoiled heiress, Lilac LaRoux, Kaufman and Spooner take you on a breathtaking journey through the stars. Following two polar opposites as they lead what seem to be such different lives, it seems like this could be your typical YA romance novel, that is until their spacescraft malfunctions and the pair is forced together to brave what ends up being the biggest struggle for their lives. As the two brave the landscape of a forgotten planet, they discover a mysterious force of energy that could be a key element in unveiling the truth about the place they used to call home. Check out the official summary here.

Why I recommend this book

There are many reasons why I enjoyed this book and want others to experience the same thing, but one of the main elements of this novel that struck me was the writing style. While I hate to admit it, I tend to turn away from novels that have more than one POV but Kaufman and Spooner pull off the double POV thing effortlessly. Instead of muddling the narration, the two POVs highlight the journey that the characters take as they grow closer together and come into their own. 

Another aspect that I found refreshing, was the natural development of Tarver and Lilac’s love story. It wasn’t necessarily a love-at-first-sight type of story where no development was necessary to reach the romance stage. While there were obviously feelings of attraction when they first met, they are faced with a Rose and Jack style class struggle that keeps them apart mentally and physically for a large portion of the novel. It isn’t until they are both reduced to their most vulnerable forms that they realize the meaning of true beauty, trust and love.

Unique and well-written,this Sci-fi romance is sure to capture your attention from beginning to end. Be sure to pick up a copy and take a quick trip to the galaxies above!

Thanks for reading! :)

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