These Broken Stars

I enjoyed 'These Broken Stars', and despite being reminded of the old film, 'Forbidden Planet' throughout the middle section of this book, it felt fresh and new.The book alternates its chapters between the male and female leads, Tarver and Lilac, with each speaking in the first person. Each pair of chapters is then followed by a brief series of questions that appear to be Tarver being de-briefed by some sort of military types *after* the mission - and hence it's no spoiler to say that we know from the start that Tarver, at least, escapes the planet.This is a romance in a sci-fi setting, rather than a sci-fi story with lots of romance. It does have action scenes, and some, particularly the initial disaster, are striking. Other dramas get a bit lost because we hear Tarver and Lilac's thoughts in so much detail, that the action is almost in slow-motion. It also means that we see a lot of the romance developing via the contents of Tarver and Lilac's heads, rather than via interaction and dialogue. I didn't realise I'd miss the emergence of a relationship from an observer's perspective so much. Is there such a thing as knowing too much about your characters?Now I've had chance to digest the book, enjoyable romance aside, I think the most effective part is those brief pages where Tarver is questioned after the event. Some of the questions are downright creepy and some are peculiar; they allow us to guess more more about the hidden characters, such as Lilac's father, and it's impossible not to dread this sinister man. I guess we'll hear more about him in the next two books in the trilogy.An additional point: this book actually has an ending, unlike so many YA/paranormal trilogies, where there's a huge cliffhanger at the end, and - if you've bought the book hot off the presses - you then have to wait two years to get the end of the tale. I'm REALLY glad this one doesn't do that.

You may well be looking at this book because of it's cover art. I know that's one of the things that drew me in. This book is beautiful inside and out. It has excellent world building that allows you to visualise the planet they're on but also to understand a little about the wider universe they live in without overwhelming you with information. For most of the book there are only two characters, Lilac and Tarver so I think the fact that I didn't get bored of reading about them and their evolving relationship really tells you how well these characters are written. Their relationship isn't easy to begin with and you find yourself siding with both of them on different issues especially as the chapter point of view alternates between the two of them.

Series: Sleepless Series #1Publication Date: December 2013Summary: "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."This is a beautifully written space opera, with elements of the paranormal. The plot is very much survival-based, and in the course of the novel the relationship between the survivors grows, which makes this book stand out.The writing is beautiful, the descriptions are exceptionally well done, without any elements of purple prose; it flowed exceedingly well. The romance was well built, and completely believable, although a little overwhelming at times given the environment and the situation.I wound up liking both of the characters, even if I didn't start off that way. Lilac and Tarver's relationship and its development was the best thing about this book. Lilac's character is a bit annoying in the beginning and, truly, I just wanted to punch her, but in the course of the novel she suffers some major character development.Even being a great book, I still have reservations about it that, in my opinion, keeps it from being a even greater novel. That includes the slowness of the plot, the unconvincing character of Tarver (even though I love him very much) and the complete lack of world building.The plot dragged on at times because an overwhelming part of the book is composed of the pair traipsing through an alien planet, trying to survive an unknown environment. The narrative flows well, but Tarver's character isn't as convincing as I would like him to be as the lead male.Overall, I really, truly enjoyed this book, and it is absolutely in the running for one of my notable reads. Absolutely recommended, and I cannot wait for the next two books in the series.

i haven’t seen anyone talking about this book but they should! it got me out of a year long reading drought and the romance was so cute

exactly what i wanted and expected