Book Spotlight: These Broken Stars (Starbound #1) by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

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.

From goodreads.com

   The book stars out with just your typical day on board of Icarus, a giant spaceship traveling the final frontier. We meet Lilac, the daughter of the richest man in the universe and Tarver, the young war hero, when their paths cross. These two don't exactly see eye to eye, each have their own position to play, but when the tragedy strikes, Lilac and Tarver are thrust together trying to survive on a planet that's not all they think it to be. 

   Guys. Guys!!! This book. I can't even. I seriously have no idea how to review it. I LOVED it so MUCH! I read it back in July and I really thought I'd get over how wonderful this story is, but I haven't. I want to read it again and again. 

   This book has all the makings of my favorite story. Of course, the book is set in space. Can you go wrong with that? Well, you can, but These Broken Stars definitely didn't. This book also has characters that I absolutely adore from the very beginning. Lilac is all kinds of a complex character. She has a part to play in her life, but when she's marooned (can you say marooned if you're on a planet?) as a half of the only two people left alive, she really has to learn a lot about herself. Yes, she may be spoiled and selfish, but she also has a great heart and as the story progresses, we learn and grow right along with her. 

   Now, let's talk about Tarver. Oh Tarver. If there is ever a hero in the midst of a storm, this guy is it. He's all kinds of swoony and strong and gorgeous and wonderful. You get the idea. He has his own prejudice to overcome, his own demons to battle, but just like Lilac, he grows throughout the book, making himself a better version of what he was before. 

   I love that about These Broken Stars. I love that the characters don't start out perfect, that you get to be annoyed with them, to be upset with their choices. Because in the end, when push comes to shove, they show the greatness of humanity in their actions. It's truly beautiful. 
   And the romance in this book is breathtaking. It's not the typical insta-love. These characters fight and disagree and even come to hate each other because of the societies expectations. But when it all comes down to it, when all the publicity of the world is stripped away, the two find each other in the rawest parts of the soul. It's breathtaking. 

   If you haven't noticed by now, I'm in love with this book. These Broken Stars had me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. Amie and Meagan have written a story that stays with you long after you've finished the last page. The world is beautiful and broken and realistic and the characters really capture your heart. I'll be buying this book and recommending it to everyone in the process. 
   These Broken Stars comes out tomorrow! I think you should go get yourself a Christmas present. You won't be disappointed!! 

   Happy reading, 

   Valia