Review: Undying by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Title: Undying Series: Unearthed #1 Written by: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner Published: January 22, 2019 by Disney Hyperion (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: Trapped aboard the Undying's ancient spaceship and reeling from what they've learned there, scavenger Mia and academic Jules are plunged into a desperate race to warn their home planet of the danger humanity's greed has unleashed. From the mountains of Spain to the streets of Prague, the sequel to Unearthed is a white-knuckle ride that will send readers hurtling back to earth, and leave them breathless until the last page.   The earth's fate rests in Mia and Jules's hands in the epic conclusion to New York Times best-selling authors Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner's tomb-raiding sci-fi duology.

From their very first book together I have been in love with Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner's science fiction reads. When I was read Unearthed last winter I was instantly obsessed. It was creative and enthralling. I couldn't wait for the sequel so I grabbed this audiobook the same day it came out to find out what happened. And I was not disappointed.

With every book I am becoming even more impressed with the plot development of these authors. This book had a very different feel to it. It was more of a classic save the world kind of science fiction story, but it was no less exciting. It took what happened in the first book and raised the stakes in a way that had me on the edge of my seat and worried about what would be happening next. And while there wasn't much of a mystery here, there were some great elements from first book that came back in a big way in this one. The ending particular had me incredibly stressed. The last few chapters were a roller coaster ride of emotions that had me shocked, excited, angry, and so entertained.

However, the plot wasn't perfect. While I love the fact that this was a duology, I almost think it would have worked a little better as a trilogy. There were two concepts in this book that I don't think got their dues because this story needed to resolve everything. With two books they would have had some more breathing room.

That being said, I loved the world of this book. Amie and Megan do a great job creating science fiction worlds, combing science with fantastical ideas of the future. There is so much detail and depth to this world. I don't want to give too much away from the first book in the series but if you read it you know how this book ended and why learning more about the world of this book is so fascinating. I loved being able to learn more about The Undying, like who they are and where they came from. But the cool thing about this book too is that we are brought to earth. We get to see what things are like back on our planet and explore the political dynamics there are as well. Like the plot there was more to learn that we weren't able to get to because everything wrapped up, but what we did have was great.

What surprised me most about this book was the characters. In this one we have the two perspectives of Mia and Jules again. In the first book in the series I wasn't super impressed by either of them and I didn't love the romance. However in this book I did actually connect with them a lot more. Being back on Earth you were really able to feel their motivation and therefore their actions made more sense and had more weight. And because their personal relationship had more time it worked better for me. Plus I like the fact that Mia doubted it and wondered whether or not their romance had longevity, which is something I always think about so this helped me respect it more. Plus I think some additional secondary characters added a needed layer to the book. Dex and Atlanta were great complex antagonists which I appreciated. And the addition of Neil, Jules' cousin, was a much needed addition for both comic relief and as a foil for Jules. 

The thing that probably helped the most with me enjoying the characters, however, was the fact that I listened to the audiobook. This was such a fantastic audiobook. The thrilling plot and engaging world translated really well to an audio format, which already had me interested. Then you add the fact that each perspective had a different narrator which is something I am definitely a fan of. Plus, Jules was narrated by Steve West who is one of my all-time favorite narrator. I can't help but fall in love with a character who is narrated by Steve West, it's just not possible.

While I don't think Undying was as good as the first book in this series it was a great read. And lately I have been totally loving science fiction so this was the perfect book to read to satisfy that desire.

I give Undying by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner 9 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: Buy/Borrow. If you read and liked the first book in this series you should definitely check out the newest book. It's a great science fiction series and amazing audiobook that is worth a listen for fans.

Have you read Undying? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

ARC Review: Unearthed by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Title: Unearthed Series: Unearthed #1 Written by: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner Published: January 9, 2018 by Disney Hyperion (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: When Earth intercepts a message from a long-extinct alien race, it seems like the solution the planet has been waiting for. The Undying's advanced technology has the potential to undo environmental damage and turn lives around, and Gaia, their former home planet, is a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered. For Jules Addison and his fellow scholars, the discovery of an alien culture offers unprecedented opportunity for study... as long as scavengers like Amelia Radcliffe don't loot everything first. Mia and Jules' different reasons for smuggling themselves onto Gaia put them immediately at odds, but after escaping a dangerous confrontation with other scavvers, they form a fragile alliance. In order to penetrate the Undying temple and reach the tech and information hidden within, the two must decode the ancient race's secrets and survive their traps. But the more they learn about the Undying, the more their presence in the temple seems to be part of a grand design that could spell the end of the human race...

I’ve been excited about this book since I first learned about like a year ago. Not only is it an amazing concept, Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones in space, but it’s written by two authors I love who I am excited are writing together again. And I was not disappointed by this book. It was a thrilling read with a fascinating world and so many surprises.

One of the things that I think Amie and Meagan do so well is plot. This book proved that for sure, because it is a book that is incredibly gripping and full of excitement. That should probably come as no surprise considering the comparison between Lara Croft and Indiana Jones. It definitely has that exploration and adventure story kind of vibe. So many moments had me on the edge of my seat as the characters attempted to escape whatever trap or challenge they had before them. It’s definitely exciting and full of action.

But I think the thing that surprised me most about the book is the amount of mystery. It’s not a mystery in and of itself, but it still had so many mystery elements. It’s not even like there is anything to solve and yet I still wanted to solve everything. I wanted to know everything and figure out everything. About a two-thirds of the way into the book the tone changed a little bit as things started shifting to a new mystery and twist. I often get annoyed at books for changing things so drastically so late but here I think it worked. It added a level of interest and mystery to the book. And holy crap that ending! The way it left off was incredible but seriously so mean! I need book two ASAP.

But I think the most engaging thing about this book was the world. Amie and Meagan do science fiction so well. They have this great way about adding science to the books without getting bogged down in the specifics. I really liked the way that there was a background here too. It wasn’t just about the future, it was about what happened in the past to get to where we are. It grounded the book which I appreciated. The other fantastic thing about this world was the planet they were exploring. It was so interesting. It had a really cool archeology, ancient temples, kind of vibe which I found amazing. But it also gave me flashbacks to the time I did an Escape Room. The puzzles and the way they incorporated all of that in the actual setting was so cool. All of this really combined to draw you into the world and added as much to the plot as it did to the setting.

As for the characters, I did liked but I’m not sure they were exceptional. It’s a book that had multiple perspectives which was fine, it added a layer to the story to be able to see things from different sides and get to know the main characters on a more personal level. But I don’t think it’s a book that needed multiple perspectives. It would have been just fine if we saw things from either Jules or Mia’s P.O.V. I do think they were likable characters though. Both had their own reasons for doing what they were doing and they were motivated by something personal which made them easy to root for. Plus I liked the way they played with gender roles a little bit by making Jules the academic who is slightly helpless and Mia the adventurous and strong one. Plus they did have layers to them and were interesting.

My biggest reservation withy he characters, and honestly the reason I didn’t love them as much as I would think, was the romance. I am very surprised to report that there is an Amie and Meagan unlikely duo that didn’t have me shipping them. Maybe I’m just getting more picky with my romance or maybe it was something else. It just kind of felt like a lust sort of scenario. Throughout the book there kept being moments where the characters talked about how they thought the other person was cute but I just didn’t feel it went any deeper than that. I think they were a great team and seemed to have affection for one another but I’m just not all in when it comes to the romance. I would have preferred it there was more of a built up to something more. But they made the romance part of the plot and characterization and that’s where I think they lost me. But that is completely a personal preference. I’m okay with romance but I don’t really like it to be a plot line.

But all in all this was a fantastic read. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it and I couldn’t put it down. I read this over the weekend as I was just feeling better from being sick and I am so glad I was able to devour it because it was that good. It has a thrilling plot, an engaging world, and complex characters.

I give Unearthed by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner 9.5 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: Buy. If you like science fiction or are looking for a book full of adventure and mystery definitely check this one out. And anyone who was a fan of the Starbound trilogy will love the triumphant return of Amie and Meagan back together. I know I did.

Have you read Unearthed? What did you think? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Book Review: Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Title: Their Fractured Light Series: Starbound #3 Written By: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner  Published: December 1, 2015 by Disney Hyperion (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: A year ago, Flynn Cormac and Jubilee Chase made the now infamous Avon Broadcast, calling on the galaxy to witness for their planet, and protect them from destruction. Some say Flynn’s a madman, others whisper about conspiracies. Nobody knows the truth. A year before that, Tarver Merendsen and Lilac LaRoux were rescued from a terrible shipwreck—now, they live a public life in front of the cameras, and a secret life away from the world’s gaze.  Now, in the center of the universe on the planet of Corinth, all four are about to collide with two new players, who will bring the fight against LaRoux Industries to a head. Gideon Marchant is an eighteen-year-old computer hacker—a whiz kid and an urban warrior. He’ll climb, abseil and worm his way past the best security measures to pull off onsite hacks that others don’t dare touch.  Sofia Quinn has a killer smile, and by the time you’re done noticing it, she’s got you offering up your wallet, your car, and anything else she desires. She holds LaRoux Industries responsible for the mysterious death of her father and is out for revenge at any cost.  When a LaRoux Industries security breach interrupts Gideon and Sofia’s separate attempts to infiltrate their headquarters, they’re forced to work together to escape. Each of them has their own reason for wanting to take down LaRoux Industries, and neither trusts the other. But working together might be the best chance they have to expose the secrets LRI is so desperate to hide.

*** This is the third book in a series so if you haven't read These Broken Stars and This Shattered World, do that before you read this. Also why haven't you read them? They're fantastic! *****

When I closed this book, the only thing that came to mind was... Brilliant! Why should I have expected anything less for the conclusion of a series that has been genius from start to finish. I read the first two books in this series last year and was blown away by the plot, the characters, the world, the romance. It's such a fantastic series. So after rereading the first two books in November, I was excited and nervous to pick up the conclusion of the series. Amie and Meagan did not disappoint.

The plot development was unsurprisingly fantastic. I've always been blown away with the twists and turns this series takes. Being that this is the final book in the trilogy I was ready for the craziness. I had my theories and concerns, but this definitely exceeded my expectations. Everything really escalates and the stakes are so high. It was seriously non-stop action and I couldn't put the book down. There were a few lulls where the pacing and plot development would plateau before escalating again and in the beginning it took some time to get invested but sometimes that's not such a bad thing. But even better than the action was the way it all connected. The plotting was so intricate that little things from the first two books really came into play and there were lots of references that hearkened back to the way it all began.  I love when series end in this really great full circle way and that's just what happened here. It also had some greats twists and an emotional conclusion. All these books have really gutted me at one time or another and this one was no different. There was more than one surprise and punch to the feels along the way of course.

But plot points were not the only thing from the previous books back in this one. All the characters from all the books came together in a big way which is always great for a series ender. This book had some serious squad goals and I loved seeing Lilac, Tarver, Flynn, Lee again. It was also great meeting new characters. Gideon and Sofia were fantastic as well. I thought the authors did a really great job here of letting you get to know the two new protagonists before pulling in the old favorites. I definitely fell in love with Gideon and Sofia in the beginning. They both had such distinct voices and were so similar but different at the same time. They're both so smart and savvy but while Sofia is a people person, Gideon is all about technology. They didn't seem as opposites attract as the other two but their secrets and our knowledge of said secrets added to a sense of dramatic irony which I liked and there was some really great banter between. Their relationship was really great and I liked seeing it develop during the book. And once again Amie and Meagan showed just how fantastic they are at creating complex and interesting characters.

The world of this series is also really complex and interesting. The first two books in the series took us to newer planets that were being developed but in Their Fractured Light we were taken to the center of the universe, so to speak. In this book we got to explore Corinth, the planet where LaRoux Industry is located and it's like the center of culture and technology for all the planets. And like all major cities it has it's high class citizenry and it's seedy underbelly. Seeing every aspect of the planet was really fantastic. But what I liked most about it is that despite the fact we are going to a different location it narrowed the focus of the world instead of expanding it (something I often don't like about series conclusions). Because Corinth is really a focal point for everything having it be the location of the final book really worked to add color and understanding to the larger world of the series. We also got to learn a lot more about some of the characters in play within the world like Roderick LaRoux and the infamous whispers which we once again saw in action this time on a much bigger scale. The between chapters stuff was so fantastic this time around too. The world of this series is just so fascinating and unique.

Amie and Meagan have created a thrilling Science Fiction series and Their Fractured Light was a brilliant conclusion to that story. I loved it so much. From the characters that you connect with and root for, to the thrilling plot full of action, to the complex world full of mystery. It was all brilliant and I loved it.

I give Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner 9.5 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: BUY! Absolutely buy this book. Fans of the series will not be disappointed with the conclusion of this series. It takes things to the next level and wraps it all up in a fantastic full circle way. The book is full of action and mystery but there's so much humor and romance as well. Get ready for all the feels!

Have you read Their Fractured Light? What did you think? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

On Rereads: Science Fiction Series Ending in November and December

On Rereads is a monthly feature on My Thoughts Lit where I talk about the books I reread during the month. It's an opportunity to share some new thoughts on a book I read before and usually to prepare for a new release. For the foreseeable future I plan to do one reread a month so I want to share my thoughts on these books the second time around.

I wanted to reread six books in October which was a little optimistic although I did reread five in November! What! I mean I didn't read as many new books but that's cool. I got to reread The Lunar Chronicles and the Starbound Trilogy by the end of the month. The fact that I had a drive to Upstate to New York to see my family for Thanksgiving definitely helped with that. I could have squeezed in a book I hadn't read but I didn't want to and these next two months that's what I want to do. But here is my thoughts on the audiobooks for....

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Cinder -  (Amazon / Goodreads / Audible / My Review)
Scarlet  -  (Amazon / Goodreads / Audible / My Review)
Cress -  (Amazon / Goodreads / Audible / My Review)

I was both excited and nervous for the final book in this series, Winter, to come out. I'm such a fan of this series. It is one of my all-time favorite retellings, not to mention an all-around science fiction series with amazing characters and a thrilling plot. So with the final book coming out I had to marathon the whole series to refresh my memory and also experience it all together.

Once again, I really felt like this is a series that gets better and better as it goes on. Rereading it you can see how good Marissa Meyer's plotting is. Things mentioned in the first book come back in a big way in the third and final book. I was so glad I reread it too because I forgot so many details, especially in Scarlet. Plus I got to once again fall in love with these characters and swoon at the romantic moment.

But what I really liked about this reread was the audio. Rebecca Soler, the narrator does an absolutely brilliant job bringing these characters to life. She got Cinder's snark down perfectly, plus Thorne's charm, Scarlet's toughness and French accent, and Cress' awkwardness. Plus her Iko was just so spot on. I loved it so much that when I was reading Winter, I missed the audio and downloaded it so that I could listen to it too. Her Winter (the character) narration? Brilliant!

The Starbound Trilogy by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

These Broken Stars - (Amazon / Goodreads / Audible / My Review)
This Shattered World - (Amazon / Goodreads / Audible / My Review)

This series, ugh, you guys. I'm so obsessed. It might be my all-time favorite YA Science Fiction novel. It's so freaking amazing. These Broken Stars was one of my favorite reads of 2014 and I was a little nervous about rereading because what I loved so much about it was the mystery and the crazy plot twist but it was just as brilliant and emotional the second time around. That is the mark of a great read if you ask me. Then with This Shattered World, I wasn't totally blown away the first time I loved it. Honestly, the second time it was even better. Reading them back to back I was able to understand more and see more connections which made it so fantastic.

I also really loved these audiobooks. I like they have different narrators for the different perspectives and I think they captured the mystery and adventure with this series. I particularly enjoyed Jonathan McClain who narrated for Tarver, who I think captured his humor and fun personality, as well as Donnabella Mortel who narrated for Lee Chase in This Shattered World because she captured her toughness and vulnerability.

Now I am ready for Their Fractured Light, the last book in the series. I'm as usual excited and nervous about how it all end but I totally trust Aime and Meg to bring the feels and the mindblowing twists. Marissa Meyers totally did in Winter. These are both great Science Fiction series. I would definitely recommend them if you haven't read them yet.

Have you read the The Lunar Chronicles or the Starbound trilogy? Did you reread in preparation for their series conclussions? Have you done any rereads lately? What books? Do you like doing rereads or not? Tell me why.  Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Waiting on Wednesday: Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

Title: Their Fractured Light Series: Starbound #3 Author: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner Published: December 1, 2015 by Disney Hyperion (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: A year ago, Flynn Cormac and Jubilee Chase made the now infamous Avon Broadcast, calling on the galaxy to witness for their planet, and protect them from destruction. Some say Flynn’s a madman, others whisper about conspiracies. Nobody knows the truth. A year before that, Tarver Merendsen and Lilac LaRoux were rescued from a terrible shipwreck—now, they live a public life in front of the cameras, and a secret life away from the world’s gaze.  Now, in the center of the universe on the planet of Corinth, all four are about to collide with two new players, who will bring the fight against LaRoux Industries to a head. Gideon Marchant is an eighteen-year-old computer hacker—a whiz kid and an urban warrior. He’ll climb, abseil and worm his way past the best security measures to pull off onsite hacks that others don’t dare touch.  Sofia Quinn has a killer smile, and by the time you’re done noticing it, she’s got you offering up your wallet, your car, and anything else she desires. She holds LaRoux Industries responsible for the mysterious death of her father and is out for revenge at any cost.  When a LaRoux Industries security breach interrupts Gideon and Sofia’s separate attempts to infiltrate their headquarters, they’re forced to work together to escape. Each of them has their own reason for wanting to take down LaRoux Industries, and neither trusts the other. But working together might be the best chance they have to expose the secrets LRI is so desperate to hide.

Why I'm Waiting 

Wow, my last three WoWs have been for conclusions to series that I absolutely love. I mean obviously those are some of my most anticipated books so it makes sense. Their Fractured Light is definitely on the list of highly anticipated releases. I read These Broken Stars a little after the hype died down and I had my mind absolutely blown by it. Not only was it an amazing science fiction novel but it had a mystery that took me completely by surprise, characters that I loved, and a serious punch to the feels. Then I read This Shattered World and was blown away again. New characters, new world, and just as much mystery and romance.

So this is the conclusion to the series and I know that it is going to be epic. I'm so excited to fall for another couple of starcrossed lovers, explore another new world, and learn all about the things that have been building with the first two books. But I also know it's probably going to destroy my feels. Although in all fairness, if it didn't I would be kind of upset.

What about you? What are you waiting for this Wednesday? Are you waiting for Their Fractured Light with me? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

ARC Review: This Shattered World by Aime Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Title: This Shattered World Series: Starbound #2 Author: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner Published: December 23, 2014 by Disney Hyperion (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.  Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet's rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the rebels.  Rebellion is in Flynn's blood. His sister died in the original uprising against the powerful corporations that terraformed Avon. These corporations make their fortune by terraforming uninhabitable planets across the universe and recruiting colonists to make the planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion.  Desperate for any advantage in a bloody and unrelentingly war, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape base together, caught between two sides of a senseless war. As Flynn and Lee attempt to uncover the truth about Avon, they realize that there is a conspiracy on the planet that runs deeper than either of them could imagine, one that Lee's former commander Tarver Merendsen only scratched scratcehd the surface of two years ago. The stunning second novel in the Starbound series is an unforgettable story of love and forgiveness in a world torn apart by war.

**** I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher at BEA for an honest review in return. This fact has not changed my opinion. ****

These Broken Stars, the first book in this series was one of my favorite books I read this year. It had an amazing Science Fiction world, great characters, and a plot that completely blew my mind. Therefore, I had high expectations going into This Shattered World, and I was not disappointed. 

What Aime Kaufman and Meagan Spooner do so well is create characters that are well-rounded and interesting.  I was almost instantly connected to these characters and their struggle, and a lot of that had to do with the fact that the authors made them empathetic and complex. The revolutionary leader and tough as nails female soldier can easily become tropes but just like Lilac and Tarver, both Flynn Cormac and Lee Chase were more than they seemed. Yes, Flynn was tough, intelligent, and determined but he was also thoughtful and a peacemaker. Lee was tough and aggressive but she was also rash and sensitive. These strength and weakness, almost contradictions, make them so empathetic and likable. Plus I have good news for fans of These Broken Stars, myself included, will be happy to know that Lilac and Tarver not only make a cameo but are a bigger part than you would think for a companion novel. And that's just the start of the characters in this book. It is full of complex and interesting and interesting characters, first and foremost the main characters.

However, the romance in this one may have actually been my favorite part, and for me that is huge. But this was the perfect slowburn of the star-crossed variety. There was some definite Romeo & Juliet illusions in this book but it doesn't have the insta-love of that classic. Flynn and Jubille had a meet-cute that was full of adorable flirting but they began their relationship as natural enemies. They started with fighting and hilarious banter and I just wanted to smoosh their faces together! Then over time and their shared struggle it became so much more and I was giddy with joy. But even the romantic moments didn't come with confessions or even admittance of love until much later in the book. Oh and boy were those romantic moments great. For me romance is not something I typically love about a book. But these ladies do it so perfectly that if they were to write a Contemporary Romance, I would read it!

But I don't want them to do anything else, because Kaufman and Spooner do Science Fiction so well! The world they have created here is so interesting and enthralling. In This Shattered World we get to explore more of the galaxy that was created in the first book. And despite the fact that this was a different world entirely, with different problems, it really felt like it was a continuation of the previous book. It was like we were learning more and deeper things about the universe and the forces at play within it. Kaufman and Spooner has this great knack for creating places that seem both logical and illogical. I don't know what I thought I could figure anything out after the way the last one surprised me, but I still attempted to theorize about what was going to happen and spent most of the book trying to make sense of what was happening to these people and on this planet.  

And maybe it was because I knew what I was getting into, but unfortunately the plot of This Shattered World was not as much of a mind-fuck. Now don't get me wrong it was just as packed with action and mystery as These Broken Stars but it didn't leave me with quite the same feeling of confusion and shock. But it did keep me on the edge of my seat for nearly all it's close to 400 pages. And I think that was because the plot, like the characters were so multi-faceted. It started out as a basic story of two warring factions but it developed into so much more. And while I loved the story of revolution and those fighting for their freedom, the book didn't get really interesting until it delved deeper into the secrets of the planet and started exploring more of the larger plot lines that began in the first book and I'm sure will continue throughout the series. This is where the book me "huh face" and left me curious and confused, but I liked that.

But unfortunately for me, the length of the book and multi-faceted nature of the story did make the pacing an issue at times. It did start a little slow for me and I didn't truly start feeling interested in the story until about a third of the way in when the plot got more complicated. There seemed like things were a little disconnected and slow until them. In the end it did all make sense and really picked up but there were moments where I was waiting for the action, mystery, or even the romance to kick. Or maybe that was the fact that the plot was a little muddled with the inter-connected storylines that changed and evolved as the book developed.

But despite this minor criticism I really loved this book and it left me with my jaw on the floor desperately waiting for the next book in the series. Aime Kaufman and Meagan Spooner have once again created an amazing and entertaining YA fantasy with amazing characters, a fascinating world, and a thrilling plot.

I give This Shattered World by Aime Kaufman and Meagan Spooner a 9.5 out of 10

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: BUY! This book is absolutely not to be missed for everyone. If you were a fan of the first book you will not be disappointed. If you like Science Fiction, Fantasy, or books that mess with your head and leave you both confused and entertained then this is the book for you. Get ready to fall for Flynn Cormac, Captain Lee Chase, and their romance as they hunt for the secrets of Avon!

Have you read This Shattered World? What did you think? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Waiting on Wednesday - This Shattered World

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

Title: This Shattered World Series: Starbound #2 Author: Aime Kaufman and Meagan Spooner Published: December 23, 2014 by Disney-Hyperion Amazon Goodreads Synopsis: Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.  Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet's rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents.  Rebellion is in Flynn's blood. His sister died in the original uprising against the powerful corporate conglomerate that rules Avon with an iron fist. These corporations make their fortune by terraforming uninhabitable planets across the universe and recruiting colonists to make the planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion.  Desperate for any advantage against the military occupying his home, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape base together, caught between two sides in a senseless war.

Why I'm Waiting 

I read These Broken Stars in January and it blew my mind into a million pieces! It completely lived up to the hype with an amazing star-crossed lovers kind of romance, complex characters, and a unique and enthralling Science Fiction plot with a lot mystery! So so much mystery!

And while I would love to follow up with Lilac and Tarver, I'm also really excited to be introduced to new characters and new stories. I already love the prospect of Jubilee, she sounds a little bit like Starbuck in the Battlestar Gallactica reboot, who I love. I also love the idea of a kickass female character who can go toe to toe with a kickass male character. I am predicting quite a lot of wonderful banter.

And did you all know that there is a Starbound short story coming out in a few weeks called This Night So Dark. It has some Tarver flashbacks like how he became so famous and also connects the two stories, so if you need a Starbound and/or Tarver fix check it out, it's free for kindle!

I am just really excited to spend some more time in this world and to see where things develop. I'm intrigued that this is a companion to These Broken Stars. I'm interested to see how things develop in the world, especially the way that the last book ended, and I'm interested to see if they answer or resolve any of the mind-blowing questions the first book brought up.

Really I just want this book in my face immediately!

What are you waiting for this Wednesday? Are you as excited for This Shattered World as I am? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Book Review: These Broken Stars by Aime Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Title: These Broken Stars Series: Starbound #1  Author: Aime Kaufman and Meagan Spooner Published: December 2013 by Disney Hyperion Amazon Goodreads Synopsis:  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

I was very nervous about reading These Broken Stars. For one thing there was a lot of hype. When this book came out last December I saw practically every blog I follow raving about how fantastic it is. I'm pretty sure it made a lot of people's best of the year lists. That was my first fear, that it wouldn't live up to the hype. Based on the synopsis it sounds like there is a lot of traveling around a deserted planet and trying to survive, which if you follow my blog you know I hate. My second fear was that it would be full of boring travel montages. Boy was I wrong. This book lives up to the hype and is so much more than a book about survival. 

Now don't mistake me, it is a book about survival. Lilac and Tarver get (space)shipwrecked on a strange planet after their postmodern Titanic is ripped out of hyperspace and they must complete usual stranded passenger tasks like finding food, shelter, and a way of communicating to get rescued. But this book is so much more than that. There is much more mystery than I expected. I thought that the main reveal was going to be what planet this was and I was convinced I had figured that out. Wrong again. The mystery was much deeper than that and about halfway through the book I began doubting my theory and completely shocked by the twists and turns that the authors were throwing my way. As the book winded down and the secrets began to be revealed I had my mind blown by one event and revelation after another. This book was one big mindfuck (sorry I swore, but I had to do it, that's the only way to describe the feeling). This book was a mystery, wrapped in a riddle, inside in an enigma! 

What also surprised me about this book was how much I enjoyed the romance. At first I expected a clichéd rich girl falls for bad boy from "the wrong side of the tracks" kind of story but again this book proved me wrong again. It was so much more than that even though, yes, that was the gist of their relationship. At the beginning I was annoyed at their inability to act on their attraction but as they spent more time together and got to know one another better my feelings for them as characters grew and my longing for them to get together as a couple grew. I appreciated the subtle moments of romance where their relationship wasn't shoved down my throat. Even though there was insta-attraction their actual relationship was more of the slowburning kind of romance which I love. 

Gaius and Number Six get it! Do you?

The only clichés here is an underlying theme of the book which completely sums up my feelings about it, "there is more than meets the eye" and "don't judge a book by its cover." This book was full of surprises and thrills. Just when I thought I had everything all figured out it would throw me for a loop with another shocking surprise. The plot was full of surprises but so were the characters. What was so interesting is that because the chapters alternated perspectives between Lilac and Tarver we got to see the characters through each other's eyes but we also got to know them on a deeper more personal level. It helped to connect with them and root for their survival. 

When the book was finished and my book hangover set in that I realized how fantastic and mindblowing this book really was. It is a great piece of young adult Science Fiction and I loved having my brain exploded in the process of reading. Never before have I been so glad that I was wrong about a book.

I give These Broken Stars a 10 out of 10

I recommend this book to anyone who likes Science Fiction, someone looking for a slowburning romance, or anyone who likes stories full of mystery and suspense. Definitely for people who are fans of Lost and Battlestar Gallactica.