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These Broken Stars surprised me. I'll admit that I was dangerously close to setting the book aside. Just as I was ready to do so, things began to happen - fast.

These Broken Stars is a survival story first, a love story second. Two characters from remarkably different backgrounds are marooned on a mysterious planet, the sole survivors of a huge intergalactic spaceship crash. They must work together in order to survive.

The story is told in alternating points of view of the main characters Tarver Merendson and Lilac LaRoux. Tarver is a decorated military hero who was on board the Icarus as a special guest. Lilac is the pampered heiress and daughter of the richest man in the galaxy, who happened to own the Icarus. Lilac is used to the finer things in life - fashion, parties, and her entourage of admirers and security detail. Interspersed in the narrative is the transcript of the inquiry into the crash with Tarver being interviewed by his superiors, mostly about his relationship with Lilac.

The first person point of view allowed the reader a chance to be inside the characters' heads and to understand their motivations. For example, Lilac comes off as standoffish, almost bitchy, but in her mind she is behaving that way to protect others from the wrath of her father.

I adored Tarver and Lilac. Their skills complemented each other. Tarver is strong, practical and well versed in survival skills. Lilac, despite her upbringing, has some surprising engineering and demolitions skills, prompting me to call her a female version of MacGyver.

The romance aspect was well done. These two characters are on a long journey together and as they continue on their journey, they learn to work together in order to survive. Their friendship blossoms into a romance once they trust each other. No insta-love here.

There are a few interesting twists to the plot, one of which was resolved a little too quickly for my taste, but I am still happy with the outcome.

These Broken Stars was a wonderful, captivating, breathtaking read. This is a must read for young adult readers. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Book Group for a review copy of this book.

Christal and I discuss These Broken Stars at Badass Book Reviews. Check it out!