This Shattered World (The Starbound Trilogy, 2)
The second in New York Times bestselling author duo Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner's sweeping science fiction Starbound Trilogy is an unforgettable story of love and forgiveness in a world torn apart by war, a "sci-fi Romeo and Juliet" (Booklist). 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, and she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents. Whereas Flynn is leading the rebellion against the powerful corporate conglomerate that make their fortune by terraforming uninhabitable planets across the universe and recruiting colonists to make the planets livable, and rule with an iron fist and unrealized promises. 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.
Show more
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
I don't often pick up sci-fi books. The first time I tried reading this book, I dropped it. At the time, I was too focused on getting the romance going that I got bored, and left this book aside. But now, my preferences are different. I am more patient at seeing the amazing things authors come up with behind fantasy books â and somehow, a sci-fi book like this too. It wasn't too over the top; there wasn't too much sci-fi that boring me to death was the only outcome. I have to say I enjoyed this one, always leaving me on edge, eagerly waiting for what would happen next.
The romance aspect, of course, was a bonus, and the main reason why I chose to pick up this book despite it being sci-fi. But I also like it that it wasn't too much, either, even as a hopeless romantic. It was realistic. They don't start pulling their clothes off in the light of danger; they keep their minds focused even as they fall in love. The story was interesting, and at some point in time, even a little horrific (so much so that it left me wondering if I'd have a nightmare that night *shivers*). It was something I didn't quite enjoy but hey, books that make me feel are better than those that don't, so there's that. And speaking of emotions, I feel so much for Jubilee and Flynn when I read the parts where their loved ones die.
One thing I didn't quite like about this book was that... it's a little confusing. Even up until the end of the book, I don't quite know what the TerraDyn is, and how exactly the 'government' works between different planets. Is it because I didn't read the first book? I understand that this book is a sort of standalone, something like a companion book. If I'm required to read the first to understand the world(s) that Jubilee and Flynn are living in, then... well, that's too bad, because that's the reason one star was taken down. Then again, even in a series, authors don't often leave the readers there to fend for themselves. If one reads the Harry Potter series, they'll realise that JK Rowling takes the time to explain about the wizarding world in every book. It even irritates me as an old reader sometimes, but it also allows me to understand that she's willing to take the time and words to welcome new readers into Harry's world.
... Or maybe... As I am not a frequent reader of sci-fi, I may have missed something. But still, four stars it shall be.
The romance aspect, of course, was a bonus, and the main reason why I chose to pick up this book despite it being sci-fi. But I also like it that it wasn't too much, either, even as a hopeless romantic. It was realistic. They don't start pulling their clothes off in the light of danger; they keep their minds focused even as they fall in love. The story was interesting, and at some point in time, even a little horrific (so much so that it left me wondering if I'd have a nightmare that night *shivers*). It was something I didn't quite enjoy but hey, books that make me feel are better than those that don't, so there's that. And speaking of emotions, I feel so much for Jubilee and Flynn when I read the parts where their loved ones die.
One thing I didn't quite like about this book was that... it's a little confusing. Even up until the end of the book, I don't quite know what the TerraDyn is, and how exactly the 'government' works between different planets. Is it because I didn't read the first book? I understand that this book is a sort of standalone, something like a companion book. If I'm required to read the first to understand the world(s) that Jubilee and Flynn are living in, then... well, that's too bad, because that's the reason one star was taken down. Then again, even in a series, authors don't often leave the readers there to fend for themselves. If one reads the Harry Potter series, they'll realise that JK Rowling takes the time to explain about the wizarding world in every book. It even irritates me as an old reader sometimes, but it also allows me to understand that she's willing to take the time and words to welcome new readers into Harry's world.
... Or maybe... As I am not a frequent reader of sci-fi, I may have missed something. But still, four stars it shall be.
Show more
See this review and more on my blog, Lilybloombooks
I fell in love with These Broken Stars over a year ago - and I couldn't have been more excited to finally start This Shattered World. Yes, it's has been sitting on my shelf for a year, but I was scared too. Now, I didn't love this as much, but I did enjoy it immensely.
1. This book is brutal. I love seeing death & destruction because it portrays the realistic side of a war. Even one that is brewing.
2. Full of twists and action! If you were slightly bored with Lilac and Tarver trekking around and nothing happening - you will be happy to know that this just does not happen in This Shattered World. The plot is thicker, more intense and never had a dull moment.
3. Things make sense. Small things are link together to create the BIGGER PICTURE. YAY.
4. Jubilee is a bad ass. She is high-ranking, smart, strong and willing to take huge risks for those she loves and to do what is right. As for Flynn, he is the same. Although their initial fight was against each other - they were able to meet somewhere int he middle and find common ground in their cause. Both are soldiers at heart and I loved it.
5. The romance. It's subtle, it doesn't override the plot and is SO freaking sweet.
There isn't anything that JUMPS out at me for reasons why I didn't love it. Small things add to big things, and that is case here. I just felt like I was missing something - this is probably because some things took TOO long to piece together, but this is all personal preference. Before I move on to book 3 this Winter, I will probably have to re-read the first two books.
So. If you are looking for an action packed, brutal sci-fi full of twists with a well written, swoony romance. READ THIS.
*I received a copy of this book from BEA in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
I fell in love with These Broken Stars over a year ago - and I couldn't have been more excited to finally start This Shattered World. Yes, it's has been sitting on my shelf for a year, but I was scared too. Now, I didn't love this as much, but I did enjoy it immensely.
What I liked
1. This book is brutal. I love seeing death & destruction because it portrays the realistic side of a war. Even one that is brewing.
2. Full of twists and action! If you were slightly bored with Lilac and Tarver trekking around and nothing happening - you will be happy to know that this just does not happen in This Shattered World. The plot is thicker, more intense and never had a dull moment.
3. Things make sense. Small things are link together to create the BIGGER PICTURE. YAY.
4. Jubilee is a bad ass. She is high-ranking, smart, strong and willing to take huge risks for those she loves and to do what is right. As for Flynn, he is the same. Although their initial fight was against each other - they were able to meet somewhere int he middle and find common ground in their cause. Both are soldiers at heart and I loved it.
5. The romance. It's subtle, it doesn't override the plot and is SO freaking sweet.
Why I couldn't love it
There isn't anything that JUMPS out at me for reasons why I didn't love it. Small things add to big things, and that is case here. I just felt like I was missing something - this is probably because some things took TOO long to piece together, but this is all personal preference. Before I move on to book 3 this Winter, I will probably have to re-read the first two books.
So. If you are looking for an action packed, brutal sci-fi full of twists with a well written, swoony romance. READ THIS.
*I received a copy of this book from BEA in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
Show more
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.