These Broken Stars

December 2, 2013
On the surface, this trilogy opener is a fairly standard opposites-attract romantic adventure, when a spoiled socialite and a seasoned soldier are stranded on a mysterious planet after their luxury spaceliner malfunctions and crashes. Major Tarver Merendsen tries to protect Lilac LaRoux, "the richest girl in the galaxy," as they journey across an inhospitable wilderness in search of rescue. Though their personalities clash and their social status separates them, they develop feelings for one another. But the further they travel, the more questions they find regarding their new home. Strange visions and apparitions give the story a chilling edge, and a late revelation elevates these developments into entirely new territory. In a collaboration that, at times, evokes Lost, Titanic, and Romancing the Stone, Spooner (Skylark) and newcomer Kaufman do an excellent job of keeping their story from falling into clichéd romantic territory. Although the constant arguing between Tarver and Lilac and their internal angst can be tiring, the external conflicts and underlying mysteries will keep readers guessing (and turning the pages). Ages 12âup. Agent: Adams Literary.

October 1, 2013
Society princess Lilac LaRoux and war hero from the wrong side of the tracks Tarver Merendsen lock eyes across the room during yet another party aboard the luxury space liner Icarus. Within two days, Lilac has publicly humiliated Tarver. A day later they have crash-landed on an unknown planet, possibly the only survivors of a horrific and suspicious accident. Faced with an unfamiliar environment, slim possibility of rescue and an eerie presence threatening both their sanity and their physical wellbeing, Lilac and Tarver are forced to put aside their differences and make their way across the planet, discovering some frightening truths about the place they’ve been stranded in. With well-developed characters and an excellent narration style, Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner have crafted an insightful, shrewd and genuinely moving exploration of life, humanity and the moral obligations neglected in the name of progress. These Broken Stars is a romantic and heartbreaking tale that is complete in its own right while still leaving readers excited for future instalments. Intense, emotional and compelling, it will appeal to readers (aged 12 and up) who like their sci-fi thoughtful and challenging—and just a little bit sexy.

Meg Whelan is the children’s book buyer at the Hill of Content bookshop in Melbourne