This Shattered World a strong sequel that leaves you wanting more

                Happy Hump Day!  It is currently super early (or late depending on your prospective) and I have here a new review to share with you.  But first I wanted to take a moment to announce the winner of the signed copy of ACOTAR by Sarah J Maas was Bogdana!  Thank you to all who participated and keep checking back for more giveaways in the future. 

                Now back to the reviewing, you may remember last month I reviewed These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner (if not you can find it here) and today I want to discuss the second installment in the Starbound trilogy, ThisShattered World.  This book is a sequel and while it focuses on two different main characters, Jubilee "Lee" Chase and Flynn Cormac, in a different setting there are still some spoilers as to the first book in the series but I'll keep my review spoiler free.    

Rating: 4 Stars

                First thing you have to point out is another beautiful cover.  I love the continued theme but changing it to a brighter starry background and also changed the characters.  In This Shattered World we are a bit forward from book one and are on Avon, a terraformed planet that is having some issues with rebellious colonists.  Jubilee "Lee" is a captain and meant to crush the rebellion it’s a job but also a personal mission.  She has her reasons for hating the rebels.  Then we have Flynn, a leader of the rebellion.  He has issues with terraforming corporations who promised a better life for the children of the colonists when they were recruited to make inhospitable planets livable.  It's been decades and the colonists are sick of it and fighting back.  The two should never meet.  They are on polar opposite ends of the spectrum.  Snap decisions are made and put them on paths that push them to reevaluate their beliefs and try to find a way to end this senseless war. 

                I really liked this story.  It was pretty amazing to me that the story could be so similar and yet so different all at the same time.  There are still the same elements and everything flows together and blends with what we learned in the first book but at the same time we have a vast collection of characters to interact with in this one.  These Broken Stars focused the majority of the story on the two main characters and their journey and discoveries.  This Shattered World puts you right in the middle of a war full of actions and keeps up the mystery and suspense. 

                Again the tagline for the trilogy is: Three worlds.  Three love stories.  One enemy.  We see what that really means in This Shattered World.  The romance aspect you see is a real star crossed romance for sure.  I loved though it wasn't some instant defy everything I have ever believed in because of insta-love.  There is an initial attraction, yes, but the emotions and feelings come into play is steady and natural.  It progresses in a way that is believable and doesn’t subtract anything from the overall story. 

 

                Avon is so different from the setting of the first book that it's like discovering a new world all over again because we are.  I'm beyond excited to see where we go for book three.  Avon is suffering and is not prospering and there is a mystical element, leading many to become superstitious about the area.  The play between the military and the rebels was great fun.  Seeing from both characters perspectives was ideal because as a reader you are taken on both sides of the argument.  You can see the good and bad to both sides and see it more clearly.

                The idea to focus on different characters in a different part of space was genius.  It just makes sense and it doesn't ruin the first story by dragging things out but instead gives you a fresh idea and continues with things you were left with questions about in the first one.  I enjoyed the way the two stories pulled together throughout the story but it waited long enough to let the reader really get invested in the current story.  Well done to both authors.  I admit that wasn't my first reaction.  I wanted more of my characters I knew.  Ones I was already invested in.  I think I even complained about that part to a friend.  But as I read I became attached to this new story and everything happening in the world.   I was also able to appreciate the more action packed pace that was set. 

                That's all I can really say without spoiling it for anyone.  Read them in order! That's the only real suggestion I have for you.  I chatted with someone who read This Shattered World first and was somewhat confused when the stories started to merge into a larger overall story.  I think this book was a good sequel and I can't wait for the next one to come out and see how it all plays out in the span of the trilogy.  That's all for today.  Comments make me happy!  Spread the love and tell me your thoughts I'd love to discuss!  Until next time…