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…

We Were Liars

                Welcome back to another review.  Today we have We Were Liars by E. Lockhart.  I bought this book because I was hearing about this book everywhere.  It was on a ton of lists and booktube, everywhere I look at book news it was there.  So clearly I wanted to be in the know.  I figured it was a stand-alone I could read and be caught up with everyone.  It’s a short book and I read it in an afternoon.

                The basic story is that of a distinguished family who owns a private island.  It centers on a group of friends, known as the Liars, and their friendship full of lies and secrets and eventually the truth.  This is going to be a very short review because you can’t say much without giving it away and it’s best feature is it’s quick suspense.

               

                Following the Liars, Cadence, Johnny, Mirren, and Gat around the island and seeing into the lives of the private island owning.  The style of writing was different from what I was used to but I easily fell into the rhythm.  Our narrator, Cadence, talks about the importance of the Liars and their connection as a group during their time, when they are all there, how close they are but sometimes it didn’t come across.  And I would have liked a bit more development on some of the Liars as a whole but given how short it is I can easily forgive that.

                Overall I give it 4 stars.  It was an interesting story and it kept me reading until the surprising end.  It’s a story you don’t necessarily see coming.  Following rich families around and how they interact and how it affects the children.  I do feel this book was a bit overhyped.  Again I enjoyed it and don’t regret reading it by any means, 4 stars remember, but I think the level of hype I heard for it had me expecting something a bit…more.  I do recommend this as a short read but I warn that you ignore the hype and just go in expecting a semi-dark and suspenseful story and go from there. 

                Also side note I have to point out on the description of the book it says:

Read it.

And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

                Okay that I do love.  Because first, don’t spoil the book for people.  And it fits with the story itself, with the Liars.  Anywho that is it for today’s review.  I should have another one up in the next day or two.  I’m trying to post regularly again, look for my review of the Legend series Monday.