Review Briefs: Just One Year and These Broken Stars

Just One Year (Just One Day, #2)Just One Year
(Just One Day #2)
by Gayle Forman
YA Contemporary
October 10th 2013 by Dutton Children's

Goodreads Summary

Just One Day. Just One Year. Just One Read.

Before you find out how their story ends, remember how it began....


When he opens his eyes, Willem doesn’t know where in the world he is—Prague or Dubrovnik or back in Amsterdam. All he knows is that he is once again alone, and that he needs to find a girl named Lulu. They shared one magical day in Paris, and something about that day—that girl—makes Willem wonder if they aren’t fated to be together. He travels all over the world, from Mexico to India, hoping to reconnect with her. But as months go by and Lulu remains elusive, Willem starts to question if the hand of fate is as strong as he’d thought. . . .

The romantic, emotional companion to Just One Day, this is a story of the choices we make and the accidents that happen—and the happiness we can find when the two intersect.

   
  


My Thoughts

I read Just One Day last year and enjoyed it even though it had content I didn't like. I, of course, had to find out how the story ends, especially after the cliffhanger in the first book.

It takes quite a bit to get there. Willem is really lost and begins his search for Lulu, even though he doesn't know her real name. He really has been lost since his father died, but what he feels is a different loss from that. He travels quite a bit and finds some things out about his mother and himself as he does. Of course there were things he did that I hoped he would not, but I did find his outlook and the culture and sites rather intriguing. It also was really heartbreaking (both in a sad and happy way) reading his year after he meets and falls in love with Lulu. The ending was fabulous! It was, by far, my favorite part.

If you enjoy contemporary YA that isn't all about romance, but also finding your place, then I would recommend picking this up.

Content: Some mild language, non-descriptive sex.
Source: Library


These Broken Stars (Starbound, #1)These Broken Stars
(Starbound #1)
by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
YA SciFi
December 10th 2013 by Disney Hyperion

Goodreads Summary

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

--

A timeless love story, THESE BROKEN STARS sets into motion a sweeping science fiction series of companion novels. The Starbound Trilogy: Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy.

   
  


My Thoughts

I was really, really looking forward to reading These Broken Stars! I received an eARC for review, but also pre-ordered the book and ended up reading that. I think my extremely high expectations was one of the reasons I didn't come away loving it. It just wasn't as good as I was expecting it to be. I can't say that it was even just one thing. I think it was annoyance at both characters at points, annoyance with the sexual content, annoyance with the plot in ways. I will say that it did really feel like an other-worldly story. There is just that alien feeling to the book as they travel on the uninhabited planet.

When I started the book, it pulled me right in and I thought I was going to love it. Then the two MCs crash-land as the only survivors from their spaceship and things started to drag a little. The characters annoy each other on purpose, which was fine the first little while, but then got a little bored. I also got annoyed that Lilac didn't want to go along with Tarver just for pride's sake when a normal person would probably be a little more survival minded. They do end up getting along better and figure some things outs, but it did feel a little drawn out and difficult.

I do have to say that the title and cover are fabulous! I love them both and I do feel they fit the story really well.

Will I read the other books in the series? Yes. I'm curious to see who the next book is about and how it turns out. I did like the writing style. I just couldn't quite connect with the characters.

Content: None descriptive sex and some gory details regarding those who died.
Source: From NetGalley, which did not affect my review in any way.


What do you think?








Disclosure: This review is of a book I was given for free by an author, tour host, or publisher, or through NetGalley or Edelweiss. This in no way influences the opinions shared in my review. You may see my complete policy on my policies page. This post also contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase of any type using these links, I receive a small kickback.

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