Alright, book lovers, gather ’round because we’re about to dive headfirst into the thrilling world of Broken Things by the one and only Lauren Oliver. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill mystery novel — oh no, this is a heart-pounding, pulse-racing rollercoaster of a story that’ll leave you guessing until the very end. Or so everyone says…We’re sure you’re wondering, is it worth the hype?
Picture this: three childhood friends — Mia, Brynn, and Summer — bonded by a love for a book called The Way into Lovelorn and an unbreakable bond. But, their idyllic friendship is shattered when Summer Hayes, their best friend, is brutally murdered. Fast forward five years and Mia and Brynn are still grappling with the fallout from that fateful day. The town believes they killed Summer, but they maintain their innocence, haunted by the memories of that tragic event.
This gripping tale kicks off with Mia and Brynn launching their own investigation into Summer’s murder, determined to clear their names and uncover the truth. But as they delve deeper into the mystery, they realize that the truth might be far more sinister than they ever imagined. Cue the jaw-dropping plot twists, heart-stopping revelations, and nail-biting suspense.
What makes Broken Things truly shine is its exploration of friendship, identity, and the power of storytelling. Mia, Brynn, and Summer’s friendship is the beating heart of the story — a complex, nuanced relationship filled with love, jealousy, and betrayal. As we peel back the layers of their friendship, we’re drawn into a web of secrets and lies that threatens to tear them apart.
But, it’s not just the plot that’ll keep you hooked — it’s Oliver’s writing. Oh boy, let me tell you, this woman knows how to spin a tale. Her prose is lyrical, atmospheric, and dripping with tension, drawing you into the story from the very first page. Whether she’s describing the eerie beauty of an abandoned house or the quiet desperation of Mia and Brynn’s search for the truth, every word crackles with intensity and emotion.
Then there are the characters — Mia, Brynn, and Summer are flawed, complex, and utterly compelling protagonists. Each girl is struggling with her own demons, haunted by past traumas and grappling with her place in the world. As we follow their journey, we’re forced to confront our own assumptions and biases, challenging us to rethink what we know about guilt, forgiveness, and redemption.
But, perhaps the most compelling aspect of Broken Things is its exploration of the nature of truth. Oliver raises important questions about perception, memory, and the ways in which our pasts shape our identities. As Mia and Brynn race to uncover the truth about what really happened to Summer, they’re forced to confront their own complicity in her death and come to terms with the consequences of their actions.
Let’s not forget about the setting, though — a small town steeped in mystery and shadow, where every corner hides a secret and every whisper is tinged with suspicion. Oliver expertly crafts a sense of foreboding and unease that permeates the narrative, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the final, jaw-dropping reveal.
Does Broken Things get our stamp of approval?
Engaging Plot: Does the book have a compelling storyline that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end? There are not enough words to describe the complexity of this plot. It was phenomenal. There was incredible depth, detail, and planning for this story to come together.
Well-Developed Characters: Are the characters multidimensional, with realistic motivations, flaws, and growth throughout the story? 10/10 – The characters had depth, their struggles were believable, and their ability to grow throughout the story was inspiring. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say they were real people and this was a creative documentary.
Strong Writing: Is the prose well-crafted, with vivid descriptions, realistic dialogue, and a consistent narrative voice? As always, we couldn’t resist the writing of Lauren Oliver.
Emotional Impact: Does the book evoke a range of emotions in readers, from laughter and joy to sadness and empathy? Did we cry? Well… Let’s just say it was an emotional ride with a lot of ups and downs.
Originality: Does the book bring something fresh and unique to its genre or subject matter, avoiding clichés and predictable plot twists? We have never read another book quite like this. When it comes to originality and creativity, this book is off the charts.
Pacing: Is the pacing of the story appropriate, with a good balance of action, exposition, and character development? Just when we thought things would slow down, something else comes into play. The pacing was fast enough to keep us engaged and wanting to turn the pages, but not so fast that we were missing important details.
World-Building: Does the book create a richly imagined world that feels immersive and believable? The world-building felt familiar. Everything was crafted in such a way that it felt as if we had been there once upon a time.
Theme and Message: Does the book explore meaningful themes and deliver a message that resonates with readers? Where to start… This book dives into so many different aspects of life. From finding yourself and defying the odds in doing so to building relationships and life skills, this book really does cover it all.
Resolution: Does the book provide a satisfying resolution to its central conflicts and story arcs? Being honest, the ending wasn’t what we were expecting. Though the overall outcome was to be expected, the specifics left our mouths agape.
Overall Enjoyment: Most importantly, did we enjoy the book? This is one of our favorite books, and we highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t already. If you’ve already read it, read it again.
Have you read Broken Things yet?
If you’ve read Broken Things, what did you think of it? If you haven’t read it yet, are you going to?
