This is quite different from These Broken Stars, and I think I like it just a little bit less (because TARVER AND LILAC, GUYS), but I think this book did a great job at creating a personal story for both Lee and Flynn while continuing on this huge intergalactic conspiracy tale that was originally woven in the threads of Tarver and Lilac's journey. I am now quite anxious for both the novella due out in October and for book three. Full review to come much closer to pub time. 
 PS Before you ask, yes, you DO get to hear about Lilac and Tarver, and yes, Tarvers abs....ish. And it is for those reasons that I actually advise you to wait until after the novella releases to read This Shattered World. I think the novella will shed some light on things before you pick up TSW. However, if you have TSW now and just can't wait, you'll be okay. I just really think you should wait if you can.