Review: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1)
by: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Publication Date: Oct. 20, 2015
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Genre: Science Fiction
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: e-ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 599 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars
This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do.
This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.
Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.
This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.
Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.
I absolutely loved how this book was formatted! As stated above in the synopsis, the story is told through emails, schematics, military files, IMs, etc, and that is what made this so unique. It was especially appealing to the big sci-fi fan that I am! I was not sure how I was going to connect with the characters this way, but Kaufman and Kristoff make it work. I loved both Kady and Ezra and I found myself constantly worrying about them and wondering what their fate would be. It's an intense situation, as they are not only fighting for their survival, but also fleeing from the dreadnought that took part in the destruction of the planet Kerenza. Not to mention, things are happening internally that are definitely cause for concern.
This is one action-packed book. I was engaged from the start and couldn't wait to see how the puzzle pieces all fit together. We don't get complete resolution, as this is a trilogy, so while most of my questions were answered, I do still have a great deal that I look forward to being answered in the next books!
Katy and Ezra are on pretty bad terms when we first meet them. They have just broken up, but having been together for a considerable amount of time, the two have chemistry that can't be ignored. They definitely still care for one another and it was sweet to see them reconnect even despite the dire circumstances in which they find themselves.
I'm going to keep this review pretty short, because I think you need to experience this one for yourself. It kept reminding me a little of Battlestar Galactica, which is awesome because I LOVED that show. Don't let the size or format daunt you. It's actually a rather fast read and the format was so much fun. I definitely think this one lives up to the hype and I can't wait to get my hands on Gemina!
16 comments
Woot! Another glowing review for this one. Instead of kicking myself for NOT picking it up sooner, I'll just take comfort in knowing that I WILL be reading it VERY soon. I'm reading Winter now but I'm thinking of going straight to Illuminae afterwards, unless I need a shorter book in between those two beasts LOL! I can't wait to compare notes with you when I do read it :D GREAT review Jessica, I'm happy you enjoyed this one too^^
ReplyDeleteYAY! I can't wait for you to read it! My fingers are crossed you're going to enjoy it Micheline! Definitely let me know when you do so we can OMG together! LOL.
DeleteGreat review! I have an ARC of Illuminae that I started a while back during the school semester, but never finished because things got so busy. I'm going to start it over from the beginning though and give it another go over winter break!
ReplyDeleteEmily @http://www.wholly-books.com
The same thing happened to me! I borrowed an ARC from my library, but just finally got around to it! I hope you enjoy it Emily!
DeleteI love Battlestar Galactica as well! I do love the sound of this one and the why it is presented. And I do enjoy a book that is action-packed. Definitely picking this one up when I can.
ReplyDeleteLovely review :)
Oooh, YES. BSG was one of my FAVORITES! I really hope you enjoy this one Magen!
DeleteI loved this book so much too! It was my favorite book of 2015. I loved how it was set up and I really started to feel for AIDAN. He may even be one of my fave characters from the book. Great review!
ReplyDeleteKrystianna @ Downright Dystopian
YAY! OMG Aidan! That whole arc was FASCINATING. I felt for him too, oddly enough, even considering everything that transpired!
DeleteYESSSS!! It also reminded me of BSG and made me want to re-watch the show so much!! (and now that I have Netflix and BSG is on Netflix... I think I will!).
ReplyDeleteI had the same concerns as you did, wondering how I'd connect with the characters with such a different format, but they did make it work so well!!
Great review Jess!
Aw man. Now I want to watch BSG too Pili! I have all the seasons on DVD... but I've been crap at rewatching shows lately. Maybe on a break I could start them up.
DeleteFrom your review, I totally want to read it, although the cover didn't convince me at first.
ReplyDeleteMajanka @ I Heart Reading
I was a bit nervous about the format and the size, but I'm really glad I ended up giving it a go! If you're a sci-fi fan, I definitely REC it!
DeleteI am such a black sheep on this one! I could not get through it and I don't know why! I think I just felt like it was information overload. I may have to try this one again some day when I am in a different mood though because everyone seems to adore it. Great review!
ReplyDeleteSADFACE Teresa! I wonder, maybe you should try it on audio? Wendy and Nereyda loved it there. Maybe it won't feel too much if you're hearing it. But then again, I don't know. LOL.
DeleteThe chemistry between Kady and Ezra was SO good. I needed them to get back together! (Physically and romantically lol.)
ReplyDeleteglad you loved this one! I can't wait for book two.
SAME. I was desperate for them to find their way back to one another! Ahhhhh. I can't wait either!
DeleteLeave me some comment love! And I will get around to commenting back!
My blog is an award-free blog, however, as I just do not have the time to follow-up.