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.
BRIEFING NOTE: 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.
Illuminae Review
I am extremely late to the game, but I finally read Illuminae!
Science fiction books are not usually my first choice of books. So it took me a while to get into the mood to read it. But, it’s such a fantastic book!
I really love these characters. Kady is such a badass female character. She’s sassy, intelligent and I love that she doesn’t take no for an answer. She’s also incredibly strong and I loved her character arc throughout the book.
I also love Ezra! I especially love his conversations and interactions with Kady! But the real star of the show is AIDAN. I’ve never been so drawn to a character? An entity? Either way, just incredible. AIDAN is creepy and alluring. His interactions with the characters is phenomenal. Dare I say, he’s the best part about this book?
The overall plot of Illuminae is heartbreaking and fantastic. It’s full of action, suspense as well as thrilling moments. But it’s also so full of heart. Basically, your heart will grow and break within a span of seconds.
But my all time favourite aspect of this book is the way its told. The mixed media format is so unique and sucks you right in. Originally, I didn’t think I would enjoy it but honestly, I love it. It’s such a fun and entertaining way to read this story!!
The lovely Kaleena recommended reading Illuminae physically, alongside the audiobook. It is definitely an enjoyable experience so I highly recommend it myself! The audiobook is unlike anything I’ve ever heard before!
Overall, Illuminae is an epic sci-fi adventure. It has amazing moments as well as heartbreaking ones. It’s thrilling, suspenseful, creepy at times, but it is just absolutely fantastic.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Favourite Quote
You have me. Until the last star in the galaxy dies, you have me.
About the Authors
Amie Kaufman is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author of young adult fiction. Her multi-award winning work is slated for publication in over 30 countries, and is in development for film and TV. Raised in Australia and occasionally Ireland, Amie has degrees in history, literature, law and conflict resolution. She lives in Melbourne with her husband, their rescue dog, and an extremely large personal library.
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Jay Kristoff is the #1 international, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Nevernight Chronicle, The Illuminae Files and The Lotus War. Jay is the winner of five Aurealis Awards, an ABIA, has over half a million books in print and is published in over thirty five countries, most of which he has never visited. He is as surprised about all of this as you are. Jay is 6’7 and has approximately 12,000 days to live. He does not believe in happy endings.
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Buy Illuminae
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The audiobook is definitely the best way of reading all of the Illuminae Files. I didn’t like Illuminae the first time I read it (the multi-media format didn’t work for me in paperback) but on discovering the audiobook I absolutely loved it. Everything was so much better with the full cast and all the sound details!
Absolutely! I totally agree with you ✨