by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
Series: The Illuminae Files #1
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
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.
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff is a young adult science fiction thriller that is perfect for fall and will have you holding your breath. Completely riveting I consumed this 600-page tome in less than two days. Off planet, space ships, artificial intelligence, hackers, a romance and war. Eek gads Illuminae has it all!
Caffeinated Breakdown of Illuminae
- The year is 2075 and we have two rival mega-corporations at war over an illegal established planet. On the day of the attack Kady and Ezra who broke up the night before are in class when the planet is attacked. They are separated but saved by the same fleet of ships. Incidentally, the enemy is pursuing these ships.
- The ships are now over capacity and damaged. With the enemy threatening a decision is made to recruit all non-military civilians with any usable skills.
- Ezra is enlisted as a pilot. I liked him and found him to be loyal. He is very much a team player but has rebel streak. Kady? Let us just say Kady is not a team player. She does however put her considerable computer skills to good use hacking into the system to find out what is being kept from them.
- The second chance romance is sweet and I liked their playful banter. Their reason for initially splitting up is explored and I loved how romantic Ezra was. While it is not the focus, it is a powerful thread that will have the reader emotionally invested. I shed tears people. Real tears! The two of them communicate secretly online. Who says instant messaging and email isn’t romantic?
- In between chapters the tale is enhanced using dossiers, emails, instant message, hacked documents, schematics and military files including medical, interviews and so much more. All of it held me captive and amplified this science fiction thriller.
- As if being pursued by a warship capable of destroying everyone on board isn’t enough, this fleet of ships has to deal with a mutant virus. This thread felt plausible and the documentation on the progression of the virus was freaky. The authors provides just enough detail to have the reader pulling the blankets a little tighter. It was frankly, creeptastic!
- This writing team brought us an action packed story with twists and turns the kept the suspense high and the reader guessing. While I was able to guess a few twists, it was all brilliantly done and geektastic. The characters are strong and Kady is a serious badass. The story despite all that is happening had layers of humor, sweetness and comradery. I became attached to these characters, feared for them, and loved seeing them in action.
Illuminae had me emotionally invested in the story and characters providing me with an exhilarating book high. For fans of thrillers and science fiction, this is not a trilogy to miss.
Personal Note: I struggled with the ARC version of this book. I was unable to expand some of the dossiers and the print was too small to read, as were some of the images. I ending up popping them open for a closer look in Adobe Digital Editions. Therefore, I totally recommend you buy the physical book of Illuminae. Unbelievably the physical copy is actually cheaper. Perhaps the finished digital copy will enable the reader to enlarge images. Having stated that, Illuminae was brilliant, suspenseful and original.
Terri M., the Director
Excellent review! I cried as well as two different point! And the eArc was so hard to read. I’ve added this to my must buy physical copy list!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..I am so delighted you loved this as much as I did Terri!
Olivia
I have actually heard that most people who had an ebook ARC were struggling with it, so I am going to make sure this is a book I buy in print when I do get it. I am actually trying to get it because it is on my TBR. I am someone who is all for the traditional narration as well, so I am going to try and go beyond my comfort zone with this one. Glad you liked it!
kimbacaffeinate
Totally worth buying to adorn your bookshelf!!
kara-karina
Sounds absolutely fascinating, but you are right, K.! It’s easier to read in print.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, although a few friends that read it on tablets were able to enlarge images to see them.
Leeanna
I *adored* Illuminae. For once, it’s one of those hype books that lives up to the hype.
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo…so glad you loved it too 🙂
Brona
Ohhh I just unpacked our delivery of Illuminae at work before I popped home for lunch. It looks fantastic. I haven’t read any YA for ages, but this one could tempt me I think.
kimbacaffeinate
I am picky about my YA choices and this leans towards the older spectrum. I also recommend Red Rising if fantasy is your thing.
Nicole
I had a physical ARC, but it looked a lot different than your digital version. I’ll be interested to see how the “real” book looks. I pretty much agree with all of the reviews that are pouring in for this one – a definite win!
kimbacaffeinate
Woot..so glad you liked it too. I had fun and look forward to the next 🙂
Mandy
I’m super excited for this one. You just confirmed that I can’t wait to read it.!!! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for sharing I can’t wait to get it!!!
kimbacaffeinate
Squee… I hope you love it as much as I did Mandy. 🙂
Christina T
Nice review!
I’ve got an ARC of this to read soon. I think I’ll try reading it on my laptop instead of my phone. I am glad to hear you liked it. I loved her Starbound trilogy and the premise of this book reminds me of a cross between that and Beth Revis’s Across the Universe.
kimbacaffeinate
If you just pull the images up that way, you should be fine. This is my first time with both authors, and I have not tried Across the Universe.
Cyn
I’m beyond excited for this guy (already pre-ordered it!)! Two authors I love and so much sci-fi-ness! the virus sounds so cool! Can’t wait, happy to see you loved it!
PS. I love your little icons at the top of the review (:
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Cyn, they are a combination of Ashley’s UBB Icon add on and Parajunkee’s Flat Book Blogger Icons. I am not even going to lie..I have so much fun deciding which ones to use. They are like little mini-reviews
Karen
I picked up a copy of this at BEA. I can see how it would be difficult to read in e-format.
Happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Karen @For What It’s Worth
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you loved it or will love it Karen!
Ramona
Wow, that document sure looks interesting! I’m ordering the physical copy right now – thanks for the tip, Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Ramona. This is making my top ten YA list for 2015.
Braine Talk Supe
Thanks for the screenshot, it does look like this will be better to read in final print than in arc version. Speaking of JK, I need to pick up his Japanese steampunk series! Gah! Just read the first book 🙁
kimbacaffeinate
I am curious about that as well Braine 🙂
Christy
I really want to read this. I saw there is audio for it and wondered how they pull that off with the way this book is formatted.
kimbacaffeinate
I got the audio for review, I will let you know.
Kristin
UGH! I steered clear of it b/c of Jay and his Twitter rants but I should have known better. Damn it! Now I have to go take it out of the library (ie. make sure they ordered it!) and then rack up the overdue charges to read it. Jay has some crazy opinions I don’t agree with but I should of just ignored them. I always chastise my hubs for his ban on Dave Matthews Band in the house when I love their music, tree-hugging status aside. UGH…
kimbacaffeinate
LOL..I have no ideas what the rants were…but this was awesome.
Lorna
You make this sound so good. I am glad you loved it, but it’s such a long book! This would be a someday book for me. It sounds like it would be a really good movie as well 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Honestly it read like 300 pages..it went quickly!
Sarah
Good to know about the ebook format! I have an eARC copy but I have already reserved it at the library (for when it releases) so I can read the physical copy until I can get a chance to buy it. I don’t think I have read a bad review of this book! So glad to hear you loved it so much you read it in two days! 600 pages is no laughing matter!
kimbacaffeinate
It is an easy, engaging read and honestly the pages just flew by
The Bibliophile Babe
This sounds so interesting!
kimbacaffeinate
It was fantastic, I hope you decide to try it 🙂
Teddyree
Squeee awesome review … now I can’t wait! Thanks for the heads up on the print version. I really liked Kaufman/Spooner Starbound series too.
kimbacaffeinate
Yay..I hope you love it as much as I did!!
Angela Adams
600 pages in two days! That’s awesome!!
kimbacaffeinate
Honestly it read like 300 I was so caught up in the story.
Katherine
I can definitely see how this would work better as a print book with the dossiers and other file types. Thanks for mentioning that. This sounds good and I like the relationship aspect and the sound of Ezra. This definitely sounds like an action packed read!
kimbacaffeinate
I really enjoyed it from the suspense to characters Katherine.
Kristin
Great review. I saw this book at Comic-con but was unable to snag a copy. Even though I have not read anything by either author it just sounds like such an awesome story. Thanks for the heads up on the eCopy.
kimbacaffeinate
My first by them too Kristin, I hope you add it to your holiday wishlist!
blodeuedd
Hmmm, interesting for sure
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..I think you would like this one Linda
Maggie
Kim, this sounds great – I think I am going to add it to my reading list. Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…enjoy. It will make my top ten for 2015
Heather
I can’t wait to read this, you have really got me excited for this!!
kimbacaffeinate
Woot! Enjoy Heather..I hope you love it as much as I did
Candace
I’ve been really curious about this one. It sounds really intense! I like scifi once in awhile and I think I’ll have to try this one for sure!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh you will totally enjoy this Candace!
Sophia Rose
You’ve got me convinced. Good to know that I need to grab the physical version.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…enjoy Sophia!
Christine
I love books that use extra documents and things — so intrigued! Also a 600-pager in two days is a pretty compelling recommendation! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It reads really well Christine..I lost time!
ShootingStarsMag
I have this one to read ASAP. I got a copy at BEA and I keep hearing good things, so I’m excited. Looking through it, I would say people need a physical copy as well. It makes seeing all the details easier.
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet..enjoy it Lauren. I look forward to your thoughts on it!
Lily B
my finger is twitching on buy, this looks amazing and so different!
kimbacaffeinate
Do it Lily. It made my top ten in 2015.
Brittany
YES I loved this book too! Eeek that would be hard to read an egalley 🙁 There’s an audiobook for this too and I’m sure they’ll do a great job on it but I also think it’ll be hard to show some of those beautiful images! It will definitely be a different experience for sure.
So glad you loved it!!
kimbacaffeinate
I received the audiobook for review, and will let ya know. I am so glad you loved it too. Opening up the images on the laptop was a pain..but worth it
Brandi Breathes Books
Great to hear that it was riveting!
kimbacaffeinate
It really was Brandi. Have you tried these authors before? Both were new to me.
Heidi
I am reading this one right now, and just getting invested into it. I love both of these authors. Seriously, you need to read Stormdancer. I am enjoying the snark and the way the story is being submitted to the reader. I am reading this on my ipad, and it works fine to blow up the documents and such, I can see how it would be tough on an ereader.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, it worked well on my laptop too..just not an ereader. I added Stormdancer to my list!
sherry fundin
I am looking for some different kinds of reads. I think I am getting a little burned out. LOL I am liking the sound of this one. Thanks for the great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I hope you try it, I would love your take on it Sherry 🙂
kindlemom1
I love that you said this had you holding your breath Kim, what a wonderful description. Sci fi usually isn’t my thing but I have seen a lot of good reviews for this that are making me super tempted to read it.
kimbacaffeinate
This is a good cross-over book Ali..one that isn’t overly technical and has a strong human factor.
Debbie Haupt
Ok, Ok I’m convinced if you cried Kim I’ve got to read it and wow what a premise. I Love Sci-Fi but am usually a no go on YA, but you convinced me 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…enjoy Debbie.
Anna
I can hardly wait to get my hands on this one and I don’t even like young adult all that much. Go figure. 🙂
Anna from Elements of Writing
kimbacaffeinate
I am picky with young adult, and certain genres I find are good for everyone.
Wattle
This one is getting such good reviews! I think I’ll definitely have to find myself a physical copy, I like that it has documents and other files to help flesh out the story. It always makes things more fun (and feel like you’re part of it too!)
kimbacaffeinate
I agree it does make the story more enjoyable…have fun!
Megan
I can’t wait to get my hands on this it has had so much hype and it just looks fantastic. Great review. I will be buying the hardcopy as some books just need to be read in print form and I think this one definitely does.
kimbacaffeinate
Worth the price Megan, plus this is one you will want to keep on your bookshelf!
Jenny
I love the sound of the plot and of course the second chance romance, but I’m wondering if I’m going to struggle with the format Kim! Of course I did just read The Dead House that had a similar case file-style where the story was told through various documents and that worked out well, so maybe this won’t be as big of a challenge as I’m expecting!
kimbacaffeinate
Aside from having to view them on my laptop…I loved the documents, interviews, letters and schematics.
Nick
I was a little bit wary about this one because of its format but I ended up devouring it! It was so good! And all the surprising twists! I agree with you on your personal note. I started the e-ARC and it wasn’t very user friendly. The physical book is worth the purchase.
kimbacaffeinate
I am so happy you loved this too Nick, yeah I blew the images up on my laptop and loved all the extra deets
Tracy Terry
A book I’ve been reading a lot about, all of it good I have to say. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
kimbacaffeinate
I am glad it is getting positive feedback..I sure as heck enjoyed reading it
Bieke
I’m SO SO SO anxious to read this one!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Bieke..I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Greg
I’ve been curious about this one. I like the idea of the documents telling part of the story, great idea. And the virus running loose- sound cool! I’ll be definitely getting this one. Nice reviews Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Greg, I think you will like the extra elements and the ship images.
melliane
I’m not that much into sci-fi I confess but this one sounds a bit different and fun so maybe. I’ll keep an eye on it! thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
I had fun reading this one Melliane, it isn’t overly technical, so maybe a good one to try