Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

October 3rd, 2016 Kimberly Review 75 Comments

3rd Oct
Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Gemina
by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
Series: The Illuminae Files #2
Genres: Science Fiction
Source: BEA
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

The highly anticipated sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller that critics are calling “out-of-this-world awesome.” Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed. The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault. Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy's most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion. When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station's wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands. But relax. They've totally got this. They hope. Once again told through a compelling dossier of emails, IMs, classified files, transcripts, and schematics, Gemina raises the stakes of the Illuminae Files, hurling readers into an enthralling new story that will leave them breathless.

scifi 2016 Fave smartfunny FED-THE-NERD

Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff is the second book in the riveting Illuminae Files. This young adult science fiction thriller takes us into deep space as it delivers non-stop action.

Espresso review: Gemina delivered in multiple formats with kick-ass characters, it fed my inner nerd and gave me one hell of a ride.

Illuminae introduced us to Kady and Ezra when BeiTech attacked their plant. They managed to escape but end up on a ship with a mutant virus. It was brilliant with nonstop action and characters you couldn’t help but root for. Gemina isn’t about them instead the authors take us on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.

The tale begins in the middle of a UTA Tribunal against BeiTech Industries in the form of transcripts. They are entering in documents that pertain to the alleged attack on Jump Station Heimdall. Grab supplies and get comfy because you aren’t going to want to set this down.

Gemina unfolds using different formats, some are instant messages between people on the ship, others are emails and some are documentation or footage of events that transpired. As we move through these formats, we begin to learn about the ship and characters on board. We meet Hanna Donnelly, the ship commander’s daughter, her boyfriend Jackson Merrick an Orientation Officer, and Nicholas “Nik” Malikov, an unregistered civilian along with his cousin Ella.

The characters are well-developed and I easily connected with Hanna, Nik and Ella. We also get to spend time with the BeiTech team leader and a few key soldiers allowing us to grasp their mission and ruthlessness. Their leader and Hanna play a game of cat and mouse that was addictive to witness. We do engage with some key characters from Illuminae thrilling me.

Hannah is busy with important things like getting party drugs for Terra Day and a new outfit to knock the socks off Jackson but danger is coming. It will come from within the ship and with the arrival of unexpected guests.

When an élite BeiTech team strikes the ship, Nik and Hanna are thrown together to defend it. Meanwhile, Hypatia is headed towards the Heimdall, with news of the Kerenza invasion. All of this is playing into BioTech’s hands. Thankfully, for us, Hanna is not just a pretty face. She may appear to be a spoiled, self-absorbed teen but she is her Daddy’s daughter.Game on!

If you read Illuminae and thought the virus Kady dealt with was scary, wait until you see what is lurking in the cold sublevels of the Heimdall. OMG…I shiver just thinking about it, and the back-story about why they are there is fabulous. And nope, I was not at all surprised to learn that years from now humankind is still stupid.

Prepare to get your geek on. Doctor Who fans will squeal when you hear the lines space-time continuum. (Squee) While, Hanna and the gang are trying to take back the ship, BeiTech is opening a wormhole as part of their mission. Only there is a malfunction. This thread was brilliant, geeky enough to make you drool, but not so high-tech that others cannot hack it.

Kaufman and Kristoff took these threads and twisted them together creating intense action scenes, mind-blowing twists, carnage and more all while allowing us to connect to these characters. We witness friendships deepen, see those we trust betray us and witness the birth of romances. At its heart, this is a science fiction thriller, but the characters give it heart and a little swoon.

Gemina was brilliant, clever and full of unexpected twists and surprises. The next book, which is yet to be titled, takes place on the planet Kerenza and will release in 2017.

Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff another addictive edition of the Illuminae Files #win Share on X
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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75 Responses to “Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff”

  1. Autumn

    It’s been a really long time since I’ve been this excited about a sequel! I adored Illuminae. It was so original and thrilling.

  2. Melissa

    I just finished Illuminae a few weeks ago and I’ve been DYING to read Gemina ever since so yes, I’m very much looking forward to this book!! *_*

  3. Kay

    I loved this book! It had some pretty gross moments, but I loved it all the same. The formatting is still my favorite thing.

  4. Cerine Dali

    The iluminae cover is so pretty and is definitely on my tbr for the year. I put it on request from my library and waiting to actually pick it up

  5. Leona

    Oh I am loving the science fiction aspect of these stories! The covers for these books aren’t bad to look either.

  6. Lekeisha

    I’m so ready to read this! It’s number 2 on my birthday wish list this month. I’m breaking all of my book-buying-bans for this baby. Great review!

  7. Joanna

    I’ve been waiting until the trilogy is complete before reading; I hate waiting for the next book! 🙂

  9. Karen Blue

    All I see are positive reviews of this book. I can’t wait to get my pre-order copy later this month! Great review!

  10. Kristin

    Skim, skim, yep, yep yep… YAY!!! Can’t read your review yet b/c I haven’t read the book yet but I KNOW it’s (as in your review) is awesome… SOOOO stoked it’s (as in the book) is a 5 cuppa!!!! I think I will start it tonight 🙂 YAY!!! 🙂

  11. ShootingStarsMag

    I’m so glad to hear you loved this one. I’m slacking a bit, I NEED to read this one ASAP. I can’t believe it’s coming out so soon.

  12. Laura Thomas

    Print copies for both books are on my Santa Wish List! I have the first book on kindle but would love the physical copies for both:)

  13. Paij Slater

    I have to admit I just skimmed the review because I haven’t read the first one yet. My niece told me the second one was coming out soon, so I didn’t want to start it until then. I love how much you liked it though!!! I am so excited to read this series

  14. Sophia Rose

    At first, I was a little disappointed when I learned there was a new pair of lead characters and new situation, but wow, this one sounds as riveting as the first book. Can’t wait for my turn.

  16. Angela Adams

    “Gemina delivered in multiple formats with kick-ass characters…” Always the sign of a good read. Thanks for the post.

  17. Melissa (Books and Things)

    OMG! I’m so jelly you got this one. I really enjoyed the first book and I’m SO curious about this one. I admit I was worried about second book syndrome, but this sounds fab. NEEDS IT NOW. 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, I was so happy to hold this in my hands at BEA…lol I ordered the finished copy too, since some images weren’t available in ARC.

  18. Lauren H.

    So the first book has been on my TBR list since it’s release. The publisher said this could be read as a stand alone, but that always worries me a tad. What do you think?

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Hmm, I think they are right but of course there are little tidbits and characters you will be coming into cold. I say if you have the time read book one first. Because of the formating, they do read rather quickly.

  22. Heidi

    I love this freaking series, and these two authors are amazeballs. I can’t wait to read this one. I need a copy now!

  24. Lily B

    gah i need to read my book 1. I was so excited, I accidentally bought two copies, just have not had the time, but I really want to.

  26. Jolene Wilson

    I have not read this series but I have heard wonderful things about it. Thanks for the review. I may have to check them out now.

  27. Melissa

    Wow does this series sound great! I have the 1st book but haven’t gotten to it yet. Sounds like I really should!

  28. Nadine

    Illuminae was a spectacular read one of course I want to read this.

  29. Linda Romer

    Illuminae a d Gemina are on my TBR ♡ I haven’t read them yet, but am looking forward to. Thank you

  31. Nick

    Ooh! Scarier than Illuminae?? I’m ready!
    I can’t wait to pick this one up and meet all the amazing characters and also see Kady & Ezra again. And I obviously can’t wait to be back with AIDAN!
    I’m glad to hear this was a fun read for you, Kim! 🙂

  32. kindlemom1

    Seeing how much you loved this Kim really does make me want to start this series. I have the first book, I just need to finally make time for it.

  33. Bookworm Brandee

    I’m glad you got your geek on and had such a great time with Gemini, Kim! Did you miss Kady and Ezra at all? It seems like this new cast of characters and all the action, etc., was absorbing. And the format is so unique! I’m eager to see where this series goes. 😀

  34. Suzanne Lowery

    Loved Illuminae and can’t wait for the story to continue.

  36. Michelle

    I loved Illuminae and am so looking forward to reading Gemina!! I know the wait list is going to be huge for this one at my library 🙂

  37. Jordon

    Yay! I’m so glad this is good! I loved Illuminae so I’m really excited to read this. I have it on pre-order so can’t wait till it shows up lol.

  38. Greg

    Great review KImba! I am even more geeked for this now- the idea of SOMETHING lurking in the lower levels and the wormhole angle- yes please. Sounds fabulous. I also like that we get to see from BeiTech’s perspective. Sounds like a solid follow up.