Review: Illuminae

Title: Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1)
Authors: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Pages: 599
Published by: Oneworld Publications – Rock the Boat
Release Date: 22nd October 2015
Synopsis:
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.

Purchase on: Amazon | Book Depository

Review:

Ok. I have been trying to write this review for nearly a month now. Illuminae was such a spectacular book that it left me speechless for that long. I tried countless times to write something coherent but every time all that was left on the page was just an endless stream of excitement and I’m pretty sure I wrote the words, “This book is AMAZING,” at least five times in one paragraph. But seriously: this book is amazing.

I can honestly say that I have never read a book like this before. Ever. The whole book is completely told through hacked files, messages, and commentated surveillance footage. It was amazing – a completely new and unique experience. The whole premise was so imaginative and I can only describe it as spectacular. And can I just say how much I loved the surveillance dude?

Speaking of characters, I don’t think there was a single one that I didn’t love. Kady was awesome – so strong, witty and funny (and she had PINK HAIR!). And Ezra was equally as fun, and strong — I can’t decide who I love more. They were both so amazing. I especially loved them together, though — their banter and sarcasm was great and THEY WERE SO CUTE. I think I now have two new favourite characters to add to my list. 🙂 I even loved AIDAN, the crazy computer, even though, to be honest, it scared the crap out of me.

Illuminae was packed full of action, too. It was  gripping, intense and engaging and I just couldn’t stop reading – from when we first saw Kady and Ezra running and fighting for their lives when their planet is attacked, to the very end, I was completely hooked.  Reality became an annoying buzz in the background as I became utterly absorbed within this wonderful, wonderful book. 

And it was an emotional rollercoaster of the best kind — this book has all the feels. You are shocked, amazed, amused and – I’ll admit it – terrified at every other page. And that’s not even the half of it. I loved every second of this sensational book.

I think it’s safe to say that I need book 2, Gemina in my life right now. 😀

Rating:

Illuminae deserves all the stars. It was undoubtedly one of the best books I have ever read.  ★★★★★