Today’s review is part of the official blog tour. Be sure to keep reading for your chance to win a copy!
Wildly imaginative & intensely plotted, Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff is the unforgettable Next Big Thing in science fiction and boldly lives up to the hype.
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 one of the evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But pursuit by battleship is the least of their worries. Their fleet’s artificial intelligence—which should be protecting them—may actually be an enemy. And a plague is slowly ravaging the fleet with terrifying consequences. As Kady plunges into a web of data hacking in search of the truth, she realizes that there’s only one boy who can help her bring everything to light . . . and of course, it’s her ex-boyfriend, Ezra.
Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—ILLUMINAE is a ground-breaking, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride that will draw teen and adult readers of James Dashner, Rick Yancey, and Veronica Roth yet stands on its own with Kaufman and Kristoff’s unique storytelling.
First things first: don’t be overwhelmed by the weight and heft of this book. It’s 600+ pages are deceiving, in that the book is not told in traditional prose. Rather, the story of Illuminae unfolds over “found” documents, such as chat transcripts, diary entries, data logs, and more.
Also, the story is a fast-paced thrill ride, so readers not only blaze through the pages because of the book’s unique format, but because it is simply so engaging and the desire to know what happens next so strong.
Kaufman and Kristoff have dreamed up a rich, easily accessible futuristic science fiction world, in which people live throughout the universe, and populated it with smart, funny, engaging characters that readers will want to root for.
Following their saga over the course of Illuminae is exhilarating, and the ultimate reveal at the end is a delicious twist that offers readers both a satisfying conclusion and sets the stage for the next volume in this series.
Illuminae is in stores now.
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Thanks to Random House, we’re giving away one copy of Illuminae to a lucky winner. U.S./Canada only. Contest runs through midnight (PT) on Wednesday, November 4th.
To enter, tell us in the comments why you want to read Illuminae, then fill out the Rafflecopter here to complete your entry and earn more chances to win.
Novel Novice 
Sounds like a really cool and inventive book. Definitely put on my “to read” list.
I’m already a fan of Jay’s books and I think I’m likely to become an Amie fan too. I hear they’ve done some great work together. Thanks for the chance to win.
It’s futuristic and scary because it is plausible. Should be a great read.
I’m so excited for another sci fi story. I loved the Starbound trilogy!
I think it is a cool concept behind the book.
Oh, I’ve heard so much about Illuminae, and it’s a top read for this next year for sure. It sounds so unusual and fascinating!
Sounds interesting!
I like the sound of the unique format. I like science fiction and action/adventure stories.
This book is on my to read list already. I saw it in store and love the visuals and unique story telling. I definitely would love to read this unusual book!
Everyone that has reviewed it has said it is like nothing they’ve ever read before. I am beyond intrigued and can’t wait to read it!
I’ve heard so many fantastic things about this book, and the synopsis and cover look so interesting!