Illuminae (Illuminae Files, #1)

by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

[kimbacaffeinate]

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 delivered just enough detail to deliver a creeptastic tale and will have the reader pulling the blankets a little tighter.


• This writing team delivered 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.

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Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer