Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1) (Hardcover)
Staff Reviews
Kristen: Epically inventive and visual. Told through archived documents, texts, and clever sarcasm, two teens embark on a futuristic space minds caper that is at once a thrilling and intimate race against time. Oh, I believe Len enjoyed it too. He may even have gotten more excited about this book than I did, which is unusual if you've ever met me. I found Len standing underneath a lamp, book held wide open, while he was folding laundry! (I snuck a pic. It's funny, and I had to finish folding the laundry.)
Len: I don't usually listen to Kristen's advice about books. Just kidding. I don't usually listen to Kristen's advice about anything. definitely kidding. Seriously, she put Illuminae in my hands and insisted I read it. I'm in her debt. This is the best sci-fi I've read in 20 years. Don't be put off that it's markted as young adult. While the protagonists are teens (not counting the incredly complicated and wonderfully drawn sentient AI), the story will appeal to science fiction fans of all ages. It's also one of the most beautiful books ever produced. Just like some movies (Avatar) need to be seen on a big screen, some books need to be read in hardcover. Illuminae is a work of art in every conceivable sense. Is is an artifact to be treasured. We'll be giving this one as a holiday gift.
— Len and Kristen Vlahos are the new co-owners of Tattered Cover“A truly beautiful novel that redefines the form." —Victoria Aveyard, bestselling author of Red Queen
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 a speck at the edge of the universe. Now with enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to evacuate with a hostile warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A plague has broken out and is mutating with terrifying results; the fleet’s AI may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a web of data to find the truth, it’s clear the only person who can help her is the ex-boyfriend she swore she’d never speak to again.
Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, maps, files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.
“Prepare yourselves for Illuminae.” —EW.com
“[Y]ou’re not in for an ordinary novel experience. . . .” —Bustle.com
“A truly interactive experience. . . . A fantastically fun ride.” —MTV.com
★ “[O]ut-of-this-world awesome.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred
★ “…stylistically mesmerizing.” —Publishers Weekly, starred
★ “[A]n arresting visual experience.”—Booklist, starred
★ “[A] game-changer.” —Shelf Awareness, starred
“Brace yourself. You're about to be immersed in a mindscape that you'll never want to leave.” —Marie Lu, bestselling author of the Legend trilogy
"Genre: Undefinable. Novel: Unforgettable." —Kami Garcia, bestselling coauthor of Beautiful Creatures & author of Unbreakable
“An exuberant mix of space opera, romance, zombies, hackers, and political thrills.” —Scott Westerfeld, bestselling author of Zeroes and Uglies
“Stunningly creative. Smart, funny, and romantic.” —Veronica Rossi, bestselling author of Under the Never Sky
“This is one of those rare books that will truly keep your heart pounding.” —Beth Revis, bestselling author of Across the Universe
“This book is xxxxing awesome.”
—Laini Taylor, bestselling author of Daughter of Smoke and Bone
“Kaufman and Kristoff have created a fast-paced, quasi-political sci-fi thriller that is completely unique.” —Booklist starred review