Illuminae - YA Review by Simon D-S

Reader: Simon D-S
Age: 15
Title: Illuminae
Author: Amy Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Pub Date: 10/20/15
Galley: Yes
Top 25: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book was one of the best books I have ever read. The plot, characters, and unique way of communicating the story made it into a truly amazing read. First off, the characters in the book were believable and realistic. Both main characters had many layers and quirks that made them imperfect and therefore real. The plot was insane. Like, take the genres of mystery, sci- fi, romance, and horror, and put them in solitary confinement for two weeks with knives. That is essentially how the plot of Illuminae is. I make it sound bad with that metaphor, but it is actually really good. Finally, the way they tell the story is great. The usage of emails, ship communications, images, and word collages tell the story perfectly.
Memorable or Forgettable: I will probably never forget this book, as it is one of the most unique I have ever read. Think novel, but with a taste of comic book. Let me make that clear. It is not a comic book. Don't tell people I told you that. What I mean is that it makes words have art. I know I am being vague here, but just read the frickin' book.
Cover: The cover looked cool, with all the creepy writing and stuff, but I couldn't tell if I was cheating by reading it. You'll see.
Age Range: 12 through 17
Quality: 5Q - Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P - Everyone wants to read it
Annotation: After the destruction of their home planet by an enemy corporation, Kady and Ezra must put aside their breakup to uncover the truth of their predicament.
Additional Comments: It's not a comic book!


tags: science fiction / dystopian / suspense / ya lit

Illuminae - YA Review by Sam T

Reader: Sam T.
Age: 15
Title: Illuminae
Author: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Pub Date: 10/20/15
Galley: Yes
Top 25: Yes
Convince us to read the book: I really like the way that the authors played with plot, character development, and tone through the medium of files and charts, which I thought was a very interesting and innovative way to tell a story. The first half is a little slow and somewhat confusing, although after that the story really begins to heat up and becomes very interesting. I really felt sympathy for the characters.
Memorable or Forgettable: The completely unique layout in the form of documents, transcripts, etc. was very interesting, along with the storyline. I'll remember this for how it constantly keeps you on your toes and keeps you engaged. I don't think I've read a novel quite like this before.
Cover: The cover is very interesting, and seems to reflect the content pretty well without giving too much away. Definitely eye-catching. 
Age Range: 14 through 17
Quality: 5Q - Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P - Broad general teen appeal
Additional Comments: This is a really unique and exciting book. I would be excited to see the authors do another book like this, perhaps either in the same universe as this one (as a sequel) or in a completely different one. I would highly, highly recommend this book.
Annotation: Concerns declassified files surrounding two teens as they struggle to survive during a terrifying epidemic taking place aboard spaceships during an intergalactic corporate war hundreds of years in the future. Exciting, fun, innovative, and scary.


tags:  science fiction / dystopian / suspense / ya lit