It is the beginning of June and the anticipation of reading science fiction is over. The Sci Fi Summer Readathon has begun. So many times I revert to the typical read that I enjoy so much, and then I vow to read something outside my norm .. .and I am rewarded beautifully. The Sci-Fi Summer readathon took me out of my comfort zone and took me to a place in outer space where a battle is raging, people are dying, but through it all, the human spirit and love, try to find a way to survive.
The book I chose to read as my first entry into the readathon was titled Illuminae by Amy Kaufman. and Jay Kristoff. I was referred to this series The Illuminae Files by fellow readers @BookTapestry and @FlippingPages36. Who am I to argue? Of course I will give this read a shot. This is my review:
“The universe was here before you, and it will go on after you. The only way it will remember you is if you do something worthy of remembrance.” (Aidan)
― Amy Kaufman, Illuminae
I picked up this book through Indigo, on my Kobo. I also was able to snag the second book in the trilogy at a very good price so I did. I was later told by a very smart reader that I should get a hold of the physical book as the e-reader in this case just does not do the book justice. In this case, this smart reader was absolutely correct.
The book is a veritable work of art from cover to cover. The words , story, and messages hidden throughout the beautifully illustrated pages are so wonderfully done, you are in awe of what you are reading and just do not want it to end.
https://youtu.be/ayFCAvhW8_I
To be honest, I am not a young person, and I did have trouble getting into the story initially. I have never quite read a book that was set up the way this one is. The story itself is about two young characters who are caught up in an invasion of their home planet by two megacorporations. Their story is told through interviews, data, message logs and video transcripts that make up the "Illuminae Files" . It was a little confusing initially (I'm showing my age :P ) but I pressed on. I got through the initial choppy format , started to understand the writing and the storytelling uniqueness, and was rewarded with an absolutely heart stopping, beautifully written space saga you absolutley "must read". This book is categorised as young adult, but I am seeing more and more, every day, (my son is now a teenager) that these books labelled "young adult" do not mean they are exclusively for this age group. Young and older adults are enjoying these reads. Do not assume that reading young adult novels is not for you. If you do, you are missing out on a vast array of talent and some fantastic reads, as I have personally found out myself. This book was totally immersive ... instantly. I didn't know where the story would end up, but getting there was so much fun. The characters were so well written (I loved Aidan the best) and the intensity and creepiness just kept building until I couldn't take it anymore. All of this with a little romance sprinkled throughout. All I can tell you is ...read this book. You will not be disappointed.
That wraps up my Sci-Fi June mid-event check in. My second book of course will be the second in this series called Gemina. Hopefully I will be able to finish this book before the end of the Sci Fi Summer Readathon. Time will tell. Stay tuned for my review of the second book in the "Illuminae Files".
