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4.27 AVERAGE
4.27 AVERAGE
This book is extremely enjoyable, though extremely difficult to get through. I definitely had to slog my way through a lot, because it is just so dense, one thing after another with little reprieve. I think could definitely do with more calmer moments to help you bond with the characters because the constant whirlwind was a but much for me. However, it is insanely creative and I look forward to No 2 :)
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
ILLUMINAE IS ONE OF THE MOST EPIC AND COOLEST PAGE-TURNING DYSTOPIANS I HAVE READ. EVER.
Alright, let’s try to do a coherent review. I have to say this is one of the most difficult books I’ve had the pleasure to review. It is such a great book but just ridiculously hard to talk about without a bunch of word vomit spewing out onto my computer screen.
Now, I love dystopian but here lately all the books have been “been there…done that”. But this book seriously reminded me why dystopian is my favorite genre to read. It literally has a bit of everything. But, first let’s talk about the structure of this book. I am loving it when authors use emails, documents, medical reports, video footage, and other mediums to enhance the plot. I have recently got introduced to this type of writing style, and it is quickly becoming my favorite way to experience a story. It really adds so much to the plot. I don’t know, it just makes everything seem more real while your reading. And with Illuminae this is done PERFECTLY to add to the complexity of the plot.
However, I really think this is one that should be read with a physical copy. The eBook is still awesome, but the way everything is structured I would have loved to REALLY see everything without straining my eyes to pieces. Sometimes within some of the pictures it was extremely hard to really see what’s going on with just my Nook. So I think with Illuminae, to really get the whole picture, a physical copy would totally be worth it (and a better reading experience)! If you’ve heard of House of Leaves it is kinda the same thing with the structure – the eBook just doesn’t work like the physical copy.
AND THE CRAZINESS BEGINS
So it is the year 2575, and Kady and Ezra have broken up. Of course, there are more bigger issues going on at the moment such as two mega corporations that are engaging in a war over a planet, and a deadly virus spreading on the ship all the while the enemy is hot on their tails. There is so much madness going on during this book.
Even though it is told through documents, once things really get going this book is impossible to put down. Once you get invested into the story it does not feel like a 600 page book at all. I was reading it so fast I gave myself a headache. I am definitely going to order a physical copy of it and reread it a lot slower, haha! But, it is so mind blowing and it is just pure AWESOMENESS. I’d give it a hundred stars if I could.
Ok, anyway, if you are a fan of dystopian or science fiction you have to pick this one up! Or if you’ve been having a tough time with YA lately then this is for you! But, please, do yourself a favor and get the physical copy which I am sure will cause your brain to be blown even more since the pictures won’t be so hard to see.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Alright, let’s try to do a coherent review. I have to say this is one of the most difficult books I’ve had the pleasure to review. It is such a great book but just ridiculously hard to talk about without a bunch of word vomit spewing out onto my computer screen.
Now, I love dystopian but here lately all the books have been “been there…done that”. But this book seriously reminded me why dystopian is my favorite genre to read. It literally has a bit of everything. But, first let’s talk about the structure of this book. I am loving it when authors use emails, documents, medical reports, video footage, and other mediums to enhance the plot. I have recently got introduced to this type of writing style, and it is quickly becoming my favorite way to experience a story. It really adds so much to the plot. I don’t know, it just makes everything seem more real while your reading. And with Illuminae this is done PERFECTLY to add to the complexity of the plot.
However, I really think this is one that should be read with a physical copy. The eBook is still awesome, but the way everything is structured I would have loved to REALLY see everything without straining my eyes to pieces. Sometimes within some of the pictures it was extremely hard to really see what’s going on with just my Nook. So I think with Illuminae, to really get the whole picture, a physical copy would totally be worth it (and a better reading experience)! If you’ve heard of House of Leaves it is kinda the same thing with the structure – the eBook just doesn’t work like the physical copy.
AND THE CRAZINESS BEGINS
So it is the year 2575, and Kady and Ezra have broken up. Of course, there are more bigger issues going on at the moment such as two mega corporations that are engaging in a war over a planet, and a deadly virus spreading on the ship all the while the enemy is hot on their tails. There is so much madness going on during this book.
Even though it is told through documents, once things really get going this book is impossible to put down. Once you get invested into the story it does not feel like a 600 page book at all. I was reading it so fast I gave myself a headache. I am definitely going to order a physical copy of it and reread it a lot slower, haha! But, it is so mind blowing and it is just pure AWESOMENESS. I’d give it a hundred stars if I could.
Ok, anyway, if you are a fan of dystopian or science fiction you have to pick this one up! Or if you’ve been having a tough time with YA lately then this is for you! But, please, do yourself a favor and get the physical copy which I am sure will cause your brain to be blown even more since the pictures won’t be so hard to see.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
OH MY GOD.
I am probably the biggest fan of Battlestar Galatica ever and this book is just perfect for me. PURR-FECTTTTTT.
BOOK 2 CAN'T COME SOON ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am probably the biggest fan of Battlestar Galatica ever and this book is just perfect for me. PURR-FECTTTTTT.
BOOK 2 CAN'T COME SOON ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
overdue for a reread i really liked this
You know there are some books, that even though the plotline is so good, but the language is so centered around the time that it was written, that even though the book had a potential to become something unique and so good, it just doesn't. That's what happened with this book. I was totally drawn into the book by unique "files compilation" way it was written. It was like I was really solving this mystery on my own. But then the characters were like sooo 2015 that it just got super cringy and at one point I couldn't take it anymore. I didn't finish the book; I would've if the characters didn't get so annoying.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Re-read 2017 audiobook
To be truthful, I really couldn't fathom how this novel could be adapted into an audiobook, especially due to its close connection to its format, which I loved. And still. I am pleased to say that they nailed it!
Using a full cast with special effects and music, this is one amazing feat and totally true to the story. I couldn't stop listening, on the 'edge of my seat', and I knew already what was going to happen! It also allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the narrative that the authors created. This is one hell of a great story! And don't let the YA label stop you. Kaufman and Kristoff give us complex characters, and not just the 'main' ones, faced with horrible events, fighting for survival and having to make unbearable decisions.
"What you do when stuff like this happens is you LIVE, you survive it, that's how you honour the ones you lost"
Which version should you go for? Well, if you feel overwhelmed by the 'written' one, then by all means go for the audio, but I'd recommend to have both since each brings a different experience :0)
--------------
Brilliant!
I can remember being puzzled when I bought this book. The format is not your usual thing (quite thick and oh my, made up of a plethora of documents!). I personally love classic epistolary novels, but I did ponder about this modern/scifi take on the form. Shouldn't have worried a bit. I got into the story very quickly and couldn't stop reading. The authors create an engrossing world populated by fascinating and strong characters (Kady and Ezra of course, but also all the others too - AIDAN, Byron, Winifred, Torrence, Jimmy, etc.). And the plot! Yes, you could describe it as a YA take on Battlestar Galactica and 28 days later, and expect this story to fall flat trying to be too many things at the same time, BUT it is so much more than that, and it works! And I do think this is because of the symbiosis between the content and the format. The narrative you get from all these 'documents' conveys a lot more than just the typed words. The layout, metadata, and design all work to flesh out the content. I obviously loved this, and cannot wait for the next one, but I can see that some people might not. Give it a go, just try, and you might be pleasantly surprised :O)
To be truthful, I really couldn't fathom how this novel could be adapted into an audiobook, especially due to its close connection to its format, which I loved. And still. I am pleased to say that they nailed it!
Using a full cast with special effects and music, this is one amazing feat and totally true to the story. I couldn't stop listening, on the 'edge of my seat', and I knew already what was going to happen! It also allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the narrative that the authors created. This is one hell of a great story! And don't let the YA label stop you. Kaufman and Kristoff give us complex characters, and not just the 'main' ones, faced with horrible events, fighting for survival and having to make unbearable decisions.
"What you do when stuff like this happens is you LIVE, you survive it, that's how you honour the ones you lost"
Which version should you go for? Well, if you feel overwhelmed by the 'written' one, then by all means go for the audio, but I'd recommend to have both since each brings a different experience :0)
--------------
Brilliant!
I can remember being puzzled when I bought this book. The format is not your usual thing (quite thick and oh my, made up of a plethora of documents!). I personally love classic epistolary novels, but I did ponder about this modern/scifi take on the form. Shouldn't have worried a bit. I got into the story very quickly and couldn't stop reading. The authors create an engrossing world populated by fascinating and strong characters (Kady and Ezra of course, but also all the others too - AIDAN, Byron, Winifred, Torrence, Jimmy, etc.). And the plot! Yes, you could describe it as a YA take on Battlestar Galactica and 28 days later, and expect this story to fall flat trying to be too many things at the same time, BUT it is so much more than that, and it works! And I do think this is because of the symbiosis between the content and the format. The narrative you get from all these 'documents' conveys a lot more than just the typed words. The layout, metadata, and design all work to flesh out the content. I obviously loved this, and cannot wait for the next one, but I can see that some people might not. Give it a go, just try, and you might be pleasantly surprised :O)
It took me over a Year to start this book and when I did I finished it in 2 days. So what are you waiting for start Reading this asap you won't Regret it.
Side note this was amazing and I'm mind blow from crying,
Side note this was amazing and I'm mind blow from crying,
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A