Audiobook Review: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

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Illuminae
The Illuminae Files #1
Author: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Narrator: Olivia Taylor Dudley, Lincoln Hoppe, Jonathan McClain
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Released: October 20th 2015
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers  | Penguin Random House Audio | Living Language

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 an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.

Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

So, I had the first edition of the ARC since January of last year. I know, I know... what a set up. When I picked up the book back in August, I liked what I've read but something got in the way and I had to put the book down. Then, the publisher provided me the audiobook... Only to have someone gifted the final copy! All copies have been there but again, life got in the way and I had to put this back on my TBR pile. What a dumb mistake. Although the book was interesting, the audiobook was far beyond amazing! So I deserve two or three slaps, haha.

Honestly, the audiobook is well done, that it will makes you drop everything. EVERYTHING. It hooks you from the very creepy introduction. Seriously, who starts an audiobook with that voice? I couldn't help it but wonder about the insanity of this book. And I was right, this book is insane, in a good great way! Within minutes after that creepy voice, we are introduced to our characters and well, that was that. I was consumed with the beauty of this story and was WOWED by the end. IT WAS F------ AMAZING. I don't even know how to describe this masterpiece.

AM I NOT MERCIFUL?

What a freaking great tag line!

NO! YOU ARE NOT MERCIFUL, you evil itch thing.

In Illuminae, we follow the story of Kady and Ezra. Their home planet has been invaded and destroyed by a large-evil corporation by the name of Beitech. Kady and Ezra are forced to separate and begin their own journey to survival. However, Kady is a badass and has a clever mind. She realizes there is so much more than the eyes meet and she will do the impossible to find out. Little by little she becomes aware of how evil Beitch is and how it has manipulated everyone to do things that seems reasonable but in reality it all concludes to a devastating conclusion. Yet, Kady will not go down easily.

The story line in Illuminae is very complex, yet beautiful. The pages, oh the 600+ pages, of the book itself are stunning. It may not be your ordinary book but trust me, the story will blow your mind away and you will be demanding for more. NEED MORE NOW... The characters are fantastic, they will cause anxiety but it will be all worth it. The audiobook is one of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to. It's so visual as the book but even better, because it will make you think you are watching a movie. A very action, explosive, deceitful, OMG WTF is going on, type of audiobook.

Fans of Star Wars as well as any sci-fi lovers would love this story. However, I do recommend Illuminae to everyone. Read it or listen to the audiobook, and love it! Trust me you will. You'll be addicted and obsessed. Don't be like me and leave this for last. You need to read/listen this book if you haven't done so. I can't wait to start Gemina!