gloria
Author: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff | Publisher: Random House
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Synopsis:
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.
You have me. Until every last star in the galaxy dies.
You have me.
Review
Illuminae is a thrilling, impactful, and unique book — one that you might even be capable of reading in one sitting (like me!), which says a lot. The book is told as a case file — broken up by pages and transcripts, as well as instant messaging conversations. And what the documents fail to string together, some corners of the pages contain “briefing notes.” These little tags at the ends help the reader get a more coherent, full image of the happenings onboard these ships.
The book is told as a case file — broken up by pages and transcripts, as well as instant messaging conversations. And what the documents fail to string together, some corners of the pages contain “briefing notes.” These little tags at the ends help the reader get a more coherent, full image of the happenings onboard these ships.
Although there isn’t any real narration, there are several pages written from the perspective of an IT technician, someone who seems to have an omnipotent view of what is occurring to these characters. Even though it’s different, the story still manages to be intriguing and captivating.
The story also manages to shift drastically near the end, when things are becoming scarier. The AI, AIDAN, begins to become a major character, an odd one at that. AIDAN’s journey also manages to become a confusing one — the “robot with a human thought process” feels renewed here.
Overall
Illuminae is a powerful, well-written book. It’s unique formatting and compelling storyline makes this a book worth reading. And although the book is a bit difficult to understand the first few pages, it becomes quickly apparent that this type of beginning is fundamental to keeping the book intact. If this book were to start any other way, it would definitely take away from what makes it as compelling as it is.
You deserve every star in the galaxy laid out at your feet and a thousand diamonds in your hair. You deserve someone who’ll run with you as far and as fast as you want to. Holding your hand, not holding you back.
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