Illuminae

When I read STORMDANCER (THE LOTUS WAR BOOK 1) I was blown away by Jay Kristoff's aching melodrama and vibrantly stylized prose. While I still need to read the rest of that trilogy, I was also very intrigued by a more recent book with his name attached to it. ILLUMINEA (THE ILLUMINAE FILES #1) is a collaboration between Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman. At a superficial level, it's a space opera starring two teenagers and a psychotic artificial intelligence. There are also shades of a Z virus, corporate corruption, and Battlestar Galactica style space combat thrown in for good measure. But what separates this seemingly typical piece of science fiction literature is HOW the story is told (more on that in just a bit). Basically, I'd been interested in this book since it came out, but finally had an excuse to pick it up when the BookTube SFF Awards group placed it on their 2016 shortlist. When it came time for them to do the readalong for this one, I gladly joined in and was very happy that I did.CHARACTERSLike I mentioned before, there are really only three characters of much note. There's Kady Grant, a computer whizz who sports pink hair and has some issues with interpersonal communication. Her ex-boyfriend, Ezra Mason is a bit more outgoing and a little less anti-establishment. They're an interesting pair since readers actually meet them right after they've broken up. The day it all fell apart for them also happens to be the day that their world is assaulted by a shady corporate superpower's fleet. They're rescued though and ushered off-world where they find themselves stuck on different space vessels. At first, this is a blessing for them, but as they gradually start to make up over inter-ship instant messaging, the separation becomes a curse. For the most part, their interactions felt authentic, if a bit too typical of a YA relationship. Still, it felt real because there was genuine hurt felt on both sides in spite of a young puppy-love that burns hot throughout. That said, their immaturity does show through at odd times and in weird ways. Moments where that happens are definitely a little jarring because what was cute in one situation feels very out of place in a different one and the authors seem to struggle with working the characters' lighthearted youthfulness into the dire events that happen around them. The same can be said about the myriad of minor characters that show up in the various "files" that tell the story. Most of them are adults, but there are times where they sound as ridiculous as the teens. While it's good to have a tonal consistency, I'll admit that their lines felt a little off sometimes.Then there's AIDAN, one of the ship's artificial intelligence system. It gets damaged during the initial battle and begins to go off the rails as it tries to repair itself. AIDAN is a bit of a late bloomer since we don't see much of him in the first half of the story. There is a pretty shocking event that happens which results in his getting shut down. There's a lot of chatter about him, but very little of his character is actually defined until the crew is forced to turn him back on. When this happens, the flow of the story takes some dramatic turns and readers are treated to one of the finest characters that synthetic intelligence has to offer. A good number of the "files" that appear from this point on actually belong to him. They show readers his though logs and invite them into his twisted logic system. For a YA book, things get pretty darn dark once this thing comes alive. He really cleans house and initiates a spiral of death unlike pretty much anything else I've ever read. The writers really killed it with this character so far as I'm concerned and he's probably the most interesting member of the cast by far.WORLD/SETTINGFor the most part, there isn't really much of a "world" here. The only one we ever get to see is a small mining planet which is thoroughly under siege before the "files" are ever generated. Much of what readers come to know about it is based on recorded interviews with Kady and Ezra as they detail their actions during the course of that catastrophe. Beyond that, the world so far as this story is concerned is comprised of the confining vastness of space and three starships which house the refugees from Kady and Ezra's home planet. It's kind of cool that each of the ships has a very different feel to it. One is a small science/medical vessel, one is more of a lightweight civilian shuttle, and the other is a military-grade destroyer. Sadly, only the latter two get much in the way of description, but some of the files do cover what the third is like. They make for interesting locations to since they are more an extension of the characters' plight than anything else.Don't get me wrong, there's definitely a lot of love that went into fully realizing each one, it's just that the characters take center stage here for the most part. Only a certain number of the "files" make mention of what the interior of these shuttles look like and I mostly had to rely on the diagrams of them to envision what they look like on the outside. They do make for an excellent stage for the action though, especially since there's a sense of vulnerability about being stuck on them that this book loves to play up, thus increasing the tension of already tense scenarios.PLOT/TONEBy now, I've made reference to a number of different aspects of this book's plot. One key piece of this is the way the book uses "files" to weave the narrative. There are different types of them mixed up throughout the course of the novel from video analysis to personal IMs, official messages to transcripts of recordings, and as I mentioned before, AIDAN's thought logs. The variety of these files makes it so that nothing ever really felt stale.They were similar enough to feel cohesive, but also offered some nice changes in perspective. My favorite type is certainly those that are pulled from the AIDAN core, but all of them are pretty good. It's an interesting way to go about telling a story overall and it gives off a certain feel that I don't think you'll find anywhere else. The sheer sense of speed and intensity I got while reading this is definitely something I've never experience when reading any other novel.I've stated before that this DOES have some more juvenile overtones and I think if there is one area where the book will fall flat, it is in this younger tone. Some may also have criticisms about the characters, but ultimately I think a lot of those issues are going to tie back into the immaturity that is prevalent in the contents of the files. From my perspective, everything just came off as larger than life and I enjoyed the dorky teenage bits. I think without them, this actually might have been too adult for my tastes since, like I've mentioned, this is an insanely dark, violent and sometimes graphic piece of science fiction. It's so dark that I often forgot that this is technically YA. I know I read a lot of messed up stuff when I was in this age group (mostly thanks to the "classics"), but to me, this genre is supposed to come with a certain level of innocence that I find is rarely ever the case - maybe this is just a sign that I'm getting old...THE VISUALSWorth a section unto it's own, the visuals in this book are just stunning. The prose is filled with explosively colorful descriptions and unforgettable imagery. But more than that is literally the way the pages look. Each type of file is formatted differently and employs graphic effects to compliment its content. Sometimes this is done through incorporating simple black and white images, but most of the time it's achieved through all sorts of typographical effects and subtleties. There is also some incredible word art to be found at different points. Then there's just plan old art, mostly in the form of diagrams of the space ships. I have the hard cover edition of this book and even the cover is constructed with a mind-boggling level of creativity and careful design. There's just a TON of effort that went into how this book looks and it's this visual component that made reading it an indulgence that I am not to forget anytime soon.CONCLUSIONThis is one of those books that readers are just going to have to try for themselves. It's definitely got it's quirks, so I can't promise that you'll love it. All I can say really is that I loved it. The things most people take issue with didn't phase me too much and it's just so easy to praise this book for all of the things that it gets right. This book was an absolute treat to read through and I think most of the "haters" are missing out appreciating its unique offerings. It's definitely not the most believable, plausible, original, or grown up piece of science fiction to ever be put into print, but it IS the type of book that is totally unlike other books. It's the type of book that can blow readers away if they approach it with an open mind and can appreciate a book as a piece of art.I strongly suggest you get this in either a Hardcover or Paperback edition since I don't think you'll get the full experience with any other format.

I loved this book upside-down.I loved this book the right way up.I loved this book through pictures.I loved this book in words.I loved this book dressed up in its pretty dust jacket.I loved it just as much without one.I loved this book on my Kindle.I loved this book as an audiobook.Pick a format, pick a facet, pick a scene - I loved this book. (A really, truly, unhealthy amount - the amount where you hold it to your chest and squeeze in public places, and never even notice if you get The Looks.)· Because here is what you were doubtless told about Illuminae: IT LOOKS AMAZING!And yes. Yes it does. This book is a stunner in every format. It is perhaps the most painstakingly designed book I have ever seen in my life. (I've never seen the old handwritten ones, much as I love calligraphy - so this takes the cake. Every cake. Pick a cake. It has earned them all.) Told through graphics, schematics, dossiers, blueprints, interviews, chat logs, and various other transcripts - Illuminae spared no expense when it came to design. It is a thing of beauty. Not all the pictures in the world could convey the experience of, well, experiencing it. If all you know of Illuminae is that it's a wonder of originality and design and novelty and art - you know enough. But there's more. (Boy, is there ever more!)There are things you aren't told about Illuminae a lot. And you really ought to be. So I am dashing into the nearest phonebooth, donning my superhero suit, and relaying the things you were never told about this book, but you really should have been. Because while the designer should be given an award, a medal, and their own country to run (in no particular order), there is also... everything.· It is written beautifully. If you're the sort of reader who is sold on lyrical prose, beautiful sentences, rhythm and style - it's all there. It seems almost impossible to tell a story in pictures, interviews, and documents and make it actually sing - but sing it did. (It has an amazing voice.) Let it never be said that the writer is limited by the genre/format/character. I intend to throw this book at the next person who tries to argue this to excuse sloppy writing. (And it's a sizable beast - it can do some serious damage on impact.)· Despite being a sizable beast, Illuminae is dynamic and interactive and doesn't give you a moment's reprieve. In this intergalactic spaceship chase, not only is the action consistent (side effects include heartburn and anxiety), but the pacing is a masterful thing of wonders. Throughout a good chunk of this book, there are countdowns - countdowns to impact, countdowns to a battle, countdowns to TID (total internal destruction). It has it all, and it makes for 600 pages of feverish cries for help from the reader. Heart palpitations are likely. Boredom is not.· Characterization hurts. Here's what Illuminae also doesn't do: choose between the plot and the characters. In a heavily plot-driven story, the characters are its crowning glory. I don't think my love would run nearly as deep had I not fallen in love with just about everyone in turn. A tech-savvy hacker with a penchant for dry humor and snooping. Her straight-laced ex boyfriend with anger and sass in equal measures. A hacker sensei who colors way outside the lines. A murderous supercomputer with a god-complex. And everyone else who comes along.But maybe it has all my favorite things. Maybe this is a favorite borne of subjectivity and bias. Because it does - Illuminae is all my personal favorites combined. Morally dubious anti-hero? Check. The world's most audacious plot twist(s)? Check. Sass? Check. Interactive bonus material to supplement the story? Check. Every single hook of mine, this book has covered. And I can't be objective.But the bottom line is this: Illuminae is everyone's favorite things in one single book. Ultimately, that's the benefit of this format. It's heavy on the action in graphics. It takes breaks from the action in blueprints. It's descriptive in video transcripts. It's straight-to-the-point in chat logs. It's character-driven in interviews. It's plot-driven in inter-ship comms. You name your hook - Illuminae has your hook.And I couldn't possibly recommend it more.

Had a crack in the dust jacket

Alem de contar uma historia incrível, o livro faz uso dos melhores meios possíveis para dar ao leitor a melhor experiencia. A historia é contada através de entrevistas, relatórios, mapas, chats, emails e mais uma enorme variedade de mídias para proporcionar uma leitura imersiva. Os personagens são maravilhosos e voce fica o tempo inteiro com o coração na boca, torcendo por eles. Nova leitura favorita!

Num cenário típico de uma Space Opera vamos conhecer duas personagens e as aventuras que as aguardam. Kaufman e Kristoff trazem-nos um livro inovador quanto ao estilo da narrativa, organização e apresentação ao leitor.

(El producto venía en perfectas condiciones).Reseña del libro:4.5 le faltó sólo un poco para poder tener las 5 estrellas completas. Okay, so... Illuminae es un libro de ciencia ficción/young adult que narra la historia de Kady y Ezra cuando su ciudad es atacada y se ven en la necesidad de escapar de esta; lo nuevo de esta novela es que está narrada a través de archivos, no como en prosa normal. La verdad este libro me gustó bastante y ese fue uno de los factores principales de porqué.Lo que me gustóPersonajes: Todos los personajes presentados en el libro me encantaron, hasta los que debía de odiar (btw me parece que AIDAN se desarrolla de una manera increíble). Al principio si fue algo confuso el saber quién hablaba y quién estaba narrando pero mientras más lees te vas acostumbrando al formato e identificando más a los personajes.Trama: La historia que plantean al principio se me hacía muy simple pero mientras fui leyendo el libro vi que era mucho más de lo que había pensado en un inicio, la historia en verdad te atrapa porque quieres ir descubriendo qué va a pasar y cómo va a terminar todo. Los plotwist no se me hicieron forzados y de hecho me agradaron bastante.Formato: Bueno, al principio sí era algo confuso el tener que entender cómo estaba distribuido todo e ir identificando cómo se presentaba cada tipo de informe pero una vez que te metes más a la historia se hace más fácil identificar cada cosa y de hecho el formato hace que un libro de casi 600 páginas se pueda leer en 3 días.Overall me gustó bastante, creo que nada mas no le doy 5 estrellas por el hecho de que sí me tomó algo de tiempo adentrarme en el nuevo formato, pero de ahí en fuera todo me encantó, no puedo esperar a leer "Gemina".

Ezra et Kady viennent de rompre. Et quand ils pensaient que la journée ne pouvait pas aller en se détériorant, ils étaient loin de la réalité. Il n'a fallut que quelques heures pour que leur planète, Kerenza, ne soit attaquée par BeiTech, complètement ravagée et recouverte des cadavres de leurs amis et connaissances. Avec une chance infinie, Ezra et Kady réussissent, chacun de leur côté à monter à bord de deux vaisseaux spaciaux : Hypatia pour Kady, Alexander pour Ezra. Mais les choses ne sont pas aussi roses qu'ils le pensaient sur ces vaisseaux en partance pour la station Heimdall et très vite Kady commence à suspecter les autorités de leur cacher la vérité. Elle commence à hacker l'Hypatia quand les choses deviennent hors de contrôle. AIDAN l'Intelligence Artificielle, ne réagit plus comme elle le devrait et prend ses propres initiatives, au détriment des passagers. Bientôt Kady et Ezra deviennent les seuls capables d'agir.Avant toute chose, sachez ceci : Illuminae est une sacré claque visuelle. Certains d'entre vous se demanderont certainement comment un roman peut-être « visuellement beau » en dehors de sa couverture. Et bien, Illuminae n'est pas un roman comme les autres. Regardez quelques illustrations sur le net et vous comprendrez. Le livre n'est pas écrit de manière conventionnelle, il est raconté au travers de mail, séance de tchat, interview et retranscription vidéos. Et tout cela est illustré sur chaque page. Un vrai chef d'oeuvre.Concernant l'histoire : J'ai eu du mal, pendant les 100 premières pages, ce qui n'est pas beaucoup quand on prend en compte que le roman en fait plus de 600. Mais ce n'est pas l'histoire qui me posait problème en soit, c'était le format et le thème. En effet, c'était ma première lecture de Science-Fiction et j'ai lu Illuminae et VO, donc beaucoup de termes m'étaient inconnus au début et le format unique et le manque narration « basique » ne m'a pas aidé à visualiser et comprendre l'histoire dans un premier lieu. Mais une fois que je me suis familiariser avec le vocabulaire et que je me suis habituée au format, j'ai été happée par ce roman, rien de moins que ça. J'ai lu ces 500 dernières pages presque d'une traite au beau milieu de la nuit et l'ai finit le lendemain dans le train, sous les regards étonnés des passagers qui ne comprenait pas mon état, entre appréhension, pleurs et soulagement, quand j'ai tourné la dernière page.Kady et Ezra, nos protagonistes, sont de vrais amours. On voit dès le premier chapitre que leur relation ne c'est pas terminée comme elle l'aurait dût et qu'ils en gardent tout deux une certaine rancoeur. Cependant ils s'aiment et c'est indéniable. C'est cet amour qui les fait tout deux carburer quand les choses se corsent et l'évolution de leurs sentiments et de leur relation est absolument magnifique à suivre, selon moi. J'ai aussi beaucoup apprécié AIDAN, l'IA, étrangement. Il a des pages entière pour lui seul. C'est d'abord très étrange, presque anxiogène de voir les choses qui lui passent par le circuit, mais plus l'histoire avance et plus on arrive à le comprendre et avoir de l'empathie pour lui, malgré sa folie.Je tiens également à préciser que ce tome 1 est également sorti en français sous le même titre : Illuminae – Les Dossiers Alexander #1Avant de finir cette chronique, j'aimerai aussi vous conseiller d'aller voir sur la chaîne Youtube : Random House Kids, où se trouvent plusieurs mini vidéos sur le thème d'Illuminae, tel qu'un message d'Aidan, de Kady et d'Ezra. Je les trouve spécialement bien faites.En conclusion, Illuminae est pour moi un gros coup de coeur et une totale réussite pour ma première lecture de Science-Fiction. Le Tome 2, Gemina, est déjà en ma possession depuis un moment et j'ai plus que hâte de pouvoir me pencher dessus dans les temps à venir. Lisez Illuminae, vous ne pouvez pas être déçu !Chronique de mon blog : novelteabooks.fr