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carolesrandomlife

carolesrandomlife

Illuminae

Illuminae - Jay Kristoff, Amie Kaufman This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.

I have to say that this book gets more than a few points just for being different. Don't expect to pick this book and read a story told in a common way because the way this story is told is anything but common. This story is told through the use of reports, interviews, emails, and all kinds of media. It took me a few pages to really get a feel for the story being told by all the documents but in the end I was hooked.

I wasn't sure if the non-traditional method of storytelling would appeal to me and I must say that I don't think that all readers will appreciate how the story comes together. I decided early on to just keep reading and give the book a fair chance. I quickly started to like the two main characters: Kady and Ezra. They have just broken up when all hell breaks loose on their planet and they find themselves in the middle of danger.

The story is actually pretty involved with a lot of things going on. Kady and Ezra end up on different ships so their stories are a little different and fill in the missing pieces of the overall picture. Once I really got involved in the plot, I found that I had a hard time stepping away from this book. I just had to know how everything would work out and there were a few surprises along the way.

There were a few plot twists that felt a little over the top. I appreciate the fact that these twists were unexpected but I think that they did cross into an area of unbelievably. I read a review copy of the book but I would love to get my hands on a formatted paper copy complete with all of the photos. I do think that this book will be best enjoyed with all of the proper formatting found in a print copy.

I would recommend this book to others who enjoy an exciting story told in a unique manner. It really was a wonderful story and I am still amazed at the range of emotions that come across through the use of documents and personal messages. This is the first book by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff that I have had a chance to read and I look forward to the next book in the series.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Children's / Knopf Books for Young Readers via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

Initial Thoughts
This book is so different! I did get to a point that I felt a little tired of reading messages, emails, and reports. Then BAM the book took a twist and I couldn't put it down. Excellent!