Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1)

Illuminae – Amie Kaufman

In the year 2575, on a remote, icy planet called Kerenza, Kady Grant breaks up with her boyfriend, Ezra Mason, on what turns out to be the worst day of their lives. That same morning, their illegal mining colony is attacked by the forces of BeiTech Industries, a rival megacorporation, and the survivors are forced to flee aboard a small, battered fleet of spaceships, pursued by an enemy warship.

Illuminae, the first book in the Illuminae Files series by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, follows Kady and Ezra as they are separated onto different ships. Ezra is drafted as a fighter pilot, while Kady, a talented hacker, begins investigating what the fleet’s leaders are hiding. She soon discovers that the danger comes not only from the pursuing warship, but also from within: a deadly plague is spreading among the refugees, turning victims into violent, paranoid killers, and the fleet’s damaged artificial intelligence, AIDAN, may be a threat in its own right.

The story is told in an unusual and striking format: a dossier of documents compiled after the events, including emails, instant messages, interview transcripts, military reports, medical files, schematics and surveillance footage summaries. Some pages are designed as visual art, with text arranged in shapes and patterns that reflect the action.

Fast-paced, inventive and suspenseful, the novel combines science fiction, romance, horror and thriller elements, with a wry sense of humor and an unforgettable AI narrator.

Illuminae will appeal to young adult and adult readers who enjoy science fiction and innovative storytelling. It contains violence, strong language, often redacted, and frightening scenes.