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jackleopards's review against another edition
5.0
I commend the two authors of this book for killing so many characters without hesitation (not a spoiler, it is what it is)
camiip's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
josiescott's review against another edition
4.0
Really great read! I had some difficulty when I first started reading the book because of the formatting. After about 50 pages or so, this went away and I was invested in the story because of how interesting it was. Loved the characters, really liked Ezra :), and this was perfect for a weekend read. I am starting to read more books in the science fiction genre and this book was great! This was a fantastic addition to my bookshelf!
emily_reads_'s review against another edition
5.0
Holy shit. (Sorry for any swearing guys!)
I got about 30 pages into this book, turned around to my husband and moaned about the layout and how I was prepared to put it down immediately. THANKFULLY I persevered and I'm so glad I did.
The characters: WOW.
The storyline: AMAZING
The ending: PURE TEARS
I loved this book endlessly and I'm starting Gemina immediately. If you're looking to buy this book; do it. If you're 2 or 10 or 50 pages in and don't think you can continue? Trust me and push through it. It's worth it. God bless these authors for making a book with such a different layout and story and characters that you just fall in love with.
In conclusion: MUST READ
I got about 30 pages into this book, turned around to my husband and moaned about the layout and how I was prepared to put it down immediately. THANKFULLY I persevered and I'm so glad I did.
The characters: WOW.
The storyline: AMAZING
The ending: PURE TEARS
I loved this book endlessly and I'm starting Gemina immediately. If you're looking to buy this book; do it. If you're 2 or 10 or 50 pages in and don't think you can continue? Trust me and push through it. It's worth it. God bless these authors for making a book with such a different layout and story and characters that you just fall in love with.
In conclusion: MUST READ
kitabit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I listened to this book and it was far and above the best audio book I've ever listened to. I've heard the term audio drama, which might be what this was. But each character was individually voiced, sound effects were added, overlapping and fading out voices. It was so enjoyable to listen to.
The story was very gripping, though darker than I might have expected for something that's shelved in YA.
The story was very gripping, though darker than I might have expected for something that's shelved in YA.
starrydreamer's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
j_j_max's review against another edition
5.0
I first found this novel in my school library a few years ago, and I loved it then, and upon a few rereads, I love it even more now!
I'm not entirely sure what it is about this story that makes it so engaging. I think the different mediums we see utilized in the formatting of the novel is a gigantic help, because it makes it super fun to hold and read a physical copy. Twisting the book around, flipping, scanning... so fun!
I also think the world building is done in moderation, and without excess. What is described is used for the story, and that is all; i.e., what is expanded on in worldbuilding is not for fan trivia, but only for the progression of the story, which I think worked exceptionally well. I also think that what worldbuilding is done is believable and makes sense, because a lot of it is based in concepts we can already understand the basis of.
As for the actual story, I love it! The progression over time, the desperation shown by the characters, this kind of fight for survival, beating the odds... While it is cheesy to some, it was a refreshing take on an overdone plotline in space operas.
I'm not entirely sure what it is about this story that makes it so engaging. I think the different mediums we see utilized in the formatting of the novel is a gigantic help, because it makes it super fun to hold and read a physical copy. Twisting the book around, flipping, scanning... so fun!
I also think the world building is done in moderation, and without excess. What is described is used for the story, and that is all; i.e., what is expanded on in worldbuilding is not for fan trivia, but only for the progression of the story, which I think worked exceptionally well. I also think that what worldbuilding is done is believable and makes sense, because a lot of it is based in concepts we can already understand the basis of.
As for the actual story, I love it! The progression over time, the desperation shown by the characters, this kind of fight for survival, beating the odds... While it is cheesy to some, it was a refreshing take on an overdone plotline in space operas.
paige87's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting read. I actually really enjoyed the story itself, but the formatting wasn't really something I liked. The transcripts, instant messaging chats, emails, and the AI reports were fine. That didn't bother me. It was the twisting text and oddly formatted pages that I wasn't a fan of. Also, blacking out the cursing only drew more attention to it. Didn't make it better. I guess I just prefer a more traditional story telling style. Despite my issues, the story itself was great. I will most likely read the sequel.
ashction's review against another edition
4.0
This was really good!
I've been buying these books at discounted prices when I find them (of course, I don't have #2, so don't expect me to continue this anytime soon) because the visuals of them are so cool and interesting, and I wanted them on my shelves. I'm glad that this book was so enjoyable, too! I read this for part of my work reading assignments (out of my comfort zone) as sci-fi isn't a genre I willingly go into often. (At least, not something completely sci-fi; elements are fine, but I have trouble with the full genre, which sounds silly, but is true).
Anyway, this was great! I didn't enjoy the pandemic plotline too much given the current world circumstances, but the overall story was intriguing and I always love a tale of espionage and secrets. The art and general layout of this book is fantastic. Also, if you're an audiobook person, Illuminae has a FULL-CAST audiobook that's amazing. Seriously well-done. I'm not an audiobook person, but when I heard it was full-cast, I challenged myself to go out of my comfort zone further and read along to it.
Definitely planning on picking up the sequel just as soon as I can find the hardcover for a good price!
I've been buying these books at discounted prices when I find them (of course, I don't have #2, so don't expect me to continue this anytime soon) because the visuals of them are so cool and interesting, and I wanted them on my shelves. I'm glad that this book was so enjoyable, too! I read this for part of my work reading assignments (out of my comfort zone) as sci-fi isn't a genre I willingly go into often. (At least, not something completely sci-fi; elements are fine, but I have trouble with the full genre, which sounds silly, but is true).
Anyway, this was great! I didn't enjoy the pandemic plotline too much given the current world circumstances, but the overall story was intriguing and I always love a tale of espionage and secrets. The art and general layout of this book is fantastic. Also, if you're an audiobook person, Illuminae has a FULL-CAST audiobook that's amazing. Seriously well-done. I'm not an audiobook person, but when I heard it was full-cast, I challenged myself to go out of my comfort zone further and read along to it.
Definitely planning on picking up the sequel just as soon as I can find the hardcover for a good price!