Publisher: Knopf Books
Page Count: 599
It has taken me forever to write this review. I was just staring at the empty file for the post and no words would come to me. I am afraid this is going to be really, really short in the end, because Illuminae is one of those books where you simply can’t talk about the content at all without spoiling something. The header was meant to catch your attention, because those were elements of the story that I did not expect to be in there at all. I am not sure, but maybe that would have even put me off reading the book rather than getting me more into it (not a big fan of zombie-related stuff), had I known it before, but it was done great. This is all you get from me plot-vise though, let’s talk about some parts of the story that I can’t spoil.
First of all, I want to say that this book is a work of art. I am a huge fan of epistolary story-telling, because I simply find it a lot more engaging than regular writing. Still, it has to be done right in order to work and Illuminae has managed to do just that. The characters seemed vivid and real, some surprisingly more so than I expected.
I gave the book 4 stars, because there were a lot of things that were supposed to tuck at your emotions or make you surprised, but somehow they didn’t catch me all that off-guard. It’s not that I could have exactly guessed what would happen, but it also didn’t really stun me. All in all it was still such an enjoyable read! I am really excited for the sequel and still in love with the looks of the book. I sometimes just stare at it dreamily! The only thing that would have made the art better is if it had been in colour.
So, I guess that’s all I am going to tell you about it. But, as always, I would be happy to talk in the comments in more detail.
Fazit: 4/5 stars! Definitely a book that is worth the hype!
Have you read Illuminae? Are you as excited for Gemina as I am?
Life and Other Disasters 
OMG if it was in colour I might’ve just died, right there while reading it. So excited for Gemina but at the same time I’m really worried it won’t top Illuminae. Book struggles XD
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Right? Colour would have made it beyond stunning. I don’t think it has to top Illuminae necessarily though.
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True, it could be just as good. I would be so disappointed if it wasn’t as good 😦
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I felt the same way! I was not expecting zombies or anything like that AT ALL, but they were kind of a pleasant surprise haha The ending was a total cliffhanger though– I need the sequel ASAP! Great review! 🙂
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Yep, I never really read the blurb and zombies just weren’t on my radar at all. The sequel will be interesting, especially since it has different MCs. Thank you 😀
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I agree! It was very hard to review without spoiling it. I think I rated the book about the same. It was such a fun read!
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Thanks and yep, definitely a fun read!
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It took me so long to review this one too. I just didn’t know what to say. I already told you this but I LOVE that title. It’s great. I’m happy that you did enjoy this book 😀
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I was a bit reluctant because of the writing style, but I am slowly warming up to the idea of reading it. Your great review contributed to it! 🙂
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Hahaha happy to hear it. I think the writing is sometimes a little detached, depending on the format they are using in a certain section, but it works great all in all. I hope you’ll try it. I can only recommend the hardcover.
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Okay… you need to STOP adding books to my TBR ahah. I didn’t add that one yet because, despite the hype, I was scared the writing / this kind of story wouldn’t be for me. But you made me want to read it now. 😛
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Hahaha I am not doing it on purpose and you know it! I like the writing. It’s a lot more fun and actually also very quick to read.
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I completely agree! And it’s almost impossibly to review this book without spoilers. But it was certainly surprising. I wasn’t expecting it to be as creepy/scary as it was in places! 🙂
Great review!
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Thank you! And yes, it was kind of scary in a lot of parts. I felt a little paranoid while reading.
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I see this in the bookstores and can’t help but stop and look at them every time. The design that went into the book is wonderful; I’m happy that the story is just a great as how it looks on the outside. But I probably won’t be reading it since it’s not really my cup of tea despite all the praise (and your insistent recommendation). But maybe I will, we’ll see!
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I thought it wouldn’t be my cup of tea either, but I let the hype get to me. It wasn’t the best thing I’ve ever read, but it was very enjoyable. I don’t regret having bought it. The hardcover is just plain beautiful!
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Ahh you’ve just confirmed why I need to read this book asap!! Great review!!
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Thank you 😀 😀 😀
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You’re welcome!
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this book in colour would be stunning!
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YES! You know how I feel about that.
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