Gemina (The Illuminae Files #2)
Authors: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Release Date: October 18, 2016
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Description:
The highly anticipated sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller that critics are calling “out-of-this-world awesome.”
Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to
be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get
her killed.
The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.
Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant
member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling
with the realities of life aboard the galaxy's most boring space
station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.
When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik
are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are
picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the
station's wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two
before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own
survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.
But relax. They've totally got this. They hope.
Once again told through a compelling dossier of emails, IMs, classified files, transcripts, and schematics, Gemina raises the stakes of the Illuminae Files, hurling readers into an enthralling new story that will leave them breathless.
Praise for Illuminae:
A New York Times Bestseller
A PW Bestseller
“Out-of-this-world awesome.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred
“Stylistically mesmerizing.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred
“An arresting visual experience.” —Booklist, Starred
“A game-changer.” —Shelf Awareness, Starred
Gemina is the explosive sequel to the ridiculously awesome novel Illuminae. I'm going to just jump right in to my thoughts and pray they make some sort of sense. I read and reviewed Illuminae when it released last year, and I absolutely LOVED it. It's one of the most original books I've ever read. I couldn't wait to read the sequel - it promised the same kind of action and thrills as the first book. A huge plus for me with this series is the use of the epistolary writing style. I think it's a perfect fit for the series and makes it all the more unique. This book has all the same kinds of documents, memos, sketches, journal entries, etc. as the first. I have to admit that part of what I loved so much about the first book was the incredibly INTENSE plot. I didn't think I would get into the story as much as I did - I actually ended up reading both of these beasts in a span of a few hours. I just couldn't tear myself away from the creepy and scary action that had our heroine risking her life. The other part of the story that gripped me was the two main characters - Kady and Ezra - and their relationship. I grew to love these two so much and was so invested in them. I figured the second book would have them as the leads again, which made it even more desirable. However, we don't get Ezra and Kady in this novel. We're introduced to two new characters - Hanna and Nik - with the majority of the plot following their actions and relationship. I have to admit that I couldn't get as attached to these two like I did with Kady and Ezra. There was just something lacking a bit with their characters. Don't get me wrong - they are awesome in their own ways and both are well rounded - this is just my personal opinion. Not being able to connect with Nik and Hanna put a bit of a damper on my reading experience, and the plot line didn't seem as urgent as the first book. Regardless, the story was amazing and very well written. All of the characters were unique and fascinating. The setting and plot were fantastic. I know I'm not writing much detail about these aspects of the book, but there's really nothing I can say that would come near how I feel about them. I can't recommend this book (and series) highly enough. I honestly think that readers of all genres will love it and won't forget their reading experience.
Amie Kaufman is the New York
Times bestselling co-author of Illuminae (with Jay Kristoff) and These
Broken Stars, This Shattered World, and Their Fractured Light (with
Meagan Spooner.) She writes science fiction and fantasy for teens, and
her favourite procrastination techniques involve chocolate, baking,
sailing, excellent books and TV, plotting and executing overseas travel,
and napping.
She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her
husband, their rescue dog, and her considerable library. She is
represented by Tracey Adams of Adams Literary.
http://www.amiekaufman.com/
http://www.twitter.com/AmieKaufman
Jay Kristoff is the New York
Times and internationally bestselling author of THE LOTUS WAR, THE
ILLUMINAE FILES and THE NEVERNIGHT CHRONICLE. He is the winner of two
Aurealis Awards, an ABIA, nominee for the David Gemmell Morningstar and
Legend awards, named multiple times in the Kirkus and Amazon Best Teen
Books list and published in over twenty-five countries, most of which he
has never visited. He is as surprised about all of this as you are. He
is 6’7 and has approximately 13030 days to live. He abides in Melbourne
with his secret agent kung-fu assassin wife, and the world’s laziest
Jack Russell.
He does not believe in happy endings.
http://misterkristoff.wordpress.com/
http://www.twitter.com/misterkristoff
(1) Hardcover copy of GEMINA - US only!
*A HUGE thanks to the awesome people at Random House Children's Books for sending me a copy of the book for review & providing the prize for my giveaway!*
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