Illuminae (The Illuminae Files)

For fans of Marie Lu comes the first book in an epic series that bends the sci-fi genre into a new dimension.
 
 “A truly beautiful novel that redefines the form."Victoria Aveyard, bestselling author of Red Queen

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
      The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than a speck at the edge of the universe. Now with enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to evacuate with a hostile warship in hot pursuit.
     But their problems are just getting started. A plague has broken out and is mutating with terrifying results; the fleet’s AI may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a web of data to find the truth, it’s clear the only person who can help her is the ex-boyfriend she swore she’d never speak to again.
      Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, maps, files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.
 
“Prepare yourselves for Illuminae.” EW.com
 
[Y]ou’re not in for an ordinary novel experience. . . .  Bustle.com
 
“A truly interactive experience. . . . A fantastically fun ride.” —MTV.com
 
“[O]ut-of-this-world awesome.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred
 
★ “…stylistically mesmerizing.” —Publishers Weekly, starred
 
★ “[A]n arresting visual experience.”—Booklist, starred
  
★ “[A] game-changer.” —Shelf Awareness, starred

“Brace yourself. You're about to be immersed in a mindscape that you'll never want to leave.”  —Marie Lu, bestselling author of the Legend trilogy
 
"Genre: Undefinable. Novel: Unforgettable." —Kami Garcia, bestselling coauthor of Beautiful Creatures & author of Unbreakable
 
An exuberant mix of space opera, romance, zombies, hackers, and political thrills.”  —Scott Westerfeld, bestselling author of  Zeroes and Uglies
 
Stunningly creative. Smart, funny, and romantic.”  —Veronica Rossi, bestselling author of Under the Never Sky
 
“This is one of those rare books that will truly keep your heart pounding.” Beth Revis, bestselling author of Across the Universe
 
This book is xxxxing awesome.”
Laini Taylor, bestselling author of Daughter of Smoke and Bone

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Published Oct 20, 2015

624 pages

Average rating: 8.57

83 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

The.readrose
Jan 28, 2026
4/10 stars
Updated (3/21/18)* 2.5 To say I'm not a Sci-Fi fan is an understatement. I've seen one Star Wars movie and that was because my fiancé had to tie me up and pry my eyes open after years (and I mean years) of constant begging to watch it... Ok, maybe that was a tad dramatic but needless to say I did not want to watch it. Although to get me to watch the new Star Trek movies, all that had to happen was cast Chris Pine, for obvious reasons.
As I'm sure I've so vividly explained, Sci-Fi- is not my go to genre, but given that I did enjoy "reading" this book. (I put the word "reading" in quotes because I did not technically read it, I listened to it on Audible.) If I were to just have read the book, opposed to listening to while reading the book I can confidently say I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much. It honestly probably would've been a DNF. But I did, and therefore am writing this hyperbolic review that could've been summed up in a few short sentences: "I enjoyed it but only kept continuing for Ezra, because I love me some Ezra. Oh, and Kady's cool too I guess." There, review done. But what would be a review by me if I didn't drench it with the dramatics?

*After giving this book more thought, I'm even less of a fan. I just can't get myself to read the second book. Don't mind me. I'm just over here adding this to my "unpopular opinion" shelf.
puntasticpaige
Jan 10, 2025
10/10 stars
This was CRAZY. I couldn’t put it down, read it all in one sitting.
Ashli Hutchison
Nov 19, 2024
Amazing. Seriously, not like anything I've read before 5 stars
Shahna
Jul 18, 2024
10/10 stars
gah! All the feels.

I bought into the gimmick and I'm glad I did. shit son.

I was almost in tears near the end. she worked so hard goddamit.

Can't wait for the next one.
Jessica Haggard
Feb 03, 2024
10/10 stars
This book is worth all the hype that was when it first came out. I waited FOREVER because I'm not a huge scify fan and was worried I'd waste my time. MY TIME WAS NOT WASTED. Holy moly. I listened to the audiobook and the production that went into this, wow! 10/10 would recommend. Loved how this book was set up.

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