I was trying to choose between five different books to start tonight (and that’d doesn’t even include my actual TBR lists)!! LOL! My choices are mostly the latest brand new releases (Kristen Ashley, Jamie McGuire, just to give you a couple). 😉 And I just can’t choose because they are ALL calling me. My favorite authors!!!
But there is one… one that is not my normal genre, nor did it call to me much. —> Illuminae (The Illuminae Files) <— Oh sure the blurb is good (end of world, and a plague etc etc… I LOVE THOSE!!) yet there was something about this one that was holding me back from the book-love train. A bit too… technical/sci-fi-y in the blurb? I dunno. At first I was all… YES MINE!!!
“This afternoon, her planet was invaded.” …
“But their problems are just getting started. A plague has broken out and is mutating with terrifying results…”
And as I continued reading the synopsis, my excitement waned a little, (Fleets? Hacking? Warships and maps? *sigh*) and I was all… meh. I dunno. Do I really anna get into all that?
But OMG everyone is flipping over it (authors, like K.A. Linde and Colleen Hoover LOVING IT, and readers all over my Facebook feed!!), and I wanna flip too! It’s getting awesome reviews!!! I *think* it’s sci-fi? Definitely dystopian and a few of our very own fellow readers are going INSANE after reading it. Loving it and walking around in a book fog. And, see, it *says* for grade 7 and up but that doesn’t bother me at all. So many HUGE hits were “YA” and we all lost our minds over ’em. Yep! And after Michelle’s reaction? I’m downloading it!
See for yourself:
Michelle: Fabi, excited to read Illuminae – with all the great reviews and that blurb, I couldn’t resist splurging. Fingers crossed it hits my dystopian sweet spot
Michelle: Where’s Fabi?…FABI! I have to share my utter excitement over Illuminae! About a third of the way done and I already know it’s in my top 10 for the year and will likely climb if the pace keeps up…just OMG I’ve never read anything like it! To put it in terms you will understand, I’m Red Rising excited
Back to reading…I can’t see myself stopping unless I fall asleep by accident!
bev: Michelle what’s it about?
Michelle: I stayed up half the night but I finished a 600 page book in less than 24 hours because it was FANTASTIC!!! What’s it about Bev? I like how Jay Kristoff sums it up on goodreads (check out the first review) – sounds crazy right! If you are not into space or zombies or anything dytopian or scifi, I can say it doesn’t matter and everyone should read, no experience, this book. The way it’s presented is uber unique – words and images in an artful weave that IMPACTS more than either alone; dialogue is conveyed in a way that makes it seem like you are living it not reading it. Seriously my mind is blown!! 5 HUGE stars!! It at least ties Red Rising for my favorite read of the year and maybe nudges it a little for just absolute novelty. Fabi, I can hardly contain myself waiting for you to get to this epic read! I’m buying the hardcover asap…I hope more authors jump into this format…ughh I have to stop gushing and get ready for work *deep breath*
fabi: Holy crap! Micheeeelle. I’m moving this weekend and can’t read. waaaaaaaa Oh my God, I can’t wait to get my hands on that book. You’re getting the hard copy?
Michelle: I haven’t been as excited over a book since Red Rising really…not that I haven’t read some amazing books this year but the out of the box presentation, genre-bending uniqueness reminds me why I love reading. It has been complete book fog all day and I recommended it to sooo many people! For those who took the leap with Station Eleven it’s as beautifully packaged and has a lot of romance albeit the YA version but still satisfies. The visual aspect of the book beyond the words is what would be awesome to have in hardcover. Some of the print on the images was very small in the kindle version and I had to strain a little. Still readable and enjoyable but the hardcover will be like a work of art.
fabi: Alright, I’m getting the hard cover. Can’t wait!
Michelle: I’m dying to go get it too! I know the images will be better in the hardcover. It’s really funny in some spots too which was surprising. There’s a little of everything – mayhem, action, explosions, love, wit, secrets, heartbreak…GAH just read it, I need someone to fangirl over it with me!!
fabi: I will! At this point I’m ready to crawl into one of these boxes with the book and pull the lids closed over me. 600 pages in 24 hours! I foresee a sleepless night for myself.
Michelle: Omg what am I going to start after Illuminae? Everything looks like poop and more poop…I might have to reread WiR just to appease myself while I’m coming down from my London-thick book fog!
Maryse: The blurb sounds pretty good for Illuminae but your reactions make it sound much better. Normally I wouldn’t have been attracted to this one, but the way you guys are going on about it, I think I need a temporary genre change!
fabi: Oh double woohoo. That would be awesome Maryse! I’m picking up the hard copy asap.
Michelle: Maryse! I will flip even more if you read it!! Sometimes a nice genre change is just what you need and this one is guaranteed like nothing you have read before!
Michelle: Fabi…Maryse…someone read Illuminae! I’m still thinking about it and the hardcover is crazy crazy amazing – truly a literary work of art!
Maryse: Oh YES Illuminae is interesting me so much too… it’s not my usual but you guys are loving it too much, it must be awesome.
Fabi: And then I’m going to read Illuminae based on Michelle’s reaction and the fact that it’s tight up my alley.
*squeeeeee!!!!* I’m so excited! I just bought it and now I’m going on a book adventure!!! Too many people are losing their minds. It’s time for me to go absolutely nuts for a book too! *happy wiggle* :D!!!!!! PLUS!! I think it’ll be a love story, too. 😉
I’m so excited you’re reading Illuminae!! It’s so good! You’re thrown right into the action straight up, and it’s soooo angsty!! Loving the romance between Kady and Ezra. I’m 47%.
I just purchased the hard copy of this book…………WTF….its just….just ….it’s not a book…its like …a file, with pictures and papers and …STUFF… Oh I can’t explain it but its bloody brilliant. Cannot wait to read it.
Squeeeeeeeeeeee *breath* ueeeeeeeeee
Maryse is reading “it” !
I’m dying, really dying. Today was my first day out of the house after the move from hell. Work was insane after missing two days. I couldn’t even get out on a lunch hour. But tomorrow…Tomorrow, come hell or high water, I’m picking up the hard copy of Illuminae. 🙂 I want a book fog.
The format is just so brilliant. Classic Show, not tell. The graphical emails and memos and diary entries, etc, help you to unfold events, rather than the story telling you what’s going on. It’s so Angsty!! And the love story: loving hard!!
HOLY #!?@$!%& DIES *thud*
I can’t believe you are reading Illuminae Maryse! *happy squeal* If you love it, I think this means you automatically have to read Written in Red 😉
Just wait…no it’s not a book because it’s soooo much more! Ughh I can’t wait to see some of the reactions and Fabi seriously quit work and get reading!
Quit work and get reading? I love that idea. 🙂
Maryse, I am so intrigued by this book. Are you reading the Kindle version or the actual book? I’m feeling like I need the actual book based on a lot of the comments. Anyone have an opinion on which to read?
Jean, Michelle read it on Kindle and I think Maryse is also reading it on Kindle. I’m getting the hard copy because I collect books (not for price – just the ones I want to keep forever) and Illuminae sounds like its right up my collector alley.
Thanks Fabi! The Kindle version and hardback prices are the same so I’m torn as to which one to order!
I’m so far behind in my reading this year too! Last year I read over 200 and I’m only at like 153 now. Need a couple weeks alone with no one bothering me! Lol!
Oh, first line Thursday!
“It was raining. ” The Fall Up by Aly Martinez. The book is better than that first line! I’ve definitely caught Tessa first-line-itis!
“first-line-itis” <— I love that.
Again, I don't have a new first line. I'm still finishing up the book I was reading last Thursday. At this rate, I may not break the 100 mark for the year.
Jean, I’m reading the e-book. 😀
Ok thanks Maryse! I just downloaded the sample.
A sample is gonna be rough, of this book. I realized how “clever” it is because we are reading the story through… documents.
But it’s cool! LOL!
And funny.
*sigh*
You guys… I’m struggling. It’s… kind of hard to understand through all the technical mumbo-jumbo, I dunno who’s ship is good, who’s ship is bad, all the ship names are…? Why we’re having to shoot everyone, who’s “byteme” (I keep forgetting… then I keep remembering, it’s her… and I’m all… right right right…!!! ). LOL!
Because it’s in document/email/video/personal journal format, the story flow is SO fragmented to me. Choppy (but that fits the “style” of the documentation so I get it). It’s so unique… but it’s hard for me to stay focused on it.
I’m at 20%…
When will I “click” and flow with the story… KNOW exactly who is who, who’s talking to who… etc..?
So at a certain point, I just went ahead and read a reader review where she lays out the ground work for us…
They used to date, broke up just before the world goes to heck, they get separated, end up on two different “ships” (he’s drafted and becomes a pilot and she’s a hacker or working with a hacker?).
That helped.
I mean… I was understanding that, but I wasn’t sure I was understanding it enough (until the review laid it out that way)… LOL! But so far I have the gist.
all the initials in the chat transcripts… who? Wait… what?
*sigh*
Yes Fabi quit work because I can’t wait for you to start it! You get this genre and flip over it like me so your reaction is the one I’m impatiently waiting for 😉
Jean, I think you for sure can read the kindle version, absolutely. I was just saying that the actual book is really worth it for this type of presentation. I never buy actual books unless I’ve read the kindle version first so I wouldn’t and didn’t buy it until after finishing.
Maryse, I laughed a lot for the interviews and messaging, especially Ezra cracked me up…and made me swoon!
It’s a little bit of a puzzle Maryse. You are left guessing who they are talking to until it’s revealed. It comes together but as someone said it’s a show you book and not tell you. I loved reading the documents and putting the pieces together since I like to not have everything spelled out but again you are dropped into a story and have to catch up. Everything is revealed slowly but I thought that was brilliant how they paced the flow of information – felt like I wasn’t reading a story but was more ‘real’ that way. Keep going! 🙂
I’m picking it up right after work Michelle. Hopefully starting it tonight. Really excited because it sounds so original. Like the C.Hoover book with the artwork or the one with the music (was that also Hoover?)
Maryse, you’re a great sport for trying it but it doesn’t sound like you’re connecting with it. I always tell myself (and have heard it said many times) that life is too short to spend time on a book that we are not into. Think of your tbr! Not that I’m trying to steer you away from it, but please don’t plow through on our account if its giving you trouble. It actually sounds like a difficult one to attempt outside your “love it” genres with its alternative presentation.
I bet Michelle and I can think of half a dozen dystopians with strong love stories that you’d enjoy without the “techie” stuff or “sci fi” stuff getting in the way and distracting you.
There are so many great books out there. Certainly enough for all of us to find favorites and bypass the occasional “didn’t click” one.
I love you guys. Seriously. <3
Right back at ya. 🙂
Ditto 😀 and you really are a great sport for trying a new genre you do not normally read. I still have high hopes that it will pick up for you. There’s a lot to come and I wouldn’t get bogged down in the details if that helps.
Wait for meeeeeeee!! I’m feverishly finishing KAs latest, but can not WAIT to read this one. If Michelle is crazy about it, then I’m sold. So excited!!!
:D!!!! EVERYONE loves it… only a precious few felt the “bog-down” like Michelle mentions, so I’m sure this is just the initial getting into it “start” hump. Especially for me, ’cause I’m not used to this kind of “world” building.
*fist bumps Michelle* Just for sticking a WiR mention in. Lmao.
*snort*
GASP. I just went to buy it and it’s ELEVEN DOLLARS for Kindle. Gulp. Going in…. better be worth it….
First line Thursday….
“I should get a salad.” – Kristen Ashley, Walk Through Fire (Chaos).
(I love any book that has Tack Allen in it – even as a secondary character)
It’s been a while since I got to post a first line on a Thursday. 🙂
Yeeeaaa MichelleS. We’ll read it at the same time.
It is a little pricey and I just spent even more on the new League sequel.
Oh well. Good books are worth it to me.
Bev, I try *sigh* and all we get is a *snort* and probably a ‘hell no’ in her head.
MichelleS, you recommended Station Eleven after reading it to a bunch of people like I did, I recommend Illuminae even more if that helps 😉
“Okay, this was going to be easy.” Reap the Wind by Karen Chance. Well that’s a dud but the book is really good so far.
First line Thursday (even though its Friday):
‘Josephine Cebula was dying, and it should have been me’
From Touch by Claire North. Thriller /fantasy mind-messer. The h can jump from body to body with one touch….and take lives.
Lol.
As much as I push it I think she needs to read it on a day she totally wants to get lost in a book. The stay in pjs, read all day, and just go somewhere else. Well, if she likes it. If not it wouldn’t work like that.
I noticed that it’s a series……does this book end in a cliffhanger???
Guess what I have my greedy little hands on?!
I can’t stop touching it, looking at the cover, flipping the pages, reading about the authors, squeeling over the other famous authors’ remarks. *just dying* so freakin’ original and smart and unique and and…I haven’t even started reading it yet.
Michelle thanks so much for the heads up on the hard copy. This one HAS to go in my library.
Deborah, its a trilogy. Those don’t normally end in cliffhangers. Besides, if Michelle made me read a CH she knows I’d have to come after her. 😉
Isn’t it soooo gorgeous Fabi 😀 see I knew you’d appreciate it yeyy! I do not buy many books yearly either, like less than 5, and I just NEEDED this one.
No CH – the storyline within the book has a conclusion and it sets up for the next book. There’s a reveal at the end that I wasn’t expecting. Right when you think it’s winding down…who was this dossier prepared for in the first place?
Okay. I’m out…. I downloaded the sample and there are a bunch of “pictures” – which is texts and emails I guess? Anyway – on Kindle, you can’t adjust the font then since it doesn’t see it as text… and I literally can’t read it. BOO.
Moved on to The Queen. Was looking forward to that anyway. Always love Nora, Soren, Kingsley and crew.
If it is mind blowing, then I may reconsider, get some strong reading glasses, or order the actual book. But Kindle and this book do not work well together. Is the whole thing like that?
Actually MichelleS, my Kindle app DOES allow me to expand the text so I can read it well. Although my app is on my iPad so maybe it’s different on actual Kindle readers?
I just checked and I was able to expand the text on mine too, but i have a Samsung Note so….. I haven’t started the sample, but whoa just seeing it had me interested. It looks so different! Hope I can get into it. Maryse are you still struggling?
I am Jean… so I just put it on hold for a bit and started latest from Kristen Ashley. I guess I’m in the mood more for a traditional story-telling method, but I will keep going maybe a few chapters at a time with other until I finally “clue” in. I mean, it must truly be awesome for everyone to go crazy for it, so I have a feeling it “clicks” somewhere later…
I get it. I haven’t tried starting it yet. I want to read KA’s latest too, but need to read the series in order. It’s an OCD thing….lol!
Yeah. Just put it on hold at the library for me to read. It is listed as Teen Fiction. For those of you who have read it, would it be ok for a young teen to read it. On maturity, is it more mature than Hunger Games?
I know this will bug many of you, lol. But for some reason I just picked up and skimmed the new KA on its release day or close to. I’m not sure why. But …..what I did read kinda bugged me. *sigh* *shrug*
In what way Bev ? I just finished it this week.
Again skimmed maybe missing stuff, you know?
Be vague but still.
POTENTIALLY SPOILERISH
PS *******
PS********
PS**********************************************************************************
Why didn’t he do anything? Then to question the sister . And didn’t seem like really ever addressed.
And her way of living that whole time while he went and had what he had.
And when he explains the cats to certain people. Why couldn’t she have more than that if she wanted. There are some ways, not easy but ways if she wants to really.
Also, her reasons and saying nothing just seemed flimsy for being whole reason.
Then he seemed to agree with her decision. And that felt crappy. IDK just overall seemed messed up and depressing.
Bev….I agree with you …without spoiling anything….that the way she lived (for years and years) was messed up and not really beliveable if she really thought they were done. And why didn’t he try??
I find that with a lot of storylines. The frustration/angst created from no communication or miscommunication between H/h weakens a plot. Its not believable.
Michelle, I finally started reading Illuminae last night. I’m only on page 25 and I don’t even have words for hoe much I love this book. The characters are so real and the delivery ingenious. I’m fangirling big time!
*how
Lisa, I get they were young and had all or nothing personalities, but, yeah where was he? Or just have backlash to his part. Then at least the lack of communication and fall out would seem more real. Or even have him know and then have all those emotions and worries (real or imagined) be the cause. IDK just seemed so lopsided, their lives. And yes if she thought right thing….
Oh thank god Fabi because after Maryse’s slow start with it, I was like how can people not flip over this book but then I just read the tons and tons of 5* reviews all over and think it’s not just me. I’m sure people who are reading it early in the release are fans of the genre so maybe when more try it that usually don’t read a book like this, it will be an adjustment to get into it? I dunno but it is my favorite read this year with Red Rising and I think it’s Genius with a capital G!
Michelle, I doubt myself all the time when I rec a book. I’m always thinking others will be bored or whatever, lol. And sometimes it doesn’t work for them and I want them to tell the truth. But sometimes its hard for me to wrap my head around. Especially if they love love a book I didn’t
Like you like that one but not this??
There is my shameful secret.:-P
bev and Michelle… I have the SAME reaction as you guys when recommending books. It’s nerve-wracking, but I just gotta go with my “feels” ya know? We’ll match up most of the time, sometimes, not. And I go seriously public with my reviews, and sometimes I flip over a book, and there are some that are all.. yeah it was ok.
And I’m all… WHAAAAAA????
LOL!
Haha yeah Maryse ok…WHAAAAA??? You didn’t run out and buy the hardcover Illuminae and cuddle it while whispering my precious?! 😛
Lol.
Can you imagine if she reads and hates WiR. Then Fabi will have to comfort us.
Lol Michelle. You mean, like I did? Seriously, I think I’m having a love affair with this book. I’m SO glad you told me to get the hardcover.
I don’t know how long I spent staring at the ship designs. Each on its own page. Brilliant. Totally unique. I am geeking bad here.
I’m dying laughing at the website Unipedia. One of their tabs is titled “WUT DA FAQ”
I might need therapy if Maryse didn’t like WiR either! Fabi, I don’t think, I KNOW I had/have/will have again a love affair with it…”and like roses in his hands, death blooms” squeeeee all over again!
I know how creative and funny are those little hidden gems. When I go back and reread, I’m sure I will pick up things I missed. Everything is so thoughtfully depicted…and I’m soooo excited Fabi because you get it which is like reading it again through you!
Kady is using the handle ByteMe — omg too too funny. A girl after my geeky heart.
Just read the sample of Illuminae and it sucked me right in, but I haven’t taken the plunge and 1-clicked yet. That price is killing me and I’m scared.
“…what made AIDEN go all HAL on us.”. squeeeee
Am I not merciful? Oh AIDEN I shudder…
Jean, I wish it was .99 like your rec with Wither or lendable 🙁
I realize I can’t come here and squeee over every page I read. (Although, that’s what I’m doing IRL – squeeing over every new page I read.) The apology rose — omg the rose!).
So, I’m going to make this comment count.
Illuminae is beyond a five star read for me. It is BY FAR my favorite book of 2015. There is not another that can compare, much less come close to the originality and precision storytelling of Illuminae.
Maryse, I completely understand why it is not in your reading wheelhouse. But I would recommend it (a screaming recommendation) to anyone and everyone who enjoys apocalyptic or YA or sci-fi. Don’t miss out on this experience! I think you’ll love Kady and Ezra as much as I do.
Fabi, I love your excitement and continuing comments over this book! I am “this close” to buying it!
:D!!!!!!!! Ahhh Fabi can I say I love ya and not sound creepy haha but I love that you ‘get’ this book!…and seriously I didn’t want to downplay Red Rising because I love loved that one but yes Illuminae is my favorite of the year and I knew it before 50%. I mean it really is an experience and like you said if it’s a favorite genre, you NEED to read it – that’s why I basically squeeeeed your ear off because this book had *FABI* written all over it 😉
When did Red Rising come out? I wanna say it was 2-3 years ago.
Illuminae is not only my favorite of the year, it’s going in my all-time favorites category. It’ll be #25 in there – out of the thousands of books I’ve read in my life.
Michelle – if its weird, then let it be weird – but I seriously love you for pointing me towards this book. I had my eye on it and would have likely gotten around to it at some point – but I didn’t know! Now I do. 🙂 Thank you, thank you.
2 yrs ago but I just read it this year because yeah it took me too long to get around to it but it was your reaction that gave me a push too 🙂
Illuminae for sure is in my all-time favorites too. If I ever get my favorites list together it will be on there and you will all have to read about more gushing and squeeeing…but you’re used to it after WiR right 😉
What part are you on Fabi? Believe it or not but I think the last third of the book is even another level of omigoooddddd what am I reading!
ByteMe: You there you tragic, tragic creature?
…
Mason, E: …Bored brainless and slightly sweaty.”
Mason, E: Am I turning u on ?
ByteMe: Ez, you do not want to start another fight.
pg. 118
Here is where I convince y’all I’m totally crazy. I am letting each page slowly melt in my brain. I never want it to end. I’m reading every background code and crossed out word and sidebar. I am studying every picture. I even read some parts twice. Yup, I’ve lost it, gone over the edge cray cray over this one.
And you’re telling me the last third is even better? I’ll order the straightjacket from Amazon tomorrow. They can surely get it to me before I get to the end of the book.
Lmao Fabi – you might seriously need the jacket because just waitttttt…gut punches are coming…oh and more swooning over roses and…