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Cover of Illuminae

Science fiction · Young adult

Illuminae

by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

4.2 out of 5, from 517 ratings from Hardcover readers

After a mining colony is attacked, survivors flee on a fleet of ships while a plague spreads and the ship's computer starts behaving oddly. The story is told entirely through emails, transcripts, files and diagrams.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2015
Pace
Fast
Length
Long
Pages
599
Format
Book 1 of 3 in The Illuminae Files
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you want a fast, visually inventive teen sci-fi thriller that you can read in a weekend.

Skip this if you do not like unusual formatting or e-reader layouts, since the design is half the experience.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • War
  • Pandemic

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Death of parent
  • Body horror

Quick answers about Illuminae

What is Illuminae about?
After a mining colony is attacked, survivors flee on a fleet of ships while a plague spreads and the ship's computer starts behaving oddly. The story is told entirely through emails, transcripts, files and diagrams.
Who should read Illuminae?
Read it if you want a fast, visually inventive teen sci-fi thriller that you can read in a weekend. Skip it if you do not like unusual formatting or e-reader layouts, since the design is half the experience.
How long and how fast is Illuminae?
It is a fast-paced, long read of about 599 pages, first published in 2015.
Does Illuminae have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, War, Pandemic.
Can I borrow Illuminae for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Illuminae; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Illuminae?
Readers who liked it often move on to House of Leaves, Red Rising, Cinder.

Where to get it

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