Super well executed audiobook

I loved this book! Very well executed, incredible cast, phenomenal story. The full cast production really elevates the epistolary element of the book - and I never found the sound effects to be too in your face, rather they really enhanced the story. I definitely recommend this book for those who like SciFi, full cast productions, and well executed drama!

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A bit Mary Sue, might have been better in text

Positives: kept me guessing and I'm hooked enough to need to know what the deal is with ongoing mysteries. I bought the sequel.

Negatives: I feel like the lead protagonist has a bit of special girl syndrome and that was sometimes hard to get past. Maybe it was in part the voice acting, I'm not sure. On the subject of voice acting I think some of the characters were hard to listen to seriously and it took some of the drama away.

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1 person found this helpful

Loved this book!

At first I thought the sound effects weird but they made the book! It was awesome. It made listening to the book that much better. The writing was very well done. I thought it would be choppy since it was intercepted messages, emails, etc but it was so well put together.

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2 people found this helpful

Very unique audiobook experience

I can honestly say I haven't ever listened to an audiobook quite like this..

First, the content itself: the story and characters are really interesting, but I wouldn't say groundbreaking (fairly typical sci-fi). It follows some familiar beats.. however, it is the character development that really makes this book. Over the course of the story the characters actually have tangible arcs! And it is exciting to see them grow.. particularly Kady and AIDAN. The climax is amazingly gratifying.. one of the best I can remember.

Now onto the performances - honestly I wasn't feeling it at first.. but as I got to 'know' characters it began to make sense.. the best performance by far is by Olivia Taylor Dudley as Kady Grant.. she is honestly a hidden treasure. Her voice is pleasant to listen to and you can really feel she totally immersed herself in the part. I cant say enough things.

A very close second in terms of performance is Lincoln Hoppe as AIDAN. He absolutely NAILED it.. with a very tough role! Balance between cold calculating computer and a confused true artificial intelligence. Damn close to a perfect performance.

Format: This I must stress above all else.. you may be uncomfortable or uneasy with the format and pace of this story. It is played back through a series of emails, text messages, briefing notes, and video narration. It is essentially a huge 'report' that is being played back for the reader (hence, the Illuminae Files). This may take some time to get used to compared to more traditional story telling but I strongly suggest you give it a chance! About 25% in I was totally immersed and was excited for the story to progress.. it works so well for this story.

As many other reviewers have noted.. this one is really one you can't miss if you are a fan of science fiction. At first I had a sinking feeling it was a young adult romance story and would be overly gushy.. nothing wrong with those, but not my preferred style. I was quickly proven wrong and even though the main protagonists are late teens it was no less enthralling.. it may have even contributed to my enjoyment of it!

TL;DR - incredible audiobook experience. Absolute must have.

Side note: Another bonus of the audiobook is the ambient sounds and 'music'. Some random audio effects include voice modulation to mimic speakers, random beeps and boops and a deep low thrumming imitates the sounds one might imagine on a space ship, and the noises of the antagonists.. oh yes so very effective.

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2 people found this helpful

Love the full cast

The different perspectives and full cast narration had me hooked from the start. Great listen for teens or adults. #Audible1

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A new favourite

I have listened to the whole series several times and I can't get over how good it is.
The story is fantastic - compelling characters, well constructed plot and, best of all, sympathetic villains!
The production side is incredible. It turns the audiobook into a radio drama. I hope this team does a lot more work together because this was captivating.

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Jam packed fun novel with a full cast and sound FX.

I previously read the book years ago and had so much fun getting to experience it as an audiobook. There was no better way to transform this unique book into an audiobook. Loved it!

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Do both audiobook and hardcopy together!

Best way to read Illuminae is reading and listening together. Experience like no other.

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1 person found this helpful

definitely worth it

This is an excellent story. Well-acted and very interesting. However, even though I know it is part of a trilogy, I was very happy and satisfied with just completing book one. The ending was not compelling enough to make me seek out the other books. Notwithstanding, I am sure it will be an enjoyable read for most.

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love it!

I was questioning it at first as it was hard to following with the swinging from narration to narration but after I got what was going on it was a wonderful story with a few twists you Falk in love with the characters some in a bit of a sad way. you cant help wondering what's happening next or what other things will be split. the next in the series is definitely on my list.

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