Illuminae

It is the year 2575 on the small planet of Kerenza, and teenager Kady Grant has just broken up with her boyfriend, Ezra. When a sudden attack leaves her world in ruins, Kady and Ezra each find themselves reunited aboard one of three escape vessels being pursued across the galaxy by a warship intent on eliminating any witnesses to the ruthless devastation of the young girl’s home. To make matters worse, a mutating virus is turning people into homicidal maniacs, and the ragtag fleet’s main AI seems to have a deadly agenda of its own. This mind-bending tale of survival is told through a dizzying combination of reconstructed ship-to-ship communiques, instant messages, ship’s log entries, interviews, other found footage, and more. It is brought to life in the audio edition by a talented ensemble of actors, but it is the exceptional production values and editing that make this audio such a pleasure. The sound design and vocal manipulation used to differentiate time, place, and character, along with other special effects enhance not only the actors’ performances, but the full listening experience, immersing the listener into this exciting, action-packed, and moving space adventure. Ages 14–up. A Knopf hardcover. (Oct.)