Gemina (Illuminae Files #2) Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

Title: Gemina (Illuminae Files #2)
Authors: Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff, Marie Lu (Illustrator)
Expected publication: October 18th 2016 by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Source: ARC courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IndieBound / Book Depository

"The highly anticipated sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller that critics are calling “out-of-this-world awesome.”

Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.
The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.
Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy's most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.
When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station's wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.
But relax. They've totally got this. They hope.
Once again told through a compelling dossier of emails, IMs, classified files, transcripts, and schematics, Gemina raises the stakes of the Illuminae Files, hurling readers into an enthralling new story that will leave them breathless."

Review: I've been sitting here for longer than I'd like to admit wondering how to tell you fabulous folks how much I practically worshiped and devoured GEMINA without giving too much away. Should I tell you about the...well, no. Or how...no, not that either. Ugh! What I will say is it's a fantastic novel that, even though it's a sequel, can also be read as a standalone (But it's truly best to read ILLUMINAE first). From the beginning to the end, flipping through the amazing story, I never once felt bored nor did I ever want to put it down. It's a fall must read!

GEMINA starts off right where ILLUMINAE ends. We have a new set of main characters. For those wondering, the previous main characters from ILLUMINAE do make appearances, but just be read for a new cast and crew. Hanna is an easy character to fall in love with, and you'll also easily swoon for Nik. I will say the sci-fi element is definitely stronger in this one versus the romance, however, I found this to make the story much more thrilling than the previous novel.

There's so much I want to say and just as much as I can't, but just know that this book will leave the rushing and rushing until the shocking end. To be honest, I very much enjoyed GEMINA more than ILLUMINAE. I know, how is that even possible? This writing duo just keeps getting better and better.

Sadly, my ARC did not have any illustrations in it, but never fear- I've preordered my copy and will be able to see the gorgeous illustrations come October 18th. Put it on your must-read list ASAP.

Rating:

5 Stars

Giveaway: Thanks to the fabulous people at Knopf Books, I am giving away one copy of Gemina to one lucky reader. All you have to do is leave a comment below,. This giveaway is only open to US participants and ends October 31st.