GEMINA: The Illuminae Files_02 by Amie Kaufman (review)

In this explosive sequel to Illuminae (BCCB 12/15), outer space mysteries continue to unfold while the body count rises alarmingly. As in the previous volume, the story comprises instant messages, transcripts, diary entries, and other forms of narration that build a story about a space station and its invasion by a company determined to command a nearby wormhole for evil purposes. There are some central characters, the surprisingly intrepid Hanna, her drug dealer and maybe boyfriend Nik, and his cousin, the brilliantly sardonic Ella, but this is a much bigger story, and the glimpses into the lives and tragedies of all the residents will resonate as much as the drama of the protagonists who are trying, against formidable odds, to stop the vicious invaders. Oh, and also there are some horrifying parasites who don’t give a hoot whether humans are good or evil—they’re all just a meal. This novel relies substantially on information from the earlier outing, but despite being set in the same little, albeit dramatic, ring of space, this book feels fresh and takes additional creative risks. Readers who aren’t daunted by the page count (or even if they are, initially) will quickly spot that every bit of the length is put to good use.