What order should I read the The Illuminae Files series?

Start with Illuminae and read in series order: 1. Illuminae, 2. Gemina, 3. Obsidio.

How many books are in the The Illuminae Files series?

The The Illuminae Files series contains 3 books so far.

Who wrote the The Illuminae Files series?

The The Illuminae Files series was written by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman.

What tropes are in the The Illuminae Files series?

The The Illuminae Files series features the Found Family, Enemies to Allies, Multiple POV, Space Opera, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biological Threat tropes.

Is the The Illuminae Files series complete?

The The Illuminae Files series is ongoing with more books planned or in progress.

Book series · 3 books

The Illuminae Files

by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman

The Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman is a young adult sci-fi series told through dossiers, messages, and reports. Packed with space battles, corporate conspiracies, AI threats, and star-crossed romance, it offers fast-paced, thrilling interstellar adventure.

The Illuminae Files Tropes

Start the series here · book 1

Illuminae

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she'd ever do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded. Illuminae is a genre-defying space thriller told entirely through hacked documents, IMs, and classified files.

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The Illuminae Files Reading Order

3 books in series order

Book 1: Illuminae

Start here

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she'd ever do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded. Illuminae is a genre-defying space thriller told entirely through hacked documents, IMs, and classified files.
Book 2: Gemina

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. Gemina is the action-packed, format-bending second book in the Illuminae Files.
Book 3: Obsidio

Six heroes. One devastated planet. One monstrous corporation that needs to answer for everything. Obsidio brings the Illuminae Files full circle in a finale that is as emotionally devastating as it is brilliantly constructed.

About the series

The Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman is a groundbreaking young adult science fiction series that redefines storytelling with its unique format of documents, messages, reports, and schematics. The trilogy—comprising Illuminae, Gemina, and Obsidio—follows teenage protagonists Kady Grant and Ezra Mason, among others, as they navigate interstellar conflicts, corporate conspiracies, and AI threats after their colonies are attacked.

Kristoff and Kaufman’s storytelling combines high-stakes action, romantic tension, and thrilling sci-fi adventure. The narrative structure immerses readers in the chaos of space warfare, giving an urgent, cinematic feel to the story. Themes of survival, trust, love, and ethical dilemmas underpin the fast-paced plot, while the protagonists’ growth and relationships provide emotional depth.

Romance, friendship, and loyalty are central, with the series exploring star-crossed love, separation, and bonds forged under extreme pressure. The interstellar setting, cutting-edge technology, and corporate intrigue provide a rich backdrop for action-packed sequences and suspenseful plot twists.

The Illuminae Files series incorporates popular sci-fi and YA tropes, including AI threats, space battles, star-crossed romance, ensemble casts, corporate conspiracies, morally grey characters, and high-stakes survival. Its unique epistolary format and multimedia storytelling make it stand out in contemporary young adult science fiction.

The series is recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven sci-fi, fast-paced adventure, and romance with high stakes. The Illuminae Files has cemented Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman as leading voices in YA science fiction, delivering a thrilling, innovative, and emotionally resonant reading experience that captivates fans of space opera and futuristic adventure alike.

About Jay Kristoff

Jay Kristoff is a bestselling fantasy and science fiction author known for Nevernight, The Lotus War, Empire of the Vampire, and The Illuminae Files. His work blends dark themes, sharp humour, and genre-defying storytelling.

Books, series and tropes by Jay Kristoff

About Amie Kaufman

Amie Kaufman is a bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy, best known for The Illuminae Files, Aurora Cycle, and Starbound trilogy. Her work features fast pacing, emotional depth, and innovative storytelling formats.

Books, series and tropes by Amie Kaufman

The Illuminae Files Series FAQs

What is the The Illuminae Files series about?: The Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman is a young adult sci-fi series told through dossiers, messages, and reports. Packed with space battles, corporate conspiracies, AI threats, and star-crossed romance, it offers fast-paced, thrilling interstellar adventure.
What order should I read the The Illuminae Files series?: Start with Illuminae and read in series order: 1. Illuminae, 2. Gemina, 3. Obsidio.
How many books are in the The Illuminae Files series?: The The Illuminae Files series contains 3 books so far.
Who wrote the The Illuminae Files series?: The The Illuminae Files series was written by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman.
What tropes are in the The Illuminae Files series?: The The Illuminae Files series features the Found Family, Enemies to Allies, Multiple POV, Space Opera, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biological Threat tropes.
Is the The Illuminae Files series complete?: The The Illuminae Files series is ongoing with more books planned or in progress.