Blog Tour: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Welcome to the blog tour for the Illuminae paperback! As you all know, I ADORE this series, and I love to share it with readers and non-readers alike. I've reviewed both the book and the audiobook, and although I had the option to repost one of those reviews, I decided to do something more fun. I got to suggest several post options. It was tough to pick among them (because they were all topics I love!), but I went with the one I thought most fans would like. So keep reading for some cool Illuminae Files-themed merch including cookies (!!!), clothes, jewelry, stuff for your home, and yes, candles!

Rating: 5 stars

Release Date: April 25, 2017

Publisher: Ember

Genre: young adult science fiction

Format/Source: arc/publisher & hardcover/Amazon

Status: book 1 of the Illuminae Files trilogy
Links: review, audiobook review

Summary:

Read the New York Times bestselling blockbuster that critics are calling -out-of-this-world awesome.- The first in an epic sci-fi series unlike anything else out there.

Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the worst thing she'd ever been through. That was before her planet was invaded. Now, with enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra are forced to fight their way onto one of the evacuating craft, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But the warship could be the least of their problems. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their biggest threat; and nobody in charge will say what's really going on. As Kady plunges into a web of data hacking to get to the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: Ezra.

Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents--including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more--Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

Praise for Illuminae:

"It certainly filled the Battlestar Galactica-shaped hole in my heart." — Victoria Aveyard, bestselling author of The Red Queen

"Brace yourself, because you're about to be immersed in a mindscape that you'll never want to leave." — Marie Lu, author of the bestselling Legend series

"Prepare yourselves for Illuminae." — EW.com

"You're not in for an ordinary novel experience. . ." — Bustle.com

"A truly interactive experience. . . . A fantastically fun ride." — MTV.com

Illuminae merch:

Bookish merch has absolutely exploded in the past couple years so I want to share some of my favorite items and shops for all you Illuminae fans out there (What do we call ourselves, btw? Afflicted? Hackers? House of Knives-ers? This requires discussion). I love that Amie and Jay support artists who create these designs. If you're interested, there are just three requirements:

1. Please put my name on it
2. Please put Amie's name on it too
3. Make sure the quote is actually, you know, in the book

🤣

— Jay Kristoff (@misterkristoff) April 5, 2017

Most of the designs can be found in other products; I just picked what I would buy it as. Check each shop for availability. Pictures courtesy of each Society6 or Etsy shop.

* means I have purchased or was gifted the item

Illuminae & Gemina cookies by Sweet Emotion Cookies*

 

 ^photos courtesy of Bookie Crumbles instagram

First of all, let's do the delicious stuff. My friend Lindsay is a wickedly talented cookie artist. She does designs for birthdays, weddings, bachelorette parties, holidays, babies, and, my favorite, fandoms. She does sports, books, movies, tv, you name it, and she's amazing with custom orders. I know this for a fact because I've purchased cookies from her before, and I was her partner in crime in getting the Illuminae and Gemina sets to Amie and Jay. HIIIIGHLY recommend if you are in the market for a unique gift or swag or you're just looking for some fun (and delicious) book merch, definitely check out Lindsay's shop!

Illuminae tattoos by Bookmark'd Tattoos

^photo courtesy of  bookmarkd.tattoos instagram

Bookmark'd Tattoos etsy shop hasn't officially opened at time of posting, but I saw this picture yesterday and couldn't NOT include this awesome and unique merch! Personally, I really like the blood drop am I not merciful, but I like that there are options, AND Bookmark'd Tattoos will be taking custom orders once the shop opens so you can always design your own favorite Illuminae quote tattoo!

Home

Am I  not merciful? mug by Evie SEO

Shout out to my wonderful friend Wendy of Book Scents who bought me this creepy mug for Christmas! Evie has a lot of fantastic designs, and I think her art is spot on for this quote. 

I space ship it pillow by The Art of Young Adult*

I'm giving myself this one freebie. Technically Gillian's design is not Illuminae or Gemina specific, but it IS spacey, and I adore it. I love the genre twist to the regular "I ship it". It's absolutely perfect for any of the Illuminae Files books, Amie & Jay's upcoming Andromeda series, both Amie's Starbound and Unearthed series, AND all the other awesome space books YA has to offer. 

You have me rectangular pillow by The Art of Young Adult

Fun fact: Gillian is, like, the only designer ever to actually get the quote correct. I love this quote from Ezra in Illuminae. It gives me all the feels. 

Star & Diamonds throw blanket by Stella Bookish Art

The Illuminae Files books are action-packed and chock full of horrifying space drama, but they're also filled with lovely tender moments both romantic and not. Ezra and Nik are both sweet-talkers, and I adore how much they love their leading ladies (also see above). *swoons*

Okay, I was going to tell you to go to Pivot Book Totes but *gasp* apparently Becca has never done an Illuminae tote. But you CAN order a custom tote from her on her brand new website so be sure to check her out for all your tote bag needs. 

They see each other tote bag by One Way or An Author

Don't want to say too much about this moment because it's a big one (and super spoilery) in Gemina, and I think the design is stunning. 

Am I not merciful? canvas print by Elluna

Jay likes to post #fanartfriday on Instagram, and that's how I discovered this print from Elluna. It's amazing! With art like this, buy the print instead of having it printed on a mug or a clock. It's too beautiful not to be appreciated for exactly what it is: a stunning piece of art.

She looked at the stars travel mug by Angelina Werner

This quote. *dies* It actually looks even better on a longer item like a pouch or laptop sleeve, but I'm in the market for a travel mug.

She is catalyst/chaos clock by thenerdyburrow

I have one clock in my apartment that is not on my phone or on my microwave so I am also in the market for a cool looking clock. I like this catalyst/chaos design because it's actually circular and nothing got cut off.

Support your local space princess sticker by Lady Tano

Kady and Hanna ARE space princesses; they're just the kind that can hack their way into a military system or kick your ass, pink hair and fancy jumpsuit included.

I am frequently underestimated notebook by BookishBeauty

Honestly, I can't relate to this quote at all because I'm 5'10". Sorry, Kady. But I have a feeling it resonates with a lot of other readers. 

Illuminae-inspired reversible book sleeve by BlurringPages

If you haven't been living under a rock, book sleeves are giving bookish candles a run for their money as the hottest bookish item. They're fun, they look great as props for your bookstagram, and they protect your books when you toss them in your purse or bag. *looks sadly at arc that is currently squished inside my purse* Win-win-win. And I like this one because it's space-y AND reversible!

Candles

Okay, I guess candles technically fall under the "home" category, BUT because they have become my favorite collectible merch, they deserve a category all their own! And, as hot as book sleeves are at the moment, let's be honest: candles will always be, literally and figuratively, the hottest merch available to book lovers and collectors.

Merciful candle by Novelly Yours*

^photo credit to Novelly Yours instagram

Novelly Yours was the first candle shop I ever purchased from, and Merciful was also my first Illuminae candle! I LOVE the fun yet completely morbid and appropriate blood splatter on top. Merciful smells fiery, like a spaceship that has been invaded by an infected horde of murderers. Literally the first thought I had upon smelling it for the first time was that it is the candle equivalent of the This is Fine meme: 

<error> candle by NovelHeartbeat Creations

This candle's scents include pear and eucalyptus, but it smells like dessert to me. Again, I LOVE the blood drops, and it looks fantastic with the book! 

Squeak candle by NovelHeartbeat Creations*

^photo credit to NovelHeartbeatCreations instagram

This candle was actually purple originally, but Jessi changed it to match the Gemina cover, which I really like. While this isn't one of my favorite scent combinations (jasmine + rosemary), I do think it looks amazing. Half of the candle game is having something that looks pretty for bookstagram so snag one of these with <error> & your Illuminae pictures will be better than basic. 

Alexander-78V candle by That Bookie Bookmarks*

^credit to ThatBookieBookmarks instagram

This candle has a ton of spice to it! For anyone concerned about the scent profile, no worries. Orange is the dominant scent; the chile pepper just gives it a little kick! Scroll down for the accompanying bookmark!

AIDAN candle by Muggle Library Candles*

I haven't burned my AIDAN candle yet, but it's got a cool smoky scent that is nicely tempered by gardenia and jasmine in honor of Hanna.

Gemina particle candle by Kool & Co

I noticed on Instagram that Kool & Co also have (or had) an AIDAN candle, but it's currently unavailable. I'm really hoping they create an Illuminae lip balm because that's the other item they offer in their shop, and I really want one!

The Last Star candle by BookAndNook

^The label design has changed from what's pictured so

click on the product link above for an updated look!

I don't have any Book and Nook candles YET (I have an order shipping in May), but this scent combo sounds absolutely yummy!

Edited to add:

Hangar Bay 4 candle from CornerfoldsCandles

Found this candle yesterday & couldn't not include it! I love that Tracy went with a unique name for this one that also is big in the story. Hangar Bay 4 is a super important location in Illuminae, and there are two pretty pivotal scenes that take place there. *chokes back tears* And that's all I have to say about that. (except also that scent combo sounds really good so I'm probably going to have to buy one of these asap)

Bookmarks

Illuminae bookmark by That Bookie Bookmarks

^credit to ThatBookieBookmarks instagram

I'm not one to use a lot of bookmarks, but this one from That Bookie Bookmarks is gorgeous. The Alexander and Hypatia look JUST like their pictures in the book, and I love the swirled colors that look like the cover. 

Until Every Last Star bookmark from Little Inklings Design

Okay, yes, technically this is not the exact quote, but I do like this adorable bookmark from Little Inklings Design.

Illuminae bookmark by Boookmarky

Okay, this picture is soooo extra, and I love it, just like I love the bonus swag you can get with this cool bookmark! 

Am I Not Merciful bookmark by SarahsArtHome

Again with the creepiness. If you haven't read Illuminae yet, yes, all the blood splatters and stains are a VERY BAD SIGN but also super appropriate. Especially for this scene because BAD THINGS HAPPEN.

Apparel & Jewelry

Illuminae quote necklace by TheBookshelfQuest

This necklace is sooooo pretty! While it's honestly not my favorite quote, particularly for jewelry, I love the treatment the artist gave to it, making it look like the cover.

Illuminae Files necklaces by NightFoxCreations

Okay, these are super cool. There are actually FOURTEEN different Illuminae/Gemina designs! You can get the covers two different ways or there are several options for quotes from both books. *adds to wishlist*

Don't look at me t-shirt by Evie Seo

Lindsay and I love to quote this to each other, and I'm a huge fan of v-neck tees. Honestly, the shocking thing here is that I haven't already bought this shirt. Again, Evie has a bunch of really good Illuminae Files designs! She has at least one other Illuminae and one Gemina that I haven't included here.

Every Time t-shirt by Thats Tirrellble

This is the one item on the list that is literally only available as a t-shirt, which is disappointing. I'd totally buy it if it were a scarf, a mug, whatever. But I love the design too much not to include it in this list!

She is catalyst/chaos scarf by missphi

Ooooh, I really like this design. It's starry, it's spooky, and it makes for one gorgeous scarf! I don't know when Society6 is going to catch up to Redbubble and offer scarves, but until then, RB is the place to be for one of these gorgeous works of art!

Purchase Links:

   

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/24: A Gingerly Review - Review

4/25: Adventures of a Book Junkie - Interview

4/26: Mary Had a Little Book Blog - Blogger Content

4/27: YA and Wine - Review

4/28: Such a Novel Idea - Review

Week Two:

5/1: YA Bibliophile - Interview

5/2: Owl Always Be Reading - Review

5/3: Book Briefs - Review

5/4: BookHounds YA - Blogger Content

5/5: Novel Novice - Interview

Week Three:

5/8: Page Turners Blog - Blogger Content

5/9: YA Books Central - Interview

5/10: Lisa Loves Literature - Review

5/11: Two Chicks on Books - Interview

5/12: Tales of the Ravenous Reader - Blogger Content

About the Authors:

About Amie:

Amie Kaufman is the New York Times bestselling co-author of Illuminae (with Jay Kristoff) and These Broken Stars, This Shattered World, and Their Fractured Light (with Meagan Spooner.) She writes science fiction and fantasy for teens, and her favourite procrastination techniques involve chocolate, baking, sailing, excellent books and TV, plotting and executing overseas travel, and napping.

She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband, their rescue dog, and her considerable library. She is represented by Tracey Adams of Adams Literary.

Amie's Links:

    

About Jay:

Jay Kristoff is the award-winning author of The Lotus War trilogy, a Japanese-inspired steampunk fantasy. Part 3, Endsinger, is out now. He's also co-author of the upcoming Illuminae (with Amie Kaufman), a YA Sci-Fi... thing, to be released by Knopf/Random House in 2015, and Nevernight, the first part of a new fantasy trilogy kicking off in 2016.

Jay is 6’7 and has approximately 13380 days to live. He abides in Melbourne with his secret agent kung-fu assassin wife, and the world’s laziest Jack Russell.

He does not believe in happy endings.

Jay's Links:

    

Giveaway: 

3 winners will receive a paperback copy of Illuminae. Open to US. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway