Friday, November 6, 2015

Crossing Over: Science Fiction Survival Stories


It's time for this month's edition of Crossing Over. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature where I recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA book that is similar. It's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. I'm trying to make this a more regular thing where I pick the books based on that month's theme but I skipped last month because I used that theme in the previous month. Although it's only been about an extra two weeks since my last one so we'll go with it. So because this is Science Fiction month I decided to go with two books that are pretty hot right now but they are both fantastic!



Illunimae by Aime Kaufman and Jay Kristoff 
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Illuminae is a book that will serious mess with your head and give you feels that you were not expecting. After an attack on a planet deep in the solar system, the survivors need to figure out a way to survive despite all kinds of crazy circumstances working against them. The main characters use their understanding of technology and military training to get them through things. There are laughs, there are tears, there is tons of action and by the end of the book you will be on the edge of your seat so terrified about how it will all end for the hero you have come to know and love. But the best part is that it's told in an interesting format with a lot of different perspectives really making for a complex and engaging story.

The Martian by Andy Weir
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The Martian is a book that will give you feels that you were not expecting and have you so much more entertained than you thought a hard sci-fi novel would. After an accident on a planet deep in the solar system a man is left behind and needs to figure out a way to survive despite all kinds of crazy circumstances working against them. The main character uses his understanding of science and military training to get him through things. There are laughs, there are tears, there is tons of action and by the end of the book you will be on the edge of your seat so terrified about how it will all end for the hero you have come to know and love. But the best part is that it's told in an interesting format with a lot of different perspectives really making for a complex and engaging story.

These are both amazing examples of why I love Science Fiction and books about survival. There is a huge focus on science and technology but at the heart of the story it is really about the characters. And both of these books have highly intelligent and snarky, sarcastic characters. If you didn't know, those are the characters that I absolutely love. They are also books that just absolutely build to a conclusion that will have you so engrossed and attached that if you aren't worried or in tears, you must be an AI. They are without a doubt two of my top ten books of the year and must reads for anyone who likes Science Fiction.

Have you read Illuminae and/or The Martian? What did you think? What science fiction crossovers do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

6 comments:

  1. PERFECT CROSSOVER RECOMMENDATIONS CASSI!! I absolutely adored both Illuminae and The Martian and they're both clear examples of why I love science fiction!

    I was so immersed into the story with both the books and so invested on the main characters and their very serious struggles!! If I were a nail-biting person, I would have ended nail-less after reading both these books!

    Also, I feel like re-reading The Martian because I need to have more knowledge about potato growth, just in case!!

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    1. Thanks Pili! I love a good crossover. I agree, perfect examples of why I love science fiction too. You can write really plot-driven books with characters you connect with on a deep level with a ton of science. They're all both good!

      Have you seen the movie version of The Martian? It's great. Not as funny but so dramatic. It made me want to reread.

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  2. This is so interesting because, while I LOVED Illuminae, I DNF'd The Martian... Maybe I should give it another chance? Fun post!

    Tracy @ Cornerfolds

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    1. Umm, I don't know. Maybe give it another her try, I loved it, but I can also see the style not connecting with people.

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  3. I have Illuminae. I've had the ARC for some time now, and I have yet to finish it. Man, oh man I need to catch up. I'm not a huge sci-fi fan but for some reason The Martian appeals to me. I might check it out. Nice post!

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    1. They're both great books! Illuminae I think is the kind of story where it goes really slow then suddenly you can't put it down.

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