One of my favorite things about being a bookseller/library aide is recommending books. Really, there’s nothing like connecting someone with a book you absolutely love. I was thinking about this today while I was listening to a lecture for one of my classes, and thus, a new blog series! Welcome to So You Liked, a new blog series where I recommend read-a-likes for young adult books. This week’s feature is going to be The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.
Basically, I’m going to provide recommendations based on various elements from the book. I’ve seen a few other posts that have done that and I think it’s so effective for recommendations. People like books for a variety of different reasons, and giving different connection points could help someone find a new book. If you have recommendations for future posts, either let me know in the comments or send me a message! I’m specifically trying to stick to YA, but am totally open to suggestions.
Sad the Illuminae Files is over? Check out these other books that’ll help you get your space fix!
My Top Read-a-Likes for the Illuminae Files
Looking for epic, kick butt squads?
Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Blast off into the latest space adventure from your favorite author duo! Squad 312 is a bunch of misfits that have to come together to save the universe after mysterious Aurora enters their midst. Bonus: the second book just came out this month!
Six of Crows by Leigh Badrugo
Given a chance at a dangerous heist that will absolutely change his life forever, Kaz Brekker has to come up with the best crew to pull it off. But first, they have to figure out how to work together.
The Disasters by M.K. England
Kicked out of space academy, Nax Hall isn’t exactly surprised. However, on his way back to Earth, his ship gets attacked by terrorists. Him and three other ex-students are the only ones who witness the crime. Now they have to complete a heist to save their name. (It’s like Illuminae and Six of Crows all combined into one!)
Maybe a little bit of space adventure?
Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Bellaza
Rhee is the only heir left in the Kalusian dynasty, while Aly struggles with being in the spotlight. When the two collide through an act of violence, they have to go into hiding. Rhee barely escaped with her life and Aly is suspected of her murder. However, their relationship might just be what can stop war in the galaxy.
Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy
A gender-bent retelling of the ever popular King Arthur tale–set in space! After Ari Helix finds Excalibur, she becomes a part of a journey to take down an evil government and to stop the reincarnation of King Arthur himself.
On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
Mia is the newest member on a crew that flies through space to fix old structures. But she really has an ulterior motive–finding an old love interest. A beautifully graphic novel that shows the vastness of space.
What about taking down an evil corporation/government?
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Todd is the last boy to become a man in Prentisstown. But when a mysterious girl appears, Todd learns that nothing in Prentisstown is as it seems. There’s a whole world out there he never knew about, but the evil Mayor Prentiss is set on destroying it.
Warcross by Marie Lu
When Emika Chen accidentally hacks her way into the biggest virtual competition in the world, she definitely expects to get arrested. Instead, she’s invited to become a competitor in the game to help with a security problem. But her investigations show that something more sinister is going on in the background of the competition.
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
A re-imagining of the Civil War with zombies. This is the only world that Jane has known. Sent to a town desperate to get back to the good ole days, Jane uncovers a conspiracy that leaves them all in danger.
Or maybe you just need that A.I. fix?
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Cinder is a cyborg in a world who hates them. An accidental meeting with the prince spins her world on a different course, one supported by her A.I. friend Iko who provides excellent sarcastic commentary.
Crier’s War by Nina Varela
After the war between the Automae and the humans, the Automae took over ruling. But the humans are threatening to revolt and Ayla is caught in the crossfire. When she’s assigned to Lady Crier, Ayla is ready to do her part for the revolution. Together, Ayla and Crier might just change the world.
The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid
Nemesis is a Diabolic, a robot created to protect important people. Nemesis is assigned to Sidonia, the daughter of a galactic senator. In order to save her, she must masquerade as her when she’s summoned to the galactic court.
Totally here for the romantic chemistry.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Laia is a slave for Martial Empire while Elias is a solider. Both long for freedom in a world where dissent is punishable by death. Laia and Elias keep meeting, and might just be the key to creating a new empire. Bonus: the last book comes out this winter!
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
There’s nothing like a love triangle where everyone actually loves each other. There’s so much chemistry between Will, Tessa, and Jem that it practically leaks off the page. Just a bunch of Shadowhunters fighting off a clockwork army–what’s not to like?
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Juliette’s powers are deadly, since anyone she touches dies. When the Reestablishment wants to use her as their latest weapon, Juliette is hesitant. But maybe it’s her only way to be able to live a normal life.