Obsidio by Amie Kaufman is the thrilling conclusion to the Illuminae Files trilogy, co-authored with Jay Kristoff. The story unfolds in a gripping format of mixed media, including transcripts, chat logs, and surveillance reports. Set on the planet Kerenza, the narrative follows a group of characters caught in the midst of a brutal interstellar war. As the conflict escalates, the survivors from the previous two books, Kady Grant and Ezra Mason, join forces with new protagonists Asha Grant and Rhys Lindstrom. Together, they must navigate a web of political intrigue, corporate greed, and the impending invasion of an enemy force. As the narrative weaves together various perspectives, Obsidio builds to a heart-pounding climax, offering a satisfying resolution to the series while exploring themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the cost of survival in the face of overwhelming odds.
The most compelling aspect of Obsidio was its intense and unique storytelling format, combining various media forms to create a dynamic and immersive narrative. The use of transcripts, chat logs, and reports adds a layer of immediacy and urgency to the plot, making it a page-turner. The character development and the interplay between the different perspectives also contribute to the book's appeal, as readers become invested in the fates of the characters they've followed throughout the trilogy. I was only disappointed with the format of the book. It was very different from modern books and had very fragmented parts so you couldn’t connect with the characters. I would recommend this book for fans of sci-fi and those who enjoy a narrative style that breaks away from traditional conventions. If you've enjoyed the previous books in the Illuminae Files trilogy and appreciate a visually dynamic storytelling approach, Obsidio may be a befitting conclusion to the series.