Book Review: Replica by Lauren Oliver

Title: Replica

Author: Lauren Oliver

Rating 3.5 Stars

Release Date: October 4th 2016

I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Goodreads. Book Depository.

Synopsis:

Gemma has been in and out of hospitals since she was born. ‘A sickly child’, her lonely life to date has revolved around her home, school and one best friend, Alice. But when she discovers her father’s connection to the top secret Haven research facility, currently hitting the headlines and under siege by religious fanatics, Gemma decides to leave the sanctuary she’s always known to find the institute and determine what is going on there and why her father’s name seems inextricably linked to it.

Amidst the frenzy outside the institute’s walls, Lyra – or number 24 as she is known as at Haven – and a fellow experimental subject known only as 72, manage to escape. Encountering a world they never knew existed outside the walls of their secluded upbringing , they meet Gemma and, as they try to understand Haven’s purpose together, they uncover some earth-shattering secrets that will change the lives of both girls forever…

The Good:

Before I say anything more, I just want you to know that I have only read half of this book. For my ARC I only received Lyra’s story, so I cannot complete the review until I have read Gemma’s perspective too. Anyway.

This book was interesting. It was really unique and it pulled at your heart strings. You follow Lyra and 72 as they try to figure out this world we live in, having never seen any of it before. I wanted to know what was happening and I was intrigued by the way it was written. Lauren (the author) writes at the beginning that you can read it however you want, a chapter from each as you go or all in one go. I think when you read it, alternate the perspective per chapter, it would make it more interesting.

The characters are good, and I really like Gemma and want to know more about her and Lyra! The concept too is really wicked and awful and immoral which makes for a great story.

The Bad:

The writing style is very simple. To be fair I am only reading the story of someone who is simple and never been out of Haven so that’s true to the story. The concept behind some of the characters is messed up but that’s part of the plot.

The Interesting:

It’s really interesting to think how would someone respond if they’ve never been out in the world before. Kind of frightening really. I like the fact you can read it however you want and would love to read this again when I get Gemma’s story.

Recommended For:

People who like mystery stories and are good with stories that are a bit morally corrupt.

Quotes:

“They would face it together, as they were then: turned human by joy, by a belonging that felt just like freedom.”

“When Lyra read, it was as if a series of small windows opened in the back of her mind, flooding her with light and fresh air and visions of her places, other lives, other, period.”

Buy it here.