Book Review: Replica by Lauren Oliver

Title: Replica
Author: Lauren Oliver
Series/Standalone: Replica (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 520
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2016
Format: Hardcover Physical Copy (Own it)
First Lines: "On very still nights sometimes we can hear them chanting, calling for us to die."

"Escape: that was what Gemma dreamed of, especially on nights like this one, when the moon was so big and bright it looked like it was a set piece in a movie, hooked outside her window on a curtain of dark night sky?"



"Lyra:
From a distance, the Haven Institute, tucked away on a private island off the coast of Florida, looks serene and even beautiful. But up close the locked doors, military guards, and biohazard suits tell a different story. In truth, it is a clandestine research facility where thousand of replicas, or human models are born, raised and observed.

But when a surprise attack is launched on Haven two of its young experimental subjects- Lyra, or 24, and the boy known only as 72- managing to escape. As they make their way through a new and menacing environment, they meet a stranger named Gemma, who has embarked on a perilous quest of her own. And as Lyra tries to understand Haven's purpose, she uncovers earth-shattering secrets that will change the lives of both girls.


Gemma:
Gemma has been in and out of hospitals her whole life. A sickly child, she has grown into a lonely adolescent whose life is circumscribed by home, school and her best friend, April.

But after she is nearly abducted by a stranger claiming to know her, Gemma starts to investigate her family's past and discovers her father's mysterious connection to the secretive Haven research facility. Hungry for answers, she travels to Florida, only to stumble upon two human models, or replicas, 24 and 72- and a completely new set of questions. As Gemma tries to unravel the mysteries of Haven, she learns terrible truths about herself and her family that will threaten to destroy everything she loves. "


My Rating: 3/5 

So this book was something a little different than what I expected it to be. When I first heard about his book I really thought that this book was dystopian... I was terribly wrong. As many of you know this book is 50/50 stories of Lyra and Gemma's point of view while their paths cross over. I just thought that this would offer so much more from both sides. I enjoy reading about clones and science fiction overall but I found that this book was a little lacklustre. Halfway through the book, I thought that the book was starting to pick up and it immediately ended and went back to "normal". I also found some of the ideas from one of the main characters were harmful and didn't make me feel entirely comfortable while reading. Overall this was not my favorite book and I will not be continuing with the series. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Replica by Lauren Oliver

So I have a few thoughts about this book. One being that it took way to long to get to the point. I thought it was interesting and while it ended leaving questions, I don't feel the need to continue on with the series. I found parts of the story to be unnecessary, such as the love interests of both of our main characters, the use of harmful feelings felt by Gemma about her weight and the lengthy period in the beginning where Gemma's point of view happened. I really think this book would have been better off to switch perspectives. As I mentioned in the review I will not be continuing on with this story. To elaborate I think that Gemma and Lyra didn't necessarily need love interests to feel complete throughout the story. Isn't it nice just to have someone? I also thought that the way Gemma described herself was uncomfortable to read. I can't change the way someone might feel about themselves but it seemed like she truly thought nothing good about herself. 

Characters:
Gemma: I thought that her character was overall either boring or harmful to think about. I understood her curiosity but it was just overall underwhelming to hear that she was a clone and watch her fall in love with Pete. 

Lyra: While I don't plan on continuing on with the series if at some point I changed my mind I would think it would only be for Lyra's point of view. Her life holds so much mystery and what will happen to her... nobody knows. Also did not need to fall in love to be happy and feel safe... I just think it's a poor message to send to young adults.

Pete: He's sweet.... he dealt with the madness well overall. 

Jake: Sad to see him go, kinda saw it coming though. Wish his death had escalated the story a little more. 

Caelum: I'm curious about his experiences in Haven and why he was so sure no doctor could ever be good. 

April: "Leave" but don't actually go! Ugh so frustrating.

Gemma's Mom and Dad: Did they think she would never find out about her past? It was bound to happen sooner or later.

Dr. O'Donnel: Curious what happened to her, but not enough to carry on.

Nurse Em: What people do when they're in love... ugh.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny