Book Review : Replica // Lauren Oliver

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Synopsis :

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 thousands 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—manage 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 learnes terrible truths about herself and her family that will threaten to destroy everything she loves.

Two girls, two stories, one novel.

While the stories of Gemma and Lyra mirror each other, each contains revelations critically important to the other story. Their narratives can be read separately or in alternating chapters.

Rating :

2.8 / 5 ⭐

Review : 

I read this book about three weeks ago so I dont remember much but here we go.

I do remember not being in love with the story. I did like the concept of the story being said by two different people. One a human (Gemma) and the other a clone / "replica" (Lyra). I started off with Lyra's story because she was a replica and she hasnt seen much of the world an her pov ould be very interesting. I like when people who have never been to our world (aliens, magical beings) describe our world.

However it didnt last long. Most of the time she was more entranced by 72 (A male replica) rather than the world around her. It frustrated me. Yes okay I get it she was interested in him because she has barely been in close proximity to any males but still grrrr....

Gemma's was no different. Well okay maybe slightly better but she still was bothered about cute boys and abs and teenage hormonal stuff. I mean I was more into this for the action and the sci fi but there was not much of it.

The summary promised a lot and the story could have gone a loong way too if the main protagonists didnt just focus on cute boys. And another dissappointment was that the mystery wasnt solved properly or even halfway there. It ended abruptly and I was so mad about it until I found out that there is a sequel for the book. I am not very sure about getting it though since I am not very happy with this book. We'll see though.