Review of Replica by Lauren Oliver

Replica: Book 1 in the Replica series by Lauren Oliver

From a distance, the Haven Institute, tucked 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. 
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 replicas, 24 and 72–and a completely new set of questions. 
While the stories of Lyra and Gemma mirror each other, each contains breathtaking revelations critically important to the other story. Their narratives can be read separately or in alternating chapters. In either case, the two distinct parts of this astonishing novel combine to produce an unforgettable experience for its two young heroines–and for the reader.

Extras:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/69132-harpercollins-has-big-plans-for-lauren-oliver.html

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/02/17/lauren-oliver-replica-interview

The New York Times bestselling author of Before I Fall and the Delirium trilogy has written a brilliant, riveting novel that explores issues of individuality, identity, and humanity. Replica is an ambitious, thought-provoking masterwork, and the first in a duology.

Review:

Another excellent read from author Lauren Oliver. I loved Before I Fall and can't wait for the movie next year! This book is equally worthy of its own movie!
The concept of this book was unique and kept me hooked throughout the entire story. I loved how there were two viewpoints but not alternating each chapter. The second one was only introduced when needed to compliment the story and tie up the burning questions from the other character.
The story starts out from Lyra's voice, the main character, a replica. We learn how she grew up and what it was like to be her. Essentially, we get the viewpoint from someone who never left the Haven Institute. Her thoughts and actions reflect her naivety.
Then a little while after Gemma was introduced, we get her point of view and more questions pop up. Her thoughts and reactions reflected her upbringing and the story takes on a very different tone.
I can't forget the romance building as the story unfolded. It wasn't insta-love in any aspect-a great trait. And the twists in the plot? Blew my mind! There were some clues, but I totally didn't see some of it coming.
As a whole, this book was unique and gripping. I highly recommend this first installment of a new series to anyone of any age really. I can't wait to see what happens next for Lyra and Gemma. Five glittery stars!!!

About the Author:

Lauren Oliver is the author of the teen novels Before I Fall, Panic, Vanishing Girls, and the Delirium trilogy: Delirium, Pandemonium, and Requiem, which have been translated into more than thirty languages and are New York Times and international bestselling novels. She is also the author of two stand-alone novels for middle-grade readers, The Spindlers and Liesl & Po, which was an E. B. White Read Aloud Award nominee, as well as the Curiosity House series, and a novel for adults, Rooms. A graduate of the University of Chicago and NYU’s MFA program, Lauren Oliver is also the cofounder of the boutique literary development company Paper Lantern Lit. 
You can visit her online at www.laurenoliverbooks.com.

Book 2 coming soon! Ringer (Replica #2) October 3, 2017
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30457727-ringer