Replica audiobook

I have always appreciated Ms. Lauren Oliver’s writing and creativity. The inventive layout of her latest novel was enough to convince me to buy the book as I have never encountered a flip book until Replica. Yep,just one book. Cool, right?I decided to start with Lyra’s story just because I prefer blue over yellow (lol). To be an “it”, a replica, made at the so called "Haven" facility and be somehow content made me admire her character. I admit to not immediately liking her story because it started a bit slow but I’m telling you, do not give up on the book because it gets really good. After reading Lyra’s chapters, I admit I was shocked but at the same time I wasn’t very satisfied either. I thought there were so many plot holes and unanswered questions but these things are what Gemma’s story was meant for. ;) Gemma’s story is one I really enjoyed from the very beginning and even though her and Lyra’s interlap at one point, it felt like reading a fresh new story, a whole new different world. Gemma’s story is complete with mystery, suspense and it even includes your standard high school drama. It reads more like a contemporary while Lyra’s was more sci-fi. It’s incredible to have two different stories converging at one point making a single unified meaning while managing to be everything at once-scientific, realistic, philosophical and most especially human. I don’t think it matters which POV you decide to read first though. It’s entirely up to you. You could even read alternating chapters from each of the girls’ stories because however you decide to read the book, I’m pretty sure you’ll end up enjoying the experience.

What a ride! I really loved how the whole concept of this book & how you can flip it to each character's side and the story ebbs and flows perfectly! I also loved the sci-fi element! Cloning and these replica's, so interesting! It makes you question how far we should go with new science and what really makes you human! Will def. be picking up the sequel in the fall!I am filming a book review on this so I can share my thoughts on it, how I personally read it and if I thought the stories truly intertwined and etc! Be on the lookout for it soon!

If you had any doubts about REPLICA by Lauren Oliver, you can drop them. Because this book is wonderfully marvelous through and through. It's complex, it's different, it's mind-bending. It's everything you've ever wanted.From the start, we're thrust into Lyra's world of hospitals and replicas, twisting in with Gemma's life of secrets. I read REPLICA alternating between Lyra and Gemma's chapters, which I believe lets us know more than reading each side of the story separately. I loved how there are pretty much two stories in one book depending on how you choose to read it. It was incredibly genius of Lauren Oliver to be able to write Gemma and Lyra's story without spoiling the other, so that when combined you see their world in a greater aspect, but alone it's a shrouded mystery. It was pure epicness. And SO. WELL. DONE. Lyra was the more intriguing of the two: her story and the way she perceived things was incredibly interesting. Her side of the story had more action and depth than Gemma's, which I think is mainly because Lyra doesn't know much about our world, so she ended up experiencing more.While the ending did answer alot of important questions, I still feel like it was pretty open. Open endings may be nice, but this was too open for my tastes. Not a cliff hanger, but our characters' stories aren't fully wrapped up. Hence, the reason I didn't enjoy the ending as much as I thought I would. If you had any doubts (like I did), throw them out. For REPLICA is indeed: One. Epic. Novel. Full review to come on IceyBooks.

Full Review on The Candid Cover4.5 StarsWhen I first heard about this new Lauren Oliver book, I knew it would be nothing short of amazing. This is the story of a clone and a human, both connected to a disturbing human cloning institute. I would say that the way that this book is written is one of the best parts, since there are so many options. Replica is sure to blow your mind.Replica is a story all about clones, human replicas. The story is told in two perspectives, a clone's and a human's. Basically, the institution where the clones are made is blown up, causing the girls' paths to cross. There is so much suspense as they try and uncover the true motive of the Haven Institute, and there are many plot twists. I found Replica to be kind of like Orphan Black, so if you are a fan of the show, you will love this book.I really enjoyed the setting of Replica. Part of the story takes place in an institute full of clones. As if the hospital and the cloning wasn't eerie enough, the Haven Institute is located on an island and surrounded by armed guards. I found this to be perfect for Halloween and the fall season. All the secrecy really drew me in, and I found it hard to tear my eyes off the page.What I really loved about Replica is the way it's written. The layout of the book is so original, since there are three ways to read: Lyra's side first, Gemma's side first, or alternating between the two. I started with Lyra's side for no particular reason other than it being on the front cover. I was totally expecting to read the same story twice, but I was pleasantly surprised to see two completely different sides. Somehow, Lauren Oliver has woven two girls from opposite backgrounds together in a way that makes perfect sense. Both sides have these massive plot twists that I never saw coming. You can never go wrong with a good old Lauren Oliver book.Replica is a clone book featuring two very different girls. The story revolves around a creepy cloning institution, which is actually perfect for fall. I loved the way this book was written and would definitely recommend it, especially to fans of Orphan Black.

Video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X55X...

4.5 Stars “They were born for the first time in their bodies. They were born together. They came together into the world as everyone should - frightened, uncertain, amazed, grateful.And for them the world was born, too, in all its complexity and strange glory. They had a place in it, at last, and so at least it became theirs to share.” This book surprised me in the best way. I’ve been getting into scifi more recently and the sequel is coming out next month, so I figured it was the perfect time to read this. But I was not expecting to become so emotionally invested in the characters and their story. Replica is a beautiful story that tackles what it means to be human and the power of choice and agency. Things I Liked I LOVED the parallels between Lyra and Gemma’s journeys. Both girls feel trapped and isolated as the story starts, but they start challenging their situations, desiring freedom and escape and taking control of their lives for first time in their life. Both girls really struggle with what’s “real” and defining what it means to be human. We see their identities redefined in front of their eyes as they uncover more secrets. We really see how Lyra and Gemma’s stories reflect and challenge the nature vs nurture dichotomy about what the “human” experience is in a way that was poignant and gripping. Replicas were really creepy! The language used was so desensitized and cold and made me really uncomfortable, but in a way that made me sympathize with the Replicas. It was so interesting seeing how the replicas spoke and interacted with others, because they have absolutely no socialization beyond other replicas and unsympathetic doctors and nurses. Seeing Lyra and 72, her fellow escapee, interact with a world they know nothing about, and their uncertainty was such a humanizing moment for two characters who are constantly referred to as “it.” I also really liked seeing the different experiences between Lyra and 72. I really liked the format of the story. It’s basically an alternating POV format, where we see from Gemma and Lyra’s perspectives - but more interactive. You can read Lyra’s chapters first, Gemma’s first, or alternate between the two. I read in a sort of weird alternating style: I read Lyra ch1, Gemma ch 1-2, Lyra ch2-3, Gemma ch3-4, and so on. Like I said, kind of weird, but it worked for me. And I read on an ebook which made reading alternately super easy, because there were links to the respective girl’s chapter and the end of each chapter. Even though there were 2 stories with their own distinct feelings happening simultaneously, it felt cohesive.I really liked most of the supporting characters we meet. Pete is so happy-go-lucky and optimistic; he really brought some levity to the heavier mystery scenes. 72 has such a resilience and strength that I really connected to. He’s so determined to be more than a pawn of the Haven Institute and you can feel his struggle. Things I Didn’t Like Chloe was your typical teen mean girl bully, and the worst part was she was barely even in the story! It was just unnecessary petty drama and didn’t add anything to the story, except an unnecessary eyeroll or two.I did end up liking all the romances in the story, but there was some insta-infatuation between a few characters that I didn’t really love. It provided some good flirty banter, but was also a little heavy handed at times.This book really made me think: about lived experiences, socialization, nature vs nurture, and what it means to be human. I loved seeing Lyra and Gemma fight for themselves and each other, even when they were unsure and scared. Replica is definitely a book that will stay with me, and I cannot wait for Ringer to be released next month!Trigger warning for mentions of self harm

Fav quote:“A strange and baffling truth: that the people we're supposed to know best can turn out to be strangers, and that near strangers can feel so much like home.” I was so excited when I saw this at the local bookstore. I bought it instantly (So much for self control!)I like unusual reads and this was on top of the list, I was carrying this around and explaining to everyone how this works, my whole family knows about this... I feel proud.I believe this youtube video gives a good idea about the style this is written in and the synopsis, so watch it if you have not heard about this book:https://youtu.be/e9J3LUR3X_gThe Plot: Now imagine dear reader that you have a clone of you somewhere in the same city, that clone almost looks identical to you, it is used for human experiments...etc, a subject that I found most interesting as a medical student. That clone is a Replica (Replicas don't like the word "clone" so I apologize for all my replica followers). I went into this book not knowing much and that made the experience even better! The Characters: we have 2 main characters -obviously-:Gemma who I can totally relate to, having a hard childhood full of diseases and overprotective parents (I used to be always sick when I was a child), she is the good girl who obeys her parents but she longs for an adventure, she has only one friend, April whom I liked the character growth of through the few pages that she was in.Lyra is a replica who has been living in Haven for as long as she can remember, she likes the kind of "robotic" life that she has there, her view of the world was unique and reading from her POV was amusing. What I like: The writing style, the fast pacing and it was funny every now and then. Also I like the parts that reminded me of "Happy Tree Friends" (look it up in youtube if you've never heard of it), it seems cute and lovely and then it hits hard with its brutality. There were small twists too that were nice.What I don't like: There was a small part that was not very necessary. Some funny parts were not that funny, there were some cliches and toward the end of the book I felt that the author rushed the ending BUT what I didn't know is that this is a duology so.. problem solved. Ringer I am waiting, and I don't like being impatient.Summary: I think Replica needs more attention, it was really enjoyable and a strange read (in a good way). It was fast and cool and full of small twists that I like. I recommend the experience to all kind of readers, specially medicine students and doctors. (I knew what vCJD was when I read it at the start of the book!!)

This book was so fast paced, I couldn’t put it down! Replica was a page turner for sure! This is two different stories in one book. You can read it three different ways. I love a creative format! I read Lyra’s story, and then I read Gemma’s. Lyra is a clone who lives in a place called haven. Gemma is a girl who wants answers. What will Lyra’s life become when the only place she has even known no longer exists? Will Gemma get the answers she is looking for? The adventure these two girls go on is a wild ride. Lauren Oliver did a amazing job combining this two stories together, to make one. I can’t wait to see where the girls end up next!

4.5/5 starsThis was really good. I tore through it in one day. I really enjoyed the dual perspective and flipping the book back and forth. I alternated the perspectives, reading one chapter from each which made the reading experience very interesting. I recommend reading it like that. I wish the ending was a bit less... hangy. I can see why it ended like this. Because mainly, this was a story about humanity and identity and what makes a person a person and in that context, it's resolved. Everyone has their moment of revelation. But I want to know what happens. Open endings frustrate me. Anyway, it was a good read. Full reviewhttps://abooknerd13.wordpress.com/201...

Originally posted on A Frolic Through Fiction*I was sent an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*I think it’s fair to say the main thing that practically THROWS this book into your face and screams “BUY ME” is the formatting.Because this book is a “flip book” . There’s at least two sides to every story, right? Well, Lauren Oliver has given that phrase a whole new meaning by writing a story, and literally giving the book two sides. You can read it starting with either Gemma or Lyra’s story – then you get halfway through the book, come to the end of their perspective, flip the book over, and start with the other girl’s story. It doesn’t matter which side you start with. OR…you can keep alternating chapters, flipping the book over with every chapter you read and reading both stories at the same time. Though I imagine you’d need two bookmarks for that. And THAT is what I really loved about this book. Of course, I really enjoyed the rest of it, but I’m a sucker for interesting formatting, so the thought of half the book being upside down no matter which way you hold it? Well, like I said, I loved it! Personally I started with Gemma’s side of the story, because judging from the synopsis, her side sounded like it had more mystery and intrigue surrounding Haven, and then Lyra’s story would show what it’s like inside. By the end of the book, I was glad I read it that way round. Though I already want to reread it, trying it from alternating chapters to see if the story reads the same when switching constantly between the two perspectives. It’s almost like the amount of choice you have in reading the book makes the story more personal to you – every perspective gives you a different reading experience altogether. The story itself seemed unique – which is really quite ironic, since it’s main plot line is about clones. From the beginning there’s this air of mystery surrounding the story, because you don’t quite know what’s going down at Haven. That’s the focus point of the story, and yet you hardly know anything about it. So there’s instant curiosity, that little voice in your head telling you to “read just that one page more”. I didn’t know what to expect. There’s Gemma, who rarely does anything adventurous, trying to find answers in a way that made me think “Wow Gemma, go big or go home, huh?” And then there’s Lyra, who sees the world in a completely different way to us. It was really interesting to see the story unravel through the eyes of each girl, and I had no problems with confusing their perspectives at all. The stories overlapped sometimes – as you would imagine – but it never became repetitive.I do admit I was slightly more interested in Lyra’s side to the story, but that could easily have been built up through the mystery of Gemma’s story. If that makes ANY sense at all.There was just one thing I wasn’t entirely on board with.The romance.It just didn’t need to be there. I wasn’t against it – I was completely fine with reading it. But at the same time it seemed a bit rushed, and I couldn’t help but think that some of the character’s outlooks on relationships was a bit flimsy. It didn’t add anything more to the story for me. If the romance wasn’t there, I’d have enjoyed the book just as much – possibly more, even.But other than that, the rest of the book was great! It was surprisingly quick to read (there were plenty of times I thought I’d only read 40 pages, only to look and see I’d read 100), probably because of the easy-to-follow writing paired with the secretive story.This Contemporary/SciFi mix of a story was an absorbing and gripping read that kept me turning the pages quicker than I thought. I wanted both sides of the story, and I needed to know the secrets of the Haven Institute. There’s was a strange feeling of there not being an ending to the story (helped by the fact you finish the story in the middle of the book), so I’m already eagerly waiting the release of the next book. Ohhhh how long the wait will seem!Rated 4/5 stars! Amazon

5 stars for Gemma's part of the book;3 stars for Lyra's part of the book. Maybe you are wondering why I gave 3 stars to one half of the book. It seemed to me that Lyra's part of the book was rushed. That different pieces were missing. Like I needed more explanations. But anyway, it was a good book overall.

Super interesting concept.

I really had no idea what to expect going into this book. All I knew beforehand was that it was sci-fi and switched POVs between two girls.It was really much better than I expected. Lyra is a replica and has been raised in a research facility. She's completely innocent of the world at large (which reminded me of the movie, The Island).Gemma is the typical teen going through all the typical teenage angst. She's a bit sheltered because of her sickly childhood.The story can be read alternating chapters between each girl's POV, or you can read all of Lyra's story first and then read Gemma's. I chose to alternate between each.I really enjoyed the sci-fi element and also Lyra's innocence and how she viewed the world. I would have liked a more complete ending, as this book just... ended. I expect we'll get that in the next book. All in all, this was an enjoyable read for me.