Replica: Book One

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2017

Review

Formatted as two separate stories narrated by two different young women with distinctly different voices, this thriller presents a unique take on the trend of dual perspective narratives, allowing the reader to decide which protagonist's tale to begin first.

Lyra and Gemma, whose histories are inexorably intertwined with a mysterious medical research facility called Haven, have never met and have led drastically different lives. Lyra has grown up at Haven with virtually no privacy, raised by doctors and nurses whose cold indifference has been the norm. Gemma's wealthy parents are overbearing -- she endured many medical procedures as a child and they regard her as fragile.

Beginning at different places, it eventually becomes clear how their backgrounds intersect and along the way both are propelled in different directions to take new risks. Smartly paced and gripping, this series opener will be appreciated by fans of the blend of sci fi, romance and action in Oliver's Delirium trilogy.

Overall Book Score: very good