Replica

By: Lauren Oliver

Narrated by: Sarah Drew, Erin Spencer

Two girls, two stories, one epic novel.

From Lauren Oliver, New York Times bestselling author of Before I Fall and the Delirium trilogy, comes an epic, masterful novel that explores issues of individuality, identity, and humanity. Replica contains two narratives in one: Lyra’s story and Gemma’s story. The stories can be read separately, one after the other, or in alternating chapters. The two distinct parts of this astonishing novel combine to produce an unforgettable journey.

Lyra’s story begins in the Haven Institute, a building tucked away on a private island off the coast of Florida that from a distance looks serene and even beautiful. But up close the locked doors, military guards, and biohazard suits tell a different story. In truth, Haven is a clandestine research facility where thousands of replicas, or human models, are born, raised, and observed. 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.

Gemma has been in and out of hospitals for as long as she can remember. A lonely teen, her 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 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. Using a downloadable enhancement, readers can decide how they would like to read the audiobook, as with the print version. They can read the story of Gemma or Lyra straight through first, followed by the other girl’s story, or they can move between chapters in Lyra’s and Gemma’s sections. No matter how it is read, Replica is an ambitious, thought-provoking masterwork.

A little subdued...

It started a bit too slow and technical. As it built more drama and action, it finished in an anticlimactic way. if it was book 1 of a series, you can handle are more subdued finish but I didn't like it. There's always clever means to advance story for a sequel but this ending still didn't leave enough for me wanting more.

Interesting Story - Worth the read!

What did you love best about Replica?

Perspective. I liked that this story was complicated yet about simple human needs.

Which character – as performed by Sarah Drew and Erin Spencer – was your favorite?

Gemma, you hear more about her character development I think than Lyra.

Good Story

I enjoyed the story but I wish I had the version where the stories were intertwined instead of one after the other.

great read

didn't want to put it down it was a great read what happens next I am in suspense!

kept me awake & alert on my 14hr road trip

I listen to audio while I drive, normally work commutes but this time I was on a 14hr drive. I took a chance on this book since it's my first by Lauren Oliver, and I'm glad I did! It had great energy for my road trip, interesting way the story was delivered; by two characters. I actually couldn't wait to get back in the car & ended up listening to the last 6 hours putsing around the house. I'm even sad the story ended when usually I'm looking forward to my next book.