LIFEL1K3Author: Jay Kristoff
Series: Lifelike #1
Published by: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 29, 2018
Format: eARC
Pages: 416
Source: Publisher
On an island junkyard beneath a sky that glows with radiation, a deadly secret lies buried in the scrap. Seventeen-year-old Eve isn't looking for trouble--she's too busy looking over her shoulder. The robot gladiator she spent months building has been reduced to a smoking wreck, she's on the local gangster's wanted list, and the only thing keeping her grandpa alive is the money she just lost to the bookies. Worst of all, she's discovered she can somehow destroy machines with the power of her mind, and a bunch of puritanical fanatics are building a coffin her size because of it. If she's ever had a worse day, Eve can't remember it. The problem is, Eve has had a worse day--one that lingers in her nightmares and the cybernetic implant where her memories used to be. Her discovery of a handsome android named Ezekiel--called a "Lifelike" because they resemble humans--will bring her world crashing down and make her question whether her entire life is a lie. With her best friend Lemon Fresh and her robotic sidekick Cricket in tow, Eve will trek across deserts of glass, battle unkillable bots, and infiltrate towering megacities to save the ones she loves...and learn the truth about the bloody secrets of her past.
Okay, I initially thought LIFEL1K3 (Lifelike) was the first Kristoff book I’ve read, but then I remembered that I read Illuminae. So this was technically the first book written only by Kristoff that I’ve read. Then I immediately downloaded more of his books.
Honestly, I went into this rather reluctantly. Nothing against Kristoff or anything, I just didn’t think I was feeling it at the time. I decided to give it at least a couple of chapters, already trying to decide which book I’d read instead. Pfft … I couldn’t stop once I started. I got totally sucked and had a great time with it.
It’s like this crazy post-apocalypse world that I found completely engrossing. I know there are tons of books like that out there, but this one really stood out for me. I love the mix of this darker gritty world mixed with the advanced technology that got weirdly cool sometimes View Spoiler ».
These characters! I love them all, even the seedy bad-guy characters were done really well. I am so freaking here for the friendships!! I will take a solid, down ass friendship over a romance 80% of the time, and this has one that makes me so damn happy. Eve and Lemon are honestly my favorite thing about this book. Then mix in Cricket … yeah, this trio is the best!
Seriously, Kristoff impressed the hell out of me with this book. There’s just all kinds of awesomeness that kept me glued to every page – action, humor, fun banter, friendship, romance, mystery … it has it all! I desperately need the next book!
Yay. So happy you enjoyed this. I thought it was addictive. The characters were fantastic.
Its definitely one that I want to read and will probably buy because I do love his writing. A great fiction story friendship is the best. 🙂
Kristoff just gets more impressive doesn’t he?
I really want to read this one, and just more by Kristoff himself as I’ve only read Illuminae and Gemina. I’m so glad to hear you loved it!!
-Lauren
I love starting a book that I’m not too sure about and ending up loving it. I love the premise for this one, it sounds really interesting.
I keep hearing great things about this one, I want to try!
Oh wow, does this sound good!!
I am not familiar with the author, but I have been hearing great things about this book. I may give it a try.
I am so glad you liked this one. I have a copy of this and am really looking forward to it. I haven’t read any of his books, but I think I have three. Haha
Aw glad this was good. I remember reading the blurb and being like *sputter* WTF- it sounded so crazy! So yeah nice that it works. 🙂
Oh I like his writing but I’m behind on his book list. Looks like you added another to that list. This sounds good!
I’ve read Stormdancer, but I haven’t read anything else by Jay Kristoff since then. This sounds like one to check out! I’ll add it to my TBR list 🙂
I haven’t read any of the books that he has written by himself yet but you have convinced me! I went to the book signing for Obsidio and he was such a nice guy. I can’t wait to get to this one!
I have this to read soon.
I love Kristoff. Check out his Lotus War series.
it’s awesome.
They do say there’s no such thing as a new idea. It’s great when you can find a book that has a premise that’s been done plenty but it still manages to stand out. And yay for friendships!
You know a book is good when you like the villain! Haha! I know what you mean, though. It’s great when you can enjoy every character, even when they’re being bad. I haven’t read a book by this author yet, but it’s on my to-do list. I love it when I start a book on the fence, but end up being completely sucked in! Lovely review. <3
L @ Do You Dog-ear?
Wow…I haven’t read anything by him but I love books that may seem to be the same premise as many others but then are unique enough to suck you right down their rabbit hole!
Did you like Illuminae? I thought it was okay, but it didn’t make my run out and want to read the next book. Was this a lot different? Thanks for the review.
I did like it, but not as much as this book. I felt much more invested and excited about what was happening in Lifelike. I feel it was better all around. Let’s just say I’m still not eager to read the sequel to Illuminae, but I’m definitely looking forward to the Lifelike sequel.
Wasn’t it amazing Christy! I absolutely loved how dirty and gritty the post apocalyptic world was and the friendship between Eve and Lemon Fresh. I liked it slightly more than Illuminae but slightly less than Nevernight, which will absolutely blow you away. I’d love to see what you think of it while we suffer the wait for book two. Brilliant review Christy, loved it ♥♥♥
[…] shouldn’t have been surprised by how good Lifelike was, but I’m so glad I […]