REPLICA BY LAUREN OLIVER

It’s hard to define this book to any particular genre, but in a good way.

Some would call it young adult or new adult, others science fiction or even contemporary fiction. As a reader, Replica is really all these genres and more. Designed as a ‘flip book’, Replica consists of two intrinsically linked stories – flipping the book one way allows you to read Gemma’s story; flip the other way and you can read Lyra’s point of view.

I chose to read Lyra’s story first and then Gemma’s, but it’s possible to do the reverse or even read alternating chapters from each story.

Lyra is a replica – a human model or clone – one of thousands who have lived in the Haven Institute their entire lives, tucked well away from the world’s eyes so Haven can monitor and do research on them.

That is, until a surprise attack blows up all Lyra has ever known, and she and a boy known as 72 are the only ones known to escape.

While sickly as a child, Gemma is an ordinary, albeit sheltered, teenage girl.

...Until a stranger almost abducts her and a Frankenstein mask is thrown through the living room window.

Becoming increasingly interested in uncovering her father’s past with the secretive Haven research facility, Gemma heads to Florida where she and a new acquaintance stumble across the recently-escaped Lyra and 72.

While some aspects of the story are very similar, there is still a touch of difference that comes with individuals’ separate points of view, and both stories add to the overall tale insomuch that it is impossible to read one without needing to read the other.

The story itself is fast paced and holds mystery enough to keep the reader engaged, but the book’s true strength lies with its dealing of relevant issues.

As well as the obvious debate of using technology and science to clone human beings, the book deals with the implications of negative self-image, mental health, self-harm, accidental pregnancy, ethical dilemmas, and general adolescence.

This is only made more powerful by the format of the book, when the reader can observe how Gemma and Lyra each view the world so differently.

The ending leaves you wanting more, so be prepared to rush out for the sequel, Ringer.

Replica is available online and at some local bookstores. RRP $16.99.