LIFEL1K3 by Jay Kristoff

June 4th, 2018 Kimberly Review 60 Comments

4th Jun
LIFEL1K3 by Jay Kristoff
LIFEL1K3
by Jay Kristoff
Series: Lifelike #1
Narrator: Erin Spencer
Length: 12 Hours and 27 Minutes
Genres: Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Narration: 4.5 cups

From the coauthor of the New York Times bestselling Illuminae Files comes the first book in a new series that's part Romeo and Juliet, part Terminator, and all adrenaline.

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.

2018 Fave apocalypse scifi FED-THE-NERD Rocked

LIFEL1K3 by Jay Kristoff is the first book in the wickedly cool science fiction fantasy series, Lifelike. This post-apocalyptic young adult tale is filled with danger, robotic gladiators, kick-ass characters, a touch of romance and a mystery that must be solved. I followed along with an ARC copy as I listened to the narrations of Erin Spencer. Buckle up cadets because Kristoff takes us on one heck of a quest before throwing us off a cliff. I need book two STAT!

Caffeinated Reasons to Read or Listen to LIFELIK3

  • Wowsers! This story was intense and as I have come to find with this author, the world-building was amazing. The story centers around seventeen-year-old Eve, who survived a horrific event and lives with her ill grandfather. Eve has a cybernetic implant and builds and fights in gladiator type arenas against robotic machines. Cool right? Only Eve cannot remember all of her past and when she meets Ezekiel, she begins to question everything. The tale that unfolds was blazingly fast-paced and completely addictive with intense action scenes, battles, dangerous missions and more.
  • The world Kristoff has created reminded me of other worlds with its radiation, cyber-bots, big brother, gangs, corruption and secrets. Talk about feeding your inner nerd. This post-apocalyptic world is set in the United States where robots are enslaved and life-like androids are banned. Have you seen the talking human-like robotics being developed?   This story has a little of everything. Fans of Mad Max, Westwood, Fallout, Borderlands, and Terminator will want to grab this one! While this story is unique, it has a similar vibe to these stories and worlds.
  •  The characters and their interaction, banner and teasing were delightful. Eve’s sidekick Cricket, a tiny AI bot who made me laugh, but could be cruel. Eve, herself is fearless and kickass. She is very protective of the people in her circle and will readily fight for them. Lemon is Eve’s best friend and lives in the same home. Can I just say I adored Lemon? Hilarious! Ezekiel is a lifelike and a character I truly liked. Lifelikes have been banned for breaking the three laws.
  • While the story was action-packed with plenty of twists it does feature a romance and this one pulled at my heartstrings. It is brilliantly done, swoon-worthy and made my heart flutter.
  • Kristoff delivers a story of oppression, social ladders, and love. While it may be about robots it certainly felt relevant to today’s headlines. While at times it can be dark it also focuses on love and not just the romantic kind.
  • If you listen to the audio, you’ll love it from the robot voices to Erin Spencer’s pacing, tone, and fantastic vocals for these characters. She really captured the emotions, intensity, and reality of this tale which only enhanced my experience.
LIFEL1K3 by Jay Kristoff is the first book in the wickedly cool science fiction fantasy series, Lifelike. This post-apocalyptic young adult tale was a blast on #audio #loveaudiobooks #JIAM Click To Tweet

Audible JIAM BANNER 2017
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

60 Responses to “LIFEL1K3 by Jay Kristoff”

  1. Tressa @ Wishful Endings

    This was already on my tbr, but now I’ll have to bump it up. Maybe I’ll look at getting the audiobook version since I would probably get to it sooner that way. So glad you reviewed it! 😀

  2. Aj @ Read All The Things!

    I’ve seen this book around, and it sounds brilliant, but I’m still on the fence about reading it. I have so many unread books sitting around. I’m not sure if I can justify getting another book and sticking it on the shelf. Great review!

    • Kimberly

      I’ve felt that way. I keep a list of books I treat myself too after I’ve caught up on x amount of books <3

  3. Kristin @ AddictedtoHEA

    Put back that half a cuppa!!! It was five stars for me 😀 I was totally blown away, too. And I really didn’t think Cricket was cruel, just more honest than most “people’ (?).

  4. Dani

    Love Jay Kristoff and his Stormdancer. Have been waiting for this book! His awesome world building draws you in a nd I love his characters. Great review! ♥️

  5. Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!

    I am not kidding you when I say I had my mouse on this one today to buy it and stopped myself because I just got a bunch of historicals from amazon…Ughhh, I think I might get it anyway. Loved your review and I just want to read this one!

    Mary

  6. Michelle

    I’ve enjoyed The Lotus War series by this author but have yet to go on to his other series. This series sounds great and exciting.

  7. Kim @Book Swoon

    I’m definitely excited about this new series and can’t wait to grab it up. I really enjoyed the Nevernight series and hope this one is just as fantastic.

    • Kimberly

      Yes! I look forward to your take on it. Did you read King’s new book? I listened and it was so good.

  8. Tyler H. Jolley

    You know I love a book with deep world building! This sounds right up my alley. And I just visited Ali’s blog, so I almost spelled alley “Ali.” Lololololol. Yeah, it’s defiantly the end of the day.

  9. Heidi

    I am eagerly awaiting an audiobook copy from my library. I love Kristoff. He is bad ass. I can’t wait to check out this robot world.

  10. Stefanie

    I believe you when he’s good at world building. I read Nevernight and hot damn there was so much detail all over the place and squished into the book.
    May I ask…is it b/c of your new format/settings/platform that if I had commented on your blog once already, I still need to input everything in again? Usually before, if I hadn’t cleared my browser history, my 411 would show up in the boxes already.

    • Kimberly

      Now that is one I need to read/listen to 🙂

      Yes, I am noticing that on all the blogs that are compliant..even the ones that say check to remember your info…lol However, my own browser pops up a suggestion as soon as I type the first letter of form.

  11. ShootingStarsMag

    I’ve never read a solo Jay book but I really want to! I think this one sounds like a great read – and I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it.

    -Lauren

  12. kindlemom1

    Christy loved this as well and I definitely want to check it out. Hopefully it isn’t too…I don’t know sci fi for me. I don’t know, either way I want to see what all the fuss is about. 😉

  13. Melliane

    Oh I was acutally really curious about this one so I’m happy to hear that it was a great one!

  14. Debbie Haupt

    Wow Kim, this one sounds right up my alley so I’m going to speak to my inner nerd and order the audible edition. I mean what’s not to love a cyber, implanted Juliet. Yes please 🙂

  15. Sophia Rose

    Yep, I’m getting this come hell or high water. 🙂 Maybe I’ll edge it closer to the release of book two with that ending.

  16. Lily

    so glad to see you did this on audio I feel like it be amazing on audio 😀 so I am excited to try it

  17. Kay @ It's a Book Life

    I can’t wait to read this!!!! I love this author and I am even more excited to hear about the romance and the banter as well. I am thinking I should try this one on audio… Thanks for the review!

  18. Silvia

    Can you believe I still have to read the Illuminae Files? . . . For shame, Silvia, I know! *sobs* Anyway, you had me at part Romeo and Juliet, part Terminator! I’ll be sure to actually read this and see what I can do about the other series as well!

    Silvia recently posted: "The Weekend" by Rhyannon Byrd
    • Kimberly

      Ahhhh…I love the Illuminae Files but confession…I bought the final book and still need to read it…LOL

  19. verushka

    This one keeps getting rave reviews! Not a fan of the dystopian genre, but his worldbuilding always gets mentioned, so I am thinking I should give one of his a try at some point!

    • Kimberly

      It is very readable and totally engaging. See if your library has it and just try dipping your toes in it.