Like its ambitious companion novel, Replica, this far-reaching novel by powerhouse bestselling author Lauren Oliver digs deep into questions of how to be a human being in a world where humanity cannot be taken for granted.
In the world outside the Haven Institute, Lyra and Caelum are finding it hard to be human—and neither of them knows where they belong or who they can trust. When Caelum leaves without warning to pursue the dream of a place he belongs, Lyra follows him, convinced that together they will hunt down a cure for the illness that’s slowly consuming her mind. But what they uncover is a shocking connection to their past—even as their future seems in danger of collapsing.
After discovering the uncomfortable truth about her connection to the Haven Institute, Gemma struggles to return to her normal life. But when she learns that her controlling and powerful father has new plans for Lyra and Caelum, Gemma and her boyfriend, Pete, leave in the middle of the night to warn them of the danger they face.When an untimely accident derails them, they are mistaken for the escaped replicas and seized by strangers hired to capture them. The Haven Institute wasn’t destroyed after all, and now Gemma is the one behind the walls.
Lyra’s and Gemma’s stories can be read separately—with either story first—or in alternating chapters, but no matter which way you turn the book, the two distinct stories combine into one breathtaking experience for both heroines and readers alike.
I received this ARC from an independent bookstore during the festivities of Independent Bookstore Day for pure enjoyment. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Ringer is Lauren Oliver’s thrilling follow-up to incredible hit, Replica. I believe that this is a duology based on the way things ended, but there’s still enough of a twist that could lead to more books. It’s too soon to tell at this point! But either way, I think this is the best way to end a book or series for that matter, resolving the pertinent issues but leaving just enough wiggle room for more adventures should that be the author’s course.
It’s been a few weeks since the events of Replica when we start Ringer. Gemma and Lyra are separated once again, but Lyra and Caelum are living with her birth father, Rick, in another state. Knowing that people from Haven might still want to reclaim their “projects”. Gemma has reconnected with her parents in a way, her father doesn’t travel for work anymore, instead people come to him. While there have been many changes to her life, sometimes she feels as if nothing has changed at all. It’s when she learns that Lyra and Caelum are in danger that she decides to act. She and Pete make the road trip to Lyra’s new home in order to warn her before bad people come after her and Caelum.
Though it seems Lyra and Caelum were having their own issues when Lyra comes home to find Caelum gone. She sets out on her own to find him. All the while she is getting sick. As you might recall from Replica, Lyra isn’t a replica, but a human who was tested upon because her mother gave her up years ago for nice sum of cash. Lyra thinks that finding Dr. Saperstein will be the answer to her problems, so after reuniting with Caelum that’s what their new goal becomes. During the road trip, Gemma and Pete are mistaken for replicas and are taken hostage by the scientists. And that’s when the story truly takes off!
I’m continually surprised with these books and how little time Gemma and Lyra spend together. In a way, I get why they don’t but I somehow still expect them to spend more than a page or two together, doing something! I don’t know. It’s weird. But again, I see why they don’t get to spend time together. And yet their stories still collide with one another. It’s truly amazing what Lauren has written here! This is a series filled with quite a bit of excitement and suspense! You truly never know what will happen next! The adventures these girls take are filled with hidden dangers and enemies at every turn! And you never really know who you can trust!
Ringer definitely had a different level of suspense than Replica did. While Replica dealt more with the discovery element of things, Ringer is different because we’re learning more about what we already knew. There’s not a whole lot of new added to the mystery but I still feel like we don’t really know what these scientists were all about. Other than what they said was their mission. Mean, I’m a person of details, I want to know the exact reasoning and not just the sum of it all! Lol. Which basically leads me to feeling a bit befuddled with these scientists still. Add to the fact that I don’t clearly know yet if this is the final book or not.
Once again I was smitten with the little bit of romance that was mixed in. I find I really enjoy Lyra and Caelum’s the most since they’re so new to it all, yet they know their feelings are true. It’s so sweet! Gemma and Pete are as well! The depths that these two go for one another is just amazing!
Ringer was a smash hit! This read is filled with so much intrigue and secrets that I feel like there will always be more to learn about it. This is definitely a read for those who enjoyed twisted tales! And as before I read this one in alternate style and again would recommend that course for because while Gemma and Lyra may not always be together, their stories are happening at the same time and when their worlds collide you’ll get into spoiler like things if you choose to read one girl’s story and then the other. But of course, the important thing is that you decide what course to take!
Overall Rating 4.5/5 stars
Ringer releases October 3, 2017
You have me a little worried about the ending. I am a needy-closure person, but the rest of your review and high rating make me think I will be quite happy with this book. I really liked the first one, and am looking forward to reading the conclusion.
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