I’m pretty sure the whole world knows my love for Jay Kristoff’s books at this point. It’s almost hard to believe that I picked up Illuminae by chance without ever knowing a thing about it, or its authors. Now his books show up in my lists posts, on my Instagram account, and I’ve even bought them for friends as gifts. He’s got a definite talent for writing amazing books that draw you in with their gripping adventures, amazing sense of humour, and unique, loveable characters.
One of my most hoped for gifts last Christmas was Dev1at3, the second book in the dystopian Lifel1k3 series. I was given Lifel1k3 forChristmas the year before and spent the next twelve months eagerly anticipating the release of the sequel. I’m eagerly anticipating reading Dev1at3. It’s the next book on my TBR, and I just know that when I do start reading it, I am going to love it fiercely. But it has been quite a while since I last read Lifel1k3, so I took a bit of time to go back and reread the first book to refresh my memory. And I’m so, so glad I did.
It’s hard to believe it, but I forgot just how good this book is. I mean, I always knew it was amazing, but I forgot just how good. I forgot how much I loved Mc’s best friend Lemon Fresh, who too pretty to sweat, too tough to be vulnerable, and too loyal to abandon her friends, even when it puts her own life in danger. I forgot how epic the lifelikes are, android versions of humans, made to be stronger, better, smarter, more lifelike than life. I forgot how good the whole cast is, and how gritty and awesome the world is.
The book says “it’s Romeo and Juliet meets Mad Max meets X-Men, which a little bit of Blade Runner cheering from the sidelines.” Which is pretty much the most epic mix. I’m especially fond of the Mad Max vibes I get from this. If you’ve watch Mad Max Fury Road, you’ll definitely be feeling some of the inspiration for this book in all the best ways. I’d add that I definitely feel like there’s a little i-Robot, and touch of Reel Steel in here as well.
I don’t usually go back and reread series before starting on the new instalment as a general rule. Mostly I just rely on my faulty memory and try to figure out what’s going on as I read, but in this case I definitely don’t regret going back to read Lifel1k3. it’s just such a good read. If you like dystopian worlds, robots with free will, girls toting pink baseball bats, epic friendships, fast paced adventures, and books with an amazing sense of humour then you will love this book. You’ll laugh, but it’s going to kick you hard in the emotions too.
Lifel1k3 has reminded me of just how good this world is, and now I am super excited to go on and see how the story continues in Dev1at3. Something tells me that I am going to fall in love with this book so much that I’ll be impatient for the third book to come out, just so I can spend even more time with the characters I have come to love so much.
Have you read any of Jay Kristoff’s books before? What’s your most anticipated read at the moment? Do you usually reread series before starting on a newly released sequel?
