DEV1AT3 (Deviate) (Lifel1k3, #2)

by Jay Kristoff

From the bestselling co-author of the Illuminae Files and Aurora Rising comes the second installment in the LIFEL1K3 trilogy--hailed by Marie Lu as "a breathless, action-packed exploration of what humanity really means."

In the wake of a climactic battle, two former best friends suddenly find themselves on opposite sides of the same quest. Eve is torn between the memories of the girl she was and the synthetic she's discovered herself to be. Together with her lifelike "siblings," Eve sets out to find the real Ana Monrova, whose DNA is the key to building an army of lifelikes. Meanwhile, Eve's former best friend, Lemon Fresh, is coming to terms with a power that she has long denied--and that others want to harness as a weapon. When she meets a strange boy named Grimm, he offers to lead her to an enclave of other abnorms like herself. There, Lemon quickly finds a sense of belonging--and perhaps even love--among the other genetic deviates. But all is not what it seems, and with enemies and friends, heroes and villains wearing interchangeable faces, Lemon, too, will join the race to locate Ana Monrova before Eve can get to her.

• ISBN10: 1524713996
• ISBN13: 9781524713997
• Publish Date: 5 May 2020 (first published 25 June 2019)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Ember
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 448
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9781524713997

Reviews

[alindstadtcorbeax]

Star Rating: —> 4 Stars

Kristoff is a freakin' genius. Like... This book was AMAZING.

SO... Lemon Fresh was re-fresh-ing (see what i did there?) as the protagonist this time around. I want to be her biffles. js. Haha no but I love her so much. She is such a bad ass and just fun.

I fell in love with all of the characters this time just like the last. The pacing was incredible, never awkward or strained in any way... just on point.

THIS WAS SO GOOD. Moving onto book #3!

[Terri M. LeBlanc]

I love the world that Kristoff has created so much!  The mashup of fairy tales and legends layered on a climate change and political troubles is amazing. I'm not sure how he does it. Can't wait for the conclusion to the series!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[littleread1]

One of the things I like best about Kristoff's writing is that no one is "safe." He will kill or maim anyone (as long as it makes sense in the story, he won't do it just for funsies). Without spoiling either the previous book or this one, we start off with our merry band having broken up, and the break-ups keep happening. This sets the stage for new partners and players to have the spotlight, and you keep reading and get filled with hope before getting robbed at gunpoint and having your kneecaps kicked in. That just gives me time to recover before the last book in the trilogy comes out.

[Beth C.]

*sigh* You'd think I'd learn, wouldn't you? Death, destruction, and shattered hearts (namely mine). That's what to expect from a Kristoff novel, and DEV1AT3 is no different. I'm pretty sure I was holding my breath at the end - my chest still hurts. (No spoilers.)

Ok, so this one continues right after LIFEL1K3 leaves off, so I'll word things very carefully for those who may not have read that one yet. See how considerate I am? UNLIKE KRISTOFF. Anyway...Eve is so busy rejecting what she thought she was that she can't see what she's becoming. Lemon Fresh is so anxious to fit in that it blinds her to the truth. Ezekiel doesn't know WHAT he should be doing and his confusion gives way to a bargain that goes south when he least expects it. And Cricket, well...he's just doing his best to ensure his continual survival while he tries to help ALL of his friends. Gentle giant, that one.

*double sigh* That synopsis is completely unspoilery accurate and yet it completely FAILS TO NAIL DOWN THE PAIN INFLICTED UPON HIS READERS BY KRISTOFF. Don't say I didn't warn you.

[kimbacaffeinate]

Kristoff treats us to the perspectives of Evie, Lemon, Zeke (Ezekiel), and Cricket. I think this worked really well, as we gained more knowledge about deviates, lifelikes, and the world. Hands down Cricket and Lemon are my favorite characters.

In this book we meet more; mostly deviates. Abraham, Grimm and Diesel are key players. I shed a few tears along the way. Kristoff tackles some big life questions and tests his characters. I love that he never takes the path of least resistance and damn it if he does takes my heart right along with him. Growth, trust, strength, and knowledge are your weapons.

I loved watching Cricket work within the perimeters of robotic law and seeing Lemon accept and test her abilities. It was interesting to see the other deviates abilities. There was some humor with robotic crushes. Zeke struggled with his own issues but mans up well sort of. You’ll see. I enjoyed our time with these characters.

I could not set this down and enjoyed time spent with each character and there were plenty of reveals that have me dying for more. By the time our story ends Lemon will be looking for the same thing Eva is but I hope she gets there first!

Erin Spencer did a bangup job with the narration and has me randomly spouting “Trademark” in her sing-song voice whenever I see the dang symbol. She has become the voice of the characters capturing Lemon and all of her snark and feisty attitude. She adds another layer of depth to this brilliant tale enhancing my experience.

This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer