*I read this June 2018 and reviewed it then. I read it as an arc, and as always this is my honest opinion.

I honestly didn't know what I was expecting when I started reading this.

So, this isn't my usual genre, and I honestly had  vague ideas of what was going on most of the time, but I like Jay Kristoff's writing, so I gave it a shot.

I kind of sort of figured out the big reveal after reading the first page and realized that it's supposed to be like this huge reveal thing, but honestly, I think it was pretty obvious and you find out really early in the book, so if you want to read my thoughts about that, you can scroll down to the SPOILERS, KIND OF SECTION.

I gave this book 3.5 stars, because while it was engaging and actiony at times, at others it was painfully slow and kind of dragged on for me. Towards the end I was skimming a lot, just to get it done, and honestly questioned if I would keep reading the series after this one. (Final verdict...it has an interesting ending, but I don't think I'm invested enough to continue. We'll see)

My favorite characters were Lemon and Cricket, and I loved following them around, a little more than Evie and Ezekiel. Although, Evie is complex and fierce, I just enjoyed reading Lemon's thoughts a little more.

Overall, this book is interesting, and if you're into the Mad Max/dystopia/robotics scifi thing, definitely check it out. It does drag a little in the middle, but it picks itself back up in the last few pages.



SPOILERS, KIND OF

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This is a Romanov retelling, and no one's talking about it so I guess it's a huge reveal thing? But from the first scene I was like...this is a Romanov retelling, because this girl knows her history.

I really enjoyed this! I liked the world and the characters were fun. I guessed the big twist (the foreshadowing was obvious) but the ending was different, so I liked that. I didn't realize that this is the first in a series, so I'm glad that there will be more to come! Very curious to see where it will be going.

Cyperpunk Pinocchio?

Okay so this book is not what I expected. Seriously it's not. As usual I'll look at this book both as a librarian and as a reader. Hopefully once I'm done you'll understand my confusion.

Librarian: I knew going into this book that we would be buying it for my library, no matter what. My students love Kristoff's other books and I know that they'll devour this one. And for people who are fans of his works, this book is pretty much perfect. It's written in a mix of present day and flashbacks and is full of exciting twists and turns. It's one that they'll read eagerly, and then complain about having to wait to find out what come next.

Reader: As mentioned, my students (and fellow staff members) love Kristoff's books. Like a lot. I however have never been a huge fan. This book doesn't change that. It was an interesting diversion, but there was nothing spectacular about it. Kristoff is a fantastic world builder, but the plot was only okay. Not amazing. Really, most of the unexpected twists came from how different I found this book to be from the description.

**4.5 Stars**
"So you've had some bad days, no doubt," Lemon said. "But I figure, instead of letting your yesterdays bring you down, maybe you can concentrate on building some happier memories today. And that way you can have them for tomorrow?"


To be perfectly honest, you had me at battling robots made out of junkyard pieces. The rest was just the pretty wrapping paper that made up my gift.
If there was one book I could request to be turned into a movie it would be LifeL1k3. It was so cinematic, from the battles, the world, to the character descriptions. I could easily see myself sitting in a dark theater, gorging on popcorn and getting lost in the story on the big screen. I need to see the characters I pictured brought to life and see if I pictured them the same as someone else. But that being said, can it be a 13 hour movie that plays out word for word like the book so nothing is left out? Nothing can be left out because every single moment was needed for character development and the subtle structure of the world. I feel like it is totally reasonable to have a 13 hour movie, right?




I had read the synopsis for the book and it sounded like something I was going to have to read, and that was before I realized that Jay was the author. The Illuminae series that he co-authored was the most unique reading experience I have ever encountered, such a visual treat that I would love to experience for the first time again. I was super excited to get lost in another adventure that Jay created. Well, folks, side note for you that this is WAY more gritty, dark and violent than the Illuminae series. Sure, there was some nice sarcastic banter to break up an emotionally draining darkness as well as some VERY quirky characters to create a fun dynamic in this otherwise dreary world, but for the most part this was a more serious book. Jay created a realistic fiction setting by playing the "what if" game- what if California has earthquake and separates along the fault lines? What if there is another world war? What would out world look like in the worst case scenarios? As a big fan of the dystopian genre, I can say with pretty good authority that this book was so different from anything else.

You don't get a long winded review this time because this story is way more a experience instead of a tell, so I don't want to give anything away. All I can say is that I highly recommend this dystopian read which just so happens to be the first in a series, full of twists and unique characters, so much action, and enough heart to keep you invested. I will now count down the days until I can get the next book (which is not even mentioned of the magical interwebs yet- thanks a lot Jay!). Make LifeL1k3 your next distopian read.

I am voluntarily reviewing this title. Come see the book tour and enter the giveaway at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/

Jay Kristoff has done it again! In LIFEL1K3, he brings us a fast-paced, action-packed, near-future post-apocalyptic adventure. The characters are amazing. They are realistic, witty, complex, and impossible not to fall in love with. Very strong characters. The world-building is outstanding! Kristoff really knows how to create a setting and flesh it out. This is truly a book to have it all with everything from humor and heart to tear-jerking moments, some romance, plenty of action and science fiction, and all the twists you could possible imagine that will blow your mind. This is a book that will make you think and have you at the edge of your seat - all at the same time! Prepare for the next best young adult novel. Be sure to check this one out asap!!

Jay writes some pretty interesting tales, usually with lots of high stakes on the line. I really liked this sci-fi tale he whipped up this time. I felt like I was watching a movie while reading this in my head. Can’t wait for more

"He gave us life, but he intended us to live it on our knees."

So well done! This book was thought provoking, tear-inducing, all out entertaining, full of humor and heart, with a plot twist to end all plot twists. Definitely worth every star. Im still trying to wrap my head around everything, as it pertains to our life as a society and what we ARE doing with advancements in technology. My heart is with Eve forever.

I didn't download the book in time due to personal issues, but from what I've read, this book would have been amazing! I don't care that I didn't get to read it, I am still gonna buy a hard copy!

"In between the pages I'm not myself - and more myself than any other place on earth."

If you love Anastasia retellings, Heart of Iron anyone?? Then this is another book just for you.

"Tasting her fear and swallowing it whole"

Eve has rotten luck: she loses her match in the WarDome against a rogue bot, finds a LifeLike robot that seems to know her, has The Brotherhood (evil cult), a bounty hunter, and other LifeLike's breathing down her neck. All with seemingly ulterior methods.

"Tasted ashes. Ashes and lies."

The characters were my three favorite things: witty, snarky, and morally grey at the best of times.

They were friends and united (until something-something happens at the end, how dare you break my heart like that Mr. Kristoff *clutches SOUL because it wants to leave me now*). Lemon Fresh was refreshing ;) and for the first however many pages, I kept thinking that can't be her name?? Why is she going by Lemon Fresh or someone should really speak to her mother about this ... but then you find out the story behind it and it'll destroy your tiny heart, so beware. I loved Cricket, the loyal "don't call me little" misshapen robot. and Eve and Zeke. and especially sweet Kaiser, a robot dog with a unwavering heart.

"We use our secret weapon"
"Is this secret weapon inside? What's it look like?"
"About five foot two. Red hair. Freckles. Kind of cute."
"... This secret weapon of yours sounds disturbingly familiar, Dimples"

And I can't say anything else without revealing one of the lovely evil little plot twist coming your way. So read and enjoy! Mr. Kristoff has delivered another stunning series debut!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“‘It’s simple to love someone on the days that are easy.
But you find out what your love is made of on the days that are hard.”

“It’s Romeo & Juliette meets Mad Max meets X-Men, with a little bit of Blade Runner cheering from the sidelines”
–> That, my friends, is how this novel was pitched and I mean.. can you imagine anything living up to those bold expectations??

Because Jay Kristoff can.

LIFE L1K3 totally met my expectations and was so engaging, from start to finish.

This was my first novel by Jay Kristoff (will NOT be my last) and I have to say… I have been utterly impressed with the brilliance of his writing. He has such sneaky little ways of alluding to other works of literature and historical events. Pretty much any name that you read, of a character, location, etc.. has not been chosen without significant thought put into it. And as an educator–I always appreciate little tidbits like this in novels that can be used to spark conversations between people in regards to literature and history. The entire plot of LIFE L1K3 is a giant nod to an interesting piece of history– see if you can find those nuggets of reference!

It’s hard to describe the plot much differently than the synopsis above because there are just so many little twists and turns that would be considered spoilers. The pace of the plot does not slow down for the entire duration of the novel, and I absolutely loved that. Want to talk about action-packed?! You have battles between giant robots, shoot-outs, hand-to-hand combat, massive explosions, underwater escapades, a car chase through a ‘natural’ disaster…. I could go on and on. This was so very different from other SFF books I have read, in such a good way! All the comparisons you have seen people make with this book are all just perfect–X-Men, Mad Max, Fallout, Blade Runner, etc..

The action wasn’t the only thing driving this storyline though. This novel was so heavy on strong characters that make you just fall in love with them. But be warned–I had heard before that ‘no character was safe’ with Jay Kristoff–and that is SO true. Brace yourself and don’t be surprised when you find your eyes leaking all the tears all over your ereader/book.

Evie— Eveis a strong, compassionate young woman who has went through some extremely difficult things in her life. You can typically find her accessorized with her high-voltage baseball bat named Excalibur and accompanied by her sidekicks– Lemon, Cricket, and Kaiser.

Lemon Fresh–yes, her name is Lemon Fresh!!–is the most fiercely loyal and badass best friend a girl could ever ask for. Their friendship was so beautiful and meant more to me emotionally than the romance that is presented in the novel. She has short, cherry red hair and freckles and provides the best comedic relief to the novel by way of her quirky humor and no-filter sass. Honestly, I wish we would get a novel about Lemon’s life because I am so attached to her personality.

Ezekiel— Evie and Lemon stumble across some wreckage in the scrap where Ezekiel (Zeke, as we come to often call him) is found lying injured among the rubble. Zeke is a lifelike.. a special type of andriod/bot that has perfectly-human features and… does not have to abide by the three laws that bind other robots (which can be a very dangerous thought!). Zeke is SO likable… I instantly loved him and he really added a lot of philosophical conversation to the novel.

Cricket— This little bot was created by Evie’s grandfather in order to be her companion who will keep her safe and out of trouble. Cricket is a tiny little guy (but do not say that to his face!) with a big heart and a lot of spunk.

Kaiser— I’m a sucker for a loyal pup… such a sucker! I immediately fell in love with Kaiser. He is a unique type of bot that uses organic matter and his type of bot–a blitzhund–is designed to protect their human(s) and come equipped with an explosive unit that is very much a self-destruct-type weapon.

Another thing that I loved that I cannot go without mentioning–the slang usage in this novel! Because this is, in many ways, a post-apocalyptic type novel, presenting a nation that is very different from our current, locations have new names, different names are used for things, and the colloquial slang is so fun! I laughed out loud at some of the things that Evie and Lemon said.

Whew! That ending though…. I really didn’t see that coming at all, although, in hindsight, I should have. LIFE L1K3 has one of those endings that leaves you thinking ‘ahh, well this changes everrryythinggg” and desperately needing the next installment. This will absolutely be a series that I continue with and I now need to go purchase everything Kristoff has ever published (that’s not a joke..).


“It wasn’t possible to live in a world like this without being scared, she knew that. And beign afraid was okay sometimes–fear was what stopped the Bad Thing eating you. But she realized it wasn’t being frightened that had cost her the things she loved. It was becoming paralyzed by it…

…It was okay to be afraid.”





Thank you to Knopf Books for Young Readers and Jay Kristoff for providing me with a DRC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lifelike is not my first Jay Kristoff book, so I knew I would like it, but I was surprised by how connected I felt to the characters. Evie is a badass (something I am UNfamiliar with) but very relatable. The story is non-stop action sprinkled with a little romance and incredible friendship. I was forced to stretch the way I view a lot of things. This was such an atypical response for me to have to a science fiction story. My heart was pounding from the adventure and bursting from the feels.

I will try to write a more comprehensive review later.

This has quickly become my favorite book of 2018. I've loved Jay Kristoff's writing since first reading Illuminae a few years ago, but this is the first book I've read that he has written alone. I was gripped from the second we met Evie Carpenter, and I loved learning about her history. Lemon Fresh is one of my new favorite characters, and I hope we see a lot more of her and Cricket in further novels.. Some parts were predictable, but I don't think that took away from the story at all. And that ending. Did not see that coming. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

What's not to love about Lifel1k3?!? It is a fast paced, action packed futuristic adventure with plenty of Kristoff's characteristic snark, unique characters and stories. Think of this book as part Mad Max meets The Terminator meets Paradise Lost meets Bladerunner with a big dose of Romeo and Juliet!

I can't express just how much I enjoyed this read. Eve is a fascinating character as are Lemo, Ezekiel and the much beloved Cricket.

A big thank you to Knopf and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review :0)

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

3.5 stars. I had a hard time deciding what to rate this book. There were elements that I thought were really cool. This book is like post-apocalyptic cyberpunk. There were things about it that reminded me of Terminator, Mad Max, iRobot, and Blade Runner, with the Romanovs and a little Pinocchio thrown in there too. It is so many things all put together and for the most part it works, but the romance kind of ruined parts of it for me. Now I'm a person who generally likes romance in the books I read, but in this case the main romance was too instant - not to mention it also begins when the main character is only 15 years old. Then on top of that there is another romance in the book that becomes, in my opinion, a weak catalyst that finally sets off a rebellion.

Then there were some inconsistencies in the book. The one that comes to mind first is during a pursuit through a glass storm (it's a sandstorm where the sand has melted into glass). One character is driving a large vehicle that is severely buffeted by the storm and his skin is being shredded by the glass. Then there are other characters that are on motorcycles that seem to be having no problem at all getting through the storm and they don't seem to have a mark on them. I could add more examples, but you get the point.

I do need to mention here that I loved the characters in this book. They were one of the best parts of the book. My favorite was definitely Lemon Fresh. She reminded me a lot of Kensi from Lost Girl in personality, and well, everything. My only complaint about the characters would be the antagonists. The main antagonist did not feel all that scary to me. He came off as a spoiled brat, and except in flashbacks, he doesn't appear until near the end of the book. I understand his motivation even though I feel like what drove him to finally act could have been something better, but I really couldn't get behind the complete personality change of a couple of the others who joined him. Then there was the bounty hunter who is sent after Eve. Trying to kill him was seriously like trying to kill a cockroach. He just wouldn't die. And he wasn't even really an important part of the story.

There were a few twists in the book but I don't think any of them are all that surprising. The only thing that surprised me was the choice Eve makes at the very end. With that rather surprising ending I feel like I need to read the next book in the series. Overall I liked the post-apocolyptic, sci-fi-ish aspects of this book, that, the characters, and the whole conscious A. I. aspect of it is what kept me reading.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for giving me a copy of this book.

Wow! I absolutely loved this YA post-apocalyptic science- fiction adventure. Jay Kristoff has gained a new fan. Looking forward to digging into more of his work. Thank you to the author, publisher & NetGalley for generously providing me an advanced reader copy.

I have loved so many of Jay Kristoff's books. Every single one is a whole new ride. LifeL1k3 was no different. I absolutely loved this book. It grabbed me by the seat of my pants, and never let go. From the beginning, you are thrown into the story, and it slowly unravels before you. I really enjoyed the characters, and I loved the dynamics between the humans and the robots. There were times that I felt like it was predictable, but in the end I think it was intentional. I can't give anything else away for fear of spoilers, but I cannot wait for the next book!!

LIFEL1K3, by author Jay Kristoff, is the first installment in the authors Lifelike trilogy. LIFEL1K3 is set in a post-apocalyptic USA. 2 years ago, there was an uprising by a robotic segment of the populace called Lifelike created by a company known as Gnosis Labs. Our main protagonist is 17-year old Eve Carpenter who builds robotic gladiators so she can earn credits to help her sick Grandpa, who is her last remaining family member. As the story opens, she has a streak of winning 8 straight in what's called the Wardome against various robots of various makes and models.

Unfortunately, things go downhill pretty quickly when her gladiator, Miss Combobulations, is destroyed and almost winds up being killed herself; except that she manages to stop the looming robot with the power of her mind and a raging scream. With various factions, including the Brotherhood, the Preacher, and corporations like Daedalus after her, Eve, her bestie Lemon Fresh, Cricket, her robot voice of reasoning, Kaiser, a cyborg dog who is a fierce and protective of Eve, and Ezekiel, a Lifelike who she found in a scrap heap & who may have a history with Eve, end up on a Max Max like action packed adventure back to the place where Eve's story began.

Eve is an interesting character. She has only one eye. She wears a fauxhawk haircut, and is bloody brilliant when it comes to robotics. Along the way, Eve discovers that her memories may not be all that clear. Not everything is what she has thought it to be. There are pieces of the puzzle missing. It is a journey of discovery, of heartbreak, of family and of making her own choices regardless of how those choices might affect others. Lemon is a wonderful character as well. Quite possibly the best lines in the entire book come from her, including parts when they meet a kraken. I definitely look forward to her next phase in this series.

"This is a story that features Giant Mechanical War Machines. Sexah Androids. Mutant Powers. Doomed Romance. Warring Corporations. Cybernetic Bounty Hunters. Sassy Robot Sidekicks. Rebellions. Chases. Escapes. Betrayals. Lies Upon Lies. Splosions." The author claims the book was pitched as Romeo and Juliet meets Bladerunner, while Fury Road plays a guitar solo in the background. Yep, pretty much a whole lot of badassery!

This book will mess with your mind with various flashbacks of Eve's past. This book will mess with your mind when you come to the ending and the author smacks you upside head with a hammer to prove that he is one twisted bloke. This book is amazing, action packed, stunning, and one that includes a wonderfully written friendship between Eve and Lemon Fresh. "Stronger together, together forever." This is a book that is filled with twists, and surprises, and has been called an origin story, but not in the way you are thinking.

But, wait until you reach the ending. After reading the summary on a certain site, I now understand what the author's intention was and what readers can expect for the next two installments. Up until the ending, I was curious as to what would happen next. I felt as though I've been hit by a runaway train named Jay Kristoff, and things will only get more intense, more twisted, and more complex thanks to Jay's top notched world building and character development.

"Your body is not your own.Your mind is not your own.Your life is not your own."

For real, that was less Romeo & Juliet meets The Terminator, as the blurb says, than it was Westworld meets the Russian Revolution (with heavy Tank Girl influences.) It was crazy, in the best possible way. I was genuinely intrigued by Jay Kristoff's narrative choices throughout the book, and tho I didn't necessarily like the ending, assuming this is the first book in a series, I'm okay with the general idea of having it end on an "oh fuck, that was bad, what happens next?" note. I just wish that Mr Kristoff had given us a Star War before an Empire Strikes Back, to ease us into it.

Anyway, seventeen year-old Eve Carpenter is eking out a living as a mech-gladiator in a post-apocalyptic hellscape, earning credsticks to buy medicine for her ailing grandfather, Silas. Her best friend is Lemon Fresh, a fifteen year-old orphan Silas took in off the streets. Her other loyal companions are a robot named Cricket and a blitzhund -- mostly construct, inherently canine -- named Kaiser. When the girls and their robots go to loot a plane crash in order to earn more credsticks, they find far more than they bargained for in the form of a handsome android whose appearance stirs up memories that will upend Eve's entire life and identity.

This is a universe in which Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics apply... until the day they don't. Mr Kristoff riffs effortlessly off of all sorts of cultural references as he builds a gonzo adventure which eschews the simpering prissiness of a lot of popular YA novels that feature female heroines. Eve and Lemon are ride or die loyal to one another, sharing a bond and a sense of humor that anyone with a bestest can relate to. The hot android is definitely a love interest but he doesn't automatically become the center of Eve's universe, which is super refreshing. And I'm still chewing over that ending! I did not see the twist coming at all, and I'm totally freaked out by what happened after, to the point where I'm not even sure if I'm mad about it. All I know is that I'm definitely reading the sequel, and I'm kinda hoping Lemon is acknowledged as the real heroine of the piece, because she is a rolling badass and my favorite (and because I definitely identify with her more than with Eve. Her "tell me honestly" question to Zeke made me crack up far more than I should have.)

And the language choices! Sumptuous, true cert'. Future slang can sometimes feel forced, especially when it's teen slang, especially when it's oft repeated as is the way of slang and teens, but this was really well done. If I had more time in my life, I'd look up more of Mr Kristoff's work, because he is really good at this writing thing and I admire very much what he's done here. When's the sequel come out? I wants it. In the meantime, regardless of what I just said, I've bought a copy of The Illuminae Files THAT I WILL NEVER HAVE THE TIME TO READ OH WELL.

Lifelike is set in a frighteningly near-future post-apocalyptic world in which human-looking androids, "Lifel1k3s", have been outlawed and the US is in a terrifying state. In a crazy, but AMAZING combination of science fiction, romance, action, and mind-f*ckery, Lifel1k3 is not one to be missed.

with a truly terrific and yet somehow realistic cast of characters, Mr. Kristoff weaves a tale of what it truly means to be human, while also simultaneously making us want to puke (because blood and gore), and gasp (because...you know, plot twists?).

Lifelike is a start to a new series. And what a truly right out of the gate action-packed, yet moving, and relevant story it has been.

I received a free copy of this book from the NetGalley. I had the opportunity to review or not.

What happens when the three laws of robotics change? Eve might know. Right now, she is busy driving a battle robot. Together with her best friend, Lemon Fresh, her little robot, Cricket, and her Grandpa, she lives in a scrap yard. Her grandpa is a genius when it comes to robotics and she has learned almost everything he knows.

Unfortunately, Eve loses the battle but shows an incredible talent trying to keep from dying in the process. She unleashes a powerful burst of electricity and destroys the battle robot that would have destroyed her. From that moment on her life becomes one danger after another as she tries to put together the pieces of her life. Memories, dreams, forgotten experiences invade her thoughts. Robots start popping up everywhere as she recovers from losing her robotic battle. One says he’s there to save her, some are there to kill her, and some human scavengers try to steal from her and kill her. Amidst all the turmoil Eve and her family try to save themselves by running. But they can’t escape the all-seeing eyes of AI.