I read and reviewed Lifel1k3 quite some time ago, but didn’t take the time to read the sequel, Dev1at3. Before I started I did a reread of Lifel1k3 and then dived right into Dev1at3. All I can say before starting my review is saying that I’m very happy I decided to wait. After that ending, I need the third and final book. But first, let’s talk about Dev1at3!
Lemon Fresh has seen better days.
After the climactic battle in Babel, she finds herself separated from Ezekiel and Cricket in the wastelands. Lemon’s abilities to manipulate electricity mark her as a deviate, and deadly corporate operatives are hunting her to use as a weapon in the war between BioMaas Incorporated and Daedelus Technologies. Instead, Lemon finds herself falling in with a group of fellow deviates—a band of teenagers with astonishing abilities, led by an enigmatic figure known as the Major, who may hold the secrets to Lemon’s past.
Meanwhile, Cricket finds himself in possession of the puritanical Brotherhood, a religious cult set for a head-on collision with the Major and his band. Searching for Lemon, Ezekiel finds a strange ally in an old enemy, and uncovers a plot that may see him reunited with his beloved Ana.
And inside Babel, a remade Eve hatches a plan to bring an end to the world.
DEV1AT3 (Lifelike, #2) by Jay Kristoff
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on 25/06/2019
Genres: Science-Fiction
Pages: 448
Format: Paperback
Goodreads
Review
“Don’t mistake loyalty for servitude.”
It’s always hard to write reviews for sequels, because I don’t want to spoil too much for people who still haven’t read the first one or are currently reading it. If you know Jay Kristoff’s other books, then you’ll know he’s not nice to his readers or characters, but I think that’s why I love his work as well. His characters have depth and develop so much in the stories and leave you wanting more, there’s a lot of sarcasm (can never get enough of that), the pacing is fast and the twists make you wonder how you didn’t see it coming.
Dev1at3 starts where Lifel1k3 left off and our characters are trying to except the world with their new truths. We now mostly get the story told from Lemon’s POV, but I really ended up loving her character. She’s really just trying to find her place in the world and deal with accepting herself. This isn’t easy, but Lemon is strong and is capable of so much more than she realizes.
“They say it gets easier with time, you know? They’re liars.”
The side characters in this book were once again, amazing! Some are nicer than others and I still can’t get over some of the twists, but I loved every minute. I love not knowing how everything will end up in a story. Out of all of the characters, Cricket is my favorite. He may be a robot, but he’s earned a special place in my heart. The chapters from his POV were my favorite. Ezekiel was also interesting, but I wish we had seen a bit more of him. Hopefully that will be the case in the third book.
“But when you’re looking down the barrel at your own funeral, even doing something stupid sounds better than doing nothing at all.”
Jay Kristoff is evil, but one amazing writer. Even though I know his books will end up hurting, I always go back for more. In less than a month we get Trul1f3 and I can’t wait, but am scared to see what will happen to the characters I’ve come to love. If you’ve read Lifel1k3 and Dev1at3, I’d love to know what you thought. Let me know in the comments!
Loved your review, I really need to start reading Jay Kristoff’s books! 🙂
I’ve been on the fence with this one because I wasn’t the biggest fan of aurora rising and Darkdawn!! I might have to give it a go though! I’ll probably wait closer to book 3 release day.