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Lifer
The Bourne Identity meets Under the Never Sky in this intergalactic tale of love and deception from debut novelist Beck Nicholas.
Asher is a Lifer, a slave aboard the spaceship Pelican. A member of the lowest rung of society, she must serve the ship’s Officials and Astronauts as punishment for her grandparents' crimes back on Earth. The one thing that made life bearable was her illicit relationship with Samuai, a Fishie boy, but he died alongside her brother in a freak training accident.
Still grieving for the loss of her loved ones, Asher is summoned to the upper levels to wait on Lady, the head Official’s wife and Samuai’s mother. It is the perfect opportunity to gather intel for the Lifer’s brewing rebellion. There’s just one problem—the last girl who went to the upper levels never came back.
On the other side of the universe, an alien attack has left Earth in shambles and a group called The Company has taken control. Blank wakes up in a pond completely naked and with no memory, not even his real name. So when a hot girl named Megs invites him to a black-market gaming warehouse where winning means information, he doesn’t think twice about playing.
But sometimes the past is better left buried. As Asher and Blank’s worlds collide, the truth comes out—everyone has been lied to...
Asher is a Lifer, a slave aboard the spaceship Pelican. A member of the lowest rung of society, she must serve the ship’s Officials and Astronauts as punishment for her grandparents' crimes back on Earth. The one thing that made life bearable was her illicit relationship with Samuai, a Fishie boy, but he died alongside her brother in a freak training accident.
Still grieving for the loss of her loved ones, Asher is summoned to the upper levels to wait on Lady, the head Official’s wife and Samuai’s mother. It is the perfect opportunity to gather intel for the Lifer’s brewing rebellion. There’s just one problem—the last girl who went to the upper levels never came back.
On the other side of the universe, an alien attack has left Earth in shambles and a group called The Company has taken control. Blank wakes up in a pond completely naked and with no memory, not even his real name. So when a hot girl named Megs invites him to a black-market gaming warehouse where winning means information, he doesn’t think twice about playing.
But sometimes the past is better left buried. As Asher and Blank’s worlds collide, the truth comes out—everyone has been lied to...
300 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2014
3 people are currently reading
1187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 6, 2015
I loved this book! Great characters in Asher and Blank and so much mystery I simply had to keep reading. Am looking forward to more from this author.
January 10, 2016
Fans of Sci Fi and Young Adult fiction will love this book.
Over the past couple of weeks I had the pleasure of reading LIFER by Beck Nicholas. Now, most of you know I’m not a fan of Sci Fi. I like watching Sci Fi movies, but I’ve never been a big fan of reading the genre. However, when Month9Books approached me with the opportunity to read a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, I couldn’t pass it up. I mean, look at that cover! It’s amazing! And then when I read the blurb: Bourne Identity meets Under the Never Sky? Well, I couldn’t resist.
What is LIFER about? Well, here is the blurb:
Title: LIFER
Publication date: December 16, 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Beck Nicholas
Asher is a Lifer, a slave aboard the spaceship Pelican. A member of the lowest rung of society, she must serve the ship’s Officials and Astronauts as punishment for her grandparents’ crimes back on Earth. The one thing that made life bearable was her illicit relationship with Samuai, a Fishie boy, but he died alongside her brother in a freak training accident.
Still grieving for the loss of her loved ones, Asher is summoned to the upper levels to wait on Lady, the head Official’s wife and Samuai’s mother. It is the perfect opportunity to gather intel for the Lifer’s brewing rebellion. There’s just one problem—the last girl who went to the upper levels never came back.
On the other side of the universe, an alien attack has left Earth in shambles and a group called The Company has taken control. Blank wakes up in a pond completely naked and with no memory, not even his real name. So when a hot girl named Megs invites him to a black-market gaming warehouse where winning means information, he doesn’t think twice about playing. But sometimes the past is better left buried.
As Asher and Blank’s worlds collide, the truth comes out—everyone has been lied to. Bourne Identity meets Under the Never Sky in this intergalactic tale of love and deception from debut novelist Beck Nicholas.
MY REVIEW
What did I think about LIFER?
I have to say I was immediately captured by the author’s writing style. She has a beautiful way with words and they flowed so wonderfully well. Descriptions were clear but not cluttered. Characters were well flushed out, plots were crazy twisted and cleverly done. Settings…well I thought I was there in the thick of it all.
I love Asher. She is one tough cookie and her character consistently grows throughout the novel. She’s not whiny. She is really a character you can root for. You want things to work out for her, and when she makes the character Davyd beg for Mercy … heart be still. Fantastic moment in the book for me.
Blank (which is such a cool name for this character), is perfectly suited for Asher’s “other half” of this story. Like Asher, his past is shrouded in mystery, from the moment we are introduced to him, naked and unaware of who he is. Revelations come in short, intense bursts, and side characters like gorgeous Meg with her purple hair only make things more intense for Blank.
I don’t want to give any of the plot away in this story as it truly is a remarkable tale of space intrigue, deception, and mind-blowing twists and turns that will have you glued to your seat, turning the pages well into the wee hours of the morning.
If I have anything negative to say about the book, it would be that Asher and Blank have similar ‘voices’ to me, at least in the beginning. It irons itself out as the story goes and I became more involved with each characters’ personalities and life situation. The similarities, however, were not enough to make me stop reading, which is the main thing.
I give LIFER five stars out of 5 because of its ingenuity and fantastic plot line. It really will take your breath away.
Thank you Month9Books for the opportunity to read it.
http://jennykellerford.wordpress.com.
Over the past couple of weeks I had the pleasure of reading LIFER by Beck Nicholas. Now, most of you know I’m not a fan of Sci Fi. I like watching Sci Fi movies, but I’ve never been a big fan of reading the genre. However, when Month9Books approached me with the opportunity to read a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, I couldn’t pass it up. I mean, look at that cover! It’s amazing! And then when I read the blurb: Bourne Identity meets Under the Never Sky? Well, I couldn’t resist.
What is LIFER about? Well, here is the blurb:
Title: LIFER
Publication date: December 16, 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Beck Nicholas
Asher is a Lifer, a slave aboard the spaceship Pelican. A member of the lowest rung of society, she must serve the ship’s Officials and Astronauts as punishment for her grandparents’ crimes back on Earth. The one thing that made life bearable was her illicit relationship with Samuai, a Fishie boy, but he died alongside her brother in a freak training accident.
Still grieving for the loss of her loved ones, Asher is summoned to the upper levels to wait on Lady, the head Official’s wife and Samuai’s mother. It is the perfect opportunity to gather intel for the Lifer’s brewing rebellion. There’s just one problem—the last girl who went to the upper levels never came back.
On the other side of the universe, an alien attack has left Earth in shambles and a group called The Company has taken control. Blank wakes up in a pond completely naked and with no memory, not even his real name. So when a hot girl named Megs invites him to a black-market gaming warehouse where winning means information, he doesn’t think twice about playing. But sometimes the past is better left buried.
As Asher and Blank’s worlds collide, the truth comes out—everyone has been lied to. Bourne Identity meets Under the Never Sky in this intergalactic tale of love and deception from debut novelist Beck Nicholas.
MY REVIEW
What did I think about LIFER?
I have to say I was immediately captured by the author’s writing style. She has a beautiful way with words and they flowed so wonderfully well. Descriptions were clear but not cluttered. Characters were well flushed out, plots were crazy twisted and cleverly done. Settings…well I thought I was there in the thick of it all.
I love Asher. She is one tough cookie and her character consistently grows throughout the novel. She’s not whiny. She is really a character you can root for. You want things to work out for her, and when she makes the character Davyd beg for Mercy … heart be still. Fantastic moment in the book for me.
Blank (which is such a cool name for this character), is perfectly suited for Asher’s “other half” of this story. Like Asher, his past is shrouded in mystery, from the moment we are introduced to him, naked and unaware of who he is. Revelations come in short, intense bursts, and side characters like gorgeous Meg with her purple hair only make things more intense for Blank.
I don’t want to give any of the plot away in this story as it truly is a remarkable tale of space intrigue, deception, and mind-blowing twists and turns that will have you glued to your seat, turning the pages well into the wee hours of the morning.
If I have anything negative to say about the book, it would be that Asher and Blank have similar ‘voices’ to me, at least in the beginning. It irons itself out as the story goes and I became more involved with each characters’ personalities and life situation. The similarities, however, were not enough to make me stop reading, which is the main thing.
I give LIFER five stars out of 5 because of its ingenuity and fantastic plot line. It really will take your breath away.
Thank you Month9Books for the opportunity to read it.
http://jennykellerford.wordpress.com.
January 20, 2016
A free copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Lifer is so darn easy to read.
There are some books that are just smooth, you know? Books where the characters are consistent but still capable of surprising you, the world building is solid and doesn’t raise questions, the plot never drags, the writing flows seamlessly. Books that you don’t want to reach the end of, because it feels so right to read them. Lifer is one of those books.
Beck Nicholas’ debut is wonderful, through and through. Even if you’re not usually a fan of science fiction, I highly recommend this book. It’s got great action, believable relationships, and a plot full of rebellion and secrecy and lies that won't leave you disappointed.
Stories told via alternating first person viewpoints have the potential to go one of two ways. Either the viewpoints work in harmony, providing extra dimension and interest, or they work against each other, with one point of view being less compelling than the other and dragging down the story. Lifer definitely falls into the first category.
Getting both Asher and Blank’s perspectives makes for a rich, exciting novel. Each storyline could conceivably stand on its own and support a novel by itself, but combining the two – and having them intersect towards the end – results in a much stronger book. Getting to switch back and forth between two very different worlds with different technology, social dynamics, characters, and plotlines keeps things fresh and keeps the pace up and the action flowing.
The characters are wonderful, too. Blank and Davyd are my personal favorites, and I developed book crushes on each of them. Davyd, the brother of Asher’s late boyfriend, is as different from Asher’s beloved Samuai as it’s possible to be. Whereas Samuai was a warm, sweet boy who dreamt of a world where Lifers and Fishies could live in equality, Davyd is authoritative, icy, condescending, and formidable. However, Davyd is also intelligent, sexy and resourceful, and he’s a bit of a wild card in the book. He’s as likely to ally with Asher as he is to betray her, and he figures greatly into her storyline. Watching the two of them spar – physically and mentally – is a source of great entertainment and, more importantly, sexual tension.
As for Blank, my other book crush, I couldn’t get enough. Even though he’s adrift in a foreign world, he’s smart enough and quick enough on his feet to survive. He’s curious, courageous, strong, and caring but not afraid to be tough when he needs to be. He’s an all-around good guy, someone that I’d love to meet and hang out with in real life.
Asher, unfortunately, wasn’t my favorite. Although I was just as invested in her story as I was Blank’s, this was due more to the plot and supporting characters than Asher herself. She just didn’t wow me. In a way, I felt she was simply a stock female protagonist and that her role in the story could have been filled by just about any girl. I didn’t dislike her, but she didn’t stand out enough for me to love her.
Something else that contributes to my joy over Lifer is that it isn’t predictable. I like when authors are able to surprise me; I get frustrated when characters act like clichés and I can tell what’s going to happen before it occurs. There were a few times in Lifer when I called some of the plot, but for the most part Nicholas kept me guessing. She gave me characters who acted in unexpected ways – I’m specifically thinking Davyd and Lady and Asher’s mom here – and I really appreciated that.
The end of Lifer leaves plenty of room for a sequel, which is a relief; it gives me hope that I won’t have to be in my current sad state of Lifer withdrawal forever. I need more Blank, Asher, and Davyd, and I need it now!
This review can also be found on my blog, Angela's Library.
Lifer is so darn easy to read.
There are some books that are just smooth, you know? Books where the characters are consistent but still capable of surprising you, the world building is solid and doesn’t raise questions, the plot never drags, the writing flows seamlessly. Books that you don’t want to reach the end of, because it feels so right to read them. Lifer is one of those books.
Beck Nicholas’ debut is wonderful, through and through. Even if you’re not usually a fan of science fiction, I highly recommend this book. It’s got great action, believable relationships, and a plot full of rebellion and secrecy and lies that won't leave you disappointed.
Stories told via alternating first person viewpoints have the potential to go one of two ways. Either the viewpoints work in harmony, providing extra dimension and interest, or they work against each other, with one point of view being less compelling than the other and dragging down the story. Lifer definitely falls into the first category.
Getting both Asher and Blank’s perspectives makes for a rich, exciting novel. Each storyline could conceivably stand on its own and support a novel by itself, but combining the two – and having them intersect towards the end – results in a much stronger book. Getting to switch back and forth between two very different worlds with different technology, social dynamics, characters, and plotlines keeps things fresh and keeps the pace up and the action flowing.
The characters are wonderful, too. Blank and Davyd are my personal favorites, and I developed book crushes on each of them. Davyd, the brother of Asher’s late boyfriend, is as different from Asher’s beloved Samuai as it’s possible to be. Whereas Samuai was a warm, sweet boy who dreamt of a world where Lifers and Fishies could live in equality, Davyd is authoritative, icy, condescending, and formidable. However, Davyd is also intelligent, sexy and resourceful, and he’s a bit of a wild card in the book. He’s as likely to ally with Asher as he is to betray her, and he figures greatly into her storyline. Watching the two of them spar – physically and mentally – is a source of great entertainment and, more importantly, sexual tension.
As for Blank, my other book crush, I couldn’t get enough. Even though he’s adrift in a foreign world, he’s smart enough and quick enough on his feet to survive. He’s curious, courageous, strong, and caring but not afraid to be tough when he needs to be. He’s an all-around good guy, someone that I’d love to meet and hang out with in real life.
Asher, unfortunately, wasn’t my favorite. Although I was just as invested in her story as I was Blank’s, this was due more to the plot and supporting characters than Asher herself. She just didn’t wow me. In a way, I felt she was simply a stock female protagonist and that her role in the story could have been filled by just about any girl. I didn’t dislike her, but she didn’t stand out enough for me to love her.
Something else that contributes to my joy over Lifer is that it isn’t predictable. I like when authors are able to surprise me; I get frustrated when characters act like clichés and I can tell what’s going to happen before it occurs. There were a few times in Lifer when I called some of the plot, but for the most part Nicholas kept me guessing. She gave me characters who acted in unexpected ways – I’m specifically thinking Davyd and Lady and Asher’s mom here – and I really appreciated that.
The end of Lifer leaves plenty of room for a sequel, which is a relief; it gives me hope that I won’t have to be in my current sad state of Lifer withdrawal forever. I need more Blank, Asher, and Davyd, and I need it now!
This review can also be found on my blog, Angela's Library.
December 25, 2014
What I liked: I really liked Asher, she was a strong character who did things I hadn’t expected of her and who’s character I grew to really enjoy over the course of the novel. Blank was an interesting character all unto himself, because he remembers nothing yet you can learn a bit about who he was before his memory of who he is and where he’s from is gone. He’s a survivor for sure, and knows how to fight so that gives us some clues if we try to connect him to Asher’s part of the story…of course, the plot isn’t just that predictable, it keeps you guessing the entire way through with some parts you can guess. Then there’s Davyd, a character who constantly managed to surprise me by doing what I didn’t always expect him to do, so it made him more of a wildcard than anything in this book (which made it a lot more fun honestly). I also liked how the Lifers had traditions of their own because that gave them a sense of being different from the other groups on the ship.
What I didn’t like: I wish I had known more about the revolution that happened on Earth that made the Lifers, well, Lifers. I mean, we get enough about what happened but I would have really like more about it, it could have been really interesting to read about. I did say that Davyd being as much of a wildcard as he was is something I enjoyed, but sometimes his being a wildcard towards Asher was something that frustrated me. I think my most frustrated part with him was at the end of their first conversation, his words were not necessary. I do consider it good that I can’t settle on if I like him or not as a person but he makes a great character.
Overall Review: Lifer was a very interesting book that managed to keep me turning the pages and left me with questions that I needed to know the answer to throughout this book. Asher is a character who stood out and, while not my favorite, I found myself connecting with her easily and understand her. Blank was my favorite of the characters, I just ended up really liking his character after watching him develop over the story. I’m iffy on Dayvd, but I do know that I really liked him as a character overall, even if I found the way he acted by going from hot to cold with Asher was something that never ended up making much sense to me. A really good read!
Recommend?: I’m not a big Sci-Fi fan, but I really enjoyed this one! Definite recommend to those who love these kinds of books!
What I didn’t like: I wish I had known more about the revolution that happened on Earth that made the Lifers, well, Lifers. I mean, we get enough about what happened but I would have really like more about it, it could have been really interesting to read about. I did say that Davyd being as much of a wildcard as he was is something I enjoyed, but sometimes his being a wildcard towards Asher was something that frustrated me. I think my most frustrated part with him was at the end of their first conversation, his words were not necessary. I do consider it good that I can’t settle on if I like him or not as a person but he makes a great character.
Overall Review: Lifer was a very interesting book that managed to keep me turning the pages and left me with questions that I needed to know the answer to throughout this book. Asher is a character who stood out and, while not my favorite, I found myself connecting with her easily and understand her. Blank was my favorite of the characters, I just ended up really liking his character after watching him develop over the story. I’m iffy on Dayvd, but I do know that I really liked him as a character overall, even if I found the way he acted by going from hot to cold with Asher was something that never ended up making much sense to me. A really good read!
Recommend?: I’m not a big Sci-Fi fan, but I really enjoyed this one! Definite recommend to those who love these kinds of books!
December 8, 2015
This was a novel that crushed the depths of my soul and I'm still trying to glue it back together. Asher is our main character, a strong young woman who is in a forbidden love affair with Samuai, a boy born of a higher social class. Samuai loves Asher despite her social status and even wants to help bring down the walls of oppression that the Lifers have lived behind for many years. Everything changes when Asher's brother and Samuai are pronounced dead. Asher is quickly summoned to be the Lady's servant. Lady is the equivalent of say... the first lady of the United States, power-wise anyway. Lady also just happens to be Samuai's mother. While trying her best to do as she's told without sarcasm (which still slips every once in a while), Asher mentally maps out every detail she can remember to relay back to her mother, who is in charge of an upcoming rebellion against the upper class, AKA the Fishies.
Then there's Blank. He's named Blank because he woke up on a planet and has no recollection of who he is. He quickly learns about The Company, an organization who recruits and brainwashes people to join their cause. Blank may be well... literally blank when it comes to the details of his past, but he still knows the difference between good and evil. He rather quickly sides with the people who are against The Company and does whatever he can to help the cause.
Asher and Blank's worlds collide in way that leaves you dizzy. I truly cannot wait to read the next novel in this series.
Then there's Blank. He's named Blank because he woke up on a planet and has no recollection of who he is. He quickly learns about The Company, an organization who recruits and brainwashes people to join their cause. Blank may be well... literally blank when it comes to the details of his past, but he still knows the difference between good and evil. He rather quickly sides with the people who are against The Company and does whatever he can to help the cause.
Asher and Blank's worlds collide in way that leaves you dizzy. I truly cannot wait to read the next novel in this series.
March 5, 2016
This book blew my mind away. I mean seriously, I loved it. I was instantly hooked, and I very much liked the dual PoVs between Asher and Blank. Both PoVs helped the story, and it all wove together and made sense rather than the PoVs clashing against each other and not helping the story.
One of the things I liked the most about Lifer is that it wasn’t overly predictable. I hate it when books are too predictable and you can predict most of what’s going to happen in the book, but that doesn’t happen in this book. There were a few places where it was a bit predictable, but other that that, it was nice and surprising.
I really liked this book so much, I wanted to read the sequel right then and there. I loved the style of writing, and I just loved everything about this book - except maybe Davyd. I just didn’t really like him in the beginning of the book because he came off as a bit arrogant to me. But otherwise, I enjoyed this very much!
One of the things I liked the most about Lifer is that it wasn’t overly predictable. I hate it when books are too predictable and you can predict most of what’s going to happen in the book, but that doesn’t happen in this book. There were a few places where it was a bit predictable, but other that that, it was nice and surprising.
I really liked this book so much, I wanted to read the sequel right then and there. I loved the style of writing, and I just loved everything about this book - except maybe Davyd. I just didn’t really like him in the beginning of the book because he came off as a bit arrogant to me. But otherwise, I enjoyed this very much!
June 23, 2017
OK that ending did not leave me satisfied. Please tell me there will be a sequel, because I can't find any info on it.
Asher is a lifer that becomes a stronger lead as the story progresses. I really liked her. Davyd has a lot of mystery still about him and I wish some of the story was his pov. Maybe in a sequel??
The story seems to take place over just a few days, maybe a week or two, which confused me. With all that happened, especially with feelings between characters, I would think it should have covered a few months . Maybe I have the timeline wrong. Asher's timeline seemed a little longer, maybe, than Blank's.
Overall it was a good enjoyable book.
Asher is a lifer that becomes a stronger lead as the story progresses. I really liked her. Davyd has a lot of mystery still about him and I wish some of the story was his pov. Maybe in a sequel??
The story seems to take place over just a few days, maybe a week or two, which confused me. With all that happened, especially with feelings between characters, I would think it should have covered a few months . Maybe I have the timeline wrong. Asher's timeline seemed a little longer, maybe, than Blank's.
Overall it was a good enjoyable book.
April 24, 2016
This was an enjoyable sci-fi read! I could have used a little more back story about how we got to where we were in this novel, but I hope that is to come in future novels.
The characters are loveable, and I love how things played out. I'm excited for the next book in the series!
The characters are loveable, and I love how things played out. I'm excited for the next book in the series!
April 14, 2020
Review to come.....
September 20, 2017
Wow, this was an amazing read.
Asher, a slave girl is in mourning but has questions of how the two boys she loves most have died. Blank wakes up with no clothes, no memory, a dead body next to him and of course questions.
The two are well drawn characters set on seperate paths to find answers, all the while doubting, wondering, and discovering.
The world building was well thought out - a class system that divides and a Company that divides.
Nicholas' does a great job of interweaving these two seperate narrators into a coherent, complex tale of freedom, love and deception.
If you like your YA with some grit, romance, mystery and set in the future, you'll love this book.
Disclaimer: I know Beck Nicholas personally but this doesn't affect my rating.
Asher, a slave girl is in mourning but has questions of how the two boys she loves most have died. Blank wakes up with no clothes, no memory, a dead body next to him and of course questions.
The two are well drawn characters set on seperate paths to find answers, all the while doubting, wondering, and discovering.
The world building was well thought out - a class system that divides and a Company that divides.
Nicholas' does a great job of interweaving these two seperate narrators into a coherent, complex tale of freedom, love and deception.
If you like your YA with some grit, romance, mystery and set in the future, you'll love this book.
Disclaimer: I know Beck Nicholas personally but this doesn't affect my rating.
December 15, 2017
Fantastic story. Recommend to anyone who loves YA SciFi
December 15, 2017
Excellent read, could not put it down. Anyone who loves YA SciFi read it now.
December 10, 2015
I honestly feel there are not enough good things I can say about this book. About halfway through the book, I tweeted some of the Month9 folks, and Ms. Nicholas, expressing how much I was obsessed with reading. I could not put the book down! My husband passed me in the hall at about 10:00 at night the first night I started; I was standing at the top of the stairs, in the dark, with my Kindle Paperwhite the only light to guide me – I had intended to go downstairs but got caught up reading and couldn’t look away long enough to watch my feet so I didn’t trip down the stairs! He was just kind of like, “uuuummmmm…”. Then at about three-quarters of the way through the book, I tweeted again to express my disbelief at how the story was proceeding – not that I didn’t like it, just that it wasn’t *at all* what I was expecting! And of course, when I finished the book, I just tweeted them to say, “PLEASE TELL ME THERE IS ANOTHER!!” It really is just that good.
I love science fiction, and it has been in my top two favorite genres just about as long as I’ve been reading; and definitely as long as I’ve known what a genre even was. In the past few years I’ve gone almost exclusively to reading YA, despite being very much not-a-YA myself. When I started this YA obsession in 2012, there wasn’t all that much sci-fi to be found, and I remember remarking late that year and early the next how happy I was to see an upward trend in YA science fiction being published, and particularly sci-fi written by women. That trend has only continued up and up since then. I absolutely would put Lifer in the same group with books by Marissa Meyer, Meagan Spooner, Amie Kaufman, and other awesome YA sci-fi writers. It is a great blending of “soft” science fiction with the dystopian themes that are popular today, as well as being a fascinating exploration of important issues such as slavery, differences in class and wealth disparity, the all-powerful corporation, and so forth. There was a lot beneath the surface of this book that you could really chew on (and I seriously, honestly, truly cannot wait to chew on more!!).
All that said, I think my favorite thing about this book were the characters. Asher and Blank, our two main narrators, are both well-drawn and complex characters. Yes, even Blank, whom we meet as he “wakes up” walking down the road realizing he has no memory, manages to be complex and interesting, even though his consciousness is only days old for us! I adored Asher, and I felt so much her pain at the loss of her brother and her boyfriend on the same day, as she’s still dealing with the loss of her father some years earlier. I felt her anger at the restrictions placed on her and her people because of their great-grandparents’ or grandparents’ crimes and agreement to sentence succeeding generations to serve the Officials (Fishies) and Astronauts (Nauts) aboard the spaceship until they reach a suitable planet. (Side note: Can you imagine being condemned to a life of what is essentially slavery from the moment you are born until the moment you die because of something an ancestor two or three generations removed had done?? The concept is fascinating to me, and I applaud Ms. Nicholas for this incredibly creative premise.)
Secondary characters are also complex, fascinating, sympathetic, and/or hated as well – I promise there are no one-dimensional supporting characters in this book! Davyd….oh, Davyd….I’m STILL conflicted as to how I feel about him! I thought I had him figured out and I felt one way about him… and then there’d be a twist and I felt my shock right along with Asher’s, and I would feel another way about him… and then – you get the idea. Let’s just say, the characters are what turned this book into a 5-star read for me. We alternate POVs with alternating chapters, which Ms. Nicholas has done incredibly well. I don’t hate this form in the way that I know some do, and in fact some of my favorite books are structured this way; I really like being in the head-space of more than one character. However, I do recognize that there is some science to it, and if it’s not done well, it just shouldn’t be done. Well, I absolutely believe Ms. Nicholas mastered the science on this one!
All in all, I cannot recommend this book enough! If you enjoy YA, science fiction, dystopian lit, multiple POVs, books with twists and turns, or a combination of any of the above, READ THIS BOOK. It is absolutely fantastic, and I am (not so patiently) eagerly awaiting the next step in Asher and Blank’s journey. I kind of need it soon. Like, yesterday.
5-stars! Thank you to Month9Books and Beck Nicholas for providing me with a review copy of the book and for allowing me to take part in the review tour!
I love science fiction, and it has been in my top two favorite genres just about as long as I’ve been reading; and definitely as long as I’ve known what a genre even was. In the past few years I’ve gone almost exclusively to reading YA, despite being very much not-a-YA myself. When I started this YA obsession in 2012, there wasn’t all that much sci-fi to be found, and I remember remarking late that year and early the next how happy I was to see an upward trend in YA science fiction being published, and particularly sci-fi written by women. That trend has only continued up and up since then. I absolutely would put Lifer in the same group with books by Marissa Meyer, Meagan Spooner, Amie Kaufman, and other awesome YA sci-fi writers. It is a great blending of “soft” science fiction with the dystopian themes that are popular today, as well as being a fascinating exploration of important issues such as slavery, differences in class and wealth disparity, the all-powerful corporation, and so forth. There was a lot beneath the surface of this book that you could really chew on (and I seriously, honestly, truly cannot wait to chew on more!!).
All that said, I think my favorite thing about this book were the characters. Asher and Blank, our two main narrators, are both well-drawn and complex characters. Yes, even Blank, whom we meet as he “wakes up” walking down the road realizing he has no memory, manages to be complex and interesting, even though his consciousness is only days old for us! I adored Asher, and I felt so much her pain at the loss of her brother and her boyfriend on the same day, as she’s still dealing with the loss of her father some years earlier. I felt her anger at the restrictions placed on her and her people because of their great-grandparents’ or grandparents’ crimes and agreement to sentence succeeding generations to serve the Officials (Fishies) and Astronauts (Nauts) aboard the spaceship until they reach a suitable planet. (Side note: Can you imagine being condemned to a life of what is essentially slavery from the moment you are born until the moment you die because of something an ancestor two or three generations removed had done?? The concept is fascinating to me, and I applaud Ms. Nicholas for this incredibly creative premise.)
Secondary characters are also complex, fascinating, sympathetic, and/or hated as well – I promise there are no one-dimensional supporting characters in this book! Davyd….oh, Davyd….I’m STILL conflicted as to how I feel about him! I thought I had him figured out and I felt one way about him… and then there’d be a twist and I felt my shock right along with Asher’s, and I would feel another way about him… and then – you get the idea. Let’s just say, the characters are what turned this book into a 5-star read for me. We alternate POVs with alternating chapters, which Ms. Nicholas has done incredibly well. I don’t hate this form in the way that I know some do, and in fact some of my favorite books are structured this way; I really like being in the head-space of more than one character. However, I do recognize that there is some science to it, and if it’s not done well, it just shouldn’t be done. Well, I absolutely believe Ms. Nicholas mastered the science on this one!
All in all, I cannot recommend this book enough! If you enjoy YA, science fiction, dystopian lit, multiple POVs, books with twists and turns, or a combination of any of the above, READ THIS BOOK. It is absolutely fantastic, and I am (not so patiently) eagerly awaiting the next step in Asher and Blank’s journey. I kind of need it soon. Like, yesterday.
5-stars! Thank you to Month9Books and Beck Nicholas for providing me with a review copy of the book and for allowing me to take part in the review tour!
October 29, 2015
I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with a review copy for an honest review.
Lifer is a unique sci-fi, dystopian where Beck wrote an amazing hierarchy system that really worked for this future world. The rotating POV’s kept me intriquged between what was going on and the mysteries surrounding them. I have not read a great dystopian in awhile and if you haven’t either then definitely try this one.
The first POV we get is from a girl named Asher. She has just been through the loss of her brother Zed and boyfriend Samuai. Asher is a Lifer and as such is treated much like a slave. Samuai and her were a forbidden love. She misses him but was never allowed to truly have a relationship with him even though she loved him. Zed and Samuai died during a training accident but no one is revealing the details.
The second POV we get is from Blank. He wakes up not remembering his name or anything about his past. When Blank scans his palm and his data comes up with his limited intel, the name that appears for him is Blank; how fitting. Blank soon meets a girl named Meg. Meg at first meeting makes him think of someone else but he can’t remember who. Blank knows that this person must have been important to him but he can’t remember.
Soon Asher is asked to come and work for Lady, this is Samuai and Davyd’s mother. Davyd seems to not be able to stand Asher and her kind, and just wants her to stick to her duties. Davyd tells Asher that Samuai was not worth her love. She doesn’t understand why he would tell her this and if he is just playing games with her. She feels electricity every time she touches Davyd and feels that she is betraying Samuai since it is so soon after his loss.
Will Blank discover who he is and will that change everything? Can Asher help Lady find out what happened to Samuai? Will Asher and Davyd deny their pull or will they work together to solve what happened? You have to read this book to find out.
I really enjoyed Lifer, it was full of innovations and really cool concepts that kept me wanting to read more. The chemistry Beck created was amazing as well. The only thing that was a little off putting to me when reading this book was the titles she gave the different class distinctions.The titles put me out of what type of book I was in and where it was at, but that was just a minor thing. The book was amazing and I have been waiting for a great dystopian again, so thank you and I can’t wait to continue this series. I am giving this 4 out of 5 stars.
Lifer is a unique sci-fi, dystopian where Beck wrote an amazing hierarchy system that really worked for this future world. The rotating POV’s kept me intriquged between what was going on and the mysteries surrounding them. I have not read a great dystopian in awhile and if you haven’t either then definitely try this one.
The first POV we get is from a girl named Asher. She has just been through the loss of her brother Zed and boyfriend Samuai. Asher is a Lifer and as such is treated much like a slave. Samuai and her were a forbidden love. She misses him but was never allowed to truly have a relationship with him even though she loved him. Zed and Samuai died during a training accident but no one is revealing the details.
The second POV we get is from Blank. He wakes up not remembering his name or anything about his past. When Blank scans his palm and his data comes up with his limited intel, the name that appears for him is Blank; how fitting. Blank soon meets a girl named Meg. Meg at first meeting makes him think of someone else but he can’t remember who. Blank knows that this person must have been important to him but he can’t remember.
Soon Asher is asked to come and work for Lady, this is Samuai and Davyd’s mother. Davyd seems to not be able to stand Asher and her kind, and just wants her to stick to her duties. Davyd tells Asher that Samuai was not worth her love. She doesn’t understand why he would tell her this and if he is just playing games with her. She feels electricity every time she touches Davyd and feels that she is betraying Samuai since it is so soon after his loss.
Will Blank discover who he is and will that change everything? Can Asher help Lady find out what happened to Samuai? Will Asher and Davyd deny their pull or will they work together to solve what happened? You have to read this book to find out.
I really enjoyed Lifer, it was full of innovations and really cool concepts that kept me wanting to read more. The chemistry Beck created was amazing as well. The only thing that was a little off putting to me when reading this book was the titles she gave the different class distinctions.The titles put me out of what type of book I was in and where it was at, but that was just a minor thing. The book was amazing and I have been waiting for a great dystopian again, so thank you and I can’t wait to continue this series. I am giving this 4 out of 5 stars.
December 7, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See my full review on Books and Ladders
Lifer didn't end up being what I was anticipating. I haven't read Under the Never Sky but I know the general premise of it and I've seen the Bourne movies so I guess I was anticipating a bit more mystery and suspense and not as much "Okay I know a lot of what will happen" I think that a lot of it was pretty predictable but it was still a good science fiction novel and I am intrigued to see where it goes next. Also there are ~spoilers~ for this in here because it's hard not to talk about it without having spoilers. But be warned.
What Worked
The dual pov. I liked seeing things from two perspectives and having them converge into one. Because it gave you a full story feel of everything that was happening. I liked seeing everything that happens in this new world because there was SO MUCH HAPPENING. It was all really interesting.
What Didn't
See, I thought it had a good premise but it lacked a bit of direction and execution. I felt like there was too much direct world building and not enough subtle clues and hints as to what was happening and where it was going. I was buddy reading (ish) with Dani @ Dani Reviews Things, whose review post is up tomorrow, and we had mostly everything worked out by 60% through. Maybe even sooner. Because it was so thoroughly stated to you while reading.
See my full review on Books and Ladders
Lifer didn't end up being what I was anticipating. I haven't read Under the Never Sky but I know the general premise of it and I've seen the Bourne movies so I guess I was anticipating a bit more mystery and suspense and not as much "Okay I know a lot of what will happen" I think that a lot of it was pretty predictable but it was still a good science fiction novel and I am intrigued to see where it goes next. Also there are ~spoilers~ for this in here because it's hard not to talk about it without having spoilers. But be warned.
What Worked
The dual pov. I liked seeing things from two perspectives and having them converge into one. Because it gave you a full story feel of everything that was happening. I liked seeing everything that happens in this new world because there was SO MUCH HAPPENING. It was all really interesting.
What Didn't
See, I thought it had a good premise but it lacked a bit of direction and execution. I felt like there was too much direct world building and not enough subtle clues and hints as to what was happening and where it was going. I was buddy reading (ish) with Dani @ Dani Reviews Things, whose review post is up tomorrow, and we had mostly everything worked out by 60% through. Maybe even sooner. Because it was so thoroughly stated to you while reading.
August 30, 2016
I wanted to like this book, but the characters and plot, not to mention the writing, just didn't work for me. Asher is too weak of a character, who miraculously gains strength just when it's most useful for the plot. I couldn't understand why she was suddenly calling the shots when the leader of the ship's rebels was standing right there.
Blank was more interesting and relatable at the beginning of the book. I particularly liked the idea that even he didn't know if he was a bad guy or not. Other than that, the guy was an idiot. He had no memory or knowledge of his identity, but started following Megs around just because she was "hot" (this word is actually used more than once to describe her and how Blank sees her.) He was way too trusting for a guy who has no idea who might be after him, or why.
I know this is "only" a YA novel, but I've read enough good YA that the genre is no excuse for how awful this book is. I'm even willing to put up with less than terrific writing if the story is interesting on some level, but this book didn't even have that going for it. There are unanswered questions, but I didn't even begin to care enough to feel like I had to find out what happens. And I've read some terrible sequels to equality terrible books just to get answers.
Blank was more interesting and relatable at the beginning of the book. I particularly liked the idea that even he didn't know if he was a bad guy or not. Other than that, the guy was an idiot. He had no memory or knowledge of his identity, but started following Megs around just because she was "hot" (this word is actually used more than once to describe her and how Blank sees her.) He was way too trusting for a guy who has no idea who might be after him, or why.
I know this is "only" a YA novel, but I've read enough good YA that the genre is no excuse for how awful this book is. I'm even willing to put up with less than terrific writing if the story is interesting on some level, but this book didn't even have that going for it. There are unanswered questions, but I didn't even begin to care enough to feel like I had to find out what happens. And I've read some terrible sequels to equality terrible books just to get answers.
December 6, 2015
This book was amazing. If you liked Matched by Ally Condie or The 100 by Kass Morgan you will LOVE Lifer (OMG it's so good). The elements of sci-fi are carried out wonderfully, the YA romance is just right, and the mystery is timed perfect with the plot. Two POVs allow for the reader to see the two worlds as they get closer and closer into melding into one. The story leaves you on an upturn, so you're left excited to see what happens next, and not bummed that you have to wait. I cannot wait for a sequel to see what happens with Asher and Davyd!
March 10, 2016
Disclaimer: I recieved this book from Month9Books in exchange for an honest review!
1.5 Stars
oh, this.book. I have lots to say. I loved Blink's POV... but sadly Asher's lacked for me.
The storyline was interesting though!
i'll have a full review up soon!
1.5 Stars
oh, this.book. I have lots to say. I loved Blink's POV... but sadly Asher's lacked for me.
The storyline was interesting though!
i'll have a full review up soon!
November 6, 2015
I thinks that this was a good read but the writing fell short a couple off times and made me give this book a 3 star instead of a 4 star read.
I can't wait to read the sequel.
I can't wait to read the sequel.
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