REVIEW: The Originals by Cat Patrick

June 5, 2013



A riveting new story from Cat Patrick, author of Forgotten and Revived. 

17-year-olds Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey Best grew up as identical triplets... until they discovered a shocking family secret. They're actually closer than sisters, they're clones. Hiding from a government agency that would expose them, the Best family appears to consist of a single mother with one daughter named Elizabeth. Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey take turns going to school, attending social engagements, and a group mindset has always been a de facto part of life... Then Lizzie meets Sean Kelly, a guy who seems to see into her very soul. As their relationship develops, Lizzie realizes that she's not a carbon copy of her sisters; she's an individual with unique dreams and desires, and digging deeper into her background, Lizzie begins to dismantle the delicate balance of an unusual family that only science could have created.

*Thanks Hardie Grant Egmont for my copy in return for a honest review, this did not affect my review whatsoever*

The Originals by Cat Patrick had me intrigued from page one. Before starting this I assumed it was going to be similar to "What's Left of Me" by Kat Zhang. But rather then 3 people woven into one they were three different bodies - Triplets. The Originals is about Lizzie, Ella and Betsey, 3 sisters who are the result of a secret cloning experiment. Who are now forced to live in secret, splitting the day in parts, known to the world as Elizabeth Best. This is the normal routine for Lizzie and her sisters until they decide things have to change if they want a real life.

Lizzie was a good protagonist to the story and someone I could connect with. The 3 sisters despite all of the drama shared a strong bond. Each of the three personalities were easy to identify and I'd say Betsey was the more responsible, Ella was more content and outgoing, while Lizzie was eager to make a change in the right way. One thing I liked about The Originals was that the switching plan wasn't unrealistic or complicated, in fact it was pretty clever. This plan was thought out by the mother who I instantly could tell was very controlling and to me there was a bit of a dishonest sense about her which is looked into throughout the story.

I quite liked Lizzie but Sean took the bait. Sean Kelly is the romantic interest and such a sweet-heart at that. He's a popular boy who had some geeky qualities too, a perfect combination. I loved that he was so understanding and loyal to the girls. But Cat didn't write him to be 100% ok with everything which was good because it stopped it from being unrealistic. It's not everyday that you hear your girlfriend was cloned from the womb. I mean Sean was just a all around good guy, even his Mom was a cool lady! Lizzie and Sean's relationship was a sweet addition to the story but it didn't take away the focus from everything else that was happening.

There wasn't a big complication in The Originals and there weren't any unnecessary ones either. For example; the captain of the cheerleading team wasn't trying to steal her boyfriend nor was she trying to reveal her identity. Because I'm finding lately that in some stories they take stereotypes too far and there can just be all this drama that is so not needed. I was happy with the ending of The Originals and when I expected it to end it satisfied me with a couple pages more. And I love it when we get to see a bit of the characters future.

The Originals was a great read I read in a short time because it really grabbed my attention. It was close to earning a spot near my favourites shelf, it's something i'd recommend. It's a interesting concept and one I love to see being written well. Cat Patrick is a author that I will be putting on my read list.

4.5/5

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12 comments

  1. Awesome review! I really want to read The Originals and I'm on the waiting list.
    SO ANNOYED!!!

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  2. Intriguing! I'd expect all three girls to have similar personalities.
    And did Sean think each girl was Lizzie, if they split up the day, or did he only fall for one of the clones?
    Marian ^_^ x

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  3. I agree about what you said about sterotypes, it's good to know that this book avoids them. I've seen TO around but, honestly? It's never really caught attention...until now. The mc, the romance, and the story itself sounds wonderful - it's going on my tbr for sure. Great review. ^^

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  4. HI SUNNY! Haha, I love YOUR fabulous pink blog so much :D It's so, so lovely! <3 This book is so intriguing, twins and triplets have always fascinated, and Cat Patrick's books have gotten so much praise, so after reading your glowing review, I'll definitely pick it up. Lizzie seems like a great MC, but oh my gods, Sean! I must get to know him ;) Lovely review, Sunny <3 :) x

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  5. Hah, too much drama can be really annoying! Glad that this book isn't like that. I've been wanting to read light and summery contemporary recently though, so I won't be adding many fantasy/sci-fi/dystopia books to my TBR (it's full of it already :( ) but this book does seem interesting enough for me. :) Except Clockwork Angel. I just borrowed it from my friend and I can't wait to know what's up with the Will and Jem talk thing! xD

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  6. Ooh I'm intrigued! This is one of the best reviews I've read of yours. :)

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  7. This looks awesome! I've fallen in love with the premise of this book! I've never read a book with clones in it! Quick question: Is this book split into three POVs (for each sister) or just one?

    I'm also liking that there aren't any clichés - I hate clichés! Sean sounds cool too! If Ella is the more outgoing one, then I'm sure I'd love her too! :D

    Great review!

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  8. Looks really good. I will have to try to read it when I get the chance.
    Great review.


    DaydreamerN.blogspot.com

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  9. This one sounds great, I've seen it around a lot! I love that the main character was easy to connect with, that is so important! Thanks for your review!

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  10. Ahhhh I HAVE to check this one out. Saw it around a few times but never actually taken the chance. Great review, sunny!

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  11. I've been contemplating getting this :) Sounds awesome! SO glad you like it. Great review!

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  12. I have always been kinda turned off by that cover (shameful, i know, judging a book by its cover), but you encouraged me to read it :) Brilliant review Sunny :D

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