"A literature review is a systematic review of the published literature on a specific topic or research question.  The literature review is designed to analyze-- not just summarize-- scholarly writings that are related directly to your research question.  That is, it represents the literature that provides background information on your topic and shows a correspondence between those writings and your research question."

http://pitt.libguides.com/literaturereview

"A literature review is both a summary and explanation of the complete and current state of knowledge on a limited topic as found in academic books and journal articles."

https://www.lib.uoguelph.ca/get-assistance/writing/specific-types-papers/writing-literature-review

"A literature review is a written document that presents a logically argued case founded on a comprehensive understanding of the current state of knowledge about a topic of study. This case establishes a convincing thesis to answer the study's question." 

(Machi, L.A. & McEvoy, B.T. 2009,The literature review: six steps to success , p. 4)

It is not a annotated bibliography, a descriptive list, a summative report or a Research paper !