PANIC (Book Review)

Image via Goodreads - Panic by Lauren Oliver

"Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most."

Review

I was a fan of Lauren Oliver's as soon as I read Delirium. That led me to read Pandemonium and Requiem. When I found out she was writing Panic I knew I had to get my hands on it as soon as possible. I have to admit at first I had a little trouble really getting into the book. I just kept thinking why on earth would these kids do these really dangerous incredibly stupid stunts just for money. I feel a little bit torn. While there was a lot of suspense throughout the book, particularly in the last few chapters, I still struggled to find it believable. Even with that you will still be glued to this book. The story just keeps you wanting to know what is going to happen! Towards the end of the book I was enjoying it more and more.  The book definitely commands your full attention. Lauren does an excellent job of making her characters seem real. You care about them. You want all of them to win Panic because they ALL have a great reason to be playing. 

The twist at the end is great. I sat on the couch saying, "WHAT?!? No Way!!!" If you can get over the unrealistic challenges and just try to enjoy the characters and what they are playing for then I think it's worth reading. I'm glad I read it!