Monday, March 3, 2014

Review: Panic by Lauren Oliver

Panic
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.

”add

Publishes in US: March 4th 2014 by HarperCollins
Genre: YA Contemp
Source: Harper Teen
Series? No

Buy it: AmazonThe Book Depository • AudibleGoodreads

Author stalk away: ~site
 
    I wanted to read Panic because I enjoyed Lauren Oliver's other contemporary and even though this one sounds different, I liked the direction it was going in. The idea of this big game and stunts, and where these two characters could face such things and possibly fall in love along the way intrigued me. Which I have to say, when reading the synopsis I almost thought that there was a supernatural or dystopian element to the story, but I think that it makes it more realistic, and it is set that it could happen in real life and it wasn't really forced on the kids, but more like a town tradition. 
    I liked both of the main characters, Heather and Dodge. They had secrets, and reasons why they were entering the games, on why they needed the money. Both of their families have their own backstories and play into the reasons they are playing and want to win. They are both sisters as well, and I loved the individual bonds, and how they grew and changed through the story. 
    The games though really shocked me. What they planned and the extremely dangerous element to them. They went over the previous years' deaths and that made me think that there was an even higher risk to this year's game. I think that these types of stunts though are def not out of character of a small town summer with nothing for the teens to do. I do think that the planning system and that everyone pays into the pot is kinda unrealistic, but I went with it for the sake of the story. 
    It was def high adventure and had me scared for what my characters might face next as the group of players gets smaller and smaller. It had me glued to the pages, and I read it quickly, but I don't think this will be one that sticks with me and I think about after, hence the 3.5
    I think that Heather really grew and learned a lot through the games as well as through the things that she had to deal with at home. I love the side plot with the lady she gets a job with Anne. Anne has a farm of sorts and rescues animals and hires Heather to help her. The bond that they form is special and I appreciated reading about it and how it developed. 
  
   The ending worked out pretty well and matched what I expected from the book. It wrapped things up and even gave up a glimpse at the near future of the characters. 

Bottom Line: Fast paced and demanded my attention while reading.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you compete for high cash in stunts?
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26 comments:

  1. I'm so glad to read a positive review of this, because a lot of bloggers seem to feel disappointed and I REALLY want this to be good (especially after the Requiem disaster)

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  2. I just started reading this one today even though I've seen some rather negative reviews of it. I'm liking it so far though so I'm glad I'm not the only one! I have to admit, if something like Panic came out, it'd be pretty hard to resist. I think if I was a bit smarter, and a bit sportier, I'd definitely go for it. But I'd have to weigh out what I'd lose and what I'd have to gain. :D

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  3. I really like the premise of this. I'm glad you enjoyed both of the MCs since I've heard that people have trouble liking them both. I'm sorry this isn't so memorable, but for now it seems like it was a good read. Great review, BRandi:)

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  4. I've been on a fence about Lauren Oliver, but you make this one sound interesting. I might have to check it out. Also--NO, I would not compete for cash in stunts. Cash does you no good if you're dead or grievously injured (which I definitely would be b/c I'm a klutz). Great review!

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  5. I didn't love this one and I think it was partly because I was expecting a paranormal or dystopian element. The game was interesting but I found some of it hard to believe. Great review!

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  6. I have heard such mixed reviews for this book...I also thought it was dystopian, but I guess not. Perhaps knowing that is a good thing before reading it. I think I'll just have to check it out myself. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! :)

    - Wattle @ Whimsical Nature

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  7. I'm glad to see you enjoyed this one! I struggled with it and ended up DNFing but you confirmed that it was really a case of me and not the book. The writing was gorgeous but I just couldn't get into it. Great review!

    Teresa @ Readers Live A Thousand Lives

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  8. Despite some unrealistic moments I am glad this worked for you. It wasn't what I expected and I had to set this one aside. Wonderful review Brandi!

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  9. I haven't read any of Oliver's books yet. This does sound very interesting, and I'm glad you liked it overall.

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  10. I am on the fence as to whether I am going to review this, no one is thrilled about it :(

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  11. PANIC is such a surprising and adventurous read! I love how it's classic Lauren Oliver, yet so different from her other books. It's definitely a must-read! Glad you enjoyed it! I definitely would not compete, haha. I'd lose right away.

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  12. I really loved the farm side-plot too. And Panic itself was definitely a shocking game...definitely not a game I'd want to play.

    Nice honest review :)

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  13. one day I'll have to try this author!

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  14. Oh right this one, I had forgotten about it

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  15. I started this last night and can't wait to see how everything plays out.

    Kate @ Ex Libris

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  16. I'm glad that you were able to enjoy this book overall Brandi, I had a few too many issues with this book, so wasn't able to enjoy this as much as you did. Great review!

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  17. I'm on the fence about whether or not to give this one a go. I think it sounds pretty interesting, but I've seen a few negative reviews that make me worry.

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  18. Nice review Brandi. I have this one but haven't managed to get to it yet, but I am intrigued by the games and what has happened before. Great review!

    Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace

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  19. Sorry this won't stick with you but glad you enjoyed it while you were reading. Jen @ YA Romantics

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  20. It sounds like a lot of people felt the same way as you, they enjoyed it but it probably won't stick with them, and it doesn't sound as compelling as her previous books. Lovely review!

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  21. Happy you ended up enjoying this one! I have seen quite a few that didn't really enjoy it or just struggled with the story. I've tried reading another series by this author, but sadly, I couldn't get into it.. :(

    Great review!

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  22. I'm currently reading this one and it's pretty intense! But I have to agree with you, some things are pretty unrealistic like everyone having to pay. AT first I actually thought that the game was a bit silly but I'm liking it now and I'm glad that everything is tied up nicely at the end. Great review!

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  23. I liked the sibling relationships too. The bit with Anne and Heather helped me see something likeable in Heather. I don't think I'm physically fit to perform any stunts so no I wouldn't join any similar competition. Lovely review, Brandi!

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  24. Definitely some mixed feelings about this one so I'm so glad that you enjoyed it. Too bad that it wasn't anything that left you thrilled, but 3.5 is pretty darn good. Characters matter a whole lot in a story too so that's great that you liked them. Excellent review :D Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.

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  25. Oliver is an up and down author for me. I am hearing mediocre reviews of Panic so far. But I am happy it mostly worked for you.

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  26. Glad you ended up enjoying this one. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me. I was quite disappointed.

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