[Review] Panic; Lauren Oliver

Release Date: March 4, 2014

Publisher: Harper Collins

Format: ARC

Summary from Goodreads:

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.

What I Thought: I really like Lauren Oliver, so when I had a chance to read this (as an ARC) I was super excited about it. I liked the premise a lot, and thought it sounded similar to another book I had read about a senior year game type thing which I really liked, so I had a feeling I was going to like it. 

As it turned out, this book took a way more serious turn than other similar books did, which I definitely liked. However, as is becoming a theme for me, I figured out the "twist" probably a bit earlier than I would have liked to. I think I would have enjoyed the second half of the book more if I was surprised by the reveal. 

I did think that this book was solidly OKAY, and would definitely recommend it. My biggest complaints were that it felt like some parts were rushed while others dragged on a bit, and that there was A LOT going on in this book- a few of the side storylines could have been taken out. What I liked a lot though was that it was told in two different perspectives, which is one of my favorite ways for stories to be told.

Read this if: you are like high school stories, if you're into multiple perspectives and if you don't mind a not-fantastic pacing. 

Out of 5☆: 3/5

This book was 2/100 for 2014