Book Review → Panic by Lauren Oliver

Friday, May 23, 2014


Panic by Lauren Oliver

Young Adult Fiction // Categories: Contemporary
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Publisher: HarperCollins
Format: Hardcover • 408 pages
Rating: 3 stars

Other books by Lauren Oliver: Before I Fall, Delirium

Panic was action-packed, CRAZY, and quite thrilling. I'm pretty sure my heart flew out of my chest for these people every time they were faced with a new challenge.

Although I am a total chicken when it comes to doing things that scare me (I can't even get my ears pierced), I thought the reasons each character had for playing Panic made sense and was believable. Yes, they're doing crazy things that could get them killed, but $67,000 is a lot of money. It slightly reminded me of Fear Factor, but a more intense version.

One of the things I did not like about this book was the vagueness in Oliver's writing. I didn't feel like there were enough details about what characters were doing, thinking, etc. The majority of this book is focused on the plot instead of character development, and I think that's why I didn't enjoy it as much I wanted to.

I also did not like the ending. It was a little too convenient, like Oliver just wanted to finish her story and move on to another one.

Despite all the negative things I have to say, I did like reading about each competition and seeing how far all the characters would go to win the money.

What is something that scares you that normally wouldn't scare someone else?

3 comments

  1. I started reading this book just when it got published, but had to stop a few pages in, because it just didn't intrigue me. I love Lauren Oliver's writing, so I have high hopes for this book as well, but I guess I will have to wait a while before I get back to it, until I am in the right set of mind to enjoy it. As far as I can tell, there have been many negative responses to this book... but I really want to like it.

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  2. agh I so don't think I could play the game Panic!! I'm sorry you didn't like the ending! I'm kind of curious about this book but I know it's prob going to be a FAVORITE.

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  3. I've seen so many mixed reviews for this one! I'm really glad to see that despite your problems you generally enjoyed it. I loved Lauren Oliver's Delirium books, but I'm scared to read this one! I want to love it so badly! Great review Amaris! :D

    Rachel @ Paper Cuts

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