Panic by Lauren Oliver

Panic

by Lauren Oliver

Soon to be a major Amazon Prime Video series.

An utterly gripping thriller from bestselling author Lauren Oliver.

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a poor town of twelve thousand 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.

In this gritty, spellbinding novel, bestselling author Lauren Oliver delivers a gripping narrative of friendship, courage, survival, and hope.

Reviewed by Sam@WLABB on

4 of 5 stars

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Panic. This is a game played by the graduating seniors of Carp, NY. It's dangerous, banned and scary, but can net a lot of cash. This year's pot is $67,000. That could change a lot of circumstances for one lucky winner. The game is part of this story, but it is not the story. This is a story about growing up, accepting yourself, learning about yourself, pushing beyond your comfort zone, opening yourself up to new people and new experiences, not being afraid of taking chances or making changes. It's about so much more than this game. Granted, the game is the impetus for the changes that occur in the lives of Heather, Dodge, Natalie, and Bishop.

Good: The characters. They were well developed and I cared for them, especially Heather and Bishop.
Story: There was a lot of stuff going on and it all came at you bit, by bit. I liked the way the days were broken out as focusing on Dodge or Heather. We got to see into their broken worlds and gain different insight with each chapter.

In the end, the best part of the book is watching Heather evolve and change. I cannot lie, I was getting misty during that second to last chapter, a tear or two may have slipped out.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 5 November, 2014: Finished reading
  • 5 November, 2014: Reviewed