Friday 1 January 2016

Panic by: Lauren Oliver

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Published: March 4, 2014 by: HarperCollins
Pages: 408
Rating: 5/5 stars



First off, happy new year everyone! Hope you had lots of fun last night and are excited for what's to come. I'm kicking off 2016 with a review of a very unique storyline and eerie contemporary.

Panic is a game. A game where the seniors of the ghost-town of Carp fight in a series of events where dangers lurk, all to be the covenant champion and receive a hefty amount of money to start their life somewhere else. Senior Heather never dreamed of competing, but when her alcoholic mother leaves her and her sister again, she knows that she must win it for the both of them. Enter Dodge, a guy who has never been afraid of Panic, and will do anything to win. The two form an alliance. But there can only be one winner.

Panic was a series of twists and turns, of suspense and tragedy, and of family and love. I ABSOLUTELY loved the concept of this book for incorporating various themes that could appeal to a wide audience, as for also keeping a very unique storyline. This one was on a class all on it's own.

The premise for this book is basically based on the sacrifices that one will make to get what they want. First we have Heather, who is fighting for the money for her sister, so that she and her can leave town in search of a better life. Then we have Dodge, who may seem like he just likes the idea of cash, however he's got a secret that will push him to the limits. I loved how these themes were kept consistent and concise throughout the entire book, which really brought out the emotion and deeper meaning within.

The characters in this book were beautifully contrasting with each other, and I loved how they all weren't cookie-cutter contemporary characters. Each person had their own reasons for playing Panic, and I feel like all of them were broken in some sort of way. They all seeked a better life than what they got.

I loved the eeriness of this book. When thinking of the book in my head, I always imagined a dark, grey atmosphere that clouded over everyone in the town's faces. This book is not really a light and happy book, but instead has a bit of a dark, creepy tone to it. Each event is led by a mysterious email and secret judges that no one ever sees, and so it was interesting to piece together who actually started Panic in the first place.

Overall, this was a very different contemporary with a unique concept. If you're not into the light and fluffy, this would be an amazing one for you as it was something that I had never seen anything like before.

Have you read Panic? What did you think?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

18 comments:

  1. I read panic last year and could not get over the stupidity of the contestants for actually taking part! Why risk your life for money that isn't even guaranteed to be yours?! I agree that it's definitely one to read if you're not a fan of 'typical' contemporary with lots of romance, though.

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    1. I guess it was all for that "reckless teenager" image. You couldn't pay me any amount of money to do that though!

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  2. I have heard such mixed reviews with this book! I'm wondering now if I should just give it a try...

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    1. I think you should! It was a spectacular read!

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    2. Even though I wasn't a massive fan of it I'd say definitely give it a go as well! You never know, you may end up loving it as well. :)

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  3. Amazing review! I bought this book from a Book Outlet sale. I've never read a Lauren Oliver book and I've heard mixed things from this one, but I definitely think I'll give this one a try now! Especially since I love different contemporaries!

    http://novelsandnecklaces.blogspot.com

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  4. I'm actually pretty unsure about this! There are so many opposing reviews! And it sounds like a weird mixture of contemporary and dystopia and thriller to me?? Maybe that's my crazy pineapple brain talking, but yeah... undecided. BUT! Your review might make me rethink my decision! The characters definitely sound fabulous, and I have a soft spot for good characters! :D

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    1. I definitely see the conflicting genres in there, and this is definitely not a standard contemporary. I would still say give it a go though, because sometimes different is good!

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  5. I haven't read Panic - am hesitant because I didn't quite like Before I Fall by the same author... May have to give this a try though, after reading your review!

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    1. I didn't quite like Before I Fall either but I feel like these two were polar opposites! If you're a fan of a not really contemporary contemporary, give it a try!

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  6. I'm so glad you liked this so much! I was a bit meh on it, but I'm happy that you felt so invested in the story. Thanks for sharing Emily and, as always, wonderful review! ♥

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  7. I love this review! I didn't enjoy it as much as you did, but now that you mention it I did really like the eerie mood and the strange uniqueness of the book.

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    1. Thanks Kate! I was surprisingly really drawn to it!

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  8. I LOVED PANIC SO MUCH! I kind of want to see a movie out of it. I love everything in it!

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  9. I haven't considered picking up Panic so far, but most of the reviews I've come across, including yours now, make me want to cave in and just read it. Maybe I will! :) Great review!

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