Review: Panic by Lauren Oliver

Title: Panic

Author: Lauren Oliver

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication date: March 4, 2014
Genre(s): Young Adult (Contemporary)

Source: Publisher

Format: ARC

Pages: 416

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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.

Panic seemed like a dystopian book for me, but it really isn't. It is CONTEMPORARY you guys! Anyways, Panic is a game that graduating seniors in the town of Carp play. Panic is a game that tests your abilities, fears, and determination. It's not for nothing though, because the last person surviving (not literally), wins a big money prize. Heather, the main protagonist never thought she would ever find herself competing in Panic, but she is. For Heather, it was just a random impulse of hers to participate, yet others are competing for other reasons. Like Dodge, the other main character, is playing for something. He is determined to win, and is determined to take someone down. The book is told in two POV's, Heather and Dodge. As I first read the book, it started off immediately with the game, which I found kind of weird. I was a bit confused and expected there to be an explanation, but no worries, because everything is explained later on. 

There are quite a few characters in this book, but I'm going to have to admit I wasn't a huge fan of them. I felt like the plot of the book grabbed me more than the characters did. I couldn't really care that  much about Dodge or Heather, I just wanted to know what happens next. As I read on, I was glad that this wasn't a dystopian book. I liked the idea of the dangerous "game" Panic, in a normal world. It just felt like something a couple of teenagers would want to do these days, for some twisted reason. This book was also very fast paced, I just couldn't put it down. Lauren Oliver had a way of grasping me and getting me sucked in the story so well, I was so sad to see it end. Did you know this is also a standalone? I was happy and notsohappy. First of all, I was happy because I finally read a STANDALONE and I don't have to wait for how many years to read the second. I was notsohappy because I wanted more! Anyways, maybe if it was a series it would have just dragged on and not have been good. Therefore, I am happy with the results.

Overall, this was a fantastic read which definitely got me out of my reading slump! The story picks up from the start, and just never gets boring. There are diverse characters and many incidents that will leave you shocked. Fans and non-fans of Lauren Oliver will definitely enjoy this book, even if you think you won't. I went in expecting something but got something entirely different, and I'm not complaining! I haven't read such a good book in so long, and I finally did! Great job once again, Lauren Oliver! *claps*