Book Review: Panic by Lauren Oliver

Author: Lauren Oliver
Title: Panic
Publication: March 4, 2014
Publisher: Harper Collins
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Website

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.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's told from the perspectives of Heather and Dodge, who both have their own agendas for entering the game. Heather after being crushed by someone she cares for decides to jump and enter the game. She was initially there to support her friend Natalie, who wanted to win the money to pursue a career in acting. Dodge is participating because of his sister and hopes to make her proud with a plan that could end terribly. This game is different, dangerous and definitely personal. It's an emotionally charged thrill ride and the challenges they face to get to the end will be memorable. 


I liked Heather and her home situation feels real. Her mother is a drug addict that doesn't necessarily see her children as a priority. One scene that involves Heather's younger sister made me want to strangle the mother. This moment is also a breaking point for Heather and it opens her eyes about the game and her reasoning for joining in the madness. Dodge's motive makes no sense, well only to him. He feels justified in his decision, no matter how crazy it is. I felt his desperation and his feeling of being invisible at times. Natalie, the best friend, comes off as self-centered and ditzy. There appears deep down that she has a problem that hasn't been acknowledged yet. I don't understand her being in the game, she's afraid of everything. Bishop, the other best friend, has his own secrets but one thing he made clear he hates Panic. He's only there with Heather to support Natalie, who initially was the only entrant from their group but when Heather dives in, he begins to act weird. As they get closer to the end, the game becomes more dangerous and people begin to get hurt. Heather, Dodge and Natalie have many obstacles to face before the last test, the Joust. Can they survive the game or will one of them "panic"?  Overall, the book is well written and fast-paced read. The characters will draw you into this emotional, edge of your seat battle of fear. This is a good read that I think anyone looking for action, danger and little romance will enjoy. 

The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver

Author: Lauren Oliver
Title: The Spindlers
Publication: October 2, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Rating: 4 out 5
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Synopsis
One night when Liza went to bed, Patrick was her chubby, stubby, candy-grubbing and pancake-loving younger brother, who irritated and amused her both, and the next morning, when she woke up, he was not. In fact, he was quite, quite different.

When Liza’s brother, Patrick, changes overnight, Liza knows exactly what has happened: The spindlers have gotten to him and stolen his soul.

She knows, too, that she is the only one who can save him.

To rescue Patrick, Liza must go Below, armed with little more than her wits and a broom. There, she uncovers a vast world populated with talking rats, music-loving moles, greedy troglods, and overexcitable nids . . . as well as terrible dangers. But she will face her greatest challenge at the spindlers’ nests, where she encounters the evil queen and must pass a series of deadly tests—or else her soul, too, will remain Below forever.


Heartwarming and magical story about sibling love.

Some little girls would love the opportunity to get rid of little pesky brothers that drive them insane but not Liza, she loves her brother Patrick. Sitting across from her with the words,  I HATE YOU! floating in his bowl scares her and she senses something is not right. This thing is not her wild, crazy and fun-loving sibling but an empty cavern occupied by none other than tiny spindler eggs waiting to hatch inside poor Patrick's body. Liza, knowing exactly what she must to do, goes into the basement, broom in hand and finds herself Below. A place where missing things are prizes traded for random goods and colors are quire popular. She partners with an unexpected guide, a rat named Mirabella, who promises to show her the way to the nest of the spindlers. Liza discovers that nothing worthwhile comes easy nor is life fair but she finds the strength she has within and hope in the smallest of places.

I found myself thinking about the movie the Labyrinth as I was reading this. Liza is adorable and I liked her tenacity to succeed in her quest to recover her brother's soul, no matter what happens. I loved how the story taught lessons but not in an overly obvious way(well to a child, maybe). The writing translates seamlessly from the page, which makes it easy to visualize the world that the author has created. My favorite part in the book would have to be the verbal banter between Mirabella and Liza throughout their journey in the Below world. Overall, cute read that shows how great it is seeing the world through the eyes of a child. Oliver has created a vividly colorful world with entertaining characters that I think children will love. 

Books I'm Anticipating

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This year seems like a great one for the world of reading and I'm excited about some upcoming releases for the end of this year and 2012. Wow, another year has flown bye! So, there are several books that are on my reading list that I just can't wait to get my hands on and share my thoughts about. They are listed below:


Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Clockwork Prince/City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
Angel Fire L.A. Weatherly
Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer
Destined by Aprilynne Pike
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore 
Magic of the Moonlight by Ellen Schreiber
The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima
And of course the next book in the Cassandra Palmer series by Karin Chance


As you can tell this is an incredible list and just can't contain my excitement!!