Panic

I enjoyed Panic, but I didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped I would. In the book Panic is a game, and throughout the book I think it was the main thing that kept me reading. I liked the characters, but I didn’t particularly love or really care about any of them. I didn’t mind following their

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stories and their romances, but mostly I just wanted to find out what would happen during Panic and how it would end.

The book is told from two points of view, Heather’s and Dodge’s, but I didn’t particularly enjoy one of their stories more. I didn’t really care about either of their romances, but I did appreciate both of their loves for their siblings and what they did for them. Thankfully, neither were characters that I struggled to read because they did not annoy me, but they failed to make me love them.

Panic was the best thing about this book. It’s basically a game where a group of teens risk their lives doing challenges so that one of them can eventually win quite a lot of money. For a book about a group of regular teenagers, the challenges they have to complete are pretty extreme, to the point where I was often fearing for people’s lives because what they were doing seemed so crazy sometimes.

The challenges in Panic are set by anonymous judges, whether or not it was supposed to be a shock when who those judges were was revealed I’m not sure, but I was able to guess who at least one of the judges was about 1/3-1/2 of the way through the book, the other I was iffy about but was leaning toward the person who it actually was. This made it both fun and a bit annoying, it was fun because I liked figuring it out and waiting for the other characters to figure it out, but also annoying because how could the other characters not see it when to me it was pretty obvious. It would have been even better if I was wrong though.

Overall I enjoyed Panic, but it wasn’t as good as I’d hoped it would be. I thought the characters were alright, but Panic was the most interesting thing about the book – 3.75/5

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Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Intense story with intriguing characters and unique premises. This was a very enjoyable read and Lauren Oliver fans will be very pleased.

Opening Sentence: THE WATER WAS SO COLD IT TOOK HEATHER’S BREATH away as she fought past the kids crowding

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the beach and standing in the shallows, waving towels and homemade signs, cheering and calling up to the remaining jumpers.

The Review:

Panic is a game that was created in the small town of Carp, New York. Only graduating seniors are allowed to compete in the games and participation is completely optional. The judges are completely anonymous and they pick tasks that tend to insight fear in people. Each round there are people eliminated and there is a final showdown where one person is crowned the winner. Not only do they get to say they won Panic they also win the money pot that has been collected since they were freshmen in high school which is usually close to $50,000.

Heather never planned to contend in Panic, she never considered herself fearless or brave, which to win Panic you have to be both. But on the night of the first task fate would have it that she catches her long time boyfriend cheating on her, and she decides that she has nothing to lose by playing the games. Then as things at home get rough she finds that winning all that money might solve a lot of problems for her.

Dodge has always planned on playing Panic, and he has another reason to win the games besides the money. His older sister was paralyzed from the waist down two years ago in the final show down of the games, and Dodge has never forgotten. He is out for revenge and he will stop at nothing to get it.

The story alternates between Heather and Dodge’s POV. First you meet Heather, and to be honest, I really didn’t like her at first. She has a very negative attitude and some serious self esteem issues that got on my nerves a little bit. She grew up with no father and a mother that partied all the time. So her home life was a mess, but she had a couple great friends that got her through all the hard times, and a little sister that made it worth sticking around. At first the games are just to pass the time, but eventually it becomes more important to win. While I didn’t like Heather at first, I loved her by the end. Her character grows so much throughout the pages that it’s hard not to admire her, and respect her determination.

I liked Dodge from the very beginning. He was always sort of a social outcast in school and never very outgoing. But he knew that he would do well at Panic, because he wasn’t afraid of the consequences. He also had more motivation than the others to win. I liked that Dodge was a little awkward and different, it added to his charm. I could easily sympathize with his situation and found him to be a likeable guy.

Panic was an intense read that was very unique. Oliver did a fantastic job keeping the suspense running high throughout the whole book. I will admit that the first hundred pages or so were a little slow, but once you got through the background story it was pretty much non-stop drama and action. I thought that the premises was very unique and different from anything else I have ever read, so I liked that and it made the story more intriguing. The ending was left slightly open ended but I thought that it was a perfect fit for the story. Oliver is just one of those authors that know how to write amazing stories. Her style and form is always so captivating and I will always be a fan of her work. I would highly recommend this to anyone that is looking for a great YA realistic contemporary read, it will not disappoint.

Notable Scene:

Heather fought for breath. Tears were pushing at the back of her eyes. She knew they were being too loud. Too loud. Everything was all wrong. The gun in her hand felt awful, cold but also alive, like some alien creature that might suddenly roar to life.

“What are you doing here?” she finally said. “You were supposed to get proof for us and get out.”

“I heard something,” Dodge fired back. “I thought it might be one of the other players—”

The lights came on.

Jack Donahue was standing in the doorway, eyes wild, chest slick with sweat. Then he was shouting and the barrel of the gun was swinging toward them and there was an explosion of glass, and Heather realized Dodge had just hurled a chair straight through the window. Everything was fracture, roar, blur.

“Go, go, go!” Dodge was shouting, pushing Heather toward the window.

FTC Advisory: HarperTeen provided me with a copy of Panic. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

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I wanted to read Panic because I enjoyed Lauren Oliver's other contemporary and even though this one sounds different, I liked the direction it was going in. The idea of this big game and stunts, and where these two characters could face such things and possibly fall in love along the way intrigued

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me. Which I have to say, when reading the synopsis I almost thought that there was a supernatural or dystopian element to the story, but I think that it makes it more realistic, and it is set that it could happen in real life and it wasn't really forced on the kids, but more like a town tradition.
I liked both of the main characters, Heather and Dodge. They had secrets, and reasons why they were entering the games, on why they needed the money. Both of their families have their own backstories and play into the reasons they are playing and want to win. They are both sisters as well, and I loved the individual bonds, and how they grew and changed through the story.
The games though really shocked me. What they planned and the extremely dangerous element to them. They went over the previous years' deaths and that made me think that there was an even higher risk to this year's game. I think that these types of stunts though are def not out of character of a small town summer with nothing for the teens to do. I do think that the planning system and that everyone pays into the pot is kinda unrealistic, but I went with it for the sake of the story.
It was def high adventure and had me scared for what my characters might face next as the group of players gets smaller and smaller. It had me glued to the pages, and I read it quickly, but I don't think this will be one that sticks with me and I think about after, hence the 3.5
I think that Heather really grew and learned a lot through the games as well as through the things that she had to deal with at home. I love the side plot with the lady she gets a job with Anne. Anne has a farm of sorts and rescues animals and hires Heather to help her. The bond that they form is special and I appreciated reading about it and how it developed.

The ending worked out pretty well and matched what I expected from the book. It wrapped things up and even gave up a glimpse at the near future of the characters.

Bottom Line: Fast paced and demanded my attention while reading.

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Random Thoughts

Would be a fabulous book for class discussion and opening up communication
The adults were mostly caricatures - the typical self involved and neglectful parents that can be found in most ya novels (You must remember I am a 43 yr old mom and am a good parent). That being said it does

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explain the actions of the teen characters
Great message without being preachy
Author had a good understanding of the teenage mind with all its turmoil, confusion and angst. Especially of those teens growing up in such a poor and depressed town.
I didn't feel a real connection to any of the characters, with the exception of Heather, and some of their actions (Bishop's for example), didn't really makes sense to me.
Fast paced and interesting - ir was a hard one to put down - even when I wanted to slap these kids upside their heads for some of their stupid actions (yet I still remember being a teen so I can see how they would react the way they did)
Oliver does a brilliant job of creating a town that is in an economic downturn and the feeling of desperation permeates throughout the story and all of the characters
The towns name is Carp (hmm play around with those letters LOL!)
Could totally see this situation happening

Memorable Quotes/Passages

"The sky was deepening, the light was fading and so were the colors, swirling away behind the line of trees beyond the ridge, as though someone had pulled the plug"

"...about her fears that she would never get out of Carp and it would eat her up, swallow her as it had her mom, turn her into one of those brittle, bitter women who is old and drug-eaten and done at twenty-nine."

"My point is, when you love someone, when you care for someone, you have to do it through the good and the bad. Not just when you're happy and it's easy."

3.75 Dewey's

I received this from HarperCollins at work as part of my job. I am in no way obligated to review or sell any copies. One of the perks about being a bookseller which almost makes up for crappy retail pay LOL - love the job though so I really shouldn't complain - just miss my cushy library job that had benefits and paid vacation time

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The setting of Panic is bleak. The town is poor; its residents are rough. There is an entire area in this small town denoted as Meth Row, a huge indication as to the type of activities of which many of the residents partake. For many kids, Panic is the only opportunity they will ever have to earn

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enough money to get out of Carp and seek other opportunities. Because of this, there is a sense of desperation among the players that is quite depressing even while it is understandable.

Fueling the air of despondency within the novel are the individual stories of the players. The poverty of each is unimaginable, but their personal histories are particularly heartbreaking. These are kids exposed to the worst that life has to offer but still fighting against similar fates. It is no wonder they each take their chances in Panic – because they have seen the alternative up close and personal and refuse to succumb to the miseries life has already provided them.

At the same time as readers understand and sympathize with each of the players, their reasons for playing, and the personal obstacles they have to deal with when not playing the game, Ms. Oliver turns Panic into a harrowing version of “Would You Rather.” However, in her version, the choices are not disgusting but insanely dangerous. The fact that kids knowingly put themselves through these types of challenges, especially with the knowledge that more than one person died playing the game over the years, highlights the kids’ boredom and neediness. For all of them, Panic is not just a method by which to earn bragging rights, it is seriously their last option for a better life. The danger is astonishing; their misery is even more so.

Not all with Panic is bleak. There are some very beautiful moments as well. Heather’s love for and fierce protection of her sister are particularly poignant, while her long-lasting friendships are sweet. Heather is an amazing character – independent, practical, and strong although underneath she hides a vulnerability and loneliness that one aches to ease for her. Dodge is less forthright and therefore less sympathetic a character, but his love for his sister is incredible. His memories of better times will bring a smile to a reader’s face.

With Panic, Ms. Oliver proves why she is one of the leading YA authors today. The tension within the story is outstanding. The characters are achingly realistic and the choices they must make are significantly excruciating. Each challenge is better, and more disturbing, than the last. Because the stakes are as high as they can possibly get, the anticipation and suspense never truly breaks. Much like the proverbial car wreck that one must slow down to observe, readers cannot fail to be drawn into this intense and thrilling story. It is a powerful read, one that haunts readers for a myriad of reasons.

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3.5 Stars

Summary:

No one knows how it began or who created it, but each summer graduating seniors in the small town of Carp participate in daring challenges of a dangerous tradition called Panic, hoping to become the sole winner of tempting cash reward. For some, the grand prize is a shot at a

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better future. For Heather, it's the unplanned opportunity to escape her desperation after a sad breakup; for Dodge, it's the perfect pass to revenge for his sister's injury. But for all contestants, this is a game that will push them beyond their limits, physically and emotionally. Some will die, and some will lose, but they will have the chance to explore the true meanings of family, friendship, loyalty, and love.

My Thoughts:

Lauren Oilver did a great job at portraying this dull, small town in Panic and its people's rough realities. Her detailed and realistic depictions of this young group's struggles and their imperfect lives give this story an authentic and genuine touch.

The story is told via alternating third person perspectives between Heather and Dodge, and there are also two supporting characters, Nat and Bishop, Heather's best friends. The author created diverse, interesting, believable, and well developed characters. I really liked the two romantic relationships. They are light (for a contemporary YA) but sweet and are essential in adding to the tensions and troubles that plague these teens.

There are just enough suspense throughout the story to keep the pages turning, and as these characters confront the game and their conflicts in real life, we are able to observe their adventurous journey and transformation. I loved and sympathized with these teenagers, and it's great to see how the effects of the game mold them into strong and mature characters. From time to time, I did find this book very dark, and again it was due to the author's realistic descriptions of the suffocating realities that these characters face.

This is an extremely well written and enjoyable book, but it does contain minor flaws. My biggest concern was with the premise of how Panic works. It's hard to believe that such a risky and illegal game was able to be carried out for so many years even though Carp is such a small community and the game involved majority of the graduating class. Also, the challenges seemed a bit stupid to me. Panic is suppose to be a test for bravery. Instead, it's more like a series of reckless and cruel stunts that resemble college hazing rituals.

The book was quite slow for the first 50% but quickly picked up after that. Overall, this is an exhilarating and fantastic read. The plot is interesting, characters are likable, and Lauren Oilver is a great writer and an amazing storyteller.

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Heather and Nat, Dodge and Bishop are high school graduates, with the entire summer stretched out in front of them. Living in Carp, NY, this also means the start of the secret game called Panic, where each participant has to pass a series of testing challenges until only one contestant is left, who

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leaves with the big pot of cash.
Taking place over a few weeks in the summer, the narration alternately follows Heather and Dodge as they navigate each new challenge, how they form friendships and alliances, have arguments and fall out, fall in love and, most importantly, overcome their innermost fears. To the teenagers growing up in Carp, their town is not a place where they want to stay by choice, and winning the jackpot in Panic will enable them to leave and make a fresh start, a chance to fulfil their dreams. The teenagers are all of them very believable characters: fragile, wracked by insecurities and anxieties and not always likeable, and Lauren Oliver depicts their mindset very accurately, so that anyone who’s ever been a teenager will readily identify with them. The novel shows real character progression, it asks pertinent questions and also gives a few answers, and for all of Panic’s terrifying – and often downright dangerous – challenges, this is ultimately an uplifting book. Yet despite some genuinely tense moments, I can’t help feeling that the author has played it too safe as the outcome of the game and the resolution of the personal relationships are never in any doubt. The novel is well written and will almost certainly find a large readership among the young adults, but the lack of real surprises means that it doesn’t stand out enough for me to make it a fantastic read.

(This review was originally written as part of Amazon's Vine programme.)

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In the poor town of Carp, New York, a group of teens enters a high-stakes game that involves a series of secretive, possibly deadly challenges throughout the summer, with the winner receiving more than $50,000--enough money to start a new life.

I love Lauren Oliver's books, so it didn't surprise me how much I enjoyed PANIC. The challenge feels real, desperate, and quirky, and I fell in love with Heather and Dodge from the first few sentences in each of their alternating POVs. The author has a gift for making you feel for her characters

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and leaving the reader haunted. This book is no exception. And the end? Read it. That's all I'm saying.

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Read on December 26, 2013

While reading this book I had flashbacks to my Christopher Pike and R.L. Stine reading days. No idea why...it's been years (maybe even a couple of decades) since I read either author. Maybe it was the game itself (or the vast group of teenagers making really bad decisions).

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Panic tests to see how much fear you can handle and even despite fear, how long you can last in certain situations. It's not a game for the faint of heart.

That part of the book was interesting -- seeing the tests these characters are put through. I also generally liked the characters. I could relate to being the tall girl that wears flats and slouches so she doesn't look like a giant next to her friends.

In fact, the thing that bothered me most about this book was kind of silly and is probably me being a little nit-picky. Carp is a town of 12,000 with a graduating class of around 100 -- it has a BUS SYSTEM?! I grew up in Florida so maybe I'm incorrect in thinking that bus systems are only in large, more urban areas, but a town that small with public transit? Is there a county system that covers this in upstate New York?

AND she forgave Bishop?! Seriously? And the kidnapping of Dodge? Too much.

I had more thoughts as I was drifting off to sleep last night about other things I found a little too absurd, but now I've forgotten.

Bottom line: It doesn't have all the feels of Before I Fall, which is kind of what I was expecting. But it's a good read, just not Oliver's best.

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Not my cup of tea. Bagged it after 200 pages. Did not want to see what happened to Heather, the main character.

Panic is the latest from teen author Lauren Oliver, who churns out sensational novels that my middle grade readers snap up like candy. Personally, I've never been able to stomach an Oliver novel all the way through, but I did get through Panic.

Panic follows a quartet of high school friends in a

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small New England town as they navigate through an extremely dangerous "game" called Panic. I think that is the most interesting part, the game itself, as it mirrors what teens do today for "fun." It resonates with the "thrills" that our youth will partake without realizing the sometimes deadly consequences. However, this novel loses steam halfway through, when the police "bust" the game. I think having the audience of the town participate with the game would have made the novel more exciting; the novel just seemed to flag and was not intensely interesting.

Another plot point I found unbelievable was Anne's tigers. If Anne is as truly caring, rational, and a savior as she is portrayed in the novel, she would not have done such a selfish thing and kept illegal tigers on her property. It is obvious the tigers were a deux ex machina for later plot points in the novel, since they were so incongruous.

Overall, though, quite interesting, and it is interesting to discuss this novel with students/young adults and draw parallels to today's society.

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This story begins the day after the protagonists have graduated from high school, at which time the traditional secret game of “Panic” begins. Each participant has to pass a series of ridiculously risky challenges, with two unknown judges (acting via flyers and an anonymous email account)

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determining what they will be, allocating points, and knocking losers out of the game. The final remaining contestant wins a large pot of money.

In the seven years the game has been played, four players have died and one has been left paralyzed. But the prize money - this year it is $67,000 - is too tempting for these teens to resist. They are desperate to get out of of their dead-end small town of Carp, New York, and maybe realize their dreams, most of which are pretty much impossible without lots of cash.

The danger involved doesn’t deter them from putting their lives on the line; unfortunately, all of the characters, most of whom come from broken homes, are very deficient in self-esteem, and looking for love in all the wrong places. The focus is primarily on four main protagonists: two females graduates - Heather and Nat, and two males - Bishop and Dodge.

Discussion: I found some aspects of the plot very unrealistic. Parents and police are pretty much absent most of the time, especially considering the deaths and life-crippling injuries associated with the game. And the "requirement" that every high school student from this impoverished community contribute $100 each year to the game, and they somehow manage to come up with the money? I wasn’t buying it.

I also did not think some of the main characters were especially well-developed. Nat, for example, apparently has obsessive-compulsive disorder, but this complication is only briefly alluded to, and then mostly forgotten. Nevertheless, it probably plays a large role in her behavior which was otherwise unexplained (and inexplicable). Why would Oliver assume most kids would understand this syndrome?

Some other issues were only touched upon and then dropped, such as Heather’s insecurity about her size, and her dependence on appeal to boys for her sense of self-worth. Bishops’ behavior also went largely unexplained, even though much of what he did seemed quite contrary to the person he was supposed to be.

The character of Dodge was better drawn than the others. His devotion to his paralyzed sister was juxtaposed with the reinforcement he got from her dependence on him, and to his resistance to her improvement because it meant he was less important to her. That complex and contradictory situation was very well done.

While the tension level of the book built nicely, the "mystery" of the plot was obvious. I was also disappointed with the cluster of events comprising the ending, which seemed even more unrealistic than the rest of the story.

Evaluation: It's hard not to give Oliver consideration after loving some of her other work, particularly the book Before I Fall. But with Panic, I felt there were some problems with story believability and with the characterization, and there were a few examples of overly trite writing (“Nothing and none of us will ever be the same”).

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Panic is a legendary game played only by high school seniors during the summer in Carp, a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. The game consists of a series of dares that become more and more dangerous as it goes on. Only one winner goes home with thousands of dollars, but many go home with injuries

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and people have died before. Heather was never really interested in Panic, but participated on a whim after her boyfriend broke up with her. She's terrified every step of the way, but wants to see it to the end. Dodge, on the other hand, has been planning to participate in Panic for a year because of a deep dark secret. He doesn't fear the game at all and is fueled by his secret to do anything to win. Panic will bring both of them new friends, new enemies, shocking revelations, and turn their lives upside down.

I read Nerve by Jeanne Ryan a few weeks ago and it's a book that really wanted to be Panic. Panic goes to the extremes that I expected and (way) beyond. Each of the challenges pushes further and further and touches on real fear. However, I felt about half of them were unrealistic in how life threatening they were. $10,000 is not worth anyone's life. It should have been a lot more to make it plausible, but teens have to be able to put together this money, so more money still wouldn't be plausible. Anyway, there are some problems with the concept in general.

The characters and writing are what make the book successful. I related to or empathized with each character and their situation. Heather's mother was an abusive drug addict, so Heather took her sister and lived out of their car. Despite her fear, she was a lot stronger than she thought and used her Panic outlook in her real life. Dodge was kind of weird because of his painfully obvious "secret" and his blind need for vengeance. Other than that, he's a decent person who cares for his family. The only character I had no connection with was Nat. She used people, lied, manipulated, and was generally mean to people. There seems to be no reason for people to be her friend or like her in any way. Lauren Oliver's writing never fails to suck me into her stories. I didn't even notice some of the flaws of the book until the very end because of her prose.

Panic is a thrilling read, but the logistical problems and one major unlikeable character distracted from the story. It's a decent stand alone book and I would definitely read other books by Lauren Oliver.

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In her boring upstate New York town, Panic is the big deal for graduating seniors. The summer after they graduate, those brave enough engage in a series of challenges determined by anonymous judges. The winner walks away with a pot of money big enough to escape their town.

The concept of the game itself began well but ended with a fizzle, and the super surprise judge was no surprise at all. Not up to her usual standard here.

Panic was a pleasant surprise for me, I loved the storyline. I was intrigued by the mysteriousness of the game, imagining what kinds of challenges they would have to do and who the judges were. All of the participants had different motives as well, which all played their part in how the game turned

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out. Definitely kept me intrigued. Unfortunately this is a stand alone novel, but I look forward to more novels by Lauren Oliver. She never disappoints me!

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I really liked this book more than I thought I would. It got some extra bonus points for not being in first person. Certain details on the game Panic does have me a little confused, but I guess I could overlook them enough to enjoy the story. I haven't read anything by Lauren Owen before, so this

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book helped me discover her. I did feel, though, that I didn't exactly get much closure on Dodge's perspective.

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Panic takes place in the town of Carp where there is not much excitement for a teenager. So one year the graduating seniors decided to design their own entertainment by creating the game called panic. Every year each student in the high school pays a dollar a day for every day that school is in

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session. That money goes into the fund that becomes the prize money for the winner of the game. The challenges in the game can be dangerous and even deadly but a prize of $50,000 is an incentive to the players to complete almost any kind of test. The players are the main characters in the book and their friendships take many twists and turns as they go through not only the panic challenges but also the challenges that they face in their personal lives.

The book caused me to panic as I read about these teens taking on the high stakes challenges required for the participants of the game. I also felt rather sad for all of them since they were facing so many stumbling blocks in their search to be happy and successful. Thus to me it was a rather depressing read with a so-so ending. However, I would imagine the teen reader would be excited to read about each new challenge in the game while trying to determine who would be the winner of Panic.

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When this book first landed in my hands, I thought it was some sort of drug or dream universe. I honestly did not expect it to be the ultimate dare.

Plot: This is about a small town that offers one thing: Freedom. That freedom comes with a price. The price of a bet worth thousands of dollars and

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only one person wins. In order to when this obscene amount of money you must complete dares. Now these aren’t just small dares. They are dangerous. The more you complete you make it to the next level. Not all make it to the next level. Some get seriously hurt and other times they die. Since it is in a small town, the cops act like they don’t know about it. But if your caught, its jail time. I have to admit that this premise alone in the first chapter suddenly took me in.

Panic: Panic derives from fear. You get dares on doing very dangerous and stupid things. Yet it is every entertaining to watch it all go down. It played like a movie in my mind, watching these competitors compete for their freedom. Some wanted they money to just be rich but others wanted it cause they needed a head start to leave the small town. So I can get their motives. Half-way through the book I felt it so connected with characters. I felt their fear but most of all their yearning to leave that small town and that panic was their only answer.

Ending: I think this story played out very well. Between the dares and the drama ensuing their everyday lives, I felt like this story has a lot to give to the reader. The relationships these characters has to trouble to that came upon them, Panic is certainly a story that plays out differently then most YA books. An equally effective story, Panic is great.

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I think the premise of this book is interesting, but the characters left it feeling a little flat.

I think the game of Panic is amazing. It’s dangerous, and scary as hell. It’s not something I’d ever participate in, but I can see why others would. I had to know what the next challenge was

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while I was reading. Each one is deadlier than the previous one. I was freaking out while reading some of them.

Panic is told from the perspectives of Heather and Dodge. I had a hard time with them as narrators because I felt like they didn’t have much of a personality. They both have had hard lives, and ones that I wish wasn’t a reality. But the way they portrayed things felt like it lacked passion, I guess. I didn’t feel their anger, or anything. It’s like it just happened. I’m not sure that makes sense, but it does in my head. lol

While the characters left me wanting more, the story is engaging.

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Okay, I'm just going to start by saying that this is by far my favourite summer read so far! I loved this book. I could not put it down.

The story is told from the point of view of Heather and Dodge (although Heather is definitely the main character). They are acquaintances, joined together by a

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dangerous, high stakes game called "Panic".

The pacing in this book was excellent. It is on par with Oliver's other works (Delirium and Before I Fall being my favourites). There is tons of adventure and danger, a bit of romance, a splash of mystery and a lot of true angst.

I fell in love with the main character, Heather, and her struggles with a difficult home life, the adjustments a new high school graduate makes and her changing relationship with her best friend, Bishop.

It's hard for me not slip into spoilers with this book, so I'm just going to say: READ IT!

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I've been a fan of Lauren Oliver for a few years now, first with Before I Fall and then with Delirium series and when I heard about Panic I was pretty excited. Sure the cover though beautiful doesn't give much away, sure its suppose to be a dystopian book but there's absolutely nothing futuristic

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about it, but it was still a good book. I heard one person compare it to The Hunger Games , I'm not exactly sure why they think thank as its nothing like it, if anything it reminds me strongly of The Scorpio Races which seen as I loved that book (and massively wish it was a series) it is nothing but a good thing.

The book is set from two peoples point of views, Heather a strong minded girl who's had a hard life with a great group of friends and Dodge, a loner with a hard life of his own. Both have their own reason's for entering Panic, both desperate to win to make a better life for their sisters. Heather is a very timid girl at first, but with the help of Panic and determination she really comes out of her shell and we see that she isn't as scared as we and she thinks. Dodge is a stranger character, at first he comes across as shy from his obviously lack of social interaction, but then when we get further into the book it becomes apparent that his intentions might not be as innocent as we once thought.

We also have two other sub characters who are just as important. Natalie and Bishop, Heathers best friends. Natalie is also in Panic, for nothing other than the money. she seems pretty hell bent on being famous and escaping Carp. Bishop is always there for Heather, and is pretty much one of my favourite characters. All of them, no matter how big or small, together or a mess are brilliant. The thing I love about Lauren Oliver is that she puts so much effort into building up her characters from the ones who are just in it for a chapter to the main ones.

The more the story goes on, the harder the game gets. Sometimes through it my heart was in my throat or I was very on edge, sometimes it dragged (very little) but I loved the development of the characters and the relationships, I love how for the most of it I never knew what was going to happen.

I loved the originality of the idea. I really just liked the book in general. It had its ups and downs, like every book, but overall it was a really good book and I'm glad I read it :)

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The plot is interesting; almost an entire graduating senior year is involved in dares, hoping to win the big payoff. The goal is to be the last person who refuses to back down from one of the dares. The problem is that some of those dares are resulting in deaths, and it is no longer harmless fun.

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Thrilling and original.
Having said that, it won't be on my middle school shelves; too mature. I'll be sending it along to my high school.

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