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3.44 AVERAGE
3.44 AVERAGE
It was a pretty good YA book. I will admit that it was a page turner for me. But every time I thought there would be this HUGE thing, it always just fizzled.
But overall I liked it.
But overall I liked it.
I gave this book a three, even though I didn't really like it. It's not a bad book. Good writing, good characters, engaging story. It just wasn't my cup of tea. So...yeah. I didn't like it, but you might if you're into this sort of story.
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
People will do anything for money. That is essentially what this book wants us to swallow and fair enough, I can accept its general premise. Panic tells the story of two competitors in a game called 'Panic' where the teenagers of the town must complete ridiculously dangerous tasks in order to have the chance of winning $50,000+. Don't be tricked by the blurb, this is nothing like The Hunger Games. This is a story grounded in reality and the players all choose to take part, rather than being forced into it.
Our protagonists are Heather and Dodge, each taking part for their own personal reasons. Heather starts off in a bad place emotionally and joins in an attempt to make her life more exciting whilst Dodge is playing in order to get revenge for his sister who took part a few years prior. Both characters are fairly likable I guess but they seem rather distant. Maybe that's just down to the third person narration combined with the fact that their emotions aren't explored particularly effectively.
The tasks themselves are certainly dangerous enough and quite creative really. I do find it hard to accept that such a dangerous game would not only continue for so long but be supported by almost everyone in the town. It's made clear that people getting seriously injured and even dying is a common occurrence and yet very few actually voice any objections. And those that do tend not to stick to their opinion.
Mass apathy aside, what other problems are there with this book? Well, I didn't like the ending. Everything was tied up far too quickly and it was all a bit neat for my liking. Also the fact that
Overall, Panic is an okay book. There are elements of it I really liked and it was interesting enough to be worth reading. It didn't blow me away though and honestly, I can't say I really cared all that much about the characters. If I'd been more connected to them then I think I would have loved it but otherwise, it just missed the mark.
Overall Score: 3.5
What Everyone Else is Reading
Our protagonists are Heather and Dodge, each taking part for their own personal reasons. Heather starts off in a bad place emotionally and joins in an attempt to make her life more exciting whilst Dodge is playing in order to get revenge for his sister who took part a few years prior. Both characters are fairly likable I guess but they seem rather distant. Maybe that's just down to the third person narration combined with the fact that their emotions aren't explored particularly effectively.
The tasks themselves are certainly dangerous enough and quite creative really. I do find it hard to accept that such a dangerous game would not only continue for so long but be supported by almost everyone in the town. It's made clear that people getting seriously injured and even dying is a common occurrence and yet very few actually voice any objections. And those that do tend not to stick to their opinion.
Mass apathy aside, what other problems are there with this book? Well, I didn't like the ending. Everything was tied up far too quickly and it was all a bit neat for my liking. Also the fact that
Spoiler
Dodge was perfectly willing to commit murder and was only prevented from doing so through force didn't sit well with me. Are we still supposed to root for this guy and be glad he had a happy ending?Overall, Panic is an okay book. There are elements of it I really liked and it was interesting enough to be worth reading. It didn't blow me away though and honestly, I can't say I really cared all that much about the characters. If I'd been more connected to them then I think I would have loved it but otherwise, it just missed the mark.
Overall Score: 3.5
What Everyone Else is Reading
Good times! Suspense. Reality, not dystopian. What would we do to get out of our small town? Save our siblings? For revenge? Play Panic?
I loved this book and read it in three days. I didn't want to put it down. I was late to everything because I just wanted to keep reading. The story is exciting and the writing is engaging. The characters are gritty and real. Ms. Oliver's style is so intricate and detailed, yet easy to read and digest. The twists and turns are fantastic. An extremely powerful story that will stick with me for years to come. Well done!
I picked up this book because I really liked the Delirium books. This one...meh. I tried but I could not get in to it.
This was not what I thought it was going to be. I was expecting a thrilling game but so far it’s just been rather slow. The last task they had to do was a little risky but not enough to keep me reading.
Plus I’m listening to the audio and tell me why Lauren Oliver thought it was a good idea to have two characters named Matt and Nat, I never knew who they’re were talking about.
Plus I’m listening to the audio and tell me why Lauren Oliver thought it was a good idea to have two characters named Matt and Nat, I never knew who they’re were talking about.
Didn't like it as much as "Before I Fall", but it was good. Quick read.