Panic by Lauren Oliver book review (spoiler free)

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of twelve thousand 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. Already optioned by Universal Pictures in a major deal, this gritty, spellbinding novel captures both the raw energy of fear mixed with excitement as well as the aching need to find a place to belong.

Rate: 

3.5 of 5 stars

★★★

Review:

Fandom Monthly Magazine was given an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was definitely an interesting read. The world Oliver created was an intense one that made you feel the desire to participate in Panic in order to get out of the miserable place you're stuck in. With nothing left to lose, graduating seniors participate in the craze where the stakes are high and the rewards are even higher. Not all of the characters are "likable", which makes it that much more real, more human. Although some parts did seem to drag on, and one of the main characters is introduced as playing yet another cliched part, overall the book was good. In my personal opinion, the book would have done better if it had been placed in a series, so that the story could flow better and the characters and their story be developed properly and thoroughly. I recommend this book to those who like a nice thriller that keeps you wondering, "What's going to happen next?" 

Reviewer:
Nancy