Panic by: Lauren Oliver

Publication Date:

March 2014

Overview: 

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.

My thoughts:

This was a new read for me. I haven't really read anything like this one. I actually thought it could be Dystopian, having never read the reviews or anything. My cousin bought this and gave it to me to read and review and so I thought it might be something that my followers would enjoy.

Panic is a game, one that can cause you serious bodily harm and/or death. Several people in the past have died and been injured. It isn't anything I would want to play, but when you have nothing else to do and your in need or money you jump at the chance I guess. 

Heather and Natalie are best friends. They have come to Panic to watch Natalie play, but suddenly Heather is in the game too. But nothing changes that friendship. They both fight to survive and win, all the while cheering each other on. 

Life isn't always as planned and little things happen to these players to send them reeling and wanting more or something different.  

This game changes you and makes you different...that is if you come out alive.

My rating: 

4 stars