[Review] Panic by Lauren Oliver

Title: Panic

Author: Lauren Oliver [ Facebook | Twitter | Website ]

Publisher: HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Contemporary, Thriller

Release Date: March 4, 2014

Source: Library copy via Overdrive, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

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. - via Goodreads

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Well that escalated quickly...

In too deep. Our protagonist Heather decides to make the leap, literally, to join Panic in hopes that the prize will mean a start to a new life. Dodge takes the leap for revenge. Natalie, Heather's BFF, wants fame and Bishop stands by as Heather's faithful friend.

The story opens up with this action driven scene where each contestant is leaping off a ledge into water as their entry confirmation. What a way to really draw you in. In the audio you can hear the suspense which made me sit in my car in a parking garage until it was all over. 

The game, Panic.

There are a lot of games in YA these days but very few are realistic fiction and Panic takes the cake. You know what the stakes are for Heather and Dodge from the beginning which has you rooting for both. The game itself is dark, twisted and knows you... like really knows you. Challenges are customized and every round someone else is disqualified. 

The challenges are insane and scary, in other words... completely captivating!

Perspectives and secrets.

Told in third person, the story tracks Dodge and Heather's adventures revealing motive, intent and secrets just for the audience. This allows for a steady unraveling of all that must come undone. Like pieces of a puzzle the reader (listener) is able to see every piece slide in to place as each challenge gets crazier and crazier. Lives are at stake and so is everyones motive.

Each character is multi-dimensional with motives, families, dreams and must take risks. The character development is not lacking in a genre which is primarily plot focused. You'll become invested in at least one character and cheer them on til the end. 

Super real also crazy and totally fun to read.

The game of Panic is insane and hopefully nothing even comes close to it in real life, but it's also a testament to what someone will go through with the proper motivation. At the heart of it you can't help but root for Heather. 

3.5 Stars – The blueprint for teen reality competition tv series.