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Panic

Book 1 in the series:Panic

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Panic is a secret game that pits player against player in mental and physical challenges designed to push them to the breaking point. Set in the small town of Carp, the story follows a group of graduating seniors who risk their lives for a chance to win a large sum of money and escape their mundane lives. The plot unfolds through alternating perspectives of Heather and Dodge, two competitors in the dangerous game, as they navigate through risky challenges and unexpected secrets.

The writing style of Panic is described as fast-paced, gripping, and engaging, with a storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book explores themes of desperation, friendship, teenage angst, and the lengths people are willing to go for a chance at a better life, creating a thrilling narrative that delves into the darker side of human nature.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted and relatable, each driven by personal struggles and motivations, contributing to their depth and evolution throughout the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging, using a blend of poetic language and humor to convey the emotional and psychological depth of the characters while maintaining a steady narrative flow.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a high-stakes game called Panic, initiated by bored seniors looking to escape their small town through dangerous challenges that could lead to serious consequences.

Setting:

The setting of Carp, New York adds a significant layer of desperation, underscoring the stakes of the game as characters vie for an escape from their stagnant lives.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, beginning slowly but eventually accelerating with the intensity of the game, keeping readers on the edge of their seats during the challenges.
THE WATER WAS SO COLD IT TOOK HEATHER’S BREATH away as she fought past the kids crowding the beach and standing in the shallows, waving towels and homemade signs, cheering and calling up to the remain...

Notes:

Panic takes place in Carp, a small town with about 12,000 people.
The game of Panic is created as a way to provide excitement for bored high school seniors after graduation.
Participants must complete dangerous challenges to win a large cash prize, which is often upwards of $67,000.
Heather, the protagonist, joins the game after her boyfriend leaves her, seeking a way out of her troubled life.
Dodge, another main character, participates in the game seeking revenge for his sister who was paralyzed in a previous Panic challenge.
The story explores themes of desperation, fear, and the complexities of teenage life in a struggling community.
Multiple reviews noted that the challenges in Panic could lead to serious injury or death, adding intense stakes to the game.
The narrative is told from alternating perspectives of Heather and Dodge, offering insight into their contrasting motivations and backgrounds.
Critics highlighted that the emotional depth of characters varied, with some finding it hard to connect with them.
The book has been compared to The Hunger Games, though many stated that it has its own unique take on fear and competition.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, substance abuse, trauma, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance that factors into the narrative, primarily involving Heather and Dodge.

From The Publisher:

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a captivating, thrilling novel of fear, friendship, courage, and hope that will leave readers gasping for air. Now a television series on Prime Video, starring Olivia Welch, Mike Faist, Jessica Sula, Enrique Murciano, Camron Jones, and Ray Nicholson!

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a poor 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. 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.

Read the book that inspired the series, which the New York Times described as "Reminiscent of 'The Hunger Games' but grounded in the real world."

Ratings (5)

Incredible (1)
Liked It (2)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (10):

Read It (6)
Want To Read (4)
 
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