Who Would Like This Book:
If you love high-stakes drama, gritty small-town settings, and a game with real consequences, "Panic" is a thrill ride that will keep your pulse racing. The story dives deep into the desperation and hope of teens looking for a way out, with moments packed full of tension, suspense, and emotional growth - especially for those who root for underdogs or complex, flawed characters. Fans of Lauren Oliver’s writing, as well as those who enjoy contemporary YA with a dark edge (think: "Nerve" or even a realistic echo of "The Hunger Games"), will find a lot to like here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you’re looking for tight plotting, deeply likable characters, or airtight realism, this one might not land. Some readers found the premise hard to buy (seriously, this dangerous game lasted for years without real adult intervention?), and others found the characters either a bit underdeveloped or downright unlikable at times. If you want your YA with a lighter touch or dislike stories with a lot of family dysfunction and dark themes, you might want to skip this game.
About:
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.
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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 (8)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (2) | |
Liked It (3) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (18):
Read It (9) | |
Want To Read (9) |
What can you read after
Panic?
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