Panic by Lauren Oliver

From Goodreads

An utterly gripping thriller from bestselling author Lauren Oliver.

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 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.

In this gritty, spellbinding novel, bestselling author Lauren Oliver delivers a gripping narrative of friendship, courage, survival, and hope.

My thoughts

This is the frst book that I've read by this Author. The book is aimed at the YA market, but crosses over well.

The book has been likened to the Hunger Games and I can see why some people think this, but there are some huge differences and if you read it, you'll find out what they are.

The story tells the tale of a group of American seniors who take part in an annual legendary game known as Panic. The winner is the last person in the game and the award is monetary.

Panic is unlike any other game that they have known before. In Panic the contestants have to face their fears. The Game organisers know a lot about the contestants and it's this knowledge that helps the organisers determine what form the levels of the games will take.

Who are the organisers? No one knows. Communication is mostly by text or private message, telling the contestants where and when the next level will take place.

Full of teen angst this story will draw you in. You will begin to relate to the characters and you will start rooting for them as they play Panic. What makes the contestants take part? For some it's a monetary ticket out of the town they live in, for some it's revenge and for others it's the win and the prestige that the win will bring with it.

It's also a tale of secrets, romance, loss and shows the competitiveness between young adults as they try to make their way in life and become the winner of the ultimate game ~ Panic.  6/10