Mini Book Review: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Series: Delirium #2
Finished on: October 2, 2012
Released: February 28th 2012 by HarperCollins
Source: Local public library ebook

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Summary from Goodreads:

I’m pushing aside
the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana
and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, ' Delirium.' This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

**The use of "now" and "then" sequences was perfect. It kept the story moving smoothly and made me want to keep reading to get back to the previous moment.
**So.many.new.characters! And (most of them) are wonderful.
**I recommend reading this on a totally free day. This isn't one easily walked away from.
**This one was just as amazing at the first and I absolutely can not wait to get my hands on the third.
**I'm a little disappointed with Julian. Am I the only one who thought he came across too much like a 12-13 year old?
**I hate cliffhangers :( and this one... why? Perfect example of why I don't like to start series until each book is already released.

You can read my review of Delirium here.

Book Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Series: Delirium #1
Finished on: September 3, 2012
Released: February 1, 2011 by HarperTeen
Source: Local public library ebook

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Summary from Goodreads:

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

First off, Lauren Oliver's writing is beautiful. Poetic and perfectly detailed. I found myself wanting to read slower, to allow myself to fully savour every word and every eye-opening passage.

I originally picked up this book because the premise sounded extremely intriguing. I was not disappointed. While slow at a few points, there where also moments where I was left wondering what the heck just happened. Another one that left me thinking about it even in the moments I wasn't reading.

Oliver made it so easy to feel exactly what the main character, Lena, was feeling. The stress, confusion, fears, falling in love... all of it. Connecting with Lena and her world was effortless.

Warning: the ending left me in shock! I am SO grateful I was able to get my hands on Pandemonium two days later. I am definitely completed captivated by this series.

Book Review: Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Title: Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Series: Stand-Alone
Finished on: September 20, 2012
Released: July 3, 2012 from HarperCollins Publishers
Source: Local public library ebook

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http://www.epicreads.com/blog/september-book-club-tiger-lily/

"Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair. . . ."

Characters: The characters provide such an emotional rollercoaster. Some I loved [the lost boys, Tink], some I hated [WENDY!!, Smee], some I loved but wanted to scream at sometimes [Tiger Lily, Peter], and some that tugged at my heart strings [Tik Tok, Pine Sap]. There are so many unique and diverse characters in this story and each one really did leave and impression on me.

Writing/Tone: Beautiful, lyrical, raw, funny in some places and heartwrenching in others, descriptive enough to feel you're actually in this world

Setting: I absolutely fell in love with the whole world of Neverland. We get faeries, different tribes, mermaids, the lost boys, the pirates, and so much more. (We even get to see the crocodile for a second!!!)
A gorgeous representation of first love and all the moments that come after.

Everytime I had to set this book down, I still had the story in the back of my mind. A definite re-read one day.