Pandemonium (Delirium #2)

Reviewer: Kristen
Author: Lauren Oliver
Pages: 375
Format: Hardcover (paperback & ebook available)
My Rating: 9 out of 10 stars 




SPOILERS FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T YET READ THE FIRST ONE. (you really need to get on that. This means you, Kelsey.) 

Summary (Thankya 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. 

My Thoughts: Umm.... a book haven't left me speechless in what seems like such a long time. I have no words for this novel, which is ironic as I'm sitting here trying to review it. I'm almost mad at myself for not hearing about this book earlier. Okay, I've collected myself. Let's really get into this review. 

I tore through this book, cover to cover, in one sitting. Do you know how often a sequel is better than the first book? Never, okay rarely. But Lauren Oliver has accomplished that. This book left me flabbergasted, antsy and desperate for the next one. The way that Lauren Oliver has strung this together is genius, literally. It's unlike any book I've read before. It goes from "Now" to "Then", and though that may sound as though it has potential to get confusing, it really doesn't. This book could break my heart, fill me with this unprecedented anger at a character, and leave me smiling like a goof all at the same time. Lauren Oliver has gotten me to love Lena, admire her even. Lauren Oliver has a knack for getting inside what would be an eighteen year olds head (my age, mind you), and presenting a totally believable mind set. The writing is perfect, that you can quote me on. 

Final Thoughts: I tried to avoid spoilers as much as possible, despite the big red sign at the top. I neeeeeeeeed the next book. Lauren Oliver has created such a gripping novel, that this story won't be leaving my mind for a long, long time. If you're reading this, go out and buy Delirium. But pick this one up while you're out, you're going to need it. Trust me.  

Reviewer: Kelsey
Rating: 9 out of 10

My Thoughts: I loved this book! It was a great follow up to Delirium and I loved how it was laid out. I'm glad it went back and fourth between "Then" and "Now". It was a fantastic way to explain everything without over loading the reader and expecting them to remember every single important detail. It doesn't get complicated like one would believe, thank God. Like Kristen, I think I have fallen in love with Lena and all that she stands for. She is incredibly strong and knows what she wants. She knows what's right and I admire that. I fell in love with some of the new character and, though it caused me some pain, I'm glad I did. Sadly, I saw the end coming. Luckily, I was still happy to read it and it still killed a small piece of me. I'm not sure how I feel about it (no fault to Lena...). I'm sure there might be some debate between Kristen and I...

Final Thoughts: You're wasting time. Go buy it.