Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver [Review]
February 28, 2012 in Children's & Young Adult, Dystopian, Reviews
![Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver [Review]](http://www.bartsbookshelf.co.uk/bookshelf/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Pandemonium-186x300.jpg "Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver")
Synopsis
Love, the deadliest of all deadly things. It kills you when you have it. And when you don’t.
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…
Review
Following on from the dramatic events at the end of Delirium, Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver, once again follows young Lena Holoway.
Told in alternating time periods ‘now’ & ‘then’. In the ‘then’ chapters, we learn what happened in the aftermath of Delirium and Lena’s life in those first few months in the wilds on the other side of the fence, how she survives and starts to overcome the loss of Alex.
In the ‘now’ chapters we learn about the effect of those months, and how they impact on Lena’s new life as part of the resistance, as she embarks on her first mission.
Despite that Lena’s life may be reeling and what the title may hint at, for a good part of the novel, there’s a languid melancholy pace to the story (which I think is beautifully represented by the UK cover), as Lena recovers and grows into a wonderfully strong character (both physically and mentally). In Delirium, Lena was guided by Alex (who I thought I’d miss). In Pandemonium, she has force herself to move on, come to her own thoughts and opinions, to become the person she needs to be. That journey and the new ‘Lena’ was one of my favourite parts of the book.
At the beginning, the two story-lines are fairly separate, as we get nearer to the ‘now’ part of the story they begin to further intertwine, with the ‘then’ informing the ‘now’ more and more, along with events and actions from the wider world that Lena is not yet aware of. It all built up to a brilliant and satisfying climax.
For 99.9% of the book I absolutely loved it. And then the last page happened, and went and spoiled it (although I suspect others will love it). I’m really worried that all the wonderful originality on show in the first two books, and the repercussions as the ‘fence’ between the two worlds begins to break down, is going to be lost. So it’s just going to miss out on a full six star rating.
However, I’m going to trust from the writing in the first two books that Lauren Oliver doesn’t go down the route I dread in the final book, Requiem, because everything else she’s set up, promises an amazing story to come.
Rating
| Characters: | ![Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver [Review]](http://www.bartsbookshelf.co.uk/bookshelf/wp-content/plugins/xavins-review-ratings/default/star.png "5.6") ![Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver [Review]](http://www.bartsbookshelf.co.uk/bookshelf/wp-content/plugins/xavins-review-ratings/default/blank_star.png "5.6") |
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Buy: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
My copy of Pandemonium was provided by the publisher for review purposes.
![Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver [Review]](http://www.linkwithin.com/pixel.png "Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver [Review]"){kind=tracking}
Kailana (37)
Clover (14)
Alyce (13)
Amanda (10)
Carl V. (10)
Nikki-ann (9)
I have to admit, I didn’t really like the first book that much, so I’m not sure I’m going to read this one. Especially if there’s the potential at the end for ruining the whole story…
I’ve heard conflicting reviews for Pandemonium so far. I am glad to see that you like it as I will be reading it soon.
I just skimmed your review because I’ve got this one sitting next to my desk waiting to be read. I’m glad that you liked it, but am very curious to see what my own reaction will be to the ending.
[...] Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver [...]
I was a HUGE fan of Delirium and your review promises me that I will love Pandemonium even more. It’s difficult to love a book so heartbreaking, or a book that you know will most definitely break your heart, but with Lauren Oliver’s gorgeous writing and the promises of character growth and development (as your review hinted at) to come, I just know that Pandemonium will not disappoint. I’m looking forward to seeing Lena (and hopefully Alex) again and I bet the wait for Requiem will be even harder than the wait for this book. Thanks for your review!
Pandemonium, is quite heartbreaking too, not in the shocking way of Delirium, but in in the way as Lena works though her grief.
I really enjoyed the ‘feel’ of the book. I think the UK cover captures it perfectly!
You know, a LOT of people loved Delirium, but I almost didn’t finish it.. I hope this one turns out better.
I really liked Delirium and this one has been on my wishlist since forever. Great review Bart!
thanks!
I’m still in two minds as to whether I will actually read this one. I’ll keep it on my reading list for now.
As I say for 99% of it I really liked it, so I think it’s probably worth it, especially if you enjoyed book one.
I really cannot wait for my copy of this book to arrive! Right now it’s on its merry way from the Book Depository to my impatient hands. Your review has got me even more excited, if that’s even possible! Except for the bit about the last page. I do hope Oliver stays true to the core of the story she has created and doesn’t give in to the pressure to produce clichéd, gimmicky writing. She hasn’t let me down yet, though!
Thanks for the review! I’m glad I found your blog. I’m really enjoying it
Cheers,
Lilly @ The YA Café
I know some people will love the last page, and I found it really hard to bring into the review without spoiling it. But for me it was such an groan worthy moment, rather than an OMG one, I had to some how.
I think your wish, pretty much captures my feeling on it now, after a little distance from finishing the book.
I really enjoy Oliver’s writing style. I’ve been on the edge of my seat waiting for this one. The world she’s created is just fabulous. Can’t wait to dive in again!
It’s pretty good. I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks for the review, I’m going to set this up as my to-read books….
I just hope I could actually get my own copy of this….