As an editor at Audible there are a couple awesome perks of my job. One of the best ones is that occasionally I can get my hands on the pre-pub galley..Show More » of a book before it hits the shelves of any bookstore . And sometimes there is a book I’m simply DYING to get my hands on as soon as possible, like Pandemonium. I read this book way before the audio recording was even ready – devouring it over a weekend, ignoring all but the most critical commitments. This is one of those series that crosses formats for me. I love it so much that I read it (twice) and am now listening to it too. If there was a movie I’d probably line up with girls half my age and squeal until being let into the theater. A lot of YA titles work like this – they are so readily consumable and the stories are so fast-paced that you just get swept along and want to experience the story over and over and in different ways.

Not everyone is going to love this book (and series) the way I do. I know it’s not for everyone, but it totally worked for me. Lauren Oliver has come up with a decidedly compelling dystopian concept: Love is illegal and surgically removed from everyone at the age of 18. Her heroine is perhaps less unique: Lena originally believes in the strict society and all of its rules, but as she falls in love she turns against them. But don’t dismiss this as a teenage first-love sob-fest – though Delirium could be accurately described this way. Pandemonium breaks the grand tradition of sophomore trilogy slumps. It is more mature and action packed than its predecessor and it appeals to my grown-up brain as well. Oliver explores other types of love in book two, notably parental love, in a way she hadn’t before. The characters in this book aren’t just rebelling against this society so they can make out in public – it’s so they have the freedom to love their children as well. There’s something really interesting and chilling about this.

Oh, and before I forget,Sarah Drew is one of my all-time favorite narrators. She captures the teenage psyche in a way that in the same instant reminds you why you never want to go back, while making you not want to put the book down.

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This is an amazing ending to one of my all-time favorite YA series! I am so blown away right now by this story and by Sarah Drew’s brilliant performan..Show More »ce.

After the huge cliff-hanger from Pandemonium I knew this was going to be an extremely emotional book. It did not disappoint. The suffering, loss, determination and struggles of the main characters was gut-wrenching. I was pleased that Lauren Oliver choose to write about all aspects of love and the many shapes and forms it takes in our lives. (not just the romantic type)

Like many other reviewers this book left me wanting more. However, I was not entirely disappointed by the ending. It felt real and true to the characters that Ms. Oliver leaves room for interpretation. Not all endings need to be handed over on a silver platter I guess.

However, my own secret wish is that this is not the end of the Delirium Trilogy. It’s just too painful to let go of these characters for now.

5 Stars All Around!!


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