Friday, December 23, 2011

Review: Delirium: Lauren Oliver **** 4 ****



Delirium: Lauren Oliver
Synopsis: 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.

My Review:
This book was a mixture of books that I have read, yet unique in its own way. When this book began it reminded me of the Book Uglies where Tally was so excited and wanted nothing more than to have her surgery and be pretty, yet she had kind of rebellious friend Shane that wanted to experience more aka Hana.  Then it reminded me of Matched in its way that controlled the pairing situation with its people. I definitely enjoyed the romance way more in Delirium than in Matched. It also gave me reminders of Enclave, where they completely controlled everything and lied about the world they lived in just to maintain order. I guess it expected since all those books mentioned are in the dystopian genre, but nonetheless amazing.

 I love the premise of the book which was love. I really enjoy books that make me question my own beliefs or even my logical reasoning. Example: Blood Promise: Richelle Mead, I really wanted to Rose to do the unthinkable in that book, something that is completely opposed to who she is and what she represents. I won’t what it is for those who haven’t read it, but for those who have you know what I mean. This book had me considering and if Love really is a disease. I love all the quotes and text above the chapters, it really tied the story nicely. As well as the symptoms of Amor Deliria Nervosa. The book so realistic in its own way.

The characters were really great. I loved that Lena had a bff in Hana and she was her confidant. I loved that Alex and Lena didn’t just fall head over heels in love after just one meeting; as well as Lena’s gradual acceptance in the reality of her world. The world building was really great; it wasn’t done in a way that seemed boring or lengthy. The book had it’s own way of building suspense while still being slow. I was left wondering what would come of Alex and Lena throughout the whole book; as well enjoy the tie back story of the mother.

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to Pandemonium. Delirium ended in a nice cliffhanger kind of way that makes me ache for more.



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