Book Nerds Across America

Flo's Review
Oh Lena, we have been on a journey with you. Remember how we all read and loved Delirium? And then we all read and didn't love Pandemonium? And then how the cliffhanger at the end of Hana left me disbelieving for days?! Well, we have finally made it. We have come to the end of another beloved-by-the-Book Nerds trilogy. I have to admit, I was hesitant about this book after Pandemonium. When I started reading it, I noticed how the dual narrators in Lena and Hana reminded me of the Then and Now in the second book that I did not really enjoy. But it worked in this book. I was as engrossed with Hana's story as I was with Lena's, if mostly because {Delirium spoiler} I was intrigued to see the point of view from someone who was cured. At the end of my Pandemonium review I said, "this is a rare instance when I don't have a clear favorite." I was referring to what happened at the end. Well, I had a favorite in this book. But I don't feel I can say anything more without giving anything away.

The best part about this book was how easy and fluidly it read. I just kept wanting to turn the pages. And the scene where, as the book's Goodreads description says, Hana's and Lena's "stories converge"? So interesting to read. Not how I pictured it at all on one side, but still so fascinating to read. Overall, I can say that I am satisfied with the ending. It had the perfect balance of closing stories as well as leaving things open for the readers interpretation and prediction.

And P.S. this was one of my #ChallengeOf3 books! Woo hoo!

Jacque's Review:

I have to agree with Flo about the dual narrators.  The "Then" chapters in Pandemonium were very slow for me, but I really enjoyed both Lena and Hana's stories.  Once I FINALLY received my copy from the library, I flew through this book. 

By the start of Requiem, Hana has been cured and is getting ready to marry her "match" Fred, who will be sworn in as Mayor shortly before their wedding.  He is working tirelessly to strengthen the borders and fight the resistance.  Hana is conflicted about what she should be feeling after her procedure.  While she feels different, she is still having dreams and feelings about the past...which cured aren't supposed to have.  Did the cure work? Is she defective?

You all know that we Book Nerds like to select teams.  I was on Team Alex after Delirium.  Then I was on Team Julian after Pandemonium.  I was conflicted for most of Requiem, but I did settle on a team by the end.  I can't think of another series in which I bounced around like this.  I usually find my Edward and stick with him throughout the series.  No way would I join Team Jacob just because Edward left...so I have to give Lauren Oliver credit for creating two amazing characters both Lena and I couldn't help but love.

I was very surprised by many of the events that transpired in this book.  There is loss and struggle on both sides of the fence.  Neither side is perfect, but they are both fighting for what they believe in.  I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't more closure to this series.  The ending was a bit abrupt and there were a lot of loose threads.  I was left thinking, really??? That is the end?  Am I missing a chapter???  I guess this is Lauren's way of keeping everyone happy.  As Flo suggested, we can all write our own perfect ending. 

We were left wondering what happen to Alex and Lena after their big escape from the land of the cured at the end of Delirium.  Now we are looking for answers to all of the following questions as we read Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver.  Is Alex alive or dead?  Did Lena make it to the Wilds and can she survive? 
Mary's Review

The moment I put Delirium down was the moment I wanted Book 2.  I can honestly say that I have the same feelings with this book.  I am dying for Book 3! I did not think the Lauren Oliver would be able to suck me back into Lena's world,  but she did. The only thing that I was unsure of, at first, was the layout of the chapters.  "Then" and "Now" I thought that to be a bit strange.  However, once I got into the issues of Lena, Julian, Raven, Tack, and the others I did not mind it so much.  In all honesty, it was kind of different and made the story stand out a bit more.  I was also very happy to see a stronger and more determined Lena! That was awesome! The one thing the Lauren Oliver does best is the "cliff-hangers" and O.M.G did she leave us with a good one!

I will be counting the days until Book 3!!

Teri's Review:

Like Mary I was begging to get my hands on this book. I couldn't wait to see what happened with Alex and Lena. Unlike Mary, I wasn't fond of it..it had those middle book blues for me. Not saying it wasn't good, because it was, but not in the sense I wanted it to be. I didn't like the jumping back and forth between the "Then" and "Now". I really found the "Then" chapters boring and slow. but I also knew they were needed to set up the story of how Lena got to the "Now" . You did however get to see Lena become a strong independent person out in the wilds, where in Delirium she depended so much on Alex to show her the way. The people she interacts with all have stories, and they play a part in the "Now" also. My problem with the "Now  " was I just really did not like Julian AT ALL. I didn't feel the romance between them, I thought he was  really a bit of a cry baby, whiny..... He wasn't a strong person, pampered I guess you would say. I liked the excitement that came in the "Now" the protests, the escapes..it made these parts fast and entertaining to me and it helped me get thru the book rather quickly. I will say this..once again I am waiting patiently for one of Lauren Oliver's books, because once again..she left me with my mouth hanging open when I closed the back cover....

Jacque's Review:

There is one thing we book nerds seem to agree on, the concept of Then and Now chapters was very odd at first.  Like Teri, I felt that the Then chapters were very slow.  The first 60 pages were actually a struggle for me.  I was beginning to think this book was not going to live up to my expectations.  The setup and detail they contained was essential, but I felt like the story was not moving forward.  Once I met Julian in the Now chapters, I was hooked and that is where I wanted to stay.

By the end of the book I was a member of Team Julian.  He was a lot like Lena was in Delirium.  He was taught to believe certain things his entire life and now he is being exposed to a whole new way of thinking.  While he did come from a privileged upbringing, I did not think he was spoiled like Teri did.  His father was abusive and I just wanted him to get away from his family and to live his life on his own terms.

The love story was not at all like it was with Alex for several very good reasons.  Lena is still trying to get over the loss of Alex, Lena and Julian are learning to trust each other, and Julian has a lot to learn about the Wildes and living life freely.  They start to depend on each other and their relationship develops very slowly.  I felt that it was realistic given the circumstances and was actually really sweet.

The ending was a bit of a shock, but I can't say I was surprised.  I was expecting something like that from Lauren Oliver after the way she left us hanging at the end of Delirium.  Requiem, the final installment in this series, is scheduled to be released in February 2013.  There will be A LOT of anxious readers waiting to see how this trilogy comes to a close.  I have no idea which direction this story will take and can't wait to see what Lauren has in store for us next.  

Flo's Review:

What?! The Book Nerds are all in agreement about something?! I didn't like the "Then" chapters either, but I also understand why they were needed, so you could see Lena's growth and development. But like Tee said, it felt very middle book. I did really enjoy the "Now" chapters. I really liked the whole "Now" story and that's what kept me reading. I was not expecting either of the two big twists at the end of the book! And I can honestly say I can't wait for Requiem because ...how do I say this without giving away spoilers?...this is a rare instance where I don't have a clear favorite.