Pandemonium

Pandemonium is a sequel to Delirium, one of my favorite books of last year.

Chapters alternate between then and now in a disruptive manner that destroys the momentum and impact of the entire book. I cannot imagine why such a skillful writer as Lauren Oliver did this.

Once the two story lines merge, we find revolution in the air and discord becoming the norm. Lena has hooked up with young revolutionaries in the Wild and is eager to stop the repression. She finds herself forced into a friendship with Julian, the son of the enemy.

While I liked Julian I didn't much care much for the other new folk. Raven, in particular, just didn't cut it for me (although the story of Blue did). I think if the novel had proceeded straight forward through time then maybe I would have felt closer to the other characters. I found the ending (not the very, very ending) slightly silly (could they really have done that?) and the very, very ending predictable.

I treasure Delirium. As a stand alone novel it is excellent. It doesn't need anything to be added to it.

Skip the sequels!