Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Delirium 

Series: Delirium Series

Book #: One

Author: Lauren Oliver 

Published: 2011

Source: For Review

Rating: 

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 governments 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. (taken from goodreads.com)

 

Most of the time, writing a review for a book isn't a challenge for me. I've already gathered my thoughts and know just what I want to say. It's different with Delirium. This book is so powerful and deep that I'm finding it difficult to describe. The ending left me speechless. 

This is the first novel by Lauren Oliver that I've read. I have Before I Fall, and you can bet I'll be reading it as soon as possible. Oliver's writing is purely brilliant. It flows beautifully, and the vivid descriptions really kept me in the moment. Reading her words makes me realize why some people call writing an art. 

Lena was an incredibly relatable character. So many of her personality traits reminded me of myself. Throughout the story, she is forced to make painful decisions and face her fears. I began to like her more and more as the story progressed. I sympathized with her and truly wanted her to be happy. I was so proud of her choices in the end.

The ending... Oh wow. The book started out well, got better, and became downright awesome by the time I reached the climax. Then Oliver just ended the story. Don't get me wrong, I thought the final words were beautiful and inspiring, but I still can't believe that the book ended with such a cliffhanger! A sequel is obviously expected, and I cannot wait. 

Overall, I think I have contracted a very serious case of Amor Deliria Nervosa because of this novel. Delirium is a breathtakingly real and painful novel. If you love series like Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, or Matched by Allie Condie, then you'll probably love Delirium. The novel is basically a combination of the three. All I know is that I need a sequel. NOW.

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review