Review: Delirium

Author: Lauren Oliver
Edition: Hodder & Stoughton eBook
Released: February 1st 2011
Notes: Delirium #1
Pages: n/a
Rating: See below review.

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.

Yes, yes, yes, I know that most of you reading this right now will have read this book already. And yes, I know it was a crime that I hadn't sooner - considering how a lot of reviewers were giving it so much hype! Anyway, now that I have, I can finally say: Delirium? I completely agree!

Though overall it was a great read, I wouldn't say it added anything new to the dystopian genre. I couldn't help but compare some features to Matched (Ally Condie). The curfew, the forbidden love, not having a say in who you're going to marry, etc. Don't get me wrong, it was probably more exciting than Matched, but it just didn't have anything new and fresh.

I really enjoyed Lena as the main character. We really managed to see her development throughout the story and I just loved that side of things. I know a lot of people who have read this preferred Lena's best friend, Hana over Lena but I have to say I liked Lena just that little bit more. She went from being cautious and quiet to brave and strong and I really enjoyed how Lauren Oliver did this. She is a very skilled writer! Then there's Alex. Probably not my favourite love interest but he was definitely sweet! Lena and him suited each other. For future reference: Will Herondale from The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare has my heart (and it is impossible to beat him. Sorry, Alex)! ;)

I'm not sure whether is was the writing style, the characters, the plot or just everything that kept me reading but I managed to finish this in just a couple sittings. I was totally engrossed and could barely resurface from Lena's world - I just had to know what was happening and what was going to happen next. And when the ending came around, I was left both breathless and upset! I really need to get my hands on book two to see what happens to both Lena and Alex.

In conclusion, Delirium by Lauren Oliver was a great read with distinctive characters and an engrossing writing style. Though it didn't offer anything new to the dystopian genre, it was still a perfectly fine romance read. I would still definitely recommend this to those that haven't yet read it!


Cover Corner: This will be a new edition to my reviews. After the rating I will talk about the cover of that book (my edition cover). This in no way affects the rating - it's just a little something I think will be fun! Then you can tell me your thoughts on it too! :)
The eBook cover pictured for Delirium is definitely not my favourite but the more I look at it, the more it grows on me. I like the splash of colour in the background and the colour and positioning of the author's title. The expression on the girl's face is also quite attention-grabbing, she looks almost sombre. I definitely think it would stand out in a bookshop, even though it's not perfect.

Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo

PS: Sorry for not posting much this week! You won't believe how busy I've been! Oh, and a mini review of Hana will be posted up sometime next week!