A Spoiler Free Bit About the Book
Alex is alive. Just when Lena was trying to move on with Julian. But there are more important things happening in Lena's world.
A rebellion.
My Review
I enjoyed 'Requiem' more than 'Pandemonium' but again it was no where near meeting the brilliance of 'Delirium'.
Like 'Pandemonium', I felt 'Requiem' had a very slow start. but not only that, I couldn't understand why it took so long to get going. I felt that some of the build up was unnecessary. I just wanted to get to it. Fast. Much faster than 'Requiem' allowed.
The dual perspective didn't shock me as a lot of YA novels (including some of mine) use this. But it did shock me who had the second perspective. It was a twist on the norm and it was fantastic.
I loved getting some of the old characters back as I missed them so much in 'Pandemonium'. But I found I cared less and less for Julian who I never particularly liked in the first place, which probably didn't help.
Again, as always, there were beautiful turns of phrase and description, something I expect with Oliver now.
The ending, once I got there at long last, was excellent. I felt the sting of betrayal as though it was my own. I got to the point where I had my hand permanently over my mouth, heart pounding, terrified with every chapter I was going to let characters die by reading but I couldn't put it down.
The final paragraph was one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I've ever come across. I read it over and over and had to share it with my best friend. It took my breath away, cleansed my soul and altogether tore me apart.
Unfortunately there was a particularly huge loose end left over that was never resolved. I was disappointed it wasn't fully solved and felt a little cheated.
Evaluation
Plot - 6/10 - YA fiction's full of rebellions, nothing new here.
Way Plot Was Pursued - 7/10 - The two perspectives were a great new way to look at the world.
Characters - 8/10 - I couldn't have been happier to see the old ones again.
Style -7/10 - Usual Oliver style, no disappointments there.
Pace - 6/10 - too slow, far too slow.
Would I recommend it? - No. I'm still of the opinion that you should just read 'Delirium' and leave it there.
Would I look up the author? - Yes. I'm intrigued about the excerpt in the back for Oliver's new book which I will look up.
'Requiem' was okay. But again, it wasn't 'Delirium'.
Molly Looby
Author / Reviewer / Editor / Movellain / Wrimo / ZA Ready
Contact me about all things book here: molly.looby@hotmail.com
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