In the most utterly honest way, I didn't know what to respect in this book and I feel that I didn't want to read or like it. Coming into the book I found myself asking why I would put myself under the stress of reading it when I could be reading something else. The answer is simple: I needed to read it.
The story takes place in America following a group of graduated seniors, which is quite annoying because I don't really understand the American school system but here in the UK they (the main characters) would be at the end of year 13. Each of the characters has a need for the money that the games offer. At first, their need for the prize is pointless but as the book goes on their need turns into a real life situation and becomes more urgent (I found this really clever of the author). The whole plot was very unexpected throughout the whole novel. There were times when I would guess what would come next but I would be totally wrong.
I really enjoy the way Lauren Oliver writes because it's a dual perspective which is a good thing because it means that I can get into the characters' minds and see what they thought about each other but also their view perspective on a certain event – this means that the book itself is not biased (YAY)! The way it was written was simple. This meant that I didn't have to put a lot of effort in trying to get into the book and I could concentrate on creating images in my head.
I completely adored Heather and Bishop's relationship! They are so innocent but in a way they complete each other so much. The way they act around each other is 'the best friend way'. I feel as if they're my best friends (if only they were).
I utterly recommend this remarkable novel. It's had everything I hope would be in a YA book and most important (or not so important) I could not stop reading it – it kept me awake (a bad thing I know)!
• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
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