Book: Requiem (Delirium #3) by Lauren Oliver, HarperTeen.
Genre/Format: Young Adult Dystopia, Own hardcover, 391 pages
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
So many trilogies that I started when I first began this blog are now coming to a close. And the ending of this series is one I was particularly anxious about. As you recall with Delirium, and Pandemonium as well to a lesser extent, Lauren Oliver does not shy away from shock value and controversial endings. I was gutted with the ending to Delirium but it left me clamoring for the next installment. Pandemonium continued with a new setting and set of challenges, and yes another bombshell. Making me even more nervous for the final book in the trilogy was the fact that so many early readers of Requiem were none too pleased with the ending. But, Ms. Oliver hasn’t steered me wrong yet and I went into Requiem with an open mind. For the most part, I thought the direction made sense and I’m at peace with the ending. Would I like more closure or to see the series extended? Maybe…but at the same time I’m okay that the ending wasn’t so neat and tidy.
For the uninitiated, here’s a little series background. The Delirium series is about a future where love is declared a disease that must be cured with brain surgery. The government feels that love and feelings just get in the way and we’d all be better off without it. Some people escaped the cure and started a revolution to fight for their right to own their feelings. Lena fell in love before she was cured and is now on the run. The first book Delirium is romantic dystopia at it’s finest with shades of Romeo & Juliet.
One thing that I wasn’t sure I was going to love is that this is the first book of the series with dual POV. We follow Lena trudging her way through the Wilds, and now also follow Hana’s journey to see a little of what life is like after Lena’s departure. I actually found Hana’s voice to be very refreshing and energizing after growing a little weary of the Wild’s experience. We get some real insight into Hana’s character, the good and the bad, and I looked forward to her chapters in the end. The Lena chapters dragged more, surprisingly.
I admit that one of my burning questions was regarding the love triangle. I never thought I could get on board with another love interest for Lena besides Alex, but Julian did win me over in Pandemonium. I didn’t feel strongly one-way or another about Lena’s choice, but only sad that her choice would leave one of the guys in the dust. I did not skip to the end, though, but it was very tempting! Oliver does tease this triangle so you’re never sure which direction it’s going to go.
I felt that the roads taken in Requiem were in keeping with the theme of the series. The action, sacrifice and love story kept me flipping pages. Hana’s POV reinvigorates the series with a fresh set of eyes. And I was thrilled with the appearances of two characters I was dying to meet again. Requiem feels a little overwhelming and out of control at times and I can understand the mixed reaction to the ending. Maybe someone can write a fanfic to tie up the loose ends – let me know if you find one.
Delirium is still my favorite of the series and packs the biggest punch, and I think it’s hard to live up to overall. I’m glad I saw this series through to the end though, and I really hope the TV series is amazing!
Related articles
- Delirium Stories: Hana, Annabel, and Raven by Lauren Oliver (heatherlo.wordpress.com)
- In which I write a requiem for this book (thegrownupya.wordpress.com)
- Emma Roberts Cast As Lena For Delirium TV Series (deliriumfandom.net)
I agree! Delirium is still my favorite by far, and that kind of upsets me that I feel like the trilogy started out SO STRONG and then just waned for me instead of finishing strong as well.
That being said, I think you and I are some of the few people who still enjoyed Requiem despite some disappointments! I wasn’t a fan of the way it closed the whole series, but I do still love Oliver’s writing and I always will.
The love triangle was frustrating, although it was supposed to be, so even almost a month later, I’m still frustrated and confused about who I really wanted to win the battle for Lena’s heart (even though I’ve always been an Alex girl).
I just really wanted it to deal more with the SURPRISE BOMBS that were dropped on us in Pandemonium and I feel like those issues really got brushed aside.
I agree with you about Hana – I feel like her POV really brought something refreshing to the story and I was a little tired with Lena’s “in the woods” story.
WHEW, left a novel of my own here… Sorry about that! But loved your review – Definitely similar feelings!
Glad we see eye to eye on Requiem, Brittany! I don’t know what it is about trilogies that so often don’t live up to the first book. Maybe it’s the expectations, I don’t know. Hopefully Oliver will write more stand alone books like Before I Fall. I think readers want a little more closure in their trilogies.
And yeah I see what you mean about the love triangle. Maybe an epilogue would have helped there.
Thanks for dropping by to share your opinion 🙂 Definitely food for thought. Good point that the surprises weren’t really dealt with head on.
Oh wow, you liked Julian in Pandemonium? I can see that though, but I hardened my heart towards him 😉 I can’t wait to read Requiem! I’m glad it kept with the theme of things too. Ooh, you are the first person (although I’ll have to scour Goodreads) that I have heard that actually thought Lena dragged more. I’m not looking forward to any loose ends, but it sounds amazing! Did I mention how much I love this review? Because I do.
Sunny @ Blue Sky Bookshelf
It’s hard to believe that Oliver could persuade readers to fall for Julian, isn’t it? I can understand wanting to keep the faith for Alex. It’s a pretty tortuous love triangle.
The Lena chapters honestly made me sleepy at times. I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of Requiem when you get the chance to read it!
Thanks for your comments, Sunny 🙂
I agree that Hana’s POV gave a new perspective! Thoughtful review 🙂
Okay, you do ease my mind a little with this review. This series has also been very anxiety-inducing for me. I did read the Hana short story and really liked it, so I’m glad that she’s making an appearance in Requiem.
I do agree with you about the love triangle. The worst part is that in the end, (at least) one of the guys will end up without his first love, and that makes me really sad.
Anxiety-inducing is a good description for it! I’m glad I could ease your mind a little bit. Hopefully you’ll be okay with Requiem in the end. Can’t wait to hear what you think!
I kept on flipping the last pages of Requiem, hoping for a better ending. Unfortunately, that was it. The last book will leave some people hanging, wondering what’ll happen. Who will Lena choose? What will happen to Lena? What happens to everyone? Those are just a few questions I was hoping to answer while I read Requiem. And I agree with you, Delirium is still my favorite too. But nonetheless, Oliver’s a very good writer. It was a good read, still. ☺☺
http://igeekteenbooks.wordpress.com/2013/05/02/delirium-trilogy-a-book-review/