PANIC

Sarah Drew’s brisk narration immediately sets the tone for this fast-moving story of teens immersed in a series of potentially deadly contests in which they compete for a $67,000 prize. The plot focuses primarily on four teens, with their stories told in alternating chapters. Drew’s pacing slows sometimes in the more emotional scenes and allows herself the time to develop equally convincing portraits of all the characters, their lives and their evolving relationships. But just as the listener is lulled by a specific storyline, a new contest challenge is announced, Drew’s rapid pace returns, and a scarier situation ensues. The interplay of the high-action scenes and the more revealing scenes creates tension that escalates right to the end. S.W. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2014]