Review: Delirium Stories: Hana, Annabel, & Raven by Lauren Oliver

Title: Delirium Stories: Hana, Annabel, & Raven
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Category: Short Stories/Dystopian
Release date: March 5th, 2013
Pages: 208 (Paperback)
Rating: 5 out of 5
Source: Publisher
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Hana is told through the perspective of Lena's best friend, Hana Tate. Set during the tumultuous summer before Lena and Hana are supposed to be cured, this story is a poignant and revealing look at a moment when the girls' paths diverge and their futures are altered forever. 

Lena's mother, Annabel, has always been a mystery--a ghost from Lena's past--until now. Her journey from teenage runaway to prisoner of the state is a taut, gripping narrative that expands the Delirium world and illuminates events--and Lena--through a new point of view. 

And as the passionate, fierce leader of a rebel group in the Wilds, Raven plays an integral role in the resistance effort and comes into Lena's life at a crucial time. Crackling with intensity, Raven is a brilliant story told in the voice of one of the strongest and most tenacious characters in the Delirium world.

Delirium Stories consists of three short stories told from the perspective of the most important women in Lena's life.   It's the perfect way to get reacquainted with each of them before diving into the final book in the Delirium trilogy.  We get a look at Hana and her life after she and Lena grow apart, at Annabel's past and present, before she escapes into the Wilds and Raven, while she attempts to rescue Lena near the end of Pandemonium.  All of these stories will leave you wanting more.

Personally, I love when stories are told from different perspectives, so the fact that we have a chance to get a glimpse of other character's lives made me even more excited to dive into Requiem (who knew that was even possible)!  It's hard to choose a favorite, because I enjoyed them equally, but I think that Annabel's story was probably the most intriguing.  Since we haven't met Lena's mother in the series yet, it was great to get a better feel for her and understand everything she's gone through up until this point.

Hana, Annabel, and Raven weren't characters that stuck with me like Lena, Alex, or Julian did so it was nice to refresh my memory.  I also feel that because these stories were told from these character's perspectives, they grew on me more than they normally would have.  I am definitely happy that these novellas were released in paperback, because if not, I might have never read any of these gems.

Overall, Delirium Stories is a perfect addition to Lauren Oliver's series.  I highly recommend that you pick up a copy, especially if you love the trilogy as much as I do.  If you're not all that interested, no worries!  You won't miss anything crucial to enjoy the series; these short stories are just an added bonus for Delirium super fans.