J.A. Belfield

Delirium is certainly a dystopian with a difference. The concept of love as a disease was real intriguing to me, and I enjoyed how the author portrayed the population as ‘brainwashed’ into believing as such, and did so in a believable way.
To begin, the story seemed a little slow. I think it took me an entire week to read start to finish. I don’t think it was that the opening was slow, because the book as a whole didn’t seem like a ‘fly-through-it’ kind of book and the length of time it took to complete didn’t really mar my enjoyment.
Lena was a likeable, relatable MC, whose innocence in the beginning totally endeared me to her, so I loved following along on her journey as her ‘self-awareness’ developed, and as she grew as a person the more the ‘veil’ shifted from her deluded mine.
Alex? *sigh* He was pretty much adorable right from the beginning. Though I did wish more of his confidence we see on first ‘meeting’ him—a confidence that bordered almost on cocky—had remained a little stronger throughout the rest of the read. I was also relieved to find there was a little depth to why he had an interest in Lena, and it wasn’t just a case of boy sees girl and his heart decides she’s the one. Not to mention the author has the reader guessing over his true intentions thanks to her portrayal of Lena’s uncertainties.
And then we have the supporting cast. Requisite best friend? Check! A great character addition to the story. Loved the bond. Loved their time spent together. And felt every bit of the heartbreak when things weren’t going so well. Somewhat crazed family member? Check! Actually, there were more than one of those, but we’ll blame the government for that.  Ally? Check! Again, more than one of those. Although the requisite best friends is a definite ally for sure, I loved the little surprise ally we get right when Lena needs it the most.
But what about the plot? Well, like I said, the concept was very intriguing, and I felt it was handled well. My biggest complaint was that there is a ‘reveal’ moment a little later in the book, which then goes on to other turns of events. Once that initial reveal was given, the rest of it became kind of predictable.
Oh, and that ending?      I’m very sad. Say it isn’t so. Say we’ll find out it didn’t end as we’re led to believe. How can the author giveth with one hand and then snatcheth away with the other? Of course, that is also exactly the reason I will be reading on for sure.
So, closing comments: a decent read with likeable and relatable characters, despite their world being incomprehensible (and too sad for words) to the race of today, and a well-built world I’m intrigued to find out more about. Give it a go. And be patient if it ends up taking you a while.