Lauren DeStefano makes a stellar debut with this chilling tale. The first installment of a planned trilogy, Wither introduces listeners to a bleak world where a mysterious disease kills most women by the age of 20 and men by the age of 25. Like many girls her age, 16-year-old Rhine has been captured and forced into marriage in an effort to keep the population growing. But, despite her new husband’s wealth, she wants nothing more than to escape her servitude and return home before time runs out.
Almost There...
Reviewed on May 07 2012
by FanB14(Rockville, VA, United States)
Lauren DeStefano’s Wither was called a “thought-provoking debut, reminiscent of The Handmaid’s Tale” by Kirkus Reviews. Its chilling follow-up, Fever, continues 16-year-old Rhine’s tale - set in a dark future in which men and women die by age 25, and young girls are sold into marriage to keep the population growing. Rhine has finally escaped her marriage. But what hope can the outside world offer when death looms ever closer?
Low Grade Fever
Reviewed on May 21 2012
by FanB14(Rockville, VA, United States)
Lauren DeStefano’s New York Times best-selling Chemical Garden trilogy has drawn immense praise from an ever-growing fan base. In the saga’s chilling conclusion, Rhine’s race against time brings her to Vaughn’s eccentric brother, Reed. Elsewhere, Rowan’s involvement in the underground resistance reaches dangerous new heights. When Rhine’s search for answers finally comes to an end, the truth about her past will forever change her view of the future.
Fantastic Final
This final entry in the Chemical Garden trilogy finds Rhine upstairs once again in the mansion with sister wife, Cecily and husband, Linden. Desperate..Show More » to find her brother, Rowen, Rhine teams up on her quest, meeting old "friends," typing up loose ends, and answering lingering questions.
DeStefano has breathed more life and emotion into each character making them more relatable and I found myself rooting for those I previously felt indifferent about. Bratty Cecily matures into a caring, thoughtful young woman; Linden becomes his own man, wriggling out from under his father's thumb; Rhine shares more of her inner thoughts and desires; and Vaughan shows myriad emotions (no spoiler alerts from me). There are gasp-worthy moments and the ending is satisfying and well done.
As one of the better YA writers, Lauren DeStefano creates an interesting premise, close to Atwood's, "The Handmaid's Tale." She imagines a haunting, eerie, yet hopeful world where the characters fight to live, find meaning, and fulfill their dreams. There's more depth and danger in her books. Truly a wonderful trilogy and wonder why it doesn't get more attention than some of the Twilight Copycats?