Wither

The Chemical Garden Trilogy

By: Lauren DeStefano

Narrated by: Angela Lin

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2011 Lauren DeStefano (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

A little strange, but I could not put it down

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wither?

The most memorable moment to me was the first few pages.... They grabbed me right into the story.

Which character – as performed by Angela Lin – was your favorite?

I think Cecily was my favorite character. Angela Lin really made her sound like the kinda person she was.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes...., I almost did. It was actually 2 sittings on the 1.5 speed. I just needed to find out more and fast. And what can I say? I do loooove the speed option and am kind of addicted to it. LoL

Any additional comments?

Linden was just a wuss to me. I really did not like him.

Enjoyed more than many reviewers

I enjoyed Wither from the very beginning. It is light listening that does not require a lot of thought. I generally listen to sci-fi and fantasy and was looking for something just like this. I intend to listen to the entire series. It is a bit predictable but that did not take away from my enjoyment one bit. The protagonist is reminiscent of president Snow from the Hunger Games--evil to the core! It has a solid place in the teen dystopian genre.

A creepy and fun favorite!

I have listened to this book from another source before I have added it to my Audible library, I own the last 2 books in this trilogy and got tired of borrowing this (the first one), which I have loved since I first read the book! The narrator is fantastic for the main character, she gives a flawless performance. I actually prefer the audiobooks in this series to reading the physical copies.

The story? It’s a weird dystopia. But just so fun to listen to. I would say the flaw is that the logic of “how” all this works is not explained very well. You have to suspend disbelief and logic and reason for this premise. There’s a little bit of shock value- girls kidnapped to be sister wives, and the youngest character, Cecily, is soooo young for what happens. It’s a crazy ride and you have to keep remembering, this is a dystopian world and time is not on their side, and that’s the whole deal with the book, these girls are in a seemingly bleak, hopeless world and have no control over it.

I just wish the science was explained better. I highly recommend this book if you want a fun read. This is better than sparkling vampires.

Slow going

This book is very slow; it has a good story line, but not a lot happening.

Highly recommended!

Easy read, engaging and entertaining. I will highly recommend to young and old. Great book.

No Extreme Points But Kept My Attention

If you could sum up Wither in three words, what would they be?

I have found this book to be the most difficult to describe of all the audiobooks I have listened to so far... If I had to sum the book up in three words it would have to be: One-Dimensional, Confusing, and Entertaining.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The most interesting aspect of the story was the bonds forged between the sister wives. It was the most positive emotions expressed by the narrator towards anyone other than her parents and brother, even that is wrought with saddness (which is to be expected). The least interesting aspect was the romance between Rhine and Gabriel... This really should be one of the best parts of the book, however, it fell flat on its face from the start! I don't think it is possible to really feel in deep connection between the two, especially with her husband sleeping in bed with her almost every night!

Which character – as performed by Angela Lin – was your favorite?

Cecily! She did an excellent job capturing her immature and whiny tone! Also, House Master Vaughn sounded very creepy with the voice she gave him!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really... It's more of a book you have to take in small doses... I just couldn't take all of the internal monologue and depressing jargon all at once.

Wither or not....

I was intrigued by the cover of this one, and I didn't want to know too much about it before I listened.

I am, admittedly, all over the map on this one. The beginning did pull me in... I loved hearing about the sister wives---and the wedding--and the people who worked around the house. And I was excited to see where this was going. A society where men stealing women to marry them in the multiples in the hopes that they will be able to continue the family line… with only the hope of living at the most 25 years? Horrific, yes? Realistic?

I felt like I spent so much time listening to Rhine “think”… that I truthfully can not tell you why she is made head wife? How did she captured her husband’s heart? I wanted to find her irresistibly charming---as everyone seemed to but I couldn’t. She talked of manipulating---but I think she only really did one time.

Simply put, when the end came---I felt unsatisfied: With the romance and with the world building.

An interesting question in my mind now is how much of what I think about Rhine is based on the way she is presented to me by Angela Lin? Ummm… maybe the presentation of the other characters could have been a little better----but, ultimately I am let down by the story.

Bottom line: I am an audible addict---and I did not download the Sequel--nor do I plan to…maybe that shows where I really land.

wonderful book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely yes!!

This book is very interesting. The story line is different than any other I have read before. There were times where I would get lost in the dialog but for the most part, my attention was completely captivated by the story and narration. Some of the matter was a little uncomfortable but that is what makes a book a good book. I would recommend to anyone.

What other book might you compare Wither to and why?

I can't even . Compare because this story is so unique.

Which scene was your favorite?

The development of the relationship between the sisters.

You should listen

I read this book when I was in high school and I loved it. So I decided to listen to it on audible to see if it was exactly how I remembered and I’m definitely going to read the rest of the series.

love

wonderful story. well thought out. I couldn't wait to keep listener. Rhine was an inspiring