Helpful Score: 3
I got the ARC of this book to read through Around the World ARC Tours. I have to admit I was first drawn to the book because of the beautiful cover and then after reading the premise was hooked. This is the first book in the Chemical Garden Trilogy, and what a wonderful book it was.
Rhine lives in a world where genetic tinkering has left human society in ruins. Human males only live to the age of twenty-five and females only to twenty. Rhine is kidnapped by Gatherers to become one of the many brides of a nobleman named Linden. Although Rhine grows fond of her sister-wives, she yearns for her freedom and wants to get back to her twin-brother. Adding to the despair in the household, her husband's father (a first generation able to live to the old age of 80 or so) is determined to find a cure and will stop at nothing to get subjects for his experimentation.
This is a beautifully written book, it is very easy to read and in general is just a pleasure to read. The world that DeStefano has created is astounding in its implications. Just think about how society would run if everyone died at those young ages. Basically none of the children even barely know their parents. You as a child would know when you were going to die; think about how this short-term life would affect your life-decisions. Then add to this crazy society the fact that the first generation created to be genetically perfect is still alive. You have a society of grandparents and children.
The book also explores polygamy and the benefits in downfalls of this. In a society where woman die so young and men live a bit longer, it almost makes sense for the survival of the race. DeStefano tackles the polygamy issue with fairness and makes it sound eerily reasonable at times. This is definitely more of a drama-type story than an action one; much of the story is spent with Rhine and her sister-wives in their house.
Rhine as a character was wonderful; she is sensitive and caring, yet has a core of toughness that is impressive. Her sister-wives were also well done characters; each with their strengths and weaknesses. I loved that the characters were so realistically portrayed. Rhine's husband, Linden, is sweet...yet a bit evil in his ignorance. Even Linden's father, who is the villain in this story, has reasons that he believes are for the greater good in doing what he does.
The story ends well and wraps up nicely; I am eager to see what the next book brings.
Overall I was very impressed with this book. It is beautifully written, creates a wonderfully thought-out world, and touches on problems with a dystopian society that were refreshing and interesting. The characters are all spot-on and readers will be drawn to them. The story definitely isn't all happy, but there are rays of hope throughout that keep the reader from becoming too depressed. I loved Rhine and loved this book, I am really looking forward to the next book in the Chemical Garden Trilogy.
Rhine lives in a world where genetic tinkering has left human society in ruins. Human males only live to the age of twenty-five and females only to twenty. Rhine is kidnapped by Gatherers to become one of the many brides of a nobleman named Linden. Although Rhine grows fond of her sister-wives, she yearns for her freedom and wants to get back to her twin-brother. Adding to the despair in the household, her husband's father (a first generation able to live to the old age of 80 or so) is determined to find a cure and will stop at nothing to get subjects for his experimentation.
This is a beautifully written book, it is very easy to read and in general is just a pleasure to read. The world that DeStefano has created is astounding in its implications. Just think about how society would run if everyone died at those young ages. Basically none of the children even barely know their parents. You as a child would know when you were going to die; think about how this short-term life would affect your life-decisions. Then add to this crazy society the fact that the first generation created to be genetically perfect is still alive. You have a society of grandparents and children.
The book also explores polygamy and the benefits in downfalls of this. In a society where woman die so young and men live a bit longer, it almost makes sense for the survival of the race. DeStefano tackles the polygamy issue with fairness and makes it sound eerily reasonable at times. This is definitely more of a drama-type story than an action one; much of the story is spent with Rhine and her sister-wives in their house.
Rhine as a character was wonderful; she is sensitive and caring, yet has a core of toughness that is impressive. Her sister-wives were also well done characters; each with their strengths and weaknesses. I loved that the characters were so realistically portrayed. Rhine's husband, Linden, is sweet...yet a bit evil in his ignorance. Even Linden's father, who is the villain in this story, has reasons that he believes are for the greater good in doing what he does.
The story ends well and wraps up nicely; I am eager to see what the next book brings.
Overall I was very impressed with this book. It is beautifully written, creates a wonderfully thought-out world, and touches on problems with a dystopian society that were refreshing and interesting. The characters are all spot-on and readers will be drawn to them. The story definitely isn't all happy, but there are rays of hope throughout that keep the reader from becoming too depressed. I loved Rhine and loved this book, I am really looking forward to the next book in the Chemical Garden Trilogy.
Helpful Score: 2
It's a mad, mad world that Rhine lives in. The world where you know that every boy will die at 25, and every girl at 20. This idea is so potent and terrifying! I remember being a teen and not being able to wait until I was 18, or 21. The thought of knowing that I wouldn't live past 20 makes me wonder what I would have done differently those years of my life. Would I have grown up faster, lived more wild? Would I have tried to stay a child even longer and savor every moment? I just don't know.
Rhine grew up fast. With her parents gone at a young age, her and her twin brother had to do whatever they could to survive in a place full of nothing but desperation and heartache. When Rhine is kidnapped by the gatherers and sold off to be a child bride in a polygamist married, she once again has to fight to survive, but this time without her twin at her back. She was a great character. Rhine knew what she wanted to do, she wanted to escape. It didn't matter that she was living in decadence in a beautiful mansion, she knew that no matter how pretty it was, it was still a cage, and she would fight for her freedom.
The world built in this story was easy to imagine. I was easily able to dive into this world and understand what drove these characters to act the way they do. Rhine and her sister wives were all completely different from each other and each added to the story in a great way. I enjoyed their personalities, their quirks. Linden was easy to love and easy to hate. He was gullible and pliable, but still sweet and caring.
This book really pulled me in and took me along through ever triumph and every failure. I would get so mad for Rhine and then so sad for her. This was a really unique story and I enjoyed every page of it! I know I will be buying the next book as soon as it releases! I'm dying to know where the tide will take Rhine next!
Rhine grew up fast. With her parents gone at a young age, her and her twin brother had to do whatever they could to survive in a place full of nothing but desperation and heartache. When Rhine is kidnapped by the gatherers and sold off to be a child bride in a polygamist married, she once again has to fight to survive, but this time without her twin at her back. She was a great character. Rhine knew what she wanted to do, she wanted to escape. It didn't matter that she was living in decadence in a beautiful mansion, she knew that no matter how pretty it was, it was still a cage, and she would fight for her freedom.
The world built in this story was easy to imagine. I was easily able to dive into this world and understand what drove these characters to act the way they do. Rhine and her sister wives were all completely different from each other and each added to the story in a great way. I enjoyed their personalities, their quirks. Linden was easy to love and easy to hate. He was gullible and pliable, but still sweet and caring.
This book really pulled me in and took me along through ever triumph and every failure. I would get so mad for Rhine and then so sad for her. This was a really unique story and I enjoyed every page of it! I know I will be buying the next book as soon as it releases! I'm dying to know where the tide will take Rhine next!
Helpful Score: 1
A few years ago dystopian novels were something of a novelty. Now what was once an obscure genre has exploded on the scene with some books leaving the reader haunted and troubled well after the last page is turned while others are simply cast into the yard sale pile. I can thankfully say that Destefanos debut novel is in the former category.
The story of Rhine Ellery is provocative and compelling. I found myself unable to stop reading from the first chapter when Rhine describes her turn at the auction block, or possibly, the chopping block. There is never a moment where you dont feel as trapped as Rhine is, and just as anxious for her to escape. Destefano does a marvelous job of created a beautiful prison, a platinum cage, where Rhine and the reader are kept prisoner. I found all the characters to be complex and it both frustrated and impressed me that nothing was simply black and white. There were too many layers of gray surrounding everything for you to ever fully hate, or love, a character. It works well for this novel.
While I wish more time had been spent on building the attraction between Rhine and Gabriel, it was still a love story that I rooted for since their initial meeting. The ending left a bit to be desired, and Im quite curious to see how Destefano handles the next book in the series because the ending of this book could have easily been a final ending.
For a first time author, Destefano did a fabulous job, and shes definitely going to be a writer to watch in the upcoming years. I applaud the fact that she didnt shy away from squeamish subjects, but rather embraced and explored them. I cant wait to see what she does next.
The story of Rhine Ellery is provocative and compelling. I found myself unable to stop reading from the first chapter when Rhine describes her turn at the auction block, or possibly, the chopping block. There is never a moment where you dont feel as trapped as Rhine is, and just as anxious for her to escape. Destefano does a marvelous job of created a beautiful prison, a platinum cage, where Rhine and the reader are kept prisoner. I found all the characters to be complex and it both frustrated and impressed me that nothing was simply black and white. There were too many layers of gray surrounding everything for you to ever fully hate, or love, a character. It works well for this novel.
While I wish more time had been spent on building the attraction between Rhine and Gabriel, it was still a love story that I rooted for since their initial meeting. The ending left a bit to be desired, and Im quite curious to see how Destefano handles the next book in the series because the ending of this book could have easily been a final ending.
For a first time author, Destefano did a fabulous job, and shes definitely going to be a writer to watch in the upcoming years. I applaud the fact that she didnt shy away from squeamish subjects, but rather embraced and explored them. I cant wait to see what she does next.
Helpful Score: 1
While I didnt fall head over heels in love with this book, I had no problem finishing it. I wanted more though. I wanted more details on the whys-- why this was happening and why kidnap young girls off the street as the orphanages were full of them. Hopefully, the next book will answer a lot of these. The first couple of chapters were amazing and quite satisfying. DeStefano did an excellent job of world building and fleshing out the characters. The characters were real and engaging. Their emotions were so intense that you ached for them. That said once I got about 2/3s of the way through, it began to drag for me. While there were moments that were predictable, it was twisty enough to ensure that I read the next book.
Helpful Score: 1
What can I say about Wither? Run. Run away as fast as you can and don't look back. I haven't read a Dystopian book since 4th grade or so (The Giver-highly recommend it by the way), so I figured I'd give this one a go. The only reason I gave it 2 stars is because it did have great potential and a beautiful cover. Now if you like hearing about a kidnapping, gassing, statutory rape or how the main character has two different colored eyes over and over and over again, then you might like this book. Just keep in mind these aren't several kidnappings or gassings. It's just the one time for each, but you're lucky enough to hear about them at least once every other chapter. Then there's our main character Rhine. One minute she's dead set on escaping then the next she's so content she's completely forgotten about it. This makes up the part of the story that isn't reliving her kidnapping or gassing. If this book had a half way decent editor, it would have been 150 pages tops. If this is what the new Dystopian books have come to, I want nothing to do with them.
Helpful Score: 1
Rhine is such a beautiful character both inside and out. She lives such a tragic time where one can admire and appreciate things like the way the wind blows in ones hair, and the colors of the leaves when they change in the fall. The way the author describes how she feels. It's a young readers novel but it does not read like one, in my opinion. The jacket artwork is beautiful as well! The relationship with Rhine and Governor Linden is confusing to me as if I was Rhine herself. Anyone with a little bit of imagination would find it hard on themselves to understand the feelings they had for Linden if they were she. For most of the book taking place inside one house, I feel like I was taken to other places as Rhine talks about her past to her sister wives and Gabriel. The narrative in this book is so amazing the only thing I was sad about outside of the book was it had to end. I can not wait to get my hand on Fever, the second book y Lauren De Stefano!!
I give this book the highest I can give and will be recommending to anyone who listens to read this and enjoy!
* * * * *
I give this book the highest I can give and will be recommending to anyone who listens to read this and enjoy!
* * * * *
WITHER is a stunner of a dystopian YA debut. It immediately blew its way onto my favorites list, and does its breathtaking cover and alluring jacket summary justice.
Ill be honest: at first I thought that WITHERs premise was going to be all flash and no substance, but Lauren DeStefano immersed me in Rhines world quite convincingly. Reading WITHER is perhaps a lot like looking at an enchanted old piece of art: things look discolored and damaged at the surface, but youre drawn to the magic whispering of beauty beneath. Neither Rhines world nor the writing feels particularly pretty: the narration often seems to be told at a distance from its occurrence, and Im still having trouble wrapping my mind around the very concept that a world in which people died before the age of 25 could exist as a potential future for us.
Nevertheless, theres something about the story that compels you to keep reading. Trapped both physically and emotionally by her situation, Rhine cannot be as vibrant a protagonist as others have been, but we still feel drawn to her and are amazed by her doggedness, though we might not necessarily empathize with or even like her. The storys setup may feel a little far-fetched, but its the careful and thorough character development and emotional range that brought me to my knees before this books achievement. There is no melodrama here: for example, Rhines sister-wives reactions to their shared situation feel instinctual. Gabriel worms his way into our hearts as subtly and dependently as he does Rhines, but even Linden gets our sympathy vote, and it becomes truly difficult to decide whether Rhine is better off with Gabriel or Linden. The only character who seems a little underdeveloped is Housemaster Vaughn, he of the dreaded Voldemort-esque presence over the entire household.
Others Ive talked to have mentioned a slight disconnect they felt from Rhine, her world, and other characters, but I didnt really have this problem. Rhine keeps a cool face yet simmers with anger and despair withinand she has every reason to be so. After all, no matter how luxurious her new life is, it was not by choice, and yet she has to act at least grateful lest her captors easily replace her with another girl they steal off the streets.
WITHER is one hell of a powerful read, intriguing, thought-provoking, and an amazing example of dystopian literature at its best. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a story that will immerse them utterly in a strange and ominous world with characters that will imprint themselves on your heart. Its not even 2011 yet as I write this review, and yet I have no doubt that this book will stay on top of my Best of 2011 list 13 months from now.
Ill be honest: at first I thought that WITHERs premise was going to be all flash and no substance, but Lauren DeStefano immersed me in Rhines world quite convincingly. Reading WITHER is perhaps a lot like looking at an enchanted old piece of art: things look discolored and damaged at the surface, but youre drawn to the magic whispering of beauty beneath. Neither Rhines world nor the writing feels particularly pretty: the narration often seems to be told at a distance from its occurrence, and Im still having trouble wrapping my mind around the very concept that a world in which people died before the age of 25 could exist as a potential future for us.
Nevertheless, theres something about the story that compels you to keep reading. Trapped both physically and emotionally by her situation, Rhine cannot be as vibrant a protagonist as others have been, but we still feel drawn to her and are amazed by her doggedness, though we might not necessarily empathize with or even like her. The storys setup may feel a little far-fetched, but its the careful and thorough character development and emotional range that brought me to my knees before this books achievement. There is no melodrama here: for example, Rhines sister-wives reactions to their shared situation feel instinctual. Gabriel worms his way into our hearts as subtly and dependently as he does Rhines, but even Linden gets our sympathy vote, and it becomes truly difficult to decide whether Rhine is better off with Gabriel or Linden. The only character who seems a little underdeveloped is Housemaster Vaughn, he of the dreaded Voldemort-esque presence over the entire household.
Others Ive talked to have mentioned a slight disconnect they felt from Rhine, her world, and other characters, but I didnt really have this problem. Rhine keeps a cool face yet simmers with anger and despair withinand she has every reason to be so. After all, no matter how luxurious her new life is, it was not by choice, and yet she has to act at least grateful lest her captors easily replace her with another girl they steal off the streets.
WITHER is one hell of a powerful read, intriguing, thought-provoking, and an amazing example of dystopian literature at its best. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a story that will immerse them utterly in a strange and ominous world with characters that will imprint themselves on your heart. Its not even 2011 yet as I write this review, and yet I have no doubt that this book will stay on top of my Best of 2011 list 13 months from now.
This was a good book, interesting concept to the plot. It kept my attention throughout the book and it was a very fast read. It kinda reminded me of a VC Andrews book, but not as dark.
I'm surprised to see good reviews for this book here, since it gets horrible reviews at GoodReads. This book isn't really terrible, but it's so disappointing that it's easy to hate it by the end. This is one of those Big Idea books, poorly executed, that doesn't really get anywhere in book one and didn't leave me feeling optimistic about or terribly interested in the sequel. I don't plan to continue the series.
What a page turner! This book was unique, and kept me turning the pages until I completed it! I could not put it down. There was mystery, suspense, romance, everything you could want. I liked that the storyline and plot was original, it was a breath of fresh air to read something new. I look forward to two and three:)
I found that I couldn't really place this book in any form of whether I wanted to put it down or keep reading at first because I was so confused and in some things I stayed a little confused. However I liked the overall plot and felt the ending was complete and not left on a clifhanger as most books are especially when they are a series. But in saying this I have to add that I did feel as if there was something lacking a bit in the story itself but I'm having trouble putting my finger on what it is exactly. I do love Rhines spirit and determination. I'm glad I chose this book to read and decided to keep reading even though at first the story didn't catch my interest in the begining. :)
Very good story. Characters are very deeply developed with a lot of thought put into them. This book would be good for a book group discussion. There of love issues, humanity, friendship and basic survival. I was pleasantly surprised. Trying to get book 2 now
This book is a really good start to a series, I didn't realize that it was a series starter until I was mostly through it and there was still so much story to be told. It is a great story the includes a little of every emotion. Through all the tragedy and loss Rhine continues to have hope. I am eager to read the next installments of this series, I hope they continue to be captivating. It goes to show that no matter the situation or circumstance of your life there is always a bright side and something good can happen even in the bleakest of times.
On the first few pages of Wither, the author revealed to me, kidnapping.
On the next few pages of Wither, the author revealed to me, kidnapping and sleeping gas.
Further, in the pages of Wither, the author revealed to me, kidnapping, sleeping gas, and indentured servitude.
Deeper into the pages of Wither, the author revealed to me, kidnapping, sleeping gas, indentured servitude, and Polygamy.
Not even reaching ¼ of the way through the pages of Wither, the author revealed to me, kidnapping, sleeping gas, indentured servitude, Polygamy, and rape.
Somewhere in the pages of Wither, the author revealed to me, kidnapping, sleeping gas, indentured servitude, polygamy, rape, and terminal genetic disorders.
I cannot believe I was still reading this book, when the author revealed to me, kidnapping, sleeping gas, indentured servitude, polygamy, rape, terminal genetic disorders, and pregnancy.
Yes, the list of social issues came to me like the 12 Days of Christmas song. Morbid? Yes. Twisted? Yes. Nevertheless, I did not write this book full of social issues. So dont shoot the reviewer!
Dont fret! The book handled the social issues with extreme care and effortlessly wove the issues into the newly created dystopian world that was explained in its entirety. NOT!
Ive watched someone I love die from Huntingtons disease, a terminal neurodegenerative genetic disorder. To see that issue, and other very serious issues handled so lightheartedly that the issues were practically glossed over, was disheartening.
I swear it was like the author had a central idea girl wants to escape back to her brother and needs the help of her new love interest to complete her plan and worked around that idea by throwing everything AND the kitchen sink into the book.
I am in no way a prude (look at my other books to see that I can, and will read everything- shocking, terrifying, gory, sexually explicit- you name it, Ill read it) but the irresponsible way this book was presented to the reader stopped me from continuing.
The characters did not help the story at all (ok, there really is no story, this is a YA romance wannabe). The characters were so flat and boring that I did not care one bit what happened to them.
If I sound annoyed. I am. This book is going to be a huge success and IMHO it should not be. There are so many wonderful YA books out there that do not have the right publicity and thats sad.
1.5 stars out of 5. Why not 1 star? Because it brought out my emotions and I guess that is worth a half of a star!
On the next few pages of Wither, the author revealed to me, kidnapping and sleeping gas.
Further, in the pages of Wither, the author revealed to me, kidnapping, sleeping gas, and indentured servitude.
Deeper into the pages of Wither, the author revealed to me, kidnapping, sleeping gas, indentured servitude, and Polygamy.
Not even reaching ¼ of the way through the pages of Wither, the author revealed to me, kidnapping, sleeping gas, indentured servitude, Polygamy, and rape.
Somewhere in the pages of Wither, the author revealed to me, kidnapping, sleeping gas, indentured servitude, polygamy, rape, and terminal genetic disorders.
I cannot believe I was still reading this book, when the author revealed to me, kidnapping, sleeping gas, indentured servitude, polygamy, rape, terminal genetic disorders, and pregnancy.
Yes, the list of social issues came to me like the 12 Days of Christmas song. Morbid? Yes. Twisted? Yes. Nevertheless, I did not write this book full of social issues. So dont shoot the reviewer!
Dont fret! The book handled the social issues with extreme care and effortlessly wove the issues into the newly created dystopian world that was explained in its entirety. NOT!
Ive watched someone I love die from Huntingtons disease, a terminal neurodegenerative genetic disorder. To see that issue, and other very serious issues handled so lightheartedly that the issues were practically glossed over, was disheartening.
I swear it was like the author had a central idea girl wants to escape back to her brother and needs the help of her new love interest to complete her plan and worked around that idea by throwing everything AND the kitchen sink into the book.
I am in no way a prude (look at my other books to see that I can, and will read everything- shocking, terrifying, gory, sexually explicit- you name it, Ill read it) but the irresponsible way this book was presented to the reader stopped me from continuing.
The characters did not help the story at all (ok, there really is no story, this is a YA romance wannabe). The characters were so flat and boring that I did not care one bit what happened to them.
If I sound annoyed. I am. This book is going to be a huge success and IMHO it should not be. There are so many wonderful YA books out there that do not have the right publicity and thats sad.
1.5 stars out of 5. Why not 1 star? Because it brought out my emotions and I guess that is worth a half of a star!
Sucks you in to a different world.
excellent read! Can't wait to read the series!
Exciting and fun read. I can't wait to read the second book.
This book opens with a rather terrifying scene, and it doesnt really stop throughout the entire story. And I will admit that I have mixed feelings about it not because its bad, but because its a future I can honestly see humanity succumbing to. The book itself is pretty good, it makes me think, and I dont think Ill ever complain about that.
I havent really read other dystopian novels, frankly Im not terribly interested in seeing the wretchedness I know we as people are capable of, and that I believe we are only a few generations away from. In this world, women seem to mostly be viewed as disposable, valued only for their ability to bear children which sounds sadly like the sort of life women had in the not so distant past.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=2205
I havent really read other dystopian novels, frankly Im not terribly interested in seeing the wretchedness I know we as people are capable of, and that I believe we are only a few generations away from. In this world, women seem to mostly be viewed as disposable, valued only for their ability to bear children which sounds sadly like the sort of life women had in the not so distant past.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=2205
It started off really interesting, but somewhere near the end, I realized I didn't like the main character or care about her at all. I also felt like the book had a lot of filler and I just wanted it to end. The ending was nice, but totally predictable. The book could have been so much better.
Loved it... Don't know what it was about this book but I had a hard time putting it down... 3 days... not full days... but 3 days and I'm done. =]
