From the Bookshelf of Addicted to YA…

Wither (The Chemical Garden, #1)

Lauren DeStefano

Start date: April 1, 2012

Finish date: April 30, 2012

Why we're reading this: Tied for third in the poll for the BOM
[close] Tied for third in the poll for the BOM

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Mar 19, 2011 Melissa rated it liked it

I love the premise of this story. It is an unusual YA story and not typical in that genre at all. The world in which Rhine inhabits does not need much explanation to find it dangerous and desperate. The author does the set up for this world well. And although you do feel the horror of capture with Rhine and the other girls, it does not last nor do I feel it as confining as I should; however, it is still not a world in which I would want to live.

With this story, Rhine finds that her nemesis, Hous I love the premise of this story. It is an unusual YA story and not typical in that genre at all. The world in which Rhine inhabits does not need much explanation to find it dangerous and desperate. The author does the set up for this world well. And although you do feel the horror of capture with Rhine and the other girls, it does not last nor do I feel it as confining as I should; however, it is still not a world in which I would want to live.

With this story, Rhine finds that her nemesis, Housemaster Vaughn entirely creepy, and I would agree. I think he was the perfect villain in this story. His experiments were secret and he had the true control over the household and the wives, not her husband, Linden. However, and this is where I part from others who loved the book, I wanted that mystery solved. I wanted that tension and horror in my book. Instead we had more of Rhine bumbling along trying to escape. On one hand, it makes sense. What else would a 16 year old want more than freedom? On the other hand, the mystery and danger was held by Vaughn and what her husband would or wouldn't do to defy his father is what I wanted played out here. Plus, I had many scenarios in my head as to what was really behind Vaughn's experiments and the cryptic warnings Rhine received from the other sister-wives.

I do realize that this is a trilogy and so my answers may lie in the other books. I just think my disappointment lied in the ending which seemed reminiscent of the Handmaiden's Tale. I just wanted it taken further, but perhaps I will find out why it was taken in this way as the Chemical Garden winds through the other 2 stories.

I give this book 3 stars. I have parts of this book I'd really like to discuss, but won't since it would be huge spoilers within the plot. I obviously found the story interesting and often I did feel like I was on the edge of my seat for much of the story waiting for the dangerous act. Perhaps that is why I was disappointed in the ending. However, I will be looking forward to the other books and see where I am taken and what lies in that basement where Vaughn toils away. ...more

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Jul 19, 2011 Paperback Princess rated it it was amazing

I have read a few reviews of this book and it was one of those books that you totally love or you totally hated. I personally, as per my rating, loved it!

The world has changed severely. For starters there's only North America, no other countries exist. There is a virus that claims lives of the new generation children, ending their lives very prematurely at 20 for women and 25 for men. The population depreciation problem is a concern so women are kidnapped by "The Gatherers" and sold to rich and ...more

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Aug 19, 2011 Berenice rated it it was amazing

Human society has changed, something went wrong and now the children of our children are paying the price. In the future the longevity of the race has been reduced, man live up to the age of 25 and woman can live up to 20.
In this new world there are still some left that can grow old, they are called the first generation, and they are torn apart, some of them think we should just accept our faith and disappear while others say we must keep going.
Those who think that we should keep going have res ...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Naomi rated it liked it

I don't know. It was enjoyable, but not amazing. I kept waiting for something to happen, for some big reveal, but nothing really surprised me. Everything just happened. I never felt scared or in suspense. I'm curious to see where it'll go in the next book. ...more

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