Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Obviously, something went terribly wrong. Genetic mutations have festered, reducing human longevity to twenty-five, even less for most women. To prevent extinction, young girls are kidnapped, mated in polygamous marriages with men eager to procreate. Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, a recent victim of this breeding farm mentality, has vowed to break loose from its fetters; but finding allies and a safe way out is a challenge she can only hope she will survive. A dystopian fantasy series starter with wings.

Original Language: English
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Country: USA
Publication Date: March 22, 2011
ISBN: 9781442409057
Page Count: 358

Wither is Lauren DeStefano's debut novel and the first in a YA dystopian trilogy. It was published in March this year and I've been waiting for months to get my hands on it. It was everything as wonderful as I had hoped, and much to short for my tastes.

In terms of fitting into the field of YA dystopian novels, Wither definitely makes the cut and sits with the cool kids. The characters are engaging and the plot, though the story stays in the one house, keeps moving. Best of all is the idea that drives the story - in a future where genetic engineering has significantly shortened the human life span.

The characters were interesting. Rhine and Linden were the most developed, obviously, but other characters like Gabriel and Jenna are developed enough to keep the story progressing neatly. Cecily is both annoying and adorable while Rowan will hopefully receive enough development in future books to make him interesting.   Meanwhile, Housemaster Vaughn is a fascinating villain - he seemingly wants the best for his son but there is a second and more sinister motive behind his actions.

The plot moves quickly - at times almost too quickly - and creates a sweeping story that easily engages the reader. The interaction between characters, especially the camaraderie between the Sister Wives, and of course between Rhine and Gabriel. Linden can sometimes be a weak link but mostly DeStephano has created a solid world that beguiles the senses.

Wither's sequel, Fever is due for publication in February next year. I look forward to getting my hands on it.

Raiding Bookshelves

Judging by the cover: This cover is so elegant. I love that the model can look so calm and elegant while she's so ragged and on edge.

Cover Conversations: So Silver Bright Cover Reveal

Lisa Mantchev coordinated a day by day cover reveal of her latest novel So Silver Bright. Over the last four days Matchev had a number of bloggers reveal small segments of the cover in preparation for her big release today. Prepare yourself for another beautiful and creative design by Jason Chan.

Bertie thinks her quest is almost done. With the help of Ariel and the rest of her friends, she has managed to find her father and rescue the kidnapped pirate, Nate, from Sedna the sea goddess. Now all she has to do is reunite her father, The Scrimshander, with her mother, Ophelia, and she will finally have a true family of her own. However, things are never easy for Beatrice Shakespeare Smith. Her father has vanished, Sedna is out for revenge, her own actions have trapped the Theatre Illuminata, the only home she’s ever known, into a strange kind of limbo, and the stress of her in-between state is tearing apart the fragile threads of her mother’s sanity. Bertie’s best hope for salvaging the situation may lie in the summons by Her Gracious Majesty, Queen of the Distant Castle and hope of winning the magical boon given to the most pleasing performance. Bertie is caught between her growing responsibilities to home and family and the dream of flying free, just as her heart is torn between her two loves, Ariel and Nate. With so many forces pulling on her, how will Bertie be able to choose which wish to make come true?

I can't wait to get my hands on this one! Keep your eyes out for my review of Perchance to Dream sometime next week.