Fever (The Chemical Garden #2) by Lauren DeStefano

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.

Book Review:
Wow. This book is still so fresh in my mind, it is going to be hard to put my thoughts into words. Also, I don't want to say too much if you haven't read Wither. I love the peek we get into the world outside of the mansion. It was gritty and sad, but honestly believable. Gabriel and Rhine's adventures keep the story well-paced and engrossing. My favorite part is the orphanage. I enjoyed Gabriel and Rhine's relationship. Though it wasn't over-the-top, it seemed genuine and sincere. The ending landed on a cliffhanger. I need the next book in this series like yesterday. I highly recommend this story for anyone who enjoys YA distopian novels.

Favorite Quote:
“Everyone should remember being born. It doesn't seem fair that we only remember dying.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
I am a  big fan of the covers of this series. This cover is no exception. I love the subtle items in the background, which have meaning in the story. Rhine is looking sickly, which is appropriate given the story and the title.  

Rating:

 

Wither (The Chemical Garden #1) by Lauren DeStefano

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): 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.

Book Review:
There are so many thoughts rolling around in my mind after reading this. It's definitely an engrossing read. I polished this book off in just a few hours. The idea behind the premise of taking genetic engineering too far is rather intriguing. (It could be that I work as a nurse, so the medical aspects were rather fascinating to me.) The mixture of the older (non-affected) and newer (affected) generations made for interesting dynamics. It would be horrible to know that you would die in the prime of your life. Rhine is a likable main character. She holds her core values intact, while adjusting to her new circumstances at the same time. While the reader learns some of Rhine's history, I would have liked to know her before she was abducted. Experiencing more of her back story would have made for a deeper plot. The interactions between the sister wives was unexpected. I am not a fan of polygamous relationships. At all. It was hard for me to swallow at some points, but DeStefano deals with the subject rather well. My favorite interactions were between Rhine and Gabriel. I hope that the next book had more interactions between those two. I also enjoyed the scenes with Jenna. Vaughn sends chills down my back. I know his story is far from over. There were parts of this book that made me smile, cringe, sad, and angry. It's definitely a book that makes you think and reflect. I am eager to read the upcoming sequel Fever, which is released in February. I have an idea of where the story might go, but you never really know what the author is up to!

Favorite Quote:

“Even the human race can't claim to be natural anymore. We are fake, dying things. How fitting that I would end up in this sham of a marriage.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
Well hello gorgeous! I love LOVE the color and the design of this cover! :) Rhine's wedding dress is unique and elegant. The caged bird in the bottom corner is a nice touch.

Rating: