New Dystopian YA- Part 2

Continuing from the last post, the second series I was referring to is called The Chemical Garden Trilogy by Lauren DeStefano. Its first book Wither has just been released. Wither takes place in a world (not too far into the future) where a botched science experiment to create a perfect race has resulted in genetic engineering problem that has created a society of ticking time bombs.

In this world, men only live to age 25, and females, only to age 20. To assure the human race does not die out, many girls are kidnapped and sold into marriages. These marriages are polygamous to ensure a greater chance of producing an heir.

Wither follows a young 16 year-old named Rhine. In one of the most terrifying opening scenes I have ever read, Rhine is captured and taken to become the wife of Linden, the son of a doctor (who is trying, at any cost, to find a cure for the disease that will soon prematurely take his son from him). Rhine enters a frightening world that is both enticing and dangerous.

She is plagued by a lack of freedom and a lack of choice. Aside from her confidant Gabriel (a servant) and her sister wives, Jenna and Cecily, who vacillate between being allies and threats, Rhine is utterly alone is a world of extravagance. She knows she must escape and time is literally running out.

Wither is the start of a very exciting new series. I have read a lot of YA novels this semester and I have to say, none has impressed, nor stayed with me as long as Wither has. It is a novel that is both terrifying and engaging at the same time. I cannot wait to see where it is going.

If you liked this, try these: Delirium by Lauren Oliver, Divergent by Veronica Roth, Matched by Ally Condie, and The Knife of Never Letting Go (Book 1 of the Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness

New Dystopian YA: Part 1

Dystopian fiction is one of my favorite types of young adult literature, Much has been made of a popular series in this genre The Hunger Games. That series is getting a lot of press as of late since the trilogy is being made into a film and everyone is hoping to find the next Twilight (book series that becomes a profitable film franchise). I like The Hunger Games a lot, but it is not the only dystopian YA series that should grab your attention.

The first is a new series from author Lauren Oliver. The first book of that series is called Delirium. In Delirium, love has replaced cancer as the most deadly disease on the planet. That's right, love is a disease called amor deliria nervosa. But never fear; there is a cure- a surgical operation that teenagers undergo at at 18. This procedure makes sure these teenagers never fall in love and the rest of their lives are planned out in a clinical and orderly manner. The story picks up following Lena Haloway who is about to be 18 and undergo her procedure. Of course, things go array and her surgery is postponed. In the extra time, Lena commits a terrible crime; she falls in love.

Delirium is a bit of an uneven book. It takes awhile to find its tone. It is a bit like The Hunger Games meets Romeo and Juliet. In fact, that second reference is mentioned in the novel. SPOILERS: With that reference, don't expect a happy ending. Remember though, this is just the first part of the story. Lena may escape the grip of her controlling society, but her journey is far from over.

If you liked this, you should try: Matched by Ally Condie, Wither by Lauren DeStefano, Dark Parties by Sarah Grant, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins