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