Review: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

SUMMARY FROM GOODREADS.COM:

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.

MY TAKE:

Where do I begin? This book is awesome!

In a world wherein most men have a lifespan of 25 years and women only have 20 years of life to live, procreation and finding an antidote is the order of the day. Here, Rhine Ellery and her twin only have each other. When Rhine is forced to become one of the wives of a young rich man, she will do everything in her power to be reunited with her twin once again.

I won this book from Jessie Harrell (author of Destined) during the Mid-Winters Giveaway Hop. What drew me to this story instead of the other choices that were given to me by Ms. Harrell was the science factor. Yes, I am a science nerd... and a former medical student. The premise intrigued me. How far should science go and if we let it go too far, what could be the consequences? I enjoyed this so much that I began to speculate what could be causing the problem. I mean, it is fiction, but I think if there was a mutation in the mitochondria, cell nucleus or DNA, it's plausible.

I didn't really choose this book for the romance, but the romance bits of the story were nicely done and not heavy-handed. While I was a little grossed out at the thought of the harem-like arrangement, this is important to the advancement of the story and the society in Wither.

As for the characters in the story, my favorites are Rhine and her sister wife Jenna. I like Rhine. She has a mind of her own and she can be manipulative but because I get where she's coming from, it doesn't really irk me. I feel like I can relate more with Jenna, though. She's quiet and rebels in a silent way, kinda like me. :P

THE GOOD:

1. Rhine is flawed and occasionally makes not-so-smart choices but not in that she's-so-stupid-I-want-to-hit-her way.
2. Poetic (but not distracting) writing style.
3. Believable world.

THE BAD:

1. The concept of polygamy may not appeal to everyone.
2. Rhine can be a bit manipulative, though her heart's in the right place.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

I suppose she means for me to learn to love him. But she's young yet. She has plenty of years to learn what true love is, or at the very least what it isn't.

READ IT IF:

1. You like strong yet believable heroines.
2. You've imagined what it's like if scientific advances go out of control.
3. You like well-thought-out worlds and stories.

RATING:



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