It seems in most cases, an author’s debut novel is the weakest. The writing is good, but not great, and the characters are interesting, but a bit one-dimensional. Fortunately, this is not so for Lauren DeStefano’s debut novel, “Wither”, the first book in the Chemical Gardens trilogy. This unique dystopian novel takes place in the not too distant future, where continents have been obliterated, and, thanks to a botched genetic engineering experiment, humans do not live past there twenties. Specifically, women do not live past twenty, and men do not live past twenty-five. Prostitution and polygamy are also common practices in this world, due to a high demand for children so that family lines remain in tact.
Caught in this maelstrom is sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, girl who along with two other girls, is forced to marry Linden Ashby, a wealthy man whose father is a scientist who is desperately trying to find an antidote that will reverse the virus that is sure to claim his son and his wives. Rhine is introduced to a life of apparent luxury, but all she wants is to escape and reunite with her twin brother, Rowan. Rhine also finds solace in a servant, Gabriel, and she soon finds herself attracted to him. All of the characters interact well with one another, and the bond that Rhine forges with her sister wives is beautiful and saddening. However, some of the characters’ motives are not always clear, and there are several plot holes that will hopefully be resolved in later novels.
It seems in most cases, an author’s debut novel is the weakest. The writing is good, but not great, and the characters are interesting, but a bit one-dimensional. Fortunately, this is not so for Lauren DeStefano’s debut novel, “Wither”, the first book in the Chemical Gardens trilogy. This unique dystopian novel takes place in the not too distant future, where continents have been obliterated, and, thanks to a botched genetic engineering experiment, humans do not live past there twenties. Specifically, women do not live past twenty, and men do not live past twenty-five. Prostitution and polygamy are also common practices in this world, due to a high demand for children so that family lines remain in tact.
Caught in this maelstrom is sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, girl who along with two other girls, is forced to marry Linden Ashby, a wealthy man whose father is a scientist who is desperately trying to find an antidote that will reverse the virus that is sure to claim his son and his wives. Rhine is introduced to a life of apparent luxury, but all she wants is to escape and reunite with her twin brother, Rowan. Rhine also finds solace in a servant, Gabriel, and she soon finds herself attracted to him. All of the characters interact well with one another, and the bond that Rhine forges with her sister wives is beautiful and saddening. However, some of the characters’ motives are not always clear, and there are several plot holes that will hopefully be resolved in later novels.
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“Wither” is a cautionary tale of sorts that questions, and depicts in horrific detail, how far science can go before humanity is lost altogether. Fans of dystopian fiction, such as “The Hunger Games” trilogy, will devour “Wither” and the upcoming books in the series. Lauren DeStefano’s writing is strong for a debut author, and she is sure to grow stronger. Her story telling skills are superb- hooking the readers immediately in the first chapter. Her writing makes the readers not want to put the book down until the very last page. It is safe to say that Lauren DeStefano’s new voice in YA literature is a force to be reckoned with.
For more information, visit Lauren DeStefano’s website.
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