I finally got some days off from the store and was able to finish reading
Wither by Lauren DeStefano. To sum it up. Wow.
What I Liked:
The plot was amazing. You have a world where people have been genetically engineered to be perfect, but it backfires and kids start dying early. Boys at age 25 and girls at 20. The world becomes a largely polygamous society, trying to have children to carry on the human race. Girls are rounded up like stray cattle and herded off to serve as sister wives for rich House Governors. The race to save humanity is on.
What was interesting about this is the point of view of the main character, Rhine. She very much detests where she is and the role that is expected of her. Watching her rebuff the advances of her "husband" and make her way through the landmines of this futuristic society was very well done and kept me guessing. There is also a budding romance with her attendant, Gabriel that could cost them both their lives.
The order of events was believable and I am very much looking forward to the next book. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
What I Didn't Like:
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it ended. Bring on the next one please!
Overall:
The theme of a polygamous society with the goal of having kids to save the human race could have been handled in a number of ways. The author does an exceptional job of making this YA friendly and leaving out what could have been very steamy. The plot kept me reading into the night. When it was over, I just sort of sat there wishing for a good hundred or so more pages. You know a book is good when you just sigh and hug it for a minute before reaching for the next one. (Tell me I am not the only one who does this please.)
Wither will be out in March 2011.
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