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emrodav's review
1.0
(First things first, why the hell did Lauren DeStefano choose the name Linden Ashby for the name of one of her main characters? That's the name of a real life person: an actor on MTV's Teen Wolf. I know that show isn't super popular, and he isn't that famous, but you should probably research the names of your characters so that doesn't happen.)
That out of the way, I was really disappointed with Wither. I thought the premise was great, and maybe we could have a YA novel that touches on feminist issues of choice, marriage, and motherhood. But we get nothing of that in this book.
Instead, we have Rhine, who is only exceptional because of her looks. We have Linden, who is supposed to be some kind of hero because he didn't know what his father was doing (which guess what, doesn't excuse his actions). We get a shit back-story that borders on racism when all of the entire world but North America is destroyed in a war that is never explained because they have "special weapons." I can go along with pretty much any premise as long as you explain it but I can't deal with such a weak beginning.
And aside from these issues in the first book, I spoiled myself a bit. I read something about books two and three and I just couldn't keep reading. I couldn't put myself though it.
Wither, and the series in general, could have been great. Lauren DeStefano has an amazing way with words, after all. But I just couldn't handle this story and these characters. Maybe if DeStefano writes something in the future that bears absolutely no similarity, I'll read it, but it will take a really good story to wash the bad taste of this one out of my mouth.
That out of the way, I was really disappointed with Wither. I thought the premise was great, and maybe we could have a YA novel that touches on feminist issues of choice, marriage, and motherhood. But we get nothing of that in this book.
Instead, we have Rhine, who is only exceptional because of her looks. We have Linden, who is supposed to be some kind of hero because he didn't know what his father was doing (which guess what, doesn't excuse his actions). We get a shit back-story that borders on racism when all of the entire world but North America is destroyed in a war that is never explained because they have "special weapons." I can go along with pretty much any premise as long as you explain it but I can't deal with such a weak beginning.
And aside from these issues in the first book, I spoiled myself a bit. I read something about books two and three
Spoiler
(that Rhine starts to forgive Linden and kind of fall in love with him)Wither, and the series in general, could have been great. Lauren DeStefano has an amazing way with words, after all. But I just couldn't handle this story and these characters. Maybe if DeStefano writes something in the future that bears absolutely no similarity, I'll read it, but it will take a really good story to wash the bad taste of this one out of my mouth.
booktallie's review
3.0
ok I know many people including some of my friends who actually recommended this book to me, who liked or loved this book, and I can see why but I could not find my self saying the same and no disrespect to your opinions. The base of the story was quite intriguing only living to a certain age due to scientific mishaps, and that is what aroused my curiosity at first. But after the first few chapters I felt my enthusiasm for this book decrease rapidly. I soon found that I was bored from that lack of exciting risk by the lead character or any of the characters in fact. The romance was lacking and in times non-existent. I thought some of the details were confusing in fact and at times disbelieving. I did however enjoy the style in which Lauren DeStefano wrote and the detailing of the world and characters... I gave this this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars... do to the concept and writing style.
usnebojemesa's review
finished 22:59
I have a nagging feeling Rhyne will live longer then supposed.
I have a nagging feeling Rhyne will live longer then supposed.
harleyrae's review
1.0
Ok so usually I love books like this one, sadly I hated this book. I was so excited when I got it, I had heard good things about, but man was I disappointed. For starts Rhine need to get her act together. She kept saying she wanted to escape and be free, but it seemed like she never did anything about it. Also if you don't love the guy, you don't love him, it seems like she keeps second guessing herself.
I found this book kinda disturbing to, I'm usually one to find books not all that disturbing but got some reason this time I did. Personally I couldn't share a husband, so maybe that's why. I speed through pretty quickly at some points but I feel that was just because I wanted it over with.
I was very disappointed in this book.
I found this book kinda disturbing to, I'm usually one to find books not all that disturbing but got some reason this time I did. Personally I couldn't share a husband, so maybe that's why. I speed through pretty quickly at some points but I feel that was just because I wanted it over with.
I was very disappointed in this book.
inook_u's review
3.0
i like it enough to read, but at times I kinda was bored with it. I found it insteresting, compelling and at some parts real disturbing. but overrall I feel a marginal four stars what this book is worth. I however do wanna read fever when it comes out.
alicebme's review
3.0
While I couldn't quite abide by all the holes in this story, I enjoyed the twisted sickness of it all. The whole idea that women are victims as a symptom of societal collapse really pisses me off though, and I want to see a story where they rule in the face of apocalypse.
magikspells's review
2.0
I don't know what to think about this book on finishing it. I'm just left feeling like "That's it?" What the hell just happened to the last 12 hours I spent listening to this? There was so much build up for really nothing. The whole premise of child marriage and early death in this is so weird and it's awkwardly written. And nothing is explained! Why do I have no answers to even the simple questions I had?
And am I the only one that thought Rhine was a little too big for her britches as we southerns like to say. All those times hearing "I allowed it." I don't know who she thought she was, her little stunt with the hurricane clearly didn't knock any sense into her. Gah I'm rambling, I'm going to have to really take a hard look at my life before I consider reading the next book.
And am I the only one that thought Rhine was a little too big for her britches as we southerns like to say. All those times hearing "I allowed it." I don't know who she thought she was, her little stunt with the hurricane clearly didn't knock any sense into her. Gah I'm rambling, I'm going to have to really take a hard look at my life before I consider reading the next book.