Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Title: Wither (The Chemical Garden #1)
Author: Lauren DeStefano
ISBN: 9781442409057
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Page#: 358
Source: ARC from the publisher (read after publication)

Summary:
"In the not-too-distant future, because of genetic engineering, every human is a ticking time bomb - males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. To keep the population from dying out, girls are kidnapped and sold into polygamous marriages.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine is taken, she enters a world of wealth and privilege that both entices and terrifies her. She has everything she ever wanted - except freedom. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to escape before it is too late."
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First Lines:

"I wait. They keep us in the dark for so long that we lose sense of our eyelids. We sleep huddled together like rats, staring out, and dream of our bodies swaying."
Page 1
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Review:

I love dystopian fiction. That's no secret. This book falls squarely in my wheelhouse of love. :) It helps that the book is really well written and a crazy-seeming concept.

This book is all about a world in which girls live to age 20 and guys to age 24. That alone is kinda mindblowing. The whole thing is that scientists from the first generation (the ones before the virus started taking lives so early) are trying to find a cure - but they are afraid the population is going to die out before they can do that. So there are many houses around the country with polygamous marriages - specifically to keep populating. The story is of a girl, Rhine, who is kidnapped to become a wife in one of these marriages.

Rhine is an amazing character. She's one that I would love to meet and talk to - her past is only hinted in pieces and you know there's so much more to it. Even if the whole book was about her previous life, I think I would have loved it. But even as it is, her story is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful. The whole situation seems so unbelievable, but I think the characters deal with it in the exact ways I would expect them to. So well done.

This is a very character driven story - despite the world that is painted around them. It's all about their stories, where they come from, and how they all work together. The whole dynamic of the "sister wives" is pretty epic. Each of them bring a different element to the marriage. And I loved their different views of the world and how things were going to turn out.

The whole story is just epic and really well done. I think anyone who is into dystopian fic will really get into this one. Hell, it's even a love story on some level - so maybe the romantics can get into that. I just think it's a wonderful story and I can't wait to put it in the hands of some of my teen readers. I do wonder that it might be more recommended for older teens because of the whole making babies bits... and having babies. It's a little graphic, but it wasn't so much that I think anyone would be offended.

Wither is Lauren DeStefano's first book - and it's the beginning of this Chemical Garden trilogy. I'm already really excited for the second one, whenever that will be. And isn't the cover gorgeous? Seriously, it's seriously wonderful. Alright, I'm done gushing. Check out the other reviews...
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Waiting on Wednesday (51)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Here's what I'm waiting on this week:

Dead Rules
by Randy Russell
To be released: June 21, 2011

Summary from Baker and Taylor: "When high school junior Jana Webster dies suddenly, she finds herself in Dead School, where she faces choices that will determine when she, a Riser, will move on, but she strives to become a Slider instead, for the chance to be with the love of her life--even if it means killing him."

Doesn't that sound sort of creepy?! I think I've read one book before that was sort of like the whole concept of dead school - but I think this book sounds really original. I'm excited to see where it takes us!

The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker

Title: The Liar Society
Author(s): Lisa and Laura Roecker
ISBN: 9781402256332
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Page #: 358
Source: My public library

Summary:
"Since when do the dead send emails?
Kate Lowry's best friend Grace died a year ago. So when she gets an email from her, Kate's more than a little confused.

To: KateLowry@pemberlybrown.edu
From: GraceLee@pemberlybrown.edu
Subject: (no subject)

Kate,
I'm here... sort of.
Find Cameron. He knows.
I shouldn't be writing.
Don't tell. They'll hurt you.

Now Kate has no choice but to prove once and for all that Grace's death was more than just a tragic accident. She teams up with a couple of knights-in-(not-so)-shining armor - the dangerously hot bad boy, Liam, and her love-struck neighbor, Seth. But at their elite private boarding school, there are secrets so big people will do anything to protect them - even if it means getting rid of anyone trying to solve a murder."
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First Lines:

"Her email didn't move of disappear or do any of the creepy things I'd expect an email from a ghost to do. It was just there. Existing."
Page 1
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Review:

This story was the perfect mystery that I didn't know I was waiting for. I wasn't really expecting a huge mystery, but this book does a great job pulling you into it.

You start off with the despair of a girl who lost her best friend in a fire the year before. You can see how she is dealing (or not dealing) with it and how things are turning out. Then strange things start happening - like emails from that dead best friend. And other things like people in school talking to her where before they didn't say a word.

The emails give her clues about solving the murder of her friend - as it was ruled an arson. So, she sets out to find what happened. Her neighbor, Seth (who sounds like the clingiest boy in the world) latches on to her and later helps her out. And she also starts hanging out with a boy named Liam - one of those characters who you wish you could see, really :). The three of them follow all the clues to see where they lead.

This book took me a few days to get through. But I think it was more that I liked living in this story, so I didn't rush through. It was almost like watching a movie, really. You can see the boarding school campus, you can picture her pink hair, there are lots of really cool things about this book that would make a great movie. Too bad that's not up to me :).

I thought the character of Kate was very realistic. She seemed to have the perfect balance of snarky teen and worried friend and Nancy Drew. Things didn't land in her lap that easily - and there were a few times where I thought i knew how she would react to something and I was totally wrong. She's a strong character and I think the authors did a wonderful job creating her.

There are so many twists and turns throughout the story. I started seeing all the characters as guilty - and didn't really see the ending coming. Especially how the ending was received (I know that doesn't make sense, so you'll just have to read it). I thought it wrapped up perfectly. There could have been a lot of loose ends, but I feel like everything pulls together like a perfect package.

I've used the word "perfect" too much in this review. I am aware. But I do think this is one of those mysteries that is a perfect little package for those readers who are fans of the genre. I will definitely be recommending it. I think anyone who likes realistic fic can really get into the story and see the friendships and heartbreaks for what they are. And mystery lovers will just be drooling.

I hope to see lots from these two authors in the future. This is their first book and I know there will be awesome things to come. Check out their website to see what's in store. (I just looked around and found out there's a second Liar Society book!! I cannot tell you how excited I am for that. w000t!)
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Other Blog Reviews:

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Wake by Lisa McMann

Title: Wake (Wake #1)
Author: Lisa McMann
ISBN: 9781416953579
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Page #: 210
Source: From my public library

Summary:
"Not all dreams are sweet.
For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.

She can't tell anybody about what she does - they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control.

Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant..."
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First Lines:

"Janie Hannagan's math book slips from her fingers. She grips the edge of the table in the school library. Everything goes black and silent. She sighs and rests her head on the table. Tries to pull herself out of it, but fails miserably."
Page 1
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Review:

This book has been recommended to me many times. I honestly didn't think much about it until one of my coworkers put it in my hands. I got lucky that it wasn't requested - it's been going out a lot lately. And now I know why!!!

Oops. Too many exclamation points. L.O.V.E.D. this book. I'm going to try to step back and analyze this book without gushing all over it. It's the story of a girl who accidentally falls into anyone's dream who is asleep around her. This could happen at literally any time. When she's driving, when she's walking in the school hallway, any time. Very scary thought!

Because of this, she closes herself off to most people she meets. One boy gets through. This starts a whole string of drama bits. But it's the twist that really got me. No, I'm not going to tell you what it is. But there was something that I didn't see coming. And it changed the whole course of the story.

Though I loved the relationship, the whole dream thing was what got me most interested. I've always thought dreams are such a mystery. I've only had a few that I really remember - so the idea that a girl sees everyone's dreams around her... it's just an amazing idea. And her journey to figuring out how to control this ability - and even use it - is pretty cool.

Honestly, I fell into this book like Janie falls into dreams. I couldn't pull myself out of it. And it was hella fast - I started it at lunch and finished while having dinner. I'm in serious need of finding the next book in the series. Hopefully we have one at work.

I loved the format of this book - it's not quite diary entries because they aren't written for Janie herself. It's like they are snipits in time that show you what's going on. Each section is dated and time stamped - so it's almost like "so this happened. Then this. And now this." It seems like that would make the book really choppy. But instead it gives the book real flow and gives you the most important stuff. And it helps give you a timeline of how things happen without spelling it out for you.

I will seriously be recommending this book to anyone. that's right. anyone. No, I guess it's best for those who are fans of semi-thrillers... a little piece of fantasy, but mostly reality. there's definite romance for those who love it. There's a definite crime aspect to it that I don't see very often. It adds a really great level to the story. And guys would get into this one just as easily as girls - the leading lady is just that well written.

I look forward to reading the rest of this series and whatever Lisa McMann comes up with! I know Cryer's Cross recently came out, so maybe I'll finally get to that arc sitting in the pile. Seriously though, check out her website for more info and her blog.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Today I Read
YA Reads
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Artemis the Brave by Joan Holub & Suzanne WIlliams

Title: Artemis the Brave (Goddess Girls #4)
Author(s): Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
ISBN: 9781416982746
Publisher: Aladdin
Page #: 221
Source: From my public library

Summary:
"Artemis's friends and classmates see her as the most courageous goddessgirl at school. Little do they know that despite her expert archery skills, the smelly Geryon, ring-nosed Minotaurs, and scorpions in Beast-ology class scare her as much as they do anyone else! But what's really bothering her now is that funny feeling she has whenever she looks at Orion. She's never had a crush before. Will she find the courage to talk to Orion, to make him see her as more than a pal, and to ace Beast-ology class?

Authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams put a modern spin on classic myths with the Goddess Girls series. Follow the ins and outs of divine social life at Mount Olympus Academy, where the most privileged godboys and goddessgirls in the Greek pantheon hone their mythic skills."
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First Lines:

"On silver-winged magic sandals, Artemis zoomed through the Forest of Beasts, her feet gliding just inches above the mossy forest floor. 'Come out, come out, wherever you are.' she singsonged under her breath."
Page 1
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Review:

I reviewed the first three books in the Goddess Girls series here.

Yes, I lumped the first three books together, but the fifth one isn't out yet... so I'm just going to do this one by itself. Again, these are children's books (maybe middle grade), which is something I don't read very often. But the Goddess Girl books have really grabbed my attention - purely because they're adorable.

As I said in my last review, I've always been a big fan of mythology stories. The authors have taken those stories and put them in a school setting. It really works perfectly. Picturing those characters as young teens or middle graders is kinda weird, but it really is done well.

This story is all about Artemis and her amazing bravery when faced with challenges. Except this time she's challenged with a boy. Before this, she has found her friend's crushes to be irritating... but now she's caught in one herself. And not with a boy who anyone expected. I loved how disorganized and crazy Artemis seemed at times - she's one of my faves.

As much as this book is about Artemis, you really get a good look at Orion as well. I don't know much about his story, so I'm not sure how close it is to the actual stories. But I loved the ending and how things turned out with him. I won't tell ya what happened, but it was really fun.

I know that many people will love the Goddess Girls books - even if they are written for children. Guess that means they are just a fun and fast read for the rest of us. I'll be recommending them, for sure. I have a few Goddess lovers that I know will get a kick out of these. Get ready for April when the next book comes out!

Check out the websites for these two authors: Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
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Other Blog Reviews:

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