Wither by Lauren DeStefano

In our brave new future, DNA engineering has resulted in a terrible genetic flaw. Women die at the age of 20, men at 25. Young girls are being abducted and forced to breed in a desperate attempt to keep humanity ahead of the disease that threatens to eradicate it.
16-year-old Rhine Ellery is kidnapped and sold as a bride to Linden, a rich young man with a dying wife. Even though he is kind to her, Rhine is desperate to escape her gilded cage - and Linden's cruel father. With the help of Gabriel, a servant she is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in what little time she has left.

Author: Lauren DeStefano
Publishing Company: HarperCollins
Publication Date: March 22, 2011
Main Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 13+
Rating: 5/5

When this book was at it's height of popularity in the book blogging world and getting all these amazing reviews, I never really thought twice about buying it myself. But now, I am so glad I did. I had been up in the big city and of course dragged my family into Waterstones (a bookaholic's heaven!) and when I noticed it, I suddenly remembered all the fabulous reviews it got, so I suppose I just had to get it, if you think about it, I was pressured really... It is such a unique, compelling and well-written novel which I couldn't help but get caught into, I literally didn't resurface for hours on end!

Dystopian is really in right now and before recently I hadn't really read that much novels set in the future. This plotline, however, is really original and refreshing and if every dystopian book is like this then I'm sure to love them all! Rhine Ellery was trying so hard not to get caught by the Gatherers but when she falls for one of their traps, disguised to be somewhere to work, she ends up finding herself the property of rich and naive, Linden. Though he treats her with respect, Rhine knows she can never be who he wants her to be. She needs to escape, and find her way back home. But to escape she must win over Linden's favour, but that proves difficult as she starts falling for the servant, Gabriel...

The main character, Rhine is very kind, cunning and loyal. We witness everything in the book through her. The writing style is very emotive and well-written. I admired her courage and just her whole character really. I also quite liked Cecily. Whenever she was around, there was never a dull moment. Even though she is stubborn and persistent, I couldn't help but pity her. She was so young compared to the other wives and was going through so much. At times she did show her nice, sweet side though, so I suppose she can be forgiven.

Lauren DeStefano sure has written a masterpiece! I recommend this book to 13+ who like a good dystopian novel, with a little splash of romance. I'm sure if you read this book you'll find it a great read so go on, you know you want to! I rated this 5/5 because it is well-written, has a good storyline and easily relatable and likeable characters, isn't that enough to tempt you?

Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo