As I’ve said before, the third book in a trilogy is usually my least favorite. This is mainly due to the fact that expectations become so high that it becomes extremely difficult to meet them, if not exceed them. After reading the spectacular first two books in the Chemical Garden trilogy by Lauren DeStefano, Wither and Fever, I knew that the stakes would be just as high for her third and final book, Sever.
From Goodreads: With the clock ticking until the virus takes its toll, Rhine is desperate for answers. After enduring Vaughn’s worst, Rhine finds an unlikely ally in his brother, an eccentric inventor named Reed. She takes refuge in his dilapidated house, though the people she left behind refuse to stay in the past. While Gabriel haunts Rhine’s memories, Cecily is determined to be at Rhine’s side, even if Linden’s feelings are still caught between them.
Meanwhile, Rowan’s growing involvement in an underground resistance compels Rhine to reach him before he does something that cannot be undone. But what she discovers along the way has alarming implications for her future—and about the past her parents never had the chance to explain.
In this breathtaking conclusion to Lauren DeStefano’s Chemical Garden trilogy, everything Rhine knows to be true will be irrevocably shattered.
After reviewing many a suspense/thriller novel over the years, one of my favorite attributes of the genre is the plot twist. I love a good plot twist. There was no question that Sever fit in this category, as the plot twists came hard and fast. When I thought I had a plot line figured out, DeStefano went in a whole new direction. When I thought I knew what one character would do, a completely different character did it. More than that, DeStefano was able to make these changes on the fly, making the plot seem like a jumbled puzzle that came together at the last second. Even though the pace seemed frantic, the plot development was well-paced and the overarching storyline was moving along well, that is until I got to the end. I felt as though there was enough time to bring the book to a great conclusion, but instead it felt rushed and abrupt. Although it was the only fault I found with this book, it did put a damper on my feelings upon finishing. Despite this, however, DeStefano should be lauded for her ability to create such a great ending piece for an amazing trilogy. You can definitely count me in as a huge DeStefano groupie that will be eagerly awaiting her next series, The Internment Chronicles. Book one is entitled Perfect Ruin. Exciting!
4 out of 5 Stars
Sever by Lauren DeStefano
Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (2013)
Hardcover 371 pages
ISBN: 9781442409095