Wither

By Lauren DeStefano

Book Overview

A teen fights to escape the wealthy family who kidnapped her to produce their heirs in this first book in the riveting, New York Times bestselling dystopian young adult trilogy reminiscent of The Handmaid's Tale.

Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. A botched effort to create a perfect humanity has left all males with a lifespan of twenty-five years, and all females with one of twenty--and the world has fallen into a state of panic. Geneticists seek a miracle antidote, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and girls are kidnapped off the streets and forced to serve as wives and bear children for the scions of the rich and powerful.

Despite her every precaution, Rhine is kidnapped and forced to become a bride. Kept under tight guard, and tossed into a glittering world of illusion, Rhine is given wealth and luxury beyond anything she's ever dreamed. Her every need is met...every need except freedom. With the help of sweet, caring Gabriel--a servant in the manor--Rhine will do anything it takes to escape, go home, and reunite with her twin brother.

But Florida is a long way from Manhattan; her father-in-law, a scientist from the perfect, healthy "first generation" who is obsessed with finding a cure for this early death, is watching her every move and hoarding corpses in the basement; and her husband, Linden, is a far cry from the monster she imagined him to be. But in a world that continues to decay, and with only four years left to fight for, is there any room for someone like Rhine to choose her own path?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1442409061
• ISBN13: 9781442409064
• Release Date: June 2011
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.6" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 14 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 9 to 12

Customer Reviews

Intriguing

A very intriguing read interesting concept. Enjoying the characters will see how they develop more in the series.

surprisingly good

I really enjoyed this book. it's very unique and pleasantly written with realistic characters. I only bought the first book not knowing if I'd like it but I've already purchased the 2nd and third

Very excited to start this series!

This book has been highly recommended since I started the perfect ruin series and I'm so excited to start it!

I couldn’t put it down!!!

This boom is unlike any book I’ve ever read yet so familiar. I would definitely consider reading this book!!!!!!