Monday, February 25, 2013

Review: Sever by Lauren DeStefano

Sever (The Chemical Garden, #3)
Sever by Lauren DeStefano
Time is running out for Rhine in this conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Chemical Garden Trilogy.
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.

Publishes in US: February 12th 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Genre: Dystopia
Source: library
Series? The 3rd and final in chemical Garden. 1st is Wither 2nd is Fever (links go to my review)

Buy it:  Barnes & Noble   Amazon    IndieBound   BookDepository.com

Find Lauren online: site   twitter   facebook  blog   series site

 
    It is always bittersweet finishing a series. There is this feeling of depression that you won't be with the characters you've came to love, rooted for, and swooned over. There is also, at least for me, a feeling of accomplishment and closure (provided that the author delivers.) And Lauren definitely delivered in Sever. 
   I got caught right back up into Rhine's world. Cecily is grown so much, and it was quite a journey in Sever to see her develop so much more. She is such a unique type of character, and I can't really describe how reading about her has effected me. She has some heartbreaking scenes in this one, and I didn't know how I would handle it. 
   Linden is as sweet and generous as ever, if still blinded to what is around him, but luckily the women around him and Reed, his uncle who I adored by the way, help to make him see the world and his father the way it really is. 
    I love Reed's inventive and curious nature, as well as appreciating him offering his house and protection. The conversations he had with Rhine were great, and I loved his teasing nature. I wasn't expecting him as a character, but he turned out to be great. 
    Rhine's search for her brother, and figure out the truth or not about what he is saying. She wants to show Rowan that she is alive, and also get some of the answers that he seems to hold about her past, and hopefully the hope that they cling to for their future. 
    I flew through this and did not want to put it down to eat or sleep, and did so only reluctantly. The characters are beautifully written and captivating. Rhine's emotions and motivations are easy to relate to. I still had a hard time with her pushing Linden away, but I knew that she had to find Gabriel. So, in essence for most of the book, you know until THAT thing happened, I was still torn over who she should be with,and who I would pick for myself. Linden is a hard one to choose though because of the sharing and sister wives deal. 
    The ending floored me, it was things that I wasn't expecting, hoped against hope wouldn't happen, but there was also hope and good things that happened. I know that it is a good and fitting ending, but I am still kinda in shock over the events, and dealing with some loss. 
    I can't believe that I have to say goodbye to these characters. 
    
Bottom Line: Bittersweet conclusion to an amazing trilogy.

57 comments:

  1. I skimmed this review because I haven't read the series yet, but I did love your review! It sounds great and I'm glad you liked it :) Great review!

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  3. I really need to pick this up as I've mostly enjoyed this series. I know exactly what you mean about the bittersweet conclusion though as there are several third books of trilogies I'm hoping to read this year but which I'm sad about completing.

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  4. I haven't started this series, so I'm not sure what's going on. I've heard really good and really bad things about this series, but I'm glad it ended well for you.

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  5. I haven't read this one yet but, after Indigo Spell I will be reading it. I am dying to know what the ending is I have really enjoyed reading this series.

    Kristin @ Young Adult Book Haven

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    1. I ended up reading this one first, because it was library and ISpell was mine

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  6. I understand exactly how you feel, I am sitting on my copy of Boundless because i know it's the last book and I cried when Newflesh trilogy ended..LOL

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  7. I was so disappointed by the last one :(

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  9. I find it can be depressing finishing up a series too. But I'm glad you enjoyed the way this one ended. I haven't read any of this series yet. I love reading a series when all the books have been released :) Great review Brandi.

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    1. I think it was fitting for series, but some of it so sad

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  10. I am about to start this! Awesome review Brandi :) I'm going to be sad that this series ended as well. And from your review, I think I need to prepare myself. I actually didn't like Cecily at all, but I'm really curious to see what happens with her.

    Janina @ Synchronized Reading

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  11. I tried to read the first book, but it just wasn't for me :(

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  12. I read the first book and had some issues with it, tried to read the second, and put it down. I'll have to try again because so many people love these like you did. Sounds like this series has a crazy ending! Although I always prefer a happy ending! Great review!

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  13. I still don't know what to do with this series I read so many different reviews, so maybe one day...

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  14. Some shock and loss... I am so nervous to read this! Great review! :)

    ~Sara @ Forever 17 Books

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  15. I'm going to come back and fully read this review after I read Sever, but I am SO happy to see you loved it! I adore this series, and I know this is going to be a hard one to say goodbye to :(

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  16. I know what you mean about saying goodbye to your favorite series. I have not picked up this series, yet and I really want to. I guess now is a good time since I can race through them and avoid the cliffhangers and long wait. I am glad it ended on a good note. Now to see what Lauren has in store next!

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    1. I keep saying I won't start new series so I don;t have to wait, but never happens

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  17. I am so afraid to finish this series, I think I avoiding all the last books of series right now. *shakes head* Great review. I am really curious about the ending now.

    Jenea @ Books Live Forever

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    1. I feel ya, you want them to be here, but don't at the same time

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  18. Great review. Yes, it was bittersweet, but the whole series was bittersweet, so I guess I went in expecting that.

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  19. I have to admit, I wasn't thrilled with the romance in the first book. Of course, I realize that was only the beginning to the story. Looks like I really need to continue on with the next two books. I am curious if I will like Linden as much as you did here. So curious now!

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  20. *sigh* You're getting attacked by the spam comments too? They're getting progressively smarter. Ugh. I never did finish this series, but I'm glad that you liked it! I sadly didn't like the first book, so I really don't know what to say. :(

    Where's your question?? :'(

    Loves,
    Megan@The Book Babe

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    1. LOL, I must have forgotten for this one, sorry :)
      And yes a few comments have been getting in-ar!

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  21. I've seen this series around, but I've never had the interest to pick it up. Though, I agree with you, finishing a series is so sad and very bittersweet! The book really doesn't call to me, but that was a great review!!!!

    Magen Corrie
    ~Corrie the Book Crazed Girl

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    1. It is a very different kind of series, so understandable

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  22. I've seen this series around, but I've never picked it up. Though I have to agree with you, when a series you enjoy ends, it's so bittersweet!! Even though I the book doesn't call to me. Awesome review!!!

    Magen Corrie
    ~Corrie the Book Crazed Girl

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  23. My twitter feed has been filled with weak out tweets from people reading this book lol

    I'm glad everyone is enjoying. It's great when a series goes out on a high note.

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    1. Just released, so us junkies have to read and get our fix :)

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  24. I checked out book one of this series and I didn't click with it. Happy to see you loved it though.

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  25. Yikes! This seems complicated. I have the first book. I remember everyone talking about it and feeling like I just had to have it. The cover was so beautiful. I've never even opened the book. I might even have the second, I'd have to check my book list to see if I do. I wonder if I can take that bittersweet ending. I don't like the sound of sister wives. I remember reading that in another review of an earlier book.

    But, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. And when the author delivers the ending you want. And that fits. And maybe one that isn't quite as predictable as you thought. So many series ending this past fall and this year. But new ones starting. Just remember you can always read them again!

    Heather

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    1. I didn't know what I would think either, but it really turns into layered and beautiful relationship

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  26. I have been totally wondering about this book. I usually don't like bittersweet endings but this sounds really good overall. Great review.

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  27. I am so torn about reading this series. I just can't decide if it is a series for me. Glad you loved it!

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  28. Seeing how much you enjoyed reading this, maybe I need to pick the series up and start reading Wither. Sounds like the characters have grown a lot in the trilogy. Loved how you infused your enthusiasm into your words when you wrote this review. Thank you, Brandi!

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  29. I still have Wither waiting on my shelf. I hope I'll get to read it soon cause I've heard only great things about this series. I'm glad that the last one didn't disappoint :) Great review :)

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  30. I'm so happy you enjoyed this, but I know it's got to be devastating to leave those characters behind. I've been putting off reading it for that very reason. I'm sure like you, I'll fly right through it, not wanting to stop for anything when I finally do read it. Fabulous review! :-)

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  31. I have been unsure whether I will read this because I didn't love the previous books. But I am curious how things turn out and I think I will read it just to get a conclusion. Your review has me more excited now.

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    1. It is so hard to start but not finish a series, but I guess with so many books out there easier than used to be. I havent finished Delirium or Boundless

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  32. I didn't love the first book, but am glad that you were still enjoying the last book in the series.

    - Jessica @ Book Sake

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  33. The infamous chapter 24. In my mind it doesn't exist. I enjoyed this one as well. I really liked how it ended. I love DeStefano's writing. But I am sad to see it all end. It's bitter sweet that's for sure.

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