Review: Fever

Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Book: ★★★★★
Cover:  ★★★★☆

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (February 21, 2012

 Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but they’re still in danger. Outside, they find a world even more disquieting than the one they left behind.

 Determined to get to Manhattan and find Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan, the two press forward, amid threats of being captured again…or worse.
    
 The road they are on is long and perilous—and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and men die at age twenty-five, time is precious. In this sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price—now that she has more to lose than ever.

 After reading Fever (multiple times), naturally I was super excited to read Fever. This book certainly did not disappoint. Like Wither, Fever is absolutely, heart-breakingly beautiful. I felt like I was reading a long poem. While this book is definitely darker than Wither, it would not have felt right if it wasn't. With most books in a series, to me it seems like the books are completely separate. While I usually like that, in this case, I would not have. Wither and Fever feel like what they are, sister books. They go together perfectly, like two heartbeats. I cannot wait until the last installment of the trilogy, to see where it takes the story.

 Fever is much more frightening than Wither. In Wither, you knew there was danger, but it was easy to ignore because Rhine was sleeping in between silk sheets, being waited on, and had her husband wrapped around her finger. In Fever, Rhine is thrown out into the real world, and things aren't exactly as Rhine remembers them. You can feel the tension rising and shifting; this was one of those books that makes your heart beat a little bit faster.

 You really see the characters start to grow and change during Fever. Rhine is put under incredible pressure, having to keep herself, Gabriel, and Maddie (a little girl they meet along the way) alive. Gabriel is accustomed to life in the mansion, so he's not of much help. I like that, because it's something you don't see very often. Usually, the girl is the weak one, the damsel in distress, relying almost completely on a boy, the only thing that can make her life complete. But in this book, you see Rhine become the stronger one, the one getting things done. It's actually not so much of Rhine leading as the two leaning on each other to survive which made it so much more believable.

 The supporting characters are part of what makes this book fantastic. All of them are so realistic it's scary. Many new characters popped up, and every single one of them were deliciously intriguing. Some of my favorites include Claire, the kind and funny head of an orphanage; The Madame, a character that is not, well, nice, but you love to... kind of hater her?; and finally, Silas, a sexy orphan who gives Rhine his guidance and seems like he will play a big part in the next book. I really cannot describe to you how real these characters seem; I've never read anything like it in a book. I think that the characters in this book make it shine like the star that it is.

 Overall, a scarily beautiful, elegant books that will set your hair on end and enchant you with every word. If you haven't read Wither, the first book, or have and just haven't gotten around to Fever, I reccomend you do so now. You definitely won't regret it. 

eBook Giveaway: Between The Land and The Sea

 So, a few days ago I got an email from one of my favorite authors, Derrolyn Anderson, about the conclusion of her series, Marina's Tales. I have absolutely loved this series from the beginning, with it's beach-side setting and enjoyable plot. While I'm sad that the series is coming to an end, I'm super excited to read  the final book, The Turning Tides. 

 

 Derrolyn was also kind enough to me offer me a Smashwords coupon for a free eBook for the first book, Between The Land and The Sea. If you want to check out my review, you can do so here. So, on to the giveaway! (Remember, this is ONLY for Between The Land and The Sea, not the whole series.)

Between The Land and The Sea by Derrolyn Anderson

 Something extraordinary is lurking in the deep ocean waters off the coast of Aptos, California. In just a few weeks after moving to the small beach town, sixteen year old Marina has nearly drowned twice, enchanted the hottest guy in high school, and discovered a supernatural creature. If she can only manage to survive her increasingly dangerous encounters with unpredictable mermaids, she might just be able to unlock the mystery of her past to learn how to appease the mysterious forces that seem to want something from her...and maybe even find true love along the way. 

  Guidelines:
-Contest ends April 1st at 12 p.m. Est.
-One entry per person.
-This is, of course, international, since it is an eBook.
-Once I email you and receive a confirmation, I will email you again with the coupon code.
 
 That's it! Enter away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday #15

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine.

The Selection- Kiera Cass

 For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

 But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

 Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

This looks so good! I love the plot that things like competitions create, so I know this one will be great. What are you looking forward to?

Re-reading

 I don't often re-read books. I know some people who say they can't re-read books, at all. When I re-read, it's always a book that I found particularly wonderful and whose world I can't wait to return to. Heck, sometimes I don't even know why I pick books back up. Below is a list compiled of the books I have re-read most often.

  To Kill A Mockingbird  by Harper Lee

 I love everything about this book. It is one of my all-time favorites. I love Scout's voice, still a kid. Atticus is one of my favorite characters. I like the fact that the main plot is sewn through the book, while most of the book focuses on Scout's life, just as it would be if a child was telling you this story. While that would bug the crap out of me in any other book, it fits seamlessly into this wonderful piece of literature.

 This book isn't for everyone. Most kids my age complain that it's boring, or that they don't get the meaning. However, I think this book perfectly portrays human nature and what comes with it.

Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

 I adore all of Rick Riordan's books, but this is definitely my favorite, probably because this is the book where it all began.I love Greek mythology and I love boys who wield swords, so naturally, I love this book. It's also kind of refreshing to read middle grade books every once in a while.

 I can't really describe to you why I love this book. It's just one of those books that draws you into it, with it's wonderful characters and entertaining world.

Distant Waves by Suzanne Weyn

 I have always found the event of the Titanic a heart breaking yet captivating one. When I first saw this book, I knew immediately that I wanted to read it. Since then, I've read it multiple times and enjoyed every second of the re-reading. It takes place in my favorite time era, I learned about a billion things that I hadn't known before, and the characters are absolutely swoon worthy.

 I love Jane's (the main character) voice, and, of course, the love interest, Thad. Romance has a lot to do with this book, and it's beautifully done. The rest of the characters are all wonderfully diverse and interesting.

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

 *sigh* This book is so stunningly elegant and beautiful. It's like nothing else I've ever read before in the way that it makes me feel like the world is absolutely real. The story is electric, with labyrinth like turns and twists. I fell in love with this book the first time I read it, and even more so the second, and third. This will be a book that I know I will enjoy for years and years to come.

 The supporting character's found in this book are all wonderfully wrought. There is no black and white in your feelings for them. You find yourself both loving and despising Cecily, the young and overeager sister wife to Rhine. Loving Linden and sort of hating yourself for it. And you find yourself absolutely disgusted with Housemaster Vaughn, the twisted doctor who will stop at nothing.

So, do you re-read books? If so, what calls you to them? The world, the characters, or even the writing style? Let me know!