YO! SPOILERS FOR WITHER! DON’T BE A DUMB ASS. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Sometimes I think a sequel can generate more excitement than a debut. We already know the characters and the world and going back is much like slipping on a pair of sneakers that have already been broken in. After reading Wither, Lauren DeStefano’s debut novel, I was blown away and chomping at the bit for Fever, the sequel and second book in the Chemical Garden trilogy. Y’all Fever is such a painful, lush, gripping read. I can’t even.
Fever
Fever by Lauren DeStefano opens with Gabriel and Rhine on the run after their escape from housemaster Vaughn. They end up at this weird brothel carnival and kind of sort of drugged out. From the brothel carnival is EVEN MORE RUNNING and escaping, hopefully to Manhattan to find Rhine’s brother Rowan. I won’t give away any more plot details because people are so weird about spoilers, BUT expect sharp intakes of breath and if you are like me –to say NO! aloud when reading as the journey takes heartbreaking turns. Yo, Lauren DeStefano doesn’t mess around.
At first, Fever starts off a bit slowly. I had to find my footing and remember what happened during Wither. Once Rhine and Gabriel get to Cirque du Brothel (not what is is actually called), Fever absolutely picks up, snowballing into one hell of an ending! Straight up, I will admit to being very invested in Lauren DeStefano’s story and was so scared and nervous for Rhine and Gabriel. If you are invested, you will likely feel the same. If not, then I’m not exactly sure how much Fever will grip you.
DeStefano’s writing style is VERY lush and will appeal to a certain type of reader. If you thought Wither was overwritten, you definitely won’t like Fever. If you wanted to underline every word in Wither, you’ll probably want to highlight, tag and share all of the pages of Fever. DeStefano has a unique way of describing events and her writing is the kind where I imagine if you read it out loud, it would just roll off a your tongue. It’s very, gah, I hate saying this, pretty. I know, that’s kind of a cop out word, but it’s the best way I can describe DeStefano’s writing style. If you are looking for simple prose, perhaps you would be better off with a different book.
Friends, I am waiting with baited breath for book 3 of The Chemical Garden trilogy. Lauren DeStefano has made my auto-read list with Fever and I absolutely know I will be back for more. If you are DYING to know what happens to Rhine and the gang, you should RUN or click over to your nearest bookstore. I promise if you already like the series and are invested it is WORTH THE READ.
Disclosure: Received for review.
Other Reviews of Fever by Lauren DeStefano:
The Reading Housewives Of Indiana
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Thanks for the link, April! I didn’t realize how much I agreed with your auto-read statement until I read it here. I can’t wait for Book 3! A title… pleaseee??
I totally agree with you. When I was writing my review, I just couldn’t stop thinking about how INTENTIONAL DeStefano’s writing is. I think I enjoyed Fever even more than Wither because I already knew the story line would be very “in my face” and would deal with some hard topics. I mean, sister wives, prostitution, etc. So, so glad you enjoyed it too! 🙂
AWESOME review, April! I reviewed Fever a couple weeks ago, and I can only describe her writing as beautiful. The story was SOOOO GOOOOOD.
This series just doesn’t do it for me. I wish that it did! I’m happy you liked it. 🙂
Your warning made my morning. Seriously. I’ve had Fever waiting for me on my Kindle for several days now… trying to tie up all loose book ends before I tackle it because I want to give it my total, undivided attention. You’re absolutely right about DeStefano’s writing – it does roll off your tongue. I listened to the audiobook of Wither and, even though I knew what was gonna happen (read book prior to), hearing the language of her writing was very pretty. Yes, I hate using that word too, but that’s exactly how to describe it! Great review!
Though I didn’t absolutely love it, I did enjoy Wither–it was as if you were immersed in a lush, steamy hothouse, unable to leave–so I’m interested to see what happens in Fever, especially if the writing style’s still there. And your “Cirque du Brothel” made me laugh because I’ve read a couple other reviews that mentioned that part of the book…geeze, I just need to read the thing, don’t I?
I KNOW. I’m all for re-reads, but this was one of the rare instances where I wanted to not even close the book and immediately start over the instant I read the last word. I was nervous about whether or not you’d like it as much as I did.
“don’t be a dumb ass” <–I can't stop laughing!
Lauren's writing is pretty! Oh so pretty! HA!
oh, and thanks for mentioning me!
I struggled to get my feet at the start of Fever, despite having finished Wither the day before. But, once it picked up (at Cirque Du Brothel *LOL*) I couldn’t put it down. I adore Lauren DeStefanos writing.
Jac @Â For Love and Books
I’m starting Fever soon, finally! I’m a big fan of Wither so glad to hear it doesn’t disappoint. Love your “Cirque du Brothel” description – can’t wait to see how that plays out!
Thanks for making me even more excited about this book 🙂
I really want to read this series, but I’m too… scared of the content. The idea of people dying so young is so frightening and creepy, and I’m too much of a wimp. But your review is that little voice in my head whispering for me to give these books a whirl. I’m SO TORN.
— Asher
I didn’t like Fever as much as Wither, but I’m really excited for the third book! Less Gabriel would be good, since I find him sooooo boring, but I have a feeling once Rhine’s brother shows up some shiz will go down.
I’m looking forward to reading Fever, but at the same time a little afraid to just because I loved Wither so much right until the ending…
I saw you post this the other day, but didn’t get a chance to come back until now. 🙂
I loved Wither so much. It was so different. I love her writing. I can see how it could appeal to only a certain type of reader. I’ve been contemplating making a trailer for it.. but it’s one of those books that was so good, I dont know if I could pull it off. lol. One of these days.. 🙂
Ha ha @ Cirque du Brothel. That makes the cover make much more sense. That wooden horse freaky.
I can’t wait to get my copy of this.. I’ll be ordering it maybe this weekend or next. I’m thinking as soon as I can. I need to read something amazing, to get my mind off Pandemonium.
April, I absolutely agree. This was such a great book! I read it a week or two ago, and I thought that it was even better than Wither. Very well written… and now, I am dying for the third installment. 2013? Seriously?? 😉