Book: Sever (The Chemical Garden #3) by Lauren DeStefano, Simon & Schuster, February 12 2013
Genre/Format: Young Adult, Own hardcover, 371 pages
Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars
More Info: Goodreads | Amazon| |The Chemical Garden Trilogy
The conclusion to the Chemical Garden trilogy is something I’ve been dreading. There’s been so much sorrow and heartbreak thus far I was scared of what more Lauren DeStefano could do to these characters. Turns out she had several tricks up her sleeve to shock and surprise in Sever when you least expect it. The series finale is bittersweet but gave me enough closure to let go.
It’s been a year since I read Fever, but it was easy to get re-acquainted with the story. These are dark days for the heroine Rhine, separated from Gabriel and her brother Rowan, and knowing that she doesn’t have much time left before she succumbs to the virus. She’s matured during her time away from the mansion, and is determined to get to her brother. But her sister wife Cecily has also hardened and wants to help Rhine, and Linden’s complicated feelings won’t let him turn his back on her either. The group travels to Vaughn’s brother Reed’s place to work out their next steps.
It’s hard to talk about anything else plot related since this is the end of a series. But suffice it to say there are big shocks and reveals. Rhine questions everything she has ever known and gets some sobering news. DeStefano keeps the reader guessing about who are the real good guys and bad guys this time around.
Like the previous installments, Sever is a moody and atmospheric read. The plot moves at a gentle pace, almost giving a false sense of security. It had me on edge, as if I was reading a horror novel, and I paced my reading even though I was anxious to see how it all turns out. DeStefano’s distinctive writing style with its dark tone is what will linger most for me about this series.
In Sever, the action moves to several different settings. I wasn’t thrilled that the carnival made another appearance, but it actually fit very well in the story. I liked the addition of Reed, and the scenes at his place are some of the most alive. Cecily is someone I barely tolerated in the previous books but she does liven up the book, and she and Reed are a breath of fresh air, when Linden and Rhine are a little moody.
After reading Sever, I liked examining the cover to note the relevance of the objects in the cover photo. I don’t think I could have guessed exactly how they all fit before I read the book, but they do all tie-in to the story.
I have mixed feelings about the ending, but overall I think it is the right conclusion for the trilogy. It feels complete, and I’m ready to move on to DeStefano’s next series. The first book of the Internment series, Perfect Ruin, is due out next year.
I haven’t even started this series – I’m so behind!
Great review! I agree with so much of what you said. I think the ending definitely could have been done a little bit better. I wasn’t quite pleased with it, but I didn’t hate it either, and it did at least wrap things up!
I loved Reed in this book! I think he was a great character addition. I actually liked Cecily in Sever a lot. I feel like she was growing up and her character seemed to be one of the most dynamic from beginning to end.
Great review! Sad it wasn’t outstanding, but it seems like we share pretty similar opinions!
Glad we see eye to eye on Sever, Brittany! The ending was bittersweet, but it was a bold choice so I have to respect that. I agree with you that Cecily did mature quite a bit. And yes, Reed was a nice addition! Totally agree 🙂
I’m definitely conflicted about this series overall, because while I enjoyed it I still have so many questions about the world building. Weird to say, but I enjoyed the first book in the trilogy the most.
I get where you’re coming from, Ashley about the world building and the first book. I was thinking about saying in my review that Wither was my favorite. I really liked when all the sister wives and the other characters were together under one roof in the mansion. Is that strange? lol
I have the first 2 on my shelf. I just read the intro so not to spoil anything. Glad to hear there is descent closure before I even start.
Ooh I’m really interested to hear your thoughts on this series, Amy. Readers have strong reactions to Wither!
I have the first book but haven’t gotten to it yet. I’d like to bc I hear great things…I think the covers turn me off a little, although I’m not sure why!