Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb -- males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out. When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape -- to find her twin brother and go home. 
 I'm glad I've finally managed to read Wither. Evenly-paced with enough tension, drama and intrigue to last the entire novel, Wither is one of the more enjoyable books I have read recently. The world DeStefano has created is eerily believable though, my one apprehension is this: why is it that America is always the only country that survives a major apocalypse that destroys the rest of the world? In Wither, it's because it's the country with the most advanced technology. I beg to differ. What about China or Russia or Germany or any one of the countries in the Middle East that possesses nuclear weaponry, or even Israel, the one country that has managed to differ the odds since its creation? This isn't a huge deal and I understand that as American authors, it's natural and easier for them to write a post-apocalyptic America but still, it would be nice if a different country survives the next apocalypse. 
 So yes, to the plot. Like I said before, the world created in Wither is frighteningly believable but the author focuses on the cruelty and absolute control the wealthy has. The poverty and social chaos caused by the virus is mentioned in Rhine's flashbacks and together, these elements complete the dystopian outlook in Wither. I particularly loved how the author fleshed out the main characters, not just Rhine but her sister wives as well and workable stories for Linden, Linden's father and Gabriel, the other love interest. The characters all have their own personalities as well as motivations. I especially loved Rhine's interactions with her sister wives. Despite their difference in personalities, Jenna being jaded and sullen, and Cecily being childish and brattish, it was nice to see their friendship grow and develop over the months. 
 Though, as a side note, I suspect some readers, like me, might find it a little squeamish about Cecily, a thirteen-year-old, being sexually active and later on, pregnant. As much as this is a post-apocalyptic world where young brides in polygamous marriages are valued, it still turned me right off. 
 Linden is Rhine's husband and while it's easy to blame him for her situation, I actually felt bad for him. He's rather innocent, and remains oblivious to the world outside. At one point in the book, he actually seemed surprised at the suggestion of Rhine having parents. If anyone, I blame his father. Instead, here, Linden has a genuine love for Rhine and I think the reason why he loves her so much is the fact that she remains him of her first love, Rose. In many ways, I suppose, Rhine is sacred to him just as Rose was to him, and I'm definitely interested to see in the subsequent books. Will he ever know the truth around him? 
 Of course, Wither also has a love triangle, of sorts, but the love story written here is mature and not at all contrived. I really do hope they find a happy ending. Their love is one that is rare in their world, one of free will and not born of an arranged marriage. 
 Ah, and lastly, I have left my passion for Rhine's father-in-law, Vaughn. He's described in the summary as eccentric but trust me, he is not. Eccentric seems to suggest a nice but somewhat strange person. Vaughn is anything but nice. He is cruel, manipulative and I hope he dies in a fire right now. I suppose every novel/trilogy/series needs an antagonist but what irks me is that he preys on young girls and doesn't even oppose the characters out in the open. No, he does it sneakily and stabs people in the back, etc. (view spoiler)[I particularly loathe how he's manipulating Bowen. I mean, poor Cecily, even if she was a huge pain and a brat. (hide spoiler)] Seriously, I hope he dies in a fire. I so do not look forward to seeing him in the sequel because I just know something bad will happen. 
 The ending is one that isn't technically a cliffhanger but it still leaves readers craving for more. Will Rhine be able to find her brother? What happens to Linden and his father? What of Rhine and Gabriel? Will they ever be able to find an antidote? Definitely recommending Wither, one of the better dystopias debut. 4.5 stars from me.