Review: Sever by Lauren DeStefano

Sever by Lauren DeStefano
February 12, 2013
Simon & Schuster
Source: Conference

Synopsis:

My Review:

SEVER is one of the most heartbreaking conclusions to a dystopian trilogy that I’ve ever read, yet it is also one of the most hopeful. I’ve been with The Chemical Garden series since day one, and words cannot express the amount of love and hate I have for it. I have ugly cried in every book, which shows just how powerful this series is. I don’t cry in books that easily, but Rhine and DeStefano sure know how to get my emotions going in some extremely intense scenes. I am incredibly happy that I don’t have to go through anymore cry fests with these books, yet also incredibly sad at the events that took place in SEVER and the fact that it’s over. SEVER stole my heart and it still hasn’t given it back.

Rhine has gone through the most horrific experiences in her short lifetime. My heart broke a little every time hers did. I felt so connected to her, no matter that we are complete opposites in every way. In SEVER, Rhine is more tough than ever. While I’m so glad that Rhine is finally coming into her own and not letting others interfere with her decisions, I also feel regret that Rhine has had to grow up in such a short time. She can’t pretend any more. Rhine has to be strong for Cecily, Linden, her brother Rowan who is somewhere out there, and most importantly, herself. She holds the weight of the world on her shoulders, and I don’t think anyone could handle it like Rhine does.

I feel like even though this series is dystopian and seemingly more plot driven with finding the cure to the virus, the characters rule the show in this series. In SEVER, the once extremely annoying and bratty Cecily has become one of my favorite characters somehow. She and Rhine have this special relationship that no one can match or come between. These two are the perfect balances for one another and become extremely important to each other in SEVER. Linden was one of those guys who I loved one moment, then wanted to bash the next up until SEVER. He finally opens his eyes to the truth, and what he sees makes him a much better man in my eyes.

The emotional blows are seemingly never-ending in SEVER. I didn’t expect anything at all, not even the ending. There were many gasps, an enormous amount of horrified and/or surprised gasps, and one moment that had me sobbing uncontrollably into my pillow. SEVER was wonderful and so terribly depressing at the same time. While I think DeStefano wrapped up the series in the only way that is possible, I am still reeling from the event. So have a box of tissues next to you when you finally dive into SEVER. You’re going to need every one of those babies.

SEVER is a well-executed sequel that will leave DeStefano’s fans craving more of her gorgeous writing. She has proven herself with The Chemical Garden trilogy, and I cannot wait for more emotionally scarring stories from her (in a good way ).

My Rating: