The Chemical Garden Trilogy #3: Sever Review

Title: The Chemical Garden Trilogy #3: Sever

Author: Lauren DeStefano

Date of Publication: February 12, 2013

Formats Available: Hardcover, E-Book

Buy This Book: Amazon

Synopsis: With the clock ticking until the virus takes its toll, Rhine is desperate for answers. After enduring Vaughn’s worst, Rhine finds an unlikely ally in his brother, an eccentric inventor named Reed. She takes refuge in his dilapidated house, though the people she left behind refuse to stay in the past. While Gabriel haunts Rhine’s memories, Cecily is determined to be at Rhine’s side, even if Linden’s feelings are still caught between them.

Meanwhile, Rowan’s growing involvement in an underground resistance compels Rhine to reach him before he does something that cannot be undone. But what she discovers along the way has alarming implications for her future—and about the past her parents never had the chance to explain.

In this breathtaking conclusion to Lauren DeStefano’s Chemical Garden trilogy, everything Rhine knows to be true will be irrevocably shattered.

My Review:

Stunning and breathtaking Sever took me on an emotional roller coaster and refused to let me go. Full of solved mysteries, resolved story lines and answers to any possible question Sever was a perfect ending to the Chemical Garden Trilogy. Rhine continues to be a strong but broken character as she continues to search for her brother and dream of finding a way to stop the virus. Paired with a strong plot Sever was an absolutely fantastic conclusion.

I was saddened but satisfied with the ending of Sever. It pulled everything together and even though I was sad about some of the events that happened there was really no other way this trilogy could have ended. With one of the most interesting plots in the series so far we finally are able to learn more about Rhine's parents, Vaughn, and Rose. Despite the sad ending I wasn't disappointed and I think Sever is one of the strongest novels in the series.

This novel made me absolutely fall in love with Linden. Part of me has been rooting for him this whole time but he really steps up and becomes a stronger character throughout the novel. Vulnerable and sheltered Linden is sweet and strong at the same time and in the end it's obvious that he honestly cares about Rhine. Even though I can understand Rhine's unwillingness to be with Linden, merely one the principle of the thing, I still rooted for him over Gabriel.

The only thing that annoys me about this series is the relationship between Rhine and Gabriel. Their relationship just feels so fake and lifeless, not to mention Gabriel is quite possibly the most boring character in the entire series. For the entire first half of this novel his name is hardly mentioned, making me think Rhine doesn't care about him as much as she thinks she does, and then the moment hes reintroduced to the story Rhine is in love with him again.

Not for the weak of heart The Chemical Garden Trilogy is a compelling but dark read. The older end of YA will no doubt adore these novels and those looking for a stunning YA series should definitely check this one out!

4/5