The Gray Willow

Mmm. I just finished WITHER. A gorgeous cover for a gorgeous book. It's dystopian fiction at its best. I've found I frequently don't care to continue a series after the first book but for this story I will read the second and the third. The writing is deliciously horrific.

I saw DeStefano was only 25 at the time of this book deal; she has some incredible expertise at such a young age. I noticed she studied creative writing in college. If I could go back in time that's what I would do.

The settings and dress are lush, the dialogue crisp yet beautiful and the story's pacing is enviable to someone who's always struggled with the task. It's literary and commercial yoked as one, and sweet and painful romance that will keep me reading into the next books!

Here's the blurb from Goodreads:

"Obviously, something went terribly wrong. Genetic mutations have festered, reducing human longevity to twenty-five, even less for most women. To prevent extinction, young girls are kidnapped, mated in polygamous marriages with men eager to procreate. Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, a recent victim of this breeding farm mentality, has vowed to break loose from its fetters; but finding allies and a safe way out is a challenge she can only hope she will survive. A dystopian fantasy series starter with wings. Editor's recommendation."