Wither by Lauren DeStephano

Genetic engineering was mastered. We perfected an entire generation of people! Their children, however, suffered the consequences. Females only live until they are 20 years old, males to 25. For the sheer survival of the human race, polygamy has become common, along with human trafficking. The perfect generation ages normally, while their children and grandchildren perish in their prime.

Until now, Rhine has managed to survive with her twin brother in a fortified bunker. After their parents died, they've had to fend for themselves. It wasn't until today that the Gatherers got her, packed her into a trunk with other poor girls like herself. Those that aren't chosen are shot. She is chosen, along with two others (Cecily and Jenna), to join a rich household. Her betrothed is handsome and kind, and laments the imminent loss of his current wife who has recently begun to succumb to the disease.

His father, Housemaster Vaughn, is not kind. He locks them in their rooms, threatens to restrain them, restricts their movements even around the house, locks them out of the elevator...and, she suspects, worse behind the scenes. Her only thought is of escape. She decides to play along to protect herself, and befriends Rose, the first wife, only to have her die. She goes through the motions of being a dutiful wife. All the while, she plots her escape. Her one comfort is Gabriel, he is one of the house staff. She finds some comfort in her sister wives over time, but freedom is her still her goal.

On one of her excursions to learn more about the house, she discovers the deadly secret of the basement. Vaughn carries out his experiments to try and find a cure for the mistakes his generation made. When she sees Rose's body, she can't take anymore...what else has he been doing?

Rhine learns that Linden thinks she and her sisters chose to be his wives. The idea of him as evil is more difficult when she learns of his ignorance of many of the measures that his father has taken. Still, she will never love him. She will never give up trying to get back to her brother.

When a hurricane hits, Rhine knows this could be her chance. Throwing herself into the mercy of the storm, she doesn't even make it to the gate before she is injured and brought back. Feigning innocence, she receives a very real threat from Vaughn, one she knows he will keep, if she tries to run again.
Her connection to Gabriel intensifies, as does her bond with Linden in spite of herself. Will she stay in the plush lap of luxury, or risk it all trying to escape back into the dangerous wilderness of outside?

Interesting twist on dystopia, with a thoughtful look at "good vs. evil" and how it's not always as black and white as we wish it were. This book tackles a lot of touchy subjects under the guise of fiction: polygamy, human trafficking, love, freedom, health, genetics. Recommended for high school.

“He weaves his fingers through mine, and I allow it, feel the clammy warmth of his palm against mine. Flush. Alive. Eventually I realize that I am holding on to him just as tightly as he holds on to me. And here we are: two small dying things, as the world ends around us like falling autumn leaves,” (DeStefano pg. 147, 2011).

*Library Link*

If you like this, check out:
Fever by Lauren DeStefano (Chemical Garden Trilogy, Book 2) February 2012
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carry Ryan

DeStefano, Lauren. (2011). Wither. New York: Simon & Schuster BFYR.