Review: Fever (The Chemical Garden #2) by Lauren DeStefano

Title: Fever (The Chemical Garden #2)

Author: Lauren DeStefano

Published: February 21sth 2012

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.75 stars

My mood on this book keeps on shifting the entire time I was reading it. From being disturbed and unnerved to fascinated and amused then frustrated and confused. And like most second books, this went more like a filler book for the series. The writing was really great though. The prose were really beautiful and captivating. But overall, it was still an enjoyable and intriguing read. The ending totally left me curious and craving for the next book. 

This series certainly has almost all those icky subjects that might have turn off a reader - polygamy, experimentation, prostitution, early pregnancy, etc. I was unnerve too, myself. Especially during the first parts of this sequel in which Rhine and Gabriel were thrown off into a carnival - or more like a prostitution den. Although it was pretty disturbing DeStefano was still able to make it so intriguing. I was afraid that most of the story will happen within that place but I was relieved and surprised when everything went differently than what I had thought. The turn of events weren't predictable and that just glued me more to the book.

I find Rhine a little confusing in here but I still saw her determined and strong personality. Though I think I understand her confusion - with all the things that had happened and how situations turned horribly, sometimes I just can't seem to get what she's really thinking and feeling. But when something horrible happens, despite all her confusions I love how she fights and faces it. Gabriel - I've seen quite a different side of Gabriel in here and I was really happy for it. But I really do think he was still a little undeveloped especially since he's supposed to be the heroine's love interest. There was also little assessment between their relationship that makes me think if their feelings for each other were genuine. Even though there were moments that reassured me that it is real (and made me swoon), I feel like some of it were just not enough. I'd like to learn more of Gabriel in the next book, I hope so there would be more of him there.

New characters were also introduced like Maggie and Silas. Maggie's one of my favorite thing that had happened in this book. I love her, she's smart witty and very adorable. Silas was an interesting character though I was afraid at first he might be a threat for a love triangle but so far, I doubt it...a little. 

Like what I said earlier, this went more like a filler between the first and third book, or what most readers would say, it suffers a second book syndrome. The last fourths kinda frustrated and it was a little disappointing that nothing really happened, I mean, there were interesting things that happened its just that you don't get to conclude or theorize something more concretely. Its something were you'll find yourself asking what now? But well, the the little bit in the ending was quite an attention-grabbing and intriguing. I instantly crave for more. 

All in all, it was still a good and wonderful read. I especially love the writing. DeStefano's prose were really beautiful and compelling. I am definitely looking forward for the next book! Hurry up, puh-lease! :))