Wither: The Chemical Garden Trilogy, Book 1

Dystopian reads are all the rage these days and this one throws in a handsome heroine and attention-grabbing plot points -- like polygamy, for starters -- it's no wonder this series starter has generated a buzz. First-time author Lauren DeStefano knows how to hook her audience, as long as they're not too picky about the particulars of her dystopian world, which doesn't seem all that well thought out. And the suspense over what Linden's sinister father is doing in the basement doesn't hold that well either. Sure he's creepy and controlling, but if he's looking for the virus's cure, it's hard to judge him too harshly.

What makes the book stand out is the surprising depth the author adds to her main characters. Readers see Rhine waffle between wanting freedom and being willing to conform -- especially as she develops true kinship with her sister-wives and realizes her husband isn't a monster. Readers may even have trouble wondering if they should be on Teem Linden or Team Gabriel. This talent for character development is what will draw readers in, and will likely keep them hooked through the planned trilogy.