Author:  Lauren DeStefano
Series: (The Chemical Garden #3)
Published: February 12th 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Categories: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Post Apocalyptic
External Links: Book Depository • Goodreads

Synopsis: Time is running out for Rhine in this conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Chemical Garden Trilogy.

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.

Review: To say I’m scared to read this book was sure understatement. I was completely terrified out of my wits. I have been putting reading this book on hold for a long time because I feel I need to be emotionally and mentally prepared to dive in. Accept the things that will happen even if against my preference. And gosh, after reading my wary has just been validated. After reading it I was sorting everything out, asking myself if it really did happen but at the same time I’m relieved that it wasn’t awful as I thought. But could be better—so much better. But then again it’s not my story to tell.

After being rescued, Rhine was offered by Linden to stay with his uncle. He also told her that he’s willing to help her locate her twin brother. She accepted his help and that paved way to a full closure of their relationship. Even though she wears his ring when she was out there, she still hasn’t removed it because there was only one person who could do it and that’s Linden. While looking for Rowen, they met certain people who have connection with Rose, with Rowen, with her parents and eventually Linden’s father Vaughn. And they are now starting to see the real picture.

I was disappointed and there’s no reason to hide it. Even though there are people who prefer Gabriel over Linden, my heart still went to the guy. Even though he’s the oldest among them, his soul is like a child. He’s so vulnerable to lies. He’s as trustful as he is confused. I didn’t like how his character was treated here. He didn’t deserve it. This reminds me of their entire ordeal with his father. At least quarter of the book wanted to paint Vaughn’s character as the ultimate villain. It’s like he’s the master puppeteer and they’re puppets pulled to his direction and his goals. And then I will found out the real reason why he did what he did. It was all for Linden. Ironically, the reason why he did it was rendered useless. Well, not exactly useless since a lot of people profited from it. It just a little sad, I was starting to coat his character really black, as in beyond redemption and then the story pointed the other direction. Oh man, I was dejected.

I have lots of what ifs especially regarding the relationship of Linden and Rhine. But something what Cecily said that made it a little ok with me. Linden liked or maybe has loved Rhine but not the same as he had loved Rose. Even with the three of them combined, he still has Rose in his heart and his mind. It’s really hard to compete that. But I think what Linden liked about Rhine, she made him feel again. He started to draw, he started to question and ultimately he started to move on. So I think it’s pretty good ending. Not something I would have done but on the bright side things fall into right place and time.

 
Preview Quote: “I like the idea of something greater than us. We destroy things with our curiosity. We shatter with our best intentions.” — Rhine