Theme Week: Fever by Lauren DeStephano
The fight for freedom is just beginning.
Pre-Reading Thoughts:
I’m expecting the tension and claustrophobia of Wither to expand outward. With Rhine and Gabriel navigating the outside world, I imagine the stakes will feel bigger, more unpredictable. I’m curious how the worldbuilding will evolve—will the “outside” actually feel freer, or just differently dangerous?
Post-Reading:
As I thought… The story continued the tension and high stakes of Wither. Being outside the mansion opened up fresh settings and new dangers, keeping the narrative engaging even as the middle sections stretched a bit. Rhine and Gabriel’s journey felt like a natural expansion of their fight for freedom.
It surprised me by… Showing how the world had adapted—or failed to adapt—to the new medical reality. It wasn’t just a backdrop; the societal shifts made the stakes feel more complex and the world more alive.
Music Pairing:
🎵 Featured Song: “Midnight City” – M83
🎶 Vibe Album: Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming – M83
🎧 Artist Recommendation: CHVRCHES
Vibe Check:
Colour Palette: Dusky oranges and grays, with flashes of neon blue
Soundtrack: Wind through abandoned streets, distant sirens, soft synth hums
Season: Late summer, just before autumn—freedom tastes a little warm, a little bittersweet
Mood: Cautious optimism
Scent: Dusty sidewalks, faint smoke, hints of rain
Tarot Pull:
Six of Swords – Rhine and Gabriel are moving forward, leaving the dangers of the mansion behind, but the journey isn’t just escape—it’s purposeful. The card mirrors the book’s sense of traveling toward something meaningful, even when the path is uncertain and fraught with challenge.
For Fans Of:
Books: Wither by Lauren DeStefano, Across the Universe by Beth Revis
TV/Movies: The 100 (early seasons—survival, exploration, and discovering what the “outside” really means)