The Withering

by Joshua Jacobs

Alice Isaacs bears the mark of the afflicted. Unlike the millions before her, she survives. Afraid she is a carrier of the disease, Alice abandons her family and disappears into what remains of the world. Bodies litter the streets. Cities lie in waste. The government ceases to exist. What the Withering doesn't destroy, the Clan kills, cleansing the world of those they hold responsible. Those like Alice.

Then one night Alice meets Brandon. He brings word of a rural town untouched by the sickness. He promises a future. He reminds her of what it means to feel... of what it means to love.

Yet the Clan is watching. They're always watching.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2015

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann]

The Withering by Joshua Jacobs is a depressing but good read. Good suspense! Certainly worth the read. The world building was very good, the world was quite depressing but that is what was intended.

[Rebecca]

This book is well written and kept my attention throughout. It has plenty of suspense and builds up to a surprising ending. It didn't feel as if everything was resolved or thoroughly explained, though, so I'm assuming there will be a sequel to explain matters more. The story felt like two separate stories, although they were connected by the main character and the withering disease.

The author appears to have a grudge against religion or perhaps just Christianity in particular, as all religious people are shown as demented. The Bible verses are twisted to take on a different meaning. This, however, is more related to the Vicar's belief (and therefore part of the story), I think, rather than a belief that all religion in general is like this. But it's difficult to tell because that notion that God and religion have good points was absent from this story.

[The Behrg]

The Withering is part post-apocalyptic, part witch-hunt-esque, and part YA. Ultimately it adds up to one fascinating read. Jacobs nails his protagonist, Alice, who has run away from her family and past because she carries the mark of the Withering - a plague that has decimated the land. Her survival, her self-doubts and yet the strength and resolve she shows through her actions make her a remarkable character to follow. I loved the themes that ran throughout the novel and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this.

A definite recommendation. Looking forward to a sequel --

[Ivan Amberlake]

I really enjoyed this novel! In fact, it goes into the Top 5 of my favorite young-adult dystopian novels. Alice Isaacs bears the mark of the afflicted. And yet she survives. The Clan seeks to destroy her. I loved the complex characters created by the author, and the world-building is amazing. This book was impossible to put down. I hope to read more books by Joshua Jacobs in the future.

[Mary]

The premise of this book wasn't bad, but there were confusing parts and several characters who I just couldn't remember.

SPOILERS:

For example, Alice had a brief run in with a girl and her dying father. It took me quite a while to remember that this girl was Jessica, Mrs. Blackburn's daughter. Who was Nightmare? Brandon was Ethan? How is that possible, since Ethan was with the Clan, son of the Vicar, but Brandon apparently lived in Warwick, since he was the father of Chloe's baby. And what happened to that rather large detail that was just left hanging?

Overall it kept my attention, but it just doesn't seem finished, even if there is going to be a sequel (not really sure). Too many loose threads.

[Brooke Ashleigh]

I enjoyed this novel. The world building was good and led to an ending I wasn't expecting. In the end I was confused as to if Brandon was actually Ethan, because it makes it seems like Brandon killed Mrs. Blackburn, as she drops and he's behind her. Then in the next chapter it is Ethan looking down at the knife HE used to kill Mrs Blackburn....so it seems he had two identities...But it was never really explained. That's my only issue with the book lol!

[Kym]

Not bad but not my cup of dystopian tea. Predictable, too much self-doubt inner dialogue. I don't know, too YA?
2.5 stars.

[Stacie Smith]

Raced along till it crash landed

I was really into this book and then it just ....ended. Left so many untidy ends and wide open questions. Really disappointed with the ending.

[Jeanne Lambrianou]

This should be a movie!

Well done, Mr. Jacobs! The main character grew as a person. She resolved her issues and the mysteries around her. Convincing characters, amazing world you built for them. I read this in 2 days, could not put it down. (Best thing I can think to say about any book!)

[Trista]

I wasn’t sure about this book at first, but it did not disappoint. Mr. Jacobs is a master wordsmith and world crafter (which I knew going into this read, so I don’t know why I doubted). Fans of books similar to The Fifth Wave and Divergent will enjoy this.

[Talley]

Finished in one day.

I could not put this book down! My heart broke so many times. I loved it! Definitely my favorite book this year.

[Anna May]

That twist!

Love the character depth and growth! I was enthralled with the plot! Would love to see this as a motion picture.

[James]

Great book

Loved all the plot twists, also had a great ending,I was not expecting that at all. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

[Christine Chapman]

Good read

Good from beginning to end. Would recommend it to all who loves a good read. On a cold winter's day curl up and enjoy

[BookLoverUpAllNight]

Suspenseful postapocalyptic dystopian tale worth reading. Young protagonist who bears the mark of the withering, who lives as others around her die. She is hunted and encounters many along her path. Surprises revealed about a few folks at the end. There could definitely be a sequel.

[Teresa]

Well-written post-apocalyptic story.