Dan Wells
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Source: Publisher
Humanity is all but extinguished after a war with partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the world’s population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island. The threat of the partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to the disease in over a decade. Humanity’s time is running out.
When sixteen-year-old Kira learns of her best friend’s pregnancy, she’s determined to find a solution. Then one rash decision forces Kira to flee her community with the unlikeliest of allies. As she tries desperately to save what is left of her race, she discovers that the survival of both humans and partials rests in her attempts to answer questions of the war’s origin that she never knew to ask.
Combining the fast-paced action of The Hunger Games with the provocative themes of Battlestar Galactica, Partials is a pulse-pounding journey into a world where the very concept of what it means to be human is in question—one where our sense of humanity is both our greatest liability, and our only hope for survival.
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CATCHALL
This book was totally, completely awesome. I mean, I absolutely loved it. It was a haunting and yet not completely unrealistic view of the future. The world has fallen apart, and no babies are born without dying. How does something like that not seem intriguing? And it was every bit as promising as it sounded. A fresh and new original idea was blended with some seriously epic characters to present a story like no other.
THE HEROINE
KIRA
Kira is our butt-kicking heroine who doesn't let anyone or anything stand in her way. She decides what she wants, and she goes for it. Yet, she doesn't go about it in a stupid way. Sure, she can be rash and doesn't think the possible consequences all the way through, but she's also smart enough that she can still get what she needs. She doesn't feel the need to be protected and isn't afraid of dying. She's so selfless, in a world where everyone thinks of only themselves. And she's not all that she seems to be.
THE LOVE INTEREST
MARCUS
Marcus is our love interest, and though the story is light on romance that's still what he is. He's protective of Kira even when she doesn't want it, and yet when she feels the need to do something he supports her as much as she can and doesn't stand in her way. He's sweet, and yet not too sweet. I adore him especially because he's also smart. He's more like Kira than he realizes. Marcus is always rational and clear-headed, never blinded by passion. And anything but boring.
THE PARTIAL
SAMM
Samm is the Partial who use introduced in this book. In the beginning we're told what everyone believes: that Partials are inhuman, incapable of emotion. Nothing but a cold, hard killing machine. Yet as the story goes on and we get to know him, the line begins to blur. Just how human is Samm? This are the kind of question that is asked. Samm is definitely an interesting character, and I can't wait to hear more about him.
THE REBELS
JAYDEN
Jayden was by far my favorite character. I absolutely adored him. At first, he's portrayed as a lieutenant who blindly listens to the government and does whatever is told to him. Yet he'll do anything to save his sister and her child. He doesn't think twice when Kira needs his help, which happens more than once. He's fiercely loyal to his family. And he's a wonderful friend. In a second, he'll risk his life for any of his friends. He's more selfless than he's as first shown as, and less of a follower than it really seems. My favorite character by far.
MADISON
Madison was a sweet character. It was immediately obvious why she and Kira were friends. Madison was forced to grow up at a very young age due to the laws of their government, and she handles the transition very well. She remains a good friend, even as Kira does things that she wouldn't necessarily want.
HARU
Haru, I didn't like much. He kind of does whatever conveniences him without really thinking about what will happen because of his choices. It was really annoying.
XOCHI
If there was any competition for favorite character (which there wasn't really, Jayden totally won) it would've been Xochi. She was a complete and utterly awesome character. She isn't afraid to take risks and like Kira, she cares about the future. She's a total badass. Xochi goes after what she wants.
ISOLDE
I liked sweet Isolde, for all that she wasn't in the story much. She just seemed like such a normal teenage girl in the midst of this crazy dystopian world, and that was so refreshing. Yet when her friends need her help, she freely steps out of her mold.
THE PLOT
WOW. I mean, just WOW. That was literally the word that came to mind when I finished this book.
It was just AWESOME, and FANTASTIC, and totally worthy of me using the capslock key.
I loved every freaking second of it so freaking much.
Not only is the dystopian world CRAZY awesome, the plot itself was wonderful. REVOLUTION. Epic REVOLUTION, you guys. And teens fighting for survival and the future in a world where the adults and the government in charge refuse to do anything besides forcing teenagers to get pregnant. When the government won't make the right move, Kira gathers her friends and together they develop an insane plan that just might be crazy enough to work.
First, there was an incredible beginning. It doesn't move slowly at all, but introduces you to the world. There's actually stuff happening, and it was enough to draw me in so completely that I couldn't imagine putting this book down until I read the last word.
Then it got into the incredible journey, and everything after it. There was some serious action, guys. It was seriously freaking intense. There was also a ton of suspense, and never knowing what would be next. Pretty much everything was thrown into doubt as we slowly uncovered new things that were totally unexpected. There were some insane twists. Not everything was totally unexpected, and some things were predictable even without foreshadowing, but that's okay.
The only thing I am SERIOUSLY unhappy about is the death of a certain character. At the same time, I appreciate when authors aren't afraid to kill off characters, but still! Did it have to be THIS character? (However, Dan apologized to me for it, so you know. Forgiveness. Mostly.) :(
THE ROMANCE
Partials was light on romance, and yet there was romance. It's interesting to watch the dynamic of Kira and Marcus' relationship unfold. They're already together as the novel begins. Yet as it goes on, Kira's feelings fluctuates. She's sure she loves him, but at the same time, she wishes he wouldn't be so protective and stifling. Still, when we see them together it's pretty clear that even though they have their differences and disagreements, it's pretty clear that they're well-matched.
THE WRITING
Dan has spectacular writing, and he captures Kira's voice so beautifully. She feels like a real character, and the thoughts that go through her head really embrace who she is and what we see he as. She's a nurse, but also a scientist, and her thoughts reflect that. Dan also has a gift for describing things. I do wish the descriptions had been a little more vivid, but still, they are lovely. And the dialogue was lovely. Not totally sparkling, but definitely gorgeous. Excellent writing. EXCELLENT.
THE ENDING
The ending was perfect. A cliffhanger that somehow didn't feel cheap was the perfect way to end this novel. It left me desperately wanting more, and yet supremely satisfied. I loved the note it ended on, except for, you know, that one death. However, other than this one death, I loved the sacrifice and the love that went into the ending, and moreover, the hope for the future.
WRAPUP
So yes, Partials was incredible and it's really too bad that it took me so long to read it. However, now of course I have less of a wait for Fragments, which is totally a bonus. I can't wait for it! I'm thinking if I have time I'll definitely read his other, non-Partial-related works, and whatever he puts out in the future for sure. I highly, highly, highly recommend this book. Highly. It's seriously one of the best books I've ever read. EVER.
FINE.
This book was totally, completely awesome. I mean, I absolutely loved it. It was a haunting and yet not completely unrealistic view of the future. The world has fallen apart, and no babies are born without dying. How does something like that not seem intriguing? And it was every bit as promising as it sounded. A fresh and new original idea was blended with some seriously epic characters to present a story like no other.
THE HEROINE
KIRA
Kira is our butt-kicking heroine who doesn't let anyone or anything stand in her way. She decides what she wants, and she goes for it. Yet, she doesn't go about it in a stupid way. Sure, she can be rash and doesn't think the possible consequences all the way through, but she's also smart enough that she can still get what she needs. She doesn't feel the need to be protected and isn't afraid of dying. She's so selfless, in a world where everyone thinks of only themselves. And she's not all that she seems to be.
THE LOVE INTEREST
MARCUS
Marcus is our love interest, and though the story is light on romance that's still what he is. He's protective of Kira even when she doesn't want it, and yet when she feels the need to do something he supports her as much as she can and doesn't stand in her way. He's sweet, and yet not too sweet. I adore him especially because he's also smart. He's more like Kira than he realizes. Marcus is always rational and clear-headed, never blinded by passion. And anything but boring.
THE PARTIAL
SAMM
Samm is the Partial who use introduced in this book. In the beginning we're told what everyone believes: that Partials are inhuman, incapable of emotion. Nothing but a cold, hard killing machine. Yet as the story goes on and we get to know him, the line begins to blur. Just how human is Samm? This are the kind of question that is asked. Samm is definitely an interesting character, and I can't wait to hear more about him.
THE REBELS
JAYDEN
Jayden was by far my favorite character. I absolutely adored him. At first, he's portrayed as a lieutenant who blindly listens to the government and does whatever is told to him. Yet he'll do anything to save his sister and her child. He doesn't think twice when Kira needs his help, which happens more than once. He's fiercely loyal to his family. And he's a wonderful friend. In a second, he'll risk his life for any of his friends. He's more selfless than he's as first shown as, and less of a follower than it really seems. My favorite character by far.
MADISON
Madison was a sweet character. It was immediately obvious why she and Kira were friends. Madison was forced to grow up at a very young age due to the laws of their government, and she handles the transition very well. She remains a good friend, even as Kira does things that she wouldn't necessarily want.
HARU
Haru, I didn't like much. He kind of does whatever conveniences him without really thinking about what will happen because of his choices. It was really annoying.
XOCHI
If there was any competition for favorite character (which there wasn't really, Jayden totally won) it would've been Xochi. She was a complete and utterly awesome character. She isn't afraid to take risks and like Kira, she cares about the future. She's a total badass. Xochi goes after what she wants.
ISOLDE
I liked sweet Isolde, for all that she wasn't in the story much. She just seemed like such a normal teenage girl in the midst of this crazy dystopian world, and that was so refreshing. Yet when her friends need her help, she freely steps out of her mold.
THE PLOT
WOW. I mean, just WOW. That was literally the word that came to mind when I finished this book.
It was just AWESOME, and FANTASTIC, and totally worthy of me using the capslock key.
I loved every freaking second of it so freaking much.
Not only is the dystopian world CRAZY awesome, the plot itself was wonderful. REVOLUTION. Epic REVOLUTION, you guys. And teens fighting for survival and the future in a world where the adults and the government in charge refuse to do anything besides forcing teenagers to get pregnant. When the government won't make the right move, Kira gathers her friends and together they develop an insane plan that just might be crazy enough to work.
First, there was an incredible beginning. It doesn't move slowly at all, but introduces you to the world. There's actually stuff happening, and it was enough to draw me in so completely that I couldn't imagine putting this book down until I read the last word.
Then it got into the incredible journey, and everything after it. There was some serious action, guys. It was seriously freaking intense. There was also a ton of suspense, and never knowing what would be next. Pretty much everything was thrown into doubt as we slowly uncovered new things that were totally unexpected. There were some insane twists. Not everything was totally unexpected, and some things were predictable even without foreshadowing, but that's okay.
The only thing I am SERIOUSLY unhappy about is the death of a certain character. At the same time, I appreciate when authors aren't afraid to kill off characters, but still! Did it have to be THIS character? (However, Dan apologized to me for it, so you know. Forgiveness. Mostly.) :(
THE ROMANCE
Partials was light on romance, and yet there was romance. It's interesting to watch the dynamic of Kira and Marcus' relationship unfold. They're already together as the novel begins. Yet as it goes on, Kira's feelings fluctuates. She's sure she loves him, but at the same time, she wishes he wouldn't be so protective and stifling. Still, when we see them together it's pretty clear that even though they have their differences and disagreements, it's pretty clear that they're well-matched.
THE WRITING
Dan has spectacular writing, and he captures Kira's voice so beautifully. She feels like a real character, and the thoughts that go through her head really embrace who she is and what we see he as. She's a nurse, but also a scientist, and her thoughts reflect that. Dan also has a gift for describing things. I do wish the descriptions had been a little more vivid, but still, they are lovely. And the dialogue was lovely. Not totally sparkling, but definitely gorgeous. Excellent writing. EXCELLENT.
THE ENDING
The ending was perfect. A cliffhanger that somehow didn't feel cheap was the perfect way to end this novel. It left me desperately wanting more, and yet supremely satisfied. I loved the note it ended on, except for, you know, that one death. However, other than this one death, I loved the sacrifice and the love that went into the ending, and moreover, the hope for the future.
WRAPUP
So yes, Partials was incredible and it's really too bad that it took me so long to read it. However, now of course I have less of a wait for Fragments, which is totally a bonus. I can't wait for it! I'm thinking if I have time I'll definitely read his other, non-Partial-related works, and whatever he puts out in the future for sure. I highly, highly, highly recommend this book. Highly. It's seriously one of the best books I've ever read. EVER.
FINE.
*****FINAL RATING: 4.75 RED ROSES*****
