Sunday 10 February 2013

Fragments by Dan Wells

GoodReads Summary: Kira Walker has found the cure for RM, but the battle for the survival of humans and Partials is just beginning. Kira has left East Meadow in a desperate search for clues to who she is. That the Partials themselves hold the cure for RM in their blood cannot be a coincidence--it must be part of a larger plan, a plan that involves Kira, a plan that could save both races. Her companions are Afa Demoux, an unhinged drifter and former employee of ParaGen, and Samm and Heron, the Partials who betrayed her and saved her life, the only ones who know her secret. But can she trust them?

Meanwhile, back on Long Island, what's left of humanity is gearing up for war with the Partials, and Marcus knows his only hope is to delay them until Kira returns. But Kira's journey will take her deep into the overgrown wasteland of postapocalyptic America, and Kira and Marcus both will discover that their greatest enemy may be one they didn't even know existed.

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Expected publication date: 28/03/13 (UK)

Sequels make me feel both excited and nervous. Nervous, because sometimes they don't quite live up to their predecessors and I'm left sourly disappointed. Fragments, however, didn't just meet my expectations, it exceeded them!

The story alternates between Kira and Marcus's point of view. We follow Kira (who is later joined by Samm and Heron) on her journey to find the Trust, and Marcus as he takes a stand and does what he can to save the people of Long Island. Marcus wasn't my favourite character in Partials, but I think I appreciated him more in Fragments. Wells shows that there's more to him than just being funny and charming, he's also a resourceful young man who's willing to take action.

In Fragments we see a different side to the Partials. In book 1 we hear about them from the survivors of Long Island, so it's no surprise that they're portrayed in a negative light. But in this book we see them through Marcus's eye, and to my surprise I found myself sympathising for them. Yes, some are cold and ruthless, but there are others that are so human-like that I couldn't help but wish that they were able to co-exist peacefully with the humans.

To my delight we also get to hear from Samm's perspective. Unlike Heron who could easily pass of as being human, he struggles with expressing his thoughts and emotions which makes his interactions with Kira all the more fascinating. He's a character I became easily fond with in book 1 and even more so in Fragments.

Heron is an interesting character, if you haven't already, I definitely recommend reading Isolation (the prequel to Partials) as it gives a glimpse into her back story. We see her being created, trained and eventually set up as a spy for the United States Government. Having read it I think it helped me better understand her fiery and sarcastic nature.

One of the best things about this trilogy is how unpredictable it is, the plot twists literally threw me. I don't think there was a moment where I thought "I saw that coming". The revelations that came to light were shocking and I was utterly fascinated with the scientific of aspect of the story. Wells raises some interesting questions, and pushes his characters to their limits, having them make tough decisions. The exploration into race, fascism, and humanity was ever present and thought provoking.

I think Dan Wells deserves a round of applause for the subtle romance. Through simple gestures and words Wells has crafted together a beautiful romance that is not only swoon worthy, but also believable. It was everything I hoped it would be and more.

The ending. One moment I was like "YES. This is what I've been waiting for!" and then  next I was screaming "WHAAAT?! NOOOO!" Seriously, it's going to be a killer wait for the third and final book in the trilogy.

Bursting with action and excitement Fragments deserves all the stars (or hearts in this case), I honestly can't praise it enough!

Rating:

20 comments:

  1. Sounds interesting. I received Fragments from NetGalley, but I have to read Partials first, of course. Glad to know I'm not going to be wasting my time!

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  2. Oh I'm also scared that the sequels will disappoint and that's why I'm scared of reading them. I'm so happy that this one was better than expected. I still haven't read Partials but I'm planing to. Great review Renu :)

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  3. I haven't read Isolation and I had no idea it was about Heron, but I found her intriguing enough in Fragments that I'll definitely get a copy as soon as possible. I think I enjoyed this one slightly less than you did. I felt that it dragged a bit, especially around the middle, and that it could have been edited down considerably, but overall, it was pretty enjoyable.
    great review!

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  4. I love it when a book is genuinely unpredictable. I feel like far too many are formulaic and easy to pinpoint. This sounds like a great sequel, and I'm glad it exceeded your expectations. :) I still need to read book one!

    Lovely review, Renu. :)

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  5. Oh yay! I have Partials, but I havent gotten to it yet. But im so happy that this was able to exceed your expectations!! Its also great that you got to see a different part! Lovely review Renu!
    - Farah @ MajiBookshelf

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  6. Yay!!! to a fabulous sequel :)

    I haven't started reading this series yet but I think I will soon.

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  7. I didn't read too much of this because I haven't read the first and I plan on it. I love seeing your 5 hearts and I've heard nothing but good things for the first one as well. :)

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  8. I loved Partials, so it's exciting to read that you think Fragments is even better. I can't wait to experience the ending for myself. Thanks for keeping your review spoiler-free!

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  9. I feel exactly the same way about sequels too Renu, I'm always eager to get my hands on a copy right away, but then worried they won't live up to my expectations especially if I loved the first book. But I'm glad that Fragments provided you with so much entertainment. Your review has reminded me I need to pick the first book up asap! Wonderful review! :)

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  10. I am so anxious to get my hands on this one, I adored Partials last year, and I am not hesitant about picking this one, I am sure Mr. Wells will do a fabulous job with it. I am glad though to hear that you thought it was winner. I can't wait to see things through Marcus' eyes. I am a little disturbed though that there is a cliffhanger....sigh....

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  11. Oh boy! I skimmed the review, because I haven't read Partials yet, but it sounds great. I have had Partials on my reading list for a while now and I guess I need to push it higher on the list :D

    Mel@thedailyprophecy.

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  12. Oh wow! Excited to read this. I enjoyed the first book :D Thanks for the fab review.

    -Dannielle

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  13. *starts screaming hysterically* I NEED this now!!!!!!! Great review!!! *-* I so want to read it, even more now!!!

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  14. I adore this review! I really need to start this series! I love a book ending that makes me go YESSSSS one second and NOOOOOO the next! ;) Thanks for stopping by my Teaser! Happy Reading :)

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  15. I haven't read Partials yet but this sounds like a super solid sequel. I'm curious about the plot twists and yay for a subtle romance.

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  16. I haven't read Partials yet but I'm really happy that the sequel exceeded your expectations, Renu. I look forward to finding out about the plot twists in this one.

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  17. YAY I'm glad you loved this one so much! I haven't read any of the books in this series but I probably should get on it soon! Unpredictability sounds like an amazing quality!

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  18. So glad you enjoyed it! And I didn't know it was on Netgalley! I'm really looking forward to Fragments.

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  19. I haven't read Partials yet but I would really like to. I totally get the nervousness of reading sequels but I'm glad this one is great! :)
    happy reading!

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  20. I loved Partials and apparently this is even better... *heck yes* Thank you for the review-looking forwards to starting htis one even more now!

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