Review: Fragments by Dan Wells

Fragments
by Dan Wells
Series: Partial Sequence #2
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: February 26, 2013
Genre: YA Dystopian
Source: Purchase 
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My review of: Partials

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. The second installment in the pulse-pounding Partials saga is the story of the eleventh hour of humanity's time on Earth, a journey deep into places unknown to discover the means--and even more important, a reason--for our survival.

Fragments is the second book in Dan Wells Partials Sequence trilogy and was one of my most highly anticipated books. I began this tome during the Take Control Read-a-thon in March and consumed it in just two days. Stepping back into this dystopian world I found myself once again caught up in the cure, the battle and the unique characters. Wells outdoes himself with the incredible world-building and thought provoking questions he raises. With the exception of the characters ages this tale reads like an adult novel from its depth to it complex tale. Fans of The Passage and White Horse will enjoy this trilogy. Three word review: fascinating, chilling and suspenseful. 

The tale begin where we left off in Partials. Kira is searching for a cure for both RM and the expiration date while dealing with the discovery of her origins. The humans on Long Island are frantically searching to replicate the cure for RM that Kira stole from the Partials. As group of Partials evade Long Island in search of Kira; determined that she holds the cure, Kira begins a quest to save them all. Samm and Heron along with Afa Demoux a fractured IT employee from ParaGen join Kira on an epic journey into the wild where they will face untold challenges and question the fate of both sides. Meanwhile, Marcus steps up to try and find an ally with one of the fractured Partial groups and what he and his commander undercover fascinated me.

Kira has become one of my favorite protagonists as she searches to uncover the truth and come to terms with what she is. She has left Long Island and Marcus behind although they stay in contact with short-wave radio. Kira sees growth in this second book, and her thirst for understanding, wonder at humanity and quest to save them all endeared her to me. Samm is a Partial and offers us unique insight into their hierarchy, emotions and quest for survival. His loyalty and willingness to help Kira are rooted in something deeper then survival. I liked Wells approach to him, and the subtle ways he added depth to Samm. When he speaks we get incredible depth and his actions revealed a true hero. We see a bond forming between Samm and Kira as they both explore their feelings. Their relationship is built on trust and friendship and I adore Samm. I never really felt the connection between her and Marcus as it played a small role in book one. A triangle develops here but it isn’t one that is driving me insane or making me choose sides. I am confident of whom she will partner with but the romance is only a second thought to the overall ARC. As a character we see tremendous growth in Marcus as he moves out of his comfort zone, and at times he was hilarious. He appoints himself an ambassador of relations between the humans and Partials. Heron is a complicated Partial and struggles to separate herself from the pack mentality or link of the Partials. She is not at all happy about this quest, but her trust in Samm has her making the journey. I never warmed up to her and her snarly superior attitude but she did give us insight into her people. Afa was a unique character and his part in the quest was significant. He and his backpack stole a little of my heart. The Trust, doctors, Kira’s sisters and step-mom all add to the tale and drove us towards the final book.

I know many will have complainants about the length of Fragments as it comes in at a little under six hundred pages a rarity in young adult fiction but for me I loved every page. World-building is so important to me and I have no problems with length if it provides fleshed out characters, depth and plot advancement. Wells delighted me with the back history,from the complex information regarding the Partials, ParaGen to the ramifications of the war. His descriptions of the cities, the toxic wastelands and ParaGen were all riveting.  We also get more character depth, especially in the secondary characters and for me this made the tale genuine and believable  Wells splits the tale between Kira’s quest and those of Marcus and the Long Island humans. The pacing was wonderful for me and I quickly slipped back and forth between the two threads equal enjoying them. At no time did I think when is this going to end instead I savored this raw, unique world. The world is not pretty and both humans and Partials do unspeakable things. Wells raises noteworthy questions about humanity, technology and our morals in the quest for the biggest and the best.  While we get a lot of answers and as a reader I am confident with the direction this tale is heading we did end with a cliff-hanger. The last part of the book picked up speed with several revelations and now we wait! *gasps*

Fragments was a worthy second book and for me it outdid its predecessor. Fans of dystopian, fantasy and science fiction will enjoy the Partial Sequence series. At this time the third book remains untitled and I could find no information on its expected release. *excuse me while I go cry*

Five cups of French Vanilla roast out of five