Fragments by Dan Wells
Synopsis:
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.
Review:
Kira now knows she’s a Partial, but much different from the others. Together with Afa, Samm, and Heron, Kira decides to track down more information about the Trust and their plans at the headquarters of ParaGen. Kira is smart and resourceful, with a driven determination to heal both humans and Partials. Afa is suffering from severe PTSD, mentally unstable, but is needed to gather information from the computers. Samm and Heron have turned their backs on their Partial sect, but Kira isn’t sure how much she can really trust them. Kira and Samm are also oblivious to their growing feelings for each other. Their emotional immaturity leads to petty bickering. But that changes as the near the end of the story.
Meanwhile, Marcus takes his own journey of discovery. Starting with hunting for clues to Kira’s past, to trying to find allies with a Partial sect at war with the same enemy as the human colony. Marcus’ voyage is closer to home, yet no less perilous.
I enjoyed this epic adventure just as much as Partials, if not more. More suspense and heart-pounding adventure, more secrets are revealed, and more plot twists and surprises lead to a range of emotional drama and intrigue. Fragments is a fantastic addition to the Partials trilogy, well-paced and hard to put down. I love this future dystopian world where the human-made Partials have fought back against oppression. But both sides are losing – humanity is dying out because of a virus, and the only cure is in the Partials themselves. While the Partials are sterile, have a very short lifespan, and are quickly dying off. It’s a unique and inspired story with memorable characters and an unforgettable world. My only complaint is that we have to wait a whole year for the final installment in this impressive series.