Title: Partials
Author: Dan Wells
First published February 28, 2012
468 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062071040 (ISBN10: 0062071041)
Rating: 3.93
Overview
In the aftermath of a brutal war with genetically engineered beings called Partials, humanity has been nearly wiped out. The population has been decimated by a deadly virus that only a small fraction of people survived.
The remaining survivors have huddled together on the island of Manhattan, but sixteen-year-old Kira refuses to give up hope. She’s determined to find a cure to the virus and save her race from extinction.
As Kira embarks on her mission, she uncovers shocking truths about the war’s origin and realizes that the fate of both humans and Partials rests in her hands. Partials is a thrilling tale of survival that explores the complexities of human relationships and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
This gripping novel is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the collapse of civilization and the resilience of the human spirit.
About the Author
Dan Wells is a talented writer who specializes in the thrilling genres of science fiction and suspense. As a Utah native, he developed a love for reading and writing at a young age.
Among his notable works are the Partials series (which includes Partials, Isolation, Fragments, and Ruins), the John Cleaver series (composed of I Am Not a Serial Killer, Mr. Monster, and I Don’t Want To Kill You), and several others (including The Hollow City and A Night of Blacker Darkness). Dan’s exceptional writing abilities earned him a Campbell nomination for best new writer and a Hugo award for his work on the podcast Writing Excuses, which has also won multiple Parsec Awards.
Editoral Review
In the science fiction genre, Dan Wells’ Partials stands out as a thrilling and thought-provoking novel. Published in 2012, this book combines action and deep inquiry into humanity’s relationship with technology, government and the environment.
As a young adult novel, it is written in an accessible style, but it deals with themes that are relevant to readers of all ages. The story of Partials is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a virus decimated nearly all of humanity.
A group of genetically engineered creatures known as Partials were created to fight the virus but turned against their human creators, destroying civilization in the process. After the virus killed everyone except a few survivors with a natural immunity, humans are struggling to rebuild.
Meanwhile, the Partials still exist and humanity yearns to find a way to defeat them to restore their dominance on Earth. The main character is Kira Walker, a teenage girl who volunteers to lead an expedition to discover a cure for the virus.
Along the way, she discovers secrets about her world, the government and the nature of the Partials themselves. In the course of her journey, she faces challenges from fellow humans, the Partials and her own feelings about her place in the world.
Wells’ writing style is engaging and compelling, with vivid descriptions of the world he creates. His characters are well-developed and relatable, especially Kira, who is a complex and dynamic protagonist.
In terms of themes, Partials explores the impact of science and technology on society and the environment. It portrays the struggle between progress and ethics and the potential consequences of humanity’s actions.
Moreover, the book raises the question of what it means to be human, as the Partials embody a kind of superhuman power that can be both inspiring and frightening. However, the book also has its shortcomings.
At times, the plot seems to drag and the pacing can be uneven. Some of the secondary characters are not as well-developed as Kira, which can detract from the overall impact of the story.
Nevertheless, Partials is a compelling read that will satisfy both science fiction fans and those who appreciate thought-provoking literature. It can be compared to Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake for its examination of humanity’s relationship with technology and government.
Overall, Partials earns a solid rating of 4 out of 5, with its strengths in character development and themes outweighing its minor flaws. It is recommended for fans of young adult dystopian literature, as well as anyone interested in the ethical impact of scientific progress.
Readers will find themselves engrossed in this captivating and timely story.
