Series Recap: Partials by Dan Wells

Reading Order:

Isolation (Book 0.5, Published on August 28, 2012)
Partials (Book 1, Published on February 28, 2012)
Fragments (Book 2, Published on February 26, 2013)
Ruins (Book 3, Published on March 4, 2014)

Click the titles to check out my reviews.

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Synopsis Recap:

Partials Sequence is set in a post-apocalyptic America which is nearly destroyed by the RM virus. Humans are struggling to survive even though they're slowly dying away. Kira, a young medic, is trying to find a cure. She captures a Partial in order to so. As time passes, she finds more than just the cure. She finds something deeper. Something about the connection between Partials, humans, the virus, and the world before. Something about her past, as well. In this series Kira will set out for a journey in order to uncover all the truth and work to make peace between Partials and humans -- for peace, and survival.

Isolation is a prequel of the series. It takes us back to the world before, in the period of the Isolation War. Heron is a Theta model of Partial, and her job is to infiltrate the enemy's base. But what she learn is not just tactics of the enemies. It hints about how the world in Partials is made and also the consequences in Fragments.

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Thoughts recap:

Partials is a pretty nice book if the finding-the-cure progress isn't so slow. So much more can happen in this book. But the concept is great. The better part is that we won't notice something's wrong or something's really interesting until Kira finds out about it. The author keeps the clues well-hidden. It might be the best start of a series, but it certain does its job to make us curious.

Fragments has a similar problem. It's more fast-paced than Partials. But still, if there are more action scenes, the book will be a whole lot more interesting. Though there are really good parts. A lot is uncovered in this book and the ending sets an uncertainty of how the sequel will turn out to be. Sure, it has its flaws, but Fragments is a lot better than Partials.

Ruins keeps you in the dark until the last minute. You won't know if humans and Partials survive until the very last chapter. Potential threats are found in unexpected site, and unexpected allies are made. It's pretty damn thrilling from the first chapter of the book. The only flaw about this book is that there are a lot of things left out in the book. (Spoiler! Don't read this part if you don't want to be spoiled) Such as the failsafe in Kira (because I really want to see that becoming a potential threat) and the Partial faction Morgan is leading (End of spoiler). Still, it's a really nice ending of a dystopian story.

Isolation is pretty different. For some reason I really like that companion novella. Probably because I'm very curious about how the world was in the Isolation War. And how it leads to the utter destruction of mankind and Partials alike. I actually want a prequel series about legends in the world before (probably in the period of the Isolation War). A prequel novella will do, though.

Rating: 7.5/10
Do I recommend this series?: If you want to read it, just do so.

Ruins: Review

Synopsis:

Kira, Samm, and Marcus fight to prevent a final war between Partials and humans in the gripping final installment in the Partials Sequence, a series that combines the thrilling action of The Hunger Games with the provocative themes of Blade Runner and The Stand.

There is no avoiding it—the war to decide the fate of both humans and Partials is at hand. Both sides hold in their possession a weapon that could destroy the other, and Kira Walker has precious little time to prevent that from happening. She has one chance to save both species and the world with them, but it will only come at great personal cost.

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Oh yeah. This book. It takes sci-fi and dystopian and life to a whole new level. Ruins mean so much more than just a book categorized as a YA novel. It evolves so much and is just better than its prequels. I might have to say someone needs to read this series just so he or she can read Ruins and see for himself or herself how awesome this book truly is. 

The first one-third of the story is so purely sci-fi. And of course I'm hooked. Come on, who knows how brilliant the connection between Partials and humans can be when it's actually revealed? Sad that I can't talk about it right now because that'll be spoiler. But seriously that part is freaking awesome and I find my jaw hanging like no tomorrow.

The second one-third of the story is more dystopian and dangerous. It's still pretty fantastic because there is a lot of actions involving Kira and an unexpected ally. But for some reason the rest of it is uneventful and I'm slightly bored by by it. Not that those parts are not good. But relatively... it's just not my cup of tea. But that's not the important thing.

The last one-third of the book is the best of all. Because it's the spirit of the novel. The meaning of life. Even life at the end of the world. I'm going to spoil you just a little bit. There is a character death which I hurt over because I really like that character. But the sacrifice is glorious. It's an important part of the story because it just shows how life truly is and I'm really touched by it. It surprises me a lot because I never imagined the story would be touching. But it is, and I'm very happy about it.

Ruins has its flaws. But it's truly an amazing conclusion for a dystopian story.

Rating: 8.5/10

TBR #11: March 2014

March is one of my favorite months. And this year, it's the month of Divergent! Woohoo!!! Oh and books, of course.

1. The Winner's Curse (Winners Trilogy #1) by Marie Rutkoski

Synopsis:

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Expected Publication: March 4, 2014

2. Panic by Lauren Oliver

Synopsis:

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.

Expected Publication: March 4, 2014

Check out my review for Panic here:

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2014/02/panic-arc-review.html

3. The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass #0.1-0.5) by Sarah J. Maas

Synopsis:

Contains all five novellas.

Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.

Expected Publication: March 4, 2014

Check out my review for the first four novellas:

The Assassin and The Pirate Lord (Throne of Glass #0.1): 

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-assassin-and-pirate-lord-review.html

The Assassin and The Desert (Throne of Glass #0.2):

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-assassin-and-desert-review.html

The Assassin and The Underworld (Throne of Glass #0.3):

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-assassin-and-underworld-review.html

The Assassin and The Empire (Throne of Glass #0.4):

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-assassin-and-empire-review.html

4. Ruins (Partials #3) by Dan Wells

Synopsis:

Kira, Samm, and Marcus fight to prevent a final war between Partials and humans in the gripping final installment in the Partials Sequence, a series that combines the thrilling action of The Hunger Games with the provocative themes of Blade Runner and The Stand.

There is no avoiding it—the war to decide the fate of both humans and Partials is at hand. Both sides hold in their possession a weapon that could destroy the other, and Kira Walker has precious little time to prevent that from happening. She has one chance to save both species and the world with them, but it will only come at great personal cost.

Expected Publication: March 11, 2014

5. The Course of True Love [And First Dates] (The Bane Chronicles Part 10) by Cassandra Clare

Synopsis:

Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood might fall in love—but first they have a first date.

When Magnus Bane, warlock, meets Alec Lightwood, Shadowhunter, sparks fly. And what happens on their first date lights a flame...

Expected Publication: March 18, 2014 (Somebody please tell me this is the official release date because I'm tired of it being moved back and back!!!)

6. Elusion by Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam

Synopsis:

Soon, Elusion® will change the world and life as we know it.

A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications—or consequences—of real life.

Regan is an Elusion insider. Or at least she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, Patrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father’s unexpected death, Regan can’t bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.

Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion—accusations that it’s addictive and dangerous— Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claims, she discovers a disturbing web of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty…a decision that will affect the lives of millions.

Suspense, thrills, and romance fuel this near-future story about the seductive nature of a perfect virtual world, and how far one girl will go to uncover the truth behind the illusions.

Expected Publication: March 18, 2014

Synopsis Reveal: Ruins by Dan Wells

From Goodreads:

We have a blurb from Ruins, the third and FINAL installment of Partials Sequence by Dan Wells! I really can't wait to see what will happen in Ruins after the ending of Fragments!

Synopsis:

Kira, Samm, and Marcus fight to prevent a final war between Partials and humans in the gripping final installment of the blockbuster Partials Sequence.

Our time is almost up.

As the clock ticks closer and closer to the final Partial expiration date, humans and Partials stand on the brink of war. Caught in the middle, thousands of miles apart, are Samm and Kira: Samm, who is trapped on the far side of the continent beyond the vast toxic wasteland of the American Midwest; and Kira, now in the hands of Dr. Morgan, who is hell-bent on saving what's left of the Partials, even if she has to destroy Kira to do it.

The only hope lies in the hands of the scattered people of both races who seek a way to prevent the rapidly escalating conflict. But in their midst appears a mysterious figure, neither human nor Partial, with solemn warnings of the new apocalypse-one that none of them may be able to avert.

The last book in the Partials Sequence is a thrill ride of epic proportions, as the last remnants of life on our planet fight to determine its final fate.

***

Ooh, that sounds wicked! Can't wait to see what will happen.

Ruins will be released on March 11, 2014.

(Oh and I can't wait to see if Ruins will be featured in Dark Days Winter 2014 and The End is Here in Epic Reads and Pitch Dark!)

Cover Reveal: Ruins by Dan Wells

It's the cover of Ruins! And guess what? It's the most beautiful in the sequence so far! I LOVE IT!!!!

See that? Isn't it cool? Ruins... just the right cover for the book.

Ruins will be released on March 11, 2014

Aww, I'm totally obsessing over the cover now.

Name Reveal: Partials #3 and Of Poseidon #3

Ahh, more names! This time is for the third book of Partials Sequence and Of Poseidon series (trilogies?)

Partials #3 is called:

Ruins

I love the name. Partials, Fragments, RUINS. I wonder how ruined things are in the third book since that Kira is... you know, something someone unique (huge spoiler, so I won't reveal who she really is)

The release day is currently unknown (WHAT?!)

Of Poseidon #3 is called:

Of Neptune

Uhh... okay, I totally know that Poseidon's Roman equivalent is Neptune. But I have no idea why. I mean, Neptune and Poseidon are the same person/god/whoever he is, right? What's the point? And I think there are more... aquatic Greek gods other than Poseidon and Triton.

(By the way, in case you haven't known it yet, Triton's Roman equivalent is still Triton.)

Of Neptune will be released in 2014 by Feiwel and Friends.