Partials by Dan Wells

Partials by Dan Wells
Partials #1
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Source: Netgalley
Rating: Enjoyable

Humanity is all but extinguished after a war with partials--engineered organic beings identical to humans--has decimated the world’s population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island. The threat of the partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to the disease in over a decade. Humanity’s time is running out.

When sixteen-year-old Kira learns of her best friend’s pregnancy, she’s determined to find a solution. Then one rash decision forces Kira to flee her community with the unlikeliest of allies. As she tries desperately to save what is left of her race, she discovers that the survival of both humans and partials rests in her attempts to answer questions of the war’s origin that she never knew to ask. - Goodreads

Partials had a really slow start during the first third of the book. There were some big events - a bomb, a new law etc - but it didn't feel as though anything was happening. However, about 30% of the way in, this book finally started to pick up and it didn't stop, even at the end.

Dan Wells writes EXCELLENT action scenes. I was on the edge of my seat, and it was all very exciting. Everything was described perfectly, and I honestly don't think I've ever read any action sequences that are better written than these.

The ending was brilliant, and I'm really impressed at how Dan Wells kept the pacing way up there right until the very end.

There are a few plot twists, a couple of which I saw coming due to various clues in the story. I was also suspecting a lot of people of not being loyal to Kira and her cause, which I loved. I love not knowing who to trust!

The main character, Kira, is annoying. Really, REALLY annoying. She has a real temper, and she doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut. She snaps over the slightest thing, and it got on my nerves. There is one scene in which her friend said something to her and Kira went crazy and started clawing at her face. Crazy. That said, there were times when I thought she was a really strong character. I hope she grows up in the next book. I also wish that she had been a bit older. She was really intelligent and worked as a medic, but she was only 16. I think if she had been 18 or so, and the story had been adjusted, it would have been more realistic.

Marcus, Kira's boyfriend, wasn't that great either. He's childish, moody, and I didn't like him. I have to admit, though, he did have some funny lines!

Now, there's also a character called Samm. I. LOVED. HIM. He was definitely my favourite character, as if you couldn't tell! He had some really funny lines, and he was badass.

Not many side characters I cared for apart from Jayden. He was an awesome character, and I wish we could have seen more of him as I was loving every moment that focussed on him.

Overall, this book was good! Despite the slow start, I really enjoyed reading it and the dystopian world it's set in is really well constructed with a horrible government! I'd definitely recommend it if you don't mind a main character like Kira or a book that lacks much romance!