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"Partials" had many elements that I absolutely loved - for the genre, for the audience, for the issues it raises and the questions that it poses for the characters within the world Dan Wells creates. Granted, some of the characters had their insufferable qualities just as realistic characters probably would when faced with the odds depicted in this novel, but man, what a ride. Each and every time I picked up this book, I did not want to put it down, and I can only think of that as a good sign.

I thought a while as to how I would write a review on Dan Wells' most recent series, the first book sharing the same title as the series name. I loved the John Cleaver trilogy, which had its roots in a YA supernatural thriller that didn't let me go even after I turned the last page of the final book. "Partials" marks a turn into a different set of genres for Wells, but remains grounded with strong writing and expansion on issues I think are quite vivid and masterfully executed. It's a young adult, sci-fi/dystopian novel depicting a society that faces quite many moral divisions, yet resembles a world not unlike our own. These divisions are perceived through the eyes of a young medic, Kira Walker, who learns that everything she thinks she knows about the world around her might not be as it seems. The human race teems on the brink of extinction, thanks to a widespread virus called RM that affects the human population and makes it impossible for the human race to reproduce, and 99% of the world's population has died. She seeks to find a cure for the virus by investigating a group called the "Partials" - who are said to have engineered the virus and are immune to its effects. But time is running out as more stipulations are set for the Hope Act, and tensions are running high with groups (like the Voice) who want to see the act repealed.

For the record, I love sci-fi that actually goes into the measure of exploring the "science" aspect of the world created. I mean, it's one thing to ask the simple question of "what if" certain elements were to occur, but to actually delve into the rationale and body of knowledge behind them is something that I don't typically see in this genre for this age group. Wells does this enough to where he's expanding upon the subject in a knowledgeable way, but the descriptions don't ever feel like they're too heavy or out of place for the context of book. It's very well researched. Some of the expansion might turn off some readers who don't necessarily like delving into the science based background of the world created within "Partials", but I. Loved. It. Every single issue, every single question about the spread of viruses that Kira asked in her pursuit to find a cure to RM were ones I asked right along with her. Virology is such a cool subject, and to be able to see it even in this bird's eye view, for however brief a time, I thought was awesome.

It does take a while for the book to move from establishing the rules of the world and the larger cast of characters, but it's worth it when you see the underlying moral and political repercussions that Kira and her friends have to face. And to say something of the characters: it's really cool to see a proactive heroine who questions the world around her and fights for what she believes in, and even the brief romantic ties that are established in the story feel realistic and not beaten overmuch in the readers mind. True, some of the characters have their distinct flaws (Kira's combative, Marcus is resistant to change, etc.) but they feel realistic enough to follow in the parts they play in the respective story. The only thing I had some trouble with in the reading of the story is that none of the adult characters seemed to be sympathetic at all, and seemed to work against the primary characters goals the majority of the time. I think in the political, steadfast idealogies established, some of this was warranted, but I think it could've had a little better balance.

The divide between "Partials" and humans was also refreshing to watch unfold. We're introduced to them as antagonists working against humanity, but Wells does a fine job of showing that the Partials have their own agenda and grounds for sympathy. When Kira comes across/captures one that could aid in finding a cure to RM (a boy named Samm), you follow Kira as she learns from and about him - about his secret mission, about how they're operating on their own race against time, among other aspects. There's a lot of action, betrayal, politics, science, technology, psychological turns, and character interactions in this novel that feel vivid and engaging to keep you reading until the last page.

In sum, I really enjoyed "Partials" and eagerly await the sequel.


Overall score: 4.5/5