Fragments by Dan Wells

July 12th, 2013 Kimberly Review 65 Comments

12th Jul
Fragments by Dan Wells
Fragments
by Dan Wells
Series: Partial Sequence #2
Genres: Dystopian
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

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. The second installment in the pulse-pounding Partials saga is the story of the eleventh hour of humanity's time on Earth, a journey deep into places unknown to discover the means—and even more important, a reason—for our survival.

Fragments is the second book in Dan Wells Partials Sequence trilogy and was one of my most highly anticipated books. I began this tome during the Take Control Read-a-thon in March and consumed it in just two days. Stepping back into this dystopian world I found myself once again caught up in the cure, the battle and the unique characters. Wells out does himself with the incredible world-building and thought provoking questions he raises. With the exception of the characters ages this tale reads like an adult novel from its depth to it complex tale. Fans of The Passage and White Horse will enjoy this trilogy. Three word review: fascinating, chilling and suspenseful.

The tale begins where we left off in Partials. Kira is searching for a cure for both RM and the expiration date while dealing with the discovery of her origins. The humans on Long Island are frantically searching to replicate the cure for RM that Kira stole from the Partials. As group of Partials evade Long Island in search of Kira; determined that she holds the cure, Kira begins a quest to save them all. Samm and Heron along with Afa Demoux a fractured IT employee from ParaGen join Kira on an epic journey into the wild where they will face untold challenges and question the fate of both sides. Meanwhile, Marcus steps up to try and find an ally with one of the fractured Partial groups and what he and his commander undercover fascinated me.

Kira has become one of my favorite protagonists as she searches to uncover the truth and come to terms with what she is. She has left Long Island and Marcus behind although they stay in contact with short-wave radio. Kira sees growth in this second book, and her thirst for understanding, wonder at humanity and quest to save them all endeared her to me. Samm is a Partial and offers us unique insight into their hierarchy, emotions and quest for survival. His loyalty and willingness to help Kira are rooted in something deeper then survival. I liked Wells approach to him, and the subtle ways he added depth to Samm. When he speaks we get incredible depth and his actions revealed a true hero. We see a bond forming between Samm and Kira as they both explore their feelings. Their relationship is built on trust and friendship and I adore Samm. I never really felt the connection between her and Marcus as it played a small role in book one. A triangle develops here but it isn’t one that is driving me insane or making me choose sides. I am confident of whom she will partner with but the romance is only a second thought to the overall ARC. As a character we see tremendous growth in Marcus as he moves out of his comfort zone, and at times he was hilarious. He appoints himself an ambassador of relations between the humans and Partials. Heron is a complicated Partial and struggles to separate herself from the pack mentality or link of the Partials. She is not at all happy about this quest, but her trust in Samm has her making the journey. I never warmed up to her and her snarly superior attitude but she did give us insight into her people. Afa was a unique character and his part in the quest was significant. He and his backpack stole a little of my heart. The Trust, doctors, Kira’s sisters and step-mom all add to the tale and drove us towards the final book.

I know many will have complainants about the length of Fragments as it comes in at a little under six hundred pages a rarity in young adult fiction but for me I loved every page. World-building is so important to me and I have no problems with length if it provides fleshed out characters, depth and plot advancement. Wells delighted me with the back history,from the complex information regarding the Partials, ParaGen to the ramifications of the war. His descriptions of the cities, the toxic wastelands and ParaGen were all riveting.  We also get more character depth, especially in the secondary characters and for me this made the tale genuine and believable . Wells splits the tale between Kira’s quest and those of Marcus and the Long Island humans. The pacing was wonderful for me and I quickly slipped back and forth between the two threads equal enjoying them. At no time did I think when is this going to end instead I savored this raw, unique world. The world is not pretty and both humans and Partials do unspeakable things. Wells raises noteworthy questions about humanity, technology and our morals in the quest for the biggest and the best.  While we get a lot of answers and as a reader I am confident with the direction this tale is heading we did end with a cliff-hanger. The last part of the book picked up speed with several revelations and now we wait! *gasps*

Fragments was a worthy second book and for me it outdid its predecessor. Fans of dystopian, fantasy and science fiction will enjoy the Partial Sequence series. At this time the third book remains untitled and I could find no information on its expected release. *excuse me while I go cry*

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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65 Responses to “Fragments by Dan Wells”

  1. Jennifer

    I feel like I have not been to your blog in forever! And I’m sorry! lol =)

    Partials was in my top 3 books of 2012, but for whatever reason I have yet to read Fragments! And I have just been reminded again thanks to your review that I need to rectify this problem ASAP.

    And I am so happy to hear that this book is just as great (or better) than the first! That makes me really excited!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      aww it’s ok hun, I did giggle when I came to this post, when I moved my account to WP my comments unsorted and so it looks like I was commenting on my own post while on crack! I love this series and hope you read Fragments soon!

  2. readingdiva

    Ah, I get the evil eye when I tell people I need more hours added to the day LOL 🙂

  3. Ellen

    I have the first book in this series, but haven’t read it yet. Now I really want to. I don’t mind long books if they are good, and this one seems to be just that. Wonderfully written review.

  4. Sandy

    To be honest, I didn’t read your whole review yet…just scrolled down to your rating (for now, I’ll go back and read it later). But I’m reading Fragments now and it’s just a little slow (only 20% in). I’m so glad to know that you rated it so highly because that means it gets super super good! Can’t wait to finish the book so I can come back and read your review! 🙂

  8. Sandy

    I just don’t want anything to influence my opinion. I’ll definitely read your review once I’m finished. It’s already getting better.

  10. Diana Leigh

    I’m glad you enjoyed it! I hate when sequels are a let down. (600 pages is a long book, so good that it was a fascinating read!)

  12. Christy (Love of Books)

    I want Marcus and Heron together. Could you imagine how funny that relationship would be? I was laughing at their encounter in this book. He could handle her, because, you know, she’s not the boss of him. lol!

  16. Kat (AussieZombie)

    I’ve tried to read this a couple of times now and just got stuck because I was confused (the memory isn’t what it used to be!), but I know if I sit myself down and have a binge, I’ll most probably love it as much as the first one.

    I’m so glad you enjoyed it, knowing it’s amazing will help me push through the confusion 😀

  18. Tanja

    I have heard some really amazing things about the Partials and I’m dying to read this series. I’m so happy that this sequel didn’t disappoint and that you enjoyed it as much. This sounds like a book with great characters and really interesting story. Great review:)
    Tanja @ Ja čitam, a ti?

  20. Jenea Whittington

    I keep seeing amazing things about this series, and I still haven’t even read the first book. Ugh. I am so happy that you enjoy this so much, and 5 cups too. I really need to get them both and read them. Wonderful review.

  21. Debbie Haupt

    Great review, great the word review too, It makes me want to read it.

  22. readingdiva

    Great review Kim, I should really bump these two because one has been laying on my shelf for a year and the other is waiting in my kindle..I will try to read it before the year ends lol — Thanks for sharing!

  23. Nick

    Amazing review, Kim! 5 coffee cups from you means that this must be all sorts of epic! I haven’t read the first book of this series yet, but your review convinced me.
    I love that Kira grows and develops during the course of the series. She sounds like an MC that I would really like. Also, I like the sound of the friendship between Kira and Samm.
    I don’t think the length of the book would bother me too much because like you, I count on dystopian novels to give me tons of world-building!
    Anyways, your review is gorgeous, Kim! Looking forward to starting this one! Hopefully, my library has a copy!

  24. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    I disliked Marcus intensely in the first book, but this time around, he was my favorite character. I much preferred him to two others. This book was about 100 pages too long, as far as I’m concerned, especially around the middle, but overall, it was an entertaining read. Lovely review, Kim!

  25. Toni

    Awesome review!! I still need to read the first book. It’s on my TBR list, but I haven’t forked over the dough to pick up a copy yet.

  26. kindlemom1

    I have both of these and I really need to read them, I think because they are so long it has been putting me off. I have so many others to read right now but I will make time for this one soon!

  27. candacerobinson

    I haven’t started this series yet, but it’s one I do want to read. Because I’m a little burnt out on dystopian/post apocalyptic books I figured I would wait until the series I’m currently involved in are finished. And then I can read all the books in this series closer together because by then it’ll be all finished.

  28. Mel

    Interesting! I was very disappointed by this book, so it’s always fun to see people who think the opposite.

  31. kimbacaffeinate

    when that happens to me, I do one of three things, read my own review, re-read the last chapter of the previous book or just go to goodreads and scan all those spoiler reviews..LOL

  33. mayceegreene

    I REALLY need to bump Partials up. I have a copy sitting around that is
    giving me judgy eyes from the shelf. The more I hear about the series,
    the more I need to get to it!

    Great review, as always!

    Maycee Greene (Fishing Lodge Alaska)

  34. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I’ve been wanting to read that first one and you say this surpasses it?? Hm… must seek it out and try it! Oh and don’t you love/hate the fact that you can’t wait for the next installment. One one hand the series is so good you want the next and on the other hand, it’s not IN your hand! LOL

  45. Andrea

    Ahh! I loved Partials, and cannot believe I haven’t even considered picking Fragments up. I mean, I’ve considered, but that’s it. You’re making me want to pick this one up ASAP, b/c I need to know what happens to Kira and everyone else.
    Great review, Kim!

  46. Darlene's Book Nook

    Oooooooh, Partials has been on my TBR mountain for a long time!! I really want to read this, and I’m glad to see how much you loved it!

  47. Heidi

    I am so annoyed that I haven’t read this yet. I was a huge fan of book one and it ended up on my best of list. I need to find time to read this especially if you think it is better than Partials. I am very anxious to know more about Kira’s condition.

  51. kimbacaffeinate

    I pre-ordered it since Partials made my top 10 YA books for 2012..and my TBR challenge in March gave me the perfect excuse to read it. Hope you get it soon!

  52. Danielle Chapman

    I have this series on my TBR list and after your review I am glad I do ! 🙂

  58. kimbacaffeinate

    I had no idea..LOL and I am sure you would do fine..do some mini reviews, that is how I squeeze in all the books I have read that aren’t arcs..hahaha!

  59. Nyx

    I have this series on my pile since it first came out and I have yet to read it…Heard such great things about it too. Might just wait to right before the last one comes out then just read them all xD

  60. Jennifer Bielman

    I still need to read the first book, but dang, almost 600 pages? I actually like that. I love long books as long as they keep my attention.

  62. Bookluvrs Haven

    I have to second Jennifer’s comment, in that I have wanted to read the first book of this series for a while. But considering how you ended this review, maybe I will wait a little bit longer, until at least there is an idea on the release date for Book 3! I have heard lots of good feedback on the series, and I am excited to pick this up!

    Lily @

    Bookluvrs Haven.

  64. Belle Read

    This sounds like a book that I would enjoy, although I can not say that I am surprised. I have read many positive things about Wells and have been meaning to read a book of his for too long now. Thank you for your review.