Michelle Posted December 17, 2011 Share Posted December 17, 2011 I have mixed views on this book, but the more time I spend reflecting back, the more positive these views become. As an early reviewer, I came across this book before I knew anything about it, and in this case it may not be the best approach. Julianna throws you straight into her strange apocalyptic world, and it takes a while to work out exactly what has happened. I also think you need to be in a certain frame of mind. To give that little bit of background which I think is needed, Pure is set in a world after the ‘detonations’, which appear to be dirty nuclear bombs. Those caught in these explosions have been fused with things they were near or holding. The main character, for example, has a doll’s head fused to the end of her arm, and others are much worse. Some have been fused with other people or animals, and some are fused with the earth. I think it was this concept I had a hard time accepting, which stopped me becoming completely enveloped by the story. A select few were selected to be protected in a large dome.. and because there was no fusion, these are known as Pure. Going a step further, they are also being ‘coded’ to make them stronger, more intelligent etc. I believe this is being classed as Young Adult book, but it’s certainly not the fluffy romance teen books which seem all the range. It’s quite a dark book, which will make you think.. especially after reading the authors comments at the back. For me, it didn’t have that special something I found in the Hunger Games, but I would still recommend it. I would say just be prepared to accept the world shown to you, enjoy the characters which will stay with you, and give it a try. This is published Feb 2012, and I look forward to hearing what others think of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissy Posted December 17, 2011 Share Posted December 17, 2011 I'm intrigued and a little disturbed by the fusing concept, bit this sounds like the kind of apocolyptic read I 'enjoy'. I will be looking out for it. I enjoy your reviews Michelle, as they have always been spot on when I have read the book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 I'm reading this one now, and I'm fascinated by the whole fusing idea. I think the characters/species are all very creative. I'm only 30% through it, so I've barely hit the main part of the story but I'm enjoying it so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palagrin Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 I read this waaaay back and have since read the sequel, Fuse - and I'm really, really impressed by Baggott's writing style. It's just stunning, and Fuse, particularly, is a fantastic sequel. I'm really looking forward to Burn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I finished Pure this morning and I'm still gathering my thoughts on it. I love the concept of fusing and have never read anything like that before. I think it's brilliantly original. I thought the book ended on a bit of a cliff hanger; I really wanted them to progress further, but I guess the story will be more developed in the rest of the trilogy. It had a few YA elements in it, such as budding romance, but that didn't bother me as much as it sometimes does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palagrin Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 It had a few YA elements in it, such as budding romance, but that didn't bother me as much as it sometimes does I'm not sure that's what qualifies YA, plenty of chick-lit have "budding romances" too...it's more to do with the character ages, though Pure does have crossover appeal. Anyway, so glad you loved Pure, Fuse (the sequel) is even better, if you can believe it, so hurry on! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I'm not sure that's what qualifies YA, plenty of chick-lit have "budding romances" too...it's more to do with the character ages, though Pure does have crossover appeal. I think it's more the way the romantic elements are described, as very much a 'first love' and teenagery fluttery/gushing type thing. Yes, you're right - it is a lot to do with the character ages, as the central characters were 16 -18. Not sure how old Bradwell was, but he can't have been older than 20. I shall definitely be reading the sequels at some point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palagrin Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I think it's more the way the romantic elements are described, as very much a 'first love' and teenagery fluttery/gushing type thing. Very true, though I'd argue that's more to do with their ages rather than the actual appearance of romantic interest! xD Burn isn't out until February, but do get on to Fuse - I can't emphasise how good it is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.