The Bookish Babe: Fuse

Series: Pure #2
Genre: Post Apocalyptic/Sci Fi
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: 2/19/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 416
Source: Received from publisher, via NetGalley

When the world ended, those who dwelled within the Dome were safe. Inside their glass world the Pures live on unscarred, while those outside—the Wretches—struggle to survive amidst the smoke and ash.

Believing his mother was living among the Wretches, Partridge escaped from the Dome to find her. Determined to regain control over his son, Willux, the leader of the Pures, unleashes a violent new attack on the Wretches. It’s up to Pressia Belze, a young woman with her own mysterious past, to decode a set of cryptic clues from the past to set the Wretches free.

An epic quest that sweeps readers into a world of beautiful brutality, Fuse continues the story of two people fighting to save their futures—and change the fate of the world.

Once again, I am left stunned by the Pure series. It is alternately horrific, beautiful, wistful, romantic, and brutally savage. Definitely not my typical read, but I'm so glad that I took the leap. When I read Pure, I was blown away by the author's imagination, and by the fact that the world is based on a premise I find frightening and not out of the realm of possibility. I was drawn to the words that made me see beauty within the horror.

I'm not sure why, but Fuse did not hit me as hard as Pure. Maybe it's because I was somewhat used to the imagery. The shock factor was still there, but not as strong. I think it's also due to the fact that Fuse is the middle book in the series and those often seem to fall short of the first book. Another aspect that may have played part is the heavy scientific explanations. There are several overly (in my opinion) detailed passages that had me skimming, though it's good that there are explanations and logical thinking going on.

As far as the characters go, I was continually, and often pleasantly, surprised by their actions. Pressia is still trying to find her father, find the key to bringing down Willux, and navigating a relationship with Bradford, whom I still adore. Partridge broke my heart. His sacrifices to help the greater good made me proud and sad. His relationship with Lyda was beautiful and heartbreaking. She is another great heroine in this series, seemingly meek but with a powerful presence. The characters that most surprises and make me cringe is El Capitan and Helmud. In Pure, I honestly did not think the two would play a huge part of the story, other than as the conflicted bad guy(s). The fact that he/they now play a large, valiant part in the series is pretty great.

I just don't know how to pin down my feelings about Fuse. It took me nearly half the book to become truly involved. The writing is gorgeous and imaginative. The story is brave, and makes you think about ethical issues, religious issues, friendship, sacrifice and love.

Favorite Quote:

"You are whole," Bradwell says. "This is who I am -- scars, birds in my back. I'm whole now. I accept that. You go around seeing beauty in all this wreckage, but when will you see it in yourself?" He reaches up and runs his finger along the curve of the crescent scar around her eye. "This self." ~eARC, 28%

The Pure Series