Fragments

Partials, Book 2

By: Dan Wells

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 16 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

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 11th 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.

©2013 HarperCollins Publishers (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

A nice listen

I really like the author's ability to build a story. From plot to history, to culture, to character personalities.

You could definitely tell that this is somewhat of a "in between" book laying the groundwork for the last(?) book in the series.

I was very glad and impressed to hear Whelan vary the voices a lot more in this book than the previous one and her performance is -as always- perfect. I love the way she reads it and how she brings the characters to life.

I did quite enjoy the storyline, however at times it felt like the author was dragging it out a bit and some parts just felt...as if they were meat fillers. As always he does a great job of writing characters that you like, dislike, love, hate etc. One thing that really struck me is his ability to keep a levelled, realistic balance between good and evil and hypocrisy in his characters. Nothing is ever just good or bad and even the characters best intentions can be compared to the "baddies" bad intentions. This is an admirable skill the author has!

The only thing I disliked in this book is how the main protagonist becomes very annoying in this book. Half the time I had to think really hard to try and understand how she felt and why she was on the verge of tears half the time. There were however some really interesting, likeable characters introduced into this book and overall I did enjoy both the story and the performance.

How am i going to wait a week for the next one!

What made the experience of listening to Fragments the most enjoyable?

I love Julia Whelan. I have a medical background so this was not at all slow for me. The twists and turns, just when you think you know what's going on, just great. This world is just frighteningly real. Possible. Just so good. I haven't written many reviews lately but I really enjoyed this! A whole lot better than divergent series, in my opinion.

Who was your favorite character and why?

SO MANY GOOD ONES! Love. Sam, kira, heron(for some reason)...oh my efah was such a hilarious character, off much.

Have you listened to any of Julia Whelan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I love to check out her books, worst case scenario you get a well performed story. She's great.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did, when it ended, I know it was a great book when you are just in shock and crazy the Tories go through your head, and that's all you can think about for hours. Also left feeling empty, like a breakup.

Any additional comments?

I usually prefer women authors for these types of books because their relationships are usually stronger, but Dan Wells really hit all emotion spot on! I will definitely be checking out any new books. Last thought, I am 32, so this was pretty mature, not whiny or childish. Loved it. Cannot wait for Ruins.

Loved it

I loved this book. I'm now listening to the next in the series.

I enjoyed Partials, the first in the series. Fragments delves much deeper into the background of this post-apocalyptic world and what brought them there, as well as exploring the world further. I loved it and was drawn right in.

The narrator doesn't have a huge character range; I felt like a lot of the men and older characters sounded very similar and rather nasally, but that's bearable and I love Kira, who does a large chunk of the talking.

I have no words

I have no words. My heart is still pounding. I need a little time to calm down before I start Ruins. I have no idea if I’m ready mentally or emotionally for the final installment. I almost hope this series does not become a movie because there is no way in hell anyone could do it justice.

Keeps Gettin' Better!

Would you consider the audio edition of Fragments to be better than the print version?

I did not read the print version, so I really couldn't say. I absolutely loved and the audio edition though!!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fragments?

Sigh... I have been trying to think of what to write without including a spoiler and I can't. So I'll just say this...Fragments is awesome and if you enjoyed Partials (book 1) you'll love this one even more. Superior Series!!

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the character Afa and really enjoyed the scenes he was in.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed and cried many times while listening to this book. I enjoyed the first book in the series and this book is even better! I cared so much and was invested in several of the characters in this book (and series). I was very moved by their story and the choices they made.

Any additional comments?

I am waiting with baited breath for Book 3! March 2014 can't come soon enough...

awesome

gripping story, a little slow in the beginning. but boy, the story! next book please!

Action Packed! A great Dystopian read!!

Where does Fragments rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Definitely in the top 20 or so

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fragments?

Finding what was in Denver. ( <----- Purposefully vague so not to give away spoilers)

Have you listened to any of Julia Whelan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't, but after reading this series I will go see her other work.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

In a war between whats left of Humanity and the dying Partials, their only hope is each other; Will they work together to save whats left of mankind or destroy everything?

Any additional comments?

This book was a great continuity of its previous book. I like how she switches between characters, letting us know what is going on inside and outside of Long Island. I feel like this is very similar to the Divergent series, being that Kira is a lot like Tris. In Divergent Tris was constantly trying to give her life for the cause and Kira is doing the same thing. At every turn you find her saying she will sacrifice herself. I can't help but worry that it will end like Divergent, which will devastate me. I am currently about 1/4 into the last book, and my anxiety is getting to me. I'm so nervous that Kira or Samm is going to die I can barely stand it. This book for sure keeps you on the edge of your seat. I have grown bored with a lot of the predictable YA novels; and while this one is predictable at times, they still throw quite a few curve balls in.

Typical middle book - left you hanging

Where does Fragments rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was a typical middle book. It gave you enough storyline to answer some of the questions and left you hanging at the last chapter.
The storyline of the journey to Denver was predicable.

Would you be willing to try another book from Dan Wells? Why or why not?

I will listen to final book only to finish off the series. I'm sure the story could be completed in two books instead of three.

Have you listened to any of Julia Whelan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Julia once again gave a great preformance.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did listen to this book over a period of a week, unlike the first book I don't think I will be relistening to it again.

Twice as good as the first book

I loved that this book was written from multiple character's perspective. Can't wait to see how it all ends in book three!!

Better than the first book

This book had a great storyline, plot, and character development. The narrator delivered an excellent performance too.