Pure: Review

Title: Pure

Author: Julianna Baggott

Release Date: February 2012

Published By: Grand Central Publishing

Pages: 448

Goodreads Rating: 3.77 stars

Review: Everything changed after the Detonations. Some, like Partridge, were one of the Pures and led privileged lives in the Dome, and the rest, like Pressia, were left to attempt to heal in their fused and damaged bodies outside in the ash and dirt. But now Partridge is overwhelmed by loneliness and Pressia is on the run, and when they meet, their worlds shatter once more.

I was expecting just another dystopian novel when I opened PURE, and that's so not what I got. Sure, there were some "typical" dystopian elements. Isn't everyone familiar with the big nuclear blast or other world-changing event, and a dichotomy between social classes? But what really set this book apart was its unflinching look at the consequences of such a nuclear blast. Namely, the people that weren't one of the Pures were fused together.

This premise was fascinating in an almost horrifying way, with some fused to objects and others to fellow people. Sometimes this imagery bordered on graphic, which you should look out for if you're squeamish, but I admired the author for not being afraid to step out with such an unconventional look at a dystopian world.

The writing itself was remarkable as well. Each sentence flowed smoothly and beautifully to the next, with some turns of phrase even giving me shivers. The absolutely gorgeous writing propelled the story along neatly from one scene to the next and led it through plot developments that had me on the edge of my seat in suspense.

All in all, this is an emotional novel with an amazing premise and even more incredible writing. PURE is pure awesomeness (could not resist the pun, sorry) wrapped up in lovely text, and I know I'm waiting in eager anticipation for the next novel. I sincerely recommend this novel to any fans of dystopia, especially those looking for some that are less gentle about the future.