Fuse by Julianna Baggott [Joint Review!]

4.5 out of 5 Robots!

  

Fuse by Julianna Baggott
Series: Pure #2
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Release: February 19, 2013
Hardcover: 463 Pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Julia and Shannon
Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:

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.

Julia and Shannon's Thoughts:

 1. What was your favorite part?  Least favorite part?
Julia: My most favorite part is the creepiness. I can't even tell you want this means because I have no idea. These books just creep me the hell out and I love it! The worst part is the sex scene. There is a sex scene and it is awkward and weird and I don't know. I felt like I didn't need all that. Though really, it was suppose to probably make me feel uncomfortable. haha

Shannon: My favorite part is the creepiness too!!  Baggott does a great job with the creepiness between the Fused, the Beasts and what is happening in the Dome.  *Shudder*  Julia, you thought the sex scene was weird?  HAHA!  I was more weirded out that they didn't know what would happen afterwards.  I think the worst part for me is the Mothers.  They really bothered me in their "Death to Deaths!" way.

2. Who is your favorite character?
Julia: Partridge. I can't tell you why he is, but he is. I like his decisions and the way he thinks. He doesn't frustrate me at all. Not that I can remember anyway. haha.

Shannon: This is kind of hard for me.  I really like all 5 of the main characters: Pressia, Bradwell, Partridge, Lyda and El Captain/Helmud.  Actually maybe Helmud is my favorite.  He has all sorts of tricks up his sleeve, like whittling.

3. How confused were you?
Julia: I was confused for at least the first third of the book. Then I felt like it was a math equation and I caught on, it just clicked. But you know why it just clicked? Because I stopped trying to piece together all the plot holes and just went with it. That sounds ridiculous.... I just realized that. Just don't read this book if you have a problem with being confused at all. ;)

Shannon: I was definitely confused.  I thought maybe it was because I couldn't remember the ending of Pure very well, but I definitely had a hard time following what was happening for whatever reason.  There was a point when it starts to come together and I could follow it a bit better.  I didn't let the confusion deter me however.

4. How did you like this book compared to the first?
Julia: Though Fuse is a bit on the confusing side, Pure, the first in the series, was a lot slower. Fuse is full of action and I really never got bored or felt the overwhelming desire to skim. Sooo for that reason, Fuse wins it for me.

Shannon: It's kind of a toss up for me.  I found Pure easier to follow, but I loved some of the storylines in Fuse. I think Fuse definitely creeped me out a lot more...which is saying something.  The whole part with Partridge and Iralene reminds me of this movie my dad made me watch called "A Boy and His Dog".  I missed the the growing friendship between the characters in Pure, but I loved the character growth in Fuse especially in Lyda. 

5. What makes this series standout in the very crowded YA Dystopian genre?
Julia: The main characters aren't beautiful and perfect and blah blah blah. It is creepy and the majority of those that I love reading most about are mutated. The world isn't pretty or sugar coated. Love it. I also love how long they are!

Shannon: I think there are several things actually.  One, is the creepy factor.  I don't think I've read a book with such deliciously creepy, yet subtle overtones.  Secondly, I think this series is more character based than action based.  This is unique to the genre because a lot of the lesser dystopian series focus so much on the plot that they lose character development.  This book is actually pretty lyrical and moody.  The writing style really helps to set it apart.

6. What did you think about this book overall?  The series overall?

Julia: I really enjoyed it. I'd love to see these books made into a movie or TV show. A dollhead for a hand?! Yes! Those doll's eyes always opening and closing when she moves her hand, I love it!

Shannon: Overall, I love this series.  I really enjoyed Fuse as well, but I wish I had focused more on it and read it straight through.  I was in between a couple books and I think this is a series that requires your attention.  I won't make that same mistake for the third book!

Other books in this series in the order that they should be read:
1. Pure
2. Fuse