Fuse is the sequel to the sensationally original “Pure”. One of the problems with sequels to completely mind-blowing books is that you’ve already discovered the plot twists, come to terms with the world building, and accepted the characters as they are, so they lose that sense of wonder, and all you have left is to rely on good writing and great characters, and hopefully an interesting and ever developing plot. It’s really hard to pull off a sequel to an original book, but Julianna Baggott doesn’t do too badly with Fuse.
Fuse picks up where Pure left off, so if it’s been a while, go back and re-read Pure, no time is wasted giving the reader a quick catch up. I found the pacing to be quite slow and steady, which, again, if it was read immediately after Pure the wow factor of the first book would carry the reader through, but read after a decent gap the lulls in action become noticeable.
Although enjoyable, Fuse does suffer from “second novel” syndrome. A lot happens, but it’s mainly just building on what happened in the first book, and setting the scene for the second. However, Ms Baggott doesn’t let that stop her from dumping some wonderful twists on the poor reader.
Overall, if you’ve read this close to finishing Pure you will be chomping at the bit for book three, if you’ve left it a little while you may have found your overall passion for the series has cooled a little. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing what Julianna has in store for us next though.
Format: Trade paperback (UK), 480 Pages
ISBN: 9780755385539
Publisher: Headline Fiction
Dystopias
Headline Fiction
2013
Trade paperback (UK)
480
Hachette NZ
The next part in the epic PURE trilogy, for fans of Cormac McCarthy, Justin Cronin and Suzanne Collins. Partridge has escaped the safety of his father's empire and left the Dome, where his people - the Pures - have sheltered for so long. He has ventured into the destroyed world inhabited by the Wretches, who live crippled by their injuries. Pressia, a Wretch, is desperate to decode the secrets of the past and, together with Partridge, she must seek out the answers that will save all their futures. But Partridge's actions will not be forgiven. As the Dome unleashes horrifying vengeance upon the Wretches, Partridge has no choice but to return to face the darkness that lies there, leaving Pressia to continue searching for the truth that will change the fate of the world for all time.
