Pure (Pure #1) by Julianna Baggott

The first book in a trilogy, this rather macabre but fascinating Dystopian novel is set in post-apocalyptic America. When the detonations came, society was divided in two: the 'Pures', who were sheltering in the safe 'Dome' during the Detonations, and the Wretches, people who were outside and completely exposed. The Wretches not only have to survive the devastated landscape, but also the bizarre consequences of the Detonations which have caused them to be horribly 'fused' to the things they were holding, or standing near, during the explosions.

Pressia, a Wretch with a doll's head fist, lives with her Grandfather, but is about to turn 16. At this age she must surrender herself to the OSR, a brutal militia of sorts. Before this can happen, however, she meets the mysterious Bradwell, a boy with secrets, who doesn't seem to exist in any official capacity.

Meanwhile, in the Dome, Partridge, the Pure son of the Dome's most powerful man, has started asking questions about his seemingly utopian existence. Why did his brother commit suicide? Why didn't his mother choose to come into the Dome before the Detonations? In a search for answers, he escapes.

Now, Pressia, Bradwell and Partridge must survive this hostile landscape of death, monsters and desperation.

This interesting novel, which encompasses themes such as atomic and chemical warfare, oppression, religion, prejudice and gender, will keep you interested until the very last page.

Caitlin @ Balwyn Library



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