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shelflife's review against another edition
1.0
Although I gave high ratings to the first two books in this trilogy, I have to come down on the side of don't read any of them because this was a horrible mess!!! What started out in book one, Pure, was some very good foundation and world building. I expected this to be a big, bold story. The middle book kept me interested but I was noticing that I didn't connect with my characters and found they seemed to be underdeveloped. I never found the love interest between partridge and Lidda or Pressia and Bradwell convincing at all. I didn't understand what attracted these folks to each other. Lidda was sooooo uninteresting, Pressia and Bradwell lacked any sort of passion. The only character remotely developed and interesting was el Capitan and Helmud. They were complex, growing and evolving all the way throughout and had great passionate moments. However, not enough to carry a whole book.
The plot lines that the author had us follow, led to no where!!! At the end, nothing was resolved, it's like you go through all this stuff and then the story drops off into nothing. I can't really explain it without spoilers, just know it's a big, fat mess!!! Also, how did partridge end up where he did? He didn't even seem like the same character that began this story. Arrg I could go on and on with complaints. Overall a good start, bit went no where. Very disappointing, can't recommend any of them.
The plot lines that the author had us follow, led to no where!!! At the end, nothing was resolved, it's like you go through all this stuff and then the story drops off into nothing. I can't really explain it without spoilers, just know it's a big, fat mess!!! Also, how did partridge end up where he did? He didn't even seem like the same character that began this story. Arrg I could go on and on with complaints. Overall a good start, bit went no where. Very disappointing, can't recommend any of them.
sr_toliver's review against another edition
3.0
In the final insallment to the Pure series, each character finally gets to choose which side they're on, proving to themselves and to the readers if they are willing to go the distance to make things right in the world. The book follows the same characters from the second book - Pressia, Partridge, Bradwell, El Capitan, and Lyda - as they navigate the world separate from each other. Since the stories are connected, but separate, I'll give short, separate descriptions about where everyone is in the book instead of trying to describe the plot in one paragraph.
Ever since Partridge had been brought back into the Dome, they're lives became more restricted than ever. Yes, Partridge has power as the leader of the Dome, but what he didn't realize is how much is at stake, more than he ever realized when he was just his father's son. Every decision Partridge makes is life or death for the people he leads as well as the people who now see him as enemy #1.
Lyda gives herself up in order to stop bloodshed, thinking that if she could just reach Partridge and talk to him, she could help to make a difference. But, what happens when the new, free version of Lyda is put back in the cage that almost caused her to lose her mind initially? Of course, she is carrying Partridge's unborn baby, but that only grants her freedom until the baby is born. What will happen after the baby comes? Will she be able to get through to Partridge? and How will she ever escape the cage after it's locked her in once again?
Pressia is still on a mission to save those who were left outside during the detonations, but throughout this book, she is also on a mission to save herself. After finding the formula, she knows that there may be a cure out there, one that will allow those fused to others to become "pure" again, to erase the past that has scarred them. But, at what cost? Is she willing to give up her truth, her scars, to exist in a reality that neglects the pain?
Bradwell is brooding - really, he spends a lot of this book scowling or mad about something. After Pressia saved his life, he now sees himself as others see him - a monster. His wings are now massive, ugly, but slightly angelic at the same time. Because of this shame and anger, he spends much of the book determined to take down the Dome at all costs. The only problem is that the woman he loves wants the Dome to remain in order to save those who want to be "whole" again. Is his revenge more potent than his love for Pressia? Will he be a lover, a friend, a martyr, or all three when the story ends?
El Capitan said that he loves Pressia. He kissed her. These are things he can't take away, but he feels embarrassed by his confession because now those he's closest to know his secret. Although the secret is out, however, there's a greater mission at hand that needs his attention - the mission that will cleanse his soul and help him to gain forgiveness from others and from himself. With his newfound love for another person as well as the companionship of new friends, he realizes all of the wrong he has done in the past, and he wants to be absolved from all of it. Will he be able to gain forgiveness from those whose family and friends were killed by the precious version of himself, or will his past transgressions end his life?
All in all, I liked this book. It was written just as well as the first two, and I loved the way that Baggott made the characters come to life. I really enjoyed Lyda's progression. She is my favorite character because she is strong even when it seems like she's about to give up. She seemed to be the least selfish out of all the characters, and so I think I was more drawn to her story arc.
My issue with the book is how it ended so abruptly. The last five pages pretty much summed up every character's actions as the Dome was falling, but we never get to see the aftermath. We don't know what happened to many of the characters. The readers never figure out what happened to all of the other strongholds where people were saved from the Detonations. I mean, I get that Pressia is letting go of her father by not convincing Bradwell and El Capitan to stop the Dome invasion and save the map in Ellery Willux's office, but there are still so many loose ends that I feel should have been closed. This is my personal preference, but I just think that the author could have spent less time re-explaining events from the previous two books and spent more time with the ending.
Ever since Partridge had been brought back into the Dome, they're lives became more restricted than ever. Yes, Partridge has power as the leader of the Dome, but what he didn't realize is how much is at stake, more than he ever realized when he was just his father's son. Every decision Partridge makes is life or death for the people he leads as well as the people who now see him as enemy #1.
Lyda gives herself up in order to stop bloodshed, thinking that if she could just reach Partridge and talk to him, she could help to make a difference. But, what happens when the new, free version of Lyda is put back in the cage that almost caused her to lose her mind initially? Of course, she is carrying Partridge's unborn baby, but that only grants her freedom until the baby is born. What will happen after the baby comes? Will she be able to get through to Partridge? and How will she ever escape the cage after it's locked her in once again?
Pressia is still on a mission to save those who were left outside during the detonations, but throughout this book, she is also on a mission to save herself. After finding the formula, she knows that there may be a cure out there, one that will allow those fused to others to become "pure" again, to erase the past that has scarred them. But, at what cost? Is she willing to give up her truth, her scars, to exist in a reality that neglects the pain?
Bradwell is brooding - really, he spends a lot of this book scowling or mad about something. After Pressia saved his life, he now sees himself as others see him - a monster. His wings are now massive, ugly, but slightly angelic at the same time. Because of this shame and anger, he spends much of the book determined to take down the Dome at all costs. The only problem is that the woman he loves wants the Dome to remain in order to save those who want to be "whole" again. Is his revenge more potent than his love for Pressia? Will he be a lover, a friend, a martyr, or all three when the story ends?
El Capitan said that he loves Pressia. He kissed her. These are things he can't take away, but he feels embarrassed by his confession because now those he's closest to know his secret. Although the secret is out, however, there's a greater mission at hand that needs his attention - the mission that will cleanse his soul and help him to gain forgiveness from others and from himself. With his newfound love for another person as well as the companionship of new friends, he realizes all of the wrong he has done in the past, and he wants to be absolved from all of it. Will he be able to gain forgiveness from those whose family and friends were killed by the precious version of himself, or will his past transgressions end his life?
All in all, I liked this book. It was written just as well as the first two, and I loved the way that Baggott made the characters come to life. I really enjoyed Lyda's progression. She is my favorite character because she is strong even when it seems like she's about to give up. She seemed to be the least selfish out of all the characters, and so I think I was more drawn to her story arc.
My issue with the book is how it ended so abruptly. The last five pages pretty much summed up every character's actions as the Dome was falling, but we never get to see the aftermath. We don't know what happened to many of the characters. The readers never figure out what happened to all of the other strongholds where people were saved from the Detonations. I mean, I get that Pressia is letting go of her father by not convincing Bradwell and El Capitan to stop the Dome invasion and save the map in Ellery Willux's office, but there are still so many loose ends that I feel should have been closed. This is my personal preference, but I just think that the author could have spent less time re-explaining events from the previous two books and spent more time with the ending.
radioactve_piano's review against another edition
4.0
And yet another dystopian YA trilogy is added to my Read list.
This installment looked deeper into questions of power and morality, the idea of having a select few make decisions for others, the concept of romantic vs. friendly love, and the dangers of placing one's concept of a good life on someone else. I quite liked this book, including the ending. Things weren't tidy, which was refreshing (again, I guess I'm just comparing to The Hunger Games, which was much more shiny, happy people than I would have liked; the Divergent books ended more realistically, and this is akin to that).
Is this the best series I've ever read? No, but it is quality in a sea of easy-reading fluff fantasy, so I was pleased.
This installment looked deeper into questions of power and morality, the idea of having a select few make decisions for others, the concept of romantic vs. friendly love, and the dangers of placing one's concept of a good life on someone else. I quite liked this book, including the ending. Things weren't tidy, which was refreshing (again, I guess I'm just comparing to The Hunger Games, which was much more shiny, happy people than I would have liked; the Divergent books ended more realistically, and this is akin to that).
Is this the best series I've ever read? No, but it is quality in a sea of easy-reading fluff fantasy, so I was pleased.
careinthelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Burn was a satisfying finale to the trilogy by Julianna Baggott. Readers will find all their favourite characters back...more or less the same. Partridge goes through a transformation while living in the Dome, changing his appeal to the reader. Bradwell deals with emotional complications from his physical complications. Don't get me wrong, I love this series and I'm happy with this book. I just didn't get a few choices made by the author. Technically, the writing was spectacular. Elegantly worded, Burn is a syntactically beautiful novel.
Pressia and Bradwell's relationship with its early hiccups blossomed throughout the novel into a quiet but wonderful marriage.
El Capitan and Helmud made me smile and cry (sometimes simultaneously). Three books in a row, I loved them. The scenes with El Capitan/Helmud and Bradwell broke my heart over and over.
I enjoyed a lot of this book, but there were certain aspects of the plot with which I disagreed. I guess I don't understand why Partridge killed Bradwell. Pressia was there, saw the entire thing and then somehow still forgives him nearly instantaneously? It felt like the whole thing could have been avoided, called off...I really feel like killing off Bradwell was an unnecessary plot development.
The ending was a surprise. It was not how I had envisioned it from the start of the series, and I think Baggott's ending was unlike anything her fans expected. For better and worse.
Truly, this book was great and if you're thinking of starting the series - do it. If you're questioning the value of finishing the trilogy - do it. This series is a treasure. Despite its flaws, Burn was enjoyable and I was glad to experience things with those wonderful characters again.
Pressia and Bradwell's relationship with its early hiccups blossomed throughout the novel into a quiet but wonderful marriage.
El Capitan and Helmud made me smile and cry (sometimes simultaneously). Three books in a row, I loved them. The scenes with El Capitan/Helmud and Bradwell broke my heart over and over.
I enjoyed a lot of this book, but there were certain aspects of the plot with which I disagreed. I guess I don't understand why Partridge killed Bradwell. Pressia was there, saw the entire thing and then somehow still forgives him nearly instantaneously? It felt like the whole thing could have been avoided, called off...I really feel like killing off Bradwell was an unnecessary plot development.
The ending was a surprise. It was not how I had envisioned it from the start of the series, and I think Baggott's ending was unlike anything her fans expected. For better and worse.
Truly, this book was great and if you're thinking of starting the series - do it. If you're questioning the value of finishing the trilogy - do it. This series is a treasure. Despite its flaws, Burn was enjoyable and I was glad to experience things with those wonderful characters again.
mal717's review against another edition
5.0
I feel like I'm probably the only person who hated how this book, and series, ended. I could read this world forever, and it still would never be enough for me. I absolutely adored this series, and find myself angry then I remember that I don't have a new book to look forward to in it.
_bookally_'s review against another edition
5.0
Hoping this series gets made into a movie. Everyone I have leant this series too has loved it as well.
capriqueen's review against another edition
4.0
What a stunning, complex end to a stunning, complex trilogy. The stakes are higher than ever, and lines have to be drawn. Characters make choices, and there’s no going back. There’s no next book to fix their mistakes.
What really impressed me is that Baggott’s writing was so good that I simultaneously agreed and disagreed with each character’s stance. I saw the merits and downfalls of each, and I truly didn’t know what the best option was or even what I would do in their place. I think usually when writers try to make a world where there’s no right answer, there’s usually a fairly clear better option, but that wasn’t the case here. What lives do you place value on? Who do you protect? Which is the true way to live? How do you heal a world that’s been so totally manipulated and shattered?
I am in awe. Baggott wrote such a complex world filled with convoluted idealism and harsh realities and trauma and hope and everything in between. Grotesque and beautiful at the same time.
I’m filled with endless love for this story and all of these characters, but especially for El Capitan and Helmud. Their growth and expressive narration had me nearly in tears at the end.
I highly recommend this series to anyone.
(Also, this series has given me a healthy fear of any and all genetic manipulation.)
What really impressed me is that Baggott’s writing was so good that I simultaneously agreed and disagreed with each character’s stance. I saw the merits and downfalls of each, and I truly didn’t know what the best option was or even what I would do in their place. I think usually when writers try to make a world where there’s no right answer, there’s usually a fairly clear better option, but that wasn’t the case here. What lives do you place value on? Who do you protect? Which is the true way to live? How do you heal a world that’s been so totally manipulated and shattered?
I am in awe. Baggott wrote such a complex world filled with convoluted idealism and harsh realities and trauma and hope and everything in between. Grotesque and beautiful at the same time.
I’m filled with endless love for this story and all of these characters, but especially for El Capitan and Helmud. Their growth and expressive narration had me nearly in tears at the end.
I highly recommend this series to anyone.
(Also, this series has given me a healthy fear of any and all genetic manipulation.)
alyssaplacey's review against another edition
5.0
*re-read in 2020*
Inside the Dome, Patridge has taken his father's place as leader of the Pures. His struggle has led him here, intent upon bringing down the Dome from the inside, with the help of a secret resistance force. But things are not as simple from his new position of power and he finds himself tempted by his father's words: perhaps if the world is to survive it needs the Dome - and Partridge - to rule it...
As Partridge's resolve weakens, Pressia and Bradwell continue piecing together the clues left to them from the time before the Detonations. It is their hope that they will be able to heal the Wretches, and free them from their monstrous fusings and the Dome's oppression once and for all. But everything depends, too, on Partridge. Separated by distance and history, can they still trust their friend and ally? Or is the world doomed to an eternity of war and hardship?
Inside the Dome, Patridge has taken his father's place as leader of the Pures. His struggle has led him here, intent upon bringing down the Dome from the inside, with the help of a secret resistance force. But things are not as simple from his new position of power and he finds himself tempted by his father's words: perhaps if the world is to survive it needs the Dome - and Partridge - to rule it...
As Partridge's resolve weakens, Pressia and Bradwell continue piecing together the clues left to them from the time before the Detonations. It is their hope that they will be able to heal the Wretches, and free them from their monstrous fusings and the Dome's oppression once and for all. But everything depends, too, on Partridge. Separated by distance and history, can they still trust their friend and ally? Or is the world doomed to an eternity of war and hardship?
storiwa's review against another edition
4.0
not sure if this series is going to have a 4th book - almost hoping it doesn't as the end of this one was not typical and therefore way more interesting.
electricbloomers's review against another edition
1.0
This is the WORST ending to a book I've ever read, because there is NO ending. About 30 different plot lines that have been built up to the very end are left completely unanswered. I stayed up all night reading this. It started fast paced and I was so excited to find out the ending and find out more about the Cure, Pressia's parents, Willux, The Good Mother's big reveal at the end- all of it just ends abruptly. I am absolutely disgusted by Partridge in this book. And Iralene has my most deepest hatred. Lyda is pregnant with his child and he pretty much abandons her for NO REASON and claims he's in love with Iralene, who we just meet for the first time in this book. SO MUCH CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT FOR NOTHING. I am completely outraged. Baggott just stopped writing. There is NO ENDING. Everything is completely unresolved. Pressia and El Capitan are still wonderful, but I wanted to see them lead the movement with Bradwell in tow. The way Baggott kills him makes absolutely no sense. There is usually a main character death in dystopia and there is usually a reason for it that moves the plot forward, but NOPE. This book made me so angry. Complete and utter waste of time. I should have stopped at the end of book two and just imagined my own ending because it's definitely better than the garbage ending Baggott tries to spit out in the last THREE PAGES when she had 400 pages to wrap up the series and could have done it wonderfully. Awful. Horrible. SO DISAPPOINTED. If there were deadlines, Baggott should have stepped up and said the truth "This book is NOT done." How in the actual fuck can that be the end? I am completely outraged. How am I supposed to block out what I read as a terrible excuse for an ending?