About eight years before the story, the world was destroyed by nuclear bombs. Apparently this event was anticipated, so there was a dome that was built to house the survivors. But it really wasn't for the survivors, it was for certain people who were chosen to be Pure.
Pressia survives outside the Dome in the barren wasteland, full of dangerous, genetically altered creatures and humans that have been melded with whatever objects (or other people) they were in contact during the flash. Pressia has a doll in place of one of her hands. This was bizarre to me, but required a lot of imagination on the Baggott's part. Every person, when they turn 16, is required to join the militia, to be trained to fight their way into the Dome. Pressia turns 16 very soon, and she is scared.
Partridge lives in the Dome, and his life consists of school and military training. The male teens also undergo treatments to make them have superhuman strength. For some reason, Partridge's treatments aren't working. His father is the leader of the Pures. When his father speaks of his mother in the present tense, Partridge wonders if his mother is still alive out in the wilderness. Has his father been lying to him? So Partridge concocts a plan to escape the dome and find his mother.
Once Partridge and Pressia end up together, they begin to piece together a past that is much different than both of them have been led to believe. Their adventure is assisted by several side characters that are important to the story. I didn't love these characters. I don't know why. I was interested in finding out what happened to them, but I didn't feel emotional during their struggles.
I thought the beginning was a bit slow. There is a lot of prep before the actual adventure begins, and at almost 450 pages, this could have been pared down a bit. I thought some of the episodes were a bit cheesy. I don't know how else to describe it, but it seemed sort of like anything could happen in such a bizarre world, and so it did.
I enjoyed the major plot line. It is intricate, and there are a lot of details that added to the intrigue. The ending resolved some immediate issues, but leaves plenty for the next volume in the series. I will recommend this to apocalyptic, and even zombie lovers. I think, if they are willing to put up with the length, that they will be sufficiently entertained.
Published by Grand Central, February 8, 2012
eBook obtained from NetGalley
448 pages
Rating: 3/5
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