Ruins: The Partials Sequence, Book 3
Smart postapocalyptic tale reaches rousing conclusion.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Dan Wells' Ruins is a suspenseful, engaging continuation of the science-fiction adventure begun in Partials and continued in Fragments, about the struggles between humans and genetically engineered Partials. Although set in a dystopian future, the novel takes pains to be plausible and raises interesting questions about bioethics and civil rights. There are a handful of instances each of "damn," "bitch," and "s--t." ("Hell" and "bastard" are used around a dozen times.) Alcohol is consumed in one scene. Sexual content is low, and scenes of romance progress no further than passionate kissing and hugging.
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What's the Story?
RUINS finds its large cast of characters scattered across half the country, from Long Island to beyond the poisonous barrens of the Midwest. Kira is in the hands of Dr. Morgan, who will do whatever it takes to save the remaining Partials. Samm's thousands of miles away, dealing with a hidden cache of upgraded supersoldiers. And a human resistance fighter has a nuclear warhead and intends to wipe out the Partials in one catastrophic move. Will Kira and Samm be able to form an alliance between humankind and the Partials before time runs out and they all face certain death?
Is It Any Good?
Ruins provides a rousing ending to the Partials Sequence series. Author Dan Wells piles on the plot complications, maintaining a high level of suspense without unduly stretching plausibility. There are surprising plot twists, satisfying reunions, and a sense of well-earned completion. In a market where so many dystopian sci-fi sagas sputter out after a volume and a half, Ruins demonstrates how to keep a complicated story on track for nearly 1,500 pages.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can discuss why dystopian science fiction is so popular. Why is "the end of the world" so interesting to so many readers?
What are some of the dangers of bioengineering? What restrictions should be put on experiments that involve human subjects?
What kinds of conflicts arise between people from different cultures? What strategies offer a better chance of defusing those conflicts?
Book Details
- Author: Dan Wells
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Science and Nature
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Balzer + Bray
- Publication date: March 11, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 17
- Number of pages: 464
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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For kids who love science-fiction and dystopian novels
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