It's a battle for survival in a world where the elite few live in a dome that protects them from a radioactive world. Burn is the third book in the "Pure" triology and it jumps right into the story without explaining much about what went on in the previous two novels. The trilogy takes place in a world where nuclear weapons were purposely set off in an effort to kill off most of the inhabitants. An elite few live inside a dome that protects them from the ash and radiation that still cover the rest of the world. But everyone else has been forced to survive in a dangerous and unpredictable wasteland.
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The people outside the dome are called "wretches" because many of them are fused to things they were holding during the explosions. The dome inhabitants are called "pures" because of the protection they've been given. But things are about to change for both groups as the struggle to bring down the dome reaches its climax. Inside the dome, Partridge works to consolidate his power following the death of his power. He faces resistance not just from the general population, but from followers of his father who blame Partridge for his death.
Outside the dome, plans are being put into motion to break through the barrier. Pressia is Partridge's half-sister and she has a medicine developed by her mother which might save many of the wretches. But she needs to get inside the dome to make it in bulk. But despite the promise of Pressia's medicine, not every one is interested in redemption and/or good health. For instance, Bradwell, who sports a set of elegant wings, is filled with anger and just wants to tear everything down. Dome, wretches, he is mad at everyone and wants to make them pay.
In the end, the wretches are able to tear a crack in the dome and let the ash inside. But the book ends there, leaving many questions about the major characters left unanswered.
Best part of story, including ending:
The premise of the book is unique and there are some characters I like a lot. For instance, El Capitan & Helmut, two brothers fused together during the blasts. Their life is challenging and a bit hard to beliece at times. But they are also some of the most believable characters in the book.
Best scene in story:
The scene just after the dome is cracked as the pures stumble around trying to figure out what to do next. They've been hidden from the world and now for the first time, they don't know what the future brings.
Opinion about the main character:
Partridge is a frustrating character. In some scenes, Partridge is smart and focused and a real leader. In the next, he makes some boneheaded move that just doesn't seem to match the leader seen in other parts of the book.
