A World on the Brink

In a dystopian future, humanity faces extinction due to the RM Virus, which kills newborns within days. The survivors, isolated on Long Island, live under the oppressive Hope Act, mandating pregnancies to find an immune child. Kira Walker, a young medic, is determined to find a cure, driven by the impending birth of her friend Madison's baby. The virus, released by Partials—engineered beings who once served humans—has decimated the population. Kira's resolve is fueled by witnessing the despair of mothers losing their children, and she is determined to save humanity from this bleak fate.

Kira's Desperate Resolve

Frustrated by the lack of progress in curing RM, Kira proposes capturing a Partial to study their immunity. Despite the risks, she believes understanding Partial physiology could unlock the secrets to saving human infants. Her friends, including her boyfriend Marcus, are divided on the plan. Marcus fears for Kira's safety and the futility of the mission, but Kira is resolute. Knowing the Senate will never approve such a mission, she decides to take matters into her own hands, gathering a small team to cross into Partial territory.

A Dangerous Mission Begins

Kira, along with Jayden, Haru, and a few trusted soldiers, sets out on a covert mission to capture a Partial. They navigate through the ruins of New York, avoiding both the Defense Grid and the Voice, a rebel group opposing the Hope Act. The journey is fraught with danger, as they must avoid traps and potential ambushes. Kira's determination is unwavering, driven by the hope of saving Madison's unborn child and countless others. The team knows the risks but is committed to the mission, understanding the potential impact of their success.

The Partial Encounter

The team finally encounters a group of Partials. A fierce battle ensues, resulting in the deaths of several team members. Kira and the survivors manage to capture a Partial, named Samm, but the cost is high. The captured Partial is brought back to Long Island for study. Kira is tasked with leading the research, a responsibility that weighs heavily on her. She must balance her scientific curiosity with the ethical implications of her work, all while under the watchful eyes of the Senate and the Defense Grid.

Secrets and Lies

As Kira begins her research on Samm, she discovers unsettling truths about the virus and the Partials. Samm reveals that the Partials did not release RM intentionally, and they too are searching for answers. Kira is torn between her duty to humanity and the realization that the Partials may not be the enemy she thought they were. The Senate's motives are also called into question, as Kira suspects they have their own agenda. The lines between friend and foe blur, and Kira must navigate a web of secrets and lies to uncover the truth.

Kira's Shocking Discovery

Captured by Partials, Kira is subjected to experiments that reveal she is not entirely human. Dr. Morgan, a Partial scientist, explains that Kira has Partial DNA, which explains her immunity to RM. This revelation shakes Kira to her core, as she grapples with her identity and the implications of her existence. Meanwhile, the Partials are dying due to an expiration date embedded in their DNA, and Kira's unique genetic makeup might hold the key to their survival. As chaos erupts around them, Kira must decide where her loyalties lie and how to use her newfound knowledge.

The Voice's Hidden Agenda

Kira and her friends discover that the Voice, a rebel group opposing the Senate, has its own plans for the future of humanity. Led by Tovar, the Voice aims to overthrow the Senate and establish a new order. They believe that Kira's discovery of a cure for RM could be the catalyst for change. However, the Voice's methods are extreme, and Kira is torn between their vision and the potential for peace with the Partials. As tensions rise, Kira must navigate a web of alliances and betrayals to find a path forward.

A Desperate Plan Unfolds

With the Senate tightening its grip on East Meadow, Kira and her friends hatch a daring plan to save Madison's baby, Arwen, who is at risk of dying from RM. They infiltrate the hospital, using stolen Defense Grid uniforms and a captured jeep to gain access. The mission is fraught with danger, as they must avoid detection by the Senate's forces and the Voice's operatives. Kira's determination to save Arwen drives her forward, even as the odds stack against them. The success of their mission could change the fate of humanity.

The Hospital Showdown

Inside the hospital, Kira and her friends face off against Senate forces and the Voice, each vying for control of the cure. As gunfire erupts, Kira races against time to administer the cure to Arwen. The chaos of the battle mirrors the turmoil within Kira, as she struggles with her identity and the weight of her choices. In a moment of clarity, she realizes that the cure is not just a solution to RM but a symbol of hope for a united future. Her actions in the hospital will determine the course of history.

A New Hope Emerges

With Arwen saved, the truth about the cure spreads throughout East Meadow. The Senate, desperate to maintain control, attempts to spin the narrative in their favor, but the people demand change. The repeal of the Hope Act marks a turning point, as humanity begins to rebuild with the promise of a future free from RM. Kira's role in discovering the cure makes her a symbol of hope, but she knows that the journey is far from over. The path to peace with the Partials remains uncertain, and Kira must decide her next steps.

The Truth About Kira

As the dust settles, Kira grapples with the revelation of her Partial heritage. Her existence raises questions about the true nature of the Partials and their connection to humanity. Determined to uncover the truth, Kira sets out on a journey to find the Trust, the mysterious group behind the Partials' creation. Her quest is not just about understanding her own identity but about forging a new path for both humans and Partials. Kira's story is one of discovery, courage, and the relentless pursuit of a better world.

Characters

Kira Walker

Kira is a passionate and driven young woman, determined to find a cure for RM and save humanity from extinction. Her resolve is fueled by the impending birth of her friend Madison's baby, which she fears will not survive. Kira's scientific curiosity and willingness to take risks set her apart, but her determination often puts her at odds with those around her, including her boyfriend Marcus. Her journey is one of self-discovery and courage, as she grapples with her identity as a Partial and the implications of her existence.

Marcus Valencio

Marcus is Kira's boyfriend, a fellow medic who is deeply concerned for her safety. He is pragmatic and cautious, fearing the futility of Kira's mission and the risks involved. Despite his love for Kira, he struggles to support her plan to capture a Partial, leading to tension in their relationship. Marcus's love for Kira is unwavering, but their relationship is tested by the revelations of her Partial identity. His journey is one of acceptance and understanding, as he learns to navigate the complexities of love and loyalty in a world on the brink of change.

Samm

Samm is the Partial captured by Kira and her team, brought back to Long Island for study. Despite being a prisoner, Samm is calm and calculating, revealing little about his true intentions. His connection to Kira is complex, rooted in shared goals and hidden truths. As a Partial, Samm embodies the struggle for survival and the hope for peace. His actions reveal a deep sense of loyalty and a desire to bridge the gap between humans and Partials, even as he grapples with his own identity.

Jayden Van Rijn

Jayden is a skilled soldier and Kira's ally in the mission to capture a Partial. He is fiercely loyal to his friends and willing to risk everything for the chance to save humanity. Jayden's military training and strategic mind make him an invaluable asset to the team, but his loyalty is tested as the mission unfolds. He must navigate the complexities of leadership and the moral implications of their actions, all while facing the potential consequences of defying the Senate.

Haru Sato

Haru is Madison's husband and a key member of the mission to capture a Partial. His motivation is deeply personal, driven by the desire to save his unborn child from the fate of so many others. Haru's skepticism and protective nature create tension within the group, as he struggles to reconcile his fears with the hope offered by Kira's cure. His journey is one of transformation, as he learns to trust and embrace the possibility of a future free from RM.

Madison

Madison is Kira's friend and Haru's wife, pregnant with a child that may not survive due to RM. Her pregnancy is a driving force behind Kira's determination to find a cure, as Madison represents the hope and fear of all expectant mothers in East Meadow. Madison's role as a mother fighting for her child's survival embodies the emotional core of the story. Her trust in Kira and her willingness to defy the odds make her a powerful symbol of hope and resilience.

Dr. Morgan

Dr. Morgan represents the darker side of Partial society, driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and control. Her experiments on Kira reveal the extent of her ambition and the lengths she will go to achieve her goals. Morgan's character serves as a foil to Kira, highlighting the ethical dilemmas at the heart of the story and the potential for both destruction and salvation.

Isolde

Isolde is Kira's friend and an assistant to Senator Hobb. She provides Kira with valuable information and support, helping her navigate the political landscape of East Meadow. Isolde's loyalty to Kira is unwavering, but her position within the Senate places her in a difficult position. She must balance her friendship with Kira and her duties to the Senate, all while grappling with the ethical implications of their actions.

Senator Hobb

Senator Hobb is a charismatic and influential leader within the Senate, known for his charm and ability to sway public opinion. He is a key figure in the decision to allow Kira to study Samm, recognizing the potential for a breakthrough in curing RM. Hobb's motives are complex, as he must balance the needs of the people with the potential threat posed by the Partial. His leadership is crucial in navigating the political tensions within East Meadow.

Xochi

Xochi is Kira's friend, known for her fiery personality and rebellious spirit. She is outspoken and unafraid to challenge authority, often clashing with those around her. Xochi's skepticism of the Senate and the Defense Grid reflects the growing discontent within East Meadow, as she questions the motives and actions of those in power. Her friendship with Kira provides support and encouragement, but her rebellious nature also poses a risk to their mission.

Plot Devices

RM Virus

The RM Virus is a central plot device, responsible for the near extinction of humanity. It kills newborns within days, leaving the survivors on Long Island desperate for a cure. The virus is a constant threat, driving the actions of the characters and the oppressive policies of the Hope Act. Its origins and nature are shrouded in mystery, with conflicting accounts of its release and purpose. The quest to understand and cure RM is the driving force behind Kira's mission and the central conflict of the story.

Hope Act

The Hope Act is a government policy that mandates pregnancies in an attempt to find an immune child. It is a source of tension and conflict within East Meadow, as it forces young women to become pregnant despite the high likelihood of their children dying. The Act represents the desperation of the survivors and the lengths they are willing to go to ensure humanity's survival. It is a catalyst for rebellion and dissent, as characters like Kira and Xochi question its morality and effectiveness.

Partials

Partials are genetically engineered beings created to serve humans, but they turned against their creators in a devastating war. They are immune to RM, making them a potential key to finding a cure. The capture and study of a Partial, Samm, is central to the plot, as Kira seeks to understand their immunity and uncover the truth about the virus. The Partials' role in humanity's downfall is complex and ambiguous, raising questions about their true nature and intentions.

Senate

The Senate is the governing body of East Meadow, responsible for enforcing the Hope Act and maintaining order. It is a source of authority and control, but also of secrecy and manipulation. The Senate's motives are questioned throughout the story, as characters like Kira and Xochi challenge their decisions and actions. The Senate's role in the plot highlights the tension between authority and rebellion, as well as the ethical dilemmas faced by those in power.

Manhattan Mission

The Manhattan Mission to capture a Partial is a pivotal plot device, driving the action and conflict of the story. It is a dangerous and unauthorized mission, undertaken by Kira and her friends in a desperate attempt to find a cure for RM. The mission tests the characters' loyalty, courage, and resolve, as they navigate enemy territory and face the consequences of their actions. The capture of Samm sets the stage for the exploration of Partial physiology and the potential for a breakthrough in curing RM.

Partial Pheromone

The discovery of the Partial Pheromone as a cure for RM is a pivotal plot device, driving the narrative and shaping the characters' actions. Its existence raises questions about the nature of the Partials and their connection to humanity. The pheromone symbolizes hope and the potential for unity, but also the ethical dilemmas of using one species to save another.

The Trust

The Trust is a shadowy organization that looms over the narrative, representing the unknown forces behind the Partials' creation. Their motives and goals are shrouded in mystery, driving Kira's quest for answers. The Trust serves as a symbol of the hidden truths and complex relationships that define the world of Partials, challenging the characters to confront their past and shape their future.

Analysis

"Partials" by Dan Wells delves into themes of identity, survival, and the ethical dilemmas of scientific advancement. The story challenges the notion of what it means to be human, as Kira grapples with her Partial identity and the implications of her existence. The narrative explores the tension between authority and rebellion, as characters navigate a world on the brink of extinction. The quest for a cure for RM serves as a metaphor for the search for hope and redemption in a fractured society. Through Kira's journey, the book examines the complexities of loyalty, love, and the relentless pursuit of a better world.

Last updated: February 25, 2025