This book isn't your typical teen dystopian story, which was kind of refreshing. However, it's a bit slow at first... it really doesn't get good until page 120. But, I'm glad I kept going with it, because the next 300 pages were REALLY good! Looking forward to the sequel.

This is a bit slow overall, but it's an extremely intense book. I do not mean "intense" as in "action-packed-your-heart-is-about-to-jump-out-of-your-chest" intense, but it sure is an attention grabber. To really immerse yourself into the plot and characters, I recommend finding a nice, cozy, and quiet spot to read, where you won't be disturbed for hours. The novel really creates vivid images; in addition, the plot is nicely not (as) predictable, with only a miniscule dab of romance toward the end, which is very welcomed, compared to other more popular apocalyptic/dystopian novels you see today. The world Baggott creates is definitely unique: the end of the world is brought upon by a self-acclaimed, mad-scientist "elite" who wants to purge the population and start anew. The unlucky ones are left in a dying landscape, fused with whatever was close at the time. The title "pure" is an ironic oxymoron itself. the author also used alternating narrating to the utmost perfection, I must add. Highly recommended.