Pure Intent Novels & Stories

Pure by Julianna Baggott is this haunting, beautifully crafted dystopian novel that stuck with me for weeks after reading. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic world where society is divided into the 'Pure'—those who escaped the devastation inside the Dome—and the 'wretched,' who survived outside but were mutated by the cataclysm. The story follows Pressia, a girl with a doll’s head fused to her hand, and Partridge, a Pure boy who ventures outside the Dome to find his mother. The way Baggott blends body horror with tender moments of humanity is just incredible. It’s not just about survival; it’s about what it means to be human when your world is irrevocably broken.

The relationships in 'Pure' are so raw and real. Pressia’s bond with Bradwell, a resistance fighter with wings fused to his back, and her grandfather, who hides his own mutations, adds layers of emotional depth. The book explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the corrupting nature of power. What really got me was how the mutations aren’t just physical—they mirror the characters’ emotional scars. The pacing is relentless, but it never sacrifices character development for action. If you’re into dystopias with heart, this one’s a must-read.