The Darkest Minds

The Darkest Minds
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Page Count: 488
Release Date: December 18, 2012
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Series: The Darkest Minds #1
Source: Christmas Present

Read the synopsis here on Goodreads.

My Review:

I heard a lot of hype about this book, so I decided it was one that I had to read. Luckily for me, I received it as a Christmas present.

For the most part, The Darkest Minds lived up to all of the raving. There were a few things I didn't like too much, but I'll address that later.

I truly enjoyed the storyline of this novel. While there are books out there with slightly similar plots, there is a great level of uniqueness to The Darkest Minds. When children turn 10 year old, there are subject to one of two thing; death or developing special abilities. Ruby ends up with special abilities. However, sometime drastic happens with her parents and she is shipped of to Thurmond, a "rehabilitation" center. After several years there, the operator of the camp figure out her secret and she is forced to escape. Along the way, she meat Liam, a fellow escapee from a different camp, and his friend. Together they search for a place that is supposed to be a haven for people like them and form bonds with each other along the way.

Alexandra Bracken does an amazing job with the character development in this novel. Ruby, the lead character, is a strong individual. She has basically been on her own for years and therefore she is able to stand up for herself. Yet, because of this, she is afraid to let herself get close with anyone. Liam is a great character, as well. He's strong and unlike Ruby, he is willing to get close to people. There were also great supporting characters in this novel. I especially liked Suzume.

As for the romance in this novel, it honestly didn't really go that far. After much time, Ruby is able to let her guard down just a little and let herself get close to Liam, but it honestly doesn't really go much farther than that.

Now for the ending, it was honestly the most disappointing part of the novel for me. Even though it cuts off a good place, I personally just don't like the way it went down.

There were a few points of The Darkest Minds that I didn't like. For starters, I didn't think there was enough explanation about the abilities of the different "color". While I was able to figure out what some of the "color" were capable of, I am still lost regarding the other. Also, there wasn't a lot of backstory to the novel. While you do eventually learn a bit about Ruby's past, I just don't feel like you learn enough and I was left confused a few times. Other than that, the novel was great.

When I first saw this novel, I didn't understand the cover at all. I had no idea what the symbol stood for. However, after reading the book, I now understand the cover and I like it.

I would definitely recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading the sequel.



Rating: 4/5

Review also posted on Goodreads.