BOOK REVIEW: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Title: The Darkest Minds

Author: Alexandra Bracken

Publication Date: October 22, 2013

Print Length: 488 pages

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Summary: When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something frightening enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that got her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that had killed most of America’s children, but she and the others emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they could not control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones. When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. She is on the run, desperate to find the only safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who have escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents. When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at having a life worth living.

My Review: I LOVED LOVED LOVED (did I say LOVED) this book! I almost didn't read it. All the reviews I read on Goodreads about this book were split down the middle. It either got 5 stars or 1 star. People either LOVED LOVED it (like me) or Hated it. Personally, I enjoyed this book immensely.

First, the way Alexandra writes is beautiful. She is so descriptive. I mean, down to every detail. I could see the whole scene and characters with such detail it was more like watching a movie then reading a book. She has a poetic flow to her writing that kept me interested from page one.

Second, the story and the characters were so interesting. Like I said before I was hooked from page one. And for the first time in a while I found myself really feeling for the characters. I love Ruby's strength and attitude. In the beginning, yes she is a little soft but who wouldn't be. Anyways, Ruby and Liam and Chubs and Zu. All of them. I wanted to reach in the book and make things good right for them so bad. BTW The idea of the powers that these kids had were amazing.

There were certain areas that moved a little slow for me (her first few interactions with the Slip Kid) but as I continued reading I understood why those moments were there and the picture she was painting. Although, it was a little slow it was necessary to understand his character and how everyone saw him.

Anyways, I couldn't stop reading this book. I wanted to do nothing but read, read, read all day. Once I got to the end I slowed down because I knew I didn't have the next book and I hate to wait. I ordered the next two books. If you like YA dystopian novels you will love this book! Promise.