
Review: THE DARKEST MINDS // smushed brain and kickass-ness
Title: The Darkest Minds
Series: The Darkest Minds book #1
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Page count: 528
Date published: 18 December 2012
Genre: YA Urban fantasy & dystopian
Thank you to Pan MacMillan SA for sending this my way
Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)
GOODREADS SYNOPSIS:
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.
I AM NOT OKAY. THIS IS NOT FAIR!!I just went through a whirlwind of emotions and my brain does not know how to process. I picked this book up a while back but wasn’t really interested so I put it down for a later stage. But the trailer for the movie dropped a few days ago and I was on a high from super power/dystopian so immediately had to pick it up. This book was so action packed and I loved all the characters. I was on edge the entire time and I just can’t contain my love for this book. The humour was great and I laughed quite a lot. The romance was adorable and subtle but made my heart scream and ache at the same time. The whole premise of the book was so well done and I can’t even. It is a very slow book but you can also can’t stop reading. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
The plot was done so well omg! Alexandra Bracken did such a great job with it and it’s such a good debut. It’s very slow going but I stuck it for the characters because I was that invested. I also loved the writing. The characters are by far my favourite aspect of the story (obviously) because ya’ll know me. Also like basically all the main characters have some role in my life because not only is my name also Ruby but I also know a Liam and a Chubs…
I loved Chubs. He’s adorable. I knew he didn’t hate Ruby. He turned out to be such a great character and I cared for him more than I expected to. I also love Zu, she’s precious. I’m so hyped to see where her character goes and when we’ll see her again.
Can we just take a minute to appreciate the humour and wit in this book? IT WAS BRILLIANT AND FANTASTIC AND I JUST ADOREDDDD IT!!!
I actually hate Clancy and I knew from the start that he was not trustworthy. I actually want to punch him. What the actual heck! What kind of person are you?! I literally hated him with a burning passion and I assume he’ll be in the next book and I am not looking forward to him.
Ruby is such a good main character. It takes a little bit for her to become less frustrating and for her to be comfortable in her own skin. She’s such a brave character and she tries to what’s best for the people cares about. I really just want to cry for her because of all she’s gone through. Like I wouldn’t want to be any of those kids.
I’ve saved the best for last because of course, I have yet another huge on Liam Stewart. Liam is such a precious little muffin and I’m not kidding when I say I want to cry. He warms my heart and I just want to give him all the hugs. I cannot express enough my love for this boy. He’s not only funny but caring and I can’t. I also am so impressed with how the romance was so subtle yet still there enough to tear my heart into pieces. LIAM IS THE SWEETEST!
This book is so good omg and I HIGHLY recommend you read so you can fangirl with me
HAVE YOU READ THIS YET? DID YOU LIKE IT? WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTERS? LET ME KNOW!
xo


9 Comments
jamie @BubblyBooks
OMG I also loved this book!! (liam LIAM!!) Also adored CHUBS he is SO funny and all of them together… perfection!! Have you seen the trailer yet for the movie? Great review (hope you love the second one!)
Ruby Rae Reads
Thank you. Liammmm 😍 and Chubs!!! I have… it’s why I wanted to read them so bad 🙂
nerdyelite
I haven’t read it but I think I have it in my tbr. I’ll have to check it out!
Ruby Rae Reads
YOU HAVE TO READ IT!! So. Good.
nerdyelite
I will see what I can do! I have 10 books sitting waiting on me to read them already 😅
Ruby Rae Reads
Oh haha… reader struggles
nerdyelite
Don’t I know it. 🙈 My tbr grows daily.
Ilsen Leon
Omg I loved The Darkest Minds!! I’m hoping to get to Never Fade soon! But I love Ruby and Liam and Chubs and Zu! I love the whole gang together and yes Clancy is a creep! I really enjoyed reading it and I can’t wait for Never Fade! Also the ending tore me apart.
Ruby
Ahh yes you have to! The ending left my heart shattered 🙁