The Darkest Minds
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication Date: Dec. 18, 2012
Pages: 496
Series: The Darkest Minds, book one
Source: NetGalley… and Erica
About the Book: When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.
Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.
When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who 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 a life worth living.
My Thoughts: When I heard about this book I knew I had to check it out. First, I knew if I didn’t Erica maybe wouldn’t be friends with me anymore! She has been telling me for a couple of years that I need to read Bracken’s first book Brightly Woven. I have been meaning to, really. I can just never seem to find the time! Second, the summary just sounds plain awesome (also, Erica read this one and raved about it too!) Combine those reasons and that’s a lot for one book to live up to! Thankfully The Darkest Minds does just that.
I was so interested in the teen characters and how they got to be the way they are. What caused so many children to die so young? Why did some survive? What’s the scope of their abilities? Where did the abilities come from? Why do some seem to see these abilities as a gift and others as a curse? So. Many. Questions. I just wanted to know all the things! It certainly kept me engrossed in the story.
As I was reading the book I just kept thinking how much my students are going to like it. It’s got all the things they are always asking for… mystery, adventure, action, and even a bit of romance. The story is fast paced and has interesting characters. As a reader you are given enough information to start to piece the story together but there is still intrigue and twists that keep you guessing.
The Darkest Minds is sure to be a hit with those looking for a thriller that has a bit of a different spin. I know it’s going to be flying off the shelves in my library!
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