This is a spoiler-free review on the first book in The Darkest Minds series. Keep reading to find out if you should read this book.
Synopsis
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 got her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that killed most of America’s children, but she and the others emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control. Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones. But when the truth about Ruby’s abilities—the truth she’s hidden from everyone, even the camp authorities—comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. On the run, she joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp: Zu, a young girl haunted by her past; Chubs, a standoffish brainiac; and Liam, their fearless leader, who 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. While they journey to find the one safe haven left for kids like them—East River—they must evade their determined pursuers, including an organization that will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. But as they get closer to grasping the things they’ve dreamed of, Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.
Review
This was a very quick and enjoyable read. I got pulled in fast and couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.
The world is dark and intense and it was tough reading about kids being enslaved. This is a fantasy book but it didn’t feel too far away from our world. I’m not usually a fan of dystopian worlds but the plot and the characters usually make up for it and that definitely happened here. It is the type of book where there are 3 different enemies. Even the good guys who say they are your friend are still your enemy.
I thought that the powers that the kids had were cool and I can’t believe Ruby managed to hide her abilities for so long. Since the main characters were on the run the whole time the story was very fast paced.
The characters were easy to love and very funny. I loved all of the nicknames and their little found family was so cute. I really enjoyed the romance between Liam and Ruby. Liam was so kind to Ruby and they had so many good moments together. I liked how it seemed to happened naturally and it didn’t feel forced at all.
The ending was devastating and hard to read. It makes me eagerly anticipate reading the next book but at the same time I’m too scared to find out what happens next. Overall I recommend giving this book a try, especially if you like dystopian books.