I definitely was not disappointed. The Darkest Minds was different from any YA dystopian book I've ever read. While other dystopias (Divergent, the Hunger Games) have certainly had their gruesome moments, the Darkest Minds creates such a dark and eerie world that it is actually believeable. I could totally imagine this kind of thing happening, which is a very rare thing to be able to say about a dystopian novel.
Plot:
When Ruby wakes up on her tenth birthday, she has changed. So much so that her parents lock her up in the garage and ship her off to a 'rehabilitation camp'. It turns out that Ruby has survived a horrific disease called the IAAN which has been killing children as soon as they turn 10 years old. Not only as she managed to survive this disease, but now she possess special abilities along with many other children who have survived this disease. Not knowing what to do with these special children (or 'freaks' as they are called) the government decides the best thing to do is ship them off to camp where they are worked to their hardest and treated like prisoners.
This book was very hard to put down! Just when I was finishing up one chapter, something else would happen and I would find myself flicking eagerly through the next pages to find out what was going on. Alexandra Bracken paced this book perfectly, leaving the reader wanting more and more and keeping them in constant suspense. Some moments could be very harsh, but that's what I liked most about the book. It didn't shy away from death, violence or sadistic moments. Especially the treatment of the children in the camps.
My heart broke reading about how these kids were treated. Especially Ruby. From being carted off to a camp when she was 10 years old, being abandoned by her parents and losing one of the only friends she had left, Ruby really has been through it all. Even after going through such horrendous ordeals, she does not whine or complain once. I admire Ruby for her strength and courage and think she is a great role model for the YA audience.
I think my favourite part of the book was the relationships which developed between the characters. I loved loved loved the relationship between Ruby and Chubs! They were both very bead strong and determined to do what they could to protect the people they love, which ultimately brought them closer.
Of course I loved Liam! He is such a refreshing love interest. Instead of being creepy, mysterious and cocky he is a sweet, kind, caring boy who has developed the role of a leader within his small group of friends. He makes mistakes, suffers the consequences and most of all he is realistic! Round of applause for Alexandra Bracken for creating a boy who is not a sexy vampire/alien/werewolf, just a normal guy.
Suzume was also a great character. She seems almost too innocent to be living in such a terrifying world. One scene between her and Ruby in particular really warmed my heart, it was so nice to see them bonding and finding a sense of happiness, even if it was only for a little while.
I would recommend this book if you like more darkest dystopians, a fast paced plot, loveable characters and a swoon-worthy love interested!
5/5 Stars.
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