The Darkest Minds Series: Never Fade

You can’t not fall in love with Ruby, the protagonist. I could end my review of Never Fade, book two of The Darkest Minds Series, by Alexandra Bracken, a low fantasy young adult trilogy about teens with powers trying to right their pasts and carve out a future, right there. Don’t worry; I won’t. But I could if I wanted to.

Once again, the plot eases into itself to make room for new characters, each as unique and eye-catching as the old ones. Sweetheart Jude clashes with bold, fiercely protective Vida, and indecisive yet caring Ruby battles with quiet Nico. Bracken does an excellent job melding the old and new characters together, allowing each personality to come through while staying true to the plot.

Suspense is what drives every good novel. Bracken introduces two points of anticipation for the reader to chew on. The first is Cole Stewart, Ruby’s exish-boyfriend’s brother who works with her, making everything extra tense and awkward. The term exish reveals the second point: Ruby removing her boyfriend’s memories. How that eventually unfolds, no one sees coming.

As always, the plot refuses to disappoint. It loops and twists and picks up in all the right places, knowing when to pull at a person’s heartstrings and when to hit the accelerator with action.

I love the setting for this thing, that it’s all over the place. It helps reflect Ruby’s internal struggle, that she’s not sure who she belongs with and which group she’s loyal to once it has to become a choice.

Bracken outdoes herself with a stellar second novel.

Recommended for anyone who wants something real in a fantasy novel.

--Grace Nask