The Darkest Minds Series: The Darkest Minds

I know this is a terrible practice, but I don’t usually reread stories due to my stupidly good memory that can remember plots for years. However, I made an exception with The Darkest Minds, by Alexandra Bracken, a low fantasy young adult novel about kids with crazy powers trying to make their way in the world.

For my sanity’s sake, I will review the original trilogy without the novellas and book in Zu’s perspective. They are also great, but trying to track down what goes where and which reading services offer which books would be a logistical nightmare.

Anyway, onto the actual book I’m reviewing today. Bracken created a fantastic story. It’s hard not to fall in love with each of the “core four”, from sweet Zu to endearing Liam to conflicted yet honest Ruby, our main character, and righteous Chubs that worries too much. The small cast and gently paced plot allows each to blossom and unfold with a lot of characterization, until you want to hang out with every one of them.

The plot is realistic. That’s a crazy thing to say about a low fantasy dystopian, but you know what I mean. One of my favorite aspects of The Darkest Minds is that Ruby doesn’t have all the answers; she doesn’t always get to save the day. Bracken takes into account the limitations of a single person and applies them in a way some authors neglect. Of course, the four of them still do plenty, making the plot rich and entertaining.

I’m sure I’ve said it before, but every good story needs a secret or a time bomb. Ruby’s secret that she keeps from the other three heighten the suspense of the pages, forcing the reader to keep turning to figure out what happens once it gets out.

The syntax of the piece creates, if possible, more drama than before. It also gives brilliant insight into Ruby’s mind.

You can tell Bracken spent a lot of time crafting this piece. A well thought out and wonderful read. It’s a keeper for sure.

“Hopefully the girl knew well enough to hide herself when Cate and Rob ran after me. I’d lead them as far away as I could--it was the least I could do after scaring a few years off her life. // I hadn’t even fully turned to go when I heard the door roll open behind me. … The door roared shut behind me.”

Recommended for anyone who needs some fictional characters to fall in love with and cry over.

--Grace Nask