Series Review - Darkest Minds Trilogy

The Darkest Minds Trilogy

Alexandra Bracken

7 Stars
YA / Dystopian / Mystery / Action /
Easy Read

This was one of those overly hyped series yet again. As always that makes me wary of reading the novels because of how high my expectations are and how often the books then fall short (even if they are great books). I was really pleased with how the series progressed, I had labeled these as a younger YA then what they turned out to be. There are some pretty heavy topics interwoven into the story, including big influences from such as WW2, prisoner of war, and genocide. I will definitely be recommending these books.

The Darkest Minds

6 Stars
This is my original Book Review.  I will be adding to it as my opinions have morphed a little since.

I found the writing and the concept of the story to be everything promised by avid fans. The plot however was painfully slow and the characters are largely unappealing. Personally I found Ruby's story was told so well. It is shame her character is so repetitive, while it draws out understanding and connection in the beginning, that quickly fades into whining and frustration on the readers behalf. Liam I thought very little of, I believe he is overly sensitive and naive. An alright character but a poor love interest in this case.

I struggled to finish this novel but did want to continue the series.

Beware SPOILERS!



Never Fade
7 Stars

The second novel completely eclipsed the first. Instead of picking up right where book one left off there was a bit of a time gap. In that "lost time" the characters - Ruby specifically - did some much needed growing up, there is a new depth that was lacking in the first novel. I am pleasantly shocked at how much the writing changed, Bracken went from your typical YA author to someone to look out for.

A much faster pace, a needed host of more likeable characters. A worthy opponent and some of the answers that I was looking for in the first novel. I found all the unanswered questions in the first novel distracting and confusing instead of mysterious as I think was intended. "Sometimes saying nothing it better than saying to much"

In The After Light
7 stars

With the Children's League in shattered after an extermination attempt by President Grey that leaves many of the leading members dead. Ruby and Cole from a united-front keeping the others safe and cared for while the lines between ally and enemy are blurred. Liam wants to solve the problem with negotiations, media and relative peace. Cole is unwilling to wait on help that may or may not materialize; he plans to break into the camps and free the children by force if that it was it takes. The American people have had opportunities to act and turned a blind eye ; they split the group yet again with Ruby caught in the middle.

I was really anticipating the ending, and overall I am very impressed. A solid finale even if it wasn't perfect. The action continued from the second novel although it did waver a bit and slow down about a third of the way in. A few very nice plot twists that you only half expected.