TITLE: Never Fade
AUTHOR: Alexandra Bracken
SERIES: The Darkest Minds #2
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
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RATING:
Ruby never asked for the abilities that almost cost her her life. Now she must call upon them on a daily basis, leading dangerous missions to bring down a corrupt government and breaking into the minds of her enemies. Other kids in the Children’s League call Ruby “Leader”, but she knows what she really is: a monster.
When Ruby is entrusted with an explosive secret, she must embark on her most dangerous mission yet: leaving the Children’s League behind. Crucial information about the disease that killed most of America’s children—and turned Ruby and the others who lived into feared and hated outcasts—has survived every attempt to destroy it. But the truth is only saved in one place: a flashdrive in the hands of Liam Stewart, the boy Ruby once believed was her future—and who now wouldn’t recognize her.
As Ruby sets out across a desperate, lawless country to find Liam—and answers about the catastrophe that has ripped both her life and America apart—she is torn between old friends and the promise she made to serve the League. Ruby will do anything to protect the people she loves. But what if winning the war means losing herself?
Review:
What did I just read? I mean that in a good way. Never Fade blew me away. It is definitely one of the best sequels I’ve ever read. Needless to say, the Darkest Minds trilogy did not experience the horrors of Second Book Syndrome.
Like The Darkest Minds, one thing that stood out in Never Fade is the character development and the relationships that develop between characters. I especially enjoyed reading about the friendship of Ruby and Chubs. I love how their relationship is really intricately written and emotionally deep but it is still purely platonic and not romantic what so ever. Which let’s face, is, unfortunately, rare in YA these days.
Never Fade starts after a little time after the ending of The Darkest Minds and introduces two new characters to the series – Vida and Jude. I really liked Vida and her “venom”. I found her “don’t give a crap” crude and crass attitude refreshing and a great contrast with the attitudes of other characters. I found Jude a little annoying but he did grow on me. I just thought he comes off as a bit… clingy, a bit immature, and maybe a little too innocent. He really reminds me of Zu, who is sadly kind of absent in this book. I miss her. I also want need more backstory on Liam and Cole. I need more okay? Perhaps a novella? Please Alex?
The plot was very very exciting. It had loads and loads of drama and action. I could not stop flipping the pages. I really liked how Alex kind of dropped little hints and clues of certain things throughout the story and how all the puzzle pieces all perfectly fit together at the end. Everything added up which was super duper nice.
But do you know what was not nice? How much this book made me cry. I’m just going to leave it at that because spoilers. View Spoiler »
In Conclusion…
Never Fade is an excellent sequel to The Darkest Minds. The plot is drama filled and action packed and brought tears (of sadness) to my eyes. The characters are so beautifully well written and developed. I need to read the next book ASAP!
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| Overall: | 4.6 |
This is one sequel I need to read. I really loved The Darkest Minds. Thanks for reviewing, I know I need to pick it up now!