The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Cira | Allentown High School, Grade 11

Rating: *****

The Darkest Minds tells the story of a world where half of the children in America have died of a disease. Those who survived were thought to be the lucky ones, until they were locked up. The survivors didn’t just survive, but developed strange new abilities that spread fear through the country. Ruby was one of these survivors. At the age of ten, she woke up and was locked in her garage, confiscated and sent to Camp Thurmond. The children are divided into colors based on their abilities: green, blue, yellow, and the dangerous ones: red and orange. Ruby has to figure out how to protect herself and survive, especially when she figures out she’s an orange. When Ruby seizes an opportunity to escape Thurmond, she searches for a safe haven: The East River. She unexpectedly meets a group of kids who have also escaped and joins them, concealing her true powers. Ruby finds herself growing close to the group and falling hard for Liam. She can’t afford for them to learn her true abilities, but as they venture on their journey and face many obstacles, Ruby has to consider what’s truly important.

Ruby’s story was truly very empowering and inspiring, and delivered to readers a powerful message about identity. I also fell in love with the dynamic of Ruby and her new friend group. It was heartwarming to see such a strong bond built between kids who have been shown such cruelty from the world, and fill that void with their love for eachother. Ruby and Liam’s relationship is full of swoon worthy moments for a hopeless romantic like myself. This book is a terrific science fiction novel that is very developed and easy to emerge yourself in. I was fully invested and loved the rest of the series!