Never Fade (The Darkest Minds #2) by Alexandra Bracken Review

Name: Never Fade (The Darkest Minds #2)

Authors: Alexandra Bracken
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Release Date: October 15th, 2013

Format: Hardcover
Buy the book on Amazon
507 pages

Summary:
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?

Goodreads

My Review:

Oftentimes I find that sequels don’t live up to their imagined hype—sometimes the characters turn two-dimensional, the plot strays from its potential, the writing goes weak.  However, this was absolutely not the case with Never Fade.  It was just as good as the first book, and I loved every minute of reading it.

The characters grew and changed even more than I had expected.  I love Ruby as a character, not only for her bravery and strength, but also for her resilience.  I feel like Ruby develops and grows almost two or three times every book.  Whenever a big problem occurs, she rises to the occasion.  More importantly, she surprises me.  I also adored the supporting characters, both new and old.  Little Jude always kept me laughing during stressful situations, Vida’s intense personality never failed to keep me entertained, and Cate grew on me much faster than I expected.  And of course, I loved bad-boy Cole.  Some of the highlights of this book were interactions with some of the old characters.  I don’t want to spoil anything, but there were always huge scenes when these characters came back, each of which were wildly entertaining.

The plot was so captivating and developed so quickly, and Bracken’s writing was wonderful as always.  I read this book in one or two sittings, hardly able to put it down even for a meal.  I could never have predicted all of the twists and turns that occurred throughout this book, and books that surprise me are always my favorite.  I would highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of YA dystopian books, and if you have not read the first book in this series, The Darkest Minds, you should definitely pick up a copy.  I can’t wait to read the third book!!

My Rating: