The Darkest Minds

Darkest Minds, Book 1

By: Alexandra Bracken

Narrated by: Amy McFadden

Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Book one in the blockbuster Darkest Minds series—now with cover art from the major motion picture!

When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that got her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government "rehabilitation camp." She might have survived the mysterious disease that killed most of America's children, but she and the others emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

But when the truth about Ruby's abilities—the truth she's hidden from everyone, even the camp authorities—comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. On the run, she joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp: Zu, a young girl haunted by her past; Chubs, a standoffish brainiac; and Liam, their fearless leader, who is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can't risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

While they journey to find the one safe haven left for kids like them—East River—they must evade their determined pursuers, including an organization that will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. But as they get closer to grasping the things they've dreamed of, Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

©2012 Alexandra Bracken (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Amy McFadden doesn't have a lot of range

The story isn't terrible but the narrator, McFadden, doesn't help. She's almost monotone and when reading multiple characters, there's no change in how she reads one character to another. Makes it harder to follow and harder to enjoy, IMO

Entertaining

It was ok; very predictable and really nothing new we had not read in other novels of the same genre.

Current sobbing

Cried at work it was so sad at points, the narrator did a fantastic job

Everything I Didn't Even Know I Wanted

Would you consider the audio edition of The Darkest Minds to be better than the print version?

While I have not experienced the print version of this book, I was beyond impressed with Amy McFadden's reading. She gave the characters voices so distinct that at times, it sounded as though more than one person were reading.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I think Chubs and Vida are my favorite characters. They provide counterweights and levity to some of what goes on.

Any additional comments?

Being a fan of comic books, I was drawn to this book because it sounded very much like something I would find in one of the monthlies I read. It was that and more. Alexandra Bracken does an excellent job at defining her characters. So much to the point that when they make a leap to something that might seem otherwise illogical, it makes perfect sense based on what she had established for that character.

There is nothing about this book I don't like-slash-love. I've already consumed both this and Never Fade and I'm eagerly awaiting the follow up.

Could have been better

What did you like best about this story?

I read this book after reading Red Queen, so it was a nice contrast from that story. I was really happy with how likeable Liam was. So many YA books have a rude, arrogant male love interest, and it was nice to actually want to fall in love with this one. The beginning and the middle of the book were adventurous and fun to read, but the ending left me feeling disappointed.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was really upset about the rape. None of the reviews I'd read before purchasing the book had mentioned it and it really bothered me. It wasn't explicit but it does happen and the story would have been better without it.

Great book did not like the ending

I really liked the story, the plot was fantastic,but the ending was very disappointing.

it was ok but. . . .

I appreciated it not following the typical storyline of most historian young adults. I did find it enjoyable. But to many times I found myself checking to see if it was almost over. I was also very frustrated over her fear of her own abilities. I get her accidental use of them was harmful and scared her, but practice makes perfect. Everyone knows that. I won't be finishing the series.

Riveting

So much sadder and more emotional than I expected. The narrator did a great job inciting emotions. I could have done without the bad accents but otherwise it was an enjoyable listen.

fantastic

This book was beautiful, I didn't want it to end.

The ending cut right through my heart.

great book

i disliked the person reading it, her voice made me want to rip my hair out


but ........... i absolutely LOVED the book