A Darkest Minds Novel: The Darkest Minds: Book 1

I'm a bit on the the fence with regards to this book. There were parts of it that I did really enjoy but the novel still did have a lot of problems. To begin with the positive, I really did like the world building. With the state of things in the world at present, the concept of children being whisked away to concentration camps touched very close to home, as did the way that the media tried to spin these work camps as fluffy "rehabilitation" centres.I also liked the gradual way that the world unfurled to the reader. Although the opening chapters were a bit confusing in places, the novel avoids exposition by slowly revealing the state of things. Due to this, it felt like a very immersive world. Ruby's narrative assumes that the reader is part of the story, and therefore does not need the distinction between the different "colours" explaining to them. The distinctions between reds, oranges, yellows, greens and blues slowly becomes apparent to the reader as the story progresses, as does the slow reveal of the state of things.Ruby's narrative also has a lot of heart in it - a naive optimism that her life can go back to the way it was that is slowly squashed as she discovers what the world has become. The Darkest Minds is not a happy novel. While always age appropriate, there is not a lot of hope to be found for the characters. The world for kids is dark and unwelcoming, filled with danger and potential death. Throughout the novel, Ruby and her friends are constantly hunted by adults and in constant danger from attacks by other suspicious tribes of kids. Any hope that is to be found within the tale is usually quickly squashed.Yet my first issues came in the story in terms of its pacing. For its length, not a lot actually happens within the story. While there are exciting moments, such as Ruby's early escape from the camp, there are long stretches of the protagonists just travelling or sitting around in conversation. When action does happen, its often hard to follow due to the way that the perspective is firmly fixed with Ruby (who generally has no idea of what is going on). Often, I found myself confused by what had happened until Ruby surveyed the aftermath.The novel ultimately did not really go anywhere. While Ruby flees from her "rescuers" early in the novel, she takes with her a panic button that can summon these people if she gets in trouble. From the way that the novel reminded the reader of this button's existence at key points, it was very clear that the story from that point was a bit of a cul-de-sac that would lead back to an obvious reunion. The ending of the novel was sad, but very open. There is no closure to be had in the story as it is clearly just intended to be the introduction to a longer series.In terms of characterisation, I also had several problems. Ruby is a likeable and sympathetic protagonist, but seemed far too mature and savvy for someone who had spent six years in a camp and received no education (or interacted with any boys) since she was ten. While I did like her a lot, her insta-love relationship with Liam really came out of nowhere and was reciprocated almost instantly. I was also disappointed that we did not see more of her learning to use her powers. Her time spent with Clancy was largely off page and occurred over a non-specified time period.The other protagonists also had varying degrees of development. While we do learn more about Liam, Chubs and Zu as the story progresses, the story seemed to have some gaping holes that were not explored. When did Zu lose her voice? Why was Chubs so reluctant to lose his power? Why were the characters so painfully unaware of Jack's situation? What did the flashes that Ruby saw in Cate's mind mean? Hopefully, these are things that will be addressed in a future novel.I also felt that Clancy was introduced far too late in the novel to build any true sense of threat. The danger that he poses in the story feels very small potatoes, and is only really felt in the novel's final quarter. Again, this is something that I am sure will be focused on in future novels but was not felt much here.So, all in all, I was left feeling unimpressed. I did not dislike this story, but I was not blow away either. However, it does show potential and I will certainly be reading on to see if things pick up in the next volume.

WHAT !!!! No Wait?!?! That's it ????? I'm sorry but it can't just finish like that...... come on !!!!!!!!Holy crap bags Batman this book is sooo good.I mean this is actually a bump into someone on purpose, just to be able to talk to someone about it good.So this is a normal little girls story. We shall call her Ruby.Now Ruby is just about to have her 10th birthday and dang it, she manages to wipe her parents memories just by giving them a kiss on their cheeks as they are sleeping.Ruby is an Orange! !!Kids are basically dropping dead around about 10yrs old and up, not all of them do though and they develop these powers that range from electricity to mind control.So, after they report a stranger ( but not really ) in their kitchen, Rubys parents ship her off to a camp to "help" her to get better.The camps are supposed to be a good thing and parents willingly send their children however the kids are treated like cattle.Depending on the power they are put into groups green, yellow, orange blue and red.After escaping from the camp Ruby meets up with Chubs, Zu and Liam (swoon).These guys are amazing and their friendship blooms before our eyes.This book is filled with everything, friendship, love, loss and betrayal.DROP WHAT EVER YOU ARE DOING AND READ THIS BOOK NOW

The story in general was absolutely brilliant and I really ended up feeling an emotional attachment to every character by the end of the story. The world building is also great and whilst I was reading I could vividly imagine every setting so clearly in my head. However the ending will thoroughly piss you off and in my opinion it defeats the point of one of the biggest plot lines in the story to do with Ruby. So be warned that in general it is a great read and I would highly recommend it but the ending ruined the story for me and I felt that I wasted my money buying the second book as the ending to the first pissed me off so much that I didn’t even want to read the next one because I hated ruby so much that I couldn’t care less what happened to her after the ending of book one.

Even though the beginning was a bit slow, explaining everything and whatnot, once Ruby found the guys I was absolutely gripped. The story was filled with light moments, making me laugh, and intense moments that kept me turning the pages for more.I love Zu and Chubs,, but above all I love Liam and Ruby and what they have together.

I read this with my 9 years old son. We both really enjoyed it. Now off to buy the 2nd one.