Book Review: Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

Never Fade (The Darkest Minds #2)
Author:  Alexandra Bracken
Publisher:  Disney-Hypersion, 512 pages
Expected Publication Date:  October 15, 2013


From Goodreads:
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: 
Ruby has come a long way.  She's going through a lot, trying to stay strong, grow into her powers, but at the same time she feels like using her abilities is wrong and it scares her.  She is doing her best to protect the people she loves, but she is constantly questioning her decisions.  Still, she is literally kick-ass in this book.  

There are old characters that come back for this book. Chubs, how I love Chubs.  Liam.  I almost cannot talk about how much I love Liam.  I won't spoil anything, but what happens between him and Ruby was just so....(By the way, the ending of The Darkest Minds just killed me.  I understood why Ruby did what she did, but still.  Killed me).

Clancy, just ugh.  

Then there are new characters, like Vida.  Feisty.  I loved her interactions with Chub, quite funny.  Jude, what a great character.  He's like Ruby's little brother, so open and naive, so trusting.  And Cole, Liam's brother.  We'll just have to see about him.

Words cannot express how much I loved this book!  I was overwhelmed.  My emotions were all over the place.  I had to put it down sometimes and walk away (of course, I still read it in one day).  The plot is so action packed and fast paced, with many twists and turns.  I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it.  

It's even better than the first one!  And that just usually doesn't happen with sequels.

Posted by:  Pam