Review: Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

Title: Never Fade
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Series: The Darkest Minds, book #2
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: October 15, 2013
Source: received from publisher via Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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?

If it's been awhile since you read The Darkest Minds, I advise you to re-read or at least skim it to give yourself a recap.  A year between books means you could potentially forget some really important plot points, as I did.  It'll start coming back to you soon enough once the story gets going, but considering Ruby is in a different place entirely than when we left her in the first book, it took a bit for things to click for me.

Just as with The Darkest Minds, the pacing in this sequel is go-go-go.  In the opening chapters, you're thrust right back into the thick of things, only the characters don't feel familiar at all, as Ruby's running with a new crew now.  I didn't want to trust Ruby's companions in the League, and I definitely didn't want to trust Cole -- Liam's brother -- but I wasn't given a lot of choice in the matter.  I was really hoping the brother triangle wouldn't play out because even though that can be hot, a la the Salvatore brothers, I just thought what Ruby and Liam had in the first book was too damn special to ruin with this kind of plot device.  I am happy ecstatic to report that the author played it cool and earned herself a forever fan.  Cole is arrogant and presumptuous, but he has bigger plans than stealing his brother's girl.

There is just so much to love about this sequel, which I might have enjoyed even more than the first book. Which is saying a lot because I loved the first novel.  Some characters from the first book are noticeably absent, while others return to save the day -- or at least my feelings -- and some of the new characters even manage to worm their way into my heart, despite initial misgivings.  The government is out to get the League and so none of them are safe.  Ruby constantly battles the monster she believes she is.  And she trusts no one, least of all herself.  She's learning to use her power, but she's still not sure whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.

This book is an emotional roller coaster as well as a non-stop thrill ride.  It's explosive -- literally -- and a real page-turner.  I know people say that all the time in reviews, but I mean it.  I really couldn't turn the pages of this book fast enough....I devoured it, and now I need the next book in my hands because the not knowing what happens next is torture!  I really can't say much more about the book without giving anything away, but if you liked The Darkest Minds, you NEED to pick up Never Fade.  These books are definitely going in my permanent collection.

About the author:

Alexandra Bracken wrote Brightly Woven as a birthday present for a friend, and the story grew and flourished during a year of unpredictable, wild weather. A native of Arizona, she is a recent graduate of the College of William and Mary, where she majored in History and English. She now lives in New York City.

Find Alexandra:

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