84 pages • 2 hours read
The Darkest Minds
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Book Brief
528
Novel • Fiction
United States • Near Future
2012
YA
14-18 years
870L
Super Short Summary
In Alexandra Bracken's The Darkest Minds, teen protagonist Ruby escapes a government camp for children with special abilities and joins a group of fellow runaways led by the charismatic Liam. Together, they navigate a dangerous world while searching for a safe haven called East River. Exploring themes of generational conflict and the power of memory, Ruby struggles to control her powers and find trust and belonging.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
204,856 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken showcases strong character development and a gripping, fast-paced plot that captivates readers. Critics praise its immersive world-building and emotional depth; however, some find the pacing uneven and certain plot points predictable. This YA dystopian novel remains a compelling read overall.
Who Should Read The Darkest Minds?
A reader who enjoys The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken would likely be a fan of dystopian young adult fiction with strong, empowered protagonists. This audience typically appreciates novels like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Divergent by Veronica Roth, which blend action, suspense, and complex character dynamics.
204,856 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Liam Stewart
Liam Stewart
A charismatic and kind-hearted teenage boy who becomes Ruby's romantic interest, Liam shows natural leadership ability and is dedicated to protecting his friends.
Charles (Chubs) Meriwether
Charles (Chubs) Meriwether
A cautious and intelligent teenage boy who is initially wary of Ruby, Chubs values loyalty and friendship greatly and often uses sarcasm and wit in his interactions.
Suzume (Zu)
Suzume (Zu)
An 11-year-old girl who communicates through writing and gestures, Zu is warm and eager for connection with Ruby, and she possesses powerful abilities that she learns to manage over time.
Clancy Gray
Clancy Gray
A teenage boy with impressive abilities and the leader of the East River community, Clancy exhibits a charismatic demeanor and offers guidance to others, but his motivations are complex.
Dr. Cate Conner
Dr. Cate Conner
An adult character connected to the Children's League, Cate is portrayed as compassionate and helpful to Ruby but has ties to elements that complicate her role in the story.
528
Novel • Fiction
United States • Near Future
2012
YA
14-18 years
870L
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