Book Review: Darkest Minds by Alexandria Bracken

Darkest Minds by Alexandria Bracken

Synopsis: 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 gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control. Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones. When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her-East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, 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. When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

Reviewed by Caitlin DeRoy

1. How would you classify this book? (For example: mystery, romance, graphic novel, etc)

Dystopia, Romance, Adventure, Action

2. What is this book about? (No spoilers here please!)

A girl named Ruby runs away from home. On the run from the government, she meets a band of kids trying to find a way to stop the government from their evil plans.

3. What convinced you to read this book?

Romance always attracts me to a book and the thought of adventure on top of that got me really excited!

4. Name one thing you didn’t like about this book. (No spoilers here, either.)

Some of the sentences didn’t make sense to me right away, something about the way they were written.

5. To whom would you recommend this book? Why?

Anyone who likes Divergent by Veronica Roth

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Book Review: The Selection

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Synopsis: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Reviewed by Caitlin DeRoy

1. How would you classify this book? (For example: mystery, romance, graphic novel, etc)

Drama, Dystopia, Romance

2. What is this book about? (No spoilers here please!)

This story is about a girl who leaves her family to be one out of 35 girls to be candidate for queen.

3. What convinced you to read this book?

I always look at the cover, and if I like it I read the synopsis. Sounded like a thrill when I read about a girl who leaves one environment and put into another, so I gave it a try and really enjoyed it.

4. Name one thing you didn’t like about this book. (No spoilers here, either.)

The different views of the relationships with the characters. I didn’t like that certain characters wouldn’t change their views no matter how much it would hurt others around them.

5. To whom would you recommend this book? Why?

I would recommend to anyone who loves a strong character. Kept me guessing and I couldn’t wait for more. It’s got a little of everything I would want in a book.

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If you want more of The Selection, check out the official book trailer: