Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken
Series: The Darkest Minds #2
Published by Disney Hyperion on October 15, 2013
Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia
Pages: 512 : Hardcover edition
Source: Received as a gift from Kavs!
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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?

WARNING: Review will contain spoilers from the first book in the series, The Darkest Minds

I must be a masochist or something because I continue to power through this series and continues to feel as if I’m getting punched in the stomach over and over. But I like it. I read Never Fade in the span of probably a total of 12 hours. I could not (and refused to) put it down for pretty much anything. Last night I finished reading this at 1 in the morning and I literally fell onto my bed in exhaustion and pain.

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If you take away one thing from this review let it be this: this book will wreck you. You thought everything was hunk dory? NOPE. I really appreciate that Never Fade didn’t have that “second book syndrome” where the second book is just sort of…meh. But Never Fade, exploded with excitement and adventure! When we left off at the end of The Darkest Minds Ruby and Liam were going their separate ways (*sob*) and I spent a huge amount of this book biting my nails and worrying about them. Is he safe? Is he warm? Does he have a blanket? All of which I feel pretty assured in answering, no. And whenever anyone came near him that wasn’t Ruby I just wanted to do this:

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Don’t touch him.

On the up side, we’re introduced to so many new and awesome characters! I loved getting to know each of them and their little quirks. Alexandra Bracken’s characters never blend together, I really like how each one can stand on their own, but are made even better when they stand together and beat down the bad guys. And oh my lord, there were so many bad guys. Give these kids a break (but don’t, I love their shenanigans)!

And now I’m very hyped up, and more than a tad terrified, for the last book. PLEASE just let my babies live! I can’t take much more of this pain.

SYCNw

7 Replies to “Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken”

  1. This series sounds fabulous – I have to read it. I loved Passenger, so can’t wait to read more of Bracken’s work. Great review!

    1. If you loved Passenger then you are going to LOVE LOVE The Darkest Minds! Thank you for your comment! 🙂

  2. Now I feel like a bad guy wanting to see your reaction to the end haha. I love this series so much. It just sticks with you. Maybe I should do a reread later.

    1. DO IT. Join me in the pits of hell

  3. Just want to tell you: IT’LL BE OKAY IN THE END GIRL, DON’T WORRY. :’DD Trust Bracken to keep our beloved characters safe! Enjoy the next book.

    1. I NEEDED TO HEAR THIS. Thank you Aila!

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