Actual rating: bumping up the rating 4.5 because I just love the Black Betty gang so damn much. 
 First line: "When the White Noise went off, we were in the Garden, pulling weeds." 
 Reread August 2017: I'm so so so happy I reread this. I'm more than ready to finally tackle the third book and novellas. Holy fuck though, I forgot how much this ending absolutely destroys me emotionally. Also, I need this movie NOW. 
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 The Darkest Minds series has been one of my most anticipated reads for a very long time. I've had all the books since In The Afterlight was released and I've been building up the courage to finally pick them up. I'm so happy to report that I thoroughly enjoyed the first one and can't wait to devour the rest of the series. 
 This story's little band of characters - Ruby, Liam, Chubs and Zu - are hands down my favourite part. Ruby had been alone for so long and my heart was so overwhelmed with feelings as she began opening up more and putting her trust in other people. While Chubs takes a little bit longer to warm up to a new kid joining their group, Liam and Zu have their hearts on their sleeves and welcome her with open arms. It took me aback that despite being surrounding by such constant darkness, there were characters who still saw the bright sides to situations. This group cares so deeply for one another, would do anything to keep each other safe, and above all, happy. They're all looking to maintain some little happiness as best they can, and they truly attain that with each other. 
 Ruby starts thriving in her new found family, but that's not before she suffers through some terrible isolation. So unsure of herself and her powers, she finds the best coping mechanism is to not get close to anyone for fear of what she can't control. I sympathized so much for Ruby and could feel her loneliness through the pages. This girl develops into a tough cookie over the course of the story and I'm really excited to see what kind of butt kicking she accomplishes in the sequels. 
 The concepts of the kids' powers was really interesting and we get a good glimpse of what can happen but I'd really like to see Never Fade push the envelope and deliver some wicked action scenes. 
 The Darkest Minds really impressed me and I can see this series quickly becoming a favourite of mine. Never have I been so grateful to have a sequel already in my hands because that final scene broke my heart into a thousand pieces and I'm so desperate to know what happens next.