The Darkest Minds is a strong start to a trilogy that I simply can't wait to really sink my teeth into. I found myself (as I often do) wishing that the characters were simply a bit OLDER, only because they are faced with so much adversity - and it's hard to imagine such young children making such choices and living the lives described. I know though, that this is the point as it's supposed to bother you that these are children. 
 While there were parts that seemed to drag, overall this book had good pacing and development. I found myself slightly confused about Ruby's actual abilities - as originally I thought she could have NO physical contact, and only thought that this was thrown out when it was convenient. However once it was further explained (at least halfway through) it made more sense. I don't know if that's because Ruby as a character isn't fully aware of her abilities, and we find out when she does, or if her inability to touch others was used simply as a plot tool. I also thought the end was a bit rushed, but only a bit. I was a bit confused with the timeline and the chain of events. 
 That being said, again I found the overall pacing of the book to be good. I thought the development of the minor characters to be decent (for the most part) and made the classic Sarah mistake of falling for a minor character-only to have my heart broken into little pieces. I also was very pleased with the more adult themes in this book - and how they were handled. 
 I will say that if I hadn't been with extended family when I finished this book, I would have had a hard time coping. I was emotional at the end, and thought it left off very well.