Review Detail

Full review in all its glory (with gifs) can be seen at http://ransom-reads.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/aristocrats-ransom-darkest-minds.html?showComment=1385408812153#c1764697058517408591

MAJOR SELLING POINTS:
Hype

Since the release of THE DARKEST MINDS, I have heard a little bit about it here and there but never too much. Until about two months ago. With the impending release of NEVER FADE, I saw it everywhere and decided it was about time I got to the review copy I got accepted for (sorry it took me so long...) Also, the awesomeness of the new AUS covers may or may not have had something to do with it.

Psychic Kids

Psychic powers are high on my interest lists and THE DARKEST MINDS has an interesting take on the way they develop and the types of powers that exist. Some are incredibly dangerous and powerful and I wish we had the opportunity to delve into more of the how these powers work, what they can do, and why it's possible.

SWASHBUCKLING:

Overall I found THE DARKEST MINDS to be pretty fast paced. Things take a while to get cracking as we're given background as to how our main character found her way to the camp and why. After that history however, things get moving. A lot of the novel is spent with the characters on the rode, running from people and searching for East River. It made for some hairy, edge of your seat moments where you didn't know if characters were going to survive, as well as some lovely relationship building scenes. AND THE ENDING. SO PAINFUL TO READ. But such a brave decision to make.

LINGO:

From what I remember, Alexandra Bracken's writing style was very enjoyable. The descriptions and explanations were easy to follow and understand, the dialogue was good, and the characters fantastic.

CREW:
Ruby

Since the night she discovered her powers, Ruby's life really has been terrible. From the first consequences to its use until now, nothing good has ever really come out of its use. It's made her scared to touch any other human and unwilling to get close to anyone. Ruby is very kind and considerate, always doing things for others, which does mean she has to make some terribly hard and brave decisions that made me cry.

Liam

Like Ruby, Liam is quite selfless. The scale of the things he'll do to save other people is crazy (and self destructive almost. Please stop trying to be so much of a hero I don't want you to die). He's incredibly loyal and will do anything for his friends or those he thinks needs his help. But he's not unreasonable. Liam is also an A+ leader and funny and just plain gorgeous.

SWOONABILITY:

THIS ROMANCE WAS ALMOST FLAWLESS. It developed nice and slowly, never got in the way of the plot, had two characters with SO MUCH SEXUAL TENSION DHSJKHSHF, characters whose relationship wasn't the only good thing in their life, HAPPY SQUEE WORTHY MOMENTS, FEELS INDUCING MOMENTS OMG and yeah. If you can't gather from the bombardment of caps, I really really really really loved the romance in this as much pain as it caused me.

SHIPS:
-Ruby x Liam
-Ruby x the Slip Kid
-Chubs x Books