The Darkest Minds by Alexandria Bracken

Goodreads summary:

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.

Oh man. This book. I don't even know where to start.I guess I can just get my raving about the author, Alex Bracken, out of the way. She seems like an absolutely wonderful person.  Plus, she has a tumblr! Can she get any better? Why yes, she can. She also works in publishing, which is my dream job.  Overall, I'm a fan.

So, into the book. One major thing that I loved was the road trip aspect. They always pull me in. I felt like extraordinary things could happen because they were in their own little bubble of a world. Or a beat up old minivan. Same thing.  I'm not rational.

I also absolutely fell in love with all of the characters. I can't even put my feelings for Liam into words.  He one of my favorite male characters that I've read about in a while. He is very straightforward about his feelings and emotions. He wasn't confusing or frustrating to read about.  About the main character, Ruby- she was likable, but also flawed and real. She wasn't weak and vulnerable all of the time, but she also wasn't a robot. Nothing annoys me more than a leading female who is too strong and independent. It just doesn't seem real. They seem like robots. Not saying that I like weak female leads. Don't get me started on them.

One of the books villians, Clancy Gray, reminded me very much of The Darkling from the Shadow and Bone series. If you haven't read those already, what are you doing? Go. Now. Read them. I thought that there was going to be a love triangle for a chapter or two, but don't fret!  There is no love triangle, thank goodness. 

In general, this was a book that completely snagged my attention. I woke up one night at three in the morning for some reason and picked it up, thinking I'd read a few pages. I ended up staying up until eight thirty in the morning, because I couldn't stop until I had finished it. It is filled with wonderful action and sweet romance. I thought the world building was decent, though a little confusing at times.

The little sneak preview of the second book, Never Fade, had me hooked, so I grabbed that as soon as possible and zoomed through it. Now, I shall wait in agony for the third and final book.

While I wait, I need to read the novella that was released between the two books, In Time. I heard it's a tearjerker. I shall see. 

A+ to you Alex Bracken! I am officially a fan! I thought this book was amazing. I would recommend it to anyone.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

"Hi Darlin', missed you something fierce." 

"He's so busy looking inside  people to find the good he misses the knife they're holding in their hand"

 Chubs groaned. “Why are you so weird?”

_{"Because my weird has to be able to cancel out your weird, Lady Cross-stitch.”}