In the Afterlight (The Darkest Minds #3)

                Hello happy readers!  So the bright side to me being MIA for a while is that I did get to finish some books so now I can get ahead so next time things get crazy I won’t get so off track.  That said I finished another book which at the time I thought was the series ender until I found out the new book isn’t a spin-off but is being marketed as book 4 set into the future some.  So while I’m sad it won’t count towards my series ender challenge I did finally finished the original trilogy with In the Afterlight (The Darkest Minds #3) by Alexandra Bracken and I can’t believe it took me so long to get there!  I am ready to start the newest book because I let my friend read it first and she loved it so that should be on the horizon before too long.  I previously reviewed the first two books here:  The Darkest Minds / Never Fade.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Many were killed.  Ruby lose someone close to her and looking back could break her.  The ones who survived the LA bombing move north to regroup with their prisoner, a fellow Orange like Ruby who is basically a twisted evil genius.  They are set back but they are determined to regroup and continue to free other Psi kids from the “rehabilitation camps” and bring an end to the corrupt government that has hunted them and covered up the cause of IAAN.  Despite her attempts to save him by erasing herself from his memories Liam is back and a small bright spot in the sea of bleakness.  Still the repercussions of her choice and everything that has transpired since has left everyone with demons as we reach the conclusion to this journey and see what will happen and who will survive. 

                So I read the first two books back in January 2016.  I enjoyed them and meant to continue on but for whatever reason I took a break before finishing it and it just kept getting pushed back.  So with the movie and new sequel coming out I was determined to finish it and be caught up again.  With two years between I was a bit nervous that I would have forgotten things but I was able to dive right back in.  A couple of the names (non-core) were a bit rusty but it was very easy to fall back into this world and remember what was happening.  That says a lot about the writing.

“Everyone needs reality to punch them in the face every once in a while.  Keeps you on guard.”

                The pacing for this book did seem a bit faster than the others.  We are left a bit broken and defeated but not ready to give up.  They need to regroup and figure out the best way to finish this once and for all.  Saving kids from the camps and getting the government exposed for the liars they are seems to be the main focus as it should be.  No one is fighting for themselves anymore they are fighting for a better world for all children which I love.  There is a lot happening with the powers and process.  Everyone has a different theory of what method to use and which would best serve the needs of the group.  This can divide people and it's true you can all want the same goal but have different ways of going about it.  I liked seeing that as it seemed very true to the world they Bracken has built. 

                Ruby and Liam.  I was devastated when she took his memories in the first book.  To have all their sweetness erased and for him to look at her and not know her was hard in book two but in a way some parts of this were harder.  Everyone has been through so much and being in Ruby’s POV I could see all of her pain both for the losses she has suffered and the consequences of her actions.  She is an Orange and while some trust and respect her there will always be the knowledge that she can get in anyones head.  There are parts that have you down but also some very amazing parts that just bring you back up and fill your heart.   

               

                Overall as a series my only downside is that I wish I had read all together and not taken so long in between but that is on me.  Bracken did an amazing job in each of the following books making sure she reminded the reader who everyone was and what happened last without being over the top about it.  I cared for these kids and their fight.  It was such a complex story full of challenging and important issues and I think that for the most part the majority of it was handled though there are still some open questions given the ending but I am hoping with the next book and the time jump we will see more of what became of everyone and the world as a whole.  While this was a story about kids with powers the whole world as a whole suffered in devastating ways during this time and a fact that is never lost. 

                Until next time…

Never Fade

                Another Friday!  So last Friday I talked about The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken here and this month I’m proud to have finally finished the sequel and hope to finish the trilogy by March if all goes well.  So today I’d like to discuss my thoughts on book 2, Never Fade.  This review will contain spoilers for the first book so if you haven’t read it be warned, seriously, it kind of left in a cliff hanger.

Rating: 5 Stars

                You’ve been warned.  We left off with Chubs being shot and the only option to save them Ruby brings the Children’s League to them to save him and offers herself for Chubs and Liam to be free.  Knowing Liam would never leave her in their hands she used her gift on him to wipe herself from his mind and keep him safe.  She now works for the League as a team leader using her powers and becoming the monster she’d feared she could become breaking the minds of enemies.  Now she is thrust into a new mission, one with a huge secret that could change everything.  The only problem is her mission will take her to the one person she thought she’d never see again, Liam.  Pushed back into a world of old friends and the promises she’s made she is torn.  One thing she will do is everything in her power to protect those she loves.

                Never Fade, for me had lots happening in it.  There was the overall mission but also so much growth with the characters.  Ruby has really grown into her power and while that could make her a horrible monster thrilled on her power she hates having to use it and that keeps her very human and relatable even as she tries to shut out all emotion.  Her struggle doing what she does working with the League and her knowing that she feels she made the right call saving her friends even when she misses them.  We also get to know some new characters, some we just love from the start and others…let's say a bit less so.  Still the new dynamic of the League and getting to know more about them from the inside was great.  While they were one of the bad guys in the previous book, we learn there is more than one side to things. 

                When Ruby is reunited with Chubs I was just beside myself.  I missed him so much.  I was happy to have his huge brain full of facts and comments around.  He's grown some as well and we get to see more of him and how he's progressed on his own, both having been through some things since last they were together.  Then Liam.  I was so terrified of that moment because…well honestly just him not knowing her was hard.  To know how cute and sweet they were and how much love was between them before she took it away to save him expecting to never see him again and to see him look at her and not know who she is.  Heartbreaking.  And poor Chubs is in the middle of it all as well. 

                This book moves along pretty steady as there is never a shortage of things happening.  The world is not their friend and that leads to danger around most turns which keeps pace well with the emotional growth of our characters.  It also gives insight slowly into the overall big picture of things.  In book one we focused more on staying free and away from the government and the League, Never Fade focuses more on the bigger picture of the broken US and possible solutions, oh and staying alive of course.  I can't wait to see how the series wraps up because this one grew the story and I have high hopes for what will happen as it concludes. 

                Again my own negative really was the same in the other book and I expect it will be in the next, long chapters.  Just my personal preference is all and in no way detracted from the book.  I did take longer to read with life getting in the way but I was able to dive back in where ever I'd leave off without issue which I always think is a positive.  I'd love to know if you've read the series and what you thought of it in the comments below.  I'm excited for the last book and the novella bind-up.

                Until next time…

The Darkest Minds

                Another week down, happy Friday!  I know we are only 15 days into the year but I already feel like things are starting out positive and I'm doing good with my goals and challenges so that's a positive.  If you are not aware one of the challenges I'm taking part in this year is the RockMyTBR challenge which is basically where I try to put a huge dent in my books I already own but haven't gotten to yet.  I have too many to count and I'm a bit ashamed but working on it.  On that list are lots of completed series I am looking forward to marathoning through, some older than others.  One I'm working on finishing only wrapped up last year and that is The Darkest Minds trilogy by Alexandra Bracken.  If you didn't know she has a new book Passenger, part one of a duology, that came out this month that I just adored, full review here.  Now I started her Darkest Minds series last year and read through book one in a weekend but then kept getting snagged up reading book two with life and other reading commitments.  I held off on posting my review hoping to be able to post all three in a relative close time so with book two finally complete I'm ready to push myself into finish the series and share my thoughts.  So today I'm discussing TheDarkest Minds, book one.

Rating: 5 Stars

               

                Kids suddenly come down with this disease that is sweeping the youth of America and it is killing or leaving the kids affected with powers.  There are five different powers that seem to develop and we follow the journey of Ruby who at only ten has her life changed forever.  She is sent to Thurmond, a horrid government controlled "rehab camp" that is more of a prison than rehab.  After being in the camp for six years and hiding the fact that she is one of the more dangerous ones she is found out and barely escapes with her life.  She has nowhere to go and no idea what her next move is when she runs into a small group of kids like herself.  She is drawn to them and their search for the so called safe haven of East River but she is terrified of getting close to anyone and hurting anyone else with her uncontrolled ability.  Still with both the government and the rebels fighting the government both searching for you finding someplace safe is the best option.

                I do like the powers aspect to the story.  I also find it interesting that everyone has one of similar abilities rather than everyone having some completely different ability it gives a set of boundaries and rules.  They are labeled by color: green, blue, yellow, orange, and red.  I also enjoyed that the majority of the story focused around our core group of characters and we really got to know them and feel for them.  When Ruby stumbles into this ready band of friends you can see how close they are.  Liam, Chubs, and Zu have been through lots together already and their connection is very clear and powerful.  Each with their own personality, Zu so sweet and adorable I just wanted to hug her so often and Chubs do I love him and his random facts and point blank attitude.  Then a more open and welcoming member with Liam.  He has this sweet southern boy kind of generosity and kindness even in a world like this. 

                 I enjoyed the story and while the beginning was more action packed and active the middle had more story development than action but I didn't find that to be a problem for me.  I enjoyed getting to know everyone and watching Ruby's struggle.  While at times it did seem a bit excessive that she was convinced she was such a monster and unable to really be close to anyone despite many reassurances otherwise, knowing what she's been through and that she went into the camp at such an early age it really did fit with her character.  Story wise though there were bouts of action and intrigue throughout but more towards the beginning and end.  The only thing I had a bit of a struggle with and I will say this every time but it's more personal preference than anything is chapter length.  I find I fly through books with shorter chapters fast, maybe because if the 'one more chapter' mentality that can lead to half a book later but when the chapters seem like forty plus pages it's harder to do that and makes finding a stopping place harder for short reading breaks.  But again just a personal thing there. 

                Overall, I really enjoyed the world building and the characters and was hooked with that ending.  I needed to know more.  I'm glad I didn't have to wait a year for the next book to find out what happened to some of my favorite characters.  The journey in the story it all made sense and fit the world I was pulled into.  Please share your thoughts on the book below in the comments I'd love to hear what your favorite part was or who was your favorite character.  I look forward to discussing Never Fade soon and hopefully finishing the series as well.

                Until next time…have a great weekend!

~Happy Halloween~ Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

                Happy Halloween!  I can't believe it's tomorrow.  I hope you all have a fun and safe time.  My plans include hanging out with my friend and her family (lots of little ones there) and walking with them and hanging out candy after.  Okay mostly I want an excuse to wear one of my masquerade masks.  I thought today's review would go with the creepy and spooky vibe of Halloween.  Hollow City by Ransom Riggs, book two in Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children series, I reviewed the first book here.

                This second book picks up where we left off with our gang of peculiar children so if you haven't finished the first book then you should turn back now and come back after  you've finished book one.  Also as a reminder I have a giveaway running until December 6th check out the details here and don't forget to enter!  Now seriously spoilers again for book one….you've been warned.

Rating: 4 Stars

                We left Jacob and the gang in little boats leaving their home and their loop off in search of a way to save Miss P.  The theme of the book is still the same mixing the creepy and interesting antique photos into the story giving it a haunting type feel that again felt totally unique to this story.  The crew is on their way to London, the peculiar capital of the world where they hope to find answers.  They encounter new allies, new peculiars, and uncover many new facts about their worlds. 

                Hollow City moves faster than the first book but that has more to do with having the world and most of the rules already set in place and having us gotten to know most of our key players, so we're able to move forward into the story and the quest.  We find several different loops and meets lots of new and interesting peculiars.  My favorites might be the peculiar animals like what that just blew my mind (but those chickens….nope).  Also Jacob gets to develop his power a bit more and figure out what he can do, which is neat and total trial by error since he has no one to really guide him but the unit is pretty strong. 

                But I kid you not there is a bunch of things happening.  They are setting a serious pace.  Time loops and travel for a group of kids during 1940s…they have their work cut out for them.  Still you do take the time to get to know more about our gang as well as meet some really interesting peculiars along the way.  Ransom has a way with the world for sure.  He seems able to pull you in and out of different loops without breaking a beat which was nice.

                Still with all of this there is still plenty of time to be surprised.  Twists and turns in the story and discoveries the kids make.  There is always something new to learn in the world of the peculiar.  Still how creepy is it to run from something and try to fight it when only Jacob can see them.  Talk about fighting blind.  I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward to when I'll have enough time to finish out the trilogy with Library of Souls.  Tell me in the comments who your favorite new character was in Hollow City or what your favorite time loop was.  I'm curious. 

                Until next time…

~The Young Elites by Marie Lu~

                Hi!  Hope everyone had a good weekend.  Mine was somewhat productive but not nearly as productive as I would have liked.  Okay mostly I slept.  I also did some reading which is what is most important.  I also wrote up some reviews to share with my fellow book lovers.  One of those is The Young Elites by Marie Lu.  I had previously read the Legend trilogy and really enjoyed it and was excited to start a new series by her, but after buying it as a new release it sat on the shelf until recently.  It's an ever growing problem but I like to buy books!

Rating: 5 Stars

                Adelina is a survivor of the blood fever.  A decade ago this illness swept through the nation and killed most everyone infected.  Many of the children who survived were left marked, for Adelina her black hair turned silver and she lost an eye (this part always crept me out and made my eyeballs water whenever it is mentioned) and only has a scar.  She is a malfetto, an abomination.  Her father is a cruel type and doesn't take well to her sullying the family name.  Some malfetto's are said to have developed powers/gifts, known as the Young Elites.  We follow as Adelina is thrust into a cruel world and finds herself among the Dagger Society between them and the Inquisition Axis.  Her powers are something different than they have seen.  Something darker, a vengeful heart and a desire to destroy all who cross her.  Her life collides with Enzo, a Young Elite and Dagger member, and Teren, Lead Inquisitor for the Axis, and she must find her place and a way to survive it all. 

                I have to say first that I was completely blown away.  I was also somewhat thrown.  I went into this thinking it was going to be a middle grade book.  I don't know how or why this idea was in my head, I swear I read/saw it somewhere.  It was clear from the start this is so not a middle grade book.  It deals with much darker themes, so if you also had this misconception here is your update.  Adelina was easy for me to like from the start.  She is rough around the edges and bitter but given her life, I thought she was handling herself pretty well.  Throughout the book my affection and understanding did waver here and there but I think that was well done by Lu in the development in the character starts and stops.  No one do straight upward, everyone falls back, it's a work in progress.  Plus it’s never clear if she will be the hero or the villain of the story, which is very intriguing.

                 This story is rather dark.  It deals with the darkness and hate inside of a person and how it can consume them.  I rather liked the darkness of the story, it was a huge change from what I had been expecting.  Also while the book is rather short it packs one hell of a punch.  Struggling along through the mess she finds herself in.  Life dealt her a bad hand for sure but seeing how she deals with it and rises above was enthralling. 

                The world Lu created and flushed out so nicely had me on the edge of my seat, not a place I’d like to visit myself on vacation but a great one to read about from the safety of my PJs.  Adelina might be the main character but she was not the only character by far.  There were so many different personalities among the Young Elites and then add in Teren, who always gave me the creeps.  Everyone is working towards their own end but what made it more interesting is that everyone was operating under the belief that they were doing what is right.  The strength of their convictions makes you think about their cause even if you know they are wrong.  One thing Lu can write for sure is determination and strength of conviction, they have it in spades.

                Overall I really loved this book.  It was a quick one day read that left me wanting more.  Because while I won’t spoil it for you shit hits the fan and it leaves you with your mouth hanging open needing more!  That’s it.  Well and I’m excited I don’t have much longer to wait for the sequel.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on this book and the series so far. 

                Until next time…