Never Fade (The Darkest Minds Book 2) by Alexandra Bracken

Never Fade is the second book in the YA dystopian series, The Darkest Minds. Ruby has mind control abilities, and is labeled an Orange, one of the most dangerous children to have survived the disease. Now that she has escaped East River and the horrible rehabilitation camps, she is working for the Children's League. After learning a really big secret, she takes some kids with her and leaves, off to find her once-boyfriend, Liam. In his hands is a special flash drive containing information about the cure. The plan is to find Liam, get the flash drive, and into the hands of the right people who will shut down those torturous rehabilitation camps and expose the government's lies.

Ruby is so much stronger since the first time readers met her, in many ways. Her powers are stronger, her determination is fiercer, and she is more willing to fight. In the first book, readers saw a scared girl with powers that frightened her. Now she is owning up to those powers, and using them to fight for her life, a life she never thought she could have.

I enjoyed the reunion with some older characters, as well as the new ones, such as Vida and Jude. They helped add kerosene to an already blazing fire. Vida's attitude and sarcasm was light hearted at times and helped add variety to the personalities. I loved Jude's emotions, and how human he felt. Sure, Ruby is human, too, but Jude has empathy and concern for others that is rare to find. The conflict between the characters was very strong, and loyalties were always questioned, making them even sweeter when someone saves the day.

This book capitalized on adventure rather than action, but when there was action, it was super violent to make up for it. The book generally has a dark theme, and I felt scared at times. The fear was incredible, amplified especially at night. However, I would say that the plot line was underdeveloped a little, and I, personally, liked the first book better. The plot dragged on in some places where it wasn't really necessary, and lost my interest at times.

I recommend this book and I cannot wait to read the next book, In The Afterlight, as well as a recently announced 4th book, The Darkest Legacy, released on July 31, 2018. I am excited to see the movie based on the first book, The Darkest Minds, in theaters August 3, 2018!

Click here to read my review on the first book, The Darkest Minds.

Title: Never Fade (The Darkest Minds Book 2)
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 507
Series: Yes, Book 1 of 4
Rating: 4 Stars
Goodreads