It has been a long time in the making doing my reread of The darkest Minds series by Alexandra Bracken, but I have finally completed it and had the time to ruminate on my feelings. Now, it is about time I get to posting my review of the trilogy.

Note there is a fourth book in this series, but I read the original three books before the fourth came out and I have always considered the three to be a trilogy with an additional story added on. given the jump in years between the third and fourth books timeline wise and publishing wise it doesn’t flow together in my mind. If you really like this trilogy, then I would highly recommend Through the Dark.

The Darkest Minds starts us off, dropping the reader in a sci-fi dystopian world set in America somewhere in the near future. The main character, Ruby, is ten and struggling to come to terms with what is happening to her and around her. Fast-foward six years, Ruby is smuggled out of the camp and promised a future, but she runs away and bumps into a group of kids who have recently escaped their camp and have problems of their own to dodge. As far as world-building goes, The Darkest Minds touches on some great imagery and ideas and the found family trope establishes itself firmly with the Black Betty gang. It is a great YA dystopian read focusing on political intrigue, character development, and internal conflicts. The Darkest Minds gets a solid 4/5 from me.

Never Fade on the other hand gives us a look into the life of the rebellion groups trying to get information about the camps and show the reality of the situation the government has shaped and falsified to the general public. There is a mindset shift that hits Ruby head-on, not to mention a dilemma which not only complicates things but means her plans are thrown into jeopardy. New allies, old enemies, and issues larger than themselves mean the characters have to put aside their grievances and differences to find answers and get back to base before everything is compromised. Never Fade ramps up the tension across the board, throwing in more than a few fights to keep you on your toes, and showcases the darker side of the world building and characters. Agendas are brought tot the light and the ball starts rolling on the finale in such a blazing, high-stakes fashion you will be holding your breath until the final page. I give Never Fade one a 4/5 as well.

In the Afterlight showcases the conflicts and mounting pressuring colliding as the light at the end of the tunnel nears. Friendships are tested, lives are put on the line, and Ruby’s basic interactions become so charged and difficult to navigate what with the numerous things she’s juggling. There are so many moving parts, too many plans in place, and loyalties are straining. It’s up to Ruby to keep everything moving, but who is there to keep Ruby from falling off the rails? The lead up to the ending is incredible and will have you on the edge of your seat. I rate In the Afterlight 4.5/5 but I do wish the climax and denouement weren’t so easy in the grand scheme of the story.

Overall, I give The Darkest Minds Trilogy a 4/5. It is a pretty good YA dystopian sci-fi series that gives you a bunch to think about. The realities of such a world may not pan out the same way, but it is a fun read nevertheless and the possibilities make for an interesting read. I had a good time rereading this series and I’m glad I did it.