Bracken, Alexandra- Never Fade (The Darkest Minds #2); Informal Buddy Read: Starts December 23, 2014

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This topic is open for discussion of Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken.


Book Synopsis:
Ruby never asked for the abilities that almost cost her her life. Now she must call upon them on a daily basis, leading dangerous missions to bring down a corrupt government and breaking into the minds of her enemies. Other kids in the Children’s League call Ruby “Leader”, but she knows what she really is: a monster.

When Ruby is entrusted with an explosive secret, she must embark on her most dangerous mission yet: leaving the Children’s League behind. Crucial information about the disease that killed most of America’s children—and turned Ruby and the others who lived into feared and hated outcasts—has survived every attempt to destroy it. But the truth is only saved in one place: a flashdrive in the hands of Liam Stewart, the boy Ruby once believed was her future—and who now wouldn’t recognize her.

As Ruby sets out across a desperate, lawless country to find Liam—and answers about the catastrophe that has ripped both her life and America apart—she is torn between old friends and the promise she made to serve the League. Ruby will do anything to protect the people she loves. But what if winning the war means losing herself?

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[[deleted user]]

I'll join in for this one!

[Cynthia]

Welcome!

[Stacie]

Oh nice! I just finished the first one and made some comments in the BR thread. I'll be in for this one too.

[Stacey]

I'm getting ready to start this one. Probably tomorrow. I thought the first was an excellent read, so looking forward to seeing how the story continues.

[Stacie]

Stacey wrote: "I'm getting ready to start this one. Probably tomorrow. I thought the first was an excellent read, so looking forward to seeing how the story continues."

what she said.

[Stacie]

Has anyone started reading this yet?

[[deleted user]]

Stacie wrote: "Has anyone started reading this yet?"


I finished the first two chapters. It's been a while since I read Book 1, so I'm trying to remember the characters. Was Cate in Book 1? It seems like I should know who she is already.

[Stacie]

Talia wrote: "Stacie wrote: "Has anyone started reading this yet?"


I finished the first two chapters. It's been a while since I read Book 1, so I'm trying to remember the characters. Was Cate in Book 1? It se..."

She was the doctor that helped Ruby get out of the camp. Ruby ran from her when she found out that the Children's League wasn't what she thought it was.

[[deleted user]]

Ah! Okay, it's coming back to me now. Thanks!

[Stacey]

I'm reading--was just away from home and the internet for a few days. :) About 150 pages in so far and it seems to be moving in an interesting direction.

[Cynthia]

I'm starting tonight, but I'll be reading other books as well as this one. It may take me a few days to finish.

[Stacie]

I started. I'm not sure if the prologue was supposed to confuse me but I think it's just a time thing and all will be explained. All I can say so far is woah, Vida is scary.

[Stacie]

I'm seriously freaking out. I forgot how intense the characters are and we've got a whole new crop. I'll just remember to trust no one. I'm about 10 to 15% in. (view spoiler)[ Ruby just left for her mission after making a deal with Cole. I'm not sure that he's going to keep an eye on people while she is gone. And why is Rob trying to kill everyone? I know he wasn't that good in book one but he definitely creeps me out. (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

Stacie wrote: "I started. I'm not sure if the prologue was supposed to confuse me but I think it's just a time thing and all will be explained. All I can say so far is woah, Vida is scary."

The Prologue threw me off, too. I don't think it was the best way to start the story. I felt like I needed to go back to the first book to make sure it didn't stop in the middle of a scene or something.

I'm at 46%. I meant to comment in earlier, but I was comfortable and didn't want to get up LOL. (view spoiler)[
I'm glad she's finally reunited with dhubs, but I can't believe they're let themselves get captured by the blues. They were warned. It may have turned out the same way if they hadn't separated, but I think if they were thinking a little more clearly at the time instead of fighting...could have been avoided.

I still haven't warmed up to Vida. I don't care about the whole 'I mean because I'm damaged and emotionally vulnerable' thing. Mean is mean. (hide spoiler)]

[Stacie]

A little over halfway through. I almost cried (view spoiler)[ like Ruby when she found Chubs. I am so so glad he's okay. Pretty smart becoming a teacher to keep track of his friends. This Knox kid got what was coming to him but I'm really concerned that Vida might become the next oppressive leader. Ruby is about to leave for supplies and I have a bad bad feeling in my stomach. (hide spoiler)]

[Stacie]

Finished. Wow. (view spoiler)[ I HATE Clancy. Can't believe there's a cure and its just been sitting and waiting with no one using it. All those people... This book was pretty intense. (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

I'm on chapter 23 (view spoiler)[
I can't believe that Ruby is tearing herself apart over Rob Meadows, when in my mind what she did to Liam is so much worse.

She forced Rob to face up to his actions, albeit quite gruesomely, but he didn't see anything that wasn't a result of what he did. The situation with Liam is totally different. What he experienced with her change him, and when she erased his memories of her - what happened to those part of him? Her heart may be broken but his mind has holes in it. That's worse.

I think Vida and Chubs like each other more than either one of them wants to admit.

(hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

Chapter 27 (view spoiler)[ I hate Clancy!!!! Gaaah!!
(hide spoiler)]

Had to get that off my chest.

[Cynthia]

The End! that was great. But...(view spoiler)[ What a cliffhanger! I can't believe Jude is dead. And I hope they kill Clancy. Really no reason to keep him alive. He's an extreme danger, and I can't see any benefit to keeping him alive.

And Cole is a red?!? I think the implication of adults with IAAN is interesting. I wonder if that will come into play in the next book? (hide spoiler)]

[Stacie]

Cynthia wrote: "I'm on chapter 23


She forced Rob to face up to his actions, albeit quit..."

I agree. He had to be dealt with. I'm sort of hoping that the situation with Jude (view spoiler)[is like what happened with Chubs but I can't imagine Bracken doing that twice. Clancy has to go and Cole scares me. I don't trust him but I don't much trust any of them. (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

Gaah! My library doesn't have . I can't spend $10 on it right now, so it'll have to wait.

[Stacie]

Cynthia wrote: "Gaah! My library doesn't have . I can't spend $10 on it right now, so it'll have to wait."

Pretty much exactly my situation as well Cynthia.

[Stacey]

Looks like everyone is finished except me--should be later today


(view spoiler)[ I'm glad she's back with Chubs, although to be honest I couldn't remember that he had been shot--just that she hadn't known what happened to him.

I was a little sad that the "Red" (Austin?) was killed. I think it would be really interesting to get a story from one of those who got taken and trained.

I still have a little trouble with the whole premise that the adults would have completely deserted children this way.
(hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Stacie D-Struction wrote: "Finished. Wow. [spoilers removed]"

Came across this thread and had to peek in and see what you guys thought - loved this trilogy!! (Course, V introduced it to me) :)
I was devastated (view spoiler)[ too when she erased herself from Liam's memories... (hide spoiler)]

Did you guys read the next/last book?