Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

Goodreads Blurb

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?

Oh my holy freaking crap you guys. You guys.

This is a beyond amazing sequel for The Darkest Minds! While The Darkest Minds wasn't my favorite (but still really good!) Never Fade completely blew away every expectation my puny and uncreative brain had. I never could've imagined (or guessed) any freaking thing that happened in this book. My mind has been blown. Utterly shattered.

The plot is definitely the book's strongest point. Starting off with a bang (literally) Never Fade is 500 pages of nonstop action that had me absolutely glued to the book, dying to find out what happened next. There are innumerable plot twists that absolutely made me die inside. (Also, at a certain plot twist, I choked on my chips. During class. And made a totally attractive gagging sound.)
There's action on every page and there's really no way anyone could ever be bored! So much happens in so little time that I actually couldn't keep track of it all! So I got a bit confused. But that's just me.

Ruby is still one kickass heroine and I loved her even though we can't really connect to her. She comes off as a bit cold and emotionless (more than in Darkest Minds) but it's heartbreaking because we know that she still got bothered by things and that she sometimes felt so weak. She starts to warm up quickly though, and soon, she's the strong and fearless heroine we all know and love!
Chubs was the added humor.
Liam was the added sweetness.
Jude was the added adorableness.
Vida was the added kickass.
Seriously, could our characters get more perfect?

Old characters come crawling back from the dumps, new characters are introduced, but either way, you have to love them! Whether it's the evilness, their madness, their kindness, or whatnot, every character ends up touching you (no matter how fast they're ripped away. Trust me. A lot are ripped away.)

Never Fade was an absolutely amazing adventure that let us explore our characters and the world they're stuck in. More stunning than the first, the Darkest Minds sequel is definitely one to pick up--even if you weren't to sure about the first one! Explosive (seriously. EXPLOSIONS!) and heartwrenching, Never Fade is the perfect sequel with a killer ending!

Pages: 512
Genre: Dystopian/Supernatural
Series: The Darkest Minds #2
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: October 15, 2013
Rating: 7/5 stars