13 books like The Darkest Minds

13 books like The Darkest Minds

January 27, 2024
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Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there! So you've stumbled upon the captivating world of The Darkest Minds, huh? Well, get ready to embark on a thrilling and action-packed adventure unlike any other. In this overview/FAQ, I'll walk you through the basics of this dystopian series, so buckle up and let's dive in! So, what is The Darkest Minds all about? Imagine a world where a mysterious disease wipes out a significant portion of the children in America. The ones who survive develop extraordinary and often dangerous abilities. These kids are labeled as threats and are locked away in brutal government camps. Our main character is Ruby Daly, a sixteen-year-old girl with immense telekinetic powers who escapes from one of these camps. As she joins forces with a group of fellow escapees, they begin a dangerous journey to find a safe haven for children like them. Now, onto the burning questions you might have. Is there romance? Yes! The Darkest Minds will satisfy your ship-loving heart with a slow-burn love story between Ruby and Liam, a brave and fiery (literally) young man. Is there action and suspense? Absolutely. Brace yourself for heart-pounding moments, intense battles, and jaw-dropping twists that will have you on the edge of your seat. And fear not, dear reader, if you've devoured The Darkest Minds and hunger for more. We've got your back! In the upcoming sections, we'll be sharing a selection of books that possess similar gripping stories, dystopian themes, and memorable characters. So stay tuned and get ready to discover your next literary adventure! Note: These recommendations are personal, so if you're up for an exhilarating ride, grab a cup of tea, cozy up, and get ready to explore the wonders of The Darkest Minds and beyond!
The Book Cover Image for The Darkest Minds
The Book Cover Image for The Darkest Minds
Fantasy
Dystopian
Young Adult

Red Queen

"Red Queen" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a dystopian world divided by blood, where the color of your blood determines your social standing and superhuman abilities. The story follows Mare, a young woman who discovers she possesses a unique power that threatens to disrupt the balance of power and ignite a revolution.
Author
Victoria Aveyard
Year Written
2015
Read Time
Red Queen
Dystopian
Young Adult
Thriller

Legend

"Legend" is a dystopian young adult novel set in a future where the United States is divided into two warring factions. It follows the thrilling journey of a prodigious teenage criminal, Day, and a driven young prodigy, June, as their paths intertwine in a quest for truth and justice.
Author
Marie Lu
Year Written
2011
Read Time
Legend
Dystopian
Adventure
Survival

The Hunger Games

"The Hunger Games" is a dystopian novel set in a future where children from different districts are forced to compete in a televised fight to the death. It follows the story of Katniss Everdeen as she defies the oppressive regime and fights for survival and rebellion.
Author
Suzanne Collins
Year Written
2008
Read Time
6h24m
The Hunger Games
Dystopian
Adventure
Coming of Age

Divergent

In a dystopian society, "Divergent" follows Tris Prior as she discovers her unique identity and challenges the rigid system that divides people based on their traits. With action, romance, and exploration of identity, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey of self-discovery and rebellion.
Author
Veronica Roth
Year Written
2011
Read Time
Divergent
Dystopian
Adventure
Mystery

The Maze Runner

"The Maze Runner" is a gripping dystopian novel where a group of young boys are trapped in a maze, with no memory of their past, and must find a way to escape before time runs out. As they face deadly creatures and unravel the mysteries of the maze, the story delves into themes of survival, friendship, and sacrifice.
Author
James Dashner
Year Written
2009
Read Time
The Maze Runner
Dystopian
Romance
Superpowers

Shatter Me

"Shatter Me" is a thrilling dystopian novel where the protagonist, Juliette, possesses a deadly touch that has isolated her from society. When she is given a chance to use her power as a weapon for a corrupt government, she must decide whether to comply or rebel and embrace her own strength.
Author
Tahereh Mafi
Year Written
2011
Read Time
Shatter Me
Dystopia
Coming of Age
Societal Control

The Giver

"The Giver" is a dystopian novel set in a seemingly perfect society where the absence of pain and emotions is maintained through strict control. When twelve-year-old Jonas is chosen to receive memories of the past from the community's sole Receiver, he starts to question the society's true cost of harmony.
Author
Lois Lowry
Year Written
1993
Read Time
The Giver
Dystopian
Young Adult
Romance

Delirium

"Delirium" is a dystopian novel set in a world where love is considered a disease and is eradicated through a procedure. The story follows Lena, a young girl who discovers the power of love and questions the oppressive society she lives in.
Author
Lauren Oliver
Year Written
2011
Read Time
Delirium

The Selection

"The Selection" is a captivating and romantic dystopian novel where a young girl is thrust into a competition to win the heart of a prince. The book delves into themes of love, social class, and the struggle for acceptance, making it an engaging read for fans of romance and dystopian fiction.
Author
Kiera Cass
Year Written
2012
Read Time
The Selection
Science Fiction
Dystopian
Young Adult

The 5th Wave

"The 5th Wave" is a thrilling science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world, where humanity is facing waves of deadly attacks. The story follows a young girl named Cassie as she fights for survival and seeks to uncover the truth about the alien invaders.
Author
Rick Yancey
Year Written
2013
Read Time
8h32m
The 5th Wave
Young Adult
Science Fiction
Adventure

The Power of Six

"The Power of Six" follows a group of teen aliens with extraordinary powers as they navigate a dangerous world, facing enemies and unleashing their abilities. Packed with action and suspense, it's a thrilling tale of survival and unity.
Author
Pittacus Lore
Year Written
2011
Read Time
7h28m
The Power of Six
Dystopian
Romance
Rebellion

Matched

"Matched" is a captivating dystopian novel where society controls every aspect of its citizens' lives, including who they marry. The protagonist, Cassia, is thrown into a whirlwind of rebellion and self-discovery when she falls in love with someone other than her pre-determined match.
Author
Ally Condie
Year Written
2010
Read Time
Matched

FAQ

Overview

In a world turned upside down by a mysterious ailment that targets the youth, The Darkest Minds explores the gripping tale of Ruby Daly. After surviving the devastating illness, she discovers her newfound telekinetic powers and becomes a part of a group of powerful kids on the run from a brutal government. With a thrilling mix of action, romance, and twists, this dystopian series will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. As Ruby and her friends navigate an America where fear and control reign, they must rely on their extraordinary abilities to forge their own path and find a safe haven. But danger lurks at every turn, and as they uncover shocking secrets, they soon learn that their fight is not only against the ruthless authorities, but against their own inner demons as well. With its dynamic cast of characters, intense battles, and thought-provoking themes, The Darkest Minds is a captivating page-turner that will leave you yearning for more.

Length of Read

Main Characters

- Ruby Daly: A sixteen-year-old girl with powerful telekinetic abilities, she is the main protagonist who becomes a leader in the fight against the oppressive government. - Liam Stewart: A charming and brave boy with the ability to create and control fire, he is Ruby's love interest and a key member of their group. - Chubs: A highly intelligent and cautious teenager with heightened senses, his analytical skills and loyalty make him an essential member of the team. - Zu: A young girl with the power to generate electricity, she is mute but her gentle nature and resourcefulness make her an invaluable companion. - Clancy Gray: A charismatic and manipulative telepath who initially befriends Ruby but ultimately reveals a dark side that threatens their mission.

Ending & Meaning

Warning: Spoilers ahead! The ending of The Darkest Minds is a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you breathless. After a series of heart-stopping events and harrowing battles, Ruby makes a heart-wrenching sacrifice. In order to save her friends and the cause they've been fighting for, she decides to erase herself from their memories. With a heavy heart, Ruby walks away, leaving behind the people she loves and the life she once knew. This ending raises thought-provoking themes about sacrifice, love, and the power of memory. It explores the lengths one is willing to go for the greater good, even if it means losing everything they hold dear. The bittersweet nature of Ruby's decision highlights the complexities of love and selflessness. It also delves into the significance of memory and the impact it has on our identities and relationships. The ending of The Darkest Minds serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes, in the face of adversity, sacrifices must be made for the sake of a brighter future.
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