Mentes poderosas
8.3 / 10 211K ratings
- Language
- Spanish
- Published
- 2018
- Publisher
- RBA
- Pages
- 544
- ISBN
- 9788427214187
In a near-future America, a mysterious disease has decimated the nation's children. The few who survive are changed forever, left with frightening new abilities they cannot control. Feared by the government and their own families, these young people are rounded up and forced into brutal "rehabilitation camps." Sixteen-year-old Ruby is one of the most powerful, a truth she has desperately hidden to survive. When she escapes the camp, she discovers a world that is just as dangerous on the outside.
On the run, Ruby joins a small group of fellow escapees seeking a rumored safe haven. Among them, she finds a fragile sense of acceptance and the possibility of a future she never imagined. But in a world that sees them as monsters, trust is a risky gamble. As they are hunted by forces who will stop at nothing to use their powers as a weapon, Ruby must make an impossible choice between her new family and the terrifying potential of her own mind. This is a story of survival, resistance, and the fight to reclaim a future that has been stolen.
On the run, Ruby joins a small group of fellow escapees seeking a rumored safe haven. Among them, she finds a fragile sense of acceptance and the possibility of a future she never imagined. But in a world that sees them as monsters, trust is a risky gamble. As they are hunted by forces who will stop at nothing to use their powers as a weapon, Ruby must make an impossible choice between her new family and the terrifying potential of her own mind. This is a story of survival, resistance, and the fight to reclaim a future that has been stolen.
Original edition
The Darkest MindsOriginally published in 2012 English Harpercollins Australia
Other editions (78)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
A silent epidemic, IAAN, swept through the United States, stealing away most of its children. Those who survived, however, emerged with something far more terrifying: extraordinary abilities that adults could not comprehend or control. Fear gripped the nation, and the government responded by rounding up these gifted children, labeling them "Psi," and confining them to brutal "rehabilitation camps."
Ruby Daly was only ten when her parents, in a moment of sheer terror, locked her in the garage and called the police. She was sent to Thurmond, a camp where children were categorized by their powers: Greens for advanced intelligence, Blues for telekinesis, Yellows for electrokinesis, Reds for pyrokinesis, and the most feared of all, Oranges, who possessed the ability to manipulate minds. Ruby, an Orange, managed to conceal the true extent of her power for six long years, masquerading as a less dangerous Green.
By the age of sixteen, Ruby was a ghost of her former self, constantly suppressing her dangerous gift. Yet, the truth inevitably surfaced, forcing her to flee Thurmond. Her escape was orchestrated by a mysterious group known as the Children's League, who promised a better life. But Ruby quickly discerned their true, manipulative intentions, recognizing that they sought to exploit her abilities for their own agenda.
On the run, Ruby found herself unexpectedly allied with a small band of fellow escapees: Liam, a charismatic and protective Blue with telekinetic powers; Chubs, a brilliant and sarcastic Green; and Zu, a silent, traumatized Yellow who could control electricity. Together, in a battered minivan nicknamed "Black Betty," they navigated a perilous landscape, constantly hunted by ruthless bounty hunters known as skip tracers and the government forces determined to recapture them.
Their journey was fraught with danger and moments of desperate combat, as they used their powers to survive. Ruby struggled with her own identity, haunted by the memory of what her powers had done to her parents and fearing the monstrous potential within her. She found herself drawn to Liam, but the secret of her true power, and the devastating consequences of its accidental use, kept an emotional distance between them, a barrier she was terrified to cross.
Their quest led them to seek out a rumored safe haven, a Psi-governed community called East River, supposedly led by a legendary figure known as the Slip Kid. After much searching and deciphering cryptic radio signals, they finally located the camp. However, East River was not the sanctuary they had envisioned. Its enigmatic leader, Clancy Gray, the President's son, possessed powers even more formidable than Ruby's, and his intentions were far from benevolent.
Clancy, also an Orange, began to train Ruby, helping her to understand and control her abilities, but his methods were unsettling, making her question if her thoughts were truly her own. Ruby soon realized that Clancy and the Children's League had a much darker plan, and that she was a crucial pawn in their larger war against the government. Faced with a terrible choice, Ruby had to decide if she would sacrifice her chance at a normal life, and potentially her own sense of self, to protect her newfound family and fight for a future where children like her might finally be free.
Ruby Daly was only ten when her parents, in a moment of sheer terror, locked her in the garage and called the police. She was sent to Thurmond, a camp where children were categorized by their powers: Greens for advanced intelligence, Blues for telekinesis, Yellows for electrokinesis, Reds for pyrokinesis, and the most feared of all, Oranges, who possessed the ability to manipulate minds. Ruby, an Orange, managed to conceal the true extent of her power for six long years, masquerading as a less dangerous Green.
By the age of sixteen, Ruby was a ghost of her former self, constantly suppressing her dangerous gift. Yet, the truth inevitably surfaced, forcing her to flee Thurmond. Her escape was orchestrated by a mysterious group known as the Children's League, who promised a better life. But Ruby quickly discerned their true, manipulative intentions, recognizing that they sought to exploit her abilities for their own agenda.
On the run, Ruby found herself unexpectedly allied with a small band of fellow escapees: Liam, a charismatic and protective Blue with telekinetic powers; Chubs, a brilliant and sarcastic Green; and Zu, a silent, traumatized Yellow who could control electricity. Together, in a battered minivan nicknamed "Black Betty," they navigated a perilous landscape, constantly hunted by ruthless bounty hunters known as skip tracers and the government forces determined to recapture them.
Their journey was fraught with danger and moments of desperate combat, as they used their powers to survive. Ruby struggled with her own identity, haunted by the memory of what her powers had done to her parents and fearing the monstrous potential within her. She found herself drawn to Liam, but the secret of her true power, and the devastating consequences of its accidental use, kept an emotional distance between them, a barrier she was terrified to cross.
Their quest led them to seek out a rumored safe haven, a Psi-governed community called East River, supposedly led by a legendary figure known as the Slip Kid. After much searching and deciphering cryptic radio signals, they finally located the camp. However, East River was not the sanctuary they had envisioned. Its enigmatic leader, Clancy Gray, the President's son, possessed powers even more formidable than Ruby's, and his intentions were far from benevolent.
Clancy, also an Orange, began to train Ruby, helping her to understand and control her abilities, but his methods were unsettling, making her question if her thoughts were truly her own. Ruby soon realized that Clancy and the Children's League had a much darker plan, and that she was a crucial pawn in their larger war against the government. Faced with a terrible choice, Ruby had to decide if she would sacrifice her chance at a normal life, and potentially her own sense of self, to protect her newfound family and fight for a future where children like her might finally be free.
What other readers say
Liked
Many readers praise The Darkest Minds for its immersive and terrifyingly realistic dystopian world, which some found more believable and impactful than other popular titles in the genre. The book is lauded for its strong character development, particularly for the protagonist, Ruby, who demonstrates significant growth and resilience despite her traumatic experiences. Reviewers often highlight the endearing relationships between Ruby and her companions, Liam, Chubs, and Zu, describing their bond as a heartwarming beacon of humanity within a bleak setting. Liam, in particular, is frequently celebrated as a kind, humble, and genuinely good love interest, distinct from common Young Adult tropes. The writing style is also consistently commended for its beauty, immersive quality, and ability to reveal the world's details gradually without heavy exposition, leading to a deeply emotional and engaging reading experience for many.
Disliked
However, the book also drew criticism for several aspects. A common complaint centers on the pacing, with many finding the middle section to be a slow and uneventful road trip that could have been significantly shortened. Some readers found the main character, Ruby, to be overly whiny, wimpy, or hesitant to use her abilities, which detracted from their enjoyment. Concerns were also raised about perceived plot holes and illogical governmental decisions within the dystopian premise, such as the rationale behind locking up all surviving children. Additionally, some reviewers felt that the antagonists lacked complexity and personality, serving primarily as one-dimensional sources of conflict. For some, the romance felt forced or lacked chemistry, and certain aspects of the world-building, like the detailed explanation of powers or the disease's origin, were considered underdeveloped.
In short
Overall, The Darkest Minds is a polarizing read, capable of evoking strong adoration or significant disappointment. While it offers a compelling world and deeply cherished character relationships for many, others struggle with its pacing and character choices. This book would likely appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven young adult dystopian fiction featuring children with extraordinary abilities, especially those who appreciate a narrative focused on emotional depth and character growth, even if it means a slower pace in parts. It is particularly recommended for those who seek an emotionally impactful story with a realistic, dark setting and who value strong writing.
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