What do you think?
Rate this book
Mindbenders
If you could hear the thoughts of every person for three blocks around–the regrets, rationalizations, commercial jingles, the lies that hide what they can’t bear to think—how could you ever trust anyone? And if you could make them believe anything you wanted, how could you ever trust yourself?
Max Renn is a legend of the Soviet mind control program, a genetic experiment, the product of three generations of psychics bred by the state for their power. Before his first mission, the Soviet Union collapses and he disappears.
We meet him twenty years later in the Everglades, keeping as far from people as he can get, until his best friend–his only friend–is murdered and he is forced to assemble a team of people like him to fight the international conspiracy behind the murder.
Max Renn is a legend of the Soviet mind control program, a genetic experiment, the product of three generations of psychics bred by the state for their power. Before his first mission, the Soviet Union collapses and he disappears.
We meet him twenty years later in the Everglades, keeping as far from people as he can get, until his best friend–his only friend–is murdered and he is forced to assemble a team of people like him to fight the international conspiracy behind the murder.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2011
23 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Ted Krever
10 books24 followersTed Krever watched the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, went to Woodstock (the good one), and graduated Sarah Lawrence College with a useless degree in creative writing.
He spent several decades creating programs for ABC News, CBS, CNN, A&E, Court TV, MTV News, Discovery People and CBS/48 Hours, and as VP/Production of a short-lived dotcom.
He has driven a 16-wheeler across the Rockies, shot overnight news in NY City, managed a revival-house movie theater and married twice, in a triumph of optimism.
He was once accused of attempting to blow up Ethel Kennedy with a Super-8 projector.
More info at www.tedkrever.com and www.facebook.com/tedkrever
He spent several decades creating programs for ABC News, CBS, CNN, A&E, Court TV, MTV News, Discovery People and CBS/48 Hours, and as VP/Production of a short-lived dotcom.
He has driven a 16-wheeler across the Rockies, shot overnight news in NY City, managed a revival-house movie theater and married twice, in a triumph of optimism.
He was once accused of attempting to blow up Ethel Kennedy with a Super-8 projector.
More info at www.tedkrever.com and www.facebook.com/tedkrever
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 2, 2022
HIs brain had been rattled one too many times, but names had been planted in his head and they will be pulled out one by one and I love this paranormal thriller that kept me on my toes as the conspiracy is unraveled.
January 16, 2013
Book: Mindbenders
Author: Ted Krever
Genre: Paranormal (psychic ability), Thriller, Suspense
Length: Approximately 275 Pages
I have to say that I've always been fascinated by the thought of the Soviet Mind Control program that we heard so much about years ago. I always read books cold, without reading the blurb or reviews first. I like to form my own opinions about them, so needless to say, I was thrilled when I realized MINDBENDERS by TED KREVER covered this intriguing concept.
This book is full of amazing twists and turns that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, but what I liked most were the characters and the dialog between them that left me breathless at times. I became so invested in them. Gregor, who was an embedded reporter that is suffering from PTSD - Mr. Krever created a dream sequence that left me stunned and feeling as though I were right there with Greg when he was going through this horrifying moment in his life. This was so well written that I felt like I was intruding on a very personal and private moment in Greg's life, to the point I was uncomfortable as if he knew I was eavesdropping on him. AMAZING writing.
The dialog was so spot on in this novel that I actually felt as though I were listening to the conversations between the characters rather than reading them. I LOVE it when that happens. Often times when I pick up a new author to read, it takes awhile to get into the flow of the writer's words. That was not the case with MINDBENDERS. Mr. Krever's ability to write the way people actually think in their minds and convey it in such a way that the reader is not just reading, but absorbed into the moment of the book was amazing, and really one of the first times I've come across it done so well.
I am not going to attempt to summarize MINDBENDERS by TED KREVER because so much was happening on every page of the book that there is just no way to do it justice. To put it in the simplest of terms, MINDBENDERS is about good versus evil, people using the power of hope to gain power over people. This is a book that I could talk about for hours.
I just found out that Mr. Krever is close to releasing MINDBENDERS 2: UNDER THE RADAR, and I can tell you, I will be all over that book. While MINDBENDERS tied everything up nicely at the end of the book, the ending left it wide open for the second book. I can't wait to read it.
Author: Ted Krever
Genre: Paranormal (psychic ability), Thriller, Suspense
Length: Approximately 275 Pages
I have to say that I've always been fascinated by the thought of the Soviet Mind Control program that we heard so much about years ago. I always read books cold, without reading the blurb or reviews first. I like to form my own opinions about them, so needless to say, I was thrilled when I realized MINDBENDERS by TED KREVER covered this intriguing concept.
This book is full of amazing twists and turns that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, but what I liked most were the characters and the dialog between them that left me breathless at times. I became so invested in them. Gregor, who was an embedded reporter that is suffering from PTSD - Mr. Krever created a dream sequence that left me stunned and feeling as though I were right there with Greg when he was going through this horrifying moment in his life. This was so well written that I felt like I was intruding on a very personal and private moment in Greg's life, to the point I was uncomfortable as if he knew I was eavesdropping on him. AMAZING writing.
The dialog was so spot on in this novel that I actually felt as though I were listening to the conversations between the characters rather than reading them. I LOVE it when that happens. Often times when I pick up a new author to read, it takes awhile to get into the flow of the writer's words. That was not the case with MINDBENDERS. Mr. Krever's ability to write the way people actually think in their minds and convey it in such a way that the reader is not just reading, but absorbed into the moment of the book was amazing, and really one of the first times I've come across it done so well.
I am not going to attempt to summarize MINDBENDERS by TED KREVER because so much was happening on every page of the book that there is just no way to do it justice. To put it in the simplest of terms, MINDBENDERS is about good versus evil, people using the power of hope to gain power over people. This is a book that I could talk about for hours.
I just found out that Mr. Krever is close to releasing MINDBENDERS 2: UNDER THE RADAR, and I can tell you, I will be all over that book. While MINDBENDERS tied everything up nicely at the end of the book, the ending left it wide open for the second book. I can't wait to read it.
June 25, 2011
Greg has been out of the military for a year now and is living in with a man he calls Uncle Dave; his mind was fried by the stress of his experiences in the Middle East, causing severe memory loss and problems with speaking and even thinking. Hearing screaming, he leaves his room and finds Dave Monaghan dead in the bathroom, the screams coming from the small TV showing the assassination of the Indian premiere. Before he can really process all of this, a man known to him as Mr. Dulles shows up, tells him to pack his stuff and takes him away – they haven’t gone far before the house explodes.
This is only the very beginning of “Mindbenders,” a story in which science fiction and fact combine (and which is based upon real events and programs). Mindbenders are people who are able to affect things with their minds – mostly through mind reading and affecting other people’s thoughts. Dulles – Max – turns out to be a particularly powerful mindbender with a checkered past. Dave, it turns out, has used Greg as a vessel – storing information subconsciously in Greg’s mind that Max and Greg must use in order to answer their questions. Initially seeking only to understand Dave’s killing and why it happened, Max and Greg discover they must combat a group of other mindbenders that threaten the whole world in their lust for money and power. They seek out others to help them, achieving a final count of four people – Max, Greg, Kate and Mark – against a vast, multinational conspiracy.
I was enthralled by this story and absolutely devoured it. It is fast-paced, exciting and yet allows for good character development and back-story. The author – Ted Krever – cleverly uses run together words and phrases to create ideas, such as an instance in which Greg thinks he would need a degree in “Idontknowwhat” in order to understand a situation in which he has been placed. Mr. Krever also has a good grasp of character dynamics and the interactions between his characters is realistic and interesting.
Overall I must say I was mightily impressed. I can recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good thriller, suspense science/science fiction story, which covers a lot of people. In fact, anyone who enjoys a good tale should give this one a try – I think you’ll be as impressed as I was!
This is only the very beginning of “Mindbenders,” a story in which science fiction and fact combine (and which is based upon real events and programs). Mindbenders are people who are able to affect things with their minds – mostly through mind reading and affecting other people’s thoughts. Dulles – Max – turns out to be a particularly powerful mindbender with a checkered past. Dave, it turns out, has used Greg as a vessel – storing information subconsciously in Greg’s mind that Max and Greg must use in order to answer their questions. Initially seeking only to understand Dave’s killing and why it happened, Max and Greg discover they must combat a group of other mindbenders that threaten the whole world in their lust for money and power. They seek out others to help them, achieving a final count of four people – Max, Greg, Kate and Mark – against a vast, multinational conspiracy.
I was enthralled by this story and absolutely devoured it. It is fast-paced, exciting and yet allows for good character development and back-story. The author – Ted Krever – cleverly uses run together words and phrases to create ideas, such as an instance in which Greg thinks he would need a degree in “Idontknowwhat” in order to understand a situation in which he has been placed. Mr. Krever also has a good grasp of character dynamics and the interactions between his characters is realistic and interesting.
Overall I must say I was mightily impressed. I can recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good thriller, suspense science/science fiction story, which covers a lot of people. In fact, anyone who enjoys a good tale should give this one a try – I think you’ll be as impressed as I was!
June 22, 2011
Review:
Greg is a vet suffering from debilitating memory loss. The man who took it upon himself to help him through, possibly draw out the memories and his voice, is suddenly killed. Now, the only person left to trust is the man who tells Greg that he is a map of sorts. A map of the locations of the people who once served the government as mindbenders. A defunct program with a lot of loose ends.
Greg and Max follow a path that leads them to a disturbing reality. Someone wants to kill hope, the most important of all human emotions; the one that keeps people going in their day to day lives. Rounding up a small team of people who share their desire to set things right, they piece together the clues and ready themselves for the final showdown.
In Mindbenders, Ted Krever takes the reader on a fantastic journey of the mind. His characters unfold and expand, keeping the reader riveted, turning the page to see how they grow. His suggestions of what governments are willing to do to breed the best possible weapon are disturbing but yet - believable. The search for power, greed, and control is too much temptation, and when others who are like Max decide big business is more lucrative than helping governments succeed, the world is trouble.
Ted Krever had me hooked from page one. Throughout the book, the reactions, the feelings of the characters, all seemed real. I felt their discomfort, their reluctance, and I felt their minds growing and blossoming into the people they needed to become. Mr. Krever’s writing style is clean and concise, and his ability to describe what is happening keeps you in the moment, able to understand how the characters felt or reacted - “Well, I’m not comfortable running away without a good reason,” Fine answered, speaking slowly, biting each word off as if they came a la carte.
Mindbenders is an incredible read and I was recommending it to others before I even finished reading it. I loved the characters with their flaws and their quirks. I loved the action and the way the characters used their powers. The idea of people like this actually existing in our reality is disquieting, to say the least. Ted Krever’s world is a scary one, but one you shouldn’t miss reading about.
This book deserves every bit of the five stars I give it.
Greg is a vet suffering from debilitating memory loss. The man who took it upon himself to help him through, possibly draw out the memories and his voice, is suddenly killed. Now, the only person left to trust is the man who tells Greg that he is a map of sorts. A map of the locations of the people who once served the government as mindbenders. A defunct program with a lot of loose ends.
Greg and Max follow a path that leads them to a disturbing reality. Someone wants to kill hope, the most important of all human emotions; the one that keeps people going in their day to day lives. Rounding up a small team of people who share their desire to set things right, they piece together the clues and ready themselves for the final showdown.
In Mindbenders, Ted Krever takes the reader on a fantastic journey of the mind. His characters unfold and expand, keeping the reader riveted, turning the page to see how they grow. His suggestions of what governments are willing to do to breed the best possible weapon are disturbing but yet - believable. The search for power, greed, and control is too much temptation, and when others who are like Max decide big business is more lucrative than helping governments succeed, the world is trouble.
Ted Krever had me hooked from page one. Throughout the book, the reactions, the feelings of the characters, all seemed real. I felt their discomfort, their reluctance, and I felt their minds growing and blossoming into the people they needed to become. Mr. Krever’s writing style is clean and concise, and his ability to describe what is happening keeps you in the moment, able to understand how the characters felt or reacted - “Well, I’m not comfortable running away without a good reason,” Fine answered, speaking slowly, biting each word off as if they came a la carte.
Mindbenders is an incredible read and I was recommending it to others before I even finished reading it. I loved the characters with their flaws and their quirks. I loved the action and the way the characters used their powers. The idea of people like this actually existing in our reality is disquieting, to say the least. Ted Krever’s world is a scary one, but one you shouldn’t miss reading about.
This book deserves every bit of the five stars I give it.
September 12, 2011
Mindbenders was a wonderful surprise. It took me all of two pages to get into it, and I was hooked through the end. The pacing is spot-on, alternating between exhilarating action and quiet, character-driven moments.
It’s a great bit of Psi-Fi, made better by the fact it’s both timely and relevant. Many (all?) of the government programs listed are real and the author has adapted their findings seamlessly into his writing. He manages to make the science behind it easily digestible, even going so far as to explain my urge to purchase a new SUV, despite having only three people in my family. Most importantly, he does all this without robbing us of character development.
If I had to complain about anything, it would be the end. Not that I found the conclusion unsatisfactory, but I wanted to spend more time with the characters. From the looks of it, the author is working on a sequel, so I suppose I’ll just have to be patient. As it is now, Mindbenders is a great book on its own and has the capacity to become a very impressive series.
Of course, there’s always the chance somebody out there is controlling my mind, compelling me to think this….
It’s a great bit of Psi-Fi, made better by the fact it’s both timely and relevant. Many (all?) of the government programs listed are real and the author has adapted their findings seamlessly into his writing. He manages to make the science behind it easily digestible, even going so far as to explain my urge to purchase a new SUV, despite having only three people in my family. Most importantly, he does all this without robbing us of character development.
If I had to complain about anything, it would be the end. Not that I found the conclusion unsatisfactory, but I wanted to spend more time with the characters. From the looks of it, the author is working on a sequel, so I suppose I’ll just have to be patient. As it is now, Mindbenders is a great book on its own and has the capacity to become a very impressive series.
Of course, there’s always the chance somebody out there is controlling my mind, compelling me to think this….
September 13, 2012
This was a freebie from the kindle store. After reading the synopsis more carefully, I wasn't sure if this would appeal to me. It certainly was different from the usual mystery thriller novels I read.
If you ever thought you might like to read minds or bend people's thoughts, after you read this book you may change your mind.
Greg is recovering from his war experiences and staying with "uncle "Dave. Greg has no memory and can only say a few words. But, then Dave is murdered and Max shows up. The people who killed Dave are after them too. Greg doesn't trust Max, but then he discovers they have a connection. They begin an investigation to find out why Dave was murdered.
Max is a mindbender and his talents are sought after by the government of course, but also by other mindbenders that have devised a diabolical plan that Greg and Max must stop.
This was a very detailed plot. I recommend reading the book slowly and without distractions. I did find it thought provoking. The author has quite an imagination. I believe more adventures are in store for Greg, Max and others they met along the way. overall a B-
If you ever thought you might like to read minds or bend people's thoughts, after you read this book you may change your mind.
Greg is recovering from his war experiences and staying with "uncle "Dave. Greg has no memory and can only say a few words. But, then Dave is murdered and Max shows up. The people who killed Dave are after them too. Greg doesn't trust Max, but then he discovers they have a connection. They begin an investigation to find out why Dave was murdered.
Max is a mindbender and his talents are sought after by the government of course, but also by other mindbenders that have devised a diabolical plan that Greg and Max must stop.
This was a very detailed plot. I recommend reading the book slowly and without distractions. I did find it thought provoking. The author has quite an imagination. I believe more adventures are in store for Greg, Max and others they met along the way. overall a B-
July 8, 2011
Mindbenders is one of the most pleasant surprises I've read in a long time. From the fast paced beginning to the last revelations, I couldn't put it down. Simply put, the plot is fascinating, the characters well-drawn, the narrator fresh and intriguing.
I won't give you spoilers, because I think others have adequately sketched the plot. This is one story you'll want to discover the details for yourself. Mindbenders has something for everyone - science fiction, paranormal fantasy, thriller. It doesn't matter whether you believe these programs once existed. You'll believe in these characters.
I hope there is a sequel coming and that Mr. Krever won't keep us waiting too long.
I won't give you spoilers, because I think others have adequately sketched the plot. This is one story you'll want to discover the details for yourself. Mindbenders has something for everyone - science fiction, paranormal fantasy, thriller. It doesn't matter whether you believe these programs once existed. You'll believe in these characters.
I hope there is a sequel coming and that Mr. Krever won't keep us waiting too long.
July 11, 2011
I got this from the author in a giveaway. I thought it sounded interesting but really it was not my first choice type of read. I was blown away by it! It is an awesome book. At times it was difficult for me to read. One of the characters was a vet suffering from PTSD. My son was in Iraq 10 years ago. Some of the scenes with the character of Greg brought back all the worry and fear. This is a fascinating book that is fiction based on fact. Ted Krever did an outstanding job! Read it even if it isn't the genre you usually read.
June 14, 2011
What would it be like to read minds? What if you could CONTROL people, through minds? How about harnessing the very molecules around you? Apparently, way back, various countries tried to develop this kind of control. Ted Krever has taken the idea and built Mindbenders around it. I have to say, this is one book that was hard to put down. What's really scary is that this COULD have happened.
September 18, 2019
Not a bad story and I haven't read anything before with remote viewing as part of the topic. There were a few flaws. Like when Max pushed a woman to liking Greg. Given Max's history which comes out several chapters later, it stretches credulity that he would do that. At least, not if the author wants him to be one of the good guys, which he obviously does.
There were also places where their speculation about what the other side was planning became so convoluted that I lost the thread. I read on, trusting that the author would make it clear what the real threat was when the time came. He did, but it would have helped to understand it better.
There's also so serious stretching of what a remote viewer can do, but also some serious blind spots. The author acknowledges that all time happens at once and then drops it, never even considering that a peek into the future would solve a lot of their confusion. Of course, if they'd done that, the book would have been much shorter. Still, it's a plot hole and one that should have been addressed with some reason why that wasn't feasible.
There were also places where their speculation about what the other side was planning became so convoluted that I lost the thread. I read on, trusting that the author would make it clear what the real threat was when the time came. He did, but it would have helped to understand it better.
There's also so serious stretching of what a remote viewer can do, but also some serious blind spots. The author acknowledges that all time happens at once and then drops it, never even considering that a peek into the future would solve a lot of their confusion. Of course, if they'd done that, the book would have been much shorter. Still, it's a plot hole and one that should have been addressed with some reason why that wasn't feasible.
September 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, as the author quickly gets you into the head (pun intended) of his characters. From start to finish, the book is pretty much non-stop action and there are some shades of the happenings in this book of things I have read about trying to occur in various research institutions and governments. It does make you step back outside of the novel and think "what if" on today's society and some of the crazy stuff you hear about happening in the world.
One drawback on this book for me was the ending - it just stops with an abrupt ending - and the "Now" chapter appears to have been rushed as if the author was tired of writing. What a letdown, but the other 99.9% of the book was great.
One drawback on this book for me was the ending - it just stops with an abrupt ending - and the "Now" chapter appears to have been rushed as if the author was tired of writing. What a letdown, but the other 99.9% of the book was great.
January 31, 2019
Excellent
This was a strange story about mind benders, it was very well written. The story was so unusual I think you all should read it.
This was a strange story about mind benders, it was very well written. The story was so unusual I think you all should read it.
July 22, 2011
Disabled vet, Greg, lives a quiet life with “Uncle Dave” in the swamps of the Florida Everglades, until the night Uncle Dave is shot in the head while in the bath and Greg’s peaceful, quiet world is turned not only upside down, but inside out and front to back. Almost as soon as Uncle Dave is shot, the mysterious Mr. Dulles appears on the back porch, ordering Greg to gather his things and leads him away just as the cabin blows up. Now Greg and Mr. Dulles are running for their lives, trying to figure out why someone killed Uncle Dave, and picking up clues (and more strange people) along the way.
Greg soon discovers that Mr. Dulles has talents far beyond what can be imagined, no one can be trusted, and the world governments have hidden secrets that even were they to get out, no one would believe them. Can one slightly off center vet, one extremely dangerous man, and their merry band of misfits discover the bigger picture that lies beyond Dave’s death, and do it in time to save not only themselves but the world in the process? Hold on to your seats and prepare yourselves for a ride into the dangerous world of government secrets, smoke and mirrors and conspiracy beyond belief.
Told in Greg’s point of view, Mindbenders is well written, full of slightly off/snarky bits of dialogue, more than a little disturbing sights into the power of the mind and a grand suspense thriller all rolled into one. During the course of the book, Greg grows from a damaged man who literally can’t string two words together into the strong, self-confident reporter he once was. Slowly, mysterious Mr. Dulles’ past is revealed and with each step he reveals what he can do with his mind, and frankly it’s a tad bit scary. Along the way, fellow mindbenders are revealed, some good, some bad. To understand the plot of this book think Conspiracy Theory meets Men Who Stare at Goats, sprinkle in a little James Bond spy tactics, add in some Matrix sci-fi and mix with a little Bruce Willis/Angelina Jolie kick butt scenes. This is political thriller at its best, there are twists and turns, traitors, and always something else hidden behind door number two. There is a great cast of characters, good guys and bad guys, and some who you just aren’t sure what they are.
I enjoyed the heck out of this book, from the moment I picked it up I could not put it down. It’s not your typical spy thriller; it will make you think good and hard. While I did enjoy it, I have to admit that I was a little over-whelmed with the science bits. I’ve never been good with physics and neutrons and protons and such, there are a bunch of those here. The science aside, this was a book that met all my criteria for a good read – good character building, some action so you don’t get bored, a plot to make you think, a few laughs, a good villain and even an ending that will make you say “hmmmm”. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a political thriller that while it takes itself seriously, doesn’t take itself too serious.
4 1/2 stars
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild
Greg soon discovers that Mr. Dulles has talents far beyond what can be imagined, no one can be trusted, and the world governments have hidden secrets that even were they to get out, no one would believe them. Can one slightly off center vet, one extremely dangerous man, and their merry band of misfits discover the bigger picture that lies beyond Dave’s death, and do it in time to save not only themselves but the world in the process? Hold on to your seats and prepare yourselves for a ride into the dangerous world of government secrets, smoke and mirrors and conspiracy beyond belief.
Told in Greg’s point of view, Mindbenders is well written, full of slightly off/snarky bits of dialogue, more than a little disturbing sights into the power of the mind and a grand suspense thriller all rolled into one. During the course of the book, Greg grows from a damaged man who literally can’t string two words together into the strong, self-confident reporter he once was. Slowly, mysterious Mr. Dulles’ past is revealed and with each step he reveals what he can do with his mind, and frankly it’s a tad bit scary. Along the way, fellow mindbenders are revealed, some good, some bad. To understand the plot of this book think Conspiracy Theory meets Men Who Stare at Goats, sprinkle in a little James Bond spy tactics, add in some Matrix sci-fi and mix with a little Bruce Willis/Angelina Jolie kick butt scenes. This is political thriller at its best, there are twists and turns, traitors, and always something else hidden behind door number two. There is a great cast of characters, good guys and bad guys, and some who you just aren’t sure what they are.
I enjoyed the heck out of this book, from the moment I picked it up I could not put it down. It’s not your typical spy thriller; it will make you think good and hard. While I did enjoy it, I have to admit that I was a little over-whelmed with the science bits. I’ve never been good with physics and neutrons and protons and such, there are a bunch of those here. The science aside, this was a book that met all my criteria for a good read – good character building, some action so you don’t get bored, a plot to make you think, a few laughs, a good villain and even an ending that will make you say “hmmmm”. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a political thriller that while it takes itself seriously, doesn’t take itself too serious.
4 1/2 stars
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild
Read
June 2, 2011Five out of Five Stars
From Claudia (VA) on Amazon:
This is that rare piece of fiction based on fact in such a way as to make the lines between the two seem to blur. Mindbenders is built on the work done by both the US and Soviet governments as they attempted to harness the most powerful instrument on the face of the earth – the human mind – as yet another weapon in their massive arsenals. More experimentation has been done in this area than most people realize, and Ted Krever obviously did his research very thoroughly before writing this book. In this novel, he deals with remote viewing, telepathy, and other things that some consider ‘tricks’ of the mind, but which many believe are far closer to reality than myth.
The novel is well written and well edited, with a storyline that takes hold in the first few pages and doesn’t let go until the plot has unwound in ways one would not expect. The characters are well developed, ‘warts and all’, as the saying goes. The story takes the reader from the swamps of Florida to the catacombs of Rome while dealing with life and death, and war and peace.
These are not, for the most part, ‘nice’ people, as their actions demonstrate, and they each have their inner struggles, their secret demons. When reading this book, I couldn’t escape the feeling that the potential reality lies close to the surface. Perhaps because it’s a subject in which I’ve long been interested, but I couldn’t read it without knowing that while it is fiction, and a fascinating story, the underlying dynamics are all too possible.
This is a novel, a story that came forth from the mind of the author and found its way to the pages of a fascinating book; however, one of the most interesting aspects of the story is that it is not so far from reality that something very much like it could not happen. The story shows how powerful forces of the mind could be used for overwhelming evil or redemptive good, and we can but hope that the latter would triumph in any battle between the two.
The ending certainly is an ‘ending’, but I see plenty of room for a sequel one of these days, if the spirit moves Mr. Krever, and we are fortunate enough to have him write it. I was sorry when it ended, which I think is the way I want to feel when I’ve been fortunate enough to stumble on a really good book.
Mindbenders
From Claudia (VA) on Amazon:
This is that rare piece of fiction based on fact in such a way as to make the lines between the two seem to blur. Mindbenders is built on the work done by both the US and Soviet governments as they attempted to harness the most powerful instrument on the face of the earth – the human mind – as yet another weapon in their massive arsenals. More experimentation has been done in this area than most people realize, and Ted Krever obviously did his research very thoroughly before writing this book. In this novel, he deals with remote viewing, telepathy, and other things that some consider ‘tricks’ of the mind, but which many believe are far closer to reality than myth.
The novel is well written and well edited, with a storyline that takes hold in the first few pages and doesn’t let go until the plot has unwound in ways one would not expect. The characters are well developed, ‘warts and all’, as the saying goes. The story takes the reader from the swamps of Florida to the catacombs of Rome while dealing with life and death, and war and peace.
These are not, for the most part, ‘nice’ people, as their actions demonstrate, and they each have their inner struggles, their secret demons. When reading this book, I couldn’t escape the feeling that the potential reality lies close to the surface. Perhaps because it’s a subject in which I’ve long been interested, but I couldn’t read it without knowing that while it is fiction, and a fascinating story, the underlying dynamics are all too possible.
This is a novel, a story that came forth from the mind of the author and found its way to the pages of a fascinating book; however, one of the most interesting aspects of the story is that it is not so far from reality that something very much like it could not happen. The story shows how powerful forces of the mind could be used for overwhelming evil or redemptive good, and we can but hope that the latter would triumph in any battle between the two.
The ending certainly is an ‘ending’, but I see plenty of room for a sequel one of these days, if the spirit moves Mr. Krever, and we are fortunate enough to have him write it. I was sorry when it ended, which I think is the way I want to feel when I’ve been fortunate enough to stumble on a really good book.
Mindbenders
January 4, 2013
Ted Krever's Mindbenders is a brilliantly paced paranormal conspiracy thriller with an entertaining cast of characters and a plot that will keep you jumping from clue to clue to determine what is really happening. Former Soviet agent Max Renn was part of a secret mind control program that was dismantled during the collapse of the Soviet Union. Two decades later, his semi-tranquil life in the Florida everglades is thrown into turmoil when unknown entities kill his friend and force him to reassemble his pal's old psychic squad to unravel the international conspiracy behind a host of high profile murders and strange events.
Though Max is technically the protagonist, the story is narrated by Greg, a vet who survived the battle of Fallujah with his body, but not his mind, intact. Greg's ability to reason and articulate is severely crippled by post-traumatic stress syndrome. He is an amazingly well-developed, likeable, and engaging character, but a poor choice for a narrator. His often confusing and disjointed narrative style makes the already complex plot feel unnecessarily burdensome at times. There are points in the narrative where the reader has trouble following what is going on, not because of the plot complexity, but because Greg doesn't coherently present facts. While this behavior is certainly in character, it makes him an unreliable narrator.
But Mindbenders is worth the extra effort required. The psychic element feels like an organic part of the story and not just a tacked on gimmick. Krever presents the nature of these mind-controlling powers in a way that is believable while avoiding the need to bog down the story with extensive explanations. The end result is a fully immersive experience that puts the readers right in the center of an elaborate international web of intrigue. Definitely a book that should be on the digital bookshelf if you consider yourself a fan of the genre.
Reviewer note: Reviewer was given a comp copy of the book by the author
Though Max is technically the protagonist, the story is narrated by Greg, a vet who survived the battle of Fallujah with his body, but not his mind, intact. Greg's ability to reason and articulate is severely crippled by post-traumatic stress syndrome. He is an amazingly well-developed, likeable, and engaging character, but a poor choice for a narrator. His often confusing and disjointed narrative style makes the already complex plot feel unnecessarily burdensome at times. There are points in the narrative where the reader has trouble following what is going on, not because of the plot complexity, but because Greg doesn't coherently present facts. While this behavior is certainly in character, it makes him an unreliable narrator.
But Mindbenders is worth the extra effort required. The psychic element feels like an organic part of the story and not just a tacked on gimmick. Krever presents the nature of these mind-controlling powers in a way that is believable while avoiding the need to bog down the story with extensive explanations. The end result is a fully immersive experience that puts the readers right in the center of an elaborate international web of intrigue. Definitely a book that should be on the digital bookshelf if you consider yourself a fan of the genre.
Reviewer note: Reviewer was given a comp copy of the book by the author
October 9, 2012
I was given this book in return for an honest review. This book kind of reminds me of Dean Koontz in the way that the author blends science fiction with things that may actually be possible someday. The Us and Soviet governments have an experiment to harnass the power of the mind, and they succeed, but to what end? Greg, ex military, suffering from what seems to be severe PTSD and physical restrictions, is living with Uncle Dave.(not really his uncle) Greg is having serious problems adapting or even functioning on a semi-normal level. He hears screaming and finds Uncle Dave dead in the tub with an assasination playing on the TV. Just then a man he doesn't know, Max Dulles, shows up and orders him to pack and get out. Soon after, the house blows up. There begins our adventure. One of my favorite lines in this book is when Greg says "I'm disabled, not stupid." and he isn't stupid. Turns out that the government expiriment produced Mindbenders, they can read minds and manipulate thoughts and Max is a very, very powerful one. He has been storing his extra information in Greg's head, no wonder Greg is having so many problems with everything. They must access the information in order to survive and possibly end a massive conspiracy. They are up against, and under attack from, a group of mindbenders that are out for money, power, and glory. They will enlist the help of Kate ad Mark. Can the four of them defeat the massive conspiracy or will they end up casualties of yet another government experiment. I really liked this book because it does sound like something the government would do, so feels likes it's based in reality while still being a great work of fiction. Hope there is another one. WaAr
November 2, 2012
I have never read a book before that got my mind as muddled up trying to keep track of the plot, as this book. One thing perfectly clear right from the start – and which impressed me immensely – is that this author can write! He knows his way around words like few others. But trying to follow the plot proved to be no easy task.
“Mindbenders” is not your average mind-powers book. It’s complicated, and it’s filled with lots of important information necessary for character- and plot development. If you try to rush through this book, you’ll get lost along the way and have no clue why or how certain events are taking place. The plot moves at a snail’s pace, and slowly builds up to its exhilarating conclusion. Everything is tied up nicely at the end, but enough is left to get the reader sufficiently curious to want to read the next book.
Although this is a unique, imaginative, and incredibly interesting read, I don’t think it would be every reader’s cup of tea. Here and there the story dragged a little, and it took me some time to get to know and connect with the characters. I think this book would do great as a movie, as it is packed with action and drama, and the special effects people will have a field day with it. It is definitely a book worth reading, but would be a more suitable fit for readers who are sticklers for details.
All in all though, a fantastic read!
“Mindbenders” is not your average mind-powers book. It’s complicated, and it’s filled with lots of important information necessary for character- and plot development. If you try to rush through this book, you’ll get lost along the way and have no clue why or how certain events are taking place. The plot moves at a snail’s pace, and slowly builds up to its exhilarating conclusion. Everything is tied up nicely at the end, but enough is left to get the reader sufficiently curious to want to read the next book.
Although this is a unique, imaginative, and incredibly interesting read, I don’t think it would be every reader’s cup of tea. Here and there the story dragged a little, and it took me some time to get to know and connect with the characters. I think this book would do great as a movie, as it is packed with action and drama, and the special effects people will have a field day with it. It is definitely a book worth reading, but would be a more suitable fit for readers who are sticklers for details.
All in all though, a fantastic read!
July 23, 2012
This was a fast-paced gallop by a bunch of psychic-phenomena-employing world-savers. Telepathy, telekinesis, clairvoyance, mind control and so forth are deployed.
The writing itself was commendable but I felt the plot lacked conviction. Not so much in the believe of the mental hi-jinks, which would always demand some suspension of disbelief at this level of accomplishment, but the main premise.
“Hope springs eternal...” is a truism and it was what was left to mankind after the clearing out of Pandora's box. It cannot be killed so easily and therefore the danger suggested in this scenario would seem to be a paper tiger.
Towards the end the feeling was of one of Indiana Jones's action scenes, and indeed Harrison Ford gets a name check, but this kind of thing tends to film a great deal better than it reads.
Continually it seemed the protagonists failed to use their massive powers to achieve a simple solution but went for options such as force shields, lightning bolts or hurling bodies around instead of maybe setting off fire alarms, grounding aircraft or simply detaining certain people before they got in the danger zone.
The writing was good and Greg's character was mostly convincing, so the materials were rather better than the complete construction.
The writing itself was commendable but I felt the plot lacked conviction. Not so much in the believe of the mental hi-jinks, which would always demand some suspension of disbelief at this level of accomplishment, but the main premise.
“Hope springs eternal...” is a truism and it was what was left to mankind after the clearing out of Pandora's box. It cannot be killed so easily and therefore the danger suggested in this scenario would seem to be a paper tiger.
Towards the end the feeling was of one of Indiana Jones's action scenes, and indeed Harrison Ford gets a name check, but this kind of thing tends to film a great deal better than it reads.
Continually it seemed the protagonists failed to use their massive powers to achieve a simple solution but went for options such as force shields, lightning bolts or hurling bodies around instead of maybe setting off fire alarms, grounding aircraft or simply detaining certain people before they got in the danger zone.
The writing was good and Greg's character was mostly convincing, so the materials were rather better than the complete construction.
September 8, 2012
I received this book from the author to give an honest review.
I had to give this book 4 stars only because it wouldn't let me give it 4 1/2 stars. The plot of the book was great, but I am basing my rating on how much I had to keep going back to re-read parts because I kept getting a bit confused on what exactly was going on. What exactly they were doing with their powers that they have.
Mindbenders takes you on a journey with Greg and Max and two other characters, who are uncovering a conspiracy to get rid of hope that the world needs. They each have their own mind boggling powers, and they will use those powers to bring the others down.
When Greg's guardian ends up dying, Max comes and sweeps Greg into the world of the Mindbenders, and Greg learns that there is more to things in life then just a regular world. Greg doesn't think he has any of the powers that the others have until Max forces him to open up that way he can help keep his self and his friends alive.
Mindbenders is full of conspiracy, thriller, the paranormal all wrapped up into one.
I can not wait to give book two a try when it comes out.
I had to give this book 4 stars only because it wouldn't let me give it 4 1/2 stars. The plot of the book was great, but I am basing my rating on how much I had to keep going back to re-read parts because I kept getting a bit confused on what exactly was going on. What exactly they were doing with their powers that they have.
Mindbenders takes you on a journey with Greg and Max and two other characters, who are uncovering a conspiracy to get rid of hope that the world needs. They each have their own mind boggling powers, and they will use those powers to bring the others down.
When Greg's guardian ends up dying, Max comes and sweeps Greg into the world of the Mindbenders, and Greg learns that there is more to things in life then just a regular world. Greg doesn't think he has any of the powers that the others have until Max forces him to open up that way he can help keep his self and his friends alive.
Mindbenders is full of conspiracy, thriller, the paranormal all wrapped up into one.
I can not wait to give book two a try when it comes out.
September 29, 2011
When Greg’s guardian is murdered, Max Renn shows up and whisks him into a world of mindbenders. Mind and memory fried by his experiences in the military, Greg has no clue of his own capabilities until Max forces him to use them to keep himself and his newfound friends alive while they try to stop an event that would change the world forever. Greg and Max gather more help as they unravel the mystery locked in Greg’s brain and rush to save hope.
This is a fast-paced paranormal conspiracy thriller. Mr. Krever has done an exceptional job of creating and portraying the characters and their abilities, and weaving it into a plot that will absolutely enthrall you. His work is fascinating and provocative, leaving you wondering how much we control our own destiny, and how much is controlled by others.
Well done, Ted Krever. I’m glad you’ve got a second one coming soon!
This is a fast-paced paranormal conspiracy thriller. Mr. Krever has done an exceptional job of creating and portraying the characters and their abilities, and weaving it into a plot that will absolutely enthrall you. His work is fascinating and provocative, leaving you wondering how much we control our own destiny, and how much is controlled by others.
Well done, Ted Krever. I’m glad you’ve got a second one coming soon!
June 27, 2012
I adore this book. The plot is complicated without being confusing, the story is fresh and engaging and the characters are fully formed and fledged out.
The title alone should tell you what the basic premise of the book is. The question is, what happens to a project upon which the government has given up. A project that was marginally successful. What if the people in the project carries on with their tasks, who is bankrolling it and to which end? If the CIA, FBI, NSA etc is no longer involved, black opps is not an option, who and why is the project still active?
I give this book a smooth 8 * review, it is different from most books I have read recently and I commend the author on using the cold war and it's consequences to such delectable reading.
The title alone should tell you what the basic premise of the book is. The question is, what happens to a project upon which the government has given up. A project that was marginally successful. What if the people in the project carries on with their tasks, who is bankrolling it and to which end? If the CIA, FBI, NSA etc is no longer involved, black opps is not an option, who and why is the project still active?
I give this book a smooth 8 * review, it is different from most books I have read recently and I commend the author on using the cold war and it's consequences to such delectable reading.
July 27, 2012
I received this book on a read to review basis.
This book has quite a range, from science fiction to paranormal fantasy to thriller. All the fictional aspects make you think what if.....what if the Government really could create a program where people could do things with their minds, including making suggestions to people which they then act upon.
The storyline was a little slow for my liking, but kept the intrigue. The book is well written, and the character building is excellent, letting the story flow freely.
This book has quite a range, from science fiction to paranormal fantasy to thriller. All the fictional aspects make you think what if.....what if the Government really could create a program where people could do things with their minds, including making suggestions to people which they then act upon.
The storyline was a little slow for my liking, but kept the intrigue. The book is well written, and the character building is excellent, letting the story flow freely.
October 11, 2012
I started this book expecting to like it. I love these types of books but I couldn't even get to chapter 5 it was way to slow for me to get into it... normally even if a book is slow I want to find out what happens so I finish it.. or at least skim it so I know how it ends. but I found myself not caring how this one ended. I decided to quit. I'm not saying its a terrible book though. it is a neat idea and if you like slower paced books this one is written pretty well. its just not my type.
September 6, 2012
I wasn't sure if this was a book for me but it was great and I was gripped from the off, paranormal thriller with characters that were very real. Don't want to spoil the plot but I will be looking for more from this author. Great read. Thank you and please write some more as I want to know what happens next......
September 22, 2012
Gripping book based on fact and too real for comfort tells a story of people who were used by the superpowers and then discarded, but how they came back to avenge their friend and fight against other, power-hungry mindbenders. Not your average book, well written, well developed, and a very interesting read.
June 21, 2012
A fast-paced novel set against fictional elements that might possibly be a reality. It isn't too farfetched to imagine that the governments of the world have, and are, doing the things described in the novel. Excellent read, and I can't wait to read more by Mr. Krever.
July 23, 2013
It was for sure entertaining. I thought the author went into a little bit too much detail on how they were actually doing the mind reading. I liked the action but I felt the characters could have been developed a little better. All in all I was an ok read
November 4, 2013
Good book. A big thank you to Mr. Moreover for telling a complete story. While you can tell at the end of this book that the characters have more to do, we also felt everything was settled for now. Great story. Kept me drawn in and wanting to read more.
May 18, 2011
Great stuff!
March 2, 2012
It was ok. I didn't really get into the book. The characters and plot didn't really grab me. It had an interesting idea, but the story didn't deliver for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews