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Mind Secrets
On the run and without his memories, Michael escapes from a man called Carter onto the unfamiliar streets of London. There, he meets a gang of teenagers with the power to sense the thoughts and feelings of others. They live in fear of ‘the cure’, a mysterious process which takes away their power and, some believe, destroys their personality. Suspecting the cure caused his memory loss, Michael goes undercover to investigate the truth behind the doctors of the cure clinic. What he discovers leads him to a conspiracy that runs to the heart of government and reveals the shocking reality of his own past.
Mind Secrets is a compelling thriller set in a contemporary world and will appeal to readers of the Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness and anyone who's ever wondered what it's like to have mind powers.
Mind Secrets is a compelling thriller set in a contemporary world and will appeal to readers of the Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness and anyone who's ever wondered what it's like to have mind powers.
- GenresFiction
331 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2012
10 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 6, 2012
Mind Secrets is a novel in the best of all science fiction traditions. It makes one contrary-to-today's-science assumption and then shows us the consequences. I love such stories in general, and I love this one in particular.
The contrary-to-today assumption is mind-reading—of a sort. It's begun to spring up among teenagers, much to the chagrin of the graybeards. In the book, the conflict is played out on the full London stage, but especially in the life of Michael, who wakes up at the start of the story with his memory wiped, while he's being pursued by a big man with evil intentions.
Without a memory of his own life, Michael is at considerable disadvantage in the chase, but he manages to escape, live on the streets, and eventually wind up living with a couple of "Perceivers"—that is, mind-readers. From then on, his life is an ongoing series of pursuits, captures, escapes, and more pursuits. Through all these adventures, he manages to assemble parts of his jigsaw-puzzle past.
But all his new knowledge does is create more trouble, culminating in an all-out war between the Perceivers and the Norms. As for the book's reading appeal, I literally couldn't put it down—and not just because of the non-stop pursuit. Author Chris Reynolds provides plenty of deep stuff for the reader to ponder. Will the world really be like this when a minority of the population can read the thoughts of the majority?
The contrary-to-today assumption is mind-reading—of a sort. It's begun to spring up among teenagers, much to the chagrin of the graybeards. In the book, the conflict is played out on the full London stage, but especially in the life of Michael, who wakes up at the start of the story with his memory wiped, while he's being pursued by a big man with evil intentions.
Without a memory of his own life, Michael is at considerable disadvantage in the chase, but he manages to escape, live on the streets, and eventually wind up living with a couple of "Perceivers"—that is, mind-readers. From then on, his life is an ongoing series of pursuits, captures, escapes, and more pursuits. Through all these adventures, he manages to assemble parts of his jigsaw-puzzle past.
But all his new knowledge does is create more trouble, culminating in an all-out war between the Perceivers and the Norms. As for the book's reading appeal, I literally couldn't put it down—and not just because of the non-stop pursuit. Author Chris Reynolds provides plenty of deep stuff for the reader to ponder. Will the world really be like this when a minority of the population can read the thoughts of the majority?
August 9, 2012
All I can say is WOW!
This book is a MUST read for 2012!! Chris Reynolds does a fantastic job of starting you off in the same confusion the lead character, Michael, is in. As Michael discovers more about himself, the reader is right along with him. Reynolds leads you on this wild journey and keeps you wondering until the very end "What will Michael do? What will become of Perceivers? And who IS Michael and why is he so important?"
I will admit that I had some trouble in the beginning because the author is British, so some of the terms threw me off. Not so much lift instead of elevator, but like handheld instead of smartphone. It doesn't take long to get the hang of it though, so please DO NOT let that discourage you from reading this.
I know that I'm going to recommend this book to everyone on my friend's list as well as people I talk to. It's one of the BEST books I've read this year and I can't wait to see what other fantastical adventures Reynolds will give us in the future!
Congratulations, Chris Reynolds!!! You've got yourself a new fan!
This book is a MUST read for 2012!! Chris Reynolds does a fantastic job of starting you off in the same confusion the lead character, Michael, is in. As Michael discovers more about himself, the reader is right along with him. Reynolds leads you on this wild journey and keeps you wondering until the very end "What will Michael do? What will become of Perceivers? And who IS Michael and why is he so important?"
I will admit that I had some trouble in the beginning because the author is British, so some of the terms threw me off. Not so much lift instead of elevator, but like handheld instead of smartphone. It doesn't take long to get the hang of it though, so please DO NOT let that discourage you from reading this.
I know that I'm going to recommend this book to everyone on my friend's list as well as people I talk to. It's one of the BEST books I've read this year and I can't wait to see what other fantastical adventures Reynolds will give us in the future!
Congratulations, Chris Reynolds!!! You've got yourself a new fan!
August 20, 2012
Description:
Teenagers are developing telepathic and empathic powers that they can use on anyone around them - Sounds cool, right? - Wrong, just ask Michael, a teen with no recollection of his past, whose recent escape from some pretty mysterious people has left him roaming the unfamiliar streets of London. Finding other affected (and ostracized) teens along the way, he must figure out who - and what - he is and decide whether to try and fight back against an unaccepting and power-driven society obsessed with a "Cure".
Review:
Mind Secrets officially made it to my Best of 2012 list; its cool cover art, well-written plot, and high-definition characters leaving me breathless and craving more! After reading the blurb, I was worried that this book would be a boring, run-of-the-mill paranormal read, but Chris Reynolds has definitely rebooted the classic "normal versus abnormal" theme with the battle between the norms and the Perceivers. This Psycho-paranormal read has all the best aspects of my favorite books - a solid plot-line full of twists and thrills, realistic characters and dialogue, (especially Michael and the Perceivers), detailed settings and interactions, and a good dose of science, as well as shock-value - who doesn't like a book with a good cliff-hanger or two? Michael doesn't remember his past, or even who he is, but the author manages to make him relatable - a literary feat in itself. I enjoyed getting to know Michael as he got to know himself, his feelings and thoughts well-scripted and compelling. Once I finished a chapter I couldn't help but keep going, wanting to figure out what happened next! I was definitely invested in Michael's history, and piece-by-piece it came together in a well-written, (and completely gasp-worthy), fashion - (no spoilers)! The levels of suspense and deception were high, but not overdone - perfect for any teen or adult who itches for a psycho-paranormal page-turner, and the British references only added to the allure. The book's ability to attract both male and female readers was also a unique aspect; I usually prefer female leads/heroines, however, Michael's personality and plight really interested me, which is rare. This book may have started out with a literal "blank-slate", but the resulting action and fast-paced plot left me in a state of thrill-induced hypnosis! Highly recommended!!!
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author (Pump Up Your Book) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Teenagers are developing telepathic and empathic powers that they can use on anyone around them - Sounds cool, right? - Wrong, just ask Michael, a teen with no recollection of his past, whose recent escape from some pretty mysterious people has left him roaming the unfamiliar streets of London. Finding other affected (and ostracized) teens along the way, he must figure out who - and what - he is and decide whether to try and fight back against an unaccepting and power-driven society obsessed with a "Cure".
Review:
Mind Secrets officially made it to my Best of 2012 list; its cool cover art, well-written plot, and high-definition characters leaving me breathless and craving more! After reading the blurb, I was worried that this book would be a boring, run-of-the-mill paranormal read, but Chris Reynolds has definitely rebooted the classic "normal versus abnormal" theme with the battle between the norms and the Perceivers. This Psycho-paranormal read has all the best aspects of my favorite books - a solid plot-line full of twists and thrills, realistic characters and dialogue, (especially Michael and the Perceivers), detailed settings and interactions, and a good dose of science, as well as shock-value - who doesn't like a book with a good cliff-hanger or two? Michael doesn't remember his past, or even who he is, but the author manages to make him relatable - a literary feat in itself. I enjoyed getting to know Michael as he got to know himself, his feelings and thoughts well-scripted and compelling. Once I finished a chapter I couldn't help but keep going, wanting to figure out what happened next! I was definitely invested in Michael's history, and piece-by-piece it came together in a well-written, (and completely gasp-worthy), fashion - (no spoilers)! The levels of suspense and deception were high, but not overdone - perfect for any teen or adult who itches for a psycho-paranormal page-turner, and the British references only added to the allure. The book's ability to attract both male and female readers was also a unique aspect; I usually prefer female leads/heroines, however, Michael's personality and plight really interested me, which is rare. This book may have started out with a literal "blank-slate", but the resulting action and fast-paced plot left me in a state of thrill-induced hypnosis! Highly recommended!!!
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author (Pump Up Your Book) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
July 20, 2012
Mind Secrets by Chris Reynolds, was a deliciously refreshing read.
Right away, the story starts out fast and crazy with a confused Michael, who only knows his name due to the people yelling at him, as he's trying to escape them. Spurred on by just an instinctual mistrust, Michael escapes with no knowledge of who he is or where he comes from.
Meanwhile, the world around him is going crazy because a high number of teenagers, all over, are capable of mind reading. These are the Perceivers. And they are not loved by society. The "Norms" have declared a war on the Perceivers by way of a "cure".
Michael, convinced that he's a "Norm" is a on quest to discover who he is and how it ties to everything going on.
From the beginning to the end, I was ridiculously lost in this story. There was no hope for me. I'm not typically used to reading a story from a male character's point-of-view due to not being able to relate to these characters. However, I was so compleately immersed in this story and what was going to happen to Michael that this was never a problem.
Ms. Reynolds spins a captivated tale of deception, secrets, and good people making bad decisions.
The writing is superb and the story, while comparable to others that are out there right now, is beautifully original in the depth of its characters and amount of suspense.
Is it too much to hope for a continuation?
Christy @ Captivated Reading
Right away, the story starts out fast and crazy with a confused Michael, who only knows his name due to the people yelling at him, as he's trying to escape them. Spurred on by just an instinctual mistrust, Michael escapes with no knowledge of who he is or where he comes from.
Meanwhile, the world around him is going crazy because a high number of teenagers, all over, are capable of mind reading. These are the Perceivers. And they are not loved by society. The "Norms" have declared a war on the Perceivers by way of a "cure".
Michael, convinced that he's a "Norm" is a on quest to discover who he is and how it ties to everything going on.
From the beginning to the end, I was ridiculously lost in this story. There was no hope for me. I'm not typically used to reading a story from a male character's point-of-view due to not being able to relate to these characters. However, I was so compleately immersed in this story and what was going to happen to Michael that this was never a problem.
Ms. Reynolds spins a captivated tale of deception, secrets, and good people making bad decisions.
The writing is superb and the story, while comparable to others that are out there right now, is beautifully original in the depth of its characters and amount of suspense.
Is it too much to hope for a continuation?
Christy @ Captivated Reading
November 1, 2013
Mind Secrets is a superbly written novel that caters to young and adult readers alike. It's a story that is both plot and character driven, and I thought it was decent page turner. If you're into the Supernatural and Para-psychological, then this book will put a hold on you. The chapters end in cliffhanger fashion, and there is lots of detailed action to keep you on the edges of your favorite chair. Before I get into what I liked about it, first the bad news. The ending. It was anti-climatic, and didn't feel as satisfying as I had hoped. However, the plot was a fresh take on the super-hero genre, which has been tried and tested all to much in recent years.
What I enjoyed about the story the most is that it embodies many of today's real world themes and circumstances. It made me wonder if all the genetically modified foods and medications we consume nowadays "dumbs" us down somewhat. I highly recommend this wild ride of a story that is very mature and well written to consider it young adult. Read it for the slow dramatic buildup, and intense mystery. Shame it didn't pay off as much in the end, but very much worth the time.
What I enjoyed about the story the most is that it embodies many of today's real world themes and circumstances. It made me wonder if all the genetically modified foods and medications we consume nowadays "dumbs" us down somewhat. I highly recommend this wild ride of a story that is very mature and well written to consider it young adult. Read it for the slow dramatic buildup, and intense mystery. Shame it didn't pay off as much in the end, but very much worth the time.
August 6, 2012
Mind Secrets lives up to its title. Michael doesn't know how he got to where he did or why, but he stumbles upon a gang of teens with similar "powers." He learns from them that people with his abilities are under fire and may have their abilities eradicated. While he is with his new friends, he tries to piece together his memory and rip open a few closely held government secrets.
Michael's character is interesting. It's hard to get to know a character who doesn't know himself. However, some characteristics such as bravery and an intense curiosity are apparent. Michael is always on the move and always in danger. The reader will be quickly turning the pages to discover what will happen to him next.
The plot isn't exactly new, but is told in a new fashion. The author lays the groundwork for a fight between people without abilities and those with abilities. At times, the reader may need to reread certain passages to remind him/herself of what is going on or what happened a while back. For the most part, however, the plot contains plenty of mystery, suspense, and action to keep the reader happy. This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.
Michael's character is interesting. It's hard to get to know a character who doesn't know himself. However, some characteristics such as bravery and an intense curiosity are apparent. Michael is always on the move and always in danger. The reader will be quickly turning the pages to discover what will happen to him next.
The plot isn't exactly new, but is told in a new fashion. The author lays the groundwork for a fight between people without abilities and those with abilities. At times, the reader may need to reread certain passages to remind him/herself of what is going on or what happened a while back. For the most part, however, the plot contains plenty of mystery, suspense, and action to keep the reader happy. This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.
September 10, 2012
I enjoyed this book. If I could give it 3 1/2 stars, I would. However I don't have that option. So I'm going with 3. The reason is at times the story jumped too far ahead of itself, especially the ending. I really would have liked more story instead of it skipping about 3 weeks time and just ending. I also found the language a little confusing at times. The story is set in London and they have different words and phrases. Overall it was enjoyable. Kind of reminded me of the whole X-men saga. It's a fun read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews