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Minder
WARNING: This book is not what you think.
16th Century England: A child is declared mad and beheaded.
Present day America: Harvey inherits an old trunk -and within it- a portal to a hidden world dedicated to children. There he finds a storybook adventure, but a living nightmare awaits Sophia, who arrives uninvited.
This genre-crossing fantasy reveals a boy risking everything to save his sister, who swore the voices were real all along. And if he fails, they’ll suffer the same unspeakable fate as the children she’s hidden with, in the dark.
MINDER connects culture with fantasy and redefines childhood, cradling humans 9-100 in a message the world desperately needs right now.
Hope your nails are clean.
16th Century England: A child is declared mad and beheaded.
Present day America: Harvey inherits an old trunk -and within it- a portal to a hidden world dedicated to children. There he finds a storybook adventure, but a living nightmare awaits Sophia, who arrives uninvited.
This genre-crossing fantasy reveals a boy risking everything to save his sister, who swore the voices were real all along. And if he fails, they’ll suffer the same unspeakable fate as the children she’s hidden with, in the dark.
MINDER connects culture with fantasy and redefines childhood, cradling humans 9-100 in a message the world desperately needs right now.
Hope your nails are clean.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2012
13 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Kabay
1 book65 followersJennifer Kabay lives with artist husband, Christopher Barnett in the Texas Hill Country. Their haunted home was featured on A&E Bio's My Ghost Story.
Books, Beatles, and England are her favorite things. She draws inspiration from “Mandy” by Julie Edwards, “A Little Princess” by Frances Hodgson Burnett, “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll, and anything by Roald Dahl.
Read her ghost stories at www.jkabay.com or follow on Instagram @jenniferkabay.
Books, Beatles, and England are her favorite things. She draws inspiration from “Mandy” by Julie Edwards, “A Little Princess” by Frances Hodgson Burnett, “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll, and anything by Roald Dahl.
Read her ghost stories at www.jkabay.com or follow on Instagram @jenniferkabay.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 23, 2013
What a wonderful story!
I would put this book in the same fantasy genre as Alice in Wonderland, Narnia and The Labyrinth. The author has such a great imagination. It felt good to be a kid again for a few hours while reading this adventure.
There was just enough light cursing, questions of religion, hints of perversion and mild morbid macabre situations to cross the line from Children's book to YA.
I would recommend this to people looking for a short, fun, yet thought provoking read.
I would put this book in the same fantasy genre as Alice in Wonderland, Narnia and The Labyrinth. The author has such a great imagination. It felt good to be a kid again for a few hours while reading this adventure.
There was just enough light cursing, questions of religion, hints of perversion and mild morbid macabre situations to cross the line from Children's book to YA.
I would recommend this to people looking for a short, fun, yet thought provoking read.
March 25, 2013
Fun, original. . . wished it were longer! Not for little kids, because some of it really is quite scary and there is some objectionable language for little guys, but middle level readers, I'd highly recommend this one!
February 21, 2021
What a delightful and imaginative book! I loved the imagery created in her words, I could easily picture myself in that world. Had a hard time putting it down until it was finished.
May 17, 2017
What an incredible book! This was my second time reading it and I enjoyed it even more this time around. It is a story that captures your imagination and takes you to the fantasy of the story. I look forward to sharing this story with my kids one day. Stories like Minder are what make kids fall in love with the adventures of reading.
June 28, 2017
This is a very good young adult novel; I enjoyed reading it very much (and I am no longer a young adult). The author has created fantasy world that is sophisticated and entertaining, yet accessible for an advanced middle school reader or a teen reader.
The child protagonists, brother and sister, go on a hero's quest due to a bequest from their grandfather that involves a secret forest, faeries, and dragons. They learn to appreciate and understand more about their grandfather, about each other, and about forces of nature that tie humanity together.
Full disclosure: The author is my colleague at the library I work at. I am not generally interested in juvenile literature--although I did enjoy Rowling's Harry Potter fantasies--so my expectations were not high; however, once I started reading the book I was enchanted.
The plot involves a brother and sister, the younger of which has some special needs. Especially recommended for older siblings in families with challenges. But the book shares lessons about humanity--and a hopeful spirit world--that should appeal to all readers.
The child protagonists, brother and sister, go on a hero's quest due to a bequest from their grandfather that involves a secret forest, faeries, and dragons. They learn to appreciate and understand more about their grandfather, about each other, and about forces of nature that tie humanity together.
Full disclosure: The author is my colleague at the library I work at. I am not generally interested in juvenile literature--although I did enjoy Rowling's Harry Potter fantasies--so my expectations were not high; however, once I started reading the book I was enchanted.
The plot involves a brother and sister, the younger of which has some special needs. Especially recommended for older siblings in families with challenges. But the book shares lessons about humanity--and a hopeful spirit world--that should appeal to all readers.
October 30, 2014
Great works of fiction share an addictive ability to draw you into their world; An escape from reality. Minder achieves and doesn't disappoint! The characters effortlessly lure you into their realm with relatable charm and reel you into their journey with intrigue and suspense. The author's story telling exhibits superb flow from beginning to end, allowing readers to grasp that uninterrupted fantasy that fiction lovers long for!
April 29, 2018
Not my usual genre' (YA book for an 83 year old). Like many books for "children" this delightful story can be read at different levels, this one adds transitional vocabulary and concepts that can intrigue/ challenge any reader. When I get my own copy of the book I will highlight some sections and thoughts and leave it for my 13 year old grandson to find and, hopefully read (heaven forbid I suggest it!).
August 3, 2017
I wish this book had been around when I was Harvey and Sophia's age! I was hooked from the first page as the world building in this story is wonderful. The fantastical adventure is perfectly tinged with dark and macabre humor that is right up my alley. I would recommend this book for kids and adults, and I think it's a great book for parents and kids to read together!
November 22, 2013
I COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!, February 13, 2013
This review is from: Minder (Kindle Edition)
YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!! YES, I AM TELLING YOU WHAT TO DO!! LOL:)It will take you to a place you completely forgot about if you're a grown-up! I downloaded this book thinking, As a Mom of 4, I'd read it when I could "find time". Well, let me tell you that my whole household went a muck bc I couldn't put this read down. I was literally drawn into this story in the first 5 minutes. I couldn't BELIEVE IT!?!? Who has such an imagination like this??? Obviously this Author is on her way to becoming a SENSATION bc she left me dying to know.."WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!?" Oh, I just don't have enough words to tell you what an amazing read this was. You are PULLED INTO THE STORY without even realizing it. Why am I tearing up over a book? Why is my heart racing? I'll tell you why! Because You will FALL IN LOVE with the characters in this book. Each and everyone of them! Oh, "Sir H to the M" I can't wait to read more about you!! Please don't make us wait to long for a sequel or even a prequel!!!! How did Mac get that trunk anyway!?!?!? Kudos to the Author! I'm sharing this book with everyone I know.
This review is from: Minder (Kindle Edition)
YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!! YES, I AM TELLING YOU WHAT TO DO!! LOL:)It will take you to a place you completely forgot about if you're a grown-up! I downloaded this book thinking, As a Mom of 4, I'd read it when I could "find time". Well, let me tell you that my whole household went a muck bc I couldn't put this read down. I was literally drawn into this story in the first 5 minutes. I couldn't BELIEVE IT!?!? Who has such an imagination like this??? Obviously this Author is on her way to becoming a SENSATION bc she left me dying to know.."WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!?" Oh, I just don't have enough words to tell you what an amazing read this was. You are PULLED INTO THE STORY without even realizing it. Why am I tearing up over a book? Why is my heart racing? I'll tell you why! Because You will FALL IN LOVE with the characters in this book. Each and everyone of them! Oh, "Sir H to the M" I can't wait to read more about you!! Please don't make us wait to long for a sequel or even a prequel!!!! How did Mac get that trunk anyway!?!?!? Kudos to the Author! I'm sharing this book with everyone I know.
September 26, 2015
I have received my copy of this book from the goodreads giveaway.
I enjoyed reading this book and I will be sure to read the prequel when it comes out.
There is one paragraph in the book that I really like:
"Oh, yes, it's true. You're babies until eighteen, adolescents until thirty; and don't shake your head at me, honey bun, I know what I'm talking about! It may be socially impossible, but spiritually, it's the absolute truth. Society ends your education, making you pick a path in your teenage years, and what horrific task for a baby with no life experience!" Her eyes misted. "Yes my dear, it's traumatic when the soul says one thing and society demands another. Some babies cannot handle that kind of stress. And that's why we have minders."
I enjoyed reading this book and I will be sure to read the prequel when it comes out.
There is one paragraph in the book that I really like:
"Oh, yes, it's true. You're babies until eighteen, adolescents until thirty; and don't shake your head at me, honey bun, I know what I'm talking about! It may be socially impossible, but spiritually, it's the absolute truth. Society ends your education, making you pick a path in your teenage years, and what horrific task for a baby with no life experience!" Her eyes misted. "Yes my dear, it's traumatic when the soul says one thing and society demands another. Some babies cannot handle that kind of stress. And that's why we have minders."
January 5, 2016
My kids can testify to the speed in which I blasted through this fantastic book. They would know; they were neglected the entire time. I threw M&Ms around the room at regular intervals to buy myself 15 more minutes to read. Kabay’s debut novel reminds me of C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in its ability to make the world of fantasy seem near and achievable. I also enjoyed the snippets of humor sprinkled liberally throughout – a great contrast to the suspense. She describes the guttural fear of the main characters, siblings Harvey and Sophia, with such vivid imagery that I felt connected to their (unfortunate) fate. This book also made me mad because it ended. But on the author’s blog, she says she is working on a prequel, so I am satisfied (for now).
April 6, 2014
First time novelist Jennifer Kabay has created a masterpiece of spellbinding entertainment. It felt like a cross between Alice in Wonderland and Gregor the Overlander. Her characters are believable and well developed. The plot is in turns enchanting, spooky, suspenseful, and filled with the unexpected. I planned to just spend a couple of hours reading before running a few errands but instead never got out of my PJs; I just couldn't put the book down.
I can't wait for her next book!!
Thanks for a wonderful vacation to your enchanted land Jennifer.
I can't wait for her next book!!
Thanks for a wonderful vacation to your enchanted land Jennifer.
March 11, 2013
I absolutely loved this book. It got great reviews on Amazon, so I decided to try it, even though I wasn't sure it would be my kind of book. It completely sucked me in and I could not put it down. I highly recommend it.
March 14, 2013
A book that lets you escape into another world.
November 29, 2013
I couldn't put this book down. Period.
January 25, 2023
I couldn't really follow what was going on in this book. I think that may have something to do with the style that it is written in. I think its probably perfectly fine for others, just wasn't a good fit for me.
February 25, 2024
A fun YA fantasy that reminded me a lot of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia books. A little dark for early elementary, but perfectly fine for upper elementary and middle schoolers.
August 3, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book - I was completely hooked as soon as a mysterious trunk was introduced! The concept of a parallel world inhabited by creatures whose mission is to protect childhood is brilliantly conceived. Fast-paced and full of vivid details, Minder challenged my comfort zone while keeping me on the edge of my seat. I would love to revisit the world and the characters . . . perhaps in a sequel? Would definitely recommend!
February 17, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I mean, how can you not love, or at least enjoy, a book with a secret portal to another world, an explanation of where imaginary friends come from, and a pretty horrible villain.
Usually one of my biggest gripes in young adult books (when I have gripes) is that the pacing seems off. I tend to feel like the majority of the book holds little that moves the plot along and then suddenly you hit the 80-85% mark and everything gets crammed in to tie up all the loose ends into a nice pretty bow. This book had great pacing, and although everything wraps up nicely, I didn't feel it was forced.
I thought the characters were well thought out and described perfectly - Briony was especially easy to envision while the two children were detailed enough to get an idea of what they looked and acted like, but were vague enough that kids reading this could easily picture themselves as the main characters.
Saraphina is a truly vile villain. You learn her backstory and why she's so despicable and then get to watch first hand as she makes herself even more horrifying.
If I had a single complaint about this book it would be that I felt Sophia didn't act in character through certain parts (she's absolutely terrified of the dark), but I also felt like her actions could be justified by saying she was acting while in shock.
Usually one of my biggest gripes in young adult books (when I have gripes) is that the pacing seems off. I tend to feel like the majority of the book holds little that moves the plot along and then suddenly you hit the 80-85% mark and everything gets crammed in to tie up all the loose ends into a nice pretty bow. This book had great pacing, and although everything wraps up nicely, I didn't feel it was forced.
I thought the characters were well thought out and described perfectly - Briony was especially easy to envision while the two children were detailed enough to get an idea of what they looked and acted like, but were vague enough that kids reading this could easily picture themselves as the main characters.
Saraphina is a truly vile villain. You learn her backstory and why she's so despicable and then get to watch first hand as she makes herself even more horrifying.
If I had a single complaint about this book it would be that I felt Sophia didn't act in character through certain parts (she's absolutely terrified of the dark), but I also felt like her actions could be justified by saying she was acting while in shock.
March 2, 2013
A very interesting story. It started out a bit weird and reminded me of Alice in Wonderland at first. The narrative follows two siblings, primarily Harvey, through a parallel world of sorts. The adventure takes some twists and turns through magic and myth. I found myself wanting to keep reading to find out what happened next. I rated it only three stars for three reasons.
1) The dialog was tough to follow at times. The author uses pronouns too frequently when there are several characters in the scene. " He said" often had me wondering which he.
2) I read the Kindle version which was poorly formatted for an eBook. I know this isn't a reflection on the story, but it made it more difficult to enjoy. The font was so large that I had to put the settings on the smallest possible size and even then it was to big.
3) I don't see this as being a very memorable book. While I enjoyed the story I can't see myself wanting to read it again.
If you like stories about childhood adventures in the realm of a child's boundless imagination, then you'll probably enjoy this book.
1) The dialog was tough to follow at times. The author uses pronouns too frequently when there are several characters in the scene. " He said" often had me wondering which he.
2) I read the Kindle version which was poorly formatted for an eBook. I know this isn't a reflection on the story, but it made it more difficult to enjoy. The font was so large that I had to put the settings on the smallest possible size and even then it was to big.
3) I don't see this as being a very memorable book. While I enjoyed the story I can't see myself wanting to read it again.
If you like stories about childhood adventures in the realm of a child's boundless imagination, then you'll probably enjoy this book.
March 6, 2015
Jennifer Kabay,shines in this wonderful,imaginative book... everything from a talking,cigarette smoking labybug, down to fairies dragons and a plethora of mystical excitement.. this work starts nice and steady, and is greatly paced and picks up more adrenaline as it continues... I love the protagonists; Harvey, Sophia, and the friends they make, Sir Hobson, etc. and appreciate their plights and triumphs.. I read this book over 4 times already and find it greatly satisfying each time around.. I even appreciate the anger, hurt, etc. of the antagonist.. I want to say more but for those who've not read it yet but desire to I don't want to deliver any spoiler alerts.. I, however, send my apologies to the author, J.Kabay for this late review post... your book is AWESOME!! Thanks for selecting me in your giveaway...☺
October 3, 2013
Remember that magical place you had when you were a child? The place you discovered that you could go to and safely dream? It gave you warm fuzzies upon entry and inspired a grand adventure. OH RIIIGHT...I remember now. That was me reading a really awesome book! (e.g., Chronicles of Narnia)
Minder by J. Kabay takes me right back to my favorite childhood place of magic and fantasy ... and then leaves me asking for more. It has a timless plot, well-crafted characters and I can't wait to read the next one. :)
Minder by J. Kabay takes me right back to my favorite childhood place of magic and fantasy ... and then leaves me asking for more. It has a timless plot, well-crafted characters and I can't wait to read the next one. :)
March 13, 2013
The book was well written and engaging. The premise was unique but a little tense for a YA book. Reading her brother's angst over his sister was a little unsettling. It made me a little uncomfortable to read this kid's concern and I wanted things to resolve quickly and put him out of his misery.
Overall a good book. I would recommend it. Needs some editing for spelling.
Overall a good book. I would recommend it. Needs some editing for spelling.
July 10, 2014
I love, love, LOVE this book! It is an imaginative & fresh take on what it is like to be a kid. I love how the author gave legends we know like Nessy & the tooth fairy a brand new spin. I would recommend this book to young adults in the family & it is a fun read for parents too! Can't wait to read Kaybay's next installment.
January 5, 2015
This book was wonderful and I loved figuring out all of the little things. I actually got the book sent to me signed with a special package and image added to it. But this book was absolutely amazing and I had so much fun reading it. I finished it in around 2 days and all I wanted was more. Can't wait to read Jennifer Kabay's next book.
February 12, 2013
The first 30 or so pages are difficult to get into....but it was worth it. Finally a Once-Upon-A-Time book written in this era that is filled with imagination and whimsy that is enchanting to read. I thoroughly enjoyed her alternate universe and twists to common childhood tales.
August 13, 2014
Refreshing and Fun
A lovely, imaginative path through the author's invented hidden world. I love the thoughtfulness put into the "justification" of the hidden world and certain things in the "real" world. Fits right in with my own imagination.
A lovely, imaginative path through the author's invented hidden world. I love the thoughtfulness put into the "justification" of the hidden world and certain things in the "real" world. Fits right in with my own imagination.
January 27, 2014
Really enjoyed this book! Good read.
February 20, 2013
I'd give 3.5 stars. Slow beginning but really picks up. whimsical
October 13, 2013
The beginning felt a little odd, but it didn't take long before I was wrapped up in the story. It was nice wanting to just sit and read, it's been a while since I'd felt that way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews