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The Forbidden Trilogy #1
Forbidden Mind
She reads minds.
He controls minds.
Together, they might get out alive.
I've seen into the minds of killers and have crawled into the darkest mental corners of humanity, but even I wasn’t prepared for this.
I thought that when I turned 18 I would be released from my secret school of paranormal spies and free to follow my dreams and make my own life. That's what we all thought. Until I met Drake.
Everything changed when I linked minds with the blond-haired boy strapped to that gurney. In my wildest dreams I couldn't have imagined the dangerous truth behind my life.
And now time is running out. We must work together to save ourselves and everyone we love. Before it's too late.
He controls minds.
Together, they might get out alive.
I've seen into the minds of killers and have crawled into the darkest mental corners of humanity, but even I wasn’t prepared for this.
I thought that when I turned 18 I would be released from my secret school of paranormal spies and free to follow my dreams and make my own life. That's what we all thought. Until I met Drake.
Everything changed when I linked minds with the blond-haired boy strapped to that gurney. In my wildest dreams I couldn't have imagined the dangerous truth behind my life.
And now time is running out. We must work together to save ourselves and everyone we love. Before it's too late.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
594 people are currently reading
7272 people want to read
About the author
Karpov Kinrade
91 books2,500 followersKarpov Kinrade is the pen name for the husband and wife entertainment duo Lux and Dmytry Karpov-Kinrade, aka The KK Duo.
Together, they write award-winning, internationally and USAT bestselling books, make music, create art, write screenplays and direct -- all the things.
Look for more from Karpov Kinrade in the Vampire Girl series, Endless Magic Online, The Night Firm, The Last Witch, Dungeon Queen, The Nightfall Chronicles and The Forbidden Trilogy. If you’re looking for their suspense and romance titles, you’ll find those under Alex Lux.
Check out their music by clicking on the Music tab.
They live in wine country California with their three offspring who have crazy creative genius oozing out of them in the form of music, art, performance, and all the things, and too many cats who all think they rule the world (spoiler alert: they do).
Together, they write award-winning, internationally and USAT bestselling books, make music, create art, write screenplays and direct -- all the things.
Look for more from Karpov Kinrade in the Vampire Girl series, Endless Magic Online, The Night Firm, The Last Witch, Dungeon Queen, The Nightfall Chronicles and The Forbidden Trilogy. If you’re looking for their suspense and romance titles, you’ll find those under Alex Lux.
Check out their music by clicking on the Music tab.
They live in wine country California with their three offspring who have crazy creative genius oozing out of them in the form of music, art, performance, and all the things, and too many cats who all think they rule the world (spoiler alert: they do).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
March 10, 2012
For a book that's less than 150 pages, it was actually a pretty interesting read. Its well written and easy to follow. The story is set in an x-men type academy for paranormal kids. The kids are rented out to rich people to basically let them blackmail others, or for some other immoral dealings. The kids are paid for each assignment, but most of the money is set aside into a savings account for them that they can access when they turn 18 and are supposedly cut lose to go to college and lead a normal life. Sam is about to turn 18 when she meets a mysterious boy named Drake at a hospital. Well, meet probably isn't really the right word for it....
I think this book had a ton of potential. It was fun and easy to read and had pretty interesting characters. But it left me with a lot of questions that weren't ever answered. I think the book's real downside was its size. I could have used more detail. The plot got a little complicated, which is actually great, but to a have complicated plot you need a lot of backup. I could have done with another 100 or so pages in different sections to help build on different concepts and points in the book. In fact, this book could have easily been a 400 page book. There were a ton of concepts and character relationships I would have loved to have more info on, or seen developed a little more.
Overall, this was a pretty good read. I would love to see this story rewritten into a longer book that deals with more of my questions, or even see some of those questions answered in the sequel.
To read more reviews check out: www.nightlyreading.wordpress.com
I think this book had a ton of potential. It was fun and easy to read and had pretty interesting characters. But it left me with a lot of questions that weren't ever answered. I think the book's real downside was its size. I could have used more detail. The plot got a little complicated, which is actually great, but to a have complicated plot you need a lot of backup. I could have done with another 100 or so pages in different sections to help build on different concepts and points in the book. In fact, this book could have easily been a 400 page book. There were a ton of concepts and character relationships I would have loved to have more info on, or seen developed a little more.
Overall, this was a pretty good read. I would love to see this story rewritten into a longer book that deals with more of my questions, or even see some of those questions answered in the sequel.
To read more reviews check out: www.nightlyreading.wordpress.com
September 3, 2012
What seemed like an excellent premise for a book turned out to be poorly executed.
Sam a mind reader and working for rent-a-kid to turn up hidden secrets for the highest bidder is about to turn 18 and be sent off to college to do as she pleases. Or so she thinks. Little does she know that all at rent-a-kid is not as it seems.
Drake, being able to control minds and being super strong hides out as much as he can. He keeps to himself but his one dream of becoming a surfing legend has him confused. He wants to hide his secrets but he really wants to win the surfing competition as well. That is, until he's kidnapped.
All I had to read was X-men meets and I was intrigued. I loved the X-Men series but this fell very short of that. I realize it's a YA but even young adults can't possibly be entertained by this.
At the risk of spoiling any of the plot Sam and Drake never even meet for more than 1 second, yet they fall in love. Eventually, I started skipping sentences and paragraphs to just be done with the whole thing.
The problem was that the story was told too quickly. Had we had more time to get to learn the characters and really connect with them maybe this could have gone a different way. If you're going to write something make it count.
Clearly, there's another book if not more in the series but considering how short this first one was, it would probably all fit into one complete book. Unless, the author can figure out how to connect us with the characters, I don't know how well this series will turn out.
I'm not sure why so many people were giving this 5 stars. I prefer my stories to have more substance. If I'm going to take the time to read something I want it to matter.
Sam a mind reader and working for rent-a-kid to turn up hidden secrets for the highest bidder is about to turn 18 and be sent off to college to do as she pleases. Or so she thinks. Little does she know that all at rent-a-kid is not as it seems.
Drake, being able to control minds and being super strong hides out as much as he can. He keeps to himself but his one dream of becoming a surfing legend has him confused. He wants to hide his secrets but he really wants to win the surfing competition as well. That is, until he's kidnapped.
All I had to read was X-men meets and I was intrigued. I loved the X-Men series but this fell very short of that. I realize it's a YA but even young adults can't possibly be entertained by this.
At the risk of spoiling any of the plot Sam and Drake never even meet for more than 1 second, yet they fall in love. Eventually, I started skipping sentences and paragraphs to just be done with the whole thing.
The problem was that the story was told too quickly. Had we had more time to get to learn the characters and really connect with them maybe this could have gone a different way. If you're going to write something make it count.
Clearly, there's another book if not more in the series but considering how short this first one was, it would probably all fit into one complete book. Unless, the author can figure out how to connect us with the characters, I don't know how well this series will turn out.
I'm not sure why so many people were giving this 5 stars. I prefer my stories to have more substance. If I'm going to take the time to read something I want it to matter.
September 30, 2016
Overall I liked this book. I thought that the whole pregnancy thing was weird. Especially how she didn't even know the guy. The people that they worked for were creeps so I'm glad they plan on exposing them to the world. Now that they are on the run and she is pregnant it will be interesting to see where the authors go with this. Hopefully in the end everything will work out.
May 25, 2017
Excellent, Superb
I loved this, just wonderful. I highly recommend this book / series I truly don't think you'll be disappointed at all.
I loved this, just wonderful. I highly recommend this book / series I truly don't think you'll be disappointed at all.
February 25, 2016
I don't know how to rate this. It was poorly written, but you do want to know how it ends. This book could be very good, the story has potential. But it has no build up, NONE AT ALL. Honestly it kinda felt like a children's book trying to enter puberty, but not successfully.. I don't think I'm going to read the next one.
October 7, 2012
Originally published in my blog: http://www.nightowlreads.org/2012/10/...
I received a copy of this ebook from the author as part of the book tour. All opinions are my own and are influenced by no one.
I was surprised with how good this book is. Granted it has some elements that I didn't like, but it worked well with the whole story.
While reading, X-men, Dollhouse, and Nikita came to mind. It's like those 3 got married and gave birth to Forbidden Mind. Children and teens with para-powers are kept in an organization/secluded school for gifted children called Rent-A-Kid (X-Men), most of them have no identity in the real world (Nikita), they are rented out to rich and powerful people who need their services (Nikita and Dollhouse), and they are promised to get out of the system when they turn 18. (In Dollhouse, volunteers are in the Dollhouse for 3 years and are released after their contract expires.)
Sam can read minds, she's also a very talented artist. Her 18th birthday is fast approaching and she plans for a future outside Rent-A-Kid. But everything changed when she returns from an assignment to find the art room burned and her mentor Mr. K was no longer in Rent-a-kid. To top it off, there was a boy brought into the facility who was strapped to the bed and somehow asked for her help by communicating with her mind.
Drake can control minds and has super strength. He was in foster care until he ran away and lived with his best friend. He's an amazing surfer and joined a competition to earn money for his future plans. It all fell apart when he was abducted.
Strapped to a bed and can't use his powers, he forced the thought and asked for Sam's help, their minds have been linked ever since. This book gives a different meaning to insta-love. The linking of minds enabled them to communicate from afar. Their attraction wasn't physical, but emotional. They can show each other a part of their life that no one else can share, that intimate connection made them close that falling in love was possible.
Sam and Drake uncovered secrets about Rent-a-kid with the help of Sam's best friends, twins Luke and Lucy. Faced with the reality of their situation, they planned to escape to find someone who could help them save everyone in the program.
Forbidden Mind has romance, mystery, action, and suspense that will keep you hooked from beginning till end. I really enjoyed reading this sensational novel and I can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy.
I received a copy of this ebook from the author as part of the book tour. All opinions are my own and are influenced by no one.
I was surprised with how good this book is. Granted it has some elements that I didn't like, but it worked well with the whole story.
While reading, X-men, Dollhouse, and Nikita came to mind. It's like those 3 got married and gave birth to Forbidden Mind. Children and teens with para-powers are kept in an organization/secluded school for gifted children called Rent-A-Kid (X-Men), most of them have no identity in the real world (Nikita), they are rented out to rich and powerful people who need their services (Nikita and Dollhouse), and they are promised to get out of the system when they turn 18. (In Dollhouse, volunteers are in the Dollhouse for 3 years and are released after their contract expires.)
Sam can read minds, she's also a very talented artist. Her 18th birthday is fast approaching and she plans for a future outside Rent-A-Kid. But everything changed when she returns from an assignment to find the art room burned and her mentor Mr. K was no longer in Rent-a-kid. To top it off, there was a boy brought into the facility who was strapped to the bed and somehow asked for her help by communicating with her mind.
Drake can control minds and has super strength. He was in foster care until he ran away and lived with his best friend. He's an amazing surfer and joined a competition to earn money for his future plans. It all fell apart when he was abducted.
Strapped to a bed and can't use his powers, he forced the thought and asked for Sam's help, their minds have been linked ever since. This book gives a different meaning to insta-love. The linking of minds enabled them to communicate from afar. Their attraction wasn't physical, but emotional. They can show each other a part of their life that no one else can share, that intimate connection made them close that falling in love was possible.
Sam and Drake uncovered secrets about Rent-a-kid with the help of Sam's best friends, twins Luke and Lucy. Faced with the reality of their situation, they planned to escape to find someone who could help them save everyone in the program.
Forbidden Mind has romance, mystery, action, and suspense that will keep you hooked from beginning till end. I really enjoyed reading this sensational novel and I can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy.
September 10, 2011
I recently had the honor of reading this book when Kimberly asked for a couple people to review the book before it officially released. I have to say that it was hard to put it down once I started reading it. It was that engrossing and hooked me in from the beginning.
Sam seems shy, at first, but she believes that the people behind Rent-A-Kid are taking good care of her and is looking forward to the moment when she can go out into the world and make it on her own. Her life is going just the way she wants it and she's best friends with two of the most amazing paranormals that she can honestly call family.
She's also very determined to do a good job for the people that she works for. Granted, she hates the fact that she's destroying the lives of some of those she comes to care for in the process, yet she knows that what she's doing will put away some of the most sadistic, and undeserving people, that she's ever come across.
One simple mistake catapults her into a nightmare of which she thinks she'll never wake. Her saving grace is Drake, another paranormal whose life has been inadvertently linked to her own. She finds herself falling in love with a man she's never met - one who has her questioning everything that she's ever believed in. She soon realizes that her entire life is a lie and that Rent-A-Kid isn't all that it seems to be. Together, they must find a way to set themselves free and place their lives within their friend's hand in hopes of trying to discover a way to set all wrongs to right.
When she mentioned that it was like XMEN meets human trafficking, she wasn't kidding. She puts quite a spin on the idea that it leaves you wanting to read more and more. I'm so looking forward to the next installment of this series.
Sam seems shy, at first, but she believes that the people behind Rent-A-Kid are taking good care of her and is looking forward to the moment when she can go out into the world and make it on her own. Her life is going just the way she wants it and she's best friends with two of the most amazing paranormals that she can honestly call family.
She's also very determined to do a good job for the people that she works for. Granted, she hates the fact that she's destroying the lives of some of those she comes to care for in the process, yet she knows that what she's doing will put away some of the most sadistic, and undeserving people, that she's ever come across.
One simple mistake catapults her into a nightmare of which she thinks she'll never wake. Her saving grace is Drake, another paranormal whose life has been inadvertently linked to her own. She finds herself falling in love with a man she's never met - one who has her questioning everything that she's ever believed in. She soon realizes that her entire life is a lie and that Rent-A-Kid isn't all that it seems to be. Together, they must find a way to set themselves free and place their lives within their friend's hand in hopes of trying to discover a way to set all wrongs to right.
When she mentioned that it was like XMEN meets human trafficking, she wasn't kidding. She puts quite a spin on the idea that it leaves you wanting to read more and more. I'm so looking forward to the next installment of this series.
September 12, 2011
Kimberly has created characters with strong personalities, a storyline I’m sure will have your interest piqued throughout, even wandering how this sect of people can get away with what they are doing - and yes Xmen meets human trafficking is a definte understatement, this alone wil have you pumped and ready for more.. At only 80 pages, long, you will glide through this read and be wanting more like *Right now **.
Chapters that run smoothly, storyline that hooks you and leaves you squirming for more. Kimberly has baited her hook well, waiting for us readers to take that first nibble and delve right in for a read that will have you wanting more. Whilst googling the book I noticed X men mentioned - Drake would be one perrfect x men, strength, spunk and the will power to survive and powers to boot !!! Sam and Drake will certainly be a force to be wary of.
I enjoyed the way in which the story progressed, captivating me along the way and leaving me contimplating what will happen next. So much more is yet to come and I eagerly await Forbidden Fire !! Book 2 in this series.
entire review can be found at www.pageflipperz.blogspot.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2011
Ms. Kinrade has put together a great story that has a fast paced plot, likeable yet still very real characters and a twist that was fantastic. :) The story revolves around Sam, an 18 year old girl with the ability to read mindds on the verge of adulthood. It's at this point that her whole world gets turned upside down and she takes us along for the ride.
I really enjoyed this story and am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series! Well done!!!
I really enjoyed this story and am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series! Well done!!!
September 9, 2011
SO GOOD!! Loved Sam, how real the author kept her despite her talent. She's such a strong female MC, fantastic! And the premise is awesome... great story line, page turner, loved it. Can't wait for the next book!
April 7, 2012
First Thoughts:
So I'll admit the beginning intrigued me, the idea of "renting" these paranormal kids out was different than what I'm used to reading. Actually this whole paranormal idea is new to me, most books I've been most interested in has been more realistic and perhaps a tad of supernatural nothing like what I read in this book. I enjoyed the strong connections, the suspense and most of all I enjoyed that not once did I look at how much more I had to read...I loved that it was a fast read and kept me interested throughout.
Plot:
The plot wasn't on the side of complicated but it did have its sub-plots and problems to overcome. All of the necessary questions were answered in this book and given that this is only book one of the trilogy there is of course going to be some questions left to be dissected at a later time. The pace of this book was super-fast, I literally was surprised how fast this book was read and there were very few times that the plot was slow or uninteresting, the way the author built this world and plot allowed the reader to breeze past the pages and grasp onto each and every obstacle thrown these characters way. I also liked that this plot wasn't necessarily mundane, yes it had some elements we see in every other book (Don't all books have similarities?) but it also had elements that were unique to this world, where behind every hidden door there is another secret hidden in its depth. It was a fun plot and I really enjoyed reading it. Also this plot also had some moments that were set up just so perfect, it was like the author knew just when to hit the reader with another wall! It was epic. But forewarned I know this plot isn't for everyone, it depends on the tolerance and likes of the reader itself. This plot has a lot of that same stuff we've been seeing everywhere but it's different, I don't know how to put it into words...it was just special in its own way and I accepted the similarities and I hope you will too.
Characters:
Okay so there were a few week characters in this story, some fell flat on the cement while others soared high in the sky. I felt the author could have made some of the essential characters a little smoother; they seemed to lack a certain element in their whole being. But the main characters were created just right; they had all of the necessary pieces to their character to allow them to be placed just right within each scene and problem. As for the minor characters there were some I wished were a little bit more involved but they did fine just where they were but I could still see some hidden stories behind their walls. So overall the characters were good in this book, they helped draw in the reader and helped us better understand what was going on and aside from a few missing elements I would say it was good overall.
Transformation of the Character:
Okay as far as transformations went in this book there weren't really many of them but it's kind of hard to transform in only a hundred and thirty four pages. For a good transformation it takes just the right events and pace to make it believable. So in this book I would say this wasn't something that made this book stand out but I have a hunch in the books to come there will definitely be some transformations taking place and I can't wait to see them.
Description:
As far as description goes it was just the right amount. The author definitely in my opinion focused more on the broad aspect rather than the little details here and there, that was one thing that saved his book from becoming tedious, and too many details can slow down the pace and cause some frustration in readers. But there were some details in this book that helped the reader but get a grasp on the situation and the characters surrounding, so it wasn't like the author was leaving anything out. As far as dialogue goes there wasn't too much and I really enjoyed the inner dialogue more, it allowed the reader to better connect with the character and understand them on a much deeper level. One thing I would like to point about this author’s description was that at times she really was able to describe the senses, like she could describe the sweat beading on the skin and the sounds swirling around these main characters...it was really fun to read.
Style:
I really liked that the author chose to show different POV's, this is the type of story that needs different POV's, it allowed the reader to see different sides of the story and better grasp what was happening. And the moments she chose to switch POV's was really fun and interesting, these switches always seemed to be at the right time and there were like mini cliffhangers interwoven in this book! I guess it's a good thing I was reading this on my kindle; it's kind of difficult skipping ahead. Also I enjoyed like I mentioned earlier how the author included inner dialogues and monologues, they helped bring an emotional level to the book that some books fail to bring. This author really knows how to connect her readers to the characters!
Quote of the book:
"I couldn't move. My traitorous body refused to follow my mental commands to keep walking. My heart beat so rapidly I thought it would leap right out of my chest. I turned to face him, questioning my own sanity even as I did. "You are going to stop him from hurting that girl, aren't you?""
Goodreads Summary:
She reads minds.
He controls minds.
Together, they might get out alive.
Sam thinks she's months away from freedom. After spending her life in a secret school, rented out to the rich and powerful as a paranormal spy, she is ready to head to college like any normal eighteen-year-old. Only Sam isn't normal. She reads minds. And just before her big going-away party, she links to the mind of a young man who changes everything.
Drake wasn't raised as a 'Rent-A-Kid.' He was kidnapped and taken there by force. But his exceptional physical strength and powers of mind control make him very dangerous, especially to Sam.
When they meet, Sam is forced to face the truth of her situation, and to acknowledge that not all is as it seems in her picture-perfect world. For what awaits her on her eighteenth birthday isn't a trip to college, but an unexpected nightmare from which she may not be able to escape.
To survive, they must work together.
But will their powers be enough to save them before it's too late?
Last Thoughts:
I would recommend this to paranormal readers but not to anyone who doesn't like traditional plots. This was a fun read to me and it doesn't take a lot of time to read it, so even if you don't think you'd like it I still think it's worth the time and effort to read. I can't wait to continue with this series, the way this ended has definitely left me wanting to read more! I must know the fate of Lucy, Luke, Same and Drake! And thankfully due to me just finding this wonderful book I don't have to wait for the second book "Forbidden Mind". Guess I'll just go on over to Amazon and snatch me a copy! Can't wait to see what awesome other series this author has in store for her readers, I'm sure it's going to be full of fun and suspense!
So I'll admit the beginning intrigued me, the idea of "renting" these paranormal kids out was different than what I'm used to reading. Actually this whole paranormal idea is new to me, most books I've been most interested in has been more realistic and perhaps a tad of supernatural nothing like what I read in this book. I enjoyed the strong connections, the suspense and most of all I enjoyed that not once did I look at how much more I had to read...I loved that it was a fast read and kept me interested throughout.
Plot:
The plot wasn't on the side of complicated but it did have its sub-plots and problems to overcome. All of the necessary questions were answered in this book and given that this is only book one of the trilogy there is of course going to be some questions left to be dissected at a later time. The pace of this book was super-fast, I literally was surprised how fast this book was read and there were very few times that the plot was slow or uninteresting, the way the author built this world and plot allowed the reader to breeze past the pages and grasp onto each and every obstacle thrown these characters way. I also liked that this plot wasn't necessarily mundane, yes it had some elements we see in every other book (Don't all books have similarities?) but it also had elements that were unique to this world, where behind every hidden door there is another secret hidden in its depth. It was a fun plot and I really enjoyed reading it. Also this plot also had some moments that were set up just so perfect, it was like the author knew just when to hit the reader with another wall! It was epic. But forewarned I know this plot isn't for everyone, it depends on the tolerance and likes of the reader itself. This plot has a lot of that same stuff we've been seeing everywhere but it's different, I don't know how to put it into words...it was just special in its own way and I accepted the similarities and I hope you will too.
Characters:
Okay so there were a few week characters in this story, some fell flat on the cement while others soared high in the sky. I felt the author could have made some of the essential characters a little smoother; they seemed to lack a certain element in their whole being. But the main characters were created just right; they had all of the necessary pieces to their character to allow them to be placed just right within each scene and problem. As for the minor characters there were some I wished were a little bit more involved but they did fine just where they were but I could still see some hidden stories behind their walls. So overall the characters were good in this book, they helped draw in the reader and helped us better understand what was going on and aside from a few missing elements I would say it was good overall.
Transformation of the Character:
Okay as far as transformations went in this book there weren't really many of them but it's kind of hard to transform in only a hundred and thirty four pages. For a good transformation it takes just the right events and pace to make it believable. So in this book I would say this wasn't something that made this book stand out but I have a hunch in the books to come there will definitely be some transformations taking place and I can't wait to see them.
Description:
As far as description goes it was just the right amount. The author definitely in my opinion focused more on the broad aspect rather than the little details here and there, that was one thing that saved his book from becoming tedious, and too many details can slow down the pace and cause some frustration in readers. But there were some details in this book that helped the reader but get a grasp on the situation and the characters surrounding, so it wasn't like the author was leaving anything out. As far as dialogue goes there wasn't too much and I really enjoyed the inner dialogue more, it allowed the reader to better connect with the character and understand them on a much deeper level. One thing I would like to point about this author’s description was that at times she really was able to describe the senses, like she could describe the sweat beading on the skin and the sounds swirling around these main characters...it was really fun to read.
Style:
I really liked that the author chose to show different POV's, this is the type of story that needs different POV's, it allowed the reader to see different sides of the story and better grasp what was happening. And the moments she chose to switch POV's was really fun and interesting, these switches always seemed to be at the right time and there were like mini cliffhangers interwoven in this book! I guess it's a good thing I was reading this on my kindle; it's kind of difficult skipping ahead. Also I enjoyed like I mentioned earlier how the author included inner dialogues and monologues, they helped bring an emotional level to the book that some books fail to bring. This author really knows how to connect her readers to the characters!
Quote of the book:
"I couldn't move. My traitorous body refused to follow my mental commands to keep walking. My heart beat so rapidly I thought it would leap right out of my chest. I turned to face him, questioning my own sanity even as I did. "You are going to stop him from hurting that girl, aren't you?""
Goodreads Summary:
She reads minds.
He controls minds.
Together, they might get out alive.
Sam thinks she's months away from freedom. After spending her life in a secret school, rented out to the rich and powerful as a paranormal spy, she is ready to head to college like any normal eighteen-year-old. Only Sam isn't normal. She reads minds. And just before her big going-away party, she links to the mind of a young man who changes everything.
Drake wasn't raised as a 'Rent-A-Kid.' He was kidnapped and taken there by force. But his exceptional physical strength and powers of mind control make him very dangerous, especially to Sam.
When they meet, Sam is forced to face the truth of her situation, and to acknowledge that not all is as it seems in her picture-perfect world. For what awaits her on her eighteenth birthday isn't a trip to college, but an unexpected nightmare from which she may not be able to escape.
To survive, they must work together.
But will their powers be enough to save them before it's too late?
Last Thoughts:
I would recommend this to paranormal readers but not to anyone who doesn't like traditional plots. This was a fun read to me and it doesn't take a lot of time to read it, so even if you don't think you'd like it I still think it's worth the time and effort to read. I can't wait to continue with this series, the way this ended has definitely left me wanting to read more! I must know the fate of Lucy, Luke, Same and Drake! And thankfully due to me just finding this wonderful book I don't have to wait for the second book "Forbidden Mind". Guess I'll just go on over to Amazon and snatch me a copy! Can't wait to see what awesome other series this author has in store for her readers, I'm sure it's going to be full of fun and suspense!
September 21, 2011
Sam is nearly 18 and has the ability to read people's minds. For as long as she can remember she has lived with other children with amazing powers and has been looked after by Rent- A-Kid. Some can walk through walls, others can tell if people are lying. All her needs have been met and throughout her life they have sent her on various assignments where she uses her gifts to help others.
But one day a boy arrives through the doors who can also read minds and she discovers that all is not as it seems. Rent-A-Kid has promised that she can leave when she turns 18 but Drake informs her that they have other, more sinister plans. The world that she has known starts to crumble at her feet and she has to escape before it's too late.
This is a wonderful little page turner, well written and full of imagination and originality. I loved the main character and could really feel her fear and her world being ripped apart at the seams. 'Forbidden Minds' is a YA book but this 40 year old bloke enjoyed it and maybe will have to read more from this genre.
I would recommend anyone of any age to try this book and I'll have to read more from Kimberley Kinrade It's nice to read something different and twisty, something that makes my imagination go into hyperdrive.
October 31, 2011
Forbidden Mind ensnares the reader within the lives of Sam and Drake. Sam's grown up as a Rent-A-Kid. Drake's been brought in by force. Neither have a choice in what happens to them. The only choice is what they plan to do about it.
I love the strength of the main characters, that they don't plan on taking things lying down. Filled with well-developed characters and a plot that will keep you at the edge of you seat, Forbidden Mind is unputdownable!
Kimberly Kinrade has created realistic, true characters, making it so easy to believe that such a place could exist. That somewhere, right now, a Rent-A-Kid could be watching you.
I love the strength of the main characters, that they don't plan on taking things lying down. Filled with well-developed characters and a plot that will keep you at the edge of you seat, Forbidden Mind is unputdownable!
Kimberly Kinrade has created realistic, true characters, making it so easy to believe that such a place could exist. That somewhere, right now, a Rent-A-Kid could be watching you.
December 9, 2011
I picked this up a little while ago and it's been sitting on my computer waiting for me to read. I am now kicking myself for not reading it sooner!! Having finally got an ebook reader, I started reading this earlier today, and didn't stop until it was finished. I loved the concept behind the book, how everything was paced and how it flowed. I adored the characters and how they dealt with everything that happened.
I am a huge fan of supernatural and paranormal books, and this one was everything I love in a book and left me wanting more.
I am a huge fan of supernatural and paranormal books, and this one was everything I love in a book and left me wanting more.
June 27, 2012
What a fantastically fucked up book!
Wow my mind is blown by the creepy & twistedness of this story. I LOVED this book.
It was dark and depressing but moving & uplifting also at times.
I cannot wait to read the next books!
READ THIS BOOK!
(to read this review & more like it visit - http://bookprotagonist.blogspot.co.uk/)
Wow my mind is blown by the creepy & twistedness of this story. I LOVED this book.
It was dark and depressing but moving & uplifting also at times.
I cannot wait to read the next books!
READ THIS BOOK!
(to read this review & more like it visit - http://bookprotagonist.blogspot.co.uk/)
October 1, 2013
I actually have a updated version of this.. This was updated on my Kindle not long after I finished it and it supposedly has more story to it which is welcome because the original version is short; but good, nevertheless it could be better.
October 7, 2011
Strong characters in desperate situations. What could be better!
October 24, 2011
A terrific, unusual well written story. I really enjoyed it. If you like ya urban fantasy, you'll enjoy this.
December 14, 2012
Wow.
This was deep.
Really deep.
Like, ocean-bottom deep.
Deep-fried deep.
Deep-sea diving dee- ok, I'll stop now. :)
Review to come!
This was deep.
Really deep.
Like, ocean-bottom deep.
Deep-fried deep.
Deep-sea diving dee- ok, I'll stop now. :)
Review to come!
June 8, 2017
It was super awesome
August 8, 2017
I picked this up after reading a couple of very intense novels, figuring it was shorter and, hopefully, lighter. It was both: shorter at only about 150 pages, and lighter because it ended up being too short for the reader to become very emotionally involved with the main characters. The plot was fun, and I do so love stories that smack of the paranormal. But the ending was atrocious...no ending or wrap up at all. It so much stops in the middle of the story that I was actually shocked. Why? Why make the reader buy another book just to finish the first book? Shame on you, Karpov Kinrade! If the second book is also 150 pages, why not just put them together and not cheat your readers? Luckily for me, I got books 1 and 2 for free thanks to Kindle Unlimited. If I couldn't do that, I wouldn't put out good money for 2 books that tell only one story. I HATE cliff hangers!! It's the sign of a poor writer, I think, or one who is trying to grab as much money as he/she can. I swore off of James Patterson forever (even if I could get a book of his for free) because of that nasty habit of cliff hangers that he has. Anyone who is thinking of reading this, be forewarned!
October 6, 2012
(Note: The author graciously provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Kinrade's handling of this darkly dystopian tale makes for some highly compulsive reading! This is a novel full of great characters that the reader can empathize with and get to love immediately. It starts off a bit slowly at first, but then builds momentum until the tension created by the suspense has the reader frantically turning pages to find out what happens next.
The plot involves a sinister, although apparently benign, organization known as "Rent-A-Kid". It's obvious, however, that no organization with such a name could possibly be harmless, because the idea of 'renting' a kid -- whether a child, pre-adolescent, or adolescent -- is an immediately repugnant one.
The kids in question all possess various paranormal powers, and the organization sends them on 'assignments' for wealthy clients, to perform several services that require the use of such powers as reading minds, setting fires, or levitation, to name a few.
There are very sinister underpinnings indeed, such as genetic experimentation and....well, you'll have to read this exciting novel to find out!
The main character is Sam (probably short for "Samantha", although the author never does mention this), who can read minds. We are first introduced to her as she's putting the finishing touches on her best painting so far. She has dreams of being a famous artist someday, and is hoping to apply for a scholarship at Sarah Lawrence, a very prestigious art school in New York. She is encouraged in this dream by her art teacher, Mr. Krevner, who is openly critical of certain school rules and procedures.
Her best friends, Lucy, who can detect lies, and Luke, her brother, who can walk through walls, also encourage her. They're very appealing characters in their own right. Sam can safely share with them her growing suspicion that the school they've all grown up in isn't what they've been told it is -- a place where children and teens with special abilities can be given an education that will best meet their needs.
The first-person narration at the beginning of the novel gives way to third-person as we're introduced to Drake, who will become Sam's boyfriend. He, too, has paranormal powers -- super strength and the ability to control minds. He does not live at the Rent-A-Kid school, however, because he was successfully hidden by his parents, and has been trying all his life to stay under the radar. Everything changes one fateful afternoon, during a surfing competition at Venice Beach, California, in which he's participating. He's suddenly kidnapped...
The organization's evil intentions soon become readily apparent as Sam and Drake meet and begin falling in love, all through a telepathic link. As events escalate in a frightening manner, Sam plans her escape. Her dreams have been shattered, and she soon becomes a prisoner at an undisclosed facility.
Through these characters, Kinrade deals with some very important universal themes -- love, loyalty, and the ethical issues inherent in scientific investigation, not to mention the use of paranormal powers, although the latter are fictional. She accomplishes this through skillful characterization and plotting. I do think that her villain, Dr. Pana, is a bit too stereotypical, and not a fully-developed character, but the other presumably evil characters presented in the book, such as Gar, one of the guards, are more believable because she doesn't present them as being completely evil.
The concept behind the plot, although seemingly far-fetched, does sound credible, even if paranormal powers aren't real. (There are those who affirm that they do indeed exist.) Furthermore, Kinrade gives her evil organization enough of a background to make it seem very real, especially to those who are fond of conspiracy theories.
The love story between Sam and Drake is a sweet, very compelling one. Drake is such a nice, honest, good-hearted guy, as well as a great athlete. Sam is a very determined, smart, creative girl. The fact that their relationship begins through a mental link is very appealing, because they fall in love with the inner person before they ever see the physical person. Once they do meet in person, the romance becomes even more intense, as well as full of angst, as they join forces in order to attempt to escape from the clutches of the organization that is trying to control their lives.
What I find especially wonderful about Sam and Drake's relationship is their mutual tenderness, their willingness to sacrifice their lives for each other, their ability to work together without trying to dominate the other, their bonding on most levels. The physical aspect of their relationship, although strong, must temporarily remain in the background, not because they don't desire each other, but because of the danger involved. There's plenty of sexual tension, though, and I presume that they will finally consummate this bond in the final book.
To sum up, this is a wonderful read, and a great beginning to a trilogy that will most likely be made into movies! And I can hardly wait for that to happen! I would most certainly be the first one at the door, brandishing my pre-paid ticket!
Kinrade's handling of this darkly dystopian tale makes for some highly compulsive reading! This is a novel full of great characters that the reader can empathize with and get to love immediately. It starts off a bit slowly at first, but then builds momentum until the tension created by the suspense has the reader frantically turning pages to find out what happens next.
The plot involves a sinister, although apparently benign, organization known as "Rent-A-Kid". It's obvious, however, that no organization with such a name could possibly be harmless, because the idea of 'renting' a kid -- whether a child, pre-adolescent, or adolescent -- is an immediately repugnant one.
The kids in question all possess various paranormal powers, and the organization sends them on 'assignments' for wealthy clients, to perform several services that require the use of such powers as reading minds, setting fires, or levitation, to name a few.
There are very sinister underpinnings indeed, such as genetic experimentation and....well, you'll have to read this exciting novel to find out!
The main character is Sam (probably short for "Samantha", although the author never does mention this), who can read minds. We are first introduced to her as she's putting the finishing touches on her best painting so far. She has dreams of being a famous artist someday, and is hoping to apply for a scholarship at Sarah Lawrence, a very prestigious art school in New York. She is encouraged in this dream by her art teacher, Mr. Krevner, who is openly critical of certain school rules and procedures.
Her best friends, Lucy, who can detect lies, and Luke, her brother, who can walk through walls, also encourage her. They're very appealing characters in their own right. Sam can safely share with them her growing suspicion that the school they've all grown up in isn't what they've been told it is -- a place where children and teens with special abilities can be given an education that will best meet their needs.
The first-person narration at the beginning of the novel gives way to third-person as we're introduced to Drake, who will become Sam's boyfriend. He, too, has paranormal powers -- super strength and the ability to control minds. He does not live at the Rent-A-Kid school, however, because he was successfully hidden by his parents, and has been trying all his life to stay under the radar. Everything changes one fateful afternoon, during a surfing competition at Venice Beach, California, in which he's participating. He's suddenly kidnapped...
The organization's evil intentions soon become readily apparent as Sam and Drake meet and begin falling in love, all through a telepathic link. As events escalate in a frightening manner, Sam plans her escape. Her dreams have been shattered, and she soon becomes a prisoner at an undisclosed facility.
Through these characters, Kinrade deals with some very important universal themes -- love, loyalty, and the ethical issues inherent in scientific investigation, not to mention the use of paranormal powers, although the latter are fictional. She accomplishes this through skillful characterization and plotting. I do think that her villain, Dr. Pana, is a bit too stereotypical, and not a fully-developed character, but the other presumably evil characters presented in the book, such as Gar, one of the guards, are more believable because she doesn't present them as being completely evil.
The concept behind the plot, although seemingly far-fetched, does sound credible, even if paranormal powers aren't real. (There are those who affirm that they do indeed exist.) Furthermore, Kinrade gives her evil organization enough of a background to make it seem very real, especially to those who are fond of conspiracy theories.
The love story between Sam and Drake is a sweet, very compelling one. Drake is such a nice, honest, good-hearted guy, as well as a great athlete. Sam is a very determined, smart, creative girl. The fact that their relationship begins through a mental link is very appealing, because they fall in love with the inner person before they ever see the physical person. Once they do meet in person, the romance becomes even more intense, as well as full of angst, as they join forces in order to attempt to escape from the clutches of the organization that is trying to control their lives.
What I find especially wonderful about Sam and Drake's relationship is their mutual tenderness, their willingness to sacrifice their lives for each other, their ability to work together without trying to dominate the other, their bonding on most levels. The physical aspect of their relationship, although strong, must temporarily remain in the background, not because they don't desire each other, but because of the danger involved. There's plenty of sexual tension, though, and I presume that they will finally consummate this bond in the final book.
To sum up, this is a wonderful read, and a great beginning to a trilogy that will most likely be made into movies! And I can hardly wait for that to happen! I would most certainly be the first one at the door, brandishing my pre-paid ticket!
April 17, 2018
Wow
I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to get started on the next book. I mean how cool would it be though to have these abilities. Well some of them anyway. I’m looking forward to more of their writing.
I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to get started on the next book. I mean how cool would it be though to have these abilities. Well some of them anyway. I’m looking forward to more of their writing.
October 6, 2011
Reminiscent of both X-Men and Alias, Forbidden Mind is simultaneously thrilling and heartbreaking, full of shocking twists and turns that continually took me in directions I never expected. When beginning Forbidden Mind, I assumed that the book would inevitably hold danger and perhaps some mortal peril, but what I wasn’t expecting is how dark the story quickly became. Kinrade includes some pretty serious, heavy themes and subjects in Forbidden Mind, and it’s not for the faint of heart. While this book does include the paranormal, it’s the depravity of the human heart, the moral and ethical compromises people are willing to make, the blind-eye that people are willing to turn, the selfishness, the complete lack of compassion for fellow human beings that drove the darkness in Forbidden Mind. And I found it fascinating.
Sam, the main character, was a girl I could connect to. Her apprehension about her assignments, her longing for a normal life, her love for her friends, her fear of acknowledging that her safe haven might be hiding secrets are all things I can understand. She is a mentally strong character, clear-headed, rational, and brave. I admired especially her ability to stay calm under immense strain, and it’s a skill that serves her well. Once it becomes clear what’s actually going on with Sam and her future, the awful circumstances this girl finds herself in completely broke my heart. Kinrade did an excellent job creating an immensely sympathetic character in Sam; she made me care and had me crossing my fingers and wishing on stars that Sam would find a way out of her horrifying situation.
The romance in this story, between Sam and Drake, caught me off guard yet again. It is an extremely unconventional relationship than what is normally presented in the books I read, and though I don’t want to give too much away, I will say it’s an extremely satisfying and very intimate romance. Both Sam and Drake are victims of horrible circumstances, but they have a bond that no one can sunder. They find strength, support and hope in each other and it’s heartbreaking and beautiful to see how they attempt to overcome their traumatic situation together.
The only detractor of this story, in my opinion, is that the length of the book compromises some needed development. Forbidden Mind is actually more of a novella or short novel in length. While it does work for the story and while the writing is excellent, a little bit more space for development would’ve just made it just that much more. Particularly in two areas – that of better establishing Sam’s mystery organization and also her realizations that Rent-A-Kid might not be wholly on the up-and-up. Now it could be that Kinrade was trying to keep Rent-A-Kid somewhat concealed in the shadows – faceless and nameless. Sometimes the unknown is scarier than what’s known, and I certainly don’t need to know everything. But nevertheless, I felt that the organization’s credibility as genuinely dangerous threat, how far reaching they are, how formidable they are, could’ve been established a bit more at the beginning without compromising anonymity. And now we come to Sam’s realizations. Without revealing too much to you, Dear Reader, her belief that her home was no longer the safe haven she once thought felt rushed, a little forced, without foundation and out of character. It would’ve felt more natural to have a longer introduction in which she had mounting suspicions that then appear confirmed. These are relatively minor issues though that take place near the beginning, because once the story gets past this hump and gets rolling it’s very well-paced and well-developed right to the extremely exciting ending.
Overall, Forbidden Mind is a thrilling, dark and deeply romantic read that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Sam, the main character, was a girl I could connect to. Her apprehension about her assignments, her longing for a normal life, her love for her friends, her fear of acknowledging that her safe haven might be hiding secrets are all things I can understand. She is a mentally strong character, clear-headed, rational, and brave. I admired especially her ability to stay calm under immense strain, and it’s a skill that serves her well. Once it becomes clear what’s actually going on with Sam and her future, the awful circumstances this girl finds herself in completely broke my heart. Kinrade did an excellent job creating an immensely sympathetic character in Sam; she made me care and had me crossing my fingers and wishing on stars that Sam would find a way out of her horrifying situation.
The romance in this story, between Sam and Drake, caught me off guard yet again. It is an extremely unconventional relationship than what is normally presented in the books I read, and though I don’t want to give too much away, I will say it’s an extremely satisfying and very intimate romance. Both Sam and Drake are victims of horrible circumstances, but they have a bond that no one can sunder. They find strength, support and hope in each other and it’s heartbreaking and beautiful to see how they attempt to overcome their traumatic situation together.
The only detractor of this story, in my opinion, is that the length of the book compromises some needed development. Forbidden Mind is actually more of a novella or short novel in length. While it does work for the story and while the writing is excellent, a little bit more space for development would’ve just made it just that much more. Particularly in two areas – that of better establishing Sam’s mystery organization and also her realizations that Rent-A-Kid might not be wholly on the up-and-up. Now it could be that Kinrade was trying to keep Rent-A-Kid somewhat concealed in the shadows – faceless and nameless. Sometimes the unknown is scarier than what’s known, and I certainly don’t need to know everything. But nevertheless, I felt that the organization’s credibility as genuinely dangerous threat, how far reaching they are, how formidable they are, could’ve been established a bit more at the beginning without compromising anonymity. And now we come to Sam’s realizations. Without revealing too much to you, Dear Reader, her belief that her home was no longer the safe haven she once thought felt rushed, a little forced, without foundation and out of character. It would’ve felt more natural to have a longer introduction in which she had mounting suspicions that then appear confirmed. These are relatively minor issues though that take place near the beginning, because once the story gets past this hump and gets rolling it’s very well-paced and well-developed right to the extremely exciting ending.
Overall, Forbidden Mind is a thrilling, dark and deeply romantic read that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and eagerly awaiting the next installment.
October 13, 2011
FORBIDDEN MIND
By Kimberly Kinrade
Young Adult Paranormal Fantasy
Ebook provided by the author for review
Reviewed by Willa Kaye Danes, author at Penumbra Publishing
Sam is approaching her eighteenth birthday and looking forward to finally being able to live a normal life, go to college, and be on her own. But Sam is not ‘normal.’ She reads minds. This makes her a valuable asset to her employer she and her friends jokingly call Rent-A-Kid. The organization’s huge campus has every convenience to support its charges – including a high-security fence around the property. Sam’s only ventures outside the compound consist of her assignments where she is sent all over the world with bodyguards to do undercover work for people who pay handsomely for her unique skill as a mind-reader. But when she turns eighteen, she can stop working and get her earnings kept in a trust fund by Rent-A-Kid. At least, that’s what she’s been told for as long as she can remember. When Sam detects the mind of a boy on campus who is not one of the Rent-A-Kids, but has been kidnapped and drugged, she realizes everything she’s been told by Rent-A-Kid is a lie. She must escape and help her friends and Drake, but she’s unprepared to launch a coordinated escape plan by herself. Will Drake’s and her powers be enough to get the job done?
I really enjoyed this book. On the surface it may have seemed a bit short and a tad simplistic because it was easy to read and consisted of a lot of really short chapters. However, it was well written, fast-paced, and suspenseful as the kids try to find answers to nagging questions about their past and what is really going on at Rent-A-Kid. The characters were all well defined and individual enough to be believable. There was just enough romance to make it interesting, but the romance wasn’t the only focus of the story, as there was a sense of danger that affected all the characters. The concept of the Rent-A-Kid corporation was a cool idea, and reminded me a bit of Josh Whedon’s ‘Doll House’ TV series. There are some brief and vague references to child exploitation, and an issue with pregnancy; however these are handled quite well with no objectionable or graphic descriptions. This story is a good selection for older teen readers who like a bit of paranormal and a bit of romantic suspense, but can also be enjoyed by adults.
I give this a solid 4, preferably 4.5 out of 5.0 (reserving 5.0 for OMG this was fantastic), but since there are no half-point increments at most rating sites, I’ll put 5.0 here and recommend it, as I did enjoy it quite a bit. This book is obviously the first installment of a planned series.
By Kimberly Kinrade
Young Adult Paranormal Fantasy
Ebook provided by the author for review
Reviewed by Willa Kaye Danes, author at Penumbra Publishing
Sam is approaching her eighteenth birthday and looking forward to finally being able to live a normal life, go to college, and be on her own. But Sam is not ‘normal.’ She reads minds. This makes her a valuable asset to her employer she and her friends jokingly call Rent-A-Kid. The organization’s huge campus has every convenience to support its charges – including a high-security fence around the property. Sam’s only ventures outside the compound consist of her assignments where she is sent all over the world with bodyguards to do undercover work for people who pay handsomely for her unique skill as a mind-reader. But when she turns eighteen, she can stop working and get her earnings kept in a trust fund by Rent-A-Kid. At least, that’s what she’s been told for as long as she can remember. When Sam detects the mind of a boy on campus who is not one of the Rent-A-Kids, but has been kidnapped and drugged, she realizes everything she’s been told by Rent-A-Kid is a lie. She must escape and help her friends and Drake, but she’s unprepared to launch a coordinated escape plan by herself. Will Drake’s and her powers be enough to get the job done?
I really enjoyed this book. On the surface it may have seemed a bit short and a tad simplistic because it was easy to read and consisted of a lot of really short chapters. However, it was well written, fast-paced, and suspenseful as the kids try to find answers to nagging questions about their past and what is really going on at Rent-A-Kid. The characters were all well defined and individual enough to be believable. There was just enough romance to make it interesting, but the romance wasn’t the only focus of the story, as there was a sense of danger that affected all the characters. The concept of the Rent-A-Kid corporation was a cool idea, and reminded me a bit of Josh Whedon’s ‘Doll House’ TV series. There are some brief and vague references to child exploitation, and an issue with pregnancy; however these are handled quite well with no objectionable or graphic descriptions. This story is a good selection for older teen readers who like a bit of paranormal and a bit of romantic suspense, but can also be enjoyed by adults.
I give this a solid 4, preferably 4.5 out of 5.0 (reserving 5.0 for OMG this was fantastic), but since there are no half-point increments at most rating sites, I’ll put 5.0 here and recommend it, as I did enjoy it quite a bit. This book is obviously the first installment of a planned series.
October 29, 2011
Sam is sure that college, as well as a normal life, is within her reach. After years of being “rented” out to the rich—and greedy—for her paranormal abilities, Sam can almost taste freedom. She can finally leave Rent-a-Kid on her eighteenth birthday. But when her mind-reading ability allows her to connect with Drake, who has been kidnapped and held against his will by the people at Rent-a-Kid, Sam begins to realize that her life is one big lie. And her dreams—college, freedom, and normalcy—is not going to happen. Now Sam must join forces with Drake, whose paranormal abilities are even more powerful than hers, to save their lives.
I adopted this book for “Adopt-an-Indie" month. I simply perused the book lists until I found one that looked interesting and I adopted it. I am extremely glad that I did. This book was great! It had interesting characters and an original and well-thought out plot. While this is a paranormal book, you will not find any vampires, werewolves, angels or zombies in this story. Instead, it is chock full of kids with amazing abilities, the kind you usually only see in an X-Men movie. The children of Rent-a-Kid live a seemingly idealistic life: a terrific school, a beautiful campus with all the amenities and the chance to go anywhere they want for college. Occasionally, the kids are “rented” out to the rich and powerful to help them become richer and more powerful. They don’t know their parents, believing their parents abandoned them because of their special powers. All they have to look forward to is the day they turn eighteen; the day they gain their freedom and leave Rent-a-Kid forever. That is where we find Sam, weeks away from her birthday. She is ready to leave, until she catches a glimpse of a boy, strapped down and begging for help. That one glance changes everything for Sam. Suddenly, she begins to learn the truth about the people who have raised her and things begin to…..change. Now Sam must escape the nightmare she suddenly finds herself in. And the only person she can trust is someone she has never even met—technically.
I absolutely loved the originality of this story. Kinrade was able to create characters that you care about and want to cheer for. I found myself completely engaged in this book and anxious to find out what was going to happen next. The twists and turns in the story are perfectly timed, which adds to the suspense. The characters are believable; they actually act like real teenagers and speak like real teenagers. Kinrade’s writing is well-thought out and convincing. All in all, this is a very good story with an interesting plot and great characters. This a great read and I highly recommend it!
I adopted this book for “Adopt-an-Indie" month. I simply perused the book lists until I found one that looked interesting and I adopted it. I am extremely glad that I did. This book was great! It had interesting characters and an original and well-thought out plot. While this is a paranormal book, you will not find any vampires, werewolves, angels or zombies in this story. Instead, it is chock full of kids with amazing abilities, the kind you usually only see in an X-Men movie. The children of Rent-a-Kid live a seemingly idealistic life: a terrific school, a beautiful campus with all the amenities and the chance to go anywhere they want for college. Occasionally, the kids are “rented” out to the rich and powerful to help them become richer and more powerful. They don’t know their parents, believing their parents abandoned them because of their special powers. All they have to look forward to is the day they turn eighteen; the day they gain their freedom and leave Rent-a-Kid forever. That is where we find Sam, weeks away from her birthday. She is ready to leave, until she catches a glimpse of a boy, strapped down and begging for help. That one glance changes everything for Sam. Suddenly, she begins to learn the truth about the people who have raised her and things begin to…..change. Now Sam must escape the nightmare she suddenly finds herself in. And the only person she can trust is someone she has never even met—technically.
I absolutely loved the originality of this story. Kinrade was able to create characters that you care about and want to cheer for. I found myself completely engaged in this book and anxious to find out what was going to happen next. The twists and turns in the story are perfectly timed, which adds to the suspense. The characters are believable; they actually act like real teenagers and speak like real teenagers. Kinrade’s writing is well-thought out and convincing. All in all, this is a very good story with an interesting plot and great characters. This a great read and I highly recommend it!
February 24, 2012
This book was introduced to me as X-Men meets Dollhouse. Those are two of my favorites, so my answer was a definite “yes!”.
And it is true, there are X-Men-ish and Dollhouse-ish elements to Forbidden Mind. But I think that is selling it short. There is a giant personal element here that I don’t think either of those other stories captured.
Sam is the female protagonist. She goes to private school and works for the school in an operative type status. The students have dubbed the school as “Rent-A-Kid”. Their services are sought out for different reasons, depending on the kid hired. The element that makes “Rent-A-Kid” special is that all of its employees slash students have special powers. Sam can read minds. Her friend, Lucy, is basically a human lie detector. Lucy’s brother, Luke, can walk through walls!
“Help Me. They took me. Help me, please.”
His name is Drake Davis, and he is a mystery. And he needs help. Sam hears this one day in her thoughts when she comes back from a job. And it begins a series of questions and secrets revealed that will dramatically change her life forever.
This story, while short, had a ton of intriguing factors to it. First, there are the super powers each person has. Of course that is awesome. Then there is the whole deal of the kids being basically farmed out for their special powers to be used on assignment, which is usually some type of corporate espionage type deal.
The characters are well written, and develop well within the story. It is a fast paced story, for sure, and full of action. This is something I was very impressed with since the main character is telepathic, and a good portion of the story actually takes place within her mind.
The supporting characters are wonderful and varied, and I really hope we get to know them more in the future. If you are into private school type stories, or super power stories, then you will like this one. I very much encourage you to read this because there are some definite twists and turns that you do NOT see coming at all – and it is very refreshing and made for a really terrific read.
And it is true, there are X-Men-ish and Dollhouse-ish elements to Forbidden Mind. But I think that is selling it short. There is a giant personal element here that I don’t think either of those other stories captured.
Sam is the female protagonist. She goes to private school and works for the school in an operative type status. The students have dubbed the school as “Rent-A-Kid”. Their services are sought out for different reasons, depending on the kid hired. The element that makes “Rent-A-Kid” special is that all of its employees slash students have special powers. Sam can read minds. Her friend, Lucy, is basically a human lie detector. Lucy’s brother, Luke, can walk through walls!
“Help Me. They took me. Help me, please.”
His name is Drake Davis, and he is a mystery. And he needs help. Sam hears this one day in her thoughts when she comes back from a job. And it begins a series of questions and secrets revealed that will dramatically change her life forever.
This story, while short, had a ton of intriguing factors to it. First, there are the super powers each person has. Of course that is awesome. Then there is the whole deal of the kids being basically farmed out for their special powers to be used on assignment, which is usually some type of corporate espionage type deal.
The characters are well written, and develop well within the story. It is a fast paced story, for sure, and full of action. This is something I was very impressed with since the main character is telepathic, and a good portion of the story actually takes place within her mind.
The supporting characters are wonderful and varied, and I really hope we get to know them more in the future. If you are into private school type stories, or super power stories, then you will like this one. I very much encourage you to read this because there are some definite twists and turns that you do NOT see coming at all – and it is very refreshing and made for a really terrific read.
March 28, 2012
Review posted at: http://librarymosaic.blogspot.pt/2012...
Review:
I received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review and Forbidden Mind is a thrilling and fascinating story full of twists that are able to take the reader by surprise.
In the world of Forbidden Mind some people, like Sam, have special, paranormal abilities. Sam can, in fact, read minds. She lived with other kids with abilities at a place they call Rent-A-Kid.
When she’s almost ready to leave, she meets a boy named Drake, though and that boy changes her whole life and everything she believes in.
The main character is Sam and it was easy to understand and connect to her. She’s strong, brave, full of spunk, rational and able to keep calm even at stressful times. She finds herself facing awful circumstances while wishing for a normal life. The author definitely did a good job creating a character that is easy to like and root for.
Drake is a very interesting character as well and he changes Sam’s whole life. The relationship between them was actually surprising and very unique. The bond between the two of them is definitely strong and I enjoyed reading about the way they often leaned on each other for support and even hope.
This book deals with some heavy, dark and serious themes and I think the author did a great job with them. The lack of compassion for other humans is an example of one of those issues.
I enjoyed this book and thought it was very interesting. Forbidden Mind is well written and the characters are easy to like and relate to. I think my only real complain about this book is that it is very short so there’s not much space for development of some details like, for instance, the Rent-A-Kind organization. The author still did a wonderful job with the story.
All in all, Forbidden Mind is a romantic, exciting and also dark story that was able to keep me entertained and curious.
Rating: Worth Your Time (4 Stars)
Review:
I received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review and Forbidden Mind is a thrilling and fascinating story full of twists that are able to take the reader by surprise.
In the world of Forbidden Mind some people, like Sam, have special, paranormal abilities. Sam can, in fact, read minds. She lived with other kids with abilities at a place they call Rent-A-Kid.
When she’s almost ready to leave, she meets a boy named Drake, though and that boy changes her whole life and everything she believes in.
The main character is Sam and it was easy to understand and connect to her. She’s strong, brave, full of spunk, rational and able to keep calm even at stressful times. She finds herself facing awful circumstances while wishing for a normal life. The author definitely did a good job creating a character that is easy to like and root for.
Drake is a very interesting character as well and he changes Sam’s whole life. The relationship between them was actually surprising and very unique. The bond between the two of them is definitely strong and I enjoyed reading about the way they often leaned on each other for support and even hope.
This book deals with some heavy, dark and serious themes and I think the author did a great job with them. The lack of compassion for other humans is an example of one of those issues.
I enjoyed this book and thought it was very interesting. Forbidden Mind is well written and the characters are easy to like and relate to. I think my only real complain about this book is that it is very short so there’s not much space for development of some details like, for instance, the Rent-A-Kind organization. The author still did a wonderful job with the story.
All in all, Forbidden Mind is a romantic, exciting and also dark story that was able to keep me entertained and curious.
Rating: Worth Your Time (4 Stars)
April 6, 2012
Sam is a 17 year old girl who reads the minds of others for a living in Forbidden Mind by Kimberly Kinrade. Not only does Sam read minds but she lives on a campus that the kids call Rent-A-Kid where kids under 18 with paranormal powers are rented out to the highest bidder. Sam is looking forward to her 18th birthday when she will finally be free and on her own at college in New York.
A few weeks before her birthday Sam begins feeling ill and is rushed to the school's hospital. While she waits for treatment a boy unknown to her makes a mental connection to her. Sam has never before known anyone who can speak to her in her mind and is determined to find out who the boy is. Only when she asks, everyone around her shuts down and refuses to answer.
While lying in the hospital Sam again connects to the stranger who she now knows as Drake. Drake is new on the campus and tells Sam that he has been kidnapped against his will. His paranormal powers include physical strength and mind control but both are being subdued by the people holding him captive.
When Sam and Drake finally meet, Sam realizes that her seemingly perfect life at rent-A-Kid in not all it was cracked up to be. With the help of her best friends, twins Lucy and Luke, Same and Drake must find a way to get out of the hospital and escape the nightmare that waits them.
This was a short but enjoyable book. I was captivated by Sam from the very beginning. Once she and Drake are linked mentally I couldn't help hoping that they would find their way out of the hospital. This book is fast paced with a few good twists to keep it interesting. As the author says, it's like X-Men meets human trafficking which makes for a very interesting story!
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars
A few weeks before her birthday Sam begins feeling ill and is rushed to the school's hospital. While she waits for treatment a boy unknown to her makes a mental connection to her. Sam has never before known anyone who can speak to her in her mind and is determined to find out who the boy is. Only when she asks, everyone around her shuts down and refuses to answer.
While lying in the hospital Sam again connects to the stranger who she now knows as Drake. Drake is new on the campus and tells Sam that he has been kidnapped against his will. His paranormal powers include physical strength and mind control but both are being subdued by the people holding him captive.
When Sam and Drake finally meet, Sam realizes that her seemingly perfect life at rent-A-Kid in not all it was cracked up to be. With the help of her best friends, twins Lucy and Luke, Same and Drake must find a way to get out of the hospital and escape the nightmare that waits them.
This was a short but enjoyable book. I was captivated by Sam from the very beginning. Once she and Drake are linked mentally I couldn't help hoping that they would find their way out of the hospital. This book is fast paced with a few good twists to keep it interesting. As the author says, it's like X-Men meets human trafficking which makes for a very interesting story!
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars
September 21, 2012
If you could read minds or control others thoughts, would you? Your first response might be ---hell yes. But give it some more thought. This is a hard question for adults, even harder for young adults who have been sheltered, or is it locked away, in a school designed for paranormal kids. They have all the things any child or teenager could want, except freedom. They are the Rent-a-Kids, hired out to normal people who need their abilities for private or governmental purposes. The subject of Kimberly Kinrade's Forbidden Mind-- Book 1 of the Forbidden Series.
They are drugged when transported to and from the school to their “assignments” and so have no idea where they are living. And yet, Sam, Lucy and Luke try to live like normal teens forming bonds of friendship to see them through until they are liberated into the real world at eighteen.
But as Sam approaches her 18th birthday, things start to unravel. But in the midst of destruction and sorrow, she sees a young man in her dreams. When she connects with him telepathically, she finds her possible soul mate and salvation. But others have different plans for the couple.
Kidnapping, murder and twisted genetic engineering keep this novel racing forward.
This is a wonderful edition to the YA genre that will be enjoyed by adults as well. The first in a trilogy, I look forward to reading the other two books. The characters are well developed and written to sound their age. The plot is well developed with twists and turns that keep you interested. The hints at the larger plot and players leave unanswered questions that are perfectly staged to bring you back.
There were a few editing issues, but none which detracted from the overall story.
They are drugged when transported to and from the school to their “assignments” and so have no idea where they are living. And yet, Sam, Lucy and Luke try to live like normal teens forming bonds of friendship to see them through until they are liberated into the real world at eighteen.
But as Sam approaches her 18th birthday, things start to unravel. But in the midst of destruction and sorrow, she sees a young man in her dreams. When she connects with him telepathically, she finds her possible soul mate and salvation. But others have different plans for the couple.
Kidnapping, murder and twisted genetic engineering keep this novel racing forward.
This is a wonderful edition to the YA genre that will be enjoyed by adults as well. The first in a trilogy, I look forward to reading the other two books. The characters are well developed and written to sound their age. The plot is well developed with twists and turns that keep you interested. The hints at the larger plot and players leave unanswered questions that are perfectly staged to bring you back.
There were a few editing issues, but none which detracted from the overall story.
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