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Telepath #2
Mindbender
Following the climactic events of the first book in the Telepath series, Zoe struggles to deal with the guilt she feels from bringing chaos down upon the Academy. Branded a traitor by both sides—those who befriended her for the past year and those she grew up with—she seeks to regain their trust and find her place in the new order.
As her powers grow, Zoe grapples with the ethics of compulsion, Telepaths’ most controversial Ability. Also known as mindbending—literally bending someone’s will to your own—it has only ever been used as a last resort because it strips them of their free will. But what if you could save lives by changing a person’s core values, effectively making bad people good? What if you could even save the world?
That is precisely the plan as Telepaths abandon centuries of non-interference in the affairs of Typicals. With the emergence of a staggeringly powerful Telepath claiming to be an ancient Mesopotamian god, Zoe and her friends must choose whether to side with him as he plans to save—and rule—the world, or side with the Resistance in their virtually hopeless fight.
‘Mindbender’ is the second book in the YA urban fantasy/sci-fi series, ‘Telepath’. Fast-paced and thought-provoking, it will engage you from start to finish.
As her powers grow, Zoe grapples with the ethics of compulsion, Telepaths’ most controversial Ability. Also known as mindbending—literally bending someone’s will to your own—it has only ever been used as a last resort because it strips them of their free will. But what if you could save lives by changing a person’s core values, effectively making bad people good? What if you could even save the world?
That is precisely the plan as Telepaths abandon centuries of non-interference in the affairs of Typicals. With the emergence of a staggeringly powerful Telepath claiming to be an ancient Mesopotamian god, Zoe and her friends must choose whether to side with him as he plans to save—and rule—the world, or side with the Resistance in their virtually hopeless fight.
‘Mindbender’ is the second book in the YA urban fantasy/sci-fi series, ‘Telepath’. Fast-paced and thought-provoking, it will engage you from start to finish.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2024
10 people want to read
About the author
Gordon G. Bowman
2 books37 followersGordon G. Bowman lives in a small town just outside Ottawa, Ontario, Canada with his wife, two dogs, and cat. He is a physics grad, a software developer, and a lifelong fan of science fiction and fantasy. Mindbender (Telepath: Book Two) is his second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 21, 2025
Saving the world?
An excellent second book in the series. Though it is not as action-packed as the first book in the series, the book goes a different route a more philosophical route.
Since the attack on the academy, Zoe has been imprisoned in solitary confinement. There is nothing to do but think of her mistakes, betrayals, and training both mentally and physically. Zoe 2.0 is more powerful than she has ever been, but is she up to the challenge that awaits her? As she merged her personalities not she must bridge the gap between her people. Against a threat more powerful than all of them. However, is it really a threat?
I enjoyed the moral dilemmas placed on the characters. I also enjoyed the theoretical ideas of how their powers worked and how they could train them and evolve. This book is full of revelations and hard choices. It is an exciting page turner that is extremely hard to put down. I can't wait for the next book.
An excellent second book in the series. Though it is not as action-packed as the first book in the series, the book goes a different route a more philosophical route.
Since the attack on the academy, Zoe has been imprisoned in solitary confinement. There is nothing to do but think of her mistakes, betrayals, and training both mentally and physically. Zoe 2.0 is more powerful than she has ever been, but is she up to the challenge that awaits her? As she merged her personalities not she must bridge the gap between her people. Against a threat more powerful than all of them. However, is it really a threat?
I enjoyed the moral dilemmas placed on the characters. I also enjoyed the theoretical ideas of how their powers worked and how they could train them and evolve. This book is full of revelations and hard choices. It is an exciting page turner that is extremely hard to put down. I can't wait for the next book.
March 2, 2025
I'm not sure where to start with this review, only because I knew how much I'd love it. The first book in the telepath series I read a few years ago, I was addicted. I knew deep down the second would be the same, if not better. Of course, I was right. Mindbender is an electrifying and thought provoking sequel that not only lives up to the brilliance of the first book but takes the story to thrilling new heights. It's an absolute must-read for fans of sci-fi and urban fantasy. This novel had such a gripping plot, compelling character development and an ever-present sense of suspense. One of the novel's standout elements to me is how intricately Bowman explains telepathic and mind-bending abilities, as well as other techniques. The class professors breaking down both the basics and the more advanced is written that well it feels as though you're learning alongside the characters. It's that immersive I genuinely started to think I could tap into someone's thoughts myself. Unlike some books that slightly skim over or gloss slightly over supernatural abilities. Mindbender makes them feel real, logical and almost attainable, which adds to the books believability and depth.
"Our choices are what matter. Choosing not to do something is every bit as much of a choice as to do something. We could be healing people whose injuries are beyond current medical science, but instead we let them die. Pretending that inaction absolves us of the consequences is cowardly. And that is what we Telepaths have collectively been for centuries. Cowards."
As always, I find Gordon's true strength lies in his characters. Because, what is a book without characters? Every individual in this story is unpredictable, making for an emotional rollercoaster. One moment, you find yourself rooting for them, believing in their motives and their struggles, to despising them the next when their choice took an unexpected turn. Every single interaction in this novel makes everything high-stakes. Nothing and nobody can be trusted completely. It keeps you guessing at all times, and pretty much impossible to put down.
That sense of unease is another reason Mindbender is such a gripping read. I questioned the reality right alongside the characters. Of course, since memories and thoughts can be manipulated, you never know who has been affected or who is truly in control of their own mind (huge twist in the story, which means I cannot delve into this much more as it would be spoiler central). The lingering doubt weaves a tense atmosphere throughout the entire book. Bowman manages to masterfully explore the moral implications of mind-bending. The ability to change someone's core beliefs and memories presenting ethical dilemmas that the characters must confront. Should telepaths use their abilities to change the minds of dangerous individuals for the greater good, and where is the line between helping and controlling them? This pushes the book beyond a standard sci-fi urban fantasy, it's one that lingers in your mind LONG after you've turned the last page.
Overall, Mindbender is an exceptional sequel that expands upon the foundation set by Telepath in every way. It's intricate exploration of telepathic abilities, morally complex characters and a terrifying mixture of both good and evil. This book is unforgettable. Whether you're new to the series or have been eagerly awaiting this instalment. You will not regret buying this, in anyway shape or form. Roll on Book 3!
"Our choices are what matter. Choosing not to do something is every bit as much of a choice as to do something. We could be healing people whose injuries are beyond current medical science, but instead we let them die. Pretending that inaction absolves us of the consequences is cowardly. And that is what we Telepaths have collectively been for centuries. Cowards."
As always, I find Gordon's true strength lies in his characters. Because, what is a book without characters? Every individual in this story is unpredictable, making for an emotional rollercoaster. One moment, you find yourself rooting for them, believing in their motives and their struggles, to despising them the next when their choice took an unexpected turn. Every single interaction in this novel makes everything high-stakes. Nothing and nobody can be trusted completely. It keeps you guessing at all times, and pretty much impossible to put down.
That sense of unease is another reason Mindbender is such a gripping read. I questioned the reality right alongside the characters. Of course, since memories and thoughts can be manipulated, you never know who has been affected or who is truly in control of their own mind (huge twist in the story, which means I cannot delve into this much more as it would be spoiler central). The lingering doubt weaves a tense atmosphere throughout the entire book. Bowman manages to masterfully explore the moral implications of mind-bending. The ability to change someone's core beliefs and memories presenting ethical dilemmas that the characters must confront. Should telepaths use their abilities to change the minds of dangerous individuals for the greater good, and where is the line between helping and controlling them? This pushes the book beyond a standard sci-fi urban fantasy, it's one that lingers in your mind LONG after you've turned the last page.
Overall, Mindbender is an exceptional sequel that expands upon the foundation set by Telepath in every way. It's intricate exploration of telepathic abilities, morally complex characters and a terrifying mixture of both good and evil. This book is unforgettable. Whether you're new to the series or have been eagerly awaiting this instalment. You will not regret buying this, in anyway shape or form. Roll on Book 3!
December 13, 2024
Please do not read my review if you haven't read Book 1 and don't want the story spoiled.
Zoe called in the attack, she received her memories back and realized her mission was infiltration the whole time. Professor Chao is dead and it's all her fault, killed at the hands of her father. Mindbender picks up to Zoe being locked in solitary confinement after the fall of the Academy. She has learned new powers and has no motivation to escape, she is filled with guilt and believes she deserves imprisonment.
After being released from solitary she is sent back to the academy to finish her classes. She is hated by most for her betrayal on both sides and her best friend Ethan won't even make eye contact with her. She realizes within the first couple of days that something is amiss, and she must uncover Marduk's plans before the world is in his hands.
Gordon Bowman has done it again with his second book in the Telepath series. He has written another masterpiece, and I am in love with this series. Everything was so well thought out when writing this story that not even a single hair was out of place on a side character that had one line, it's truly a work of art. If you love fantasy, I recommend you make this series your next read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Zoe called in the attack, she received her memories back and realized her mission was infiltration the whole time. Professor Chao is dead and it's all her fault, killed at the hands of her father. Mindbender picks up to Zoe being locked in solitary confinement after the fall of the Academy. She has learned new powers and has no motivation to escape, she is filled with guilt and believes she deserves imprisonment.
After being released from solitary she is sent back to the academy to finish her classes. She is hated by most for her betrayal on both sides and her best friend Ethan won't even make eye contact with her. She realizes within the first couple of days that something is amiss, and she must uncover Marduk's plans before the world is in his hands.
Gordon Bowman has done it again with his second book in the Telepath series. He has written another masterpiece, and I am in love with this series. Everything was so well thought out when writing this story that not even a single hair was out of place on a side character that had one line, it's truly a work of art. If you love fantasy, I recommend you make this series your next read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 4, 2024
It was a really good follow up to the first book. I loved getting to see as the characters would have to make hard decisions and decide what would be the best play in the long run. Also getting to see the power development from Zoe was really awesome. I loved how she went and faced her consequences from everyone and was still reaccepted and fought everyday for her friends and school. I can’t wait to read the 3rd book!
August 4, 2025
I can't highlight enough the awesomeness of the telekinetic abilities in this series! The strength of power and balance of emotions these characters have to possess to funnel their power is amazing. Then to create such well written scenes with so much detail makes visualizing the events and abilities so easy.
I loved how Zoe lays the foundation of her worth and self respect in this book. We get to experience another level of her power and strength while following along on her journey. Lin learns to flourish in her abilities, time will tell if how she's doing it is the right way.
With everything that happens in Mindbender, I felt that ‘Choice’ was yet again the most prominent point of this story, everything comes down to choice and the consequences of it. The abilities got better, the big bad got harder, the choices felt more difficult, and the evolution of Zoe was top tier at the end.
I'm super excited to see where this goes in Book 3. How will Zoe handle her next stage of telepathic evolution? How will all the characters navigate the changes in the world? Where will we go from here!?
I loved how Zoe lays the foundation of her worth and self respect in this book. We get to experience another level of her power and strength while following along on her journey. Lin learns to flourish in her abilities, time will tell if how she's doing it is the right way.
With everything that happens in Mindbender, I felt that ‘Choice’ was yet again the most prominent point of this story, everything comes down to choice and the consequences of it. The abilities got better, the big bad got harder, the choices felt more difficult, and the evolution of Zoe was top tier at the end.
I'm super excited to see where this goes in Book 3. How will Zoe handle her next stage of telepathic evolution? How will all the characters navigate the changes in the world? Where will we go from here!?
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews