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The Gemini Connection
Planet Tage is dying, and the best hope of saving it is gone.
Seventeen-year-old identical twins Evan and Simon share an extraordinary bond, a trait that’s both useful and invasive. They use their connection in their work at Scientific Innovations. Evan is a Mindbender, someone who enters the minds of scientists to spark ideas, join thoughts, and battle nightmares. Simon is a science prodigy and Tage’s best chance of survival.
Unfortunately, their unusual link often bleeds into their private lives. When Evan discovers his brother is keeping a secret from him, he lashes out and ignores requests to talk, and even pleas for help. By the time Evan tunes back in, he finds their connection severed and Simon missing.
He suffers a terrible case of survivor’s guilt. Moreover, he’s desperate. The fate of the world rests on Simon’s return, and Evan is willing to do anything to get him back—even working with his greatest rival, who also happens to be Simon’s boyfriend.
Evan finds allies among enemies and adversaries among friends. When nothing is as it seems and everything is depending on him, he must explore a dangerous aspect to his twin connection he never knew he had.
If he fails, he'll lose both his brother and his world.
Seventeen-year-old identical twins Evan and Simon share an extraordinary bond, a trait that’s both useful and invasive. They use their connection in their work at Scientific Innovations. Evan is a Mindbender, someone who enters the minds of scientists to spark ideas, join thoughts, and battle nightmares. Simon is a science prodigy and Tage’s best chance of survival.
Unfortunately, their unusual link often bleeds into their private lives. When Evan discovers his brother is keeping a secret from him, he lashes out and ignores requests to talk, and even pleas for help. By the time Evan tunes back in, he finds their connection severed and Simon missing.
He suffers a terrible case of survivor’s guilt. Moreover, he’s desperate. The fate of the world rests on Simon’s return, and Evan is willing to do anything to get him back—even working with his greatest rival, who also happens to be Simon’s boyfriend.
Evan finds allies among enemies and adversaries among friends. When nothing is as it seems and everything is depending on him, he must explore a dangerous aspect to his twin connection he never knew he had.
If he fails, he'll lose both his brother and his world.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2018
24 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Teri Polen
8 books177 followersTeri Polen is the author of young adult horror, science fiction, and fantasy novels. Sarah, her debut novel, was a horror finalist in the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. ReadFREE.ly named Subject A36 one of the 50 Best Indie Books of 2020. An avid reader, movie watcher, and chocolate lover, Teri lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband and Feline Overlord, Bond. Visit her at TeriPolen.com or on Instagram @Tpolen6
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 23, 2019
Oh, what a fun read. Sci-fi fans will have a blast with this thriller, but readers who love human stories will thoroughly enjoy this book too. Simon and Evan are twins with a unique connection even though they are strikingly different. Simon is cerebral, a scientist and gentle soul. Evan is a jock with a temper and a painful chip on his shoulder—he’s never been able to live up to his parents’ expectations.
Despite their differences, the brothers are fiercely loyal to each other, and when Simon goes missing, Evan makes it his mission to find out what happened and bring him home. He’s a successful bender, capable of entering the dreams of clients to unblock their memories or fight their nightmares. Their connection and his talent lead the way.
The world-building is excellent, and though “bending” is a bit of a scientific stretch, Polen does a credible job making it feel plausible throughout the story. The pace moves along at a speedy clip, and there are plenty of tight spots and danger.
The story is told in the first-person point of view of both brothers. You might have guessed that I just loved the characters, particularly Evan and Simon. Their relationship wasn’t without its bumps and bruises, but the steadfast loyalty they felt towards each other had me rooting for them from the start. Secondary characters were richly drawn and three-dimensional, as were peripheral players. A great read that I highly recommend.
Despite their differences, the brothers are fiercely loyal to each other, and when Simon goes missing, Evan makes it his mission to find out what happened and bring him home. He’s a successful bender, capable of entering the dreams of clients to unblock their memories or fight their nightmares. Their connection and his talent lead the way.
The world-building is excellent, and though “bending” is a bit of a scientific stretch, Polen does a credible job making it feel plausible throughout the story. The pace moves along at a speedy clip, and there are plenty of tight spots and danger.
The story is told in the first-person point of view of both brothers. You might have guessed that I just loved the characters, particularly Evan and Simon. Their relationship wasn’t without its bumps and bruises, but the steadfast loyalty they felt towards each other had me rooting for them from the start. Secondary characters were richly drawn and three-dimensional, as were peripheral players. A great read that I highly recommend.
March 30, 2018
The Gemini Connection is exhilarating! It's an edge of your seat sci-fi with a mystery! You are gong to love the emotion and uniqueness this one has to offer!
Oh, the feels! On the surface, this began as a fast paced sci-fi story. Having dug deeper, it offered emotional connections, thrills, and a bit of the paranormal!
This was my first book read by Teri Polen, and it certainly won't be my last. I loved her writing style. It flowed seamlessly. It sparked vivid images in my mind, and strong feelings in my heart.
I loved how she took a typical YA sci-fi setting and gave it life. I loved the fact that her main character was a teenage male instead of a female. And, I loved how she took a little predictability and twisted it with some shocking moments to create an incredibly exciting story!
I read the whole thing in one sitting! It was such a compulsive read!! I loved the world, the science aspects, the emotions, and the characters!
I loved our main characters, Evan and Simon. They had a strong, brotherly connection that spoke volumes in a genre that normally highlights female characters. I enjoyed their strengths, their weaknesses, their differences, and their personalities!
Evan was hard working and intense, but also extremely vulnerable deep down. Simon was intelligent and level headed. Together, the pair symbolized true friendship.
I also really loved our supporting characters. Max really stood out to me. He represented anger and struggle, but also hope and love. And, Syd represented patience, beauty, and loyalty.
Teri created intensely beautiful relationships and friendships (and even included an awesome LGBT relationship) in the story. She created a story that flowed with emotion and heart pounding thrills. I couldn't put this one down! I loved the paranormal aspects of the story involving Simon and Evan being able to feel each other's emotions, and found the creation of the mind benders to be really intriguing! I'd recommend this one to all YA sci-fi readers, hands down!
Oh, the feels! On the surface, this began as a fast paced sci-fi story. Having dug deeper, it offered emotional connections, thrills, and a bit of the paranormal!
This was my first book read by Teri Polen, and it certainly won't be my last. I loved her writing style. It flowed seamlessly. It sparked vivid images in my mind, and strong feelings in my heart.
I loved how she took a typical YA sci-fi setting and gave it life. I loved the fact that her main character was a teenage male instead of a female. And, I loved how she took a little predictability and twisted it with some shocking moments to create an incredibly exciting story!
I read the whole thing in one sitting! It was such a compulsive read!! I loved the world, the science aspects, the emotions, and the characters!
I loved our main characters, Evan and Simon. They had a strong, brotherly connection that spoke volumes in a genre that normally highlights female characters. I enjoyed their strengths, their weaknesses, their differences, and their personalities!
Evan was hard working and intense, but also extremely vulnerable deep down. Simon was intelligent and level headed. Together, the pair symbolized true friendship.
I also really loved our supporting characters. Max really stood out to me. He represented anger and struggle, but also hope and love. And, Syd represented patience, beauty, and loyalty.
Teri created intensely beautiful relationships and friendships (and even included an awesome LGBT relationship) in the story. She created a story that flowed with emotion and heart pounding thrills. I couldn't put this one down! I loved the paranormal aspects of the story involving Simon and Evan being able to feel each other's emotions, and found the creation of the mind benders to be really intriguing! I'd recommend this one to all YA sci-fi readers, hands down!
Thank you to the author for providing me with this free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 30, 2018
Part YA (or new adult) novel, part science-fiction, and part mystery, The Gemini Connection by Teri Polen hits all the right marks for an engrossing tale with engaging characters. The story centers on twin brothers Simon and Evan, as different in temperament as they are in interests and strengths. There is also a roster of great supporting characters who are every bit as compelling and are key to the story. I spent a lazy Sunday afternoon flipping through the pages of this book, unable to put it down until I reached the end. Wow! I seriously hope Polen is considering bringing these characters back for a sequel. Although their stories wrapped up in a tidy bow, I would love to visit with them again in new adventures.
The idea of Benders being able to infiltrate the minds of sleepers and interact with dreams and nightmares was mesmerizing. The writing is polished and smooth, the story motors along at a fast pace, and the all the little breadcrumbs of clues and story fragments scattered along the way come together beautifully at the end. Highly enjoyable and recommended!
The idea of Benders being able to infiltrate the minds of sleepers and interact with dreams and nightmares was mesmerizing. The writing is polished and smooth, the story motors along at a fast pace, and the all the little breadcrumbs of clues and story fragments scattered along the way come together beautifully at the end. Highly enjoyable and recommended!
November 19, 2019
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
Twins.
Two humans sharing a connection far beyond what anyone else feels. At least that’s what we’ve always heard, or been led to believe.
Teri Polen takes that idea and runs with it, creating a dystopian future where Benders are employed to enter the minds of scientists – specifically to spark creativity, help find ideas and ward off nightmares.
Evan and Simon are 17-year-old twins, best of friends and living together.
Polen jumps back and forth a bit at the beginning, telling us the back story about how one year ago, Simon mysteriously disappears from his room one night.
Now, Evan, wracked with guilt over not responding to his brother’s shouts, keeps his hopes up that Simon is still out there, still alive.
I really enjoyed this story. It moved at a breakneck pace and Teri deftly weaved a strong narrative around complex human emotions. The additions of Syd, Gabriel, Max and Ky all helped ground the story for me with just how troubled Evan was – how much he was struggling with losing a piece of his identity.
There are some truly emotional moments throughout, I loved how we’d get this great sci-fi based scene of entering into this world through the subconscious, only to then have a dramatic moment and I’d feel so helpless that I couldn’t jump into the action and yell at Evan to stop being a jerk.
As we progress through and more and more layers are revealed, I found the mystery part of the story just as captivating as the relationship plot lines. It didn’t take long until I felt fully invested in the story, but as Evan starts to have glimpses and small connection moments with Simon again, I knew I was fully rooting for things to work out.
For me, this would have been a slam dunk 5 star read if the ending had played out a bit longer. It felt too rushed and not expanded on enough. We get to this major part, things are found and then it just happens. The battle is quick and I felt a bit of an emotional let-down that we made it all of this way, through this journey to then have it end so fast.
That’s not to say the ending isn’t cathartic and doesn’t work – it does both in spades. I just wished it hadn’t felt so smooth and tidy.
This was such a fun read – I think more of a dystopian-YA novel if anything, but the dark was dark and the sci-fi was great. Teri is a great writer and I’ll definitely need to dive into her other stuff!
Twins.
Two humans sharing a connection far beyond what anyone else feels. At least that’s what we’ve always heard, or been led to believe.
Teri Polen takes that idea and runs with it, creating a dystopian future where Benders are employed to enter the minds of scientists – specifically to spark creativity, help find ideas and ward off nightmares.
Evan and Simon are 17-year-old twins, best of friends and living together.
Polen jumps back and forth a bit at the beginning, telling us the back story about how one year ago, Simon mysteriously disappears from his room one night.
Now, Evan, wracked with guilt over not responding to his brother’s shouts, keeps his hopes up that Simon is still out there, still alive.
I really enjoyed this story. It moved at a breakneck pace and Teri deftly weaved a strong narrative around complex human emotions. The additions of Syd, Gabriel, Max and Ky all helped ground the story for me with just how troubled Evan was – how much he was struggling with losing a piece of his identity.
There are some truly emotional moments throughout, I loved how we’d get this great sci-fi based scene of entering into this world through the subconscious, only to then have a dramatic moment and I’d feel so helpless that I couldn’t jump into the action and yell at Evan to stop being a jerk.
As we progress through and more and more layers are revealed, I found the mystery part of the story just as captivating as the relationship plot lines. It didn’t take long until I felt fully invested in the story, but as Evan starts to have glimpses and small connection moments with Simon again, I knew I was fully rooting for things to work out.
For me, this would have been a slam dunk 5 star read if the ending had played out a bit longer. It felt too rushed and not expanded on enough. We get to this major part, things are found and then it just happens. The battle is quick and I felt a bit of an emotional let-down that we made it all of this way, through this journey to then have it end so fast.
That’s not to say the ending isn’t cathartic and doesn’t work – it does both in spades. I just wished it hadn’t felt so smooth and tidy.
This was such a fun read – I think more of a dystopian-YA novel if anything, but the dark was dark and the sci-fi was great. Teri is a great writer and I’ll definitely need to dive into her other stuff!
August 29, 2019
I gave this book five quantum-entangling stars! Honestly, I'd give it ten thousand stars if I could.
This is my first time reading a novel by Teri Polen, and I was completely blown away!
This book centers on two twins, Evan and Simon. They live on the Planet Tage, where resources are scarce and the future of their home lies in the balance.
Simon is quite nearly a genius with his knowledge of science, while Evan is more of a social, leader type. Simon has been working on an important project that could affect millions, even billions of lives, until one night when he goes missing.
A year passes. Evan feels an immeasurable amount of guilt for not saving Simon when he could've. That is, until he starts receiving cryptic messages that somehow Simon may still be alive. Can Evan put the pieces together? Is Simon really alive, or has he finally lost it?
First things first. WOW! I mean, seriously, this book has the 'it' factor in spades. Scifi adventure, an addictive, twisting plot, chills, thrills, and even a gay romance! I was hooked to this book the second I started reading it, and I know that I won't ever forget this crown jewel of a story. It honestly was that good.
Okay, let's start with the characters. Evan and Simon's characters were executed perfectly. Given their traits and what they've been through, their personalities were expertly thought out. There was never a 'what?' moment where something didn't make sense. It's obvious that the author really connected with her characters.
The supporting characters were also extremely believable. Syd, Max, the others on the SI team, they all had interesting quirks, were likable in their own way, and their actions made complete sense.
Next, the world-building. As a reader, you expect the world around the characters to come to life. Boy did they ever! I was obsessed. Any time that Tage and its resource crisis came up, my eyes were glued to the page. I really loved the planet and its characteristics, and by the end of the novel, I desperately wanted the story to continue on into another story (please write a sequel!). I didn't want to be separated from Tage and its interesting inhabitants.
The plot was highly imaginative, addictive, and had plenty of twists and turns. Think Flatliners meets Nightmare on Elm Street with a healthy dose of Star Trek tech.
Lastly, the writing style. Quite obviously, this was the best part about the book. Polen's talent is apparent in her ability to write in a fluid manner that keeps the pages turning. The flow and pacing of the writing was flawless, and there weren't any chapters that I slogged through. Quite the opposite, actually. I actually slowed down my reading so that I could savor the story, something I've never done before.
Ultimately, Teri Polen has written one of the very best scifi books I've ever read, a masterpiece if you ask me. She has an abundance of talent, and I'm excited to explore her other works as soon as they come out. You've got a new fan here!
This is my first time reading a novel by Teri Polen, and I was completely blown away!
This book centers on two twins, Evan and Simon. They live on the Planet Tage, where resources are scarce and the future of their home lies in the balance.
Simon is quite nearly a genius with his knowledge of science, while Evan is more of a social, leader type. Simon has been working on an important project that could affect millions, even billions of lives, until one night when he goes missing.
A year passes. Evan feels an immeasurable amount of guilt for not saving Simon when he could've. That is, until he starts receiving cryptic messages that somehow Simon may still be alive. Can Evan put the pieces together? Is Simon really alive, or has he finally lost it?
First things first. WOW! I mean, seriously, this book has the 'it' factor in spades. Scifi adventure, an addictive, twisting plot, chills, thrills, and even a gay romance! I was hooked to this book the second I started reading it, and I know that I won't ever forget this crown jewel of a story. It honestly was that good.
Okay, let's start with the characters. Evan and Simon's characters were executed perfectly. Given their traits and what they've been through, their personalities were expertly thought out. There was never a 'what?' moment where something didn't make sense. It's obvious that the author really connected with her characters.
The supporting characters were also extremely believable. Syd, Max, the others on the SI team, they all had interesting quirks, were likable in their own way, and their actions made complete sense.
Next, the world-building. As a reader, you expect the world around the characters to come to life. Boy did they ever! I was obsessed. Any time that Tage and its resource crisis came up, my eyes were glued to the page. I really loved the planet and its characteristics, and by the end of the novel, I desperately wanted the story to continue on into another story (please write a sequel!). I didn't want to be separated from Tage and its interesting inhabitants.
The plot was highly imaginative, addictive, and had plenty of twists and turns. Think Flatliners meets Nightmare on Elm Street with a healthy dose of Star Trek tech.
Lastly, the writing style. Quite obviously, this was the best part about the book. Polen's talent is apparent in her ability to write in a fluid manner that keeps the pages turning. The flow and pacing of the writing was flawless, and there weren't any chapters that I slogged through. Quite the opposite, actually. I actually slowed down my reading so that I could savor the story, something I've never done before.
Ultimately, Teri Polen has written one of the very best scifi books I've ever read, a masterpiece if you ask me. She has an abundance of talent, and I'm excited to explore her other works as soon as they come out. You've got a new fan here!
June 21, 2018
Simon and Evan are twins with an exceptional gift, they can feel each other's emotions. They have a strong connection that's always present. Simon is a genius, working hard to save Tage, their dying planet. Evan isn't as smart as his brother, but he has other talents. Unfortunately their parents aren't interested in what he can do, they only show their disappointment in their son. Evan is one of the most talented Mindbenders around. Locating memories inside scientists' minds is a piece of cake for him, but his parents aren't impressed. The job isn't without dangers, but Evan loves the thrill of it.
One terrible night Simon disappears. He was in a locked bedroom, no windows were opened, but he went missing anyway. Evan is trying to find out how it happened and why. Their connection was severed and he feels terribly alone. It's tough to deal with the guilt of not saving his brother, but he keeps looking for Simon. After a year he still has no idea where his brother might be. Simon's research was groundbreaking and could have saved their planet. Evan needs to discover what his brother was working on and accept a part of Simon's private life that he rebelled against to find leads. Will he be able to pull this off?
The Gemini Connection is a gripping story. I was intrigued by the bond between Evan and Simon. They're both incredibly gifted and they're working hard to develop their skills. Even though they have this strong connection, Simon managed to keep secrets from his brother and Evan needs to unravel them, so he can find out more about his brother's disappearance. I was intrigued by their bond. They're very different, opposites in many ways even, but their love for each other is strong. Teri Polen combines their unusual ability with interesting science and a fabulous mystery and she kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
Teri Polen has written a creative and original story and I loved her world building skills. She makes Tage come to life in a great way. The planet is running out of resources and needs scientists, so the people will have a future. I liked that idea and enjoyed reading about their research. The Mindbending fabulously fits in with this concept, something else I loved about the story. Teri Polen balances personal problems, complex conspiracies and relationships in a fantastic manner. The Gemini Connection is a story filled with adventure, beautiful deep connections and fascinating suspense.
One terrible night Simon disappears. He was in a locked bedroom, no windows were opened, but he went missing anyway. Evan is trying to find out how it happened and why. Their connection was severed and he feels terribly alone. It's tough to deal with the guilt of not saving his brother, but he keeps looking for Simon. After a year he still has no idea where his brother might be. Simon's research was groundbreaking and could have saved their planet. Evan needs to discover what his brother was working on and accept a part of Simon's private life that he rebelled against to find leads. Will he be able to pull this off?
The Gemini Connection is a gripping story. I was intrigued by the bond between Evan and Simon. They're both incredibly gifted and they're working hard to develop their skills. Even though they have this strong connection, Simon managed to keep secrets from his brother and Evan needs to unravel them, so he can find out more about his brother's disappearance. I was intrigued by their bond. They're very different, opposites in many ways even, but their love for each other is strong. Teri Polen combines their unusual ability with interesting science and a fabulous mystery and she kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
Teri Polen has written a creative and original story and I loved her world building skills. She makes Tage come to life in a great way. The planet is running out of resources and needs scientists, so the people will have a future. I liked that idea and enjoyed reading about their research. The Mindbending fabulously fits in with this concept, something else I loved about the story. Teri Polen balances personal problems, complex conspiracies and relationships in a fantastic manner. The Gemini Connection is a story filled with adventure, beautiful deep connections and fascinating suspense.
January 17, 2019
Solid good book
Easy to follow but detailed. Nice story line. It didn't end with a cliffhanger but I still want to know more. Liked it a lot!
Easy to follow but detailed. Nice story line. It didn't end with a cliffhanger but I still want to know more. Liked it a lot!
May 5, 2018
This story really throws you in a deep end, the first chapter is a whirlwind of action - I actually scrolled back to make sure I hadn't missed a more traditional opening gambit, and was a really refreshing way to start off! The story is told in both present day and flashback in the POV's of each brother initially bringing us to the cataclysmic of Simon's disappearance and continuing with essentially a sci-fi thriller as Evan starts up his own search for Simon having given up with the PI's lack of progress. As the backdrop to it all is Scientific Innovations, an apparent overlord covering everything from cure development and food growth to the ability of Bending - to enter peoples minds and banish nightmares or help them make lost connections, Evan has a natural ability with this role created by years of honing his skills with the mental link between he and Simon - a link initially thought to be just that of twins but ultimately so much more. Scientific Innovations is place where it sometimes seems very little is held to account in the pursuit of its aims, with much more going on than there seems. Evan's search becomes very cat and mouse at times and it's heartbreaking to see not only him but also others reach their breaking points to try and put things right.
It's a story that I really didn't want to put down I finished in a day because no matter how hard I tried to stop to do other things, I just couldn't. The characters were amazingly written and well balanced, it was also the first time in a long time that I've read a book with a male protagonist. Women aren't under represented though and those present are fighting just as hard and fast as their male counterparts. The story itself felt original, it's an apocalyptic world but we never get bogged down with lots of irrelevant information about what led to the world of Tage being that way. It is what it is and we hit the ground running. The science isn't overwhelming either, explanation is given when needed but again the author is very careful not to weigh down the pace and flow of the story with over complicated science speak. It's a bit angsty at times, but then we are dealing with 16/17 year olds so it's forgiven!
Why the 4 stars then? Well despite everything I loved about it there were a few sticking points. Some of the writing could have been better edited "the doors opened silently, the sound barely detectable" stood out as a quite silly in an otherwise flawless read. Some scenes felt forced and unnecessary - like one between Evan and Syd and it also just ended really abruptly. As it is a standalone it could have taken the time to really say goodbye to the characters but then I suppose that all comes down to preference, but these points did just bring down my enjoyment of what was essentially amazing read.
It's a story that I really didn't want to put down I finished in a day because no matter how hard I tried to stop to do other things, I just couldn't. The characters were amazingly written and well balanced, it was also the first time in a long time that I've read a book with a male protagonist. Women aren't under represented though and those present are fighting just as hard and fast as their male counterparts. The story itself felt original, it's an apocalyptic world but we never get bogged down with lots of irrelevant information about what led to the world of Tage being that way. It is what it is and we hit the ground running. The science isn't overwhelming either, explanation is given when needed but again the author is very careful not to weigh down the pace and flow of the story with over complicated science speak. It's a bit angsty at times, but then we are dealing with 16/17 year olds so it's forgiven!
Why the 4 stars then? Well despite everything I loved about it there were a few sticking points. Some of the writing could have been better edited "the doors opened silently, the sound barely detectable" stood out as a quite silly in an otherwise flawless read. Some scenes felt forced and unnecessary - like one between Evan and Syd and it also just ended really abruptly. As it is a standalone it could have taken the time to really say goodbye to the characters but then I suppose that all comes down to preference, but these points did just bring down my enjoyment of what was essentially amazing read.
May 16, 2019
The Gemini Connection is a most intriguing book which weaves the human emotions of frustration, anger, jealousy, resentment, self depreciation and love like colourful threads through the greater fabric of an exciting and unique science fiction novel.
The book features twins who live in a futuristic dystopian world where the inhabitants of the planet have exhausted many of its resources and what remains is being decimated by unknown and untreatable diseases. Scientists and other clever and inventive people, who are able to contribute towards findings solutions for the salvation of a society that is in the process of failing, are held up as heroes and are the recipients of accolades for their societal contributions as well as better food and lifestyles. The twins parents fall into this category and, at the beginning of the story, spend all their time and energy on saving their people and planet. This complete change in their focus from their family and two sons to the quest for glory in the guise of saving their planet changes life significantly for Simon and Evan. The backstory of their evolution into scientists, obsessed with their work, and the related increasing disdain for ordinary people who are not able to contribute towards saving the planet in the same way due to different talents and aspirations, is an important theme of the story and sets the scene for the unfortunate events that come to pass in the book.
Simon has a brilliant mind and is following in the footsteps of his illustrious parents. Evan is not as intellectual and demonstrates more physical and sporty gifts. This makes Simon the child of their parents dreams and Evan the disappointing child they cannot relate to or understand. This attitude by their parents results in Evan becoming a young man who lacks confidence and belief in himself and who feels inferior to his cleverer brother. Despite this unfortunate home environment, Simon and Evan are very close and share a unique bond that enables them to both "feel" the other's presence and emotional state. When Simon disappears soon after discovering a sordid and dark secret by one of his mentors in his job, Evan feels responsible and sets off on a path of emotional self destruction. However, Evan has a talent of his own which enables him to access the minds of other people and help them sort out their chaotic thoughts. This talent gives him to tools track down and help save his brother but it also serves as the gateway to his own possible destruction. Will Evan be able to detect their joint enemies and stop their evil plans in time to save his brother and return him home? I enjoyed this book's fresh take on a science fiction story.
The book features twins who live in a futuristic dystopian world where the inhabitants of the planet have exhausted many of its resources and what remains is being decimated by unknown and untreatable diseases. Scientists and other clever and inventive people, who are able to contribute towards findings solutions for the salvation of a society that is in the process of failing, are held up as heroes and are the recipients of accolades for their societal contributions as well as better food and lifestyles. The twins parents fall into this category and, at the beginning of the story, spend all their time and energy on saving their people and planet. This complete change in their focus from their family and two sons to the quest for glory in the guise of saving their planet changes life significantly for Simon and Evan. The backstory of their evolution into scientists, obsessed with their work, and the related increasing disdain for ordinary people who are not able to contribute towards saving the planet in the same way due to different talents and aspirations, is an important theme of the story and sets the scene for the unfortunate events that come to pass in the book.
Simon has a brilliant mind and is following in the footsteps of his illustrious parents. Evan is not as intellectual and demonstrates more physical and sporty gifts. This makes Simon the child of their parents dreams and Evan the disappointing child they cannot relate to or understand. This attitude by their parents results in Evan becoming a young man who lacks confidence and belief in himself and who feels inferior to his cleverer brother. Despite this unfortunate home environment, Simon and Evan are very close and share a unique bond that enables them to both "feel" the other's presence and emotional state. When Simon disappears soon after discovering a sordid and dark secret by one of his mentors in his job, Evan feels responsible and sets off on a path of emotional self destruction. However, Evan has a talent of his own which enables him to access the minds of other people and help them sort out their chaotic thoughts. This talent gives him to tools track down and help save his brother but it also serves as the gateway to his own possible destruction. Will Evan be able to detect their joint enemies and stop their evil plans in time to save his brother and return him home? I enjoyed this book's fresh take on a science fiction story.
September 1, 2018
This novel was fantastic. I'm not a big science fiction fan, but this one grabbed my attention and kept it through the whole story. (I was directing a play while reading this book, and I was often caught reading the book backstage before performances to see what would happen next.) I loved the complicated relationship between the twin brothers Simon and Evan and that the narrative goes back and forth between them AND back and forth in time. They also have a subconscious bond to each other that is explained well and essential to the plot. Simon is a pure genius. Evan is the athlete, and in this futuristic world, the parents value the brains over the brawn, which is an interesting twist. Another interesting twist to this book is the introduction of a LGBT plot line. It is shown in such a healthy, positive way, and I loved it. I adored the fact that problem Evan had with the relationship when he discovers it was not that it was homosexual but that he didn't like the guy because of a long-standing rivalry. There is a lot of emotional tension throughout the story, and the characters are fully formed. Evan has the coolest job. Through technology, he is able to go into the minds of people and eradicate their nightmares. This reminded me of an old 80s movie I loved called Dreamscape. I highly recommend this book for scifi and fantasy readers 12 and older.
December 16, 2018
I read this over the summer, but I had been so falling so behind in my reviews!
First of all, the connection between twins has always been interesting to me, and this book was one of those I-can't-put-this-down- leave-me-alone-so-I-can-read. I had the pleasure of reading Sarah and I loved it, as I loved this one too. I was even given the opportunity to interview Teri Polen and she was wonderful and I'm glad she's trying new genres and look forward to her next adventure.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, the connection between twins has always been interesting to me, and this book was one of those I-can't-put-this-down- leave-me-alone-so-I-can-read. I had the pleasure of reading Sarah and I loved it, as I loved this one too. I was even given the opportunity to interview Teri Polen and she was wonderful and I'm glad she's trying new genres and look forward to her next adventure.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2019
This was a gripping read, filled with plenty of action and suspense. It is well written in general, the plot moves at a nice pace, The world building is fantastic, and the characters are well rounded and believable.
December 30, 2018
I was up almost all night finishing this one, which really had me spellbound with the intensity, action, and compelling storyline as well as characters that were so believable. There was a lot here that I didn't expect, which really kept me on the edge of my seat as this science fiction thriller unfolded.
March 28, 2019
4.5 stars
I want to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book via R&R Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
I didn't have any expectations going into this to be honest. I read the synopsis and thought it sounded like it could be an ok read so I thought I would give it a try. I'm glad I did because this turned out to be a pleasant surprise and I enjoyed it way more than I thought I was going to.
This is told from both Evan's and Simon's POV and alternates between past and present. Simon and Evan are twin brothers who share a connection that is more than just the typical twin connection and I am not going to try to explain it. It's not complicated to understand when you're reading it I am just horrible at science and I don't want to screw up the explanation of it.
The connection between these two is a huge part of the story. I had one issue with it though and that was when Simon disappears Evan was like oh he's just having a nightmare. That would be fine if the fact that their connection wasn't beat into your head and on several occasions you see just how strong their connection is. So with that to me Evan should have been able to know that it wasn't just a measly nightmare.
Now onto the science of it all. I am stupid when it comes to science. Always have been and always will be so what I am assuming is probably just some basic science went over my head. That being said though the author doesn't bog down the story with all the science and it definitely did not take me out of the story.
I loved the LGBTQ rep in this book and how it was done. It was like it was normal in this universe and there were no haters or anything like that. I feel like I'm not really explaining myself very well here.
The characters felt so real and their emotions ugh. Evan puts on this tough exterior but he has so many insecurities, rightfully so, and I was going through all of his emotions with him. I really felt for his character. Syd is my new favorite character. I just loved her so much for so many different reasons. I hated Evan and Simons parents. They were so awful.
It was really easy to guess what happened to Simon but you don't know the why or how so it still made for a great story. Also I wish there was more of the story. I love the way it ended but I feel like it just abruptly ended and there was so much more that needed to be told.
I highly recommend this book if you haven't already read it.
I want to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book via R&R Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
I didn't have any expectations going into this to be honest. I read the synopsis and thought it sounded like it could be an ok read so I thought I would give it a try. I'm glad I did because this turned out to be a pleasant surprise and I enjoyed it way more than I thought I was going to.
This is told from both Evan's and Simon's POV and alternates between past and present. Simon and Evan are twin brothers who share a connection that is more than just the typical twin connection and I am not going to try to explain it. It's not complicated to understand when you're reading it I am just horrible at science and I don't want to screw up the explanation of it.
The connection between these two is a huge part of the story. I had one issue with it though and that was when Simon disappears Evan was like oh he's just having a nightmare. That would be fine if the fact that their connection wasn't beat into your head and on several occasions you see just how strong their connection is. So with that to me Evan should have been able to know that it wasn't just a measly nightmare.
Now onto the science of it all. I am stupid when it comes to science. Always have been and always will be so what I am assuming is probably just some basic science went over my head. That being said though the author doesn't bog down the story with all the science and it definitely did not take me out of the story.
I loved the LGBTQ rep in this book and how it was done. It was like it was normal in this universe and there were no haters or anything like that. I feel like I'm not really explaining myself very well here.
The characters felt so real and their emotions ugh. Evan puts on this tough exterior but he has so many insecurities, rightfully so, and I was going through all of his emotions with him. I really felt for his character. Syd is my new favorite character. I just loved her so much for so many different reasons. I hated Evan and Simons parents. They were so awful.
It was really easy to guess what happened to Simon but you don't know the why or how so it still made for a great story. Also I wish there was more of the story. I love the way it ended but I feel like it just abruptly ended and there was so much more that needed to be told.
I highly recommend this book if you haven't already read it.
June 26, 2018
4 of 5 Stars
"Can you think of any way a person could disappear from a room, with a locked door and windows, and leave no trace of how he got out or where he was taken?"
Overview
Simon and Evan are identical twins, born from genius scientist parents, living on a dying planet. The two boys are as different as could be, but they share a deep connection that even they don't completely understand: they can read and experience each other's emotions. When Simon suddenly disappears one night, Evan is left devastated and feels that a piece of him has died. But is Simon really dead? Evan won't rest until he knows for sure...
Pet Peeve
I really don't have any serious pet peeves about this book at all. I was actually lucky enough to beta read The Gemini Connection and Teri Polen is actually in my local book club! It was really neat to see the difference between the rough draft and the finished work. I think that Teri is only going to get better the more books she writes, and I can't wait to read those too, as long as they aren't too terrifying, haha!
Praise
I think that good science fiction for young adults is a little scarce, so if you're a fan of YA and sci-fi novels the Gemini Connection is perfect for you! It is written in dual perspectives (Evan and Simon) and flips between different timelines as well. Evan is honestly an anti-hero for most of the book. He has extreme anger issues that manifest in him literally fighting pretty much everyone. He feels worthless and guilty so he wants others to believe he is as well by pushing everyone away. I do love a tortured MC! Simon is sweet and intelligent, and I think he is just adorable. Syd, the female main character, is my favorite. She's just so spunky and I love her! A+ strong female character! There are some twists in this book too, but they are totally believable and not reached for at all.
Final Thought
If you like dynamic characters, sci-fi, and YA fiction, The Gemini Connection will take you on a wild ride!
"Can you think of any way a person could disappear from a room, with a locked door and windows, and leave no trace of how he got out or where he was taken?"
Overview
Simon and Evan are identical twins, born from genius scientist parents, living on a dying planet. The two boys are as different as could be, but they share a deep connection that even they don't completely understand: they can read and experience each other's emotions. When Simon suddenly disappears one night, Evan is left devastated and feels that a piece of him has died. But is Simon really dead? Evan won't rest until he knows for sure...
Pet Peeve
I really don't have any serious pet peeves about this book at all. I was actually lucky enough to beta read The Gemini Connection and Teri Polen is actually in my local book club! It was really neat to see the difference between the rough draft and the finished work. I think that Teri is only going to get better the more books she writes, and I can't wait to read those too, as long as they aren't too terrifying, haha!
Praise
I think that good science fiction for young adults is a little scarce, so if you're a fan of YA and sci-fi novels the Gemini Connection is perfect for you! It is written in dual perspectives (Evan and Simon) and flips between different timelines as well. Evan is honestly an anti-hero for most of the book. He has extreme anger issues that manifest in him literally fighting pretty much everyone. He feels worthless and guilty so he wants others to believe he is as well by pushing everyone away. I do love a tortured MC! Simon is sweet and intelligent, and I think he is just adorable. Syd, the female main character, is my favorite. She's just so spunky and I love her! A+ strong female character! There are some twists in this book too, but they are totally believable and not reached for at all.
Final Thought
If you like dynamic characters, sci-fi, and YA fiction, The Gemini Connection will take you on a wild ride!
July 25, 2018
Tage is a planet that has reached its end and is dying. Simon and Evan are teenage twins that have the ability to sense each other. Simon is a genius and part of the Scientific Innovations. Evan shows no aptitude for science which causes a riff between him and his parents. But Evan has his own abilities, Mindbending. He can reach into a scientists head and find lost information or even calm nightmares.
But one night Simon cries for help on night and disappears. Evan is heartbroken and guilty that he ignored his brother’s cry for help and is determined to find him. But one year later he has not made any progress. It bothers him that Simon has disappeared from a locked room. But then there are secrets that Simon kept from Evan that he is going to have to discover to find his brother.
This is an amazing story that will suck you in and not let you go until the end. I loved both brothers but I have to admit that my heart goes to Evan, especially with his parents essentially ignoring him. I was really curious about what happened to Simon and his secrets. It was hard to put this book down when I was so wrapped up in what happened to Simon, especially since he was so close to coming up with a solutions to Tage dying.
This is a great YA scifi story and I recommend checking it out. This was my first book from Teri Polen but it will not be my last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
But one night Simon cries for help on night and disappears. Evan is heartbroken and guilty that he ignored his brother’s cry for help and is determined to find him. But one year later he has not made any progress. It bothers him that Simon has disappeared from a locked room. But then there are secrets that Simon kept from Evan that he is going to have to discover to find his brother.
This is an amazing story that will suck you in and not let you go until the end. I loved both brothers but I have to admit that my heart goes to Evan, especially with his parents essentially ignoring him. I was really curious about what happened to Simon and his secrets. It was hard to put this book down when I was so wrapped up in what happened to Simon, especially since he was so close to coming up with a solutions to Tage dying.
This is a great YA scifi story and I recommend checking it out. This was my first book from Teri Polen but it will not be my last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
July 25, 2018
Teri Polen has created a unique story filled with unexpected surprises. The world building is fabulous, and Tage really comes to life. I love the idea of the scientists and their research. This story is very different from many YA distopians I’ve read.
I love the characters in this novel. It is a very character driven novel, which I always find fascinating. The bond between twins, Evan and Simon is creative – they can feel each other’s emotions, and when that is taken away from Evan you can feel the devastation, guilt and lonliness. My favorite stories are character driven, and The Gemini Connection is a fantastic example of this.
I was connected to the story from the moment I started reading, and Teri Polen managed to keep me intrigued the entire way through. I loved the suspense and the deep look into the character relationships.
Overall, this was a fantastic story filled with everything you’d want in a YA distopian – complex characters, amazing world building, and suspense that keeps you reading.
*I recieved this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
Blog Tour: https://wp.me/p6QHyr-1mq
I love the characters in this novel. It is a very character driven novel, which I always find fascinating. The bond between twins, Evan and Simon is creative – they can feel each other’s emotions, and when that is taken away from Evan you can feel the devastation, guilt and lonliness. My favorite stories are character driven, and The Gemini Connection is a fantastic example of this.
I was connected to the story from the moment I started reading, and Teri Polen managed to keep me intrigued the entire way through. I loved the suspense and the deep look into the character relationships.
Overall, this was a fantastic story filled with everything you’d want in a YA distopian – complex characters, amazing world building, and suspense that keeps you reading.
*I recieved this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
Blog Tour: https://wp.me/p6QHyr-1mq
May 16, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! I haven't read anything strictly sci-fi in a long while, and this was a great read. Tage is quite a different place--great worldbuilding.
As an only child I am fascinated by sibling relationships and this provided a really interesting take on the twin bond. I enjoyed Evan and Simon's connection and how they cared deeply for each other and what the other is interested in even if it didn't really matter to the other. Syd and Max are great deep characters that feel real, too.
"You're like a drifting thunderstorm searching for a victim to strike with lightning." Marking that down as one of my new favorite sentences.
As an only child I am fascinated by sibling relationships and this provided a really interesting take on the twin bond. I enjoyed Evan and Simon's connection and how they cared deeply for each other and what the other is interested in even if it didn't really matter to the other. Syd and Max are great deep characters that feel real, too.
"You're like a drifting thunderstorm searching for a victim to strike with lightning." Marking that down as one of my new favorite sentences.
January 12, 2024
First, a look at the story’s wide scope, since it forms the desperation in the background throughout. The story happens on the planet Tage, which is in horrible shape. If the planet was a person, it would be gasping and almost in hospice care. Scientists are heroes in the society. They are the hope for solving the problems of lack of protein-rich foods and high disease levels.
The parents of the twin brothers (Evan and Simon) are scientists so focused on their jobs they’re rarely at home. Left to fend for themselves, Evan and Simon are a very tight-knit family.
Although their parents are gone much of the time, the boys naturally wish for their parents to be proud of them. Simon succeeds, as he has a brilliant scientific mind, and gets an internship at the prestigious Scientific Innovations. Evan loves playing sports, and he’s skilled at it. But the parents see him as lesser. Which leads Evan to have a low opinion of his worth.
One night, Simon vanishes from the house. Actually, from his locked bedroom. Evan searches the area and contacts the authorities. They can’t find Simon. When the parents arrive, they blame Evan for failing his duty of looking after his brother. Which strengthens Evans’ feeling of guilt that he didn’t answer Simon when he called for help from his bedroom.
In the year following Simon’s disappearance, Evan joins the Mindbender program at Scientific Innovations. Meaning that he enters the minds of scientists to help them locate lost ideas and calm them. His confidence is boosted as he sees himself good at something that contributes to society. He helps scientists who are trying to save the planet. And Evan is really skilled at entering people’s minds.
I won’t further explain the action out of the concern of spoiling the suspense. But I will say the story is imaginative and compelling. We get a locked-room mystery. A race for solutions to save a dying planet. Good and wicked scientists. Friends who will go to great lengths to help each other. That wild and impressive idea of traveling into someone else’s mind. And the various environments of what Evan finds in those brains are neat.
This book is categorized as young-adult fiction, and I can see young adults enjoying it. But it’s not just for them, since I’m middle-aged and I enjoyed it :)
The parents of the twin brothers (Evan and Simon) are scientists so focused on their jobs they’re rarely at home. Left to fend for themselves, Evan and Simon are a very tight-knit family.
Although their parents are gone much of the time, the boys naturally wish for their parents to be proud of them. Simon succeeds, as he has a brilliant scientific mind, and gets an internship at the prestigious Scientific Innovations. Evan loves playing sports, and he’s skilled at it. But the parents see him as lesser. Which leads Evan to have a low opinion of his worth.
One night, Simon vanishes from the house. Actually, from his locked bedroom. Evan searches the area and contacts the authorities. They can’t find Simon. When the parents arrive, they blame Evan for failing his duty of looking after his brother. Which strengthens Evans’ feeling of guilt that he didn’t answer Simon when he called for help from his bedroom.
In the year following Simon’s disappearance, Evan joins the Mindbender program at Scientific Innovations. Meaning that he enters the minds of scientists to help them locate lost ideas and calm them. His confidence is boosted as he sees himself good at something that contributes to society. He helps scientists who are trying to save the planet. And Evan is really skilled at entering people’s minds.
I won’t further explain the action out of the concern of spoiling the suspense. But I will say the story is imaginative and compelling. We get a locked-room mystery. A race for solutions to save a dying planet. Good and wicked scientists. Friends who will go to great lengths to help each other. That wild and impressive idea of traveling into someone else’s mind. And the various environments of what Evan finds in those brains are neat.
This book is categorized as young-adult fiction, and I can see young adults enjoying it. But it’s not just for them, since I’m middle-aged and I enjoyed it :)
August 19, 2020
Twins Evan and Simon are complete opposites. Evan is a mindbender. Someone who can enter the thoughts and dreams of others. He is the best that Scientific Innovations has yet his parents are more focused on his brother’s more academic gifts. Yet this doesn’t come between them, if anything it makes their bond stronger. Evan and Simon are also linked to each other’s minds, but when Evan learns that Simon has been keeping a secret from him he shuts his brother out when he needs him the most. A year later Simon is missing and Evan is tormented by his guilt at not heeding his twin’s calls for help. He then finds himself having to put aside his grievances with Simon’s boyfriend in order to bring his brother home and also save their entire world.
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this novel from the author and I am so happy I did as its one of the best books I’ve read this year!
The Gemini Connection is a fast paced and extremely imaginative science fiction novel. It switches between brothers’ viewpoints focusing the events occurring now and also one year ago. I really liked that the author wrote the novel in this way as you learn more about both Simon and Evan as the story progresses, and also how events from the past year connect into the present storyline. The technology is very well imagined and explained so you’re not trying to work out how some of the futuristic inventions could work practically. The story was an emotional one too and you really got to feel how much the twins cared for each other and their partners too.
I highly recommend you picking up a copy of The Gemini Connection, you won’t be disappointed and I look forward to reading more books by the author!
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this novel from the author and I am so happy I did as its one of the best books I’ve read this year!
The Gemini Connection is a fast paced and extremely imaginative science fiction novel. It switches between brothers’ viewpoints focusing the events occurring now and also one year ago. I really liked that the author wrote the novel in this way as you learn more about both Simon and Evan as the story progresses, and also how events from the past year connect into the present storyline. The technology is very well imagined and explained so you’re not trying to work out how some of the futuristic inventions could work practically. The story was an emotional one too and you really got to feel how much the twins cared for each other and their partners too.
I highly recommend you picking up a copy of The Gemini Connection, you won’t be disappointed and I look forward to reading more books by the author!
February 27, 2025
“The Gemini Connection” is an engaging YA science fiction novel. Evan and Simon are twins who share a unique bond while living on a dying planet. Simon is talented and favored by their parents. He is recruited to help save their world. Evan is well-liked, but deep down, he feels his parents’ disapproval. When Simon disappears after his mentor is imprisoned in another realm, Evan feels guilty and lost without their connection. He becomes a bender who enters people's minds to help heal them if possible. Still, his main focus is to find his brother. His brother’s partner, who happens to be his worst enemy, is someone from whom he will need assistance. I appreciate the relationship between Simon and Evan; it embodies pure love that, although severed, remains. While Evan lacks support from his distant parents, he does have his best friend, Syd, and a job where he flourishes. I also like how the narrative shifts perspectives between Evan and Simon, providing a comprehensive view of each character's thoughts. This story explores not only family and brotherhood but also themes of power, corruption, and unique abilities. I found it to be a real page-turner, making it difficult to put down. I can easily recommend this!
January 31, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for release of this copy for review!
This book was so good!
It is told in POV's of the brothers and it is both present day and flashbacks. Bringing us to the cataclysmic of Simon's disappearance and continuing with essentially a sci-fi thriller as Evan starts up his own search for Simon having given up with the PI's lack of progress. As the backdrop to it all is Scientific Innovations, an apparent overlord covering everything from cure development and food growth to the ability of Bending - to enter peoples minds and banish nightmares or help them make lost connections, Evan has a natural ability with this role created by years of honing his skills with the mental link between he and Simon - a link initially thought to be just that of twins but ultimately so much more. Scientific Innovations is place where it sometimes seems very little is held to account in the pursuit of its aims, with much more going on than there seems. Evan's search becomes very cat and mouse at times and it's heartbreaking to see not only him but also others reach their breaking points to try and put things right.
I dove into this book and loved it!
This book was so good!
It is told in POV's of the brothers and it is both present day and flashbacks. Bringing us to the cataclysmic of Simon's disappearance and continuing with essentially a sci-fi thriller as Evan starts up his own search for Simon having given up with the PI's lack of progress. As the backdrop to it all is Scientific Innovations, an apparent overlord covering everything from cure development and food growth to the ability of Bending - to enter peoples minds and banish nightmares or help them make lost connections, Evan has a natural ability with this role created by years of honing his skills with the mental link between he and Simon - a link initially thought to be just that of twins but ultimately so much more. Scientific Innovations is place where it sometimes seems very little is held to account in the pursuit of its aims, with much more going on than there seems. Evan's search becomes very cat and mouse at times and it's heartbreaking to see not only him but also others reach their breaking points to try and put things right.
I dove into this book and loved it!
April 12, 2023
It was the title that got my attention, and I'm glad I took the chance with this book.
This novel has a bit of everything: science-fiction, YA and mystery. The plot is complex and nicely developed, and all the characters are engaging, specially the twins Simon and Evan. Their relationship is just something to behold,. Their different temperaments, interests, weakness and strengths are described to perfection and it was impossible not to get pulled into the story because of them. There is a bunch of supporting characters that also brought a lot of the table and revealed themselves to be crucial to the story and its resolution.
Read this book on a Sunday. Impossible to put down! Highly enjoyable and recommended!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me early access to the book!
This novel has a bit of everything: science-fiction, YA and mystery. The plot is complex and nicely developed, and all the characters are engaging, specially the twins Simon and Evan. Their relationship is just something to behold,. Their different temperaments, interests, weakness and strengths are described to perfection and it was impossible not to get pulled into the story because of them. There is a bunch of supporting characters that also brought a lot of the table and revealed themselves to be crucial to the story and its resolution.
Read this book on a Sunday. Impossible to put down! Highly enjoyable and recommended!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me early access to the book!
June 5, 2018
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book!
This is an absolute amazing adventure ot two twin brothers. One of them is Mind Bender, the other one is scientist. They live in a Broken world running out of its resorses. Simon, the scientists, discovers away to make portals to another planet thar has the needed resorses but shortly after that he disappeared from lock room without a trace. Evan is devastated and his parents blame him for Simon's loss. Can he help him and what will be the cost?
Greatly written and entertain story. A lot of scientifically bits that I live. A great read. Enjoy.
This is an absolute amazing adventure ot two twin brothers. One of them is Mind Bender, the other one is scientist. They live in a Broken world running out of its resorses. Simon, the scientists, discovers away to make portals to another planet thar has the needed resorses but shortly after that he disappeared from lock room without a trace. Evan is devastated and his parents blame him for Simon's loss. Can he help him and what will be the cost?
Greatly written and entertain story. A lot of scientifically bits that I live. A great read. Enjoy.
July 23, 2018
This book is a bit of a slow burn but it quickly evolves into a thrilling, action-packed story! It’s also very character driven and we get to spend a lot of time getting to know each twin and what makes them tick.
One of this things I really loved about this book, is that the author was careful to create an original story that doesn’t consist of all the usual YA tropes I’ve come to expect. I appreciated that there was no “insta-love” between characters but there was a little romance. In addition to that , I quite enjoyed reading a story from the point of view of a male protagonist. It made for a nice change.
I enjoyed this one and if you enjoy quick writing, strong characters and excellent world building, then you will really like The Gemini Connection!
Rating… A
One of this things I really loved about this book, is that the author was careful to create an original story that doesn’t consist of all the usual YA tropes I’ve come to expect. I appreciated that there was no “insta-love” between characters but there was a little romance. In addition to that , I quite enjoyed reading a story from the point of view of a male protagonist. It made for a nice change.
I enjoyed this one and if you enjoy quick writing, strong characters and excellent world building, then you will really like The Gemini Connection!
Rating… A
November 20, 2020
Evan and Simon might share an unusually strong bond, but that doesn't mean their relationship is without its bumps. Getting to hear the story from both sides of the brotherly connection, it's interesting to see the differences between them. I love the idea of bending, being able to get inside people's minds to unlock memories or relieve nightmares. Will definitely have you on the edge of your seat!
July 21, 2018
Review coming soon!
June 23, 2024
A great sci-fi/dystopian YA novel. I don't often read this genre but the idea of twins intrigued me. I was not disappointed. There is plenty of action and some clever world-building, but the character development and the relationships between characters are the stars of this show. The tie between the twins, Evan and Simon, is amazing and the story is written in the POV of both of them. The secondary characters are also interesting and round out the story. Evan is devasted when Simon goes missing, but when he realizes Simon is alive, he will do anything to rescue him and bring him home, even work with his sworn enemy. How this plays out will keep you on the edge of your seat. The author has a vivid imagination and is capable of using it to create an awesome reading experience.
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