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Tapped In #1
Mad Powers
Rob Chandler, regaining consciousness, realizes he’s somehow been involved in a horrendous car accident. In pain and unable to move, he has no memory of his identity, or how the hell he'd gotten on that deserted desert road in the middle of nowhere. He has little time to contemplate his situation when he sees an 18-wheeler barreling down on him. The truck swerves, crashes, and plows into Chandler’s already decimated car. Then, as if his luck couldn’t get any worse, he watches a 30,000 volt high-power line drop from a telephone pole into his mangled car, hanging suspended mere inches from his head. Still alive, something at a molecular level changes Chandler. Past enemies converge in a small desert town in Arizona, with one singular objective in mind … to kill Rob Chandler. What they didn’t expect was coming up against Rob’s new, strange, mad powers. From small town America to high-society of Baden-Baden, Germany, join Rob Chandler in this high-tension, paranormal thriller that doesn’t let up until the very last page. Mad Powers is a full-length, 70,000 word novel. Originally a short novella called Tapped In, this newly integrated, three-part story kicks off what’s sure to evolve into another best-selling series.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 27, 2014
Meh....it's pretty bad
With books of this genre, mystery/thriller/paranormal/sci-fy, you expect a degree a predictability and this one hit most of the usual stereotypes. The main character is in a terrible accident that causes him to have amnesia; however, he develops the ability to read and influence the mind of others (of course he is in great shape, good looking, knows all kinds of martial arts and weapons...). Then there are the evil organization(s) that want to kill/capture/recruit him and of course the long lost love interest who hasn't given up hope for him. Add to the the "exotic" locations; Arizona, Washington DC, and Baden-Baden. Oh, one more thing...we must have the evil genesis planning some type of diabolical plot for world domination. Yes, it's all there and more. Where the story really starts to go south is that his ability to read/influence minds extends to animals; not just emotions of fear, or kindness but conversational like "How's it going today Ed....not bad Wilber, and you?". Of course once you get to Baden Baden you have to have Nazis (in a story like this you can't go to Germany without having Nazis), Not just world domination Nazis...but blood drinking, deep underground ceremonial Nazis.
The truly sad part is that this is book 1 of a series...oh I can't wait.
With books of this genre, mystery/thriller/paranormal/sci-fy, you expect a degree a predictability and this one hit most of the usual stereotypes. The main character is in a terrible accident that causes him to have amnesia; however, he develops the ability to read and influence the mind of others (of course he is in great shape, good looking, knows all kinds of martial arts and weapons...). Then there are the evil organization(s) that want to kill/capture/recruit him and of course the long lost love interest who hasn't given up hope for him. Add to the the "exotic" locations; Arizona, Washington DC, and Baden-Baden. Oh, one more thing...we must have the evil genesis planning some type of diabolical plot for world domination. Yes, it's all there and more. Where the story really starts to go south is that his ability to read/influence minds extends to animals; not just emotions of fear, or kindness but conversational like "How's it going today Ed....not bad Wilber, and you?". Of course once you get to Baden Baden you have to have Nazis (in a story like this you can't go to Germany without having Nazis), Not just world domination Nazis...but blood drinking, deep underground ceremonial Nazis.
The truly sad part is that this is book 1 of a series...oh I can't wait.
August 12, 2017
Robert's Review
I do read mystery books from time to time and as I liked the Scrapyard series, also by this author, I figured to give the story a shot. Glad I did, a GoodRead with gratuitous action, suspense and intrigue enough to be considered a page turner. Thanks, I look forward to the next book.
I do read mystery books from time to time and as I liked the Scrapyard series, also by this author, I figured to give the story a shot. Glad I did, a GoodRead with gratuitous action, suspense and intrigue enough to be considered a page turner. Thanks, I look forward to the next book.
August 19, 2017
Superhero spy
Agent Chandler wasn't your typical spy hero figure. He's competent, skilful, and decorated, but his motives were lacklustre, and his narrative too convenient. Either he's a masterful tactician, or was well endowed with plot devices, which was probably his greatest power.
Agent Chandler wasn't your typical spy hero figure. He's competent, skilful, and decorated, but his motives were lacklustre, and his narrative too convenient. Either he's a masterful tactician, or was well endowed with plot devices, which was probably his greatest power.
May 23, 2018
Excellent adventure
What a ride! Imagine waking up trapped in a car wrapped around an electric pole with your memory gone. Not only that but now you read minds. I read this book in one day. Could not put it down. It is a must read!
What a ride! Imagine waking up trapped in a car wrapped around an electric pole with your memory gone. Not only that but now you read minds. I read this book in one day. Could not put it down. It is a must read!
July 13, 2018
Competently written and engaging. I would read more by this author if the storyline were less formulaic. At 15% it started to fall into the usual sterotypes and tropes, by 30% it was knee deep.
In no way bad, but very much a thriller-by-numbers and not different enough to spark my interest.
In no way bad, but very much a thriller-by-numbers and not different enough to spark my interest.
August 20, 2019
Really not sure about this one. Meh. 2.5 I think I am going to read the next in the series because it sounds like there is something bigger going on w/his powers. I just don't see how he will function in the future if he has to top off every 24 hours or his power will literally kill him.
August 24, 2021
DNF. I am more than halfway through the book, and I just can’t do it anymore. It started so good, but it quickly devolved into some spy game novel rather than paranormal. The characters are stereotypical, and so is the plot aside from the powers. Overall, I am pretty disappointed.
June 23, 2017
Intriguing
Not what I expected. This is a thoroughly engrossing story. The mad powers acquired are not yet finished revealing itself.
.
Not what I expected. This is a thoroughly engrossing story. The mad powers acquired are not yet finished revealing itself.
.
July 27, 2017
superficial shit
August 19, 2017
Excellent spy mystery
This was a fantastic spy mystery that kept me awake to the end. If you like great spy mysteries then this book is for you.
This was a fantastic spy mystery that kept me awake to the end. If you like great spy mysteries then this book is for you.
October 9, 2019
Don't normally read mistory
Great. Already have the sequel, and getting ready to continue where this book ended. You will definitely love reading it.
Great. Already have the sequel, and getting ready to continue where this book ended. You will definitely love reading it.
December 1, 2019
This was s different story line
The book was a little hard to get into, but would recommend. His space stories are a better fit for my taste
The book was a little hard to get into, but would recommend. His space stories are a better fit for my taste
June 1, 2016
I was thankful to download this novel when it is was available on Amazon Kindle for free for a short period of time [back on July 15, 2015] and boy was I glad I did!
I love paranormal thrillers but there are so many written by so many different authors and I had not heard of this author before but thought I would give it and/or the author a shot. At the time I downloaded it and got to read it I did not realize that he had written a second novel in the series called Deadly Powers and that is on my list to read for sure!
This paranormal thriller is able to speak volumes [through fiction] of what could be very well going on in our world today, minus the main character's ability to read minds or influence the minds of others. Often times it takes fiction to get truths across and this book delivers that very ability which allows the reader to feel secure and be fully engaged in the story line as if the reader was right there around the next corner. Each character was brilliantly brought to life as though I had known them for quite a while. The main characters each have their own amazingly clever abilities with them being fun and witty and having to work together in a mission they were brought into. Other characters in the novel (with some of them being dangerous ones) have personalities that kept me flipping the pages quicker and quicker because I never knew what was going to happen next, which, of course, is great for a novel and is nonpredictable.
Each scene was perfectly planned out, and I can see whereby Mark McGinnis is probably a good reader himself which allowed him to do the research (whereby he had to do quite a bit for this superb read) to make this novel a winner! I can't wait to read DEADLY POWERS! I can tell right away by the way this author writes that he will deliver more so if you are all hesitant about choosing to read anything by this author... don't delay!
I love paranormal thrillers but there are so many written by so many different authors and I had not heard of this author before but thought I would give it and/or the author a shot. At the time I downloaded it and got to read it I did not realize that he had written a second novel in the series called Deadly Powers and that is on my list to read for sure!
This paranormal thriller is able to speak volumes [through fiction] of what could be very well going on in our world today, minus the main character's ability to read minds or influence the minds of others. Often times it takes fiction to get truths across and this book delivers that very ability which allows the reader to feel secure and be fully engaged in the story line as if the reader was right there around the next corner. Each character was brilliantly brought to life as though I had known them for quite a while. The main characters each have their own amazingly clever abilities with them being fun and witty and having to work together in a mission they were brought into. Other characters in the novel (with some of them being dangerous ones) have personalities that kept me flipping the pages quicker and quicker because I never knew what was going to happen next, which, of course, is great for a novel and is nonpredictable.
Each scene was perfectly planned out, and I can see whereby Mark McGinnis is probably a good reader himself which allowed him to do the research (whereby he had to do quite a bit for this superb read) to make this novel a winner! I can't wait to read DEADLY POWERS! I can tell right away by the way this author writes that he will deliver more so if you are all hesitant about choosing to read anything by this author... don't delay!
July 20, 2015
Action! Adventure! Urban Fantasy!
No, not with the fae folk, or overt magic, but a preternatural ability to listen in to another mind and even influence it. And all because of a horrific auto accident and a close encounter with high voltage. So now Rob must 'tap in' at least once a day to maintain all of his biological functions as well as this new ability. Oh, and he is a trained and experienced operative with a complicated past. Soon he is recruited and prepped for an assignment by a multinational covert organization even though the recruiters are unaware of his new abilities. End of potential spoilers. Unusually imaginative with a sound, fast-moving plot and intriguing characters. Caught me by the ears and forced me to finish it in one hot summer day.
Paul gives an excellent performance which is invested with the excitement, fear, urgency, or whatever is indicated. He also provides depth to characters who are already well drawn.
Purchased in Whispersync for cheap courtesy of Book Gorilla.
No, not with the fae folk, or overt magic, but a preternatural ability to listen in to another mind and even influence it. And all because of a horrific auto accident and a close encounter with high voltage. So now Rob must 'tap in' at least once a day to maintain all of his biological functions as well as this new ability. Oh, and he is a trained and experienced operative with a complicated past. Soon he is recruited and prepped for an assignment by a multinational covert organization even though the recruiters are unaware of his new abilities. End of potential spoilers. Unusually imaginative with a sound, fast-moving plot and intriguing characters. Caught me by the ears and forced me to finish it in one hot summer day.
Paul gives an excellent performance which is invested with the excitement, fear, urgency, or whatever is indicated. He also provides depth to characters who are already well drawn.
Purchased in Whispersync for cheap courtesy of Book Gorilla.
November 14, 2016
Great start to a new series
It's nice to be able to enjoy a well written story. Mad Powers is one of them. While I don't quite buy into the basic premise behind "tapping in" it's a neat idea. The characters are likable and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I would have given this a 5 star review except for the way the story ended. It sort of shut down in mid stream as if the author was anxious to stop writing. It seems to me that it was a bit abrupt. Otherwise it was a fun read.
It's nice to be able to enjoy a well written story. Mad Powers is one of them. While I don't quite buy into the basic premise behind "tapping in" it's a neat idea. The characters are likable and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I would have given this a 5 star review except for the way the story ended. It sort of shut down in mid stream as if the author was anxious to stop writing. It seems to me that it was a bit abrupt. Otherwise it was a fun read.
July 18, 2015
A wonderful new power to explore.
Electricity is a wonderful tool and deadly when misused but what happens when you are trapped with your head inches from a high voltage line for hours??? Find out and see what the effects do to this ex-cia agent and how he uses his new abilities, especially when recruited by the President to help stop some modern day Nazi's bent on global domination through the stock market.
Electricity is a wonderful tool and deadly when misused but what happens when you are trapped with your head inches from a high voltage line for hours??? Find out and see what the effects do to this ex-cia agent and how he uses his new abilities, especially when recruited by the President to help stop some modern day Nazi's bent on global domination through the stock market.
October 8, 2014
A New Direction
I have read most of the Scrapyard Ship series, and enjoyed them; but Mad Powers is definitely a step forward. It's great to see an author progress so far so quickly. I also appreciate the additional editorial work on this book. I just read a Brad Thor thriller, and this was a great chaser. I see good things for Mr McGinnis in the future!
I have read most of the Scrapyard Ship series, and enjoyed them; but Mad Powers is definitely a step forward. It's great to see an author progress so far so quickly. I also appreciate the additional editorial work on this book. I just read a Brad Thor thriller, and this was a great chaser. I see good things for Mr McGinnis in the future!
July 30, 2015
Different
This book was quite different from what I usually read. Some parts were a little slow, but all in all pretty good. Of course the ending leaves you wanting more. Will look for the next book in the series.
This book was quite different from what I usually read. Some parts were a little slow, but all in all pretty good. Of course the ending leaves you wanting more. Will look for the next book in the series.
October 26, 2014
Riveting read, no pun intended
Great read, stands on its own. McGinnis has shown that can write great Scifi and mind blowing thrillers. Waiting for book 2
Great read, stands on its own. McGinnis has shown that can write great Scifi and mind blowing thrillers. Waiting for book 2
January 2, 2015
Nice take on the ability to read minds. The adventure has a steady pace; the characters are likable and well thought out.
May 27, 2015
Excellent
Read the book in one day. I could not put it down great entertainment you will want to read this book.
Read the book in one day. I could not put it down great entertainment you will want to read this book.
June 24, 2015
Cool as a cucumber
Main characters are cool, storyline is entertaining and overall the book has good pace. Cool
Main characters are cool, storyline is entertaining and overall the book has good pace. Cool
July 13, 2015
Enjoyed reading
This was a nice change of pace for me after reading mostly st books on space and warfare. I would love for more of this story as it left it open to be continued.
This was a nice change of pace for me after reading mostly st books on space and warfare. I would love for more of this story as it left it open to be continued.
July 15, 2015
1/2 star
One of the most nonsensical books I've ever read. I had to force myself to finish it - and finish it I did!
One of the most nonsensical books I've ever read. I had to force myself to finish it - and finish it I did!
July 15, 2015
very good, loved the mind reading ability
July 15, 2015
Very different treatment
I found myself actually thinking this was a reasonable thing to happen and kept reading to see what he would think of next . Left wanting to read more.
I found myself actually thinking this was a reasonable thing to happen and kept reading to see what he would think of next . Left wanting to read more.
September 14, 2015
Stop!
Exciting read. I want more! Great story line. It kept me up all night until I finished and I wanted to continue to the next book.
Exciting read. I want more! Great story line. It kept me up all night until I finished and I wanted to continue to the next book.
October 4, 2015
Interesting concept the power to read minds but similar to the futility of fighting Superman it plays out predictably with no true worthy antagonists.
October 21, 2016
Sci Fi mystery
Unusual for me to read any super natural books, but occasionally I do. I was not disappointed in this one. It was well written and intriguing.
Unusual for me to read any super natural books, but occasionally I do. I was not disappointed in this one. It was well written and intriguing.
December 27, 2016
Amusing
Amusing to read. A bit out there. But okay for travelreading. Note to self dont pick up sequel!
The liner for book 2 reads more or less the same.
Amusing to read. A bit out there. But okay for travelreading. Note to self dont pick up sequel!
The liner for book 2 reads more or less the same.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews