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Mind Dimensions #1
The Thought Readers
A new series about mind readers from USA Today bestselling authors...
Everyone thinks I’m a genius.
Everyone is wrong.
Sure, I finished Harvard at eighteen and now make crazy money at a hedge fund. But that’s not because I’m unusually smart or hard-working.
It’s because I cheat.
You see, I have a unique ability. I can go outside time into my own personal version of reality—the place I call “the Quiet”—where I can explore my surroundings while the rest of the world stands still.
I thought I was the only one who could do this—until I met her.
My name is Darren, and this is how I became entangled with all the Russians and learned that I’m a mind reader.
Everyone thinks I’m a genius.
Everyone is wrong.
Sure, I finished Harvard at eighteen and now make crazy money at a hedge fund. But that’s not because I’m unusually smart or hard-working.
It’s because I cheat.
You see, I have a unique ability. I can go outside time into my own personal version of reality—the place I call “the Quiet”—where I can explore my surroundings while the rest of the world stands still.
I thought I was the only one who could do this—until I met her.
My name is Darren, and this is how I became entangled with all the Russians and learned that I’m a mind reader.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2014
1054 people are currently reading
4670 people want to read
About the author
Dima Zales
110 books737 followersDima Zales is a full-time science fiction and fantasy author residing in Palm Coast, Florida. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career.
Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.
He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.
In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now.
Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com/
Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.
He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.
In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now.
Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
April 18, 2017
Original read : March 15th-17th, 2015
Re-read: July 16-17th 2016
----
Thoughts now:
Looking back on one part of the story, knowing what I know now from the other books... makes me sad and angry at one character and for another.
Still loved this :) I still fly through this series haha, not that I'm complaining but I hate leaving this world and these characters.
Would love to have these as audiobooks for a long roadtrip
-----
Original review :
This was one of those 'saw by chance' reads when I was surfing on Amazon... don't even remember how it came to me exactly but I was very intrigued.
"Everyone thinks I’m a genius.
Everyone is wrong.
Sure, I finished Harvard at eighteen and now make crazy money at a hedge fund. But that’s not because I’m unusually smart or hard-working.
It’s because I cheat.
You see, I have a unique ability. I can go outside time into my own personal version of reality—the place I call “the Quiet”—where I can explore my surroundings while the rest of the world stands still.
I thought I was the only one who could do this—until I met her.
My name is Darren, and this is how I became entangled with all the Russians and learned that I’m a Reader."
I liked Darren right away, even though a couple things he said during the story had me rolling my eyes and snorting at him. Never in a "I hate him" kind of way, more of amused-and-mentally-smacking-you-like-gibbs thing.
Darren doesn't know much about his abilities at all, but uses them to make good money as a hedge-fund guy. He was shallow in the beginning but sort of grows along the way. His meeting and friendship with Eugene/Mira helps him understand more about the Reader community and his powers.
The world building in this continues to fascinate me... it's almost like X-Men in a way (power wise) but with it's own twist. We get a glimpse into the history and the distinction of Pushers, Enlightened, and Readers. Not completely mind you, but the hints suit this part of the story fine. Too much info dump would have slowed the pacing and vibe of the story here.
Mira is flawed and I don't agree with all her decisions but I love her. Eugene was adorable, I loved the bond between them and how protective they are of each other.
The Reader community rules I didn't agree with really... I understood somewhat but I thought they should have taken Mira and Eugene in *minor spoiler but I won't say more*
Darren finds out bit by bit how deep his abilities go and keeps some of that to himself, enjoying the rush of what he can do. Some revelations about his past make some pieces fall into places but also raises more questions.
The first half or so of book not much happens as we get to know our three MCs but it never feels bogged down or dull.. the pages fly by fast and it was very hard for me to put the book down.
One part near the end was very surprising... did not see that coming! Is Darren... does that mean... oh my goodness... what does this mean?
Just some of my thought process haha
Would recommend, a very fun read for me :)
Side note: The guy on the cover sort of reminded me of Chris Pine.. so he's my Darren. Feel free to disagree
My Mira and Eugene:
or her as Mira as well:
Re-read: July 16-17th 2016
----
Thoughts now:
Looking back on one part of the story, knowing what I know now from the other books... makes me sad and angry at one character and for another.
Still loved this :) I still fly through this series haha, not that I'm complaining but I hate leaving this world and these characters.
Would love to have these as audiobooks for a long roadtrip
-----
Original review :
This was one of those 'saw by chance' reads when I was surfing on Amazon... don't even remember how it came to me exactly but I was very intrigued.
"Everyone thinks I’m a genius.
Everyone is wrong.
Sure, I finished Harvard at eighteen and now make crazy money at a hedge fund. But that’s not because I’m unusually smart or hard-working.
It’s because I cheat.
You see, I have a unique ability. I can go outside time into my own personal version of reality—the place I call “the Quiet”—where I can explore my surroundings while the rest of the world stands still.
I thought I was the only one who could do this—until I met her.
My name is Darren, and this is how I became entangled with all the Russians and learned that I’m a Reader."
I liked Darren right away, even though a couple things he said during the story had me rolling my eyes and snorting at him. Never in a "I hate him" kind of way, more of amused-and-mentally-smacking-you-like-gibbs thing.
Darren doesn't know much about his abilities at all, but uses them to make good money as a hedge-fund guy. He was shallow in the beginning but sort of grows along the way. His meeting and friendship with Eugene/Mira helps him understand more about the Reader community and his powers.
The world building in this continues to fascinate me... it's almost like X-Men in a way (power wise) but with it's own twist. We get a glimpse into the history and the distinction of Pushers, Enlightened, and Readers. Not completely mind you, but the hints suit this part of the story fine. Too much info dump would have slowed the pacing and vibe of the story here.
Mira is flawed and I don't agree with all her decisions but I love her. Eugene was adorable, I loved the bond between them and how protective they are of each other.
The Reader community rules I didn't agree with really... I understood somewhat but I thought they should have taken Mira and Eugene in *minor spoiler but I won't say more*
Darren finds out bit by bit how deep his abilities go and keeps some of that to himself, enjoying the rush of what he can do. Some revelations about his past make some pieces fall into places but also raises more questions.
The first half or so of book not much happens as we get to know our three MCs but it never feels bogged down or dull.. the pages fly by fast and it was very hard for me to put the book down.
One part near the end was very surprising... did not see that coming! Is Darren... does that mean... oh my goodness... what does this mean?
Just some of my thought process haha
Would recommend, a very fun read for me :)
Side note: The guy on the cover sort of reminded me of Chris Pine.. so he's my Darren. Feel free to disagree
My Mira and Eugene:
or her as Mira as well:
April 15, 2019
Darren (Wall Street 25 yo) thinks he is the only one who can literally stop time. He can then walk around, look at people, read, do anything he wants, then step back into real time.
Later he finds out he can read minds too, and he also finds out there is a whole subculture (of readers) that can do the same thing, but his skills may be among the best. Plus they have an enemy group too that is always trying to kill them, so now he has enemies he didn’t even know he had.
It is really unique. Lots of action, but it is wild how he can keep stopping time to see consequences in the middle of action scenes. Wild!
It takes place in NY and Atlantic City. The Russian Mob is involved.
It is a very quick read, you just keep turning the pages. I think most people would this a good read. Try it!
This is the first in the series.
Later he finds out he can read minds too, and he also finds out there is a whole subculture (of readers) that can do the same thing, but his skills may be among the best. Plus they have an enemy group too that is always trying to kill them, so now he has enemies he didn’t even know he had.
It is really unique. Lots of action, but it is wild how he can keep stopping time to see consequences in the middle of action scenes. Wild!
It takes place in NY and Atlantic City. The Russian Mob is involved.
It is a very quick read, you just keep turning the pages. I think most people would this a good read. Try it!
This is the first in the series.
June 23, 2018
This book would have made a nice prequel movie for Push.. If you have seen the movie Push then you basically read the book. That is all I can say.
January 30, 2022
This is a really good book. I read it a couple of years ago. I DNF this time around. For some reason I just couldn't get back into it.
March 22, 2018
Die Idee dass es Menschen gibt die die Zeit anhalten und darin die Gedanke anderer Menschen lesen und sogar kontrollieren können fand ich sehr spannend. Zumal Darren zu Beginn des Buches erst herausfindet dass er nicht allein mit dieser Gabe ist, wie er bisher dachte. Die Geschichte ist zwar ganz spannend und ich habe sie gern gelesen, doch so richtig gepackt hat sie mich nicht.
Auch war der Schreibstil sehr schlicht und wenig ausschmückend, was auf Dauer einfach schade war und für zu wenig Tiefe sorgte. Das Ende war interessant und ich überlege mir noch ob ich die Reihe weiterlesen möchte.
Auch war der Schreibstil sehr schlicht und wenig ausschmückend, was auf Dauer einfach schade war und für zu wenig Tiefe sorgte. Das Ende war interessant und ich überlege mir noch ob ich die Reihe weiterlesen möchte.
March 30, 2019
** mild spoilers **
The last book in my collection of free paranormal novels (The Paranormal 13). And not too bad. I didn't love this, I didn't hate it, it was entertaining enough for me to continue and mildly enjoy and I found the plot twist at the end quite nice. If I could be bothered to then I would probably continue the series, but I have too many other books on my TBR list XD
The Thought Readers follows Darren, a 21 year old boy with strange powers to stop time for everything around him, as he finds someone else with the same powers as him and is drawn into a whole new community of Readers. He has the power to stop time and read memories and minds in that time, and as he meets 2 siblings, he finds out the truth about his family and origin.
What I loved about this book was the way it accepted lesbian couples, as Darren had 2 mums. I loved this, it was refreshing and interesting. I also liked the way Darren had a get-rich-quick scheme that was probably EXTREMELY morally wrong, but entertaining for readers. Plus there were fun side characters. All in all, an average, interesting book. Nothing special but not bad.
Thanks to Kindle for the free book collection!
The last book in my collection of free paranormal novels (The Paranormal 13). And not too bad. I didn't love this, I didn't hate it, it was entertaining enough for me to continue and mildly enjoy and I found the plot twist at the end quite nice. If I could be bothered to then I would probably continue the series, but I have too many other books on my TBR list XD
The Thought Readers follows Darren, a 21 year old boy with strange powers to stop time for everything around him, as he finds someone else with the same powers as him and is drawn into a whole new community of Readers. He has the power to stop time and read memories and minds in that time, and as he meets 2 siblings, he finds out the truth about his family and origin.
What I loved about this book was the way it accepted lesbian couples, as Darren had 2 mums. I loved this, it was refreshing and interesting. I also liked the way Darren had a get-rich-quick scheme that was probably EXTREMELY morally wrong, but entertaining for readers. Plus there were fun side characters. All in all, an average, interesting book. Nothing special but not bad.
Thanks to Kindle for the free book collection!
March 29, 2015
What an interesting premise for a book, and what a disappointing, crappy read. The plot is juvenile, the characters wholly undeveloped, the prose devoid of any atmosphere. This is a tedious story to get through. It has no charm, no memorable scenes, no emotion. It’s grey and neutral and not exciting. I had zero interest in the fates of the characters. When their lives were on the line, I just didn’t care. Shoot them already, be done with it.
It’s as if the author wrote his first draft that just included the story basics, then decided not to put any more effort into it. Let’s go ahead and publish it!
At one point in the book, the characters are on a beach in Israel. All the author has to say about this setting is that “the view is breathtaking”. That’s IT? I’ve never been to Israel, can he please give me a little more to work with?
Even when our main character finally comes face-to-face for the first time with someone else who has the same powers as him, it’s like reading a textbook. The author spends several chapters having a scientist explain to the Darin (the main character) the nature of his powers. Just a Q&A series, basically. A history lesson. And a boring one at that. How can this topic be so dull?
This book really was a waste of a good premise. And it was a waste of my time.
It’s as if the author wrote his first draft that just included the story basics, then decided not to put any more effort into it. Let’s go ahead and publish it!
At one point in the book, the characters are on a beach in Israel. All the author has to say about this setting is that “the view is breathtaking”. That’s IT? I’ve never been to Israel, can he please give me a little more to work with?
Even when our main character finally comes face-to-face for the first time with someone else who has the same powers as him, it’s like reading a textbook. The author spends several chapters having a scientist explain to the Darin (the main character) the nature of his powers. Just a Q&A series, basically. A history lesson. And a boring one at that. How can this topic be so dull?
This book really was a waste of a good premise. And it was a waste of my time.
December 26, 2017
Recensione a cura di Lucrezia per Feel The Book
Ho letto tanti libri di fantascienza, di tutti i sottogeneri, e devo dire che questo libro mi ha dato la sensazione di una storia originale. Qualcuno, probabilmente, troverà delle similitudini a romanzi che non conosco, ma in linea di massima mi sento di dire che non dà la sensazione della solita storia.
Darren è un giovane geniale. O forse no. Forse è solo una persona che usa dei trucchi unici.
Ha la capacità di uscire dal tempo e di entrare in una dimensione della realtà in cui il mondo è congelato e immobile. Non ha la possibilità di cambiare nulla, ma può osservare le carte degli avversari a poker, esplorare luoghi vicini, leggere i documenti in mano all’interlocutore, ottenendo un vantaggio su qualsiasi gioco o contrattazione.
Quando scopre di non essere l’unico ad avere questa capacità, la sua vita prende una piega inaspettata e dovrà imparare a conoscere la realtà difficile che circonda il mondo dei ‘lettori’.
La narrazione sembra partire con una certa lentezza. Osserviamo il mondo attraverso gli occhi di Darren e ci vuole un po’ di tempo per entrare completamente nella sua mente e capire come si muove tra la realtà normale e quella che lui chiama ‘la Quiete’. Il procedere con ricchezza di dettagli e sensazioni è necessario per evitare di smarrirsi durante i ‘salti’ tra le due realtà e per conoscere a fondo Darren.
Questo non vuol dire che il libro sia noioso, anzi, gli avvenimenti e le scoperte si susseguono velocemente, ma la narrazione ha un tono introspettivo a tratti onirico, senza essere difficile da seguire o straniante.
Attraverso le sue decisioni lo conosciamo sempre meglio e soprattutto conosciamo anche Mira, la prima persona con le sue stesse capacità che Darren ha incontrato e dalla quale si sente attratto.
Essendo tutta l’attenzione centrata su Darren i personaggi secondari sono meno approfonditi, ma comunque destano la curiosità del lettore e consentono di approfondire il mondo dei Lettori ma anche il carattere di Darren, il suo concetto di amicizia e i suoi valori. Intorno a lui si svela un nuovo mondo, fatto di relazioni e inimicizie, di capacità straordinarie e di passati oscuri e lo stesso Darren scopre poco a poco nuovi aspetti delle sue abilità.
Primo di una serie, conclusivo nella vicenda ma solo introduttivo dell’ambientazione, rivelando le informazioni poco alla volta, mantiene alta la curiosità di scoprire cosa succederà dopo.
“I lettori di pensieri” è una lettura intrigante, di azione ma non troppo, che concede poco all’amore, di una fantascienza non tecnologica che sicuramente può attrarre chi è incuriosito dalle capacità potenziali del nostro cervello e desidera immergersi ne “Le dimensioni della Mente”.
Editing recensione a cura di Lilith per Feel The Book
Ho letto tanti libri di fantascienza, di tutti i sottogeneri, e devo dire che questo libro mi ha dato la sensazione di una storia originale. Qualcuno, probabilmente, troverà delle similitudini a romanzi che non conosco, ma in linea di massima mi sento di dire che non dà la sensazione della solita storia.
Darren è un giovane geniale. O forse no. Forse è solo una persona che usa dei trucchi unici.
Ha la capacità di uscire dal tempo e di entrare in una dimensione della realtà in cui il mondo è congelato e immobile. Non ha la possibilità di cambiare nulla, ma può osservare le carte degli avversari a poker, esplorare luoghi vicini, leggere i documenti in mano all’interlocutore, ottenendo un vantaggio su qualsiasi gioco o contrattazione.
Quando scopre di non essere l’unico ad avere questa capacità, la sua vita prende una piega inaspettata e dovrà imparare a conoscere la realtà difficile che circonda il mondo dei ‘lettori’.
La narrazione sembra partire con una certa lentezza. Osserviamo il mondo attraverso gli occhi di Darren e ci vuole un po’ di tempo per entrare completamente nella sua mente e capire come si muove tra la realtà normale e quella che lui chiama ‘la Quiete’. Il procedere con ricchezza di dettagli e sensazioni è necessario per evitare di smarrirsi durante i ‘salti’ tra le due realtà e per conoscere a fondo Darren.
Questo non vuol dire che il libro sia noioso, anzi, gli avvenimenti e le scoperte si susseguono velocemente, ma la narrazione ha un tono introspettivo a tratti onirico, senza essere difficile da seguire o straniante.
Attraverso le sue decisioni lo conosciamo sempre meglio e soprattutto conosciamo anche Mira, la prima persona con le sue stesse capacità che Darren ha incontrato e dalla quale si sente attratto.
Essendo tutta l’attenzione centrata su Darren i personaggi secondari sono meno approfonditi, ma comunque destano la curiosità del lettore e consentono di approfondire il mondo dei Lettori ma anche il carattere di Darren, il suo concetto di amicizia e i suoi valori. Intorno a lui si svela un nuovo mondo, fatto di relazioni e inimicizie, di capacità straordinarie e di passati oscuri e lo stesso Darren scopre poco a poco nuovi aspetti delle sue abilità.
Primo di una serie, conclusivo nella vicenda ma solo introduttivo dell’ambientazione, rivelando le informazioni poco alla volta, mantiene alta la curiosità di scoprire cosa succederà dopo.
“I lettori di pensieri” è una lettura intrigante, di azione ma non troppo, che concede poco all’amore, di una fantascienza non tecnologica che sicuramente può attrarre chi è incuriosito dalle capacità potenziali del nostro cervello e desidera immergersi ne “Le dimensioni della Mente”.
Editing recensione a cura di Lilith per Feel The Book
February 27, 2015
Let me say this up front - No Spoilers
I got this as an audiobook and intended to use it for my commute to work time. However, I started listening to it and didn't want to stop. It was a good thing I didn't have to go to work. I finished this book in one day.
The Thought Readers is a fast paced, action-filled, Sci-Fi-Fantasy story by Dima Zales and Anna Zaires told in the first person by the protagonist. I can tell you they hit this one out of the park. The story has interesting storylines and is full of unexpected events that keep you riveted to your seat waiting for more.
The protagonist of the story, Darren, has the ability to freeze time. He doesn't know how he does it or why. He calls this time stopping...the quiet. During this "quiet" he is totally unaffected. Everyone around him will be "frozen". By accident he meets someone, a girl, who can do the same thing he can...stop time. He now knows he is not alone.
As a protagonist, Darren is a likeable person. The author did a wonderful job of fleshing out this character and making her readers care what happens to him.
The narrator of the audiobook had a very nice voice and the inflections and accents he used only added to the appeal of this story.
If you like modern Science Fiction, then this will be a book for you. This book is full of intriguing twists.
I got this as an audiobook and intended to use it for my commute to work time. However, I started listening to it and didn't want to stop. It was a good thing I didn't have to go to work. I finished this book in one day.
The Thought Readers is a fast paced, action-filled, Sci-Fi-Fantasy story by Dima Zales and Anna Zaires told in the first person by the protagonist. I can tell you they hit this one out of the park. The story has interesting storylines and is full of unexpected events that keep you riveted to your seat waiting for more.
The protagonist of the story, Darren, has the ability to freeze time. He doesn't know how he does it or why. He calls this time stopping...the quiet. During this "quiet" he is totally unaffected. Everyone around him will be "frozen". By accident he meets someone, a girl, who can do the same thing he can...stop time. He now knows he is not alone.
As a protagonist, Darren is a likeable person. The author did a wonderful job of fleshing out this character and making her readers care what happens to him.
The narrator of the audiobook had a very nice voice and the inflections and accents he used only added to the appeal of this story.
If you like modern Science Fiction, then this will be a book for you. This book is full of intriguing twists.
zzz-books-not-for-me
January 27, 2016Read on August 31, DNF at 15%.
"I hate bangs. Not sure why girls do this to themselves."
LOOOOOL! No worries, honey, I'm bangs-free!
Darren can stop time and what does he think of doing? But of course, he stabs, shoots, cuts, hit people with bricks, and so on, to find out if it affects them in real time. Well, it doesn't but he kept experimenting regardless. What a lovely pass-time hobby.
Oh, and he also hits random people when he gets angry in the frozen space. The poor soul... I won't go into details, but his mind was rather sick, he enjoys invading other people's privacy and he also cheats through every thing in his life (including his exams). I couldn't find one redeeming quality in him, so I thought I should stop wasting my time. :)
"I hate bangs. Not sure why girls do this to themselves."
LOOOOOL! No worries, honey, I'm bangs-free!
Darren can stop time and what does he think of doing? But of course, he stabs, shoots, cuts, hit people with bricks, and so on, to find out if it affects them in real time. Well, it doesn't but he kept experimenting regardless. What a lovely pass-time hobby.
Oh, and he also hits random people when he gets angry in the frozen space. The poor soul... I won't go into details, but his mind was rather sick, he enjoys invading other people's privacy and he also cheats through every thing in his life (including his exams). I couldn't find one redeeming quality in him, so I thought I should stop wasting my time. :)
Want to read
July 1, 2015Hello there cute cover model, I bet you have abs too.
November 9, 2019
This was deep. 4.5, very different from anything I've read before. Who knew that the world of mind readers and pushers could be so complicated?
November 3, 2015
Essentially about a young man who can stop time, Darren has obtained modest fortune and success from his abilities, but ultimately discovers the presence of others just like him. This divulges into questions and answers concerning his abilities and history, not surprisingly this also includes the existence of a group of stereotypical bad guys which turn his world and others upside down. Overall a good read, the story tends to exhibit slightly juvenile writing despite its attempt to insert adult situations and language. Unfortunately, the love interest really brings the quality of the story down in my opinion. Originally a bitch to the main character, it is obvious that she will eventually let him break through her hard exterior after he saves her life at some crucial turning point in the story. Frustrating to me, maybe not to some, it just gets too stereotypical for me.
October 3, 2014
I am not a huge fan of paranormal/supernatural books - let's just get this out there.
I am also a fan of Anna's so I though I'd give this book a try.
LOVED. IT.
i enjoyed reading about Darren and his abilities. He didn't understand why he had them, so it was great going through his mind and process.
I can't wait for more!
I am also a fan of Anna's so I though I'd give this book a try.
LOVED. IT.
i enjoyed reading about Darren and his abilities. He didn't understand why he had them, so it was great going through his mind and process.
I can't wait for more!
May 9, 2020
Ho letteralmente divorato questo romanzo, che ho trovato piacevolmente innovativo nel genere. Le descrizioni delle percezioni di Darren sono ottime e il libro è coinvolgente, pieno d'azione e ben tradotto. Mi procuro subito il secondo volume!!
July 24, 2024
I’m going to preface my review with my usual, I am not a big fan of science fiction and as such do not read a lot in that genre. I will say I enjoyed some of the concepts of this story…is it enough to convince me to read the rest of the series, I’m not sure yet. I feel like I am on the fence and need to ruminate on it some more.
The concept is that there are people who have a gift to freeze time and go into “the Quiet/Mind Dimension”, once there they can either read someone’s mind or influence someone’s mind, making them a “reader” or a “pusher”. Somehow these two groups are enemies.
Our main character, who was raised by two moms, discovers “the Quiet” accidentally when he is scared as a child. When he tells his moms, they put him in therapy…so he stops talking about it. Eventually, Darren learns how to control entering into “the Quiet”, but everything he knows about it he learns through trial and error…until he meets someone in The Quiet”. He eventually tracks down this elusive Mira and meets her brother Eugene, who are able to explain more like about Readers and Pushers. Pushers killed their parents and they are half-breed Readers.
The story becomes very action packed when Mira is kidnapped and under the influence of an unknown Pusher, Russian mobsters go after Eugene…with Darren right in the middle of it all.
I really enjoyed some of the ideas, like how Darren took tests in school…reading test questions, then going into the quiet to look up the answers in notes or books. I also appreciated that once he knew how to read, he used it to experience some riskier behaviors like skydiving, and eating puffer fish!
Here was one aspect that I found truly annoying and that was the “I, Darren” that was constantly used when Darren was in the mind of another and relating to you what he was experiencing both through the other person and himself. There must be a much more elegant way to do that. It was a bit tedious as written.
Interesting concept, writing still in a more juvenile state…but could be an interesting series.
The concept is that there are people who have a gift to freeze time and go into “the Quiet/Mind Dimension”, once there they can either read someone’s mind or influence someone’s mind, making them a “reader” or a “pusher”. Somehow these two groups are enemies.
Our main character, who was raised by two moms, discovers “the Quiet” accidentally when he is scared as a child. When he tells his moms, they put him in therapy…so he stops talking about it. Eventually, Darren learns how to control entering into “the Quiet”, but everything he knows about it he learns through trial and error…until he meets someone in The Quiet”. He eventually tracks down this elusive Mira and meets her brother Eugene, who are able to explain more like about Readers and Pushers. Pushers killed their parents and they are half-breed Readers.
The story becomes very action packed when Mira is kidnapped and under the influence of an unknown Pusher, Russian mobsters go after Eugene…with Darren right in the middle of it all.
I really enjoyed some of the ideas, like how Darren took tests in school…reading test questions, then going into the quiet to look up the answers in notes or books. I also appreciated that once he knew how to read, he used it to experience some riskier behaviors like skydiving, and eating puffer fish!
Here was one aspect that I found truly annoying and that was the “I, Darren” that was constantly used when Darren was in the mind of another and relating to you what he was experiencing both through the other person and himself. There must be a much more elegant way to do that. It was a bit tedious as written.
Interesting concept, writing still in a more juvenile state…but could be an interesting series.
March 16, 2020
Well, it's official. This author(s) is a sure bet. One of my favourites. The real deal.
And they definitely seem to have a pattern. Go figure.
I found them by Sasha Urban fantasy which, when I discovered it, felt like a bucket of water in the middle of the dessert. My tastes have been slipping in new directions but I wanted and still wish to keep my love for fantasy and urban fantasy or similar paranormal stuff but I read quite a few of them and somehow stopped finding/looking for the new best stuff (because when I did find something, it wasn't that great so eventually I stopped looking).
But Sasha gave me the same vibe of greatness I was used to feel towards my ass-kicking, hero-complexed, complicated in the best sense heroines of the past. And that was no small feat.
Well, Sasha ended (let's a take a minute of silence to mourn the unimaginable lose)...
and I decided to give Darren a chance. And I am so happy I did. The "premise"? No, the trope? Theme? Format? Well, anyway, both of them are based on kind of the same thing - you have a character with this special ability others don't have and this character uses this ability in the most creative ways to get into and out of trouble that now befalls them, learning about themselves and their past along the way. That may sound pretty general, like that's what a lot of books do, but if you read and read in the future both of them, you should definitely notice a familiar pattern in both of them.
The only, funny difference is, that Sasha needs to practically reach Enlightenment and Ultimate Zen to access her ability while Darren does the opposite - a near-death experience or just strong anxiety, now that he's older. Though not that much. He's 21. Which is absolutely irrelevant. Except for one thing. Mira. *Shudders*
I was 100%, 11 out of 10 behind Sasha and her love interest. I don't remember a time when I didn't want them together and their romance was pretty subtle.
Not here. Mira is insufferable, I practically want to slap her all the time and I finished the second book, where she's not a complete, 18 years old psycho bitch. Basically, I would be fine if she just stopped being the love interest. Darren is stupidly in love, emphasis on stupid and I can't help but feel it's because of his age and gender, Sasha totally didn't do that, yes, both Nero and Mira are dangerous individuals but the attitude the MC's take are so DIFFERENT. Basically, Mira leads Daren by his... yes, that. Sasha is an independent and smart woman and handles her relationship perfectly. She especially doesn't get stupid and goes after Nero until after she sees who he really is as a person, while Darren get a gun in face way to many times and still keeps coming back and caring about her!!!! And it feels like he's actually kind of shallow about his interest!
*unintelligible growling*
Anyway, a big recommend. Hope you have a better view on Mira, she's a big part of the book(s).
And they definitely seem to have a pattern. Go figure.
I found them by Sasha Urban fantasy which, when I discovered it, felt like a bucket of water in the middle of the dessert. My tastes have been slipping in new directions but I wanted and still wish to keep my love for fantasy and urban fantasy or similar paranormal stuff but I read quite a few of them and somehow stopped finding/looking for the new best stuff (because when I did find something, it wasn't that great so eventually I stopped looking).
But Sasha gave me the same vibe of greatness I was used to feel towards my ass-kicking, hero-complexed, complicated in the best sense heroines of the past. And that was no small feat.
Well, Sasha ended (let's a take a minute of silence to mourn the unimaginable lose)...
and I decided to give Darren a chance. And I am so happy I did. The "premise"? No, the trope? Theme? Format? Well, anyway, both of them are based on kind of the same thing - you have a character with this special ability others don't have and this character uses this ability in the most creative ways to get into and out of trouble that now befalls them, learning about themselves and their past along the way. That may sound pretty general, like that's what a lot of books do, but if you read and read in the future both of them, you should definitely notice a familiar pattern in both of them.
The only, funny difference is, that Sasha needs to practically reach Enlightenment and Ultimate Zen to access her ability while Darren does the opposite - a near-death experience or just strong anxiety, now that he's older. Though not that much. He's 21. Which is absolutely irrelevant. Except for one thing. Mira. *Shudders*
I was 100%, 11 out of 10 behind Sasha and her love interest. I don't remember a time when I didn't want them together and their romance was pretty subtle.
Not here. Mira is insufferable, I practically want to slap her all the time and I finished the second book, where she's not a complete, 18 years old psycho bitch. Basically, I would be fine if she just stopped being the love interest. Darren is stupidly in love, emphasis on stupid and I can't help but feel it's because of his age and gender, Sasha totally didn't do that, yes, both Nero and Mira are dangerous individuals but the attitude the MC's take are so DIFFERENT. Basically, Mira leads Daren by his... yes, that. Sasha is an independent and smart woman and handles her relationship perfectly. She especially doesn't get stupid and goes after Nero until after she sees who he really is as a person, while Darren get a gun in face way to many times and still keeps coming back and caring about her!!!! And it feels like he's actually kind of shallow about his interest!
*unintelligible growling*
Anyway, a big recommend. Hope you have a better view on Mira, she's a big part of the book(s).
October 18, 2019
This was a fast paced book that kept me interested. I got a little lost on the physics explinations but figured I didn't need to know them to enjoy the book and skipped ahead when trying to reread them. One thing that I can judge the likeability of the book on was I wanted to immediately pick up the second one and start reading.
October 30, 2020
3.25⭐
October 8, 2020
Faaaan-tastic
This mentalist loved it.
This mentalist loved it.
November 14, 2022
Abandoned after 55% read.
I really liked the idea of this book, and gave it a fair shake, but this was pretty awful and not worth continuing.
The main character is an arrogant, shallow, self-absorbed jerk (male), obsessed with sex.
There's a lot of profanity and sexual references.
The writing itself feels very cheap. I think the first-person narration was a bad choice.
There's also a lot of propaganda/extreme left political preaching.
I really liked the idea of this book, and gave it a fair shake, but this was pretty awful and not worth continuing.
The main character is an arrogant, shallow, self-absorbed jerk (male), obsessed with sex.
There's a lot of profanity and sexual references.
The writing itself feels very cheap. I think the first-person narration was a bad choice.
There's also a lot of propaganda/extreme left political preaching.
March 19, 2025
Interesting premise, but the story doesn’t flow smoothly. It also doesn’t really end. I don’t think I’ll read the next one.
March 16, 2017
So ein Buch hab ich auch noch nicht gelesen. Es ist sehr interessant, was alles geschehen kann, wenn man in “die Stille” eintaucht.
Ich mag Darren sehr. Das Buch hat mich sehr beschäftigt.
Ich mag Darren sehr. Das Buch hat mich sehr beschäftigt.
October 5, 2015
The Thought Readers is an excellent book which throws the readers right in the middle of one of Darren’s “Quiet” States. Here, everything is frozen, the old grandma, the cowboy, time and the cards the casino dealer has chucked in the air, they are all frozen in time. Darren calls it The Quiet, a state he can enter when he is distressed, near death or in some way upset. He thinks he is crazy, until a girl sits down at his table, and enters the state with him, confused and eager to get some answers he tracks her down after she escapes, and learns that he isn’t the only one who can enter “The Quiet”.
The characters are wonderful I this, the constant fluxing in and out of the “Quiet” state is confusing sometimes however, there is a lot of lapsing back and forth, and as Darren learns he can pull others like him into his “Quiet” and join others he becomes increasingly in touch with his abilities. Mira and Eugene, siblings, educates him in thought reading and time stopping, telling him how his particular case is unusual, and his length of abilities and depth of thought reading surpasses what is considered normal. Mira is looking for vengeance against the “Pushers” who killed her father. Pushers are the evil antagonists in this story, doing the opposite of thought reading, they replace and code people’s memories and order them to do things they wouldn’t usually do.
I loved this book, from the first page you are hooked. What an extraordinary way to start a story and it pulled me in like a welcoming hot cup of chocolate on a cold winters day. I immediately like Darren, he is intelligent and quick, Mira feisty and angry with thoughts of revenge, and Eugene is the happy go lucky sidekick who’s quantum theories and research sometimes made my head spin. Together they make a pretty amazing team. Darren has to figure out where he has come from though, as his abilities are heretic, and all children with these abilities should have been educated by their biological parent. However, Darren has two mothers, and sperm donation is considered illegal in the Thought Reader community. So, where has he come from and where did he get his abilities?
The characters are wonderful I this, the constant fluxing in and out of the “Quiet” state is confusing sometimes however, there is a lot of lapsing back and forth, and as Darren learns he can pull others like him into his “Quiet” and join others he becomes increasingly in touch with his abilities. Mira and Eugene, siblings, educates him in thought reading and time stopping, telling him how his particular case is unusual, and his length of abilities and depth of thought reading surpasses what is considered normal. Mira is looking for vengeance against the “Pushers” who killed her father. Pushers are the evil antagonists in this story, doing the opposite of thought reading, they replace and code people’s memories and order them to do things they wouldn’t usually do.
I loved this book, from the first page you are hooked. What an extraordinary way to start a story and it pulled me in like a welcoming hot cup of chocolate on a cold winters day. I immediately like Darren, he is intelligent and quick, Mira feisty and angry with thoughts of revenge, and Eugene is the happy go lucky sidekick who’s quantum theories and research sometimes made my head spin. Together they make a pretty amazing team. Darren has to figure out where he has come from though, as his abilities are heretic, and all children with these abilities should have been educated by their biological parent. However, Darren has two mothers, and sperm donation is considered illegal in the Thought Reader community. So, where has he come from and where did he get his abilities?
February 5, 2015
This book was excellent.
Synopsis:
The story is about a person with the ability to stop time and have his conciousness travel through the real world while time is stopped. He is able to manipulate objects and people while in this frozen state but anything that he does is instantly erased when time unfreezes. The book really begins when the protangonist discovers the first person who has this same ability. Interested in finding out more about his ability he tracks the person down and finds others who teach him more about what he is able to do.
We find that there is a war between two groups of similar powered people, pushers and readers. Readers are able to read the mind of people while in the frozen time (called The Quiet), while pushers are able to convince people to do things they wouldnt normally do. The protagonists love interest and first fellow reader he met is taken hostage (reason not clear or explained) and so he joins a group of fellow readers to take her back.
Review:
What I love most about this book is the well defined world the author creates. I feel many authors create a world where someone can do something extraordinary and it snowballs into them doing a ton of things with seemingly no limitations. That is not the case for this book. Yes he can stop time, but he cant be in the Quiet forever. Nothing he does in The Quiet will change what is happening when time stops, if he stopped time and sees a bullet almost ready to hit something, too bad, nothing he can do in frozen time will stop it from being hit. Anything electronic doesnt work, if you're stuck in a cage with no key, there's nothing you can do about it. When reading minds you can only see so far back. These limitations create a world that is believable.
My only complaints were: The book felt a little short; just after you're introduced to this world you start the main action sequence and it closes with that. My other complaint was that I predicted the ending not even half way through the book.
Great book and I am looking forward to reading the sequels.
Synopsis:
The story is about a person with the ability to stop time and have his conciousness travel through the real world while time is stopped. He is able to manipulate objects and people while in this frozen state but anything that he does is instantly erased when time unfreezes. The book really begins when the protangonist discovers the first person who has this same ability. Interested in finding out more about his ability he tracks the person down and finds others who teach him more about what he is able to do.
We find that there is a war between two groups of similar powered people, pushers and readers. Readers are able to read the mind of people while in the frozen time (called The Quiet), while pushers are able to convince people to do things they wouldnt normally do. The protagonists love interest and first fellow reader he met is taken hostage (reason not clear or explained) and so he joins a group of fellow readers to take her back.
Review:
What I love most about this book is the well defined world the author creates. I feel many authors create a world where someone can do something extraordinary and it snowballs into them doing a ton of things with seemingly no limitations. That is not the case for this book. Yes he can stop time, but he cant be in the Quiet forever. Nothing he does in The Quiet will change what is happening when time stops, if he stopped time and sees a bullet almost ready to hit something, too bad, nothing he can do in frozen time will stop it from being hit. Anything electronic doesnt work, if you're stuck in a cage with no key, there's nothing you can do about it. When reading minds you can only see so far back. These limitations create a world that is believable.
My only complaints were: The book felt a little short; just after you're introduced to this world you start the main action sequence and it closes with that. My other complaint was that I predicted the ending not even half way through the book.
Great book and I am looking forward to reading the sequels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2015
Darren, a hotshot cocky hedge fund investor found early in life that he has the power to freeze time, and go into what he calls "The Quiet". He can move around while everyone else remains frozen. What he does in "The Quiet" has no impact on the real world, but he can use this ability to snoop - reading private documents, see what cards his opponents are holding, but can't make use of electronics. Plus there's no restriction on how long he spends in this realm, once he comes back, it is as if no time has elapsed.
He certainly has found this ability useful, such as at cheating at tests, and in his career as an investor on Wall Street.
He finds out he is not alone though, he is not the only person with this ability... but even amongst the few who have the same abilities he has, he may be unique.
This story has "everything" -- a protagonist who isn't afraid to tell you exactly how he feels about what's going on, both good guy and bad guy Russians, gangsters, an interesting take on a car chase, a scientist, trouble with one's parents, and drama at a casino.
At times, the story feels like it is trying to be "too cool", but that's a minor quibble. The story moves along at a good pace, it's a good light summertime read or listen on the commute to/from work or school and you want to find out what happens next and what's in store for Darren...
He certainly has found this ability useful, such as at cheating at tests, and in his career as an investor on Wall Street.
He finds out he is not alone though, he is not the only person with this ability... but even amongst the few who have the same abilities he has, he may be unique.
This story has "everything" -- a protagonist who isn't afraid to tell you exactly how he feels about what's going on, both good guy and bad guy Russians, gangsters, an interesting take on a car chase, a scientist, trouble with one's parents, and drama at a casino.
At times, the story feels like it is trying to be "too cool", but that's a minor quibble. The story moves along at a good pace, it's a good light summertime read or listen on the commute to/from work or school and you want to find out what happens next and what's in store for Darren...
January 10, 2015
This tells the story of Darren, who uses his unique ability of being able to step outside the boundaries of time and explore his surroundings whilst the world stands still in order to cheat in life and re-invent himself as wealthy, intelligent playboy. Darren had never understood his skill or where it had come from and assumed that he was the only one who could bend time in this way, until the day he comes across Mira in one of his moments within what he likes to call “The Quiet”. This leads Darren on a dangerous adventure of self discovery in search for answers and understanding of his full capabilities as “A Reader”.
This is an extremely captivating and exciting story. It is written very well and flows from beginning to end, making you want to read or listen on and not stop. I like the fact it is all narrated from Darren’s point of view, although sometimes it comes across a little monotone in the audio, it leads to an interesting and descriptive perspective. It is effective in immersing you in the storyline from the very beginning and captures the imagination. The characters are intriguing, engaging and believable and although it is a very simple story, it is a fantastic concept- it is fast paced and thrilling and I can definitely foresee this book becoming a film the future.
This is an extremely captivating and exciting story. It is written very well and flows from beginning to end, making you want to read or listen on and not stop. I like the fact it is all narrated from Darren’s point of view, although sometimes it comes across a little monotone in the audio, it leads to an interesting and descriptive perspective. It is effective in immersing you in the storyline from the very beginning and captures the imagination. The characters are intriguing, engaging and believable and although it is a very simple story, it is a fantastic concept- it is fast paced and thrilling and I can definitely foresee this book becoming a film the future.
June 6, 2015
I loved this book! I could not put it down once I started turning the pages. For me, it was one action-filled moment after another and that kept me turning pages to see what was going to happen next.
Since Darren did not know much about his ability, it made it easier for me to learn about it with him. The explanation was a bit sparse, but it was understandable and believable to me.
The only thing I did not appreciate much about this book was the way the females were handled in it. Darren spends a lot of the first three chapters going over his "rules" of the Quiet--the biggest being "don't touch the women." But he has no problems going into a ladies' locker room later. And the ladies are constantly referred to as simply "hot." What makes that woman "hot," and what makes the woman not mentioned in the book "not hot?" A bit more detail without making the ladies look like a side of meat would have been appreciated in those moments.
All-in-all, it was a good read, and I will definitely be grabbing the next book in the series soon. It was an enjoyable read to me, and I can't wait to read more of the story.
Since Darren did not know much about his ability, it made it easier for me to learn about it with him. The explanation was a bit sparse, but it was understandable and believable to me.
The only thing I did not appreciate much about this book was the way the females were handled in it. Darren spends a lot of the first three chapters going over his "rules" of the Quiet--the biggest being "don't touch the women." But he has no problems going into a ladies' locker room later. And the ladies are constantly referred to as simply "hot." What makes that woman "hot," and what makes the woman not mentioned in the book "not hot?" A bit more detail without making the ladies look like a side of meat would have been appreciated in those moments.
All-in-all, it was a good read, and I will definitely be grabbing the next book in the series soon. It was an enjoyable read to me, and I can't wait to read more of the story.
November 18, 2014
The first book of the Thought Readers series was just what I hoped it would be: A action-packed, fast-paced, science fiction book. From the beginning, the story moves at lightning pace. Never once during the story did I feel bored, and I was glued to it until the finish. The story itself, of a man who can read minds, is nothing new, but the way Dima Zales explored it was fresh to me, and I felt like it was a brand new concept. I loved the descriptions of “the quiet” and the world and characters seemed well-meshed out. I couldn't help but want to constantly know more about the story of the two main groups, readers and pushers, and the main character, Darren, felt realistic and likable to me, and his growth throughout the story, from what seemed like quite a selfish man, to one who was willing to risk himself for the friends he made kept me rooting for him throughout.
This is definitely a book I would recommend, not just to those who like sci-fi, but to just about anyone who loves a good story, and I’m very excited for the next books in this series!
This is definitely a book I would recommend, not just to those who like sci-fi, but to just about anyone who loves a good story, and I’m very excited for the next books in this series!
February 28, 2015
This book follows a man, Darren, who throughout his whole life thought he was the only one who was able to stop time and see what was going on around him and able to walk around while everyone else was stopped, stuck in time. Until one day he sees someone else moving around with him while he has stopped time.
If you have read "The Mind Readers: Stopping Time" then you know something about the story. The person he was moving around time with was Mira. Darren tracks down Mira and her brother Eugene in an attempt to find out more about what was happening to him. He learns that he is what they call "a reader" . The other connection between them is that both of them had both parents murdered.
This story is full of mystery and intrigue. Stopping time, reading minds, splitting into other dimensions. There is a good storyline and the narrator is very good. He told the story very naturally and I liked his voice, perfect for telling the story. I am getting more and more interested in listening to the books of Dima Zales. He writes so you need to find out what happens next
If you have read "The Mind Readers: Stopping Time" then you know something about the story. The person he was moving around time with was Mira. Darren tracks down Mira and her brother Eugene in an attempt to find out more about what was happening to him. He learns that he is what they call "a reader" . The other connection between them is that both of them had both parents murdered.
This story is full of mystery and intrigue. Stopping time, reading minds, splitting into other dimensions. There is a good storyline and the narrator is very good. He told the story very naturally and I liked his voice, perfect for telling the story. I am getting more and more interested in listening to the books of Dima Zales. He writes so you need to find out what happens next
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