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The Unseen Trilogy #1
Unseen
Mackenzie Day constantly struggles to silence the voices in her head. The inner thoughts of those around her intrude upon every aspect of her life, threatening to turn it into chaos.
All her life, she thought she was alone as a mind reader—a freak.
Then a member of a secret organization called The Unseen suddenly introduces himself, and she’s immersed in a world she never knew existed. They teach her to hone her skills as a reader, but to what end? Secrets surround her, humming just out of reach, filling her with questions.
Who are they? What do they do with their mind-reading abilities? In the end, just how far will Mackenzie go to be part of The Unseen?
All her life, she thought she was alone as a mind reader—a freak.
Then a member of a secret organization called The Unseen suddenly introduces himself, and she’s immersed in a world she never knew existed. They teach her to hone her skills as a reader, but to what end? Secrets surround her, humming just out of reach, filling her with questions.
Who are they? What do they do with their mind-reading abilities? In the end, just how far will Mackenzie go to be part of The Unseen?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2014
535 people are currently reading
2288 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Erickson
33 books304 followersI really hate writing these in third person. So hey! I'm Stephanie. I have all kinds of books including post-apocalyptic, dystopian, and paranormal romance. This is my first venture into clean rom-com, and I gotta tell ya, I loved it. I have 12 books planned for the Calendar Girls standalone series, so buckle up, buttercups! It's gonna be a fun ride, and I do hope you'll join me!
What else do you want to know? My husband can usually be found sailing the skies as an airline captain, and my daughter is TEN now (::commence sobbing at the cruel passage of time::)!
I love to connect with readers, so please reach out any time! With nice things of course. Please don't troll me LOL. I have kindof a sharp tongue and little restraint when provoked. It's not cute.
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What else do you want to know? My husband can usually be found sailing the skies as an airline captain, and my daughter is TEN now (::commence sobbing at the cruel passage of time::)!
I love to connect with readers, so please reach out any time! With nice things of course. Please don't troll me LOL. I have kindof a sharp tongue and little restraint when provoked. It's not cute.
www.facebook.com/stephmerickson
www.instagram.com/authorsmerickson
www.stephanieericksonbooks.com
And, I have a newsletter! Sign up for exclusive access to giveaways, updates on new books, and sales!
https://mailchi.mp/stephanieericksonb...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
October 7, 2019
Mackenzie is rarely seen without her headphones stuck in her ears, listening to music. They allow her to drown out the "noise" she hears from everyone's thought bombarding her. This solution to her "curse" has led her to pursue a path in Music Therapy. Right before she graduates, she is approached by a strange group called the "Unseen", who turn out to have gifts similar to hers. They offer her a job veiled in secrecy. She must decide if belonging to a group of people like her outweighs giving up her dream of being a music therapist. A gorgeous guy named Owen could sway her decision.
I liked the overall concept of this book. Mac is probably a musical genius and I found that aspect of her character very interesting. At first, this gave me a similar feel to The Naturals - a group of young people with special gifts being trained to ?? However, the comparison died before it really got started. The Unseen don't solve FBI crimes. In fact, once Mac determines what the group does, she backtracks on her decision to learn more about them. It then made her complete turn around at the end of the book a little awkward for me. Nevertheless, I think I'm hooked on a new series.
I liked the overall concept of this book. Mac is probably a musical genius and I found that aspect of her character very interesting. At first, this gave me a similar feel to The Naturals - a group of young people with special gifts being trained to ?? However, the comparison died before it really got started. The Unseen don't solve FBI crimes. In fact, once Mac determines what the group does, she backtracks on her decision to learn more about them. It then made her complete turn around at the end of the book a little awkward for me. Nevertheless, I think I'm hooked on a new series.
July 21, 2015
~2.5 stars~
The blurb on this book sounded quite intriguing so I decided I would give it a try. Here is my breakdown:
The pros:
* It was generously offered as a freebie
* I loved the idea of a mind/thought reading heroine - this is something that hasn’t been overdone in the fantasy/paranormal genre
* the cover looks good
The cons:
* This book had a very vanilla/juvenile feel to it - the characters felt much younger than they were supposed to be - definitely YA (no sex, etc)
* I never, at any point cared for the heroine - she just didn’t feel realistic - very one dimensional/cardboard like character
* insta-love - she meets this guy and automatically turns into a giggly school girl going on about how gorgeous he is etc. - after one kiss she is ready to change her whole like for this guy.
* The place where the "unseen" lived was so boring - the would practice, eat, watch a movie, go to sleep repeat - there seemed to be no connections amongst the characters
* The storyline turned out to be pretty lame/cliché - the heroine being an "unseen" is discovered, and of course she turns out to be the golden child of this organization and a complete prodigy. Sigh
* Ends on a cliffhanger
Overall, this is not a book I would recommend or a series I will continue. I would have rated it 2 stars, but since it was offered as a freebie I rounded up to 3 stars.
The blurb on this book sounded quite intriguing so I decided I would give it a try. Here is my breakdown:
The pros:
* It was generously offered as a freebie
* I loved the idea of a mind/thought reading heroine - this is something that hasn’t been overdone in the fantasy/paranormal genre
* the cover looks good
The cons:
* This book had a very vanilla/juvenile feel to it - the characters felt much younger than they were supposed to be - definitely YA (no sex, etc)
* I never, at any point cared for the heroine - she just didn’t feel realistic - very one dimensional/cardboard like character
* insta-love - she meets this guy and automatically turns into a giggly school girl going on about how gorgeous he is etc. - after one kiss she is ready to change her whole like for this guy.
* The place where the "unseen" lived was so boring - the would practice, eat, watch a movie, go to sleep repeat - there seemed to be no connections amongst the characters
* The storyline turned out to be pretty lame/cliché - the heroine being an "unseen" is discovered, and of course she turns out to be the golden child of this organization and a complete prodigy. Sigh
* Ends on a cliffhanger
Overall, this is not a book I would recommend or a series I will continue. I would have rated it 2 stars, but since it was offered as a freebie I rounded up to 3 stars.
April 30, 2018
I would give this a 4.25. I listened to the audio book of this with my husband. He doesn't have much time for him to actually read a physical book, so we listen to audio books together on his few days off. We both thoroughly enjoyed this book. An added plus is that my 12 year old son has listened to bits and pieces of this story while he is in the car with us and has now gotten into the story as well and wants to read it too! It's about this girl who is a mind reader and has just gotten her masters in music therapy. She uses an ILS to help her block out the "noise" of everyone's thoughts. Then she is approached by this secret organization called The Unseen and they want to teach her how to hone her skills. That's all well and good, but they are keeping secrets from her and she doesn't know exactly what they want from her or if she can trust them.
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February 18, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/18/2020)! 🎁
August 14, 2017
Including in less than 300 pages three of the things I hate the most in books? Mission accomplished!
1) I'm a Barbie girl
Don't let the synopsis fool you, there's no dynamic, determined nor admirable heroine.
Mac is the kind of girl who's convinced of being better then other people just because she's got a gift and then immediately pouts when she discovers others like her.
The annoying "prodigy" who can do everything and anything and without equals.
The intolerable, always whining and shouting girl who madly falls in love with a guy who she doesn't even know and changes idea every 3 pages (when things go rather smoothly).
2) Follow my insta-love
And with insta-love I mean a "OMG that guy's so hot I wanna know him and marry him!" kind of insta-love. Something that shoulnd't even exist anymore in books. I understand the book is short (choice of the author, anyway), but at least try to create a kind of development!
3) What the... ending?!
After a whole novel about knowing more or less nothing about who these "mysterious" Unseen are we... no, we don't discover anything. Or, to be more precise, there's a ridiculus plot twist so strained that deserves a huge, gigantic face palm.
Beside that, the books end without giving any real information if not what capacities do the Unseen have. Isn't this a little too few for more than 200 pages of novel?
1) I'm a Barbie girl
Don't let the synopsis fool you, there's no dynamic, determined nor admirable heroine.
Mac is the kind of girl who's convinced of being better then other people just because she's got a gift and then immediately pouts when she discovers others like her.
The annoying "prodigy" who can do everything and anything and without equals.
The intolerable, always whining and shouting girl who madly falls in love with a guy who she doesn't even know and changes idea every 3 pages (when things go rather smoothly).
2) Follow my insta-love
And with insta-love I mean a "OMG that guy's so hot I wanna know him and marry him!" kind of insta-love. Something that shoulnd't even exist anymore in books. I understand the book is short (choice of the author, anyway), but at least try to create a kind of development!
3) What the... ending?!
After a whole novel about knowing more or less nothing about who these "mysterious" Unseen are we... no, we don't discover anything. Or, to be more precise, there's a ridiculus plot twist so strained that deserves a huge, gigantic face palm.
Beside that, the books end without giving any real information if not what capacities do the Unseen have. Isn't this a little too few for more than 200 pages of novel?
July 8, 2015
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
First, I really, thoroughly enjoyed the book. The characters felt very authentic and real. Heroes, by nature, are different than everyone else and are marked as such. Mac is no different in that aspect. She is different, however, in the fact that her difference doesn’t create a “broken” character. She is a fully functional adult who is educated and independent. I love this about her.
Mac’s love interest was also refreshing. Owen is not domineering or reluctant. He doesn’t play games and he doesn’t need to be fixed or saved. Their relationship didn’t make me cringe and I couldn’t wait to read more about them.
The one negative thing I have to say about the story is that Mac is too ready to jump into the world of the Unseen. I found it a little hard to believe that she would give up everything she has worked toward to something that is almost a complete mystery. It didn’t hurt the book overall because I wanted her to make the choice she did. I wanted to know what the Unseen were just like she did.
Overall, I’m really glad I read Unseen and will definitely read the sequel.
First, I really, thoroughly enjoyed the book. The characters felt very authentic and real. Heroes, by nature, are different than everyone else and are marked as such. Mac is no different in that aspect. She is different, however, in the fact that her difference doesn’t create a “broken” character. She is a fully functional adult who is educated and independent. I love this about her.
Mac’s love interest was also refreshing. Owen is not domineering or reluctant. He doesn’t play games and he doesn’t need to be fixed or saved. Their relationship didn’t make me cringe and I couldn’t wait to read more about them.
The one negative thing I have to say about the story is that Mac is too ready to jump into the world of the Unseen. I found it a little hard to believe that she would give up everything she has worked toward to something that is almost a complete mystery. It didn’t hurt the book overall because I wanted her to make the choice she did. I wanted to know what the Unseen were just like she did.
Overall, I’m really glad I read Unseen and will definitely read the sequel.
February 28, 2015
I don't know where to start. I loved the whole concept. I am not kidding when I say that the author had me at hello. Seriously, from the first page I was captivated. I had to keep reading "just 1 more page" and before I knew it there were no more. You can't ask for more than that!!
April 28, 2021
While I can definitely see how this isn't a book with everyone, I enjoyed the amount of time that was spent on making a life altering decision. So often in YA novels the protagonist makes HUGE decisions with little to no thought and it was refreshing to see a character actually take time to consider all her options.
While the insta-romance is always something cringey for me, I did not at all expect the end or anticipate the secret. How did I not? No clue, but I enjoyed the heavy ending that really submerses you into the reality of this world.
I'm hoping the sequel doesn't suffer from second book syndrome as soo many have for me lately!
While the insta-romance is always something cringey for me, I did not at all expect the end or anticipate the secret. How did I not? No clue, but I enjoyed the heavy ending that really submerses you into the reality of this world.
I'm hoping the sequel doesn't suffer from second book syndrome as soo many have for me lately!
July 13, 2015
Stephanie Erickson kept me in the book hangover with The Unseen. Mac has always been odd because when she was a little girl she realized she could read others thoughts. A doctor provided her with iLs. Mac wears this device on her ears. It plays music and drowns out the thoughts of others allowing her to concentrate. Ever since she was little, she has always wondered why she has this ability and if she is as alone as she feels. One day she sees a man watching her and from there, things change. She has hard choices to make and it will always change her.
I am looking forward to the following books in this series to see if Stephanie Erickson develops the others in the Unseen that appeared occasionally while Mac was in training. I am so enamored with the back stories of good solid characters. I would also love to read more about Mac as she was growing up with her adoptive mother and her best friend.
One of my favorite parts of the is book was simply the focus of Mac's situation with her iLs. I have never heard of this and now that I have read a little, I am sure it is very prevalent. I cannot imagine the aid iLs provide to children and adults who need help quieting the mind and focusing. I myself may have worked better with them as my mind only shuts off when doing yoga.
I am looking forward to the following books in this series to see if Stephanie Erickson develops the others in the Unseen that appeared occasionally while Mac was in training. I am so enamored with the back stories of good solid characters. I would also love to read more about Mac as she was growing up with her adoptive mother and her best friend.
One of my favorite parts of the is book was simply the focus of Mac's situation with her iLs. I have never heard of this and now that I have read a little, I am sure it is very prevalent. I cannot imagine the aid iLs provide to children and adults who need help quieting the mind and focusing. I myself may have worked better with them as my mind only shuts off when doing yoga.
July 18, 2024
Paranormal/ found family/ mind reading
Trigger warning: death of a loved one/ attempted r*pe/ murder
Meh this wasn’t my favorite. The storyline was so-so and the characters were mediocre
Trigger warning: death of a loved one/ attempted r*pe/ murder
Meh this wasn’t my favorite. The storyline was so-so and the characters were mediocre
May 21, 2015
I'm not sure how to rate this book. On the hand, I really liked the idea of having mind readers around and Mac's story how she made it through life so far was extremely interesting and I liked the role music played. On the other hand, some things really bothered me.
Mac has made it through life without ever encountering other mind readers or being found by them or finding out by accident how to do any of the cool things mind readers can do. It just doesn't seem feasible, really.
Secondly, I really disliked how men were portrayed. In the beginning of "Unseen" we encounter two men who seem perfectly nice on the outside and turn out to be absolutely rotten on the inside - also, Mac is hinting at having driven off nearly all of her best friend's boyfriends so far because they were all jerks.
I also found it strange that Mac is immediately attracted to a guy she can't read all. Or let's say I don't find it strange - it must be nice not to hear every single thought of the person you're supposed to love - but considering what Mac has encountered before it seems stupid to trust the one person you can't look through. And while we're at it, it was really annoying how Mac turned into a mindless girlie around him .
Other than that, Unseen was a decent book with a few twists and turns I didn't expect. I'm considering reading on!
Mac has made it through life without ever encountering other mind readers or being found by them or finding out by accident how to do any of the cool things mind readers can do. It just doesn't seem feasible, really.
Secondly, I really disliked how men were portrayed. In the beginning of "Unseen" we encounter two men who seem perfectly nice on the outside and turn out to be absolutely rotten on the inside - also, Mac is hinting at having driven off nearly all of her best friend's boyfriends so far because they were all jerks.
I also found it strange that Mac is immediately attracted to a guy she can't read all. Or let's say I don't find it strange - it must be nice not to hear every single thought of the person you're supposed to love - but considering what Mac has encountered before it seems stupid to trust the one person you can't look through. And while we're at it, it was really annoying how Mac turned into a mindless girlie around him .
Other than that, Unseen was a decent book with a few twists and turns I didn't expect. I'm considering reading on!
February 2, 2015
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Mackenzie lived in her own world filled with music; you could say it helps keep her sane. Mac can hear other people's thoughts and sometimes it can be overwhelming, so she uses an iLs, an Integrated Listening System to block out the voices and help her focus at hand. Because this was her savior, she majored in music therapy. A chance meeting with a mysterious and extremely handsome man, whose thoughts she cannot hear, sparks her curiosity. Who is this strikingly handsome man? More importantly, why can't she hear his thoughts?
Unseen is an amazing paranormal romance that puts you on an emotional roller coaster. Mac's only family member was the aunt that raised her. She didn't understand her at all and thought of her as a burden. Mac worked so hard, with only her best friend Maddie by her side. Maddie didn't know that Mac could read minds, she just thought she could "read people" with her spidey senses. This was an amazing change of pace for me. I'm not sure what I was really expecting from this book, especially since i chose it based on the cover; I was happily surprised! The story was fast paced, I had a difficult time putting it down. This is one of those books that will keep you up at night to finish and even after you're done you'll spend hours reflecting. Just be sure to have a box of Kleenex at the ready, you'll need it for this one.
Mackenzie lived in her own world filled with music; you could say it helps keep her sane. Mac can hear other people's thoughts and sometimes it can be overwhelming, so she uses an iLs, an Integrated Listening System to block out the voices and help her focus at hand. Because this was her savior, she majored in music therapy. A chance meeting with a mysterious and extremely handsome man, whose thoughts she cannot hear, sparks her curiosity. Who is this strikingly handsome man? More importantly, why can't she hear his thoughts?
Unseen is an amazing paranormal romance that puts you on an emotional roller coaster. Mac's only family member was the aunt that raised her. She didn't understand her at all and thought of her as a burden. Mac worked so hard, with only her best friend Maddie by her side. Maddie didn't know that Mac could read minds, she just thought she could "read people" with her spidey senses. This was an amazing change of pace for me. I'm not sure what I was really expecting from this book, especially since i chose it based on the cover; I was happily surprised! The story was fast paced, I had a difficult time putting it down. This is one of those books that will keep you up at night to finish and even after you're done you'll spend hours reflecting. Just be sure to have a box of Kleenex at the ready, you'll need it for this one.
July 10, 2015
2 stars
Well, I didn't DNF, So I will bump this up to 2 stars. The plot was predictable, especially the parts that were meant to be surprising. The heroine is 25, and I'm not sure how old the hero was, but they acted like they were 12 year olds. The first half of the book, for lack of a better word, was preachy. We learned all about a learning disability, and how it's treated, when we all know she doesn't even have that disability. We learn all about musical therapy, and how passionate she is about it, only to see her give up that dream for a boy she knows literally nothing about, because he kissed her and admitted he likes her back. *cue eyeroll*
It seems as if the author is passionate about this disorder, and has experienced it firsthand or did an impressive amount of research, and while I think it was interesting in a clinical sort of way, all I could think about when reading through it was this better be going somewhere. It wasn't, in my opinion it added nothing to plot. If it somehow ties together with the other books, it wasn't foreshadowed in any way.
I did enjoy her training sessions, even if I did feel they dragged a bit. The only character that I like was Maddie, but I knew what I was getting myself into before the end. I love mind reading books, and was hoping to love this one.
Well, I didn't DNF, So I will bump this up to 2 stars. The plot was predictable, especially the parts that were meant to be surprising. The heroine is 25, and I'm not sure how old the hero was, but they acted like they were 12 year olds. The first half of the book, for lack of a better word, was preachy. We learned all about a learning disability, and how it's treated, when we all know she doesn't even have that disability. We learn all about musical therapy, and how passionate she is about it, only to see her give up that dream for a boy she knows literally nothing about, because he kissed her and admitted he likes her back. *cue eyeroll*
It seems as if the author is passionate about this disorder, and has experienced it firsthand or did an impressive amount of research, and while I think it was interesting in a clinical sort of way, all I could think about when reading through it was this better be going somewhere. It wasn't, in my opinion it added nothing to plot. If it somehow ties together with the other books, it wasn't foreshadowed in any way.
I did enjoy her training sessions, even if I did feel they dragged a bit. The only character that I like was Maddie, but I knew what I was getting myself into before the end. I love mind reading books, and was hoping to love this one.
December 17, 2015
This book reads like a chaste version of Dark Light. I found Mackenzie unlikeable and the other characters flat and undeveloped. The author makes a lot of "girls are like/boys are like" statements, which strike me as sexist and unappealing. And just like Dark Light there's a whole lot of mooning and not much about main character's ability. Unfortunately, Unseen has no hilariously over-the-top sex scenes to make it fun.
My biggest gripe is how Mac decided to drop her dream of becoming a music therapist to join the Unseen. Instead of making it about self-discovery and learning how to control her cool ability, the author decided to make it about the insta-love boyfriend's kissing ability. I could see a sixth grader doing that maybe, but not a 25-year-old with an advanced degree and a passion for her field.
I appreciate that this author knows how to write using decent English, and unless I missed it she didn't invent any words or misuse them. I just think the characters need a lot of work, and the author probably has some internalized ideas about women and relationships that bear addressing.
My biggest gripe is how Mac decided to drop her dream of becoming a music therapist to join the Unseen. Instead of making it about self-discovery and learning how to control her cool ability, the author decided to make it about the insta-love boyfriend's kissing ability. I could see a sixth grader doing that maybe, but not a 25-year-old with an advanced degree and a passion for her field.
I appreciate that this author knows how to write using decent English, and unless I missed it she didn't invent any words or misuse them. I just think the characters need a lot of work, and the author probably has some internalized ideas about women and relationships that bear addressing.
April 1, 2015
I loved the cover and I thought this would be a great read, but I was wrong.
Mackenzie is a mind reader she can hear everyone’s thoughts but she can’t turn them off and it makes living very difficult.
Now the unseen have found her and want to her to join the group but why don’t the answer all her questions?
Mackenzie has finished college to I’m thinking she’s about 21 but her mind is very naive and frankly dumb. The love building was instant.
Mackenzie could have trained herself or event thought about it but she didn't.
Mackenzie was asking some questions but she never put 1 and 1 together.
The character are flat we don’t really get to know them. The plot was not original I was thinking this will happen next and it did. There's nothing really happening until the end and the book was very slow paced and dragged out.
Mackenzie is a mind reader she can hear everyone’s thoughts but she can’t turn them off and it makes living very difficult.
Now the unseen have found her and want to her to join the group but why don’t the answer all her questions?
Mackenzie has finished college to I’m thinking she’s about 21 but her mind is very naive and frankly dumb. The love building was instant.
Mackenzie could have trained herself or event thought about it but she didn't.
Mackenzie was asking some questions but she never put 1 and 1 together.
The character are flat we don’t really get to know them. The plot was not original I was thinking this will happen next and it did. There's nothing really happening until the end and the book was very slow paced and dragged out.
November 19, 2015
Mind reading is tricky to handle in fiction- either the the mind-reader Knows All, or is a basket case because of too much input.
Erickson handled this really well. She dealt with what it would actually mean to read minds, and how difficult that would be until and unless one develops ways to control it.
And if there were mind readers, there would definitely be various schools of them, mostly at odds.
I think this was more novella length than novel length, but it was a fast, suspenseful and engaging read, as Mac finds others who share her gifts, and learns the advantages and perils of having such a power.
I received this for free from the author's website, and do recommend it to those who find this intriguing- it's well done.
Erickson handled this really well. She dealt with what it would actually mean to read minds, and how difficult that would be until and unless one develops ways to control it.
And if there were mind readers, there would definitely be various schools of them, mostly at odds.
I think this was more novella length than novel length, but it was a fast, suspenseful and engaging read, as Mac finds others who share her gifts, and learns the advantages and perils of having such a power.
I received this for free from the author's website, and do recommend it to those who find this intriguing- it's well done.
July 23, 2016
Ok best book out of my week of reading. (Sorry that isn't much of a compliment, but its mean't like one)
I was abit dubious about this book. She was too poor me, and then suddenly super duper. I was getting a bit sick of it. However I am curious about her story. It did hook me on the first book, as much as I hate cliff hangers, I do like this one. It isn't a massive cliffhanger but this book is cool.
I like the fact she is gifted, I just wish she wasn't so gifted. That could be toned down a little bit, but I suppose the pace of this book wouldn't allow for that.
I don't get the love interest, I was thinking it would be Mitchell, and then nope suddenly its Owen, which btw is a lazy name! I'm not that fussed on him, hopefully he will grow on me.
I was abit dubious about this book. She was too poor me, and then suddenly super duper. I was getting a bit sick of it. However I am curious about her story. It did hook me on the first book, as much as I hate cliff hangers, I do like this one. It isn't a massive cliffhanger but this book is cool.
I like the fact she is gifted, I just wish she wasn't so gifted. That could be toned down a little bit, but I suppose the pace of this book wouldn't allow for that.
I don't get the love interest, I was thinking it would be Mitchell, and then nope suddenly its Owen, which btw is a lazy name! I'm not that fussed on him, hopefully he will grow on me.
January 30, 2015
Wow. This book...wow. I couldn't stop thinking about it all day, and now that I've actually finished it, I feel as if I have to reread it immediately just to keep it fresh in my brain longer. It hooked me from the very beginning, and now I am hopelessly lost without it. Stephanie, I need book two.
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September 12, 20159/12/15 - Kindle free download.
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July 16, 2020I DNF this book at 50%. It's probably unfair to base a whole book on one thing that bothered me, but I just couldn't get past it.
First, the good stuff. This is a really cool idea for a book. I loved that the author took the opportunity to "disguise" Mac's ability as Sensory Processing Disorder, because it gave me a chance to learn about a struggle some people face that I didn't know anything about. I also liked that Mac was getting her Master's in Music Therapy, because I think that's a wonderful therapy option that doesn't get much focus. I liked the way Erickson writes, and I connected with her characters (Maddie is pretty awesome), up until I didn't.
*WARNING, MILD SPOILERS AHEAD*
So where I stopped reading is where Mac made her choice. She gets her degree and is offered a dream job, like seriously, it checks all the awesome boxes for her. However, by this time she has become aware of the Unseen and is offered a job with them. They can't tell her what they do or really who they are. They don't pay her, just tell her that if she needs something, it's hers. They don't talk about medical benefits or anything like that, just that she'll "be taken care of." Oh, and they want her to come live in the basement of a warehouse with a bunch of people she doesn't know and a boss that seems to know more about her, but won't answer questions until she accepts the position. And she can't tell her best friend anything. Sounds like a cult, right? So I was ok with Mac's hesitation, she basically said everything I did above. I was even ok with her taking the job, I mean here was a group of people that not only knew about mind reading, but could block it. Here was the opportunity to learn more about her gift, she has gotten around telling Maddie about her gift, she could figure out how to keep her in her life with the job, I mean I totally get taking the job.
BUT SHE TAKES IT BECAUSE OF THE GUY!
During the short time that she finds out that others like her exist, she falls head over heels for a guy she knows nothing about, and then she makes one of the biggest decisions of her life for him. She even acknowledges that she shouldn't, but she does it anyway. And that's when I was done. It was a 180 for her character who is so careful and thinks things through, and unnecessary for the plot. She could like the guy and take the job, that's fine. She spent a lot of time thinking it through and weighing pros and cons. But I couldn't get past the fact that when it came down to making the decision, she acknowledges that she is taking it because of Owen. I just couldn't get past that part.
First, the good stuff. This is a really cool idea for a book. I loved that the author took the opportunity to "disguise" Mac's ability as Sensory Processing Disorder, because it gave me a chance to learn about a struggle some people face that I didn't know anything about. I also liked that Mac was getting her Master's in Music Therapy, because I think that's a wonderful therapy option that doesn't get much focus. I liked the way Erickson writes, and I connected with her characters (Maddie is pretty awesome), up until I didn't.
*WARNING, MILD SPOILERS AHEAD*
So where I stopped reading is where Mac made her choice. She gets her degree and is offered a dream job, like seriously, it checks all the awesome boxes for her. However, by this time she has become aware of the Unseen and is offered a job with them. They can't tell her what they do or really who they are. They don't pay her, just tell her that if she needs something, it's hers. They don't talk about medical benefits or anything like that, just that she'll "be taken care of." Oh, and they want her to come live in the basement of a warehouse with a bunch of people she doesn't know and a boss that seems to know more about her, but won't answer questions until she accepts the position. And she can't tell her best friend anything. Sounds like a cult, right? So I was ok with Mac's hesitation, she basically said everything I did above. I was even ok with her taking the job, I mean here was a group of people that not only knew about mind reading, but could block it. Here was the opportunity to learn more about her gift, she has gotten around telling Maddie about her gift, she could figure out how to keep her in her life with the job, I mean I totally get taking the job.
BUT SHE TAKES IT BECAUSE OF THE GUY!
During the short time that she finds out that others like her exist, she falls head over heels for a guy she knows nothing about, and then she makes one of the biggest decisions of her life for him. She even acknowledges that she shouldn't, but she does it anyway. And that's when I was done. It was a 180 for her character who is so careful and thinks things through, and unnecessary for the plot. She could like the guy and take the job, that's fine. She spent a lot of time thinking it through and weighing pros and cons. But I couldn't get past the fact that when it came down to making the decision, she acknowledges that she is taking it because of Owen. I just couldn't get past that part.
July 1, 2017
Just because I was debating whether I should give this book 1 or 2 stars I'll say that my actual rate would be 1.5 stars. First of all, I just hate giving books less than two stars but I also didn't feel like it deserved two stars at all.
My first opinion about this book was that it's short and therefore would be easy to read. It really is unless you're kind of picky on the whole story and everything like me and in that case you might find it hard to finish it (just like I did). Don't get me wrong despite being the usual story about a gifted girl, who had lost her parents and has to stumble upon finding her gift on her own, this book was a bit of fresh year. There was an effort in the story-telling process about touching some subjects that rarely appear among such books and usually are left for the contemporary ones, but it was poorly done. However, for a while I did enjoy this book. As long as I didn't care to bother about how easily written it was, I was fine with it. Perhaps it was my mistake to pick it up before I even read a few of the reviews on it, showing just how bad it could get later on but even when I already knew it, I carried on with reading it.
I must say people are right about the total lack of sense in the major plot lines. For example, why bother show Mitch as this mysterious guy who draws her attention by saving her for her crappy date when he'll end up being a side character? Why even mention him as a possible love interest when she'll fall for a guy she barely knows, who obviously keeps a lot of secrets from her and most importantly... After one kiss. I just think it was all too rushed. Also, what really bothers me is that the characters barely have chemistry with each other and I couldn't relate with none of them even the slightest and honestly the only thing that happened to one of them and kind of touched me in a way was probably Maddie's death. Like at least she was showed as Mackenzie's friend. At least she had a bit of purpose there and now she's left with a bunch of people she barely knows and a guy, claiming to be her father??!! What the hell??
All in all, I'm probably not going to recommend that book to anyone but if you're looking for a break and need something shitty written and short in pages, go for it. At least it's pretty easy to flip through it without even missing major aspects of the plot.
My first opinion about this book was that it's short and therefore would be easy to read. It really is unless you're kind of picky on the whole story and everything like me and in that case you might find it hard to finish it (just like I did). Don't get me wrong despite being the usual story about a gifted girl, who had lost her parents and has to stumble upon finding her gift on her own, this book was a bit of fresh year. There was an effort in the story-telling process about touching some subjects that rarely appear among such books and usually are left for the contemporary ones, but it was poorly done. However, for a while I did enjoy this book. As long as I didn't care to bother about how easily written it was, I was fine with it. Perhaps it was my mistake to pick it up before I even read a few of the reviews on it, showing just how bad it could get later on but even when I already knew it, I carried on with reading it.
I must say people are right about the total lack of sense in the major plot lines. For example, why bother show Mitch as this mysterious guy who draws her attention by saving her for her crappy date when he'll end up being a side character? Why even mention him as a possible love interest when she'll fall for a guy she barely knows, who obviously keeps a lot of secrets from her and most importantly... After one kiss. I just think it was all too rushed. Also, what really bothers me is that the characters barely have chemistry with each other and I couldn't relate with none of them even the slightest and honestly the only thing that happened to one of them and kind of touched me in a way was probably Maddie's death. Like at least she was showed as Mackenzie's friend. At least she had a bit of purpose there and now she's left with a bunch of people she barely knows and a guy, claiming to be her father??!! What the hell??
All in all, I'm probably not going to recommend that book to anyone but if you're looking for a break and need something shitty written and short in pages, go for it. At least it's pretty easy to flip through it without even missing major aspects of the plot.
November 11, 2020
too many tropes
teenage/young adult girl with special gifts-check
tragic backstory-check
girl suddenly discovers she’s extraordinary-check
evil organization doing evil because they’re evil (got it?)-check
girl in terrible danger from evil org-check.
Same old same old, yawn.
The book is decently written, and Mackenzie’s music therapy career choice is unusual and a nice touch, but I’ve read this plot too many times already. I get that being special is something almost every teenager wants. The thing is, only a few people are special; the rest of us make do with ordinary and just have to work harder.
Then, too, special can be boring. Wouldn’t it be more interesting if heroines and heroes found ways to do great things using ordinary qualities and average gifts? Yes, I get that’s a harder story to write, but we all seem stuck in this one fantasy and I want out . . .
It would also be nice if YA books branched out from the ubiquitous covers with a beautiful young woman swanning about in a long gown. The main character in this book, Mackenzie, doesn’t even own a gown and she has no reason to buy one in the book (cause where would she wear it? the beach? hanging around on campus? grocery shopping, perhaps?). It makes her seem like she’s a girl who just wants to look beautiful and impress people, and that’s fairly far down on her list of things to do. Mackenzie is neither vain or nor focussed on appearance.
The covers both misrepresent her character and communicate that hoary old patronizing message to women: looks are the most important thing in life, because you’re not going to get a man if you aren’t attractive, honey. Haven’t women been beaten up enough with that stick? Maybe it’s time to stop passing that message along? Anyway, enough of this rant! The poor book doesn’t deserve this much opprobrium, and it isn’t the text’s fault that cover got stuck on it . . . I think publishers assume YA readers will choose books with covers that have pretty girls in pretty dresses, cause the readers like to imagine themselves that way. Believe me, a reader’s imagination is far less tame!
teenage/young adult girl with special gifts-check
tragic backstory-check
girl suddenly discovers she’s extraordinary-check
evil organization doing evil because they’re evil (got it?)-check
girl in terrible danger from evil org-check.
Same old same old, yawn.
The book is decently written, and Mackenzie’s music therapy career choice is unusual and a nice touch, but I’ve read this plot too many times already. I get that being special is something almost every teenager wants. The thing is, only a few people are special; the rest of us make do with ordinary and just have to work harder.
Then, too, special can be boring. Wouldn’t it be more interesting if heroines and heroes found ways to do great things using ordinary qualities and average gifts? Yes, I get that’s a harder story to write, but we all seem stuck in this one fantasy and I want out . . .
It would also be nice if YA books branched out from the ubiquitous covers with a beautiful young woman swanning about in a long gown. The main character in this book, Mackenzie, doesn’t even own a gown and she has no reason to buy one in the book (cause where would she wear it? the beach? hanging around on campus? grocery shopping, perhaps?). It makes her seem like she’s a girl who just wants to look beautiful and impress people, and that’s fairly far down on her list of things to do. Mackenzie is neither vain or nor focussed on appearance.
The covers both misrepresent her character and communicate that hoary old patronizing message to women: looks are the most important thing in life, because you’re not going to get a man if you aren’t attractive, honey. Haven’t women been beaten up enough with that stick? Maybe it’s time to stop passing that message along? Anyway, enough of this rant! The poor book doesn’t deserve this much opprobrium, and it isn’t the text’s fault that cover got stuck on it . . . I think publishers assume YA readers will choose books with covers that have pretty girls in pretty dresses, cause the readers like to imagine themselves that way. Believe me, a reader’s imagination is far less tame!
July 3, 2023
What a crazy story from start to finish, it was an emotional rollercoaster full of secrets, friendship, love, death, and the ability to read minds. Mackenzie is a mind reader who struggled her entire life dealing with everyone else's thoughts. Using music therapy and an ILs helped focus her to become a functioning adult who planned on changing the world one person at a time with music therapy. When she runs into a person she can't read her entire life changes. She isn't alone, she isn't the only mind reader in the world. She gives up her dream job to join the Unseen, the cute mind reader she has a crush on is just a plus. She is amazing, quickly conquering learning to control her ability in weeks instead of the usual years. Unfortunately this led to her learning the truth of the Unseen, they are a counterterrorism group working for the government. AKA killers, murderers, and assassins. This devastates Mac, making her run away from them to find solace with her best friend Maddie. Who is unfortunately and devastatingly killed by the Potestas, the enemy group going after mind readers and their loved ones, after a night full of revealed secrets. (The worst part is Mac offered Maddie a ride but she decided to take the train instead! She could have lived, she was so sweet and supportive. It kills me that she was used as the reason Mackenzie decides to stay with the Unseen instead of her realizing the good she could do in the world with her gift.) To top that all off, Mac's dad is alive, he faked their death after her mother was killed by Potestas, Owen may be a killer but she might be able to look past that someday to continue their relationship, and Mac is dedicated to getting revenge for Maddie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2021
I'm going to start by saying that I liked it, and that cover attracted me from the first moment, I loved the story and the plot but I couldn't get to connect with Owen, I just didn't feel that connection with him and I tried to like him but I just couldn't ,I felt as if I was watching him from afar, instead, I loved Maddie, she is (was) a great friend and I fell in love with Mitchell, they were very good people, I liked almost everything, it bothered me with most of the decisions that Mac made, and I was stressed that her relationship with Owen didn't feel real it was like something that was on the surface and had no roots.
I give it points because i couldn't stop reading it, it was addictive and I'm going to finish the trilogy, I'm in the third and last book and I can't stop reading it. I'll give it that.
What if I recommend it? ...... yes absolutely
It is an entertaining book and you get certain surprises. It took me a short time to finish the first two books , so yes, it is addictive
If you haven't read it, what are you waiting for, go and do it
I give it points because i couldn't stop reading it, it was addictive and I'm going to finish the trilogy, I'm in the third and last book and I can't stop reading it. I'll give it that.
What if I recommend it? ...... yes absolutely
It is an entertaining book and you get certain surprises. It took me a short time to finish the first two books , so yes, it is addictive
If you haven't read it, what are you waiting for, go and do it
July 7, 2015
This book was such a quick read! Not just due to the length, but it was the perfect amount of fluff and serious-plot (Say, what is the opposite of fluff? Nonfluff? Someone needs to invent a word for it), which was just what I was looking to read next.
There isn't anything profound about Erickson's writing. It's pretty good. The reason I gave it 4 stars was because, although I really enjoyed it, there were a lot of little issues I had that took away from my experience. But first, let me list the good.
-Mackenzie was really developed and I could identify with her in a lot of ways. I know this is bringing my own stuff into my reading, but the way she used music to cope with her mind reading reminded me a lot of using it to cope with ADHD. That's just a neat little thing I took from it. I also liked that she questioned almost everything (emphasis on almost, but I'll get to that...). The best things about her were probably her snarky, hilarious sense of humor and her great, strong relationship with her bff...
-Maddie. What an amazing friend! I really loved their relationship and it was easy to feel how much they meant to each other. I also love how they constantly put each other before boys and romance, which I think is a really important message. Oh, and did I mention the humor?! Their bits are so funny and really entertaining! I do have one bone to pick here, but more on that later.
-Music! Like I said, I love the way Mac's interest in music is incorporated into the story. Erickson did well with giving her characters interests and hobbies that added to them and the overall book.
- Mind reading. I don't know what it is, but this is such an appealing subject for me. Whenever I take one of those stupid quizzes that asks "What would your dream superpower be?" I never hesitate to click telepathy. I thought this book had a pretty fresh view of it. Particularly the various abilities and the training. The whole concept of the Unseen was really cool too. I do wish some of the science behind it would have been introduced, but hopefully in the next one there will be more about that!
And now, the not-so-good.
This is really frustrating for me. I would love to give this 5 stars, sing its praise, then dust off my hands and walk away. But there are just some things that really bugged me. Unfortunately, I can't think of a way to do so without MASSIVE spoilers, which I will hide:
Whoa, that took longer than I thought! But these things are really important and I keep thinking about them. Honestly, the good still outweighed all of this and I am really curious to see in what direction the next book will be taking the plot and characters. Will definitely be reading Unforgiven! :)
There isn't anything profound about Erickson's writing. It's pretty good. The reason I gave it 4 stars was because, although I really enjoyed it, there were a lot of little issues I had that took away from my experience. But first, let me list the good.
-Mackenzie was really developed and I could identify with her in a lot of ways. I know this is bringing my own stuff into my reading, but the way she used music to cope with her mind reading reminded me a lot of using it to cope with ADHD. That's just a neat little thing I took from it. I also liked that she questioned almost everything (emphasis on almost, but I'll get to that...). The best things about her were probably her snarky, hilarious sense of humor and her great, strong relationship with her bff...
-Maddie. What an amazing friend! I really loved their relationship and it was easy to feel how much they meant to each other. I also love how they constantly put each other before boys and romance, which I think is a really important message. Oh, and did I mention the humor?! Their bits are so funny and really entertaining! I do have one bone to pick here, but more on that later.
-Music! Like I said, I love the way Mac's interest in music is incorporated into the story. Erickson did well with giving her characters interests and hobbies that added to them and the overall book.
- Mind reading. I don't know what it is, but this is such an appealing subject for me. Whenever I take one of those stupid quizzes that asks "What would your dream superpower be?" I never hesitate to click telepathy. I thought this book had a pretty fresh view of it. Particularly the various abilities and the training. The whole concept of the Unseen was really cool too. I do wish some of the science behind it would have been introduced, but hopefully in the next one there will be more about that!
And now, the not-so-good.
This is really frustrating for me. I would love to give this 5 stars, sing its praise, then dust off my hands and walk away. But there are just some things that really bugged me. Unfortunately, I can't think of a way to do so without MASSIVE spoilers, which I will hide:
Whoa, that took longer than I thought! But these things are really important and I keep thinking about them. Honestly, the good still outweighed all of this and I am really curious to see in what direction the next book will be taking the plot and characters. Will definitely be reading Unforgiven! :)
February 19, 2018
0.5⭐️ what the hell did I just read.
Let me paint this picture.
I have a best friend, the only friend I’ve known for all my life. She doesn’t know I have a 6th toe. I keep it from her, but who cares. She’s the best friend in the whole wide world. On day, this guy saves my life. Then he brings a friend, the friend is so hot. I fall in love after we exchanged a total of 50 words in 3 days.
He knows about my 6th toe, and he said I can get it fixed but I have to leave my things behind. My best friend, my Masters degree, my apartment, and life. I’m thinking, hell no, but wait. I want to know more about my 6th toe.
Then the guy kisses me. And it’s, to hell with everything. I’ll do it! I’ll join this cult prison for this guy I’ve kissed once and spoke to for a total of 75 words (go ahead count it) .
See how utterly boring and pointless and stupid I am. Yep, that’s Mac and Owen 4 you.
I quit.
Let me paint this picture.
I have a best friend, the only friend I’ve known for all my life. She doesn’t know I have a 6th toe. I keep it from her, but who cares. She’s the best friend in the whole wide world. On day, this guy saves my life. Then he brings a friend, the friend is so hot. I fall in love after we exchanged a total of 50 words in 3 days.
He knows about my 6th toe, and he said I can get it fixed but I have to leave my things behind. My best friend, my Masters degree, my apartment, and life. I’m thinking, hell no, but wait. I want to know more about my 6th toe.
Then the guy kisses me. And it’s, to hell with everything. I’ll do it! I’ll join this cult prison for this guy I’ve kissed once and spoke to for a total of 75 words (go ahead count it) .
See how utterly boring and pointless and stupid I am. Yep, that’s Mac and Owen 4 you.
I quit.
April 21, 2020
Interesting, realistic characters and plot
All the main characters--Mackenzie (the main character), Maddie (her best friend), Owen (her eventual partner), Tracey (her serious, determined teacher)--are believable, becoming more interesting and complex as the story develops. Their relationships and conversations are very realistic and become richer in unpredictable ways.
The plot is fascinating because the characters are so believable that Mackenzie's experiences and challenges seem very real, even though she's a telepath! Her life as one is complicated and assisted by knowing what people near her are thinking. She's lived mostly blocking their thoughts out with music until she's found by a group of telepaths. Thus begin the changes to her life, some wonderful and others painful. The end is a shock, which catapults the reader into Book 2 of the trilogy.
All the main characters--Mackenzie (the main character), Maddie (her best friend), Owen (her eventual partner), Tracey (her serious, determined teacher)--are believable, becoming more interesting and complex as the story develops. Their relationships and conversations are very realistic and become richer in unpredictable ways.
The plot is fascinating because the characters are so believable that Mackenzie's experiences and challenges seem very real, even though she's a telepath! Her life as one is complicated and assisted by knowing what people near her are thinking. She's lived mostly blocking their thoughts out with music until she's found by a group of telepaths. Thus begin the changes to her life, some wonderful and others painful. The end is a shock, which catapults the reader into Book 2 of the trilogy.
June 11, 2021
WARNING: the following is an over-dramatic review of a book i read the first chapter of last night at 10 and then finished this morning from the hours of 5:30-9 after waking up at 2 and staring at the roof of a car for several hours.
i’m not ok:)
Mac is one of my favorite main characters TO DATE. i promise i’m not biased because i just HAPPEN to want to major in Music Therapy, and if i were to ever pick a superpower it would most definitely be mind reading... i promise...
but on with the actual book...
THE SECRETS!
THE MUSIC!
THE DRAMA!
THAT ENDING!!!!!!
*chef’s kiss*
i’m in love, that’s it.
the writing is good, it was entertaining all the way through, not a single dull moment, and the music-major main character ACTUALLY PRACTICES AND THE PLAYING IS FEATURED AS A SORT OF STAPLE IN HER LIFE!! what more could i ask for really? nothing, that is the answer.
i’m not ok:)
Mac is one of my favorite main characters TO DATE. i promise i’m not biased because i just HAPPEN to want to major in Music Therapy, and if i were to ever pick a superpower it would most definitely be mind reading... i promise...
but on with the actual book...
THE SECRETS!
THE MUSIC!
THE DRAMA!
THAT ENDING!!!!!!
*chef’s kiss*
i’m in love, that’s it.
the writing is good, it was entertaining all the way through, not a single dull moment, and the music-major main character ACTUALLY PRACTICES AND THE PLAYING IS FEATURED AS A SORT OF STAPLE IN HER LIFE!! what more could i ask for really? nothing, that is the answer.
September 9, 2021
DNF @ 85% - Melodramatic & Selfish
I tried. I really tried. I find it so hard to read a female character that is supposed to have finished a masters degree (aka someone likely in her mid 20s) acting like she is 16. If I could characterize Mac it would be: stomp, shake fist, cry, cower, word revolves around me, you betrayed me, cry. The “romance” is incredibly forced. I’m all for a good love at first sight, but the psychology of this one is insane. Her reaction to David is insane. The incessant questions and the literal stories she made up in her head were so silly, like a child. But. I pressed on. Thought I could soldier through. But her blow up with Owen just really took the cake. I wanted her to end up like his family - which means the author wrote this main character really, really wrong. The world doesn’t revolve around you, Mac. Grow up. Grow the f up.
I tried. I really tried. I find it so hard to read a female character that is supposed to have finished a masters degree (aka someone likely in her mid 20s) acting like she is 16. If I could characterize Mac it would be: stomp, shake fist, cry, cower, word revolves around me, you betrayed me, cry. The “romance” is incredibly forced. I’m all for a good love at first sight, but the psychology of this one is insane. Her reaction to David is insane. The incessant questions and the literal stories she made up in her head were so silly, like a child. But. I pressed on. Thought I could soldier through. But her blow up with Owen just really took the cake. I wanted her to end up like his family - which means the author wrote this main character really, really wrong. The world doesn’t revolve around you, Mac. Grow up. Grow the f up.
February 20, 2019
In my opinion, this book fell a bit short of its potential. The premise was great, even the concept of a secret organization dedicated to using their gifts to save the world, I even understood Mac’s interest in Owen and Mitchell because she couldn’t read them. But her readiness to abandon her dream after being kissed by Owen really threw me. The training sequences....I’m not sure about those. They didn’t read well to me, but I also can’t readily say how they could’ve been made better. And everything seemed to happen really quickly at the end and...idk. I really wanted to like this book more, but overall it’s just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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