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Masterminds #2
Masterminds: Criminal Destiny
The kids of Project Osiris are free—but they’re being hunted. . . . After their narrow escape from their “perfect” hometown, Eli, Tori, Amber, and Malik are finally in the real world and determined to expose the leaders of Serenity. They decide to track down Tamara Dunleavy, the mysterious billionaire and founder of Project Osiris. Evading capture by breaking laws and sneaking into houses, hotels, buses, and cars—are they becoming the criminals they were destined to be?
What they discover will change everything, leading them straight into the Plastic Works and the heart of the experiment, in order to uncover the deadly criminals they’re cloned from—and any evidence that will convince the outside world to believe the truth. But the outside world isn’t exactly what they expected—strangers aren’t just unfriendly, they’re dangerous. And the wrong move could send them right back into the arms of Dr. Hammerstrom—and trapped in Serenity for good.
On a breakneck journey from Jackson Hole to a maximum security prison—Eli, Tori, Amber, and Malik will stop at nothing to take Project Osiris down.
What they discover will change everything, leading them straight into the Plastic Works and the heart of the experiment, in order to uncover the deadly criminals they’re cloned from—and any evidence that will convince the outside world to believe the truth. But the outside world isn’t exactly what they expected—strangers aren’t just unfriendly, they’re dangerous. And the wrong move could send them right back into the arms of Dr. Hammerstrom—and trapped in Serenity for good.
On a breakneck journey from Jackson Hole to a maximum security prison—Eli, Tori, Amber, and Malik will stop at nothing to take Project Osiris down.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2016
867 people are currently reading
2576 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Korman
253 books4,471 followersGordon Korman is a Canadian author of children's and young adult fiction books. Korman's books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide over a career spanning four decades and have appeared at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 571 reviews
May 25, 2017
Loved this book! It was an amazing addition to the series. I think that the characters and the writing were amazing and their definitely was a plot change that I didn't see coming. If you haven't started this series I would highly recommend it.
March 24, 2017
The thrilling adventure continues...
I read the first book in this series, Masterminds a few years ago when it first came out and loved it. This book (#2) has been out for a while, but I never got around to reading it. Just this past week, I received book 3 in the mail from Amazon (thanks to my advanced pre-ordering skills). Then I realized that I must read book 2 so I could read book 3 and donate it to my school library. Another book I can hopefully convince the kids to read...
I won't give details because you should read the first book without knowing certain things (in my opinion). Suffice it to say I still love the characters and it is interesting to see them trying to survive outside the small town of Serenity. Facing the real world, in all its beauty and ugliness isn't easy for these kids, but they don't give up. Some of the things that happen are quite unbelievable and completely unrealistic. But, this is a book made for 4th to 8th graders, and it is perfect for them.
I read the first book in this series, Masterminds a few years ago when it first came out and loved it. This book (#2) has been out for a while, but I never got around to reading it. Just this past week, I received book 3 in the mail from Amazon (thanks to my advanced pre-ordering skills). Then I realized that I must read book 2 so I could read book 3 and donate it to my school library. Another book I can hopefully convince the kids to read...
I won't give details because you should read the first book without knowing certain things (in my opinion). Suffice it to say I still love the characters and it is interesting to see them trying to survive outside the small town of Serenity. Facing the real world, in all its beauty and ugliness isn't easy for these kids, but they don't give up. Some of the things that happen are quite unbelievable and completely unrealistic. But, this is a book made for 4th to 8th graders, and it is perfect for them.
July 13, 2016
With 100 pages left to read I already knew that there was no way this adventure was going to have adequate time to get everything worked out and settled in that amount of pages. There were just too many things that hadn't even begun to be figured out or taken care of. I'm not complaining. That just means I get at least one more book with this smart group of kids who are now running for their lives. And dang, what a cliff hanger the ending was. How are they going to get out of this one? I know the last book is going to be another wild and exciting page turner just like the first two. I can't wait. I just hope it gets here sooner rather than later.
October 13, 2016
The book I was reading was called MASTERMINDS CRIMINAL DENSITY it is the second book in the Mastermind series. In my opinion this one was much better than the first one. There was not really much I can say about this book without spoiling the first one. But here is what I will say... On the run from the purple people eaters (a joke from the book) and Serenity Eli, Tori, Amber, and Malik find out how hard it is out in the real world. With many challenges along the way. Such as… **** **** and ****!!! You didn't think I would say it would you! You will have to read the book to find out! I thought this book was amazing! Just how much amazing work they could cram into just over 300 pages! This book is very similar to Legend as for how they are always on the run. This book is for pure thrill seekers only! Keeping you on the edge of your seat for the entire time, with huge jaw-dropping moments and always having you trying to anticipate what will happen next!
October 21, 2017
This is the middle book in Gordon Korman's riveting trilogy about five kids, brought up in an isolated, seemingly idyllic community in New Mexico, who find out they are clones of criminal masterminds and the subjects of a research experiment called Project Osiris. The writing, storytelling, and character portrayal are all first-rate. This book won the Crime Writers of Canada's 2017 Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile/Young Adult Novel.
October 7, 2021
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** I thought this book was even better than the first. The action, the suspense was multiplied by 3 and it was just amazing. Plus...
A) ELI AND TORI HELD HANDS
B) HECTOR WAS ALIIIIIIVVVVEEEEE! ALLLLLLIIIIIIIIVVVVVVEEEEE!
But...
HECTOR WHY WOULD YOU BETRAY US LIKE THAT YOU LITTLE! I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU! WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU! HOW DARE YOU?!
A) ELI AND TORI HELD HANDS
B) HECTOR WAS ALIIIIIIVVVVEEEEE! ALLLLLLIIIIIIIIVVVVVVEEEEE!
But...
HECTOR WHY WOULD YOU BETRAY US LIKE THAT YOU LITTLE! I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU! WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU! HOW DARE YOU?!
April 2, 2025
IN LOVE with this series.
Dialogue is just so easy to read, great flow to it.
Malik's by far the best character.
Dialogue is just so easy to read, great flow to it.
Malik's by far the best character.
January 20, 2021
In this second book Eli and his friends are on the run from the evil Project Osiris. They are searching for answers and wondering how they can get justice when no one will believe their story.
I liked this second book in the series! It has more action than the first book, but less mystery. The plot is always moving, but I missed the puzzle aspect of the mystery from the first book. Some of the action was unrealistic and far-fetched. They jump off buildings, highjack vehicles, and (as the cover shows) jump into raging rivers. There's no way normal people could survive this stuff. I was rolling my eyes a couple of times.
I loved seeing how the characters react in crazy situations, and their fear that they are becoming criminals. They have no choice but to break into a house, steal food, or even steal a car if they want to escape, but they don't feel good about it. Their criminal DNA gives them the skills to survive, but they hate the people they are becoming as they go further and further down that road.
I will be really interested to see where the moral implications of this second book take the characters in the third book. They are in pretty deep with some criminal behavior. I really hope there is a happy moral ending for them.
I loved how the characters interact with each other. Their respect and affection grows as they learn to work as a group and support each other through some sticky situations. There is some interesting character development.
This one ends on another cliffhanger, so I can't wait to read the third book!
I liked this second book in the series! It has more action than the first book, but less mystery. The plot is always moving, but I missed the puzzle aspect of the mystery from the first book. Some of the action was unrealistic and far-fetched. They jump off buildings, highjack vehicles, and (as the cover shows) jump into raging rivers. There's no way normal people could survive this stuff. I was rolling my eyes a couple of times.
I loved seeing how the characters react in crazy situations, and their fear that they are becoming criminals. They have no choice but to break into a house, steal food, or even steal a car if they want to escape, but they don't feel good about it. Their criminal DNA gives them the skills to survive, but they hate the people they are becoming as they go further and further down that road.
I will be really interested to see where the moral implications of this second book take the characters in the third book. They are in pretty deep with some criminal behavior. I really hope there is a happy moral ending for them.
I loved how the characters interact with each other. Their respect and affection grows as they learn to work as a group and support each other through some sticky situations. There is some interesting character development.
This one ends on another cliffhanger, so I can't wait to read the third book!
July 15, 2020
Rating: 4 stars
This one's my least favorite in the series, but it's still pretty good - Gordon Korman is hilarious and these characters are great. I laughed out loud several times like:
"There's a lot of discussion about a person called the Bachelor. I think he might be in the government. Also Starbucks - that's a restaurant in Pueblo. It must be super fancy because all the things you can order have these long foreign names."
These characters are priceless - also the concept is great and so is the plot! I can't wait to read the last one, which is my favorite by far!
This one's my least favorite in the series, but it's still pretty good - Gordon Korman is hilarious and these characters are great. I laughed out loud several times like:
"There's a lot of discussion about a person called the Bachelor. I think he might be in the government. Also Starbucks - that's a restaurant in Pueblo. It must be super fancy because all the things you can order have these long foreign names."
These characters are priceless - also the concept is great and so is the plot! I can't wait to read the last one, which is my favorite by far!
February 28, 2019
I loved it! The exciting plot, strong characters, and most of all the adventure! It was captivating, engaging and overall a truly great read!
November 29, 2024
3.5 stars ✰
April 23, 2024
I loved it!!!! I wish
November 10, 2025
Actual rating: 4.5
Still hilarious and thrilling! Definitely not as strong as the first book but still a wicked good time.
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April 2020
As much as I loved this book, I can't help but feel that this series is basically a middle-grade comedic version of the Maze Runner. With that view, this is basically Scorch Trials. You'll get what I mean if you've read both series.
Still hilarious and thrilling! Definitely not as strong as the first book but still a wicked good time.
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April 2020
As much as I loved this book, I can't help but feel that this series is basically a middle-grade comedic version of the Maze Runner. With that view, this is basically Scorch Trials. You'll get what I mean if you've read both series.
June 2, 2024
These books are so fun. I know they are juvenile fiction but the kids are on an adventure and I quite enjoy it! Plus I always like those who fight against what is wrong and try to make it right!
April 14, 2025
“A weapon is strongest when you don’t use it. Threaten him.”💫
The character development in this book was actually crazy. The kids started as runaways and ended as fugitives for multiple crimes that they’ve committed on their path to escape. I LOVE that we see what criminals they are cloned from because it really connected the dots on how their minds work and what it is they contribute to their little group of masterminds. It’s cool to see the connections between the characters and who they are cloned from because it makes every choice they make, action they take, and words they say more chilling.
“My voice becomes low, flat, and the temperature of dry ice. ‘The guy I’m cloned from killed nine people. Want to be number ten?’”💫
This book was so good!! In the first book, it was more plot heavy and I didn’t really connect with the characters, in this one that changed significantly! The characters are all starting to have their own personalities that actually contribute to the kinda of decisions and actions they take. It was SO good.
The character development in this book was actually crazy. The kids started as runaways and ended as fugitives for multiple crimes that they’ve committed on their path to escape. I LOVE that we see what criminals they are cloned from because it really connected the dots on how their minds work and what it is they contribute to their little group of masterminds. It’s cool to see the connections between the characters and who they are cloned from because it makes every choice they make, action they take, and words they say more chilling.
“My voice becomes low, flat, and the temperature of dry ice. ‘The guy I’m cloned from killed nine people. Want to be number ten?’”💫
This book was so good!! In the first book, it was more plot heavy and I didn’t really connect with the characters, in this one that changed significantly! The characters are all starting to have their own personalities that actually contribute to the kinda of decisions and actions they take. It was SO good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2018
First thing: I kind of dislike Gordon Korman now, for leaving cliff hangers at the end of the books in this series. Every time, it's the worst possible moment to end, especially with the second book in the series, and the third book isn't out yet.
Also, I really hate Hector Amani! He acted like he really missed Eli, Malik, Amber, and Tori, but really he was just leading the Purples to them. I especially hated how Hector said he was sorry--he should've thought about being sorry when he had made the deal with the Purples! Plus, Hector doesn't even act like he really missed Eli, Malik, Amber, and Tori when he first comes back, he just whines and complains about how they left him alone, when it was Hector's own fault he wasn't with the others! It made me mad that Hector acted as if he was a friend, but he was really a traitor. But I liked how Malik didn't feel sad when they realize Hector betrayed them, he just tells Hector he would be sorry.
Just one thing I didn't like about the book, and that's why I didn't rate it a 5-star, is because it seemed like the plan for everything only came from Tori, which I didn't much like, because I knew the others had potential for ideas too. I also disliked how Tori always said things like: "I guess it's something about being an artist." It was annoying and almost selfish how she made those statements.
Besides what is mentioned above, and the cliffhanger, I really liked the book; the characters had nice personalies, and their adventures were exciting and left me on-edge.
Also, I really hate Hector Amani! He acted like he really missed Eli, Malik, Amber, and Tori, but really he was just leading the Purples to them. I especially hated how Hector said he was sorry--he should've thought about being sorry when he had made the deal with the Purples! Plus, Hector doesn't even act like he really missed Eli, Malik, Amber, and Tori when he first comes back, he just whines and complains about how they left him alone, when it was Hector's own fault he wasn't with the others! It made me mad that Hector acted as if he was a friend, but he was really a traitor. But I liked how Malik didn't feel sad when they realize Hector betrayed them, he just tells Hector he would be sorry.
Just one thing I didn't like about the book, and that's why I didn't rate it a 5-star, is because it seemed like the plan for everything only came from Tori, which I didn't much like, because I knew the others had potential for ideas too. I also disliked how Tori always said things like: "I guess it's something about being an artist." It was annoying and almost selfish how she made those statements.
Besides what is mentioned above, and the cliffhanger, I really liked the book; the characters had nice personalies, and their adventures were exciting and left me on-edge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2017
Book 2 is just as good as book 1! So, personally, I found myself being a little skeptical of how these 4 kids could not get busted in the real world. Or when they DO get busted, how they always manage to get away. But it was still a thoroughly entertaining read. Very well written and riveting. My son loved all the action and was constantly coming home from school to talk to me and tell me what he'd read that day, usually an uncommon occurrence when it comes to books. A great read, highly recommended!!!
July 12, 2022
The concept of this series is brilliant and has SO much potential.
I feel like Gordon Korman could have tapped into that potential even more than he did in this book. It was, honestly, a little disappointing. Not majorly though.
This was still a really enjoyable and interesting read, and I'm really looking forward to book three. The characters feel a little flat, but that's the only noticeable problem with this series.
As I said before, this concept is simply brilliant.
I feel like Gordon Korman could have tapped into that potential even more than he did in this book. It was, honestly, a little disappointing. Not majorly though.
This was still a really enjoyable and interesting read, and I'm really looking forward to book three. The characters feel a little flat, but that's the only noticeable problem with this series.
As I said before, this concept is simply brilliant.
April 10, 2016
How can Gordon Korman continue to crank out page-turner after page-turner! Criminal Destiny picks up right where Masterminds left off - full of action, adventure and a shocking turn of events. I can't wait to get this in my students' hands!
June 8, 2021
In my opinion, the best out of all three books. Lots of change happens in this one, so make sure to read it before the last one in this series. This one has gore, double-crossing and more action than the first.
June 16, 2016
Stupid trilogies. NEXT BOOK NOW, PLEASE.
February 10, 2017
Just as enjoyable as the first! Exciting and full of action and great twists!
February 16, 2023
2nd reading with my son. He loves this series and can’t wait for book 3.
My daughter and I are really enjoying this series. On to book 3!
My daughter and I are really enjoying this series. On to book 3!
February 22, 2022
This is a really good book and I highly reccomend it. Love the betray.
July 22, 2023
Mid-summer 2 years ago, in the summer of 2022, Korman published his 100th book. Yes you read that correctly, his hundredth book. My introduction to Korman’s works was the 39 Clues back in 2009. Since then I have read over 30 of his books. Barely a drop in the buck, but with each one I read I am entertained and often challenged. My son often reads these books to me or with me. I picked up this to read on summer break. Thye first book in this series really got me thinking after reading it I asking my youngest two children and a couple of their friends what there would do if they found out what the kids in this story did. They all reacted differently, and they all want to read the book. And this second book takes it to a whole new level.
My son and I started reading Gordon Korman books together a few years ago, when he was given one as an end of year gift by his teacher. She gave the whole class the same Scholastic edition and wrote a note to each student in their copy of the book. Prior to that I had a read a few of his contributions to the 39 Clues series and had enjoyed them. My son and I have mostly been reading his more recent titles. I do not read what Korman’s books are about anymore. Nw I am alternating between his oldest I have not read and the current releases. I have read about 30 over the last year. Even though I knew a lot from the first volume in this series this one still took me completely by surprise. The series consists of:
Masterminds
Masterminds Criminal Destiny
Masterminds Payback
In Canada the first was published by Scholastic, in the US from Harper Collins and is now in reprint under the Balzer + Bray imprint.
The description of this volume states:
“The clones of Project Osiris are free—but they’re being hunted...
After their narrow escape from their “perfect” hometown, Eli, Tori, Amber, and Malik are finally in the real world and determined to expose the leaders of Serenity. They decide to track down Tamara Dunleavy, the mysterious billionaire and founder of Project Osiris. Evading capture by breaking laws and sneaking into houses, hotels, buses, and cars—are they becoming the criminals they were destined to be?
What they discover will change everything, leading them straight into the Plastic Works and the heart of the experiment, in order to uncover the deadly criminals they’re cloned from—and any evidence that will convince the outside world to believe the truth.
But the outside world isn’t exactly what they expected—strangers aren’t just unfriendly, they’re dangerous. And the wrong move could send them right back into the arms of Dr. Hammerstrom—and trapped in Serenity for good.
On a breakneck journey from Jackson Hole to a maximum security prison—Eli, Tori, Amber, and Malik will stop at nothing to take Project Osiris down.”
Like many of Korman’s other books this one is written in a series of first person narratives. Each chapter title is the name of the narrator for that chapter. There are a couple of other authors I read who use this method, and Korman is one of the masters. The narrators are:
Eli Frieden - 8
Amber Laska - 5
Malik Bruder - 7
Hector Amani - 2
Tori Pritel - 6
The number beside their name is the number of chapters they narrated. Eli’s father was the brains behind and head of the experiment so he continues to dominate the narrative. But some of them are much closer in count in this volume compared to the first.
This book a fascinating read! The subject tackled and how Korman goes about it is magnificently executed. The characters as is often the case with Korman are wonderfully written. The story is very intriguing. I could literally not put this book down. I finished it in 2 sessions over two days. I had figured out a good chunk of the plot before it was revealed. Yet, this time there was a twist that I just did not see coming. I greatly enjoyed watching the children try to figure out a plan to prove that they are clones and survive in a world they were never prepared for.
This story is darker than may of Korman’s offerings. The pace is excellent. The characters are masterfully written. This is a story young readers will latch onto and be desperate to know what happens next! Every child from 9-15 that I have asked what they would do if they found out what the kids in this series did have wanted to read the story. It is such an intriguing premise and Korman continues to execute it perfectly!
My son and I started reading Gordon Korman books together a few years ago, when he was given one as an end of year gift by his teacher. She gave the whole class the same Scholastic edition and wrote a note to each student in their copy of the book. Prior to that I had a read a few of his contributions to the 39 Clues series and had enjoyed them. My son and I have mostly been reading his more recent titles. I do not read what Korman’s books are about anymore. Nw I am alternating between his oldest I have not read and the current releases. I have read about 30 over the last year. Even though I knew a lot from the first volume in this series this one still took me completely by surprise. The series consists of:
Masterminds
Masterminds Criminal Destiny
Masterminds Payback
In Canada the first was published by Scholastic, in the US from Harper Collins and is now in reprint under the Balzer + Bray imprint.
The description of this volume states:
“The clones of Project Osiris are free—but they’re being hunted...
After their narrow escape from their “perfect” hometown, Eli, Tori, Amber, and Malik are finally in the real world and determined to expose the leaders of Serenity. They decide to track down Tamara Dunleavy, the mysterious billionaire and founder of Project Osiris. Evading capture by breaking laws and sneaking into houses, hotels, buses, and cars—are they becoming the criminals they were destined to be?
What they discover will change everything, leading them straight into the Plastic Works and the heart of the experiment, in order to uncover the deadly criminals they’re cloned from—and any evidence that will convince the outside world to believe the truth.
But the outside world isn’t exactly what they expected—strangers aren’t just unfriendly, they’re dangerous. And the wrong move could send them right back into the arms of Dr. Hammerstrom—and trapped in Serenity for good.
On a breakneck journey from Jackson Hole to a maximum security prison—Eli, Tori, Amber, and Malik will stop at nothing to take Project Osiris down.”
Like many of Korman’s other books this one is written in a series of first person narratives. Each chapter title is the name of the narrator for that chapter. There are a couple of other authors I read who use this method, and Korman is one of the masters. The narrators are:
Eli Frieden - 8
Amber Laska - 5
Malik Bruder - 7
Hector Amani - 2
Tori Pritel - 6
The number beside their name is the number of chapters they narrated. Eli’s father was the brains behind and head of the experiment so he continues to dominate the narrative. But some of them are much closer in count in this volume compared to the first.
This book a fascinating read! The subject tackled and how Korman goes about it is magnificently executed. The characters as is often the case with Korman are wonderfully written. The story is very intriguing. I could literally not put this book down. I finished it in 2 sessions over two days. I had figured out a good chunk of the plot before it was revealed. Yet, this time there was a twist that I just did not see coming. I greatly enjoyed watching the children try to figure out a plan to prove that they are clones and survive in a world they were never prepared for.
This story is darker than may of Korman’s offerings. The pace is excellent. The characters are masterfully written. This is a story young readers will latch onto and be desperate to know what happens next! Every child from 9-15 that I have asked what they would do if they found out what the kids in this series did have wanted to read the story. It is such an intriguing premise and Korman continues to execute it perfectly!
June 28, 2025
"Where can we go? What can we do? But there's no time to think about that now....
In spite of everything we've been through, we don't get tired. Our strides are powered by sheer desperation....
We're masterminds."
✏️ Review ✏️
And so the Masterminds adventure continues! While I found that this book didn't hold as much intrigue as the first book, I still found it to be an enjoyable ride nonetheless.
A teensy bit of character development makes it's way into this book; I wouldn't necessarily say that the characters have the most development that they could. But, overall, I like the characters and think they feature sufficient depth for this plot-driven story.
The ending was my fave part as it contains many elements of surprise (just wait until you read it! 😁). I'll be diving into the final Masterminds book within the very near future. To be continued after last book: Masterminds: Payback.
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📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The plot — provides an enjoyable (although slightly less intriguing) continuation to this series.
• The writing style — sounds really conversational just like what the characters would be thinking.
• The diverse multi-POV narrative voice — adds flavor to the story.
• The ending — quite an unexpected turn!
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• Minor dislike (same as book one): I did find the multi-POV to be just a bit confusing (I think because the chapters are longer than Korman's other books).
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❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Yuppers.*
— To whom? To those who have read and enjoyed Masterminds, the first book in the Masterminds Trilogy.
*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)
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📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3.5/5
— 📝 Writing: 3/5
— 👥 Characters: 3.5/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 1/5
• Just one use of "j**z."
• One instance of mildly crass humor.
— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
• A few scenes of mild action-adventure violence.
• A few very brief descriptions of injuries (mentions blood).
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
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📣 Random Comments 📣
• Content notes: Due be aware of the presence of certain ethical issues that are more apparent in this second book: (1) [Spoiler] 🛑 predominant themes involving human cloning 🟢 [Spoiler over]; (2) some brief discussions about whether "terrible people are born terrible, or if their environments make them that way"; (3) the MCs do steal several things and break into a house, which is viewed as acceptable to them in their current situation.
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💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• (None)
In spite of everything we've been through, we don't get tired. Our strides are powered by sheer desperation....
We're masterminds."
✏️ Review ✏️
And so the Masterminds adventure continues! While I found that this book didn't hold as much intrigue as the first book, I still found it to be an enjoyable ride nonetheless.
A teensy bit of character development makes it's way into this book; I wouldn't necessarily say that the characters have the most development that they could. But, overall, I like the characters and think they feature sufficient depth for this plot-driven story.
The ending was my fave part as it contains many elements of surprise (just wait until you read it! 😁). I'll be diving into the final Masterminds book within the very near future. To be continued after last book: Masterminds: Payback.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The plot — provides an enjoyable (although slightly less intriguing) continuation to this series.
• The writing style — sounds really conversational just like what the characters would be thinking.
• The diverse multi-POV narrative voice — adds flavor to the story.
• The ending — quite an unexpected turn!
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• Minor dislike (same as book one): I did find the multi-POV to be just a bit confusing (I think because the chapters are longer than Korman's other books).
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❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Yuppers.*
— To whom? To those who have read and enjoyed Masterminds, the first book in the Masterminds Trilogy.
*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)
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📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3.5/5
— 📝 Writing: 3/5
— 👥 Characters: 3.5/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 1/5
• Just one use of "j**z."
• One instance of mildly crass humor.
— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
• A few scenes of mild action-adventure violence.
• A few very brief descriptions of injuries (mentions blood).
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
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📣 Random Comments 📣
• Content notes: Due be aware of the presence of certain ethical issues that are more apparent in this second book: (1) [Spoiler] 🛑 predominant themes involving human cloning 🟢 [Spoiler over]; (2) some brief discussions about whether "terrible people are born terrible, or if their environments make them that way"; (3) the MCs do steal several things and break into a house, which is viewed as acceptable to them in their current situation.
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💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• (None)
March 20, 2017
Imagine yourself in a perfect world where nothing goes wrong. The city you live in is always clean and everyone is nice to each other. Then all of a sudden, you realize all of it is fake. Your a clone, a clone from a criminal and so are your friends. What would you do? The book I read is called Masterminds. The book is by Gordon Korman. The book Masterminds is about Eli and his friends. Eli's friends name are Tori, Amber and Malik. This book is science fiction because in the world today, there are no human living clones, but people are working on it, and it could be realistic thing. The setting of this story is in New Mexico and in present time. They are all clones from different people. Also the city they live in his fake. The city they were living in was suppose to be perfect, but after Eli and his friends found out it wasn't, they decided to get out of the city. They stole a van out of the city and left. Although they were being chased, they managed to escape. Eli and his friends wanted to prove that the cloning experiment actually happened to the real world so they tried to take it to the police. When they did, the police didn't believe them, they decided to get some evidence. They travel from place to place trying to find evidence about the cloning project. They decide to go back the city and sneak in when they find it deserted. They try to find evidence at different places in the city but it's all burned. When they look in a warehouse, they find a list of people. They take the list to a computer and realize that it's the people they were cloned from. So, who was cloned from who?
An internal conflict in by book is character vs. self. An example of this in the book is on page 221 and page 222. In these pages, Eli and his friends find a page where there are evil criminals and each of them match up with different clones. With a couple criminals and clones left, Eli gets the worse of them. Eli gets a criminal that he absolutely hates. When he finds out that he is cloned after that criminal, he keeps trying to deny it that he is cloned from him and goes a little crazy in that moment of time. He keeps fighting himself saying that he is not that person. An example of external conflict is character vs character. On pages 18-27. Through these pages, Eli and his friends are going against a group of "cops" called Purple People Eaters. Eli and his friends have to try to escape them as the Purple people found them trying to escape the city they live in. As the intensity builds up, Eli and his friends outsmart the Purple People by taking their van and leaving. During these pages, there was a lot of thinking and action go on.
I enjoyed this book because it was very suspenseful and included a lot of action. This book made you want to read more and never put the book down. The people who would enjoy this book are middle schoolers and higher because in some parts of the book it get a little complex. Either boy or girl would enjoy this because both genders are included for the main characters.
An internal conflict in by book is character vs. self. An example of this in the book is on page 221 and page 222. In these pages, Eli and his friends find a page where there are evil criminals and each of them match up with different clones. With a couple criminals and clones left, Eli gets the worse of them. Eli gets a criminal that he absolutely hates. When he finds out that he is cloned after that criminal, he keeps trying to deny it that he is cloned from him and goes a little crazy in that moment of time. He keeps fighting himself saying that he is not that person. An example of external conflict is character vs character. On pages 18-27. Through these pages, Eli and his friends are going against a group of "cops" called Purple People Eaters. Eli and his friends have to try to escape them as the Purple people found them trying to escape the city they live in. As the intensity builds up, Eli and his friends outsmart the Purple People by taking their van and leaving. During these pages, there was a lot of thinking and action go on.
I enjoyed this book because it was very suspenseful and included a lot of action. This book made you want to read more and never put the book down. The people who would enjoy this book are middle schoolers and higher because in some parts of the book it get a little complex. Either boy or girl would enjoy this because both genders are included for the main characters.
October 21, 2017
The second book in the amazing series, Masterminds, this book takes you even deeper into the story of Eli, Tori, Malik, Amber and someone they thought was forever gone. I was pleasantly pleased with this book.
Gordon Korman is one of my favourite authors and writes some incredible books. This book is no exeption. After Eli and his friends escape the horrible "town" that is Serenity. They are finally in the real world. The world that was hidden from them because of project osiris (if you have no idea what I'm talking about then I suggest you read the first book in the series first) and so they decide to track down the billionaire lady who funded project osiris but backed out at the last second and dissapeared. They go on a giant goose chase trying to find her, stealing things and once getting arrested. When they finally find her something happenes that changes everything. When they finally think they are on the right track they are betrayed by their friend which is so unexpected and I almost cried when it happened. This book ends in a very dramatic end that, of course, I will not spoil.
The moral of this story is"It's what you do that makes you YOU" and the theme of this book is survival. It is a kind of sci-fi and kind of adventur/mystery. I would recommend this book to children between the ages of 10-13. I myself enjoyed this book thoroughly and I will definitely read it again so with that, go out to your nearest bookstore or library and read this book! (There is also a third book in the series that I have not read yet but I plan to in the near future.) "That's all folks!"
Gordon Korman is one of my favourite authors and writes some incredible books. This book is no exeption. After Eli and his friends escape the horrible "town" that is Serenity. They are finally in the real world. The world that was hidden from them because of project osiris (if you have no idea what I'm talking about then I suggest you read the first book in the series first) and so they decide to track down the billionaire lady who funded project osiris but backed out at the last second and dissapeared. They go on a giant goose chase trying to find her, stealing things and once getting arrested. When they finally find her something happenes that changes everything. When they finally think they are on the right track they are betrayed by their friend which is so unexpected and I almost cried when it happened. This book ends in a very dramatic end that, of course, I will not spoil.
The moral of this story is"It's what you do that makes you YOU" and the theme of this book is survival. It is a kind of sci-fi and kind of adventur/mystery. I would recommend this book to children between the ages of 10-13. I myself enjoyed this book thoroughly and I will definitely read it again so with that, go out to your nearest bookstore or library and read this book! (There is also a third book in the series that I have not read yet but I plan to in the near future.) "That's all folks!"
June 7, 2017
This is a trilogy that I am VERY happy I did not discover until the final book of the trilogy was released. I just finished book two and while it wasn't as severe of a cliffhanger, it definitely left in the middle of the action.
It is very difficult to review a book when you do not want to give ANY of the plot away, but I will attempt to do so. This book, as the one before it, is a thrill ride to say the least. I feel the adrenaline pumping as my heart is beating out of my chest. I am right there with the characters, sitting on the edge of my seat. I can't stop reading, but reading makes me crazy! There are twists and turns and thrill after thrill.
Interestingly, the book really brings some great questions to your mind. I find myself wanting students to read this book, or read it to them to discuss the themes that are found within. Yet this is not some boring book you have to read it is riveting!
Each chapter in this trilogy is in first person from the point of view of one of the characters. You really have to pay attention to the chapter title as it tells you whose head you are invading. Sometimes this causes a little confusion for me and I have to look back at the chapter title to get it straight. This also helps to fully develop the characters, so it is structure that I do not mind.
All in all, an amazing book and I can hardly wait to finish the adventure. I have book three ready to start in the morning. The conclusion to the adventure is at hand.
It is very difficult to review a book when you do not want to give ANY of the plot away, but I will attempt to do so. This book, as the one before it, is a thrill ride to say the least. I feel the adrenaline pumping as my heart is beating out of my chest. I am right there with the characters, sitting on the edge of my seat. I can't stop reading, but reading makes me crazy! There are twists and turns and thrill after thrill.
Interestingly, the book really brings some great questions to your mind. I find myself wanting students to read this book, or read it to them to discuss the themes that are found within. Yet this is not some boring book you have to read it is riveting!
Each chapter in this trilogy is in first person from the point of view of one of the characters. You really have to pay attention to the chapter title as it tells you whose head you are invading. Sometimes this causes a little confusion for me and I have to look back at the chapter title to get it straight. This also helps to fully develop the characters, so it is structure that I do not mind.
All in all, an amazing book and I can hardly wait to finish the adventure. I have book three ready to start in the morning. The conclusion to the adventure is at hand.
April 21, 2025
A diferencia del libro anterior, me costó continuar el libro en cierta parte. Básicamente porque no estaba de acuerdo o no encontraba sentido a lo que estaban haciendo los personajes. En mi mente era poco lógico que no acudiera a la policía pero, considerando que es un libro hecho para adolescentes/preadolescentes tiene sentido que no se quisiera entrar a lo complejo que sería involucrar a la policía.
Una vez que pasé esa parte media lenta para mí casi al final del libro, el final del libro fue muy rápido y entretenido de leer, me hizo inmediatamente empezar a leer el 3er libro.
Recomendado 10/10.
"And maybe the fact that we can laugh means there´s hope for us."
Una vez que pasé esa parte media lenta para mí casi al final del libro, el final del libro fue muy rápido y entretenido de leer, me hizo inmediatamente empezar a leer el 3er libro.
Recomendado 10/10.
"And maybe the fact that we can laugh means there´s hope for us."
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