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Mind Dimensions #4
Die Ältesten
Von dem New York Times und USA Today Bestseller Autoren Dima Zales erscheint die mit Spannung erwartete Fortsetzung der Serie Gedankendimensionen.
In die 2. Ebene gelangen zu können, macht mich unglaublich mächtig. Jetzt stecken alle, die mir wichtig sind, in Schwierigkeiten, aber ich kann die 2. Ebene nicht mehr erreichen.
Die Ältesten können es, aber werden sie es mir beibringen? Und falls ja, welchen Preis werde ich dafür zahlen müssen?
Letztendlich werde ich eine Entscheidung treffen müssen.
Wie viel bin ich bereit für diejenigen zu opfern, die ich liebe?
In die 2. Ebene gelangen zu können, macht mich unglaublich mächtig. Jetzt stecken alle, die mir wichtig sind, in Schwierigkeiten, aber ich kann die 2. Ebene nicht mehr erreichen.
Die Ältesten können es, aber werden sie es mir beibringen? Und falls ja, welchen Preis werde ich dafür zahlen müssen?
Letztendlich werde ich eine Entscheidung treffen müssen.
Wie viel bin ich bereit für diejenigen zu opfern, die ich liebe?
522 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2015
149 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Dima Zales
110 books737 followersDima Zales is a full-time science fiction and fantasy author residing in Palm Coast, Florida. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career.
Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.
He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.
In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now.
Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com/
Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.
He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.
In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now.
Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
July 22, 2015
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Wow, just wow.... I could not put this book down. A satisfying conclusion (is it? I hope not) to this part of the series. We do get answers to alot of questions here and an unexpected but not really villain.
Nothing bad to say about this
There was no slow moments really in this, even with the less fast paced moments you could feel the tension in the air, so thick you could have plucked it like guitar strings.
Despite all that was going on, I was with Darren on being fascinated and awed by the Elders in the guide community... where they lived was amazing and all the things they accomplished. Their policy regarding certain things did give me pause but it seems to work for them. On one level, I did like them better than their Reader Equivalents.
This was me during the
The Super Pusher... yikes. I think the saying goes 'Every villain is a hero in their own mind' or something like that. Anyways, this one certainly believed it. When we learned what caused his hatred, I could see why he was so angry but at the same time, felt no sympathy for him.
Eugene's research, big hug and high fives for him... strange but impressive :).
We also some more about Level 2 and a certain...being. I have a feeling that not everything will ever be understood on this one though...
The ending was well done, concluding everything but still leaving things open for a new installment *crosses fingers* If the author chooses to do so, I'm eager to see what happens next although I hope that .
Wow, just wow.... I could not put this book down. A satisfying conclusion (is it? I hope not) to this part of the series. We do get answers to alot of questions here and an unexpected but not really villain.
Nothing bad to say about this
There was no slow moments really in this, even with the less fast paced moments you could feel the tension in the air, so thick you could have plucked it like guitar strings.
Despite all that was going on, I was with Darren on being fascinated and awed by the Elders in the guide community... where they lived was amazing and all the things they accomplished. Their policy regarding certain things did give me pause but it seems to work for them. On one level, I did like them better than their Reader Equivalents.
This was me during the
The Super Pusher... yikes. I think the saying goes 'Every villain is a hero in their own mind' or something like that. Anyways, this one certainly believed it. When we learned what caused his hatred, I could see why he was so angry but at the same time, felt no sympathy for him.
Eugene's research, big hug and high fives for him... strange but impressive :).
We also some more about Level 2 and a certain...being. I have a feeling that not everything will ever be understood on this one though...
The ending was well done, concluding everything but still leaving things open for a new installment *crosses fingers* If the author chooses to do so, I'm eager to see what happens next although I hope that .
January 1, 2017
#4 in the series, and it wraps up all the critical loose ends so it's also likely the last, though there's plenty more that could be done.
Each book, except possibly the 0.5 that I haven't read yet, begins right where the last left off so it feels more like one book than four. I enjoyed the series very much, though the scenes where there was a lot of time stopping got tedious when they involved more than a few people. That's actually my only criticism overall. I liked the characters and their development very much, the story action and pace were good, and the story itself pulled me in a bit further with each book. It would have driven me nuts if 2-4 had not already been published before I finished the first one. I read them all in about a week.
I haven't read a great deal of science fiction, but this short series has made me interested in looking for more. More by this author as well. I might never love it like I do paranormal mysteries or fantasy but it's definitely a genre I will pay more attention to in the future.
Each book, except possibly the 0.5 that I haven't read yet, begins right where the last left off so it feels more like one book than four. I enjoyed the series very much, though the scenes where there was a lot of time stopping got tedious when they involved more than a few people. That's actually my only criticism overall. I liked the characters and their development very much, the story action and pace were good, and the story itself pulled me in a bit further with each book. It would have driven me nuts if 2-4 had not already been published before I finished the first one. I read them all in about a week.
I haven't read a great deal of science fiction, but this short series has made me interested in looking for more. More by this author as well. I might never love it like I do paranormal mysteries or fantasy but it's definitely a genre I will pay more attention to in the future.
August 12, 2016
This was an excellent book in the series, and it doesn't feel like its the last one the author will write in the series. What I liked about it is that the author fleshes out the Guide community and also has Darren learn more about his powers. At the same time, the author creates some good situations that allow you to see the character tested. My one complaint is that there isn't enough of the character Mira in the story. She's put into the background to the point that she may as well not be there in the story. I look forward to the next book and highly recommend this one and the rest of the series.
October 16, 2020
Ich habe es nur gelesen, um diese Serie aus den Kopf zu bekommen. Viele Kämpfe und Tote, die aber alle irgendwie nicht wichtig scheinen, da sich alles immer auf 2-3 verschiedenen Ebenen abspielt. Und zwischen allem der selbstverliebte Darren, Überheld und fast allmächtig....
Zwei Sterne für die Idee.
Zwei Sterne für die Idee.
October 15, 2020
Kapow!
This wound up everything nicely!
This wound up everything nicely!
June 14, 2020
Bellissima saga, peccato sia finita! Un mondo molto coinvolgente. Seppur il livello della traduzione sia carente, la storia è talmente avvincente che ho letto di filato tutta la serie.
February 12, 2020
e quest'ultimo capitolo conferma la bellezza di questa serie!
August 3, 2015
The Elders by Dima Zales is the fourth book in the five book Mind Dimension series, and the action is non-stop. At the end of the last book, The Enlightened, Darren has learned more about his real family that’s been hidden from him for his entire life.
He has found out who his birth parents were, and how he came to be raised by his two moms. He has been to the the compound of The Enlightened and met their leaders, some of whom had roles in his family’s past and his journey of discovery. And he has traveled a long way down the path of finding the ultimate enemy, The Super Pusher, who has been plotting against his family and loved ones all these years, and is responsible for several of their deaths.
At the beginning of this book, Darren and his family are attending the funeral of a person close to them who has turned out to be the architect of years of secrets and deceit. His two moms and friends are then kidnapped by the Enlightened in an attempt to force Darren to give in to their plan for domination.
From there, is in a mad race to find out the agenda of the Elders, their society, and their history with the Enlightened. He has to depend on his friends for aid, and extricate his friends when the plot turns against them. He may also have an important place in the future of both of these communities.
Darren is learning more about the society of the Elders, and various powers that he might be able to perfect, such as teleporting out of the Quiet to a specific location. Once again he works on being able to reach Level 2, the dimension that he can enter by phasing into the Quiet when he is already in the Quiet. This ability holds the key to a greater understanding of the society of the Mind Dimension.
As this series barrels down to the final act, Dima Zales has once again upped the tension and action level for Darren and his friends and family. This book is a solid addition to the series, and should not be skipped.
He has found out who his birth parents were, and how he came to be raised by his two moms. He has been to the the compound of The Enlightened and met their leaders, some of whom had roles in his family’s past and his journey of discovery. And he has traveled a long way down the path of finding the ultimate enemy, The Super Pusher, who has been plotting against his family and loved ones all these years, and is responsible for several of their deaths.
At the beginning of this book, Darren and his family are attending the funeral of a person close to them who has turned out to be the architect of years of secrets and deceit. His two moms and friends are then kidnapped by the Enlightened in an attempt to force Darren to give in to their plan for domination.
From there, is in a mad race to find out the agenda of the Elders, their society, and their history with the Enlightened. He has to depend on his friends for aid, and extricate his friends when the plot turns against them. He may also have an important place in the future of both of these communities.
Darren is learning more about the society of the Elders, and various powers that he might be able to perfect, such as teleporting out of the Quiet to a specific location. Once again he works on being able to reach Level 2, the dimension that he can enter by phasing into the Quiet when he is already in the Quiet. This ability holds the key to a greater understanding of the society of the Mind Dimension.
As this series barrels down to the final act, Dima Zales has once again upped the tension and action level for Darren and his friends and family. This book is a solid addition to the series, and should not be skipped.
August 17, 2015
This is the 4th book in the Mind dimensions Series. If you have read the previous book 1-3 Then you should know most of the main characters by now. This book starts out with a ton of action and intrigue. You definitely need to read the previous book before this one. It all pulls together after listening for awhile. So many twists that you might get dizzy, but a good dizzy. You get to know more about the main character Darren's family and brings together the different pieces to this huge puzzle. Darren has to try to figure out what's going on before it's too late.
There are different levels to the readers and guides, he wants to bring them both together to make piece, but there is a bunch of resistance to this. Throughout the whole thing he is trying to figure out who wants to kill him. With people being able to make others do things they would normally would not do and change their thinking and "push" them to do horrible things. It is a hard thing to figure out who would want to kill him.
I kept listening trying to figure it out. If you enjoyed the previous books then I know you will like this one as much as I do. It was absolutely worth it. I can't wait for the next book from this author. The narrator was very good also, he was very good at making you feel all the emotion going on.
There are different levels to the readers and guides, he wants to bring them both together to make piece, but there is a bunch of resistance to this. Throughout the whole thing he is trying to figure out who wants to kill him. With people being able to make others do things they would normally would not do and change their thinking and "push" them to do horrible things. It is a hard thing to figure out who would want to kill him.
I kept listening trying to figure it out. If you enjoyed the previous books then I know you will like this one as much as I do. It was absolutely worth it. I can't wait for the next book from this author. The narrator was very good also, he was very good at making you feel all the emotion going on.
August 20, 2015
The Elders is another great addition to the Mind Dimension series by Dima Zales. From beginning to end it is intensely action packed. It continues the story of Darren who through the series is progressively becoming more and more enlightened in regards to his family, his abilities and their associated responsibilities. However it seems, just as one question is answered another ten arise and so Darren is again sent on a whirlwind adventure.
This time Darren is on a mission to seek out the identity of the Super Pusher who is out to get not only Darren, but his family and all those close to him and so in order to protect them he must find answers. This sends him on a journey to a mysterious island to meet The Elders, in order to find out their purpose and their connection to The Enlightened but also in order to fully explore and understand the extent of his abilities.
It is very dramatic and full of suspense; there is a lot of busy action scenes but also moments of eerie calm, serenity and clarity. Another brilliantly thought out and clever plot line, looking forward to the next instalment!
This time Darren is on a mission to seek out the identity of the Super Pusher who is out to get not only Darren, but his family and all those close to him and so in order to protect them he must find answers. This sends him on a journey to a mysterious island to meet The Elders, in order to find out their purpose and their connection to The Enlightened but also in order to fully explore and understand the extent of his abilities.
It is very dramatic and full of suspense; there is a lot of busy action scenes but also moments of eerie calm, serenity and clarity. Another brilliantly thought out and clever plot line, looking forward to the next instalment!
August 20, 2015
One wild ride from beginning to end
Fast paced, compelling, twisted in all the right ways, this conclusion(?) to The Mind Dimension series is a real page turner that keeps you caring about and concerned for all the characters you have come to know and love (or hate!) as well as introducing new and fascinating characters and plot twists.
Like most good reads it has its flaws ( character development is a bit understated/hard to swallow given all the main character experiences, and a somewhat "soft" ending ), but I would still say this is been one of my favorite reads of the year and I hope some studio is smart enough to option this for production and actually get it made into a film .
Fast paced, compelling, twisted in all the right ways, this conclusion(?) to The Mind Dimension series is a real page turner that keeps you caring about and concerned for all the characters you have come to know and love (or hate!) as well as introducing new and fascinating characters and plot twists.
Like most good reads it has its flaws ( character development is a bit understated/hard to swallow given all the main character experiences, and a somewhat "soft" ending ), but I would still say this is been one of my favorite reads of the year and I hope some studio is smart enough to option this for production and actually get it made into a film .
August 3, 2018
A clean ending to a thoroughly engaging series. Enough loose ends were tied up to feel satisfying, but I appreciate that a few weren’t, added a bit more realism.
I enjoyed the glimpses into character’s minds that made them so much more three-dimensional. The good guys weren’t 100% good, the bad guys weren’t 100% bad. There weren’t a huge amount of surprises but the world building was decent and the trail of breadcrumb clues were just subtle enough to make me feel intelligent when I connected the dots before the protagonist did :)
I enjoyed the glimpses into character’s minds that made them so much more three-dimensional. The good guys weren’t 100% good, the bad guys weren’t 100% bad. There weren’t a huge amount of surprises but the world building was decent and the trail of breadcrumb clues were just subtle enough to make me feel intelligent when I connected the dots before the protagonist did :)
March 27, 2017
Awesome book! My favotite of the four!
All I can say is I hope there is a book 5! I'd love to read more of their adventures
All I can say is I hope there is a book 5! I'd love to read more of their adventures
August 6, 2018
I didn't want this series to end.
I really did love these books, would highly recommend reading the series. However I would recommend reading the books in order. For everything to make sense to you.
I really did love these books, would highly recommend reading the series. However I would recommend reading the books in order. For everything to make sense to you.
March 17, 2020
The last instalment in the series? That's the MOST difficult thing to write.
No kidding.
Why? Simple.
In the first instalment, you have to try your best. You have to grab your reader's attention. You have to shine. You may pour your sweat, tears, hours and days of your life and sprinkle it with a little of your soul to produce that first piece. And then the readers take it. And some will like it. And some won't. That's how it goes.
But some will want to read the second one, because they saw something in the first. So what you have to do? Just write more! And it's hard but hey, you totally did it, as in, you know you CAN do it. And if people liked your stuff, that's the only thing that matters. Yes, some authors fudge it up and the first book may be the best but usually, if an author has a style and readers like it, it's smooth sailing for both.
Then comes the last one. And just notice how every freaking conclusion of every good series is connected with words like "epic", "fantastic", "breathtaking" or any other adjective to indicate that the last book is supposed to make a bang and be the best of them all. Coincidence? I think not.
Because suddenly, you're supposed to be more. Your very best was enough for the previous books but the last one is the culmination and climax of everything you worked for so far. That may give you an advantage, yes, if you build your world and characters right, you now have a rich well of emotions to play with - your readers should, in theory, get to the last book "only" because they already liked the rest. But it's a double-edged sword and their attachment to your books is only as strong as their expectations to be awed in the last one, where you should be genius, intense, shocking, satisfy their need for conclusion and happiness and just generally somehow be better than your very best.
It's tough. But Zales-s... well, they definitely don't hold their punches.
The similarities between Sasha and Darren are plenty - working the finance field, being snarky and quick on your feet, solving situations using wit, unusual methods and tools and pure luck with some players (allies gained) helping in the background. The Russian stuff. All of it. The card tricks. Psychotic family members and being adopted and "orphaned".
But basically the most glaringly obvious was the way the last book completely took stuff - and MULTIPLIED IT. BY TRILLIONS.
Take, for example, Sasha. (It's not a spoiler if it's for another book, right? Right?!) She is a seer. Which makes a very special and precious snowflake. She is a seer that has some unusual circumstances. She gains friends. And fame. Infamy. She's becoming an even more special snowflake. Oh but in the last book? It turns out she's not just a seer, not just a snowflake. She's a seer AND a pre-vamp! Two rare breeds. At the same time. That's... like... that's not a snowflake. That's practical a whole snowball of sepciall-ness. Oh but no, that's not all. She's a seer, a pre-vamp... and a probability manipulator. AT THE SAME TIME. That's not a snowflake. That's a whole freaking snowman, complete with a freaking carrot in the face, broom in hand and little cute buttons and a smile.
That's why stopping time? Pche. Already done that. Too many people can do it. Have unusual depth? Meh. Be both a Reader and a Guide? Still not unique enough. But entering the second level of Mind Dimension to save the whole society from an evil mastermind? Who's identity was a complete shock? As in you couldn't have known until Darren pointed out how obvious it was? Yeah, that should do it.
But hey, go big or go home. And I definitely like these authors idea of BIG.
If I forget Mira the Bitch, this was a perfect urban fantasy that embodies everything I like about this genre.
Wholly recommended.
No kidding.
Why? Simple.
In the first instalment, you have to try your best. You have to grab your reader's attention. You have to shine. You may pour your sweat, tears, hours and days of your life and sprinkle it with a little of your soul to produce that first piece. And then the readers take it. And some will like it. And some won't. That's how it goes.
But some will want to read the second one, because they saw something in the first. So what you have to do? Just write more! And it's hard but hey, you totally did it, as in, you know you CAN do it. And if people liked your stuff, that's the only thing that matters. Yes, some authors fudge it up and the first book may be the best but usually, if an author has a style and readers like it, it's smooth sailing for both.
Then comes the last one. And just notice how every freaking conclusion of every good series is connected with words like "epic", "fantastic", "breathtaking" or any other adjective to indicate that the last book is supposed to make a bang and be the best of them all. Coincidence? I think not.
Because suddenly, you're supposed to be more. Your very best was enough for the previous books but the last one is the culmination and climax of everything you worked for so far. That may give you an advantage, yes, if you build your world and characters right, you now have a rich well of emotions to play with - your readers should, in theory, get to the last book "only" because they already liked the rest. But it's a double-edged sword and their attachment to your books is only as strong as their expectations to be awed in the last one, where you should be genius, intense, shocking, satisfy their need for conclusion and happiness and just generally somehow be better than your very best.
It's tough. But Zales-s... well, they definitely don't hold their punches.
The similarities between Sasha and Darren are plenty - working the finance field, being snarky and quick on your feet, solving situations using wit, unusual methods and tools and pure luck with some players (allies gained) helping in the background. The Russian stuff. All of it. The card tricks. Psychotic family members and being adopted and "orphaned".
But basically the most glaringly obvious was the way the last book completely took stuff - and MULTIPLIED IT. BY TRILLIONS.
Take, for example, Sasha. (It's not a spoiler if it's for another book, right? Right?!) She is a seer. Which makes a very special and precious snowflake. She is a seer that has some unusual circumstances. She gains friends. And fame. Infamy. She's becoming an even more special snowflake. Oh but in the last book? It turns out she's not just a seer, not just a snowflake. She's a seer AND a pre-vamp! Two rare breeds. At the same time. That's... like... that's not a snowflake. That's practical a whole snowball of sepciall-ness. Oh but no, that's not all. She's a seer, a pre-vamp... and a probability manipulator. AT THE SAME TIME. That's not a snowflake. That's a whole freaking snowman, complete with a freaking carrot in the face, broom in hand and little cute buttons and a smile.
That's why stopping time? Pche. Already done that. Too many people can do it. Have unusual depth? Meh. Be both a Reader and a Guide? Still not unique enough. But entering the second level of Mind Dimension to save the whole society from an evil mastermind? Who's identity was a complete shock? As in you couldn't have known until Darren pointed out how obvious it was? Yeah, that should do it.
But hey, go big or go home. And I definitely like these authors idea of BIG.
If I forget Mira the Bitch, this was a perfect urban fantasy that embodies everything I like about this genre.
Wholly recommended.
September 25, 2021
A great conclusion to this book series!
This novel wrapped up every plotline in the series with a adequately satisfying conclusion.
The twists and turns Darren faces was numerous and all are well setup and delivered. The biggest revelation in this novel regarding the villain is incredibly well setup and the seeds setting it up being elaborated on and explained to the novel's reader was perfectly executed.
MILD SPOILERS
The first half of the novel where Darren learns more about the Elders is interesting and their exploiting of the magic system there is very creative. With it making logical sense which makes the world of this book series as well as its history feel exceedingly lived in and well crafted by the author. It just doesn't end up playing a role in the rest of the novel, it just leaves the future of the world to be taken care of by Darren, since he's the bridge between both societies.
The magic system isn't really expanded in this novel, with this being the final entry that's understandable. However the amount of time dedicated to Darren meeting the Elders is both too long and too inconclusive. The new set of characters introduced are not memorable and don't play a significant role in the rest of the novel. Even the introduced new Guide characters who do stick around to the end don't actually do anything significant or even really noteworthy.
The love interest plays no active role in here and her being around since the first entry and her even getting her own short story in the series leaves her exclusion in the finale to be quite disappointing. Also the scientist's contraption which just so happens to do exactly what Darren needs in order to succeed here is too convenient. For all the scientific explanations Eugene gave in previous novels as to how the magic system works, this novel ignores explaining how the device which saves the day works.
The bombastic finale to this novel is bigger in scope than any of the previous novels, however the creativity in how Darren tackles problems he encounters is lacking. There being no new inventive techniques being used by anyone is a tad bit dissatisfying. However the author deserves a big thumbs up for having there be very well executed and creative consequences to how characters' neglecting to think through the wording they used when Guiding comes back to either backfire or inadvertently help them in unexpected ways.
The villain is introduced in the final entry and their motivation is explained and makes sense in-universe, but having it start and end here rushes through a potentially fascinating villain who just ends up being a one-note villain with no eloquence in their plan, no subtlety in their motivations or fleshed out inner turmoil.
All that criticism aside, The excitement is there in this novel, it's just more of the same just bigger in scope. But getting more of an immensely enjoyable book series and having satisfying character conclusions (but not really character arcs since the majority of the side characters don't really have arcs per say) is all that's needed in a finale to get a solid and very well earned rating.
4,1 stars
This novel wrapped up every plotline in the series with a adequately satisfying conclusion.
The twists and turns Darren faces was numerous and all are well setup and delivered. The biggest revelation in this novel regarding the villain is incredibly well setup and the seeds setting it up being elaborated on and explained to the novel's reader was perfectly executed.
MILD SPOILERS
The first half of the novel where Darren learns more about the Elders is interesting and their exploiting of the magic system there is very creative. With it making logical sense which makes the world of this book series as well as its history feel exceedingly lived in and well crafted by the author. It just doesn't end up playing a role in the rest of the novel, it just leaves the future of the world to be taken care of by Darren, since he's the bridge between both societies.
The magic system isn't really expanded in this novel, with this being the final entry that's understandable. However the amount of time dedicated to Darren meeting the Elders is both too long and too inconclusive. The new set of characters introduced are not memorable and don't play a significant role in the rest of the novel. Even the introduced new Guide characters who do stick around to the end don't actually do anything significant or even really noteworthy.
The love interest plays no active role in here and her being around since the first entry and her even getting her own short story in the series leaves her exclusion in the finale to be quite disappointing. Also the scientist's contraption which just so happens to do exactly what Darren needs in order to succeed here is too convenient. For all the scientific explanations Eugene gave in previous novels as to how the magic system works, this novel ignores explaining how the device which saves the day works.
The bombastic finale to this novel is bigger in scope than any of the previous novels, however the creativity in how Darren tackles problems he encounters is lacking. There being no new inventive techniques being used by anyone is a tad bit dissatisfying. However the author deserves a big thumbs up for having there be very well executed and creative consequences to how characters' neglecting to think through the wording they used when Guiding comes back to either backfire or inadvertently help them in unexpected ways.
The villain is introduced in the final entry and their motivation is explained and makes sense in-universe, but having it start and end here rushes through a potentially fascinating villain who just ends up being a one-note villain with no eloquence in their plan, no subtlety in their motivations or fleshed out inner turmoil.
All that criticism aside, The excitement is there in this novel, it's just more of the same just bigger in scope. But getting more of an immensely enjoyable book series and having satisfying character conclusions (but not really character arcs since the majority of the side characters don't really have arcs per say) is all that's needed in a finale to get a solid and very well earned rating.
4,1 stars
June 21, 2020
Recensione di PsycoDisaster:
Il nostro Darren ha sempre più domande a cui sicuramente riuscirà a trovare una risposta, vista la sua testardaggine e intraprendenza che in ciascun libro non si può fare a meno di notare.
Darren si ritroverà ad affrontare una scelta che ne determinerà il proprio futuro in modo permanente. Dovrà rinunciare a qualcosa per poter ottenere qualcos’altro che altrettanto desidera perché è così che funziona no? Non si può avere tutto e compiendo una scelta ne escludiamo automaticamente un’altra. Ci sono decisioni che sono facili da prendere ma altre… Rinuncereste a una parte di voi, che è sempre stata parte integrante del vostro essere, del vostro modo di vivere e agire? Ci sono cose che chiunque si rifiuterebbe di perdere per un puro istinto egoistico ma forse sull’ago della bilancia non c’è mai stato qualcosa con il giusto peso che le equilibrasse e per cui quindi considerare anche soltanto l’idea di doverne fare a meno. E il nostro protagonista si ritroverà a dover fare proprio questa scelta.
Tutti si zittiscono e mi guardano, in attesa. Li guardo uno per uno. Hillary sembra preoccupata, Eugene è teso, Bert è molto serio. Non posso sopportare l’idea che i miei amici mi si rivoltino contro. Anche senza altri motivi, opto per il piano. «Andiamo, zietta,» le dico. «Abbiamo un aereo da prendere.»
L’unica possibile soluzione, ovvero riuscire a controllare lo sdoppiarsi nella Quiete, è un qualcosa che solo gli Anziani sono in grado di controllare.
Dare, avere. È questo il filo logico che il loro gruppo ristretto segue. E cosa chiederanno in cambio di quei segreti di cui sono così gelosi da non voler diffondere? Sempre che siano disposti a trattare…
Gli Illuminati loro opposti e nemici hanno qualcosa che Darren vuole e forse non potrebbero fare nulla affinché riesca ad ottenerla. E lo scopo di tutto quello? Quale può essere? Non possono essere giunti fino a lì per finire in una delle tante trappole senza poterne uscire. Una situazione disperata richiede atti disperati ma se il risultato è quello preventivato che importa dei rischi corsi? Ognuno di noi ha uno scopo nella vita e pur di raggiungerlo si è capaci di tutto.
Questa è una di quelle saghe che rileggereste anche mille volte poiché molto leggera, trasmette tranquillità ed è una lieve e piacevole fuga dal mondo. Darren sarà in grado di affollare la vostra mente e farvi dimenticare di tutto il resto attraverso le sue domande, il suo essere calcolatore e i suoi piani folli ed è in assoluto la leggerezza delle parole che mi hanno fatto davvero apprezzare l’intera storia in sé.
Ho già commentato lo stile di scrittura e la capacità dell’autore di rendere le cose più tragiche quasi una passeggiata e arrivata alla fine confermo le mie parole, come per il fatto che “Colei che ferma il tempo” non è necessariamente essenziale per la lettura degli altri libri, anche se però fa comprendere molto meglio Mira.
Il nostro Darren ha sempre più domande a cui sicuramente riuscirà a trovare una risposta, vista la sua testardaggine e intraprendenza che in ciascun libro non si può fare a meno di notare.
Darren si ritroverà ad affrontare una scelta che ne determinerà il proprio futuro in modo permanente. Dovrà rinunciare a qualcosa per poter ottenere qualcos’altro che altrettanto desidera perché è così che funziona no? Non si può avere tutto e compiendo una scelta ne escludiamo automaticamente un’altra. Ci sono decisioni che sono facili da prendere ma altre… Rinuncereste a una parte di voi, che è sempre stata parte integrante del vostro essere, del vostro modo di vivere e agire? Ci sono cose che chiunque si rifiuterebbe di perdere per un puro istinto egoistico ma forse sull’ago della bilancia non c’è mai stato qualcosa con il giusto peso che le equilibrasse e per cui quindi considerare anche soltanto l’idea di doverne fare a meno. E il nostro protagonista si ritroverà a dover fare proprio questa scelta.
Tutti si zittiscono e mi guardano, in attesa. Li guardo uno per uno. Hillary sembra preoccupata, Eugene è teso, Bert è molto serio. Non posso sopportare l’idea che i miei amici mi si rivoltino contro. Anche senza altri motivi, opto per il piano. «Andiamo, zietta,» le dico. «Abbiamo un aereo da prendere.»
L’unica possibile soluzione, ovvero riuscire a controllare lo sdoppiarsi nella Quiete, è un qualcosa che solo gli Anziani sono in grado di controllare.
Dare, avere. È questo il filo logico che il loro gruppo ristretto segue. E cosa chiederanno in cambio di quei segreti di cui sono così gelosi da non voler diffondere? Sempre che siano disposti a trattare…
Gli Illuminati loro opposti e nemici hanno qualcosa che Darren vuole e forse non potrebbero fare nulla affinché riesca ad ottenerla. E lo scopo di tutto quello? Quale può essere? Non possono essere giunti fino a lì per finire in una delle tante trappole senza poterne uscire. Una situazione disperata richiede atti disperati ma se il risultato è quello preventivato che importa dei rischi corsi? Ognuno di noi ha uno scopo nella vita e pur di raggiungerlo si è capaci di tutto.
Questa è una di quelle saghe che rileggereste anche mille volte poiché molto leggera, trasmette tranquillità ed è una lieve e piacevole fuga dal mondo. Darren sarà in grado di affollare la vostra mente e farvi dimenticare di tutto il resto attraverso le sue domande, il suo essere calcolatore e i suoi piani folli ed è in assoluto la leggerezza delle parole che mi hanno fatto davvero apprezzare l’intera storia in sé.
Ho già commentato lo stile di scrittura e la capacità dell’autore di rendere le cose più tragiche quasi una passeggiata e arrivata alla fine confermo le mie parole, come per il fatto che “Colei che ferma il tempo” non è necessariamente essenziale per la lettura degli altri libri, anche se però fa comprendere molto meglio Mira.
December 17, 2018
Mind Dimensions book 4. Action, adventure, exciting, fun and fast to read, a real page turner. Darren has known for years that he can step out of his body while everything around him stops. In the first three books he learned, he can read minds of normal people, he can guide or push them, these are the attributes of Readers and Guides and so far as anyone knows he is the only person able to do both. There is animosity between the groups, factions in each that want to exterminate the other group.
At the end of The Enlightened (book 3) they discover who the Pusher is that was causing the havoc in the first books. At the funeral Darren is assaulted by his friends. Mira and Thomas are a Reader and a Pusher and should be immune to this type of manipulation. There must be a super Pusher out there somewhere. Darren escapes the funeral but his friends and moms are captured by Caleb and some of the Enlighteneds' monks. The plan now is to visit the Elders and see if they will show him how to reach level two of the Quiet so that he counteract what this super Pusher is doing. The Elders won't help unless they trust him, all he has to do is spend six days of outside time, six centuries of time in the Mind Dimension, to gain that trust. Time for a new plan. At least the island where the Elders live and their lifestyle is interesting.
The concept of the Mind Dimension is really cool. The characters are great, being fleshed out and no stretch to believe their actions. The writing was smooth, the pages flew by. It was easy visualize the scenes. I am really happy I chance upon and read the preview pages of The Thought Readers. Fantastic series.
At the end of The Enlightened (book 3) they discover who the Pusher is that was causing the havoc in the first books. At the funeral Darren is assaulted by his friends. Mira and Thomas are a Reader and a Pusher and should be immune to this type of manipulation. There must be a super Pusher out there somewhere. Darren escapes the funeral but his friends and moms are captured by Caleb and some of the Enlighteneds' monks. The plan now is to visit the Elders and see if they will show him how to reach level two of the Quiet so that he counteract what this super Pusher is doing. The Elders won't help unless they trust him, all he has to do is spend six days of outside time, six centuries of time in the Mind Dimension, to gain that trust. Time for a new plan. At least the island where the Elders live and their lifestyle is interesting.
The concept of the Mind Dimension is really cool. The characters are great, being fleshed out and no stretch to believe their actions. The writing was smooth, the pages flew by. It was easy visualize the scenes. I am really happy I chance upon and read the preview pages of The Thought Readers. Fantastic series.
August 13, 2022
Disappointing
I read book 4 about 3 years after having read the previous 3 installments. I did recall that I enjoyed the series but upon reading book 4, either I had an overinflated opinion of the first 3 books, or the book just didn't deliver.
As the title suggests, Darren wants to meet the Elders so that he may find out how to achieve Leve 2 of the mind dimension. But before he can, during a funeral in which someone from the previous book is being buried, a "supper pusher" instigates a riot in order to kill Darren. In the process, his moms and girlfriend are captured. Essentially, civil war erupts between two factions that can use the mind dimension.
One of the aspects of this series is that while in the mind dimension time is stopped in reality. This was used to great effect in the previous books, but it was perhaps overused in this book. Here we discover that the Elders spend all their time in the mind dimension. When Darren visits the Elders, he is only able to meet them in the mind dimension. An inordinate amount of detail is given about his visit and interactions - while the real world is on hold. It is just too much and became distracting. I had forgotten that to explain a battle sequence in which Darren bounces between reality and the mind dimension and which may take only 20 minutes, takes chapters to describe.
Zales added a short prequel to the series - but I think I will pass.
I read book 4 about 3 years after having read the previous 3 installments. I did recall that I enjoyed the series but upon reading book 4, either I had an overinflated opinion of the first 3 books, or the book just didn't deliver.
As the title suggests, Darren wants to meet the Elders so that he may find out how to achieve Leve 2 of the mind dimension. But before he can, during a funeral in which someone from the previous book is being buried, a "supper pusher" instigates a riot in order to kill Darren. In the process, his moms and girlfriend are captured. Essentially, civil war erupts between two factions that can use the mind dimension.
One of the aspects of this series is that while in the mind dimension time is stopped in reality. This was used to great effect in the previous books, but it was perhaps overused in this book. Here we discover that the Elders spend all their time in the mind dimension. When Darren visits the Elders, he is only able to meet them in the mind dimension. An inordinate amount of detail is given about his visit and interactions - while the real world is on hold. It is just too much and became distracting. I had forgotten that to explain a battle sequence in which Darren bounces between reality and the mind dimension and which may take only 20 minutes, takes chapters to describe.
Zales added a short prequel to the series - but I think I will pass.
November 18, 2021
The Mind Dimensions Series (Book 0-4...meant to be read Book 1, then 0, then 2-4) -- Dima Zales
Happened upon this series as I was looking for books for my son to read. Everyone was absolutely raving about them and it's a bit sci-fi so thought he would be interested. However, I decided to read them first to ensure the content was appropriate. Good thing I did, because though most of it is very appropriate, there are a few scenes that get a bit graphic and we decided he is not quite ready for them. That being said...I can't wait until he is because they are superb!!! Couldn't put them down!!!
Ok...I have to be perfectly honest. The writing style really sucks at times. By this I mean that you feel like it was written by a high school student sometimes. However, if you can get past that, the story is amazing!! I couldn't get enough and was sad when it was over.
The basic premise is that there are two classes of humans in this world that us everyday people don't know about. They have special powers where they can stop time and live in what is called the Mind Dimension. How long they can do this depends upon their Depth or power limits. One class is called Readers. While in the Mind Dimension, they can read the minds of normal humans. Can you imagine the things you could do with this power??
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
Happened upon this series as I was looking for books for my son to read. Everyone was absolutely raving about them and it's a bit sci-fi so thought he would be interested. However, I decided to read them first to ensure the content was appropriate. Good thing I did, because though most of it is very appropriate, there are a few scenes that get a bit graphic and we decided he is not quite ready for them. That being said...I can't wait until he is because they are superb!!! Couldn't put them down!!!
Ok...I have to be perfectly honest. The writing style really sucks at times. By this I mean that you feel like it was written by a high school student sometimes. However, if you can get past that, the story is amazing!! I couldn't get enough and was sad when it was over.
The basic premise is that there are two classes of humans in this world that us everyday people don't know about. They have special powers where they can stop time and live in what is called the Mind Dimension. How long they can do this depends upon their Depth or power limits. One class is called Readers. While in the Mind Dimension, they can read the minds of normal humans. Can you imagine the things you could do with this power??
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
October 11, 2017
A solid conclusion to a very well-done series.
I absolutely love the blend between the mind-stretching quantum theory/psychology mash-up and the fast-paced, action-packed story. All the philosophical and psychological questions raised in dialogue and thought processes are thankfully much more complex and engaging than the generic and thoughtless unoriginality in most YA books. So I will probably be branching out to adult literature a bit more, although I really do not appreciate the author's (and genre's) tendency to use profligate profanity, violence, and sex. Not a fan.
Besides the content question, my other nitpick is that many lines in this book seemed a bit forced, and variations on the bland sentence "I realized that ..." were used a bit more often than necessary, often explaining things that had already been clear to the reader.
Overall, though, I loved these books, and it's probably the fastest I've ever finished a four-book series in my life.
I absolutely love the blend between the mind-stretching quantum theory/psychology mash-up and the fast-paced, action-packed story. All the philosophical and psychological questions raised in dialogue and thought processes are thankfully much more complex and engaging than the generic and thoughtless unoriginality in most YA books. So I will probably be branching out to adult literature a bit more, although I really do not appreciate the author's (and genre's) tendency to use profligate profanity, violence, and sex. Not a fan.
Besides the content question, my other nitpick is that many lines in this book seemed a bit forced, and variations on the bland sentence "I realized that ..." were used a bit more often than necessary, often explaining things that had already been clear to the reader.
Overall, though, I loved these books, and it's probably the fastest I've ever finished a four-book series in my life.
June 14, 2024
I can't tell you what happened at the end of book three or the beginning of book four, because the moment I finished The Enlightened, I opened up The Elders and continued reading.
I had lots of my questions answered, and more created. I thought I had things figured out a couple of times, but then things shifted and I had to rethink everything (which I love). I DID manage to see a few things coming, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment—this was a very fun ride, and I'm sad that this is the last book in the series, because the characters feel like friends now, and I want to know what happens next with them!
I'm wishing I'd bought the paperback versions instead of Kindle, because I would really love to see these sitting on my shelf alongside my other favorites.
I had lots of my questions answered, and more created. I thought I had things figured out a couple of times, but then things shifted and I had to rethink everything (which I love). I DID manage to see a few things coming, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment—this was a very fun ride, and I'm sad that this is the last book in the series, because the characters feel like friends now, and I want to know what happens next with them!
I'm wishing I'd bought the paperback versions instead of Kindle, because I would really love to see these sitting on my shelf alongside my other favorites.
April 19, 2025
💜Suite et fin captivante.
TOME 4 : LES ANCIENS :
L’histoire se déroule chez les Anciens (chefs des Guides/Pousseurs).
Darren cherche à sauver sa famille et ses amis enlevés par des extrémistes.
A cette occasion, il va en découvrir plus sur sa généalogie familiale...
----------------
Un dernier tome plutôt complexe, qui clôt cette saga des "Dimensions de l’esprit" de belle manière, avec de nombreuses réponses et révélations.
Je ne sais pas si j’ai tout bien compris, mais celà a été une lecture passionnante.
Une série à découvrir dans l’ordre des tomes, sinon vous allez être perdus.
Pour les amateurs de dystopies💜
TOME 4 : LES ANCIENS :
L’histoire se déroule chez les Anciens (chefs des Guides/Pousseurs).
Darren cherche à sauver sa famille et ses amis enlevés par des extrémistes.
A cette occasion, il va en découvrir plus sur sa généalogie familiale...
----------------
Un dernier tome plutôt complexe, qui clôt cette saga des "Dimensions de l’esprit" de belle manière, avec de nombreuses réponses et révélations.
Je ne sais pas si j’ai tout bien compris, mais celà a été une lecture passionnante.
Une série à découvrir dans l’ordre des tomes, sinon vous allez être perdus.
Pour les amateurs de dystopies💜
July 7, 2018
It was so interesting, having read all the series I do think this one was the cherry on the top of this story.
I was amazed and at the same time overwhelmed by all the things that happened in this one, the action was super packed really, I loved the funny parts that were a decent amount, it did had a little drama and it was super edgy.
Really a good way to end Darren's journey and I felt good with the ending too it was perfect for it.
I was amazed and at the same time overwhelmed by all the things that happened in this one, the action was super packed really, I loved the funny parts that were a decent amount, it did had a little drama and it was super edgy.
Really a good way to end Darren's journey and I felt good with the ending too it was perfect for it.
November 26, 2019
It wrapped around all the problems in hand, I really like, very exciting and mysterious, I just curious on the way it finish if there going to be a following book or that's it. Would be nice if they explain what happened next did he go to the Elders to keep his promise, will they finally be able to get the Elders and the Enlightened have peace? I hope the writer give us one last book to finally all the little things... love that serie.
March 1, 2017
This series was a really fast easy read that I found intriguing because of the completely different super powers that were talked about, and how easily each group feared and villainized one another. The idea of multiple levels of enlightment was a stretch at times, but the story was able to keep it intact.
October 18, 2019
While I did enjoy reading this fourth book in the series I didn't enjoy it as much as the first three. Maybe because I knew it was the last one? I'm not sure but it did seem to move slower than the others. That said, I was still entertained by Darren and his crew. And I got a kick out of Dalib/Carrin. ;) The private jokes were especially funny in this book. Again, a fun read.
May 26, 2020
Excellent book and series
An interesting series with psychic abilities, warring factions, drama, mystery, food I'd like to try sometime, action, fights (both individual and large scale), love, and the struggle for peace. I would love to read more about this universe, though I can say the series wrapped up quite nicely.
An interesting series with psychic abilities, warring factions, drama, mystery, food I'd like to try sometime, action, fights (both individual and large scale), love, and the struggle for peace. I would love to read more about this universe, though I can say the series wrapped up quite nicely.
January 16, 2020
Der letzte Teil hat leider etwas geschwächelt. Es waren mir zu viele Kampfszenen dabei und Kollateralschäden... Insgesamt fand ich die Reihe aber super ! Durch eine Challenge habe ich mit dem ersten Teil (damals kostenlos gedownloadet) begonnen und mir nach und nach die nächsten Teile gekauft.
July 26, 2021
Terrific ending to an awesome series!!!
Read my review (s) of the other books in this series!! Exciting, fun, intelligent, well written book and series!! Read the whole series!! Make sure to read the rest of Dima's and Anna's series' as well!!!
Read my review (s) of the other books in this series!! Exciting, fun, intelligent, well written book and series!! Read the whole series!! Make sure to read the rest of Dima's and Anna's series' as well!!!
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