What do you think?
The Conductoid Chronicles #1
Conductoid
Fatherless Jack and Phoebe are completely non-identical twins.
Phoebe's a first class student. Jack's so vague he has daydreams within daydreams. He dreams he's a Conductoid. Beings from other dimensions can only use their powers on Earth through him. And he is desperately needed in this world and beyond. But the days for dreaming are over. Just ask his teachers. Or are they?
As for Phoebe, well, they're completely non-identical, aren't they?
Phoebe's a first class student. Jack's so vague he has daydreams within daydreams. He dreams he's a Conductoid. Beings from other dimensions can only use their powers on Earth through him. And he is desperately needed in this world and beyond. But the days for dreaming are over. Just ask his teachers. Or are they?
As for Phoebe, well, they're completely non-identical, aren't they?
323 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2016
About the author
M.B. Lehane
5 books66 followersSo, it's time to talk about myself. Well, I'm paid to talk a lot. But don't worry, I'll keep this brief.
Since the turn of the century I've been a Crown Prosecutor employed at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Qld).
Throughout my career as a criminal barrister, "The Conductoid Chronicles" have been my creative companion. The series is well over twenty years in the making. Yeah, I'm slow...real slow...I know.
The Conductoid story began as a means of mental escape from crimes often cruel reality. On a weekend I'd write a chapter and read it to my three young children. Two were already avid readers. One wasn't. The book changed all that. Job done. Conductoid was shelved.
The story became a novel when, after quite the gap, my fourth child came along. Subsequently, I dusted off the manuscript. She was delighted. I was horrified. You know, one's own children can be very biased. The original version wasn't very good. Conductoid was given a complete overhaul, rebooted, reinvigorated, polished and then polished a little harder.
In 2016 it was released to the world, and people were very generous in their reviews. At the back of the book I promised a sequel. Yep, remember, I'm slow...real slow.
I can put forward the slightest of defences. Instead of a sequel, I completed the trilogy, and then rewrote the original. It's much better than before.
Book one (2nd edition) was released in May 2026. Book two (Time's Answer) is due to be released in December 2026. The final book in the trilogy, Maze Masters is due for a 2027 publication.
I am forever indebted to all of the many people who have championed this series. Long may we daydream...
Since the turn of the century I've been a Crown Prosecutor employed at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Qld).
Throughout my career as a criminal barrister, "The Conductoid Chronicles" have been my creative companion. The series is well over twenty years in the making. Yeah, I'm slow...real slow...I know.
The Conductoid story began as a means of mental escape from crimes often cruel reality. On a weekend I'd write a chapter and read it to my three young children. Two were already avid readers. One wasn't. The book changed all that. Job done. Conductoid was shelved.
The story became a novel when, after quite the gap, my fourth child came along. Subsequently, I dusted off the manuscript. She was delighted. I was horrified. You know, one's own children can be very biased. The original version wasn't very good. Conductoid was given a complete overhaul, rebooted, reinvigorated, polished and then polished a little harder.
In 2016 it was released to the world, and people were very generous in their reviews. At the back of the book I promised a sequel. Yep, remember, I'm slow...real slow.
I can put forward the slightest of defences. Instead of a sequel, I completed the trilogy, and then rewrote the original. It's much better than before.
Book one (2nd edition) was released in May 2026. Book two (Time's Answer) is due to be released in December 2026. The final book in the trilogy, Maze Masters is due for a 2027 publication.
I am forever indebted to all of the many people who have championed this series. Long may we daydream...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 25, 2016
This book is highly entertaining and you will laugh at the antics of Jack and his friends. Combine Percy Jackson with Lemony Snicket, throw in a pinch of Harry Potter, add a touch of Roald Dahl's Chocolate Factory, and you have Conductoid. On top of the powerful messages such as the importance of friendship and believing in your dreams, this is a fast-paced, exhilarating, fantasy story, bursting with wit and charm. A must read and will keep you turning the page to see what is going to happen next.
May 25, 2016
Open with a typical student soccer game in which player Jack declines team celebrations at the end of a successful game to examine an illuminated device on his ankle in the privacy of the still-empty locker room, then flees. But there's something extraordinary in the method of his flight and in his ride home, implying that Jack is not the ordinary soccer-playing schoolboy he portrays.
Not every boy has a secret compartment in his closet and a jetpack accompanying his lunch bag. No normal boy can rocket into the sky through his rolled-back bedroom ceiling. And what boy can face his greatest enemy with nary a quiver? Nobody, it turns out - even Jack. But, a boy can dream!
In a world that constantly challenges Jack to be extraordinary, he consistently fails. His performance in class, in P.E., and in life are all met with obstacles and his best intentions to do better send him into a dream world filled with creatures more realistic than his own life. In contrast, his twin Phoebe is a winner at nearly everything she does. Even worse, his mother is about to become his teacher at school.
What's left to enjoy are dreams, which sometimes come with nightmares attached. And in this world, he shines.
Conductoid is a super-hero story, a saga of dreams and reality, and tells of a boy who shifts between the persona of a failure and that of Conductoid, a superhero with extraordinary abilities who saves lives and faces down challenges. What, exactly, is a 'conductoid'? It's "A being who can have another’s powers transmitted through them.’"
As Jack faces strangers, transformations, and challenges even in his super-world, he finds that the very qualities that limit him in one world come back to haunt him in the one place he feels powerful.
Not everything in Conductoid focuses on Jack's changing worlds: in between there are family encounters and relationships, field trips, and revelations about the underlying meaning of being strong.
Readers move between fantasy adventure and Jack's real world as Jack explores his position in both. Do the stories Jack creates have their roots in reality? While readers are treated to a satisfying intersection between fantasy and reality, the real questions lie in Jack's ability to move between two worlds and face the consequences of his choices in each.
This gripping saga will especially delight advanced elementary to middle grade readers who secretly dream of being heroes even as they struggle with being human.
Not every boy has a secret compartment in his closet and a jetpack accompanying his lunch bag. No normal boy can rocket into the sky through his rolled-back bedroom ceiling. And what boy can face his greatest enemy with nary a quiver? Nobody, it turns out - even Jack. But, a boy can dream!
In a world that constantly challenges Jack to be extraordinary, he consistently fails. His performance in class, in P.E., and in life are all met with obstacles and his best intentions to do better send him into a dream world filled with creatures more realistic than his own life. In contrast, his twin Phoebe is a winner at nearly everything she does. Even worse, his mother is about to become his teacher at school.
What's left to enjoy are dreams, which sometimes come with nightmares attached. And in this world, he shines.
Conductoid is a super-hero story, a saga of dreams and reality, and tells of a boy who shifts between the persona of a failure and that of Conductoid, a superhero with extraordinary abilities who saves lives and faces down challenges. What, exactly, is a 'conductoid'? It's "A being who can have another’s powers transmitted through them.’"
As Jack faces strangers, transformations, and challenges even in his super-world, he finds that the very qualities that limit him in one world come back to haunt him in the one place he feels powerful.
Not everything in Conductoid focuses on Jack's changing worlds: in between there are family encounters and relationships, field trips, and revelations about the underlying meaning of being strong.
Readers move between fantasy adventure and Jack's real world as Jack explores his position in both. Do the stories Jack creates have their roots in reality? While readers are treated to a satisfying intersection between fantasy and reality, the real questions lie in Jack's ability to move between two worlds and face the consequences of his choices in each.
This gripping saga will especially delight advanced elementary to middle grade readers who secretly dream of being heroes even as they struggle with being human.
November 10, 2016
A big thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book is full of hilarity! The main character, Jack, is a big daydreamer. While he's awake, we are told of his days full of exotic candies, being bullied by big oafs, soccer matches, fights with his precocious twin sister and his bratty schemes of getting people back. While he daydreams, he is always the hero.
The experiences he has in his dreams, changes who he is in his real life. He becomes a hero at school and his relationship gets better with his sister.
I think it's amazing how people can speak the same language but use different words. Thank you for teaching me that my father-in-law is a real pilgarlic! Lol
I picked out a sentence that made me laugh really hard. The scene was during dinner time. "As for eggplant, the person who named this vegetable was obviously not a botonist or a chicken farmer, though he must have been absolutely famished to eat it. Jack believed a wet dishcloth was tastier and less chewy."
This book will make you smile over and over again. I can only imagine how silly the author is in person! :) I was wondering the whole time if maybe he did some of these things himself when he was younger?...who wouldn't like to throw peas at a snob? Lol
This book is full of hilarity! The main character, Jack, is a big daydreamer. While he's awake, we are told of his days full of exotic candies, being bullied by big oafs, soccer matches, fights with his precocious twin sister and his bratty schemes of getting people back. While he daydreams, he is always the hero.
The experiences he has in his dreams, changes who he is in his real life. He becomes a hero at school and his relationship gets better with his sister.
I think it's amazing how people can speak the same language but use different words. Thank you for teaching me that my father-in-law is a real pilgarlic! Lol
I picked out a sentence that made me laugh really hard. The scene was during dinner time. "As for eggplant, the person who named this vegetable was obviously not a botonist or a chicken farmer, though he must have been absolutely famished to eat it. Jack believed a wet dishcloth was tastier and less chewy."
This book will make you smile over and over again. I can only imagine how silly the author is in person! :) I was wondering the whole time if maybe he did some of these things himself when he was younger?...who wouldn't like to throw peas at a snob? Lol
April 26, 2016
Conductoid is one of those rare books that takes you into both a unique fantasy world and the minds and hearts of the main characters. The successes and tribulations of the teenagers are insightful, and the Australian context and humour are terrific. Loved the antics in the sweet shop! Avid and fuzzy readers alike, are bound to enjoy Conductoid.
February 27, 2017
I LOVED this book! Its both a magical fantasy AND real life book. It's a year of Jack's life (he's about 10) and he has to deal with a whole bunch of things at home and at school but also Master Veriator comes into his dreams and changes him into different creatures and he saves people. It is such an interesting story, maybe even my favourite book I've ever read!
February 21, 2017
This book, Conductoid, by M.B. Kehane, opens with the quote on the cover, "All dream at night. It is the dreamers of the day that change worlds."
Jack McKay, a schoolboy who daydreams during the day a LOT, and flails about at school because of this, is beginning to sense that his daydreams are empowering him in a rather special way. Although he still undergoes the scorn of his completely non-identical twin Phoebe, who is brilliant and takes karate, and the frustration of his mum, he is slowly gaining force in the manner in which he learns from his teacher/daydreamer, the Master Veriator.
If you like Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, anything by Edward Eager, and/or N.M. Bodecker, you will love this book. There are layers upon layers of inventiveness waiting to appeal and amuse you. Even the candy is wacky in Conductoid, as are the vendors of it, and their dog.
What is a Conductoid? It will not ruin the book to explain that within the infinite number of parallel universes co-existing with time as the ultimate variable, only one being from a different dimension can use his or her powers outside the confines of that dimension. That being who can use his or her powers outside of that dimension is a Conductoid. Like Jack.
When Jack first heard this, he felt like laughing.
However, it isn't very funny--actually you have to be very brave to be a Conductoid. Something Jack turns out to be, much to his surprise.
There is a hint of a followup to Conductoid. I can't imagine any reader not looking forward to that! Love this book!
January 17, 2017
Credit to anyone who writes a book, but I suspect Lehane has a better one in him. While often quite funny, the flow of plot frequently felt quite jarring, and the idea of "show, don't tell" was taken to such great extremes that I repeatedly felt like I was missing part of the story.
Three chapters from the end, I almost gave up, which would have been my first one-star review (usually reserved for DNFs) in quite some time. However, that seemed a bit silly after reading 28 out of 31 chapters, so I forced myself through a speed read of the last bit.
Unfortunately, this isn't one of those two star books that I eventually adjust to a three star rating after the memory of it fades. This is one of those books that I am going to distinctly remember being poor, thus a two-star rated book it shall remain.
And just to finish... a fairly long message for the author:
Mr Lehane, you have talent, but if a highly educated 30-something adult keeps feeling like he's missing something, then your target audience is likely to feel the same. I won't read a sequel, but I do hope you will write another book at some point.
I suggest reading the Wayside School books, as I think your writing style and sense of humour would be well suited to writing books of that ilk; I genuinely mean it when I say that you have enough talent (albeit misfired in this instance) to make it as a writer of children's books.
If you find an illustrator to work with as well, you really could do something special.
Three chapters from the end, I almost gave up, which would have been my first one-star review (usually reserved for DNFs) in quite some time. However, that seemed a bit silly after reading 28 out of 31 chapters, so I forced myself through a speed read of the last bit.
Unfortunately, this isn't one of those two star books that I eventually adjust to a three star rating after the memory of it fades. This is one of those books that I am going to distinctly remember being poor, thus a two-star rated book it shall remain.
And just to finish... a fairly long message for the author:
Mr Lehane, you have talent, but if a highly educated 30-something adult keeps feeling like he's missing something, then your target audience is likely to feel the same. I won't read a sequel, but I do hope you will write another book at some point.
I suggest reading the Wayside School books, as I think your writing style and sense of humour would be well suited to writing books of that ilk; I genuinely mean it when I say that you have enough talent (albeit misfired in this instance) to make it as a writer of children's books.
If you find an illustrator to work with as well, you really could do something special.
February 26, 2017
M.B. Lehane combines every category I look for when selecting a family read; fantasy, adventure, humor, friendship, and great characters. I enjoy reading a book before my kids so I can build on it as we read. I am excited to see what my kids think about Conductoid.
Conductoid is about a brother and sister much like my kids and while my kids are not twins like Jack and Phoebe they are completely different.
From the first page you are thrust into the daydream world with Jack. He can't help himself. Jack is amazing in his dreams. Always the super hero and always saves the day. He even has a ceiling that rolls back so he can jet pack out of his bedroom anytime he is needed to save the world. Staying in reality isn't easy for Jack and why would he want to. He is constantly bullied, his mom doesn't seem to understand him. He and his sister don't get along and he is constantly in detention but what if Jack really is all he imagines. What if he is magical in other dimensions? What if he actually has powers.
The story isn't just about Jack and his specialty it is about family, trust, loyalty, perseverance and the secondary characters are just as important to the story too! I love Phoebe and Skye.
Like all the books this is being compared to; Harry Potter, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Percy Jackson, even Lemony Snicket (not a bad book in the bunch) Conductoid is also a great read for a boy or girl.
Conductoid is about a brother and sister much like my kids and while my kids are not twins like Jack and Phoebe they are completely different.
From the first page you are thrust into the daydream world with Jack. He can't help himself. Jack is amazing in his dreams. Always the super hero and always saves the day. He even has a ceiling that rolls back so he can jet pack out of his bedroom anytime he is needed to save the world. Staying in reality isn't easy for Jack and why would he want to. He is constantly bullied, his mom doesn't seem to understand him. He and his sister don't get along and he is constantly in detention but what if Jack really is all he imagines. What if he is magical in other dimensions? What if he actually has powers.
The story isn't just about Jack and his specialty it is about family, trust, loyalty, perseverance and the secondary characters are just as important to the story too! I love Phoebe and Skye.
Like all the books this is being compared to; Harry Potter, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Percy Jackson, even Lemony Snicket (not a bad book in the bunch) Conductoid is also a great read for a boy or girl.
June 5, 2017
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways and have chosen to give my honest opinion about it.
I loved this book! My favorite part was the characters and watching them develop and engage with the story, it was truly marvelous to see how they'd react to the conflicts. The Conductoid idea is truly amazing, and the writing style was eloquent. The dialogue was enjoyable and just, wow, the world was just set up so well! I really hope the author explores more content like this, maybe a sequel??
I loved this book! My favorite part was the characters and watching them develop and engage with the story, it was truly marvelous to see how they'd react to the conflicts. The Conductoid idea is truly amazing, and the writing style was eloquent. The dialogue was enjoyable and just, wow, the world was just set up so well! I really hope the author explores more content like this, maybe a sequel??
August 9, 2026
This was a really enjoyable read that takes you down the rabbit hole. Jack's creative daydreams and Phoebe's perfect demeanor make the twins interesting. The concept of Conductoids lends a little excitement with some supernatural elements. Overall, a really fun and quirky book that leaves you questioning reality.
June 10, 2017
A magical fantasy book with great characters that kept me laughing and smiling all the way through. A very clever imagination this author has, to be able to write such a great book. I can't wait to share with my grandsons when they get a little older. They will love it as much as I did. Great job!
August 12, 2017
This was a fun and easy read even though it's not usually my chosen genre. I would definitely recommend this book for fans of Harry Potter and the Percy Jackson series. It is by no means a rip-off of those books, but it has some elements in common, and fans would probably enjoy this book too.
April 30, 2016
Fantastic and very humorous book for kids and young adults (and adults....). Loved all the brilliant characters!
February 6, 2017
I love this book! I like the use of imagination in it! It really transports you & makes you think!
April 24, 2017
Engrossing, genre busting hilarity. Clever plot and social commentary. Throw in fantasy and good characters and can't wait for the next instalment from MB Lehane.
Andrew Ross
Andrew Ross
September 2, 2026
I went into Conductoid expecting a fairly straightforward children’s fantasy, but it turned out to be considerably stranger—and more entertaining—than I anticipated.
At the center of the story are twins Jack and Phoebe, who couldn’t be more different. Jack is the sort of kid who can disappear completely into his own imagination, while Phoebe is clever, capable, and considerably more grounded. Their relationship gives the story much of its charm, because beneath all the jokes and supernatural oddities, there is a very believable sibling dynamic at work.
What really makes Conductoid stand out is its sense of humor. Lehane doesn't seem particularly interested in writing the kind of polished, predictable fantasy where every character behaves exactly as expected. There is an almost mischievous quality to the writing, with eccentric characters, absurd situations, and dialogue that occasionally caught me off guard and made me laugh.
The central idea—Jack's daydreams being connected to beings from other dimensions who can use him as a conduit in our world—is imaginative without burying the reader beneath pages of mythology. The fantasy gradually intrudes on Jack's ordinary problems at school and at home, which makes the transition from everyday life to something much stranger feel surprisingly natural.
I also appreciated that the story has something to say about being different, believing in yourself, friendship, and not necessarily fitting into the expectations other people have for you. Those themes are there, but they don't feel like lectures.
This is definitely aimed toward younger readers, but I think adults who enjoy children's and middle-grade fantasy will find plenty to appreciate here too. It's funny, imaginative, occasionally bizarre, and full of characters who are considerably more memorable than they have any right to be.
If you enjoy fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously, Conductoid is worth giving a chance. Sometimes a kid disappearing into a daydream turns out to be considerably more important than the adults in the room realize.
At the center of the story are twins Jack and Phoebe, who couldn’t be more different. Jack is the sort of kid who can disappear completely into his own imagination, while Phoebe is clever, capable, and considerably more grounded. Their relationship gives the story much of its charm, because beneath all the jokes and supernatural oddities, there is a very believable sibling dynamic at work.
What really makes Conductoid stand out is its sense of humor. Lehane doesn't seem particularly interested in writing the kind of polished, predictable fantasy where every character behaves exactly as expected. There is an almost mischievous quality to the writing, with eccentric characters, absurd situations, and dialogue that occasionally caught me off guard and made me laugh.
The central idea—Jack's daydreams being connected to beings from other dimensions who can use him as a conduit in our world—is imaginative without burying the reader beneath pages of mythology. The fantasy gradually intrudes on Jack's ordinary problems at school and at home, which makes the transition from everyday life to something much stranger feel surprisingly natural.
I also appreciated that the story has something to say about being different, believing in yourself, friendship, and not necessarily fitting into the expectations other people have for you. Those themes are there, but they don't feel like lectures.
This is definitely aimed toward younger readers, but I think adults who enjoy children's and middle-grade fantasy will find plenty to appreciate here too. It's funny, imaginative, occasionally bizarre, and full of characters who are considerably more memorable than they have any right to be.
If you enjoy fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously, Conductoid is worth giving a chance. Sometimes a kid disappearing into a daydream turns out to be considerably more important than the adults in the room realize.
July 13, 2026
Oh golly gosh. I'm afraid this one just didn't do it for me. There were two main reasons for that. One, was all the fantasy elements were in dream sequences which makes me wonder the whole time whether what I was reading was even real. And as I tended to believe 'no it's not real' I therefore felt 'why am I reading it?' and 'when will I get back to the real action'. But in this book's case the real 'action' was lacking any real story - it was very meandering and I was never really clear on what Jack's goals were and what the stakes were and I therefore struggled to stay invested and curious. The one thing that was alright was the writing itself and I did like that the narrative style was distinctive and quirky, however that style (in dialogue too) was a bit too consistently quirky (several different characters had the same quirky humour) and some humour stretches were too slapstick and in general the way it was written and the way the characters spoke was too antiquated for me. It had a Roald Dahl feel at times and yet it is a modern book and it's supposed to be YA (YA is for 12-19 year olds and I don't know many, if any, who talk like these characters). However if you start reading this book and you LOVE the humour and style then this might be the book for you. Unfortunately because I wasn't a massive fan of the humour and style, I was left with little else to enjoy and was tempted to DNF it at times. Unfortunate, because the writing is clearly clever and creative. I just needed a more structured story and more clearly stated character goals and arcs to keep me gripped and give me greater satisfaction.
July 23, 2026
Conductoid by M.B. Lehane is a unique fantasy novel that blends the genre with a real-life children's story in a creative way.
The main characters, Jack and his sister Phoebe, enter the fantasy world between the other chapters of the story. The author has mainly narrated the fantasy elements of the plot with Jack, who interacts with Master Veriator, also called Azan, in the story.
There are wonderful events in the story where Jack is transformed into many forms to save the affected people and restore normalcy.
While Jack enters the real world, he mainly interacts with his parents and teachers. He is involved in a soccer game that creates enough interest in the story, with the characters debating the ways of defeating the opponents.
There are some life lessons in the story where Veriator preaches to Jack what life really means and how one can cross the hurdles they face. He says character is more important than talent and true Conductoid seeks its destiny.
The ending is where Zylan, the wife of Veriator, ultimately joins hands with Jack and Pheobe and gets her husband released from their enemies. There are Dymorphis and Lord of Kronas who put stiff opposition to the lead characters.
It's an edge-of-the-seat drama with fires engulfing the places and Jack and Zylan escaping from the tentacles of their opponents.
I highly recommend this fantasy story that blends well with the real-life children's tale for lovers of the genre who like to enjoy it over the weekend.
The main characters, Jack and his sister Phoebe, enter the fantasy world between the other chapters of the story. The author has mainly narrated the fantasy elements of the plot with Jack, who interacts with Master Veriator, also called Azan, in the story.
There are wonderful events in the story where Jack is transformed into many forms to save the affected people and restore normalcy.
While Jack enters the real world, he mainly interacts with his parents and teachers. He is involved in a soccer game that creates enough interest in the story, with the characters debating the ways of defeating the opponents.
There are some life lessons in the story where Veriator preaches to Jack what life really means and how one can cross the hurdles they face. He says character is more important than talent and true Conductoid seeks its destiny.
The ending is where Zylan, the wife of Veriator, ultimately joins hands with Jack and Pheobe and gets her husband released from their enemies. There are Dymorphis and Lord of Kronas who put stiff opposition to the lead characters.
It's an edge-of-the-seat drama with fires engulfing the places and Jack and Zylan escaping from the tentacles of their opponents.
I highly recommend this fantasy story that blends well with the real-life children's tale for lovers of the genre who like to enjoy it over the weekend.
August 9, 2026
Endless in a Potential. A good story lost in a harsh structure.
Endless in a Potential of Conductoid.
This story shows promise with a solid conceptual backbone with real moments of genuine humor, which hits. It will make you laugh.The twins make a good strong characters with a amazing storyline, but the writing tends up being sort of hard and cold. It like going on on nice tour with great views in a bus with hard, uncomfortable seats and driving on a rocky road.
The problem though is the ultimately the execution feels stifled. The prose, is grammatically sound yet it lacks the organic rhythm and distinct voice needed to call and totally engage the reader. It results in a narrative that feels more generated than experienced.
While the plot moves efficiently, the characters unfortunately suffer from stiffness, making it difficult to form a lasting connection. It is hard to relax and slip into the amazing world with the harsh finish structure. I especielly loved the deluded character, though he just settled awarkward in his setting and delusions. He almost beat them there.
A good story and strong characters left in in a hard carriage.
But now I do want a Bulgarian Burper. While I eat it. I will wonder the connectoN between Bulgaria, the ocean, and mermaids. Read this enjoyable story. Despite the flaws the story is worth it.
Endless in a Potential of Conductoid.
This story shows promise with a solid conceptual backbone with real moments of genuine humor, which hits. It will make you laugh.The twins make a good strong characters with a amazing storyline, but the writing tends up being sort of hard and cold. It like going on on nice tour with great views in a bus with hard, uncomfortable seats and driving on a rocky road.
The problem though is the ultimately the execution feels stifled. The prose, is grammatically sound yet it lacks the organic rhythm and distinct voice needed to call and totally engage the reader. It results in a narrative that feels more generated than experienced.
While the plot moves efficiently, the characters unfortunately suffer from stiffness, making it difficult to form a lasting connection. It is hard to relax and slip into the amazing world with the harsh finish structure. I especielly loved the deluded character, though he just settled awarkward in his setting and delusions. He almost beat them there.
A good story and strong characters left in in a hard carriage.
But now I do want a Bulgarian Burper. While I eat it. I will wonder the connectoN between Bulgaria, the ocean, and mermaids. Read this enjoyable story. Despite the flaws the story is worth it.
July 23, 2026
Jack is a middlegrade boy whose daydreams get him into trouble, in more ways than one. This is a portal fantasy story where we jump between the fantastic and realistic worlds, trying to navigate problems in each of them. as an idea, i think this has merit. we've all been there before--daydreaming when we should be paying attention. however, i am not sold on the execution.
this is a story aimed at the age group that the main characters are, around 13 or so. I say that because of the way it is written, not just with the problems and attitudes of a pre high school teenager, but also the writing style. It shovels in quite a lot of light, whimsical narration and humor. arguably too much, though that will depend on the reader. the older the reader, the less you will relate to the problems of a 13 year old or the jokes might just make your eyes roll. however, i fear that the target niche of 10-13 years may not find this book too engaging either.
i think the story takes far too long to get to the point. the "day dreams" are interesting slices of action but we don't know the stakes of them, or their purpose, for far too long. if the book was faster and chapters snappier, i would recommend younger YA readers give it a try. as it is now, i'm just not sure it will land.
this is a story aimed at the age group that the main characters are, around 13 or so. I say that because of the way it is written, not just with the problems and attitudes of a pre high school teenager, but also the writing style. It shovels in quite a lot of light, whimsical narration and humor. arguably too much, though that will depend on the reader. the older the reader, the less you will relate to the problems of a 13 year old or the jokes might just make your eyes roll. however, i fear that the target niche of 10-13 years may not find this book too engaging either.
i think the story takes far too long to get to the point. the "day dreams" are interesting slices of action but we don't know the stakes of them, or their purpose, for far too long. if the book was faster and chapters snappier, i would recommend younger YA readers give it a try. as it is now, i'm just not sure it will land.
July 4, 2026
This one moves fast and does not take itself too seriously, which turned out to be exactly its charm. Jack is the kind of kid who has daydreams inside his daydreams, and the book leans all the way into that. He believes he is a Conductoid, the one person on earth beings from other dimensions can work their powers through, and the story blurs the line between what he imagines and what is actually happening until you are happily along for the ride.
The writing has a real playful streak. A scene where Jack casually reaches a secret elevator behind his ironed shirts, grabs a jetpack and a packed lunch, then rockets off between bites of a ham sandwich tells you the tone right away. It is quick, funny, and full of small gags that land.
There is heart under the silliness too, with Jack's sister Phoebe getting her own part to play rather than sitting on the sidelines. If you have a young reader who loves adventure and lives in their imagination, this is an easy one to hand them. I had fun with it.
The writing has a real playful streak. A scene where Jack casually reaches a secret elevator behind his ironed shirts, grabs a jetpack and a packed lunch, then rockets off between bites of a ham sandwich tells you the tone right away. It is quick, funny, and full of small gags that land.
There is heart under the silliness too, with Jack's sister Phoebe getting her own part to play rather than sitting on the sidelines. If you have a young reader who loves adventure and lives in their imagination, this is an easy one to hand them. I had fun with it.
August 22, 2026
I got The Conductoid Chronicles series by M.B. Lehane almost by mistake, not knowing it is for more young adult readers, but I don't regret reading it as it was a fun read for an adult like me. Non-identical twins Jack and Phoebe McKay are the main characters. Jack is the underachieving daydreamer who keeps drifting off in class and getting into trouble for it; Phoebe is the high-performing opposite. Jack’s vivid daydreams turn out to involve him acting as a Conductoid: a conduit that lets beings from other dimensions channel their powers through him to act on Earth. The story moves between ordinary school and family pressures and the larger interdimensional tasks that start demanding his attention. The writing has somewhat dry humor (I enjoyed it) and is more on grounded than dramatic or epic. Sibling friction, school detentions, and small everyday details sit alongside the fantasy elements without one drowning the other. If you are looking for a series starter that keeps the stakes personal while introducing a simple interdimensional premise, this is a solid, readable entry.
August 3, 2026
The premise is refreshingly original. Jack's constant daydreaming could easily have become repetitive, but instead it becomes one of the book's biggest strengths. The contrast between his chaotic imagination and everyday school life creates plenty of genuinely funny moments, while Phoebe is a fantastic character in her own right and brings a great balance to the story.
What surprised me most was how much heart the book has beneath the humour. Alongside the fantasy and adventure there are thoughtful themes about family, friendship, bullying and believing in yourself, all woven in naturally without feeling heavy-handed.
It's an imaginative, fast-paced read with memorable characters and a style that keeps the pages turning. I'd happily recommend it to middle-grade readers, or adults who still enjoy the kind of inventive adventures they grew up with. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series.
What surprised me most was how much heart the book has beneath the humour. Alongside the fantasy and adventure there are thoughtful themes about family, friendship, bullying and believing in yourself, all woven in naturally without feeling heavy-handed.
It's an imaginative, fast-paced read with memorable characters and a style that keeps the pages turning. I'd happily recommend it to middle-grade readers, or adults who still enjoy the kind of inventive adventures they grew up with. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series.
July 7, 2026
The author paints a vivid picture in Conductoid from the very outset and has a very clear vision of what he wants to share. This is reflected in Jack who is a wonderfully written character lost somewhere in his own daydreams. The opening sequence is a thrilling read as we are between two worlds, the real one and Jack’s fantasy, and it captures a really fun kid-like nostalgic feel.
Jack struggles at school due to his lack of focus but I found his dialogue with Ty and his sister really funny and engaging. They have good dynamics with gentle jokes, expressions of frustration, love and affection which made them really fun to read about. Jack’s dramatic outbursts and willingness to learn from Eve was really pleasing. The plot moves at a quick pace and is not bulked down with too much lore or exploration. It is just pure fun for Jack and the reader and that is what I enjoyed the most.
Jack struggles at school due to his lack of focus but I found his dialogue with Ty and his sister really funny and engaging. They have good dynamics with gentle jokes, expressions of frustration, love and affection which made them really fun to read about. Jack’s dramatic outbursts and willingness to learn from Eve was really pleasing. The plot moves at a quick pace and is not bulked down with too much lore or exploration. It is just pure fun for Jack and the reader and that is what I enjoyed the most.
July 14, 2026
At first, I found it hard to get into the story. The book is packed with humor and irony. I couldn’t read more than one chapter at a time. But the more I delved into the book the more it grew on me. It contains many wonderful observations about the relationships between the friends, neighbors, siblings and their mother, as well as plenty of witty remarks and amusing everyday situations.
It’s not a modern story; it belongs to a time when people were less polite and less vulnerable. I don’t know how today’s teenagers will feel about the book, but I certainly enjoyed it.
My favorite was a lovely couple from Siberia, Mr. and Mrs. Dibble, the shop owners, (and their dog, Czar). I hope they were based on real-life people!
I recommend Conductoid to adults who are young at heart and to anyone who loves to dream and fantasize.
It’s not a modern story; it belongs to a time when people were less polite and less vulnerable. I don’t know how today’s teenagers will feel about the book, but I certainly enjoyed it.
My favorite was a lovely couple from Siberia, Mr. and Mrs. Dibble, the shop owners, (and their dog, Czar). I hope they were based on real-life people!
I recommend Conductoid to adults who are young at heart and to anyone who loves to dream and fantasize.
August 4, 2026
Conductoid is a humorous fantasy tale about Jack who is always daydreaming. It asked the question, what if daydreams were true? It is a unique and inventive story with humor that kids will enjoy. It contains some great observations on relationships.
The characters are memorable. People looking for a fast-paced page turner will enjoy this story. People will respond to the trope of a young, troubled kid with special powers struggling in the world. It is a trope and a good one, One that helps kids connect with a character and root for them.
Afterall, childhood is a struggle for people to understand you and for you to understand the world without having special powers.
This is a story kids will identify with.
August 10, 2026
Conductoid has that wonderful middle-grade combination of adventure, imagination and silliness. I loved the concept of Jack escaping his disappointing real life through elaborate superhero daydreams, where he’s brave, powerful and always saves the day. The contrast between fantasy-Jack and the boy struggling with bullies, school and seemingly perfect Phoebe gives the story emotional weight, and the humour! This book made me laugh more than once, particularly Jack’s wonderfully opinionated observations about the world around him. Being a fellow Aussie, I also appreciated the touches of local colour.
But what really won me over was the relationship between Jack and Phoebe. Beneath all the squabbling is a lovely story about family and loyalty. A funny and imaginative story. I loved it.
But what really won me over was the relationship between Jack and Phoebe. Beneath all the squabbling is a lovely story about family and loyalty. A funny and imaginative story. I loved it.
August 18, 2026
Jack's daydreaming needed up being one of my favorite parts, especially when his normal school problems start mixing with these much stranger worlds in his head. I also liked the humor around his teachers, soccer, and his friendship with Ty. Since it keeps the story from getting too serous even when the Conducted side starts growing.
I really enjoyed the illustrations scattered throughout the book, they added some personality to the story and made the stranger moments easier to picture, like scuba soccer.
Phoebe was interesting too because she's so different from Jack, and there are little hints she may be more involved in all of this than she first appears. Overall it was a fun start to the series and left me curios about where Jack and Phoebe go next.
I really enjoyed the illustrations scattered throughout the book, they added some personality to the story and made the stranger moments easier to picture, like scuba soccer.
Phoebe was interesting too because she's so different from Jack, and there are little hints she may be more involved in all of this than she first appears. Overall it was a fun start to the series and left me curios about where Jack and Phoebe go next.
August 18, 2026
Entertaining and very creative
I thought this one would be hard for me to rate because I know I'm not the target audience, but the story genuinely hooked me in. I think the fact that I as someone who was just dipping into this genre enjoyed this, it should hopefully means that a younger audience will enjoy it even more!
MB Lehane is definitely talented and very, very creative. The world building and concept are excellent, the characters are strong and there is a lot of great humour throughout the story.
I think this will definitely appeal to a younger
audience. The banter and back & forth between Jack and Phoebe is fun and I enjoyed the story, particularly the creativite premise.
So it is a 4 from me.
I thought this one would be hard for me to rate because I know I'm not the target audience, but the story genuinely hooked me in. I think the fact that I as someone who was just dipping into this genre enjoyed this, it should hopefully means that a younger audience will enjoy it even more!
MB Lehane is definitely talented and very, very creative. The world building and concept are excellent, the characters are strong and there is a lot of great humour throughout the story.
I think this will definitely appeal to a younger
audience. The banter and back & forth between Jack and Phoebe is fun and I enjoyed the story, particularly the creativite premise.
So it is a 4 from me.
September 1, 2026
I enjoyed this book. The concept is one I’ve never come across before and that’s quite an accomplishment given all the books that have been written. It’s told in a casual, humourous way that made it fun to read. The main characters are eleven (if I remember right) which makes it a great story for readers around that age. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it as an adult. The interaction between brother and sister, friends and enemies felt authentic. I believe the setting is the United Kingdom so the school system and some of the words reflect that. It never affected my understanding, though. This is book one and I really liked the way it set up the ending for a sequel. It gave a satisfying finish to this story before the hook for the next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews