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Blind Spot #1
The Girl They Couldn't See
This story is about Roni Buchry, a young multiracial girl with dark skin but blue eyes. She faces discrimination in her school and her family’s retail business is plagued by an organized crime family that collects “insurance,” often brutally.
Roni’s always been extraordinarily good at hiding, first in hide-and-seek as a child and later to avoid embarrassment. Now, older, she and her brother begin to realize that what she actually has is a form of telepathy. She can’t read other people’s minds, or speak to them silently, or force her thoughts on theirs. All she can do is make other people “not notice” her. At first being able to become invisible seems like a great way to hide from or avoid her old boyfriend, but she slowly begins to realize that it will let her do so much more.
She even begins to wonder if she might be able to do something about the mob family that’s been holding her city in its thrall.
Roni’s always been extraordinarily good at hiding, first in hide-and-seek as a child and later to avoid embarrassment. Now, older, she and her brother begin to realize that what she actually has is a form of telepathy. She can’t read other people’s minds, or speak to them silently, or force her thoughts on theirs. All she can do is make other people “not notice” her. At first being able to become invisible seems like a great way to hide from or avoid her old boyfriend, but she slowly begins to realize that it will let her do so much more.
She even begins to wonder if she might be able to do something about the mob family that’s been holding her city in its thrall.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2016
About the author
Laurence E. Dahners
63 books714 followersI was born on the island of Cyprus where my dad was employed as a mining engineer. We moved to the Philippines (more mining) when I was three and then to Arizona when I was 9. I went to med school at the University of Arizona and did a residency in Orthopaedics at the University of Kansas. I taught Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill until I retired in 2017.
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 9, 2020
Rating 3.0 stars
This was a miss for me. I have liked most of what I have read from this author and expected a lot more from this book. There were a couple of things that just felt off to me. The biggest problem I had was the setup. We find out that the main character Roni Buchry has an ability to hide in plane site. From what is described, she sort of makes people not notice she is around. It was explained that she telepathically makes people not notice her. They can see her on video, but she can stand right in front of someone and they won't notice anything about her. She can even touch them and not have them feel it. This is similar to what happened to one of the characters in the Hyllis books. My biggest problem is that there is no explanation for why she is able to do this. Then then is her brother Hax. He has inherited an ability from his mothers side of the family that makes him super coordinated. While there wasn't a great explanation for why his family had that skill, at least there was some explanation of it running in the family, unlike with his sister's powers. Roni uses her powers to take down a criminal organization that has been shaking down her family. This is the part I had the most problems with.
This was a miss for me. I have liked most of what I have read from this author and expected a lot more from this book. There were a couple of things that just felt off to me. The biggest problem I had was the setup. We find out that the main character Roni Buchry has an ability to hide in plane site. From what is described, she sort of makes people not notice she is around. It was explained that she telepathically makes people not notice her. They can see her on video, but she can stand right in front of someone and they won't notice anything about her. She can even touch them and not have them feel it. This is similar to what happened to one of the characters in the Hyllis books. My biggest problem is that there is no explanation for why she is able to do this. Then then is her brother Hax. He has inherited an ability from his mothers side of the family that makes him super coordinated. While there wasn't a great explanation for why his family had that skill, at least there was some explanation of it running in the family, unlike with his sister's powers. Roni uses her powers to take down a criminal organization that has been shaking down her family. This is the part I had the most problems with.
December 1, 2016
This was a surprise
This story turned out to be much better than I expected. The story is very well done even if it is fairly simplistic. Young girl finds that she can become invisible and takes down the mob terrorizing her father and others in her town. A quick easy read, very enjoyable.
This story turned out to be much better than I expected. The story is very well done even if it is fairly simplistic. Young girl finds that she can become invisible and takes down the mob terrorizing her father and others in her town. A quick easy read, very enjoyable.
March 29, 2018
Great story
As usual, Laurence Dahners has provided us with a great story with a couple of plausible "what is" as a basis. My only quibble is that it sorely needs a final edit. There were a couple of typos so bad that I couldn't even figure out what it was supposed to say. And a couple more that were just plain careless (eg 6 bullets made 7 holes). But that quibble aside, a fun way to spend several hours of my life. I eagerly look forward to the next installment, and anything else that Mr Dahners cares to write for me to read.
As usual, Laurence Dahners has provided us with a great story with a couple of plausible "what is" as a basis. My only quibble is that it sorely needs a final edit. There were a couple of typos so bad that I couldn't even figure out what it was supposed to say. And a couple more that were just plain careless (eg 6 bullets made 7 holes). But that quibble aside, a fun way to spend several hours of my life. I eagerly look forward to the next installment, and anything else that Mr Dahners cares to write for me to read.
July 17, 2020
A decent story
While this is new series it's fairly typical of the author's work. The main characters have something extra that they discover that allows them to do some pretty cool things. The books are also, IMO geared towards a Y/A audience. So nothing too "exciting" happens. The characters, Roni and her brother Hax (what kind of name is that?) are not complex. They are fairly simply portrayed teenagers, even after they they their talents. But the book was enjoyable. I just couldn't rate it higher than 4 stars. I would have given it 3.5 stars if I could have.
While this is new series it's fairly typical of the author's work. The main characters have something extra that they discover that allows them to do some pretty cool things. The books are also, IMO geared towards a Y/A audience. So nothing too "exciting" happens. The characters, Roni and her brother Hax (what kind of name is that?) are not complex. They are fairly simply portrayed teenagers, even after they they their talents. But the book was enjoyable. I just couldn't rate it higher than 4 stars. I would have given it 3.5 stars if I could have.
August 27, 2022
Dahners, Laurence E. The Girl They Couldn’t See. Blind Spot No. 1. Kindle, 2016.
The what-if premise of The Girl They Couldn’t See is that a multiracial girl with dark skin and blue eyes has a telepathic ability to make people edit her out of their visual field when she wants them to. This ability helps her evade bullies in school and surveil gangsters as a young adult. As usual, Dahners does a good job of working out the implications of a few genetic anomalies. He writes believably about working-class families and smart kids. His plots are predictable, but they go down easily. 3.5 stars.
The what-if premise of The Girl They Couldn’t See is that a multiracial girl with dark skin and blue eyes has a telepathic ability to make people edit her out of their visual field when she wants them to. This ability helps her evade bullies in school and surveil gangsters as a young adult. As usual, Dahners does a good job of working out the implications of a few genetic anomalies. He writes believably about working-class families and smart kids. His plots are predictable, but they go down easily. 3.5 stars.
January 23, 2018
Well Done
This story of meta brother and sister going against a mob family was way more realistic than I thought it would be. They get bullied by the children of the mob boss at school, and their store owning patents must pay protection money at home. I can't imagine that the mob could still get away with that now days. They would be on Facebook and utube so fast someone would have to stop them...hopefully. Great Story
This story of meta brother and sister going against a mob family was way more realistic than I thought it would be. They get bullied by the children of the mob boss at school, and their store owning patents must pay protection money at home. I can't imagine that the mob could still get away with that now days. They would be on Facebook and utube so fast someone would have to stop them...hopefully. Great Story
August 19, 2019
Wow!
I'm giving this book 5 stars, when I just want to stop and Rest! Geez! I got so stressed from reading this, I'm actually sweating. Now, that's a scary book! I was so worried Roni was going to be discovered, I finally had to skip some and get to the close, so I could power my heart rate. I LOVE A GOOD BOOK! And one was really good, almost too good. If you like suspense, and being kept on pins and needles, read this book!
I'm giving this book 5 stars, when I just want to stop and Rest! Geez! I got so stressed from reading this, I'm actually sweating. Now, that's a scary book! I was so worried Roni was going to be discovered, I finally had to skip some and get to the close, so I could power my heart rate. I LOVE A GOOD BOOK! And one was really good, almost too good. If you like suspense, and being kept on pins and needles, read this book!
July 18, 2026
Pick a super power
Comic books and superhero movies give youngsters a variety choices, but as I remember, invisibility often came up right after the ability to fly. This YA novel will satisfy most readers. Here’s a family with the genes for several abilities, including some sports related traits. There is probably too much “explaining” as the characters perform to save their neighborhood from the gangsters plaguing them.
Comic books and superhero movies give youngsters a variety choices, but as I remember, invisibility often came up right after the ability to fly. This YA novel will satisfy most readers. Here’s a family with the genes for several abilities, including some sports related traits. There is probably too much “explaining” as the characters perform to save their neighborhood from the gangsters plaguing them.
August 23, 2022
Fully up to Mr. Dhaners usual high standards this is a good read. All's well that end's well and it deserves 5 stars despite the protagonists reluctance to do the necessary. I understand the attitude but being a sheep dog(or tamed wolf) I have personal issues with hero's who share the herd's unwillingness to do what is necessary to protect themselves.
October 23, 2023
A bit different from the usual books by the author in that this one is not really based on scientific possibility, but rather sets a phenomenon as fact and then explores the possibility. A bit like "if a superhero had this power, how could it actually be used?" Not quite what I was hoping for when I picked up the book, but still fun :)
January 30, 2017
Alright for a book
This book does not bode well for vaz and tiona or ell. Slowing down already? Please dont let your talent rest!!! I see your style here not your Flair..... i love your writing, dont fall off like king has. Please write more of gage in ell donsaii
This book does not bode well for vaz and tiona or ell. Slowing down already? Please dont let your talent rest!!! I see your style here not your Flair..... i love your writing, dont fall off like king has. Please write more of gage in ell donsaii
September 8, 2017
Neither smell nor dogs were not tested. So I expected a guard dog or even a pet to barge in and cause problems. In my neighborhood at least one dog will usually bark at me during a 20 minute walk. But in this book it never happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2021
What an interesting story
If you read as much as I do you're always looking for something you've never read before.
That's getting harder to find.
THIS is one of those stories.
Give it a try. Beware... It blooms slowly.
Give it a chance, you won't be disappointed.
If you read as much as I do you're always looking for something you've never read before.
That's getting harder to find.
THIS is one of those stories.
Give it a try. Beware... It blooms slowly.
Give it a chance, you won't be disappointed.
January 20, 2023
While I enjoyed the book, I did not think it was up to the standards of the Hyllis family, the Bonesetter series, Stasis Stories, and the Donsaii novels early on. Worth reading if you are a Dahners fan, but not as complex or innovative as his other novels.
March 29, 2024
Great and entertaining story!!!!
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
March 6, 2026
Good but short story
This seems to be part of a series a bit like the older Heroes TV show where people get strange abilities and learn how to use them. I enjoyed the story for what it was. I have read one of his other series which I really enjoyed, so thought to try this one.
This seems to be part of a series a bit like the older Heroes TV show where people get strange abilities and learn how to use them. I enjoyed the story for what it was. I have read one of his other series which I really enjoyed, so thought to try this one.
November 21, 2016
Another good one from this author. I was not annoyed that he diverged from his other multiple ongoing series to write this one.
October 7, 2018
A gripping book.
October 8, 2019
Enjoy able
An entertaining tale for young adults. The thinking of the students were immature at the start but swiftly became credible.
An entertaining tale for young adults. The thinking of the students were immature at the start but swiftly became credible.
October 15, 2019
Clever very different story.
Unique concept that kept me reading. Great story of retribution on bad people. Whats more needed for a great read!
Unique concept that kept me reading. Great story of retribution on bad people. Whats more needed for a great read!
March 26, 2020
Marvelous story!
L.D.,you are a good writer. I enjoy every story you have done. Keep up the good work. Those who can, do. Those who can't, write government regulations.
L.D.,you are a good writer. I enjoy every story you have done. Keep up the good work. Those who can, do. Those who can't, write government regulations.
October 18, 2020
Fun book
I love this author. I love real kids with extraordinary talents. I love that they use it against the bad guys. Enjoy
I love this author. I love real kids with extraordinary talents. I love that they use it against the bad guys. Enjoy
March 27, 2024
Good book
I really enjoyed this book. I would like more books in this series. I liked the characters and enjoyed the plot.
I really enjoyed this book. I would like more books in this series. I liked the characters and enjoyed the plot.
April 2, 2024
A good start for a very different but interesting series
A very talented family gets started by taking on a serious crime family. I am looking forward to the next episode.
A very talented family gets started by taking on a serious crime family. I am looking forward to the next episode.
June 24, 2024
Borrowed this edition on June 20, 2024. Kindle Unlimited Book. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.
January 20, 2025
An okay story, protagonists with supernatual power, using to do good for family (and society in turn). A YA story, but a little more mature than most.
December 7, 2025
Would have been a good book except for the profanity and sex slaves; although thankfully no graphic sex.
January 2, 2017
Andrew
November 18, 2016
Interesting New Series from a great writer
Dr. Laury Dahners writes some of the most inventive and original SF going. I've read them all - from amazingly athletic and brilliant scientists to post-apocalyptic pioneers. This new story line is about a new hero with the power to cloud men's eyes (Like the Shadow, if you remember him.) so she can't be seen or heard. It's much darker and grittier than his usual fare, so YAs take note. There's torture, killing, and mob violence. But mostly, as in his other work, it's about young people coming to grips with newly found mysterious gifts and how that power affects their world.
Dr. Laury Dahners writes some of the most inventive and original SF going. I've read them all - from amazingly athletic and brilliant scientists to post-apocalyptic pioneers. This new story line is about a new hero with the power to cloud men's eyes (Like the Shadow, if you remember him.) so she can't be seen or heard. It's much darker and grittier than his usual fare, so YAs take note. There's torture, killing, and mob violence. But mostly, as in his other work, it's about young people coming to grips with newly found mysterious gifts and how that power affects their world.
November 20, 2016
Loved it!
I love reading books by Laurence Dahners! He makes the impossible possible! I loved how the characters slowly learned what they could do and the possibility of it happening. The story kept me interested from the start to the very end and left me wanting to read more about the possibility of this truly happening! I loved how they had a close family relationship and the bond that grew with the brother and sister. I can't wait to read the next in this series! LOVED IT!
I love reading books by Laurence Dahners! He makes the impossible possible! I loved how the characters slowly learned what they could do and the possibility of it happening. The story kept me interested from the start to the very end and left me wanting to read more about the possibility of this truly happening! I loved how they had a close family relationship and the bond that grew with the brother and sister. I can't wait to read the next in this series! LOVED IT!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews