Cracked Open

Mindjack #5

by Susan Kaye Quinn

Zeph always knew he was a weapon. He didn’t count on being a spy.
He’d made a dangerous bargain with the Director of Jacker Technologies at DARPA—he would let Wright test his mutant mindjack ability if she’d release his parents. Simple. Occasionally painful. And the screams of his victims fill his nightmares. But it will be worth it as long as she can’t crack open his head and find out his sister, with her super-surge jack-ability, is still alive. And if his parents are set free. Once that happens, he’s gone. Even if it means giving up everything he’s just now getting back. A home. Friends. A girl who believes in peace and love even when the world is falling apart.

But as the shock of assassinations and bombings and hate killings continue to pull at the threads that hold society together, Wright hands him a mission he can’t possibly complete. If he does, it will tear everything apart. If he doesn’t, he’ll lose everyone he loves.

Sometimes being a powerful weapon is the most dangerous thing of all.

The bestselling Mindjack Series continues, diving deep into a world of mindreaders and mindjackers where being different means staying hidden… or struggling to stay alive.

MINDJACK SERIES READING ORDER
Open Minds (Book 1)
Closed Hearts (Book 2)
Free Souls (Book 3)
Locked Tight (Book 4)
Cracked Open (Book 5)
Broken Wide (Book 6)
Mindjack Short Story Collection (Book 7)

Genres: Young Adult, Dystopia, Fantasy

Unknown Binding

First published July 15, 2017

About the author

CLICK HERE for a FREE STORY

Susan Kaye Quinn has designed aircraft engines and researched global warming, but now she uses her PhD to invent cool stuff in books. Her works range from hopeful climate fiction to gritty cyberpunk. Sue believes being gentle and healing is radical and disruptive. Her short fiction can be found in Grist, Solarpunk Magazine, Reckoning, and all her novels and short stories can be found on her website. She is the host of the Bright Green Futures podcast.

SOLARPUNK
collections
Bright Green Futures: 2024 (edited by SKQ)
Halfway to Better

novels
Nothing is Promised series
When You Had Power
You Knew The Price
Of Kindness and Kilowatts
Yet You Cry When It Hurts

short stories
A Moon Goddess to Watch Over Me (Luna Station Quarterly) (hopepunk)
It's in the Blood (Reckoning 8)
Once and Future Kilowatts (Solarpunk Magazine)
Rewilding Indiana (Little Blue Marble)
Seven Sisters (Grist)
The Joy Fund (DreamForge Magazine)

SCI-FI
Singularity Novel Series
The Legacy Human
The Duality Bridge
The Illusory Prophet
The Last Mystic

Stories of Singularity
Restore
Containment
Augment
Awakening
Harvest
Defiance
Resistance

YA SF
Mindjack Series
Open Minds
Closed Hearts
Free Souls
Locked Tight
Cracked Open
Broken Wide
Mindjack Short Story Collection

WATCH the award-winning live-action Mindjack Book Trailer!

STEAMPUNK ROMANCE
Royals of Dharia
Third Daughter
Second Daughter
First Daughter

CYBERPUNK
Debt Collector
LIRIUM (Season One)
WRAITH (Season Two)

WATCH the Debt Collector Book Trailer

ANTHOLOGIES
Synchronic
Telepath Chronicles
AI Chronicles
Dark Beyond The Stars
Future Chronicles
Cyborg Chronicles
CLONES: The Anthology

MIDDLE GRADE FANTASY
Faery Swap

WATCH the Faery Swap Book Trailer

CONTACT SUSAN
Susan's Website | Sue on Bluesky | Sue on Mastodon
Susan's Email: sue@twistedspacepub.com

Reviews

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed this book

Every time I pick up a Susan Kaye Quinn novel I am once again impressed with how well she writes these books. The pace moves along well, I easily get pulled into the story and I just want to keep reading. She makes me care about these characters and the side characters are great too. Cracked Open was a great read.

There's a lot going on in this book, but not so much that it gets overwhelming, it all ties together nicely. And also at times it has a bit of that feel that the story is building up towards this big event at the end. And it totally paid off, I just wanted to know what would happen and if their plan would work out or not or what would go wrong. There is this great scene towards the end were lots of things are happening and it was quite suspenseful to see how things would go. I also feel like what happens at the end really sets the stage for the next book.

I really liked seeing Zeph's character development in this book and how he changed since the start of the previous book. Where at first he was almost someone on the outside looking in, at the end of the book he is deep in the middle of it all. Where his focus shifts from protecting his family, now he starts to care about this cause and he genuinely wants to help. He still has a difficult position as he is basically worked for two different bad guys, while actually being one of the good guys and trying to advance their agenda while playing along with the bad guys as well.

This book not only advances Zeph's story, but also the overarching plot of mindjackers and mindreaders and how the world deals with it all. We find out a bit more about Zeph's powers, but at the same time I wanted to know more as it felt like there was more we didn't know and I had hoped there would be some more working for Kira involved.

There is a bit of a political storyline in this book as well, which worked for the most part. But at the end I felt like there were a bit too many similarities to some real life political situations and it got me out of the story a bit as I like my fiction books to stay fictional and the similarities to the real world situation were a bit jarring. I also would've liked to see a bit more of the normal mindreader citizens and how they were all taking this or if they were divided about this, but the focus mostly stays on this group of jackers and their group of friends and what the bad guys and important politicians are doing.

Most of the bad guys in this book seem almost pure evil, they really don't seem to have any redeeming qualities. But I think that's the point here. There is some bad and disturbing stuff going on and at times it almost feels a bit much. There are definitely some scenes that really show the cruelty going on here and how far the bad guys would go to achieve their goals. But luckily there are also some positive notes and uplifting scenes.

Besides Zeph's character development there are also some interesting developments going on with the side characters. There were some interesting twists and also some changes I hadn't expected yet. One of the side characters pleasantly surprised me and I was happy with the change the character went through. There also is a little bit of romance. I have to admit I wasn't quite sure about the love interest in the previous book, but so far I like them together.

To summarize: another great book in this series! Cracked Open kept my attention and it was just as well written as I've come to expect from Susan Kaye Quinn's book. There is a lot going on, but most of it ties together eventually. And I liked how at the end it all seems to come together and it was a suspenseful scene where things happen and the stage is set for the next book. It did feel at times the political situation in the book was a bit too similar to some real world politics, which got me a bit out of the story. The bad guys are really evil and this book really illuminates how far they would go. I really liked the character development going on in this book and not only with the main character Zeph, but also some side characters. I am curious to see how the last book will wrap this series up!

[Veronica of V's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the MindJack series where humans have evolved the ability to broadcast their thoughts--but the new wrinkle is mindreaders who can hijack your brain. These "mindjackers" are a super powerful minority, being hunted for experimentation and extermination. And Zeph, a "locksmith" mindjacker who can lock and unlock the toughest minds, will do whatever it takes to keep himself and his family safe.

In LOCKED TIGHT, book four, Zeph allied himself with some horrifying persons in the government and private enterprise--people who truly want to hunt down and kill "jackers"--in order to find his missing sister and parents. He's also infiltrated the jacker population, attempting to get close to the young, powerful and charismatic jacker senator. Hiding his jacker nature from readers has made Zeph a loner, by necessity, and his plan to rescue his family and go back on the run is upset by the new connections he's made. What if there could be a balance between the jackers and the readers? Could he then find sanctuary instead of isolation?

In CRACKED OPEN, the battle lines have been clearly drawn. His employer, a MindWare developer who hired Zeph as a bodyguard to his daughter, believes Zeph's a reader, and shares all sorts of anti-jacker tech with Zeph, by way of relating how it will help Zeph be a better guard. The government's shadow lab, run by Dr. Wright, is preparing a jacking operation on the highest levels of government--to destroy any sympathy the President or populace might have for jackers. Once Zeph recognizes how dangerous all of this has become, he reaches out to Kira Moore, one-time spokesperson for the defunct Jacker Freedom Alliance, to offer his services as a mole.

Zeph had rescued his sister in the previous book, but things aren't all quiet on that front. Her powers are raw and untrained, making Olivia a fourteen-year old walking weapon. Now, Zeph's trying to find his mom, and he knows Wright has her locked up somewhere. In fact, Wright agrees to release her if only he'll assist with the grand scheme she's cooked up. Zeph knows it's a bad job, but he has no choice if he wants his mom freed. This time, however, he's got friends who can assist him--and he calls them.

Fundamentally, the MindJack series is about discrimination, and surviving intact after the powerful have sought to crush you. It's an allegory to the current political climate where discrimination by the government (of any marginalized community) has been lauded by a segment of the population who allow themselves to be led by fear, instead of community. For readers, it's a chilling journey into discovering what the experience might be for a marginalized population, if the government ideologically decided that (insert your personal minority) was Public Enemy Number One, and needed to be studied and eradicated. And yet, throughout, it's a humanizing story. One of hope and desperation, and succeeding against all odds against your most feared, armed, bully.

CRACKED OPEN marks the midpoint of Zeph's three-book story and clearly articulates his rage and fear at the situation he's in for no other reason than being born different. But mostly, it's filled with Zeph's resolve to save his family, and to help all the other jackers out there lead whole lives, not the half-life he's lived. For being roughly 17-18 years old, Zeph's survived a lot of bad, bad stuff. And that's formed him into a weapon. Unlike a gun, however, Zeph has the presence of mind to keep his targeting mechanisms on the bad guys, to ensure he does the most good. Expect things to go from bad to worse, however, and for Zeph to make mistakes--because he's working within a narrow framework. The day might be lost, but the battle continues. Cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!!

[Sandy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 15, 2017

Zeph always knew he was a weapon. He didn’t count on being a spy.
But he made a dangerous bargain with the Director of the Jacker Technologies Division of DARPA—he’d let Wright test his mutant mindjack ability if she’d release his parents. Simple. Occasionally painful. And the screams of his victims fill his nightmares. But it will be worth it as long as she can’t crack open his head and find out his sister, with her super-surge jack-ability, is still alive. And if his parents are finally set free.

Once that happens, he’s gone. Even if it means giving up everything he’s just now getting back. A home. Friends. A girl who believes in peace and love even when the world is falling apart.

But as the shock of assassinations and bombings and hate killings continue to pull at the threads that hold society together, Wright hands him a mission he can’t possibly complete. If he does, it will tear everything apart. If he doesn’t, he’ll lose everyone he loves.

Sometimes being a powerful weapon is the most dangerous thing of all.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: CRACKED OPEN is the fifth full-length installment in Susan Kaye Quinn’s young adult (YA) MINDJACK urban fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian series. CRACKED OPEN is the continuing story focusing on mindjacker Zeph MacCay- a young man with the ability to lock down, unlock or scramble the human mind.

SOME BACKGROUND: In a world where mindreading is the norm (due to decades of contaminated or purposely poisoned water) there are those with more powerful abilities than most. These are their stories of discrimination, betrayal, retribution and control. Throughout the years the human population has developed various forms of mind-reading, mind altering and mind controlling abilities due to environmental toxins. And to complicate matters those without the ability to mindjack are purposely setting out to bring war between the have and the have-nots fearing for their own peace of mind.

Told from first person point of view (Zeph) CRACKED OPEN furthers the struggle of Zeph MacCay and his underground group of people hoping to take down the Director of the Jacker Technologies, as well as the man who has developed anti-jacker technology that renders the victim all but paralyzed or dead. CRACKED OPEN follows Zeph MacCay as he struggles to free his family, imprisoned by the Director of the Jacker Technologies, and his fraudulent assignment as boyfriend and bodyguard to the daughter of an evil technology giant. With help from a couple of rogue agents and soldiers, as well as his intrepid gang of underground jackers Zeph MacCay puts into a motion a series of events that place him on the anti-jacker radar, once and for all. Success is measured by the tiniest of wins and in the end their struggle is only going to get worse.

CRACKED OPEN is a comprehensive, intricate and action packed story line of discrimination, fear, power and control. Susan Kaye Quinn’s young adult MINDJACK series looks at the breakdown of humanity, the power of politics and control of the mind, and the people on the fringe trying to survive, one day at a time. Lives will be lost; minds will be broken; friendships and families will crumble and die. CRACKED OPEN is a powerful look at a possible future if and when chaos and oligarchy preside. Susan Kaye Quinn is a master storyteller

Copy supplied for review.

[Bambi-Nini · Rating 5 out of 5]

sehr ereignisreich und spannung bis zuletzt

Achtung: 5. Band der Mindjack-Reihe. Inhaltliche Spoiler zu den Vorgängern vorhanden.

Die Ereignisse setzen kurz nach den Geschehnissen des Vorgängerbandes ein, alle begonnenen Handlungsstränge werden fortgeführt.
Die Welt der Leser und Jacker ist sehr komplex und wurde bereits von vielen Ereignissen erschüttert. Zahlreiche Figuren versuchen in der Politik oder Forschung eine Verschiebung der Machtverhältnisse zu erzielen. Zwar konnte ich mich an die groben Abläufe des letzten Bandes noch erinnern, hatte aber am Anfang ein paar Schwierigkeiten, mich an sämtliche Figuren und ihre Ziele zu erinnern. Es gibt allerdings immer wieder kleine Rückblicke, durch die ich dann doch recht schnell in die Geschichte zurückgefunden habe. Sehr hilfreich fand ich auch, dass Kira im Verlauf nochmal etwas ausführlicher die Geschehnisse um die ins Wasser geleiteten Hemmstoffe vom Abschluss des dritten Bandes (Free Souls) schildert, die in direktem Zusammenhang zu den aktuellen Ereignissen stehen.

Zeph ist auch in diesem Band der Ich-Erzähler und lässt den Leser dadurch an all seinen Gedanken und Gefühlen, an seinen Ängsten und Hoffnungen teilhaben. Er ist eine sympathische Figur, die immer versucht, das Richtige zu machen, auch wenn manchmal nicht klar ist, was wirklich das Richtige wäre. Darüber hinaus gibt es zahlreiche weitere facettenreiche Charaktere, die an Zephs Seite kämpfen. Und auch die vermeintlichen „Bösewichte“ fehlen natürlich nicht, wobei diese nur nach und nach ihre Absichten offenbaren, sodass Zeph – und mit ihm auch der Leser – lange über die wahren Motive im Unklaren gelassen wird.

Die Geschichte ist dadurch von Beginn an sehr spannend. Zeph wurde in eine ziemlich unglückliche Lage gebracht – er agiert für drei verschiedene Lager und jeder Fehler könnte ihn auffliegen lassen. Um seine Familie zu finden, muss er den Schein wahren und bei der Erforschung der Jackerfähigkeiten helfen. Gleichzeitig will er zusammen mit der Jackergruppe um Kira gegen diese Leute vorgehen, die ihn zur Mitarbeit zwingen. Es ist ein gefährlicher Drahtseilakt bei dem mit der Zeit für alle Beteiligten undurchsichtig wird, wer auf wessen Seite steht und wer gegen weg agiert. Intrigen innerhalb der Intrigen sorgen für immer neue unvorhergesehene Ereignisse, die Zeph und seine Freunde zum schnellen Handeln zwingen. Doch die Zeit sitzt ihnen im Nacken, denn auch die Anti-Jackertechnologie wird immer ausgereifter.

So entwickelt sich ein ereignisreicher, spannungsgeladener Handlungsverlauf, dessen Tempo sich immer weiter steigert. Am Ende habe ich richtig mitgefiebert und konnte das Buch kaum noch aus der Hand legen. In der aufgeheizten Situation, in der sich die Fronten zwischen Lesern und Jackern stetig verhärten, bleibt nur wenig Zeit zum Verharren. Dennoch bietet die Handlung auch einige ruhigere, emotionale Passagen.
Das dramatische, spektakuläre Finale des Buches klärt zwar einige Fragen, lässt aber weiterhin viele Handlungsstränge offen, die neugierig auf den weiteren Verlauf machen und noch viele weitere Kämpfe vermuten lassen.

Fazit
Eine abwechslungsreiche Fortsetzung, die durch die verstrickten Intrigen und zahlreichen Figuren, die gegeneinander agieren, immer wieder unerwartete Wendungen nimmt. Während ich den letzten Band als etwas zu hektisch empfunden habe, bauen sich die Ereignisse hier so aufeinander auf, dass zwar auch ständig etwas neues passiert, sich die Situation aber gleichzeitig so zuspitzt, dass sich die Spannung immer weiter steigert und ich völlig von der Handlung gefesselt war.

[Adena · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where everyone can read minds, keeping secrets is a dangerous business. As a mindjacker with the unique ability to lock and unlock minds, Zeph is able to pass as a mindreader for his super paranoid jacker hating boss, while pretending to spy for the government but secretly helping the jacker resistance. After years of fighting to stay hidden and concealing his abilities, Zeph finally realizes that he needs to discover the full extend of his capabilities. He juggles his secret lives while trying to uncover the sinister plot that centers around his ability. Of course, with his family held hostage and the constant threat of discovery, his options are limited. Play along and save those he loves, or resist and risk not only failure but imminent harm to himself.

The plot moves quickly, with Zeph constantly being whisked off for some sort of meeting or mission. With not a moment to rest, plan, or lose, he must battle against bigotry and hatred, just for the right to exist. It's a sinister commentary on the world we live in. Fear is a powerful tool that can be used on those who don't understand that "different" doesn't always mean a threat. All it takes is a little propaganda to paint self defensive action as a terrorist plot, and before you know it the entire country has become an unruly lynch mob. When the villains are so vile, even the most noble of heroes want to see them suffer, and we as readers must channel our outrage and resist the urge to inflict pain.

I volunteered to review an ARC of this novel.

[Diana Hurwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series more than Divergent. In fact, I love all of Susan Kaye Quinn's books. She has well-crafted characters, fascinating story worlds, and plots that keep you on the edge of your seat. All six books in the Mindjack series, her Debt Collector series and her bollypunk Royals of Dharia were all devoured in one day, two at most. She has excellent story worlds, strong character, and plots that keep you turning pages. In Mindjack there is a world where everyone can read minds and communicate telephathically, but Kira is a zero, one who seemingly can't communicate, but she finds out she is something far more powerful - a mindjacker who can not only enter another person's mind, but control them. Wonderful dystopian novel. Read them all. Mind Jack 1 Open Minds, 2 Closed Hearts, and 3 Free Souls. Then move onto 4 Locked Tight, 5 Cracked Open, 6 Broken wide which follows Zeph, who can break open the toughest minds—or lock the weakest—which only means every Clan leader wants to own him. Buy them all and enjoy the binge. There are related Novellas as well.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this newest installment of the Mindjack Series. The second installment told from Zeph's perspective, we watch as all of the balls he is attempting to juggle in the air manage to interconnect with each other and follow along as Zeph attempts to navigate through it all.
What I have enjoyed most about this story, and preceding installments of this series is how the world building grows with each story and the complexity of the story is enhanced the further along the reader goes. The tone of this novel is darker and more mature, and it highlights how the author has matured in her writing as well.
The Mindjack series takes heavy themes and manages to transform them into a story that is compelling and entertaining; this newest installment is no exception to that standard. I highly recommend this series and Cracked Open in particular. I cannot wait for the conclusion of Zeph's story in the novel to come!

[Smimo Do · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wer Locked Tight – Gefährliches Misstrauen bereits gelesen hat weiß das Zeph keine andere Wahl hat und eine gefährliche Abmachung mit der DARPA-Direktorin für Jackertechnologie eingehen muss.
Diese machtbessesene Frau - Wright testet Zeph's mutierte Mindjackerfähigkeiten. Er stößt an seine Grenzen. Zeph hat keine andere Wahl und arbeitet als Spion.
So viele Intrigen, Haas und Leid.
Zephyr MacCay zweifelt an sich selbst. Was ist noch richtig und was falsch?
Kann er seinen grausamen Auftrag überhaupt erfüllen? Alles droht auseinander zu brechen.
Kann es überhaupt eine friedliche Welt zwischen Lesern und Jackern geben?

Jede Seite habe ich verschlungen.
Und es ist noch nicht zu Ende. Meine Güte, ich kann es kaum abwarten den nächsten Teil zu lesen.

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strange other world where most of humanity has acquired the ability to read each other's thoughts and a few the ability to control and implant thoughts of others. Zeph is caught up in this bizarre world as a very powerful jacker with a concise. He's able to appear as a simple reader when necessary but he's also able to jack other's minds when necessary. He finds himself working with powerful people in both the government and the private sector who are trying to attack jackers. He's in this situation as he tries to protect his sister and free their parents. Now he's involved in a plot for power. Will his abilities be enough to rescue and protect those around him? Will he be able to foil the plot to take over?

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another chapter in the Mindjack series told from Zeph's point of view is out to get addicted to. Zeph has decided to "work" with the fun Dr Wright to hopefully find and rescue his parents and learn whatever he can to survive. Full of action, twists, wondering what/who's side is Zeph is in this chapter, and other outright fun, I thought it was a great read. Kept me guessing just enough that the time flew by and I was done. I was hooked from the first chapter again as had to see what twists I was in for and was not disappointed. Cannot wait for the third book in this story arc to see how it all ends, for now. I love this future imagined world.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series. I am constantly amazed that this author can continue to take me back to the exciting, futuristic world of mindreaders and mindjackers where I just want more.

Zeph is a good guy but finds himself on the wrong side, agreeing to do things that he wouldn't normally do, in order to get his family back and to keep them safe. As he plays one side against the other, it's hard to tell who will win.

SKQ keeps this series alive by coming up with exciting new plots and adventures. This series is not getting old or stale but is staying as riveting as it was from the start. Cracked Open is book #5 of this series and I loved it just as much as I loved book #1.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a privilege to read this superb book. This is a continuation of a series, but hopefully there'll be more to come, not the end. So intriguing. It's a definitely not to be missed book. Received an ARC, but would buy it and review anyway.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Almost impossible to put down!! I have loved all the previous books, but this one is takes twists, turns, & impossible situations to a whole new level. An absolute Must Read! I was lucky enough to receive an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down. The story kept pulling me in. The dilemmas Zeph faces are truly horrible - but can absolutely see how they come about and that is scary. Have bought third and final book in series

[Becky Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concept is scary

Excellent story telling. Scary concept. Parallels to the present day and bigotry that is effecting all of us. I'm glad I already purchased the next book...picking it up now!

[Kelly Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Quartknee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great series. I'm loving how it's evolving.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loves these series

[Jessica Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting story!

I couldn't put it down. Another amazing story by Susan Kaye Quinn. I absolutely love this series! Can't wait for more!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did ya ever want to smack someone in the head and say "grow up and pick a side"! That being said, I am addicted to this series Mindjack: Zeph!

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating


I have sho loved all of these books, it has made me wish I liked to write more and had a imagination worth letting others discover

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment of the Mindjack series is a continuation of Zelph's story, and there's at least one more tale in this particular story arc. Delphi is a fascinating character and he - as well as the series itself - is getting increasingly layered and complex as time goes on. It's a real pleasure to follow along. The Mindjack stories have been a wonderfully thrilling ride so far, and cracked open is no exception. Great plot, wonderfully crafted (and continually evolving) lead and supporting chawrscters, and truly neat, complex, gritty world building. Totally excellent and totally recommended.