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Projector War Saga #1
Crystal Mind
Crystal doesn’t want to hurt anyone ever again—but she can’t seem to stop. Memories of the past haunt her every step as one more reminder that she will never be normal. A normal girl wouldn’t see dangerous secrets when she met someone’s eyes. A normal girl wouldn’t create elaborate technology to escape her boyfriend. A normal girl would go to school without hurting people.
When Crystal gets expelled again for fighting, a mysterious family friend sponsors her into a martial arts academy. There, she finds that she may not be the only one whose mind is different, and that those differences may be more powerful than anyone could have imagined.
When Crystal gets expelled again for fighting, a mysterious family friend sponsors her into a martial arts academy. There, she finds that she may not be the only one whose mind is different, and that those differences may be more powerful than anyone could have imagined.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2020
5 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 21, 2021
I started reading it a couple days after downloading it and I just couldn't put the book down. Right off the bat, I could tell that Crystal Farina wasn't your average teenage girl. She's a neurodivergent, meaning that the way she thinks is different from everyone else. Crystal, also known as Farina, is an intriguing character with a strong will to help others. She didn't hesitate to jump in when conflict rose involving Tabitha, a good friend of hers.
After getting into Martial Academy, Crystal finds out that there are many others like her with neurodivergent minds. Being there wasn't easy at first, but I thought Crystal adjusted well.
Crystal has developed her own system and implanted them into her head, letting her calculate many things whenever needed. While developing this technology when she was younger, she discovered her passion for engineering and it became her dream job. The program in her head doesn't always do her good though, but she comes to know that her power to read and calculate things can be a gift and used for good.
The plot moved fast but because it did, it created a tense mood that keeps me on my toes. I really enjoyed reading this book!
My Review: https://rueisreadingcorner.blogspot.c...
**Thank you so much to BookSirens for sending me an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!**
After getting into Martial Academy, Crystal finds out that there are many others like her with neurodivergent minds. Being there wasn't easy at first, but I thought Crystal adjusted well.
Crystal has developed her own system and implanted them into her head, letting her calculate many things whenever needed. While developing this technology when she was younger, she discovered her passion for engineering and it became her dream job. The program in her head doesn't always do her good though, but she comes to know that her power to read and calculate things can be a gift and used for good.
The plot moved fast but because it did, it created a tense mood that keeps me on my toes. I really enjoyed reading this book!
My Review: https://rueisreadingcorner.blogspot.c...
**Thank you so much to BookSirens for sending me an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!**
September 10, 2022
I don't read much YA, so I'm not the target market for this book. But I work with young people, many of whom are neurodiverse, and for them, this book would be life-changing. Crystal's voice, and the author's ability to get inside the mind of someone who perceives the world in such a unique way, makes for a fascinating and engaging lead character. Refreshingly for the genre, Crystal Mind avoids the trap of being didactic or condescending to its audience—we're right in the thick of it with Crystal as she navigates complex politics and the unfolding discovery of her powers.
I also really liked how Crystal's powers aren't just an allegory for neurodiversity, but she's a neurodiverse person who also has powers. I don't think I've ever seen a person with auditory processing disorders represented in fiction, and the way the author depicts workarounds felt very authentic and cool.
It's fast-paced and exciting (sometimes to the point of being overwhelming). Occasionally its reach exceeds its grasp, particularly by the end where the rush of institutional politics and new information got a bit confusing. I'm also pedantic about some of the first-chapter scenes set in a public high school, which didn't necessarily correspond to how public schools work.
Overall, this is a thrilling ride and I'm looking forward to Crystal's continuing adventures.
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
I also really liked how Crystal's powers aren't just an allegory for neurodiversity, but she's a neurodiverse person who also has powers. I don't think I've ever seen a person with auditory processing disorders represented in fiction, and the way the author depicts workarounds felt very authentic and cool.
It's fast-paced and exciting (sometimes to the point of being overwhelming). Occasionally its reach exceeds its grasp, particularly by the end where the rush of institutional politics and new information got a bit confusing. I'm also pedantic about some of the first-chapter scenes set in a public high school, which didn't necessarily correspond to how public schools work.
Overall, this is a thrilling ride and I'm looking forward to Crystal's continuing adventures.
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
July 17, 2020
Once I started this book, I could barely put it down because I wanted to know what happens next. Crystal (or Farina as she's mostly known by) has a fascinating worldview and a truly immersive voice.
Crystal's perspective could sometimes be a bit overwhelming. At times, I wished for a bit more clarity about the setting and characters because it was a bit difficult to keep everything straight. The fast paced nature meant that there was never a stable moment, which had the benefit of things never getting boring, but it left me a little confused about what abilities were normal for Crystal and what were actually new abilities that she developed throughout the story.
As a neurodivergent myself, the completely individualistic voice reminded me that each neurodivergent has their own experience and worldview and way that they make sense of a neurotypical world. It was fascinating to get into Crystal's head and see things from her perspective. I really felt like I was inside her very analytical mind.
No spoilers, of course, but the twists throughout took me by surprise, and they always kept me on my toes. I read with bated breath throughout the entire finale, and when I flipped the last page, I could not believe it was truly the end of the book. I am pre-ordering the sequel now so that I can read it the first day of comes out.
Crystal's perspective could sometimes be a bit overwhelming. At times, I wished for a bit more clarity about the setting and characters because it was a bit difficult to keep everything straight. The fast paced nature meant that there was never a stable moment, which had the benefit of things never getting boring, but it left me a little confused about what abilities were normal for Crystal and what were actually new abilities that she developed throughout the story.
As a neurodivergent myself, the completely individualistic voice reminded me that each neurodivergent has their own experience and worldview and way that they make sense of a neurotypical world. It was fascinating to get into Crystal's head and see things from her perspective. I really felt like I was inside her very analytical mind.
No spoilers, of course, but the twists throughout took me by surprise, and they always kept me on my toes. I read with bated breath throughout the entire finale, and when I flipped the last page, I could not believe it was truly the end of the book. I am pre-ordering the sequel now so that I can read it the first day of comes out.
December 29, 2020
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have to say that a few paragraphs in the story it will have triggers, so I advise to be cautious when reading.
The story starts with an unique view that begins with Crystal(Fariah)and by the way it is described, she has autism. I then quickly checked the biography which indicates that the writers siblings are on the Autism spectrum.
It spun quickly into a beautiful and intricate worldbuilding and how Crystal perceives the world around her. Everything in her head has a filling system, I loved the way she filled away sensory and auditory input of the world around her. When she is recruited into the Martial Arts school, she pushes through her sensory overload.
Later she comes to understand that neurodivergents are going to this school and that she can become more, even that she has paranormal abilities. But her world rocks when a classmate gets in trouble. Soon she realizes that not all is what it seems and the threat will come from a corner she doesn't expect. Will she survive this ruthless world she has been thrown in, and why does the person who sponsors her, have an interest in her?
It's a semi-science fiction/ paranormal story, with a enough dose of action and also showing the workings of the Martial Arts school. Unfortunately I feel in every story someone wants to take advantage of the special gifts you have, for good or for bad. But overall, I thought it was an awesome world with this unique view of processing the world around you. it's definitely a keeper.
I have to say that a few paragraphs in the story it will have triggers, so I advise to be cautious when reading.
The story starts with an unique view that begins with Crystal(Fariah)and by the way it is described, she has autism. I then quickly checked the biography which indicates that the writers siblings are on the Autism spectrum.
It spun quickly into a beautiful and intricate worldbuilding and how Crystal perceives the world around her. Everything in her head has a filling system, I loved the way she filled away sensory and auditory input of the world around her. When she is recruited into the Martial Arts school, she pushes through her sensory overload.
Later she comes to understand that neurodivergents are going to this school and that she can become more, even that she has paranormal abilities. But her world rocks when a classmate gets in trouble. Soon she realizes that not all is what it seems and the threat will come from a corner she doesn't expect. Will she survive this ruthless world she has been thrown in, and why does the person who sponsors her, have an interest in her?
It's a semi-science fiction/ paranormal story, with a enough dose of action and also showing the workings of the Martial Arts school. Unfortunately I feel in every story someone wants to take advantage of the special gifts you have, for good or for bad. But overall, I thought it was an awesome world with this unique view of processing the world around you. it's definitely a keeper.
January 16, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book was definitely not what I expected. But in such a good way! Crystal is relatable in multiple ways, even if you aren't completely like her. But as you read you can truly understand her emotions. But from the first chapter I didn't want to put the book away because I wanted to know more about Crystal and wanted to know what would happen. Eventually the book definitely picks up pace and make it such a quick read. I can't wait to read the next one! There are some characters I wish had more information and background in the book, but I hope this possibly will be covered in future books.
October 22, 2020
Received as a review copy, this is an honest review. Crystal has never been able to be just be an average teenager, not when abilities she cannot control harm others as a consequence. As her life spirals out of control, getting sponsored into a special martial arts academy could help find peace. Immersed in special courses and the school's own culture, Crystal finds herself at the center of agendas that could tear her world apart. Highly recommended.
January 27, 2021
Crystal is awesome. The story is rather unique, in a fantastic manner, from anything that I can recall previously reading. It's a delightful mix of academy, psionics, and secret agent stories.
Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Page-turner. Scary. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Page-turner. Scary. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
January 6, 2021
When Crystal gets expelled again for fighting, a mysterious family friend sponsors her into a martial arts academy.
Our best character always seems to get into trouble but will learning martial arts help.
A well written story which will keep your eyes clued to the pages until you are finished and then you may want more.
Our best character always seems to get into trouble but will learning martial arts help.
A well written story which will keep your eyes clued to the pages until you are finished and then you may want more.
January 14, 2022
This was a fascinating read and I could not the book down. This is the first time I have read a book
which reflects an ability I had not read about before which made the reading very interesting. Well worth reading.
which reflects an ability I had not read about before which made the reading very interesting. Well worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews