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The Bridge
The first book in The Mindbridge Trilogy.
Maeryn Kacey’s fourteenth birthday didn’t go quite as planned. One minute she’s hanging out at the MotherTech headquarters, her family’s artificial intelligence company in Indianapolis, and the next she’s trapped in the body of a girl from a universe known as Gaia. This new world is in the midst of a civil war with a group of violent, teleporting Nomads, and as Maeryn dives into the history of Gaia she discovers some unsettling truths about herself and her family.
Kaija Monhegan’s fourteenth cycle day didn’t go quite as planned. One minute she’s hiding in the woods on Monhegan Island, trying to awaken her newfound telepathic powers, and the next she finds herself trapped in the body of a girl from a universe known as Earth. This new world is full of technological marvels, deceitful people, and a secret shared history with Gaia that makes it the absolute most dangerous place for Kaija to be.
Maeryn needs to survive in a place where her intellect does her little good. Kaija needs to get back to her own body before the chaos on Gaia leaves her no home to return to. They both feel scared and isolated, but Maeryn and Kaija have never really been alone.
Maeryn Kacey’s fourteenth birthday didn’t go quite as planned. One minute she’s hanging out at the MotherTech headquarters, her family’s artificial intelligence company in Indianapolis, and the next she’s trapped in the body of a girl from a universe known as Gaia. This new world is in the midst of a civil war with a group of violent, teleporting Nomads, and as Maeryn dives into the history of Gaia she discovers some unsettling truths about herself and her family.
Kaija Monhegan’s fourteenth cycle day didn’t go quite as planned. One minute she’s hiding in the woods on Monhegan Island, trying to awaken her newfound telepathic powers, and the next she finds herself trapped in the body of a girl from a universe known as Earth. This new world is full of technological marvels, deceitful people, and a secret shared history with Gaia that makes it the absolute most dangerous place for Kaija to be.
Maeryn needs to survive in a place where her intellect does her little good. Kaija needs to get back to her own body before the chaos on Gaia leaves her no home to return to. They both feel scared and isolated, but Maeryn and Kaija have never really been alone.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2021
11 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Joe Luegers
4 books8 followersJoe Luegers is a guitarist, pianist, organist, composer, teacher, and writer. He lives in Evansville, Indiana with his wife Alax and their two kids. Joe published the adult horror novel The Gears That Watch the Clockmaker in 2018 and has since turned his focus towards writing young adult fiction. He performs frequently as a soloist, alongside his amazing wife on vocals and ukulele, as well as in an eclectic range of ensembles including the opera rock band The Tapestry.
Check his social media and website for information and release dates for the next two books in The Mindbridge Trilogy: Book II, A Path of Branches and Book III, Songs of Desolation.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Luegerswriter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeluegers/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/luegerswriter
Check his social media and website for information and release dates for the next two books in The Mindbridge Trilogy: Book II, A Path of Branches and Book III, Songs of Desolation.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Luegerswriter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeluegers/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/luegerswriter
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 31, 2021
Thoroughly engaging!
Yes, it's a young adult book, but so much more. Sci-fi and fantasy, with some mystery and fighting thrown in. Masterfully written with complex world's in both universes. The unexpected friendships were heart warming. The characters are fully realized and Joe made you care about them. This is 1st in a trilogy, so he left us hanging. Can't wait to read the next one. Well done Joe Luegers, well done!
Yes, it's a young adult book, but so much more. Sci-fi and fantasy, with some mystery and fighting thrown in. Masterfully written with complex world's in both universes. The unexpected friendships were heart warming. The characters are fully realized and Joe made you care about them. This is 1st in a trilogy, so he left us hanging. Can't wait to read the next one. Well done Joe Luegers, well done!
February 20, 2021
For those of you who still doubt reading an indie author, The Bridge is the story that will change your mind.
I love reading YA fiction, but I can't help to find annoying details on it. Teenagers acting like extremely wise, knowledgeable people, or being overly dramatic to a point you just want to skip the angst and move forward. But this book spoke to my grumpy old lady's heart. The two protagonists, Maeryn and Kaija, are two young women completely aware of their limitations and strengths. Their journey of self-discovery is detailed and thoughtful. The way in which they face the dangerous situations thrown at them is rational, smart, and endearing. You can't help but root for these two-quite complex girls.
And boy, do they get in trouble!
At one point I had to stop reading because it seemed there was no way out of the intricate net of conflict intertwining their families. Their worlds! My days of slow-reading are over.
The way Joe Luegers concludes this first book of the trilogy is both rewarding and exciting. It's been a while since I've looked forward to reading the next book, without biting my nails in anticipation. Thank you for that, you are most kind.
I could go on and on about the marvelous secondary characters, the witty humor, the amazing connection between "magic" and technology, but I won't spoil the story. Go read it! It's amazing!
I love reading YA fiction, but I can't help to find annoying details on it. Teenagers acting like extremely wise, knowledgeable people, or being overly dramatic to a point you just want to skip the angst and move forward. But this book spoke to my grumpy old lady's heart. The two protagonists, Maeryn and Kaija, are two young women completely aware of their limitations and strengths. Their journey of self-discovery is detailed and thoughtful. The way in which they face the dangerous situations thrown at them is rational, smart, and endearing. You can't help but root for these two-quite complex girls.
And boy, do they get in trouble!
At one point I had to stop reading because it seemed there was no way out of the intricate net of conflict intertwining their families. Their worlds! My days of slow-reading are over.
The way Joe Luegers concludes this first book of the trilogy is both rewarding and exciting. It's been a while since I've looked forward to reading the next book, without biting my nails in anticipation. Thank you for that, you are most kind.
I could go on and on about the marvelous secondary characters, the witty humor, the amazing connection between "magic" and technology, but I won't spoil the story. Go read it! It's amazing!
June 27, 2021
This is a fabulous book. It seamlessly merges science-fiction and fantasy into an engaging and imaginative story with humor, action, and intrigue, one that will appeal to YA and Adult audiences alike. Maeryn, Kaija, and the rest of the characters are realistic and relatable. This book isn't just a great example of what an Indie author can produce, it's better than what I've come across from mainstream publishers lately.
March 5, 2021
Awesome coming of age tale! Very engaging storyline, I couldn't put it down!
May 25, 2021
The Bridge is hands down one of my new favorite YA novels I have read in years. I cannot recommend it enough. Joe Luegers has woven a beautiful story about two young women living vastly different lives, while beneath the surface facing similar hurdles of family and friendship. The two worlds are stunning and each character is wonderfully three dimensional. The story is gripping and twists and turns leaving you wanting to continue reading “just one more chapter” to find out what happens. Maeryn’s intelligence and Kaija’s bravery make the unlikely friends such a dynamic duo, and the underlying message of always doing the right thing no matter what difficulties you may face is inspiring. I cannot wait to see where their journeys continue to take them in the next installment. 10/10 would recommend!
February 5, 2024
I picked this up from the local library as the author is also local and I figured I'd give it a whirl.
The story is told from alternating points of view, mostly from Kaija Monhegan and Maeryn Kacey, born on the same date and year but literally worlds apart. Kaija is a Gaian, raised on the Monhegan Island on the planet Gaia, where people connect to the earth's energy and can use that to teleport, set things afire, cause earthquakes, fly, and throw water around. She has not yet found her Gift of Gaia though her father, Jasper, is the island's strongest user. She is with her best friend, Fain, a boy around her age, when something super weird happens.
Maeryn's birthday starts out like most others - alone with her A.I., Max. Indianapolis, Indiana, is bustling about and Maeryn is feeling a bit disappointed as it seems her father, Dorian, has forgotten her birthday. Instead she finds out Max has been upgraded to something far beyond the normal capabilities and is almost magical in his abilities. And then something super weird happens - Maeryn's mind winds up in Kaija's body and vice versa.
Stuck in strange bodies and even stranger worlds, the girls both react about as how you'd expect, only Maeryn runs off with Kaija's body and nearly gets eaten by a sentient, extremely poisonous squid-vine thing and Fain has to call Jasper to rescue her.
Meanwhile, Max is trying to keep Kaija from freaking out too badly and also to keep Maeryn's body safe as it seems Rosalie, Maeryn's aunt and CEO (or something) of the company Duncan works for, is downright dangerous.
So the girls bounce back into their own bodies eventually but the damage has been done - Jasper was poisoned by the vine thingy and Rosalie knows someone from Gaia has entered her niece's mind - and both things set off catalysts in their respective worlds. Maeryn and Max go on the run while Kaija and Fain chase after Jasper and Ms. Claire, who are trying to get Jasper healed at the Capital. But the Nomads, another group of Gaians, are staging a coup and are determined to bring Jasper - or at the least, Kaija - over to their side, by force if necessary.
The first half of the book was kind of slow despite the body-swap. It was only when Jasper and Ms. Claire left Monhegan Island that things started picking up. I started enjoying the story about that time. Max and Fain are definitely interesting characters though sort of sidelined for the story about Maeryn and Kaija. Both of the girl can hold their own, story-wise, and there are other characters, like the homeless guy, that I assume we'll see again later.
I am intrigued enough to know where the story is heading to look for the sequel.
The story is told from alternating points of view, mostly from Kaija Monhegan and Maeryn Kacey, born on the same date and year but literally worlds apart. Kaija is a Gaian, raised on the Monhegan Island on the planet Gaia, where people connect to the earth's energy and can use that to teleport, set things afire, cause earthquakes, fly, and throw water around. She has not yet found her Gift of Gaia though her father, Jasper, is the island's strongest user. She is with her best friend, Fain, a boy around her age, when something super weird happens.
Maeryn's birthday starts out like most others - alone with her A.I., Max. Indianapolis, Indiana, is bustling about and Maeryn is feeling a bit disappointed as it seems her father, Dorian, has forgotten her birthday. Instead she finds out Max has been upgraded to something far beyond the normal capabilities and is almost magical in his abilities. And then something super weird happens - Maeryn's mind winds up in Kaija's body and vice versa.
Stuck in strange bodies and even stranger worlds, the girls both react about as how you'd expect, only Maeryn runs off with Kaija's body and nearly gets eaten by a sentient, extremely poisonous squid-vine thing and Fain has to call Jasper to rescue her.
Meanwhile, Max is trying to keep Kaija from freaking out too badly and also to keep Maeryn's body safe as it seems Rosalie, Maeryn's aunt and CEO (or something) of the company Duncan works for, is downright dangerous.
So the girls bounce back into their own bodies eventually but the damage has been done - Jasper was poisoned by the vine thingy and Rosalie knows someone from Gaia has entered her niece's mind - and both things set off catalysts in their respective worlds. Maeryn and Max go on the run while Kaija and Fain chase after Jasper and Ms. Claire, who are trying to get Jasper healed at the Capital. But the Nomads, another group of Gaians, are staging a coup and are determined to bring Jasper - or at the least, Kaija - over to their side, by force if necessary.
The first half of the book was kind of slow despite the body-swap. It was only when Jasper and Ms. Claire left Monhegan Island that things started picking up. I started enjoying the story about that time. Max and Fain are definitely interesting characters though sort of sidelined for the story about Maeryn and Kaija. Both of the girl can hold their own, story-wise, and there are other characters, like the homeless guy, that I assume we'll see again later.
I am intrigued enough to know where the story is heading to look for the sequel.
March 4, 2021
Wow! So this book immediately drew me into the story. I loved the elements of magic mixed with science and the two main characters were both believable and really compelling.
My favorite character was definitely Max. I don't want to give too much away about who he is and the book itself, but he really brought so much life and laughter to the story!
I rarely have the time to sit and read a book in one sitting. Usually, I have to parcel them out over days or weeks, but this book was a definite exception. I finished it in just a couple of days because I just had to know what happened next.
It took me back to the days of Harry Potter when I would stay up all night just to finish a book I had waited all year for! Here's hoping I don't have to wait that long for the next in this series, although it would certainly be worth the wait!
If you like science fiction, magic, and/or fun and engaging characters that make you laugh and keep you on the edge of your seat, you will love this book!
It just goes to show that indie authors are spectacular wordsmiths and Mr. Luegers is no exception to this. Let the countdown to the next installment begin in 3...2...1....
My favorite character was definitely Max. I don't want to give too much away about who he is and the book itself, but he really brought so much life and laughter to the story!
I rarely have the time to sit and read a book in one sitting. Usually, I have to parcel them out over days or weeks, but this book was a definite exception. I finished it in just a couple of days because I just had to know what happened next.
It took me back to the days of Harry Potter when I would stay up all night just to finish a book I had waited all year for! Here's hoping I don't have to wait that long for the next in this series, although it would certainly be worth the wait!
If you like science fiction, magic, and/or fun and engaging characters that make you laugh and keep you on the edge of your seat, you will love this book!
It just goes to show that indie authors are spectacular wordsmiths and Mr. Luegers is no exception to this. Let the countdown to the next installment begin in 3...2...1....
March 23, 2021
I want to start this review off by acknowledging how much I loved this story. I enjoyed a merging of two worlds, one: a futuristic tech driven Earth, and the other: a fantasy-like landscape full of many wonders. I give this book a higher rating because I feel like it was worth a read, and I'm excited to read the upcoming books in the trilogy. This was the first indie book I've ever read, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading it.
The reason I drop a star is because the writing could be much stronger. I'll be honest, I'm a bit of a book snob and an even worse critic in the editorial sense. I believe the author has a lot to learn in piecing together words that create vivid pictures and images in the reader's head. There are parts that could be smoother and more eloquent at times. However, with that being said, nothing fully took me away from the story, and that is what I feel is most important.
Definitely read this book if you're a sci-fi and/or fantasy fan. I have no doubt you'll enjoy how well these worlds have crafted, and, if anything, read it because of Max. Max is the best!
The reason I drop a star is because the writing could be much stronger. I'll be honest, I'm a bit of a book snob and an even worse critic in the editorial sense. I believe the author has a lot to learn in piecing together words that create vivid pictures and images in the reader's head. There are parts that could be smoother and more eloquent at times. However, with that being said, nothing fully took me away from the story, and that is what I feel is most important.
Definitely read this book if you're a sci-fi and/or fantasy fan. I have no doubt you'll enjoy how well these worlds have crafted, and, if anything, read it because of Max. Max is the best!
February 13, 2021
NO SPOILERS--READ ME! I love playing around on the "kids' shelf"--and I read a lot of well-made YA titles (aaaaand some forgettable ones). The Bridge is a fun find! It's an entertaining, quick read--deceptively "easy." The science fiction/fantasy is a well-constructed and very interesting concept. As the best books of other worlds can, this one launched smoothly, bringing the reader along to understand the world of the book without requiring a lot of slogging through a physics text or "majikal history" in order to become immersed in the world and invested in the characters. I'll definitely be watching for #2!
February 9, 2021
If you enjoyed the Divergent series with a splash
of Potter then you will be hungry for Joe Luegers’ The Mindbridge trilogy. It’s genre is YA science fiction but I think it has something to offer all ages. The Bridge has two worlds a futuristic earth with 14 year old Maeryn ,and the mythological old world of Kaija. There are a multitude of characters that you get to know intimately, with magic and mystery and danger. Be on the look out for this new writer and for this trilogy as it could just be the next series to come to life on the big screen!
of Potter then you will be hungry for Joe Luegers’ The Mindbridge trilogy. It’s genre is YA science fiction but I think it has something to offer all ages. The Bridge has two worlds a futuristic earth with 14 year old Maeryn ,and the mythological old world of Kaija. There are a multitude of characters that you get to know intimately, with magic and mystery and danger. Be on the look out for this new writer and for this trilogy as it could just be the next series to come to life on the big screen!
March 3, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2021
So creative!!!
I received an advanced version of the audiobook. I have no idea how the author came up with this story, but I was blown away with the creativity. I really enjoyed the story line and characters. My 14 year old daughter enjoyed listening to it with me when I picked her up from school and asked for the book as soon as it comes out.
The narrator of my audio copy is a woman - I believe the author’s wife. She really does a great job with her voice.
Great read/listen!
So creative!!!
I received an advanced version of the audiobook. I have no idea how the author came up with this story, but I was blown away with the creativity. I really enjoyed the story line and characters. My 14 year old daughter enjoyed listening to it with me when I picked her up from school and asked for the book as soon as it comes out.
The narrator of my audio copy is a woman - I believe the author’s wife. She really does a great job with her voice.
Great read/listen!
Read
March 4, 2021THE NEXT GREAT TRILOGY
This book absolutely blew me away! From the themes presented in new and amazing ways, to the eclectic cast of rich characters, and gorgeous environments, you are simply going to love this! I haven't even begun to talk about the brilliant humor throughout the novel! Constantly I found myself bursting out with laughter. That's not to say you won't find vulnerable and tender moments. The bonds formed by the main characters are unbreakable and inspiring. Definitely excited for the next chapter in this trilogy that is already off to an EPIC start!
This book absolutely blew me away! From the themes presented in new and amazing ways, to the eclectic cast of rich characters, and gorgeous environments, you are simply going to love this! I haven't even begun to talk about the brilliant humor throughout the novel! Constantly I found myself bursting out with laughter. That's not to say you won't find vulnerable and tender moments. The bonds formed by the main characters are unbreakable and inspiring. Definitely excited for the next chapter in this trilogy that is already off to an EPIC start!
September 30, 2021
Great storytelling and world building
This book was a pleasant escape into a not so distant future on Earth and Gaia; a land filled with an energy connected to all its living inhabitants, from people to plants to creatively imagined fauna. Be prepared to get lost in the pages as you travel the mind bridge between two girls from very different places brought together to mend the trauma created by their families
kept secret for nearly a century. I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy to see where the bridge goes from here...
This book was a pleasant escape into a not so distant future on Earth and Gaia; a land filled with an energy connected to all its living inhabitants, from people to plants to creatively imagined fauna. Be prepared to get lost in the pages as you travel the mind bridge between two girls from very different places brought together to mend the trauma created by their families
kept secret for nearly a century. I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy to see where the bridge goes from here...
February 3, 2021
This is my second read by Joe Luegers. Even though this title is more for YA audience, I enjoyed it as much as the first one. There is a little bit of everything in this one. Family, magic, science fiction. Drama, comical and adventure. JL has his own style of writing but one way to describe this is like JK Rowling’s HP series meets Margaret Haddix’s Shadow Children series.
February 10, 2021
This was an awesome story. I had a hard time putting it down. The characters are quirky and funny and it has a solid story line that takes you to another world. The plot twists definitely keep you guessing until the end. I'm already waiting for the motion picture to come out.
February 17, 2021
The story line was fascinating and not even confusing as it jumped between the two worlds. With relatable characters and intriguing sci fi technology, I recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy. The audio narration is excellent.
March 3, 2021
I have had a difficult time reading anything for the last year or so, suffering from an inability to concentrate. That drought ended when I picked up The Bridge by Joe Luegers. Luegers has created a world and characters that are so vibrant that it was easy for me escape into his well-crafted story. Each character speaks with his or her own quirky and, at times, irreverent sensibility, and I found myself laughing out loud in many places throughout the book. There's magic, friendship, drama, and lots of great humor. This is a wonderful YA book, and my fantasy-genre loving 11 year old (and I!) cannot wait for the next installment of this story.
March 4, 2021
The Next Great Trilogy!
This book absolutely blew me away! From the themes presented in new and amazing ways, to the eclectic cast of rich characters, and gorgeous environments, you are simply going to love this! I haven't even begun to talk about the brilliant humor throughout the novel! Constantly I found myself bursting out with laughter. That's not to say you won't find vulnerable and tender moments. The bonds formed by the main characters are unbreakable and inspiring. Definitely excited for the next chapter in this trilogy that is already off to an EPIC start!
This book absolutely blew me away! From the themes presented in new and amazing ways, to the eclectic cast of rich characters, and gorgeous environments, you are simply going to love this! I haven't even begun to talk about the brilliant humor throughout the novel! Constantly I found myself bursting out with laughter. That's not to say you won't find vulnerable and tender moments. The bonds formed by the main characters are unbreakable and inspiring. Definitely excited for the next chapter in this trilogy that is already off to an EPIC start!
May 7, 2021
One of the best books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading! If you’re looking for something that is unique, sci-fi AND fantasy, this is the book for you! With the epic, brilliantly funny, and very unique story line with an unlikely duo, this book will take you on many twists and turns as the two main characters lead you on an epic quest and learn about friendship! This is a must read!
May 31, 2021
4.5*
This was great! It made me smile, laugh, and almost cry. The humor was my favorite part. It reminded me of a mix between Scythe/Thunderhead and Renegades which are two of my very favorite books.
I just loved Max! He was the best.
I read the ebook while listening to the audiobook, which I definitely recommend checking out. Alax did a great job. I can’t wait for book 2!
Please check this out if you like YA, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, or if you’re just looking for a fun action filled read. The Bridge comes out on April 23,2021.
Also I posted some of my favorite quotes. I’m sure there were more, but these are what I remembered to highlight.
This was great! It made me smile, laugh, and almost cry. The humor was my favorite part. It reminded me of a mix between Scythe/Thunderhead and Renegades which are two of my very favorite books.
I just loved Max! He was the best.
I read the ebook while listening to the audiobook, which I definitely recommend checking out. Alax did a great job. I can’t wait for book 2!
Please check this out if you like YA, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, or if you’re just looking for a fun action filled read. The Bridge comes out on April 23,2021.
Also I posted some of my favorite quotes. I’m sure there were more, but these are what I remembered to highlight.
August 16, 2021
The Bridge is an interesting contrast of worlds and characters with an intriguing plot line. I read this book in a single day, and found myself thinking about it even after I had finished.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews