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Ganzfield #2
Adversary
The second book of the Ganzfield series. Things are more dangerous than they seem at Ganzfield, and not everyone will survive. Does Maddie have what it takes? See what happens next in the sequel to Minder.
238 pages, Paperback
First published August 12, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 25, 2010
Review copy provided by author
Why I Read this Book: Minder was a great story. At the end of the eBook, there was a sneak peak of Adversary. And let me tell you, that little sneak peak – WHOA! Major cliffhanger. And while Minder didn’t have any cliffhangers of its own, there was room to grow. Another reason I was anxiously awaiting to read Adversary - did you read the blurb? See that part where is says and not everyone will survive. WHOA!
What I Liked: There is quite a lot of detail and world building going on in this series. There’s Ganzfield itself. Then you have G-Positives and Dodecamine. And then there’s Minders, Telekinetics, Sparks, Charms, RVs, and Healers. Seems like a lot to remember, especially when you read a few other books in between this series. So I greatly appreciate that the author did a “Previously, at Ganzfield” as an introduction in Adversary. The author supplied me with the information I needed to know and remember in order to make sense of Adversary. Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!
I love the addition of Zack! He’s the new guy at Ganzfield and he’s brought a load of tension for Maddie and Trevor. Zack is a very interesting Minder. Dr. Williamson doesn’t know his full potential; actually no one does, not even Zack himself. His abilities are unique and quite troublesome too.
The author incorporates such intricate details in these powers each of the students at Ganzfield possess. The connection between Maddie and Trevor is unique and mystifying. Even they don’t know exactly what the extent of their connection is and it’s fun finding out with them.
And just when you think everyone is out of danger’s path – WHAM! – the author throws in a curveball.
What I Didn’t Like: It took me too long to read Adversary. This book was going right along at full speed and unfortunately life’s little moments got in the way. This is the type of book you will want to clear your day to read.
Overall Impression: The world of Ganzfield is surreal; I felt like I was there, right in Maddie’s world. The author’s knack for storytelling is beyond fascinating. Fans of Harry Potter and Fantastic Four will enjoy this series.
I cannot wait for Legacy to come out! It’s not due out until January 2011, which seems so far away. Especially when there was a jaw-dropping sneak peak of Legacy at the end of Adversary that left me saying OMG!! And did you see the cover for Legacy? The suspense is killing me. Just when you think you know all there is to know about Maddie, the author adds in something new to the mix.
Why I Read this Book: Minder was a great story. At the end of the eBook, there was a sneak peak of Adversary. And let me tell you, that little sneak peak – WHOA! Major cliffhanger. And while Minder didn’t have any cliffhangers of its own, there was room to grow. Another reason I was anxiously awaiting to read Adversary - did you read the blurb? See that part where is says and not everyone will survive. WHOA!
What I Liked: There is quite a lot of detail and world building going on in this series. There’s Ganzfield itself. Then you have G-Positives and Dodecamine. And then there’s Minders, Telekinetics, Sparks, Charms, RVs, and Healers. Seems like a lot to remember, especially when you read a few other books in between this series. So I greatly appreciate that the author did a “Previously, at Ganzfield” as an introduction in Adversary. The author supplied me with the information I needed to know and remember in order to make sense of Adversary. Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!
I love the addition of Zack! He’s the new guy at Ganzfield and he’s brought a load of tension for Maddie and Trevor. Zack is a very interesting Minder. Dr. Williamson doesn’t know his full potential; actually no one does, not even Zack himself. His abilities are unique and quite troublesome too.
The author incorporates such intricate details in these powers each of the students at Ganzfield possess. The connection between Maddie and Trevor is unique and mystifying. Even they don’t know exactly what the extent of their connection is and it’s fun finding out with them.
And just when you think everyone is out of danger’s path – WHAM! – the author throws in a curveball.
What I Didn’t Like: It took me too long to read Adversary. This book was going right along at full speed and unfortunately life’s little moments got in the way. This is the type of book you will want to clear your day to read.
Overall Impression: The world of Ganzfield is surreal; I felt like I was there, right in Maddie’s world. The author’s knack for storytelling is beyond fascinating. Fans of Harry Potter and Fantastic Four will enjoy this series.
I cannot wait for Legacy to come out! It’s not due out until January 2011, which seems so far away. Especially when there was a jaw-dropping sneak peak of Legacy at the end of Adversary that left me saying OMG!! And did you see the cover for Legacy? The suspense is killing me. Just when you think you know all there is to know about Maddie, the author adds in something new to the mix.
March 3, 2011
Again, what a start to the book! I am again amazed how well the author is captivating the reader from page one.
When the first book – Minder is finished, Dr. Williamson has created a small team to prepare them to fight against the enemy – Sons of Adam. Sons of Adam see Ganzfield students as abominations, as monsters and the Ganzfield team needs to learn how to fight back. The team consists of Maddie who is a minder, Trevor who is telekinetic, Rachel who is remote reviewer, Hannah who is a healer and a new guy Zach. Zach is a charmer who is also minder, who can shield his thoughts. Complicated, huh?!!
During the final tests, where their abilities are to be tested, the team headed by Maddie has to leave Ganzfield and when they return an awful horror is waiting for them - their friends and co-students have been cruelly slaughtered. What happened? Maddie gets a suspicion that Sons of Adam together with Isaiah is behind it. Rachel finds other Ganzfield survivors not very far from the training facility. When they arrive, they hear a gruesome story. They also realize that two of the healers have been imprisoned and that Dr. Williamson is disappeared as well.
Maddie, Trevor and the rest of the team is determined to get the healers out of the imprisonment. And then the action starts again!!
Summary from Goodreads:
I liked the second book of Kate Kaynak much better! As with the first book, it was easy to read and the story plot kept me very interested.
Maddie was much more likable to me, especially because she was the one who hold the whole team together. I liked her High-and-Mighty-Princess attitude in this book. She was resourceful, brave, and curious to expand her abilities. She took control when needed and backed off when needed.
I liked Zach in the beginning. When he was brought in to Ganzfield I was thinking that maybe author is going to challenge Maddie’s and Trevor’s relationship with Zach, but that didn’t happen. I think Zach’s abilities are so far the most interesting ones and I would like to see him also in next book.
Generally speaking, it was very good reading!
When the first book – Minder is finished, Dr. Williamson has created a small team to prepare them to fight against the enemy – Sons of Adam. Sons of Adam see Ganzfield students as abominations, as monsters and the Ganzfield team needs to learn how to fight back. The team consists of Maddie who is a minder, Trevor who is telekinetic, Rachel who is remote reviewer, Hannah who is a healer and a new guy Zach. Zach is a charmer who is also minder, who can shield his thoughts. Complicated, huh?!!
During the final tests, where their abilities are to be tested, the team headed by Maddie has to leave Ganzfield and when they return an awful horror is waiting for them - their friends and co-students have been cruelly slaughtered. What happened? Maddie gets a suspicion that Sons of Adam together with Isaiah is behind it. Rachel finds other Ganzfield survivors not very far from the training facility. When they arrive, they hear a gruesome story. They also realize that two of the healers have been imprisoned and that Dr. Williamson is disappeared as well.
Maddie, Trevor and the rest of the team is determined to get the healers out of the imprisonment. And then the action starts again!!
Summary from Goodreads:
I liked the second book of Kate Kaynak much better! As with the first book, it was easy to read and the story plot kept me very interested.
Maddie was much more likable to me, especially because she was the one who hold the whole team together. I liked her High-and-Mighty-Princess attitude in this book. She was resourceful, brave, and curious to expand her abilities. She took control when needed and backed off when needed.
I liked Zach in the beginning. When he was brought in to Ganzfield I was thinking that maybe author is going to challenge Maddie’s and Trevor’s relationship with Zach, but that didn’t happen. I think Zach’s abilities are so far the most interesting ones and I would like to see him also in next book.
Generally speaking, it was very good reading!
September 28, 2010
Minder left me breathless-- and Adversary did not disappoint. I get nervous with second books-- but this one is NOT filler in any way, the action starts quickly and doesn't let go. It answers some questions and then left me with more.
It is beyond belief what happens in the first chapters but I did not see it coming at all. I almost had to wonder if it was really necessary, but it just shows how dangerous and single minded the enemy is. I can't really say more except I felt the pain that characters felt, and it was hard to get through.
Maddie is a dynamic character, and she keeps her strong leadership and sense of injustice at bullying and manipulation of people. Her and Trevor's relationship is taken to new levels, and they learn to love and protect each other in new ways. Kate has a way of writing their scenes making me wish that I could soulmate, and feeling like I am the one with telepathy, peeking into their hot and intimate moments. (It is all appropriate, nothing vulgar or obscene, similar to Minder with their energies being the main focus in the writing, but it is enough to make me jealous!
We meet a new character, Zack and I am still not sure what to feel about him. He is a charm who took things a little too far, and then felt regret after, but I am still wondering what sort of role he will play in the future of the series. He does serve to teach Maddie more about g-positives, but I can't really say much more.
Isaiah plays a bigger role in this one, and I hate him even more. He is even more powerful, and I am curious as to his weaknesses.
There is a teaser chapter for Legacy, and it is ridiculously foreshadowing and made me want to know what was going on, and if it was indeed what it looked like, and if so... what that means for Maddie and the series.
This is another amazing book, and Kate writes with beauty and fluidity. Her characters are real to me, and the way she writes them, I laugh with them, mourn with them, and am joyful with them. I recommend to read Minder if you haven't already and pick this one up!!
It is beyond belief what happens in the first chapters but I did not see it coming at all. I almost had to wonder if it was really necessary, but it just shows how dangerous and single minded the enemy is. I can't really say more except I felt the pain that characters felt, and it was hard to get through.
Maddie is a dynamic character, and she keeps her strong leadership and sense of injustice at bullying and manipulation of people. Her and Trevor's relationship is taken to new levels, and they learn to love and protect each other in new ways. Kate has a way of writing their scenes making me wish that I could soulmate, and feeling like I am the one with telepathy, peeking into their hot and intimate moments. (It is all appropriate, nothing vulgar or obscene, similar to Minder with their energies being the main focus in the writing, but it is enough to make me jealous!
We meet a new character, Zack and I am still not sure what to feel about him. He is a charm who took things a little too far, and then felt regret after, but I am still wondering what sort of role he will play in the future of the series. He does serve to teach Maddie more about g-positives, but I can't really say much more.
Isaiah plays a bigger role in this one, and I hate him even more. He is even more powerful, and I am curious as to his weaknesses.
There is a teaser chapter for Legacy, and it is ridiculously foreshadowing and made me want to know what was going on, and if it was indeed what it looked like, and if so... what that means for Maddie and the series.
This is another amazing book, and Kate writes with beauty and fluidity. Her characters are real to me, and the way she writes them, I laugh with them, mourn with them, and am joyful with them. I recommend to read Minder if you haven't already and pick this one up!!
November 9, 2010
Wow, The world of Ganzfield. What an awesome book and world that Kate Kaynak has created.
Maddie learns more about herself and her power of Mind reading. Her connection with Trevor grows stronger, and the whole story is packed with excitement, adventure, and even very heartfelt sad moments. Once I started this book, I didn't want to put it down. The story is so fast paced, with non-stop action.
I don't want to say too much more because I really don't want to give out any spoilers on this great book and series. You must read it!! Can't wait to get my hands on Legacy!!!
Maddie learns more about herself and her power of Mind reading. Her connection with Trevor grows stronger, and the whole story is packed with excitement, adventure, and even very heartfelt sad moments. Once I started this book, I didn't want to put it down. The story is so fast paced, with non-stop action.
I don't want to say too much more because I really don't want to give out any spoilers on this great book and series. You must read it!! Can't wait to get my hands on Legacy!!!
March 31, 2011
I really like this series. Why? Minders are awesome! And being G-Positive on the meds - she might be 'brain damaged at the end' but she can still communicate becuase she has her skills. I mean, how many ppl are out there now that cannot communicate - they are stuck in their bodies and minds. This story has a happy ending to me because of Maddie's ability. I am lucky to have read these books really, my sister in law won them and my library doesn't have anything by kaynak! :) will have to discuss this serious lack with them.
August 23, 2010
I won this book in a contest. I received it signed by the Author Kate Kaynak. I read it immed after I read the first book "Minder". What an incredible world Kate has created in this series. I fell in love with the characters, the world, the gifts and the talent. I highly recommend this book. Supernatural & love...you cannot go wrong!
October 15, 2010
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, Adversary had everything I expected and more. If you enjoyed Minder, you should definitely check out its sequel. And if you haven't tried Minder yet...what are you waiting for?
Approximate Reading Time: 6 Hours
Overall, Adversary had everything I expected and more. If you enjoyed Minder, you should definitely check out its sequel. And if you haven't tried Minder yet...what are you waiting for?
Approximate Reading Time: 6 Hours
books-to-avoid
July 23, 2013Commenting on every negative reviews on a book you worked on is not a good way to endear me into reading your books.
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May 16, 2011
I give Adversary 3.5 stars!
Adversary is the second book in the Ganzfield series and after how much I enjoyed the mindblowing adventure of Minder I was excited to see how Kate Kaynak would up the pace of the first book, and I have to say she triumphed! Adversary is an even more thrilling story where the breakneck speed of action keeps you glued to your chair, turning the pages as if in a trance.
(I am sorry if some parts of my review will be a comparison between Minder and Adversary, but after the intense reading experience of Minder, I was expecting the same elation and want to tell you how Adversary fared.)
So much happens in Adversary that you feel like you are in the middle of a whirlwind. Action after action propel the plot forward and you feel like you're speeding down the highway at breakneck speed. The emotional intensity of the terrors the characters go through was palpable and will move you.
Just like Minder, Adversary gripped me from start to finish. What I missed the most compared to the first book (which I loved), was that in Minder besides the fast paced, action packed plot there was an emotional journey and discovery of Maddie. Here in Adversary I felt that due to the high speed of everything happening at once this aspect was relegated to the background and when the emotional parts got the center stage I found them repetitive. Maddie and Trevor are comfortable in their warm and intense love for each other, and Kate Kaynak conveyed that wonderfully both in Minder and Adversary. They share such deep understanding of each other that it is a more solid foundation for a relationship than most have. However I found the repetitions of Maddie's internal gushing a bit tiring since they added no new aspect to their relationship, and this brought the novel down a bit for me.
I was also sad to see that the wonderful secondary characters didn't get nearly enough 'screen time'. Sure they were introduced in Minder, but the whole supporting cast is made of such great characters that I would have liked to read more about them. In Adversary Kate Kaynak introduced a new character: Zach, who I have to say I liked a lot and was sorry to see leave the group so soon (I felt that taking him out of the equation of Maddie-Trevor-and himself was too easy and simple, would have liked to see him stir things up a bit within the group and between Maddie and Trevor in a better way). I hope he will return and that the cast will absolve him.
I applaud Kate Kaynak for not shying away from talking about sex and intimacy in a YA novel. She expressed Maddie and Trevor's urges extremely well, while still maintaining it to be a responsible, mature decision about two people coming together because of their love and not to quench some hormonal urges.
Adversary took things even further than Minder: the danger got more serious, the confrontations grew bloodier, Kate Kaynak was not afraid to kill off some main secondary characters and bringing grief to the characters, and thus making the story darker, everything here made seem the conflict of Minder rather like a child play in comparison.
Verdict: Adversary is a very fast, gripping read, one that you won't be able to put down until you have finished it. Kate Kaynak is the queen of cliffhangers and she certainly knows how to weave a thrilling story with continuous loops of action. In Adversary everything escalates: the danger, the heartache, the thrill, the violence. It seems the series is maturing and Kate Kaynak is not afraid to bring the story and her characters to darker places. All in all Adversary is a great second instalment of the Ganzfield series and I can't wait to read more!
Adversary is the second book in the Ganzfield series and after how much I enjoyed the mindblowing adventure of Minder I was excited to see how Kate Kaynak would up the pace of the first book, and I have to say she triumphed! Adversary is an even more thrilling story where the breakneck speed of action keeps you glued to your chair, turning the pages as if in a trance.
(I am sorry if some parts of my review will be a comparison between Minder and Adversary, but after the intense reading experience of Minder, I was expecting the same elation and want to tell you how Adversary fared.)
So much happens in Adversary that you feel like you are in the middle of a whirlwind. Action after action propel the plot forward and you feel like you're speeding down the highway at breakneck speed. The emotional intensity of the terrors the characters go through was palpable and will move you.
Just like Minder, Adversary gripped me from start to finish. What I missed the most compared to the first book (which I loved), was that in Minder besides the fast paced, action packed plot there was an emotional journey and discovery of Maddie. Here in Adversary I felt that due to the high speed of everything happening at once this aspect was relegated to the background and when the emotional parts got the center stage I found them repetitive. Maddie and Trevor are comfortable in their warm and intense love for each other, and Kate Kaynak conveyed that wonderfully both in Minder and Adversary. They share such deep understanding of each other that it is a more solid foundation for a relationship than most have. However I found the repetitions of Maddie's internal gushing a bit tiring since they added no new aspect to their relationship, and this brought the novel down a bit for me.
I was also sad to see that the wonderful secondary characters didn't get nearly enough 'screen time'. Sure they were introduced in Minder, but the whole supporting cast is made of such great characters that I would have liked to read more about them. In Adversary Kate Kaynak introduced a new character: Zach, who I have to say I liked a lot and was sorry to see leave the group so soon (I felt that taking him out of the equation of Maddie-Trevor-and himself was too easy and simple, would have liked to see him stir things up a bit within the group and between Maddie and Trevor in a better way). I hope he will return and that the cast will absolve him.
I applaud Kate Kaynak for not shying away from talking about sex and intimacy in a YA novel. She expressed Maddie and Trevor's urges extremely well, while still maintaining it to be a responsible, mature decision about two people coming together because of their love and not to quench some hormonal urges.
Adversary took things even further than Minder: the danger got more serious, the confrontations grew bloodier, Kate Kaynak was not afraid to kill off some main secondary characters and bringing grief to the characters, and thus making the story darker, everything here made seem the conflict of Minder rather like a child play in comparison.
Verdict: Adversary is a very fast, gripping read, one that you won't be able to put down until you have finished it. Kate Kaynak is the queen of cliffhangers and she certainly knows how to weave a thrilling story with continuous loops of action. In Adversary everything escalates: the danger, the heartache, the thrill, the violence. It seems the series is maturing and Kate Kaynak is not afraid to bring the story and her characters to darker places. All in all Adversary is a great second instalment of the Ganzfield series and I can't wait to read more!
September 4, 2010
After the events in Minder, Maddie and her friends had been training hard. With the Sons of Adam constantly trying to kidnap or kill them, they needed to learn to work together, control thier powers, and to protect themselves. But nothing could have prepared them, for what was about to happen. Loved ones were hurt, missing, kidnapped or lost. Their lives were changed forever.
The author stayed true to her characters, because, after everything that happened, I still believed them to be teenagers. They didn't have a miraculous growth in confidence or insight. They didn't become indestructable and more focused. Instead, they still had their insecurities and confusions. Thier concentration was often interrupted with thier own sexual desires and they were far from being indestructable, but worked hard on strengthening thier weaknesses.
Maddie had always been a leader, but she always had Dr. Williamson, to help guide her and make the final decisions for her. Now, she was thrusted into the position, of making the final decisions and was often second guessing herself. Fortunately, she had Trevor and her freinds to support her. I loved that Maddie and Trevor had a deep connection and that thier relationship was something more intimate, than that of physical sex. But more important, I believed it. Maddie's mother did too. I thought it was very clever of the author, to use Maddie's telepathy, as a way for the reader, to experience the various perspectives, of the surrounding characters. It helped me related to Maddie's mother and her inner struggle, to protect her daughter or support her daughter. I also loved that the mother was a little quirky for being a therapist. Her showing love by food, getting pissed off at Trevor for cooking in her kitchen, then relaxing when she realized, he was feeding her daughter. That was just too cute. I also thought, the new and powerful G-positive, Zack added an interesting dynamic to the group. He happened to be a charm, who could persuade most minders and was incrediable at blocking them. He liked Maddie, but in his determination to impress her, he alienated her, and spark an anger in Trevor. Also, we meet Dr. Williamson's lawyer and alumni G-postive, Nick Coleman. I hope to see more of them in Legacy.
The world that the Kate Kaynak created, was very believable and the plot frighteningly crediable. I absolutely love the author's ability to use irony. The idea ,that one of the most powerful G-positives leading an occult bent on eliminating all G-positives, wasn't lost on me. I also thought it was interesting, that in trying to kill Isaiah, a friend betrayed Maddie and almost killed the one person, who could actually kill Isaiah.
Overall, I loved this book. Personally, I didn't think, it was possible, to like it better than the Minder. It is a rare occasion, when I am at a lost for words. As I finished the last page and closed the book, my mind was racing. I had felt a wide range of emotions, that I couldn't even begin to express. My mind was too busy, reflecting on all that happened throughout the book, and all the possibilites of what would happen in the next. The author did it again! Adversary had taken hold of me, and didn't let go, even after the book was closed. If I was asked, "What Young Adult series would I recommend?", The Ganzfeild Novels would be it. I look forward to the next installment, Legacy.
The author stayed true to her characters, because, after everything that happened, I still believed them to be teenagers. They didn't have a miraculous growth in confidence or insight. They didn't become indestructable and more focused. Instead, they still had their insecurities and confusions. Thier concentration was often interrupted with thier own sexual desires and they were far from being indestructable, but worked hard on strengthening thier weaknesses.
Maddie had always been a leader, but she always had Dr. Williamson, to help guide her and make the final decisions for her. Now, she was thrusted into the position, of making the final decisions and was often second guessing herself. Fortunately, she had Trevor and her freinds to support her. I loved that Maddie and Trevor had a deep connection and that thier relationship was something more intimate, than that of physical sex. But more important, I believed it. Maddie's mother did too. I thought it was very clever of the author, to use Maddie's telepathy, as a way for the reader, to experience the various perspectives, of the surrounding characters. It helped me related to Maddie's mother and her inner struggle, to protect her daughter or support her daughter. I also loved that the mother was a little quirky for being a therapist. Her showing love by food, getting pissed off at Trevor for cooking in her kitchen, then relaxing when she realized, he was feeding her daughter. That was just too cute. I also thought, the new and powerful G-positive, Zack added an interesting dynamic to the group. He happened to be a charm, who could persuade most minders and was incrediable at blocking them. He liked Maddie, but in his determination to impress her, he alienated her, and spark an anger in Trevor. Also, we meet Dr. Williamson's lawyer and alumni G-postive, Nick Coleman. I hope to see more of them in Legacy.
The world that the Kate Kaynak created, was very believable and the plot frighteningly crediable. I absolutely love the author's ability to use irony. The idea ,that one of the most powerful G-positives leading an occult bent on eliminating all G-positives, wasn't lost on me. I also thought it was interesting, that in trying to kill Isaiah, a friend betrayed Maddie and almost killed the one person, who could actually kill Isaiah.
Overall, I loved this book. Personally, I didn't think, it was possible, to like it better than the Minder. It is a rare occasion, when I am at a lost for words. As I finished the last page and closed the book, my mind was racing. I had felt a wide range of emotions, that I couldn't even begin to express. My mind was too busy, reflecting on all that happened throughout the book, and all the possibilites of what would happen in the next. The author did it again! Adversary had taken hold of me, and didn't let go, even after the book was closed. If I was asked, "What Young Adult series would I recommend?", The Ganzfeild Novels would be it. I look forward to the next installment, Legacy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2011
I'm not gonna say much in this review cause then i'll just repeat what i'd said for Minders. But there are a few things that i must say have improved that i thought this book deserves a good 4.5 stars.
(I may get some facts wrong because it's been awhile since i put down the book. Forgive me^^")
Here are the main points in the book:
1) Maddie&co(her, trevor, Rachel, Hannah, and latest recruit and charm, Grace) starts stimulated trainings around camp together as a team, preparing themselves to go save people or get information or whatever in the outside world.
2)Maddie gets injured while sleeping(non-sexually)with Trev in their old church and has to go to town to have it looked at with all the high tech machines. Dr Williamsom thought it unsafe for any G positives to be out alone, so he sends her whole gang along with her and Trev.
3)When Maddie&co gets back to camp, they find a bloodbath. Everyone they knew save a few sparks were lined up outside their dorms and were shot, all in their PJs.
4)Maddie&co finds out that Dr Williamsom is detained by CIA and figures that she has to get him out, after which she has to neutralize Isaiah Lerner.
Yep, that's about it.
First things first, i have to say that i find the decrease in "oh i love you so much" from Maddie and Trevor a major improvement; Not that there isnt any, oh there are still quite a lot, but it is now on the believable and comfortable region. Now that it's tamped down, im kind of looking past Trev's shy-ness(which is a major turn off for me at first in Minder) and starting to really like reading about them being together. Trev's protective of Maddie, but in his own quiet, sweet way, which i find that Kaynak has a way of putting it across as very romantic.
The plot itself was engaging, and at times, the action got really adrenaline-pumping. Oh i loved it. All that fighting and plotting and scheming and running away and protecting each other and teamwork..wow. Just wow. This is a well deserved 4.5 stars. Really, the action was incredible, especially at the end. Kaynak doesnt pull any punches. One moment everyone's dead, the other Maddie&co's fighting to survive, another a betrayal is uncovered(yeah, it punched me in the gut.real hard. It was totally unexpected), and the list goes on. So bottomline: Eventful to the max!
There was humor in it too. Haha. Oh god. Maddie tried investing and got a full $6 million if im not wrong. And then she was all "oops" when Dr Williamson(or was it their lawyer, Nick Coleman?) got a call from whoever's in charge of stocks and shares to ask how on earth did a first-timer, teenage girl earn six freaking million the first time she entered the investment world. Wow, that was funny.
yeap..that's all i can remember for now. I'll add more stuff when i remember them but one thing(or impression) is still clearly etched in my mind: This is 10 times better than Minder(and Minder wasnt even boring, nuh uh), and it was - i repeat - Eventful to the max!
If you've read Minder but didnt like it because of the overly-mushy stuff, pick up Adversary and you'll forget about it! wow, i feel like a sales promoter or sth.:/
(I may get some facts wrong because it's been awhile since i put down the book. Forgive me^^")
Here are the main points in the book:
1) Maddie&co(her, trevor, Rachel, Hannah, and latest recruit and charm, Grace) starts stimulated trainings around camp together as a team, preparing themselves to go save people or get information or whatever in the outside world.
2)Maddie gets injured while sleeping(non-sexually)with Trev in their old church and has to go to town to have it looked at with all the high tech machines. Dr Williamsom thought it unsafe for any G positives to be out alone, so he sends her whole gang along with her and Trev.
3)When Maddie&co gets back to camp, they find a bloodbath. Everyone they knew save a few sparks were lined up outside their dorms and were shot, all in their PJs.
4)Maddie&co finds out that Dr Williamsom is detained by CIA and figures that she has to get him out, after which she has to neutralize Isaiah Lerner.
Yep, that's about it.
First things first, i have to say that i find the decrease in "oh i love you so much" from Maddie and Trevor a major improvement; Not that there isnt any, oh there are still quite a lot, but it is now on the believable and comfortable region. Now that it's tamped down, im kind of looking past Trev's shy-ness(which is a major turn off for me at first in Minder) and starting to really like reading about them being together. Trev's protective of Maddie, but in his own quiet, sweet way, which i find that Kaynak has a way of putting it across as very romantic.
The plot itself was engaging, and at times, the action got really adrenaline-pumping. Oh i loved it. All that fighting and plotting and scheming and running away and protecting each other and teamwork..wow. Just wow. This is a well deserved 4.5 stars. Really, the action was incredible, especially at the end. Kaynak doesnt pull any punches. One moment everyone's dead, the other Maddie&co's fighting to survive, another a betrayal is uncovered(yeah, it punched me in the gut.real hard. It was totally unexpected), and the list goes on. So bottomline: Eventful to the max!
There was humor in it too. Haha. Oh god. Maddie tried investing and got a full $6 million if im not wrong. And then she was all "oops" when Dr Williamson(or was it their lawyer, Nick Coleman?) got a call from whoever's in charge of stocks and shares to ask how on earth did a first-timer, teenage girl earn six freaking million the first time she entered the investment world. Wow, that was funny.
yeap..that's all i can remember for now. I'll add more stuff when i remember them but one thing(or impression) is still clearly etched in my mind: This is 10 times better than Minder(and Minder wasnt even boring, nuh uh), and it was - i repeat - Eventful to the max!
If you've read Minder but didnt like it because of the overly-mushy stuff, pick up Adversary and you'll forget about it! wow, i feel like a sales promoter or sth.:/
September 19, 2010
Kate Kaynak has done it again with Adversary, the second novel in the Ganzfield series. This one picks up right where Minder left off and the reader is instantly thrown into this world of charms, RVs, healers, sparks, a boy with telekinesis, and a minder who loves him. The book opens with the extremely helpful ‘previously at Ganzfield,’ so I felt nice and caught up with the story. From there, things begin happening at a rapid pace. Unlike the opener in the series, Adversary jumps right into the action and unavoidable skirmishes. I don’t want to give anything away, but let me just say that bad things happen, people get hurt, and quite a few people even die.
With a surprising shake up at Ganzfield, Maddie’s little supergroup of friends takes off to make a difference and come to a faceoff with Isaiah Lerner – the man who tried to vivisect Trevor. The guy is creepy, not only creepy, he’s terrifying. I never questioned the power he holds or the fear he brings out in people. Isaiah is more than willing to maim, torture, and kill.
The roadtrip brings out even more detail into the abilities that the G-positive people possess. Kaynak has developed an incredible way of describing all the thoughts that bombard Maddie and we get to see what she sees through images and vibrant colors. Characters like Rachel and Hannah get a more prominent role and Kaynak explores the world outside of Ganzfield. The addition of new guy Zack brings some much needed tension in Maddie’s and Trevor’s seemingly perfect relationship too.
Still, Maddie and Trevor are stronger than ever. Their soulmating gets quite steamy at times and through it they learn just how intense and unique what they have is. In the short amount of time that they’ve known each other, they’ve fallen in love and it feels real. It never seems rushed or contrived. Their relationship is what carries the story; even in the worst of times, they still have each other and as cheesy as that may seem – I love it.
With fun characters, interesting abilities, and enough surprises to keep me glued to the page, Adversary is a fast-paced installment in a series that I’m not likely to put down. The next book, Legacy is calling my name, begging me to read it and I hope you do too.
Opening line: Were we too late? ~ pg. 1
Favorite lines: Can’t stop. I think I’m addicted to you.
I grinned. The first step is admitting you have a problem. ~ pg. 18
With a surprising shake up at Ganzfield, Maddie’s little supergroup of friends takes off to make a difference and come to a faceoff with Isaiah Lerner – the man who tried to vivisect Trevor. The guy is creepy, not only creepy, he’s terrifying. I never questioned the power he holds or the fear he brings out in people. Isaiah is more than willing to maim, torture, and kill.
The roadtrip brings out even more detail into the abilities that the G-positive people possess. Kaynak has developed an incredible way of describing all the thoughts that bombard Maddie and we get to see what she sees through images and vibrant colors. Characters like Rachel and Hannah get a more prominent role and Kaynak explores the world outside of Ganzfield. The addition of new guy Zack brings some much needed tension in Maddie’s and Trevor’s seemingly perfect relationship too.
Still, Maddie and Trevor are stronger than ever. Their soulmating gets quite steamy at times and through it they learn just how intense and unique what they have is. In the short amount of time that they’ve known each other, they’ve fallen in love and it feels real. It never seems rushed or contrived. Their relationship is what carries the story; even in the worst of times, they still have each other and as cheesy as that may seem – I love it.
With fun characters, interesting abilities, and enough surprises to keep me glued to the page, Adversary is a fast-paced installment in a series that I’m not likely to put down. The next book, Legacy is calling my name, begging me to read it and I hope you do too.
Opening line: Were we too late? ~ pg. 1
Favorite lines: Can’t stop. I think I’m addicted to you.
I grinned. The first step is admitting you have a problem. ~ pg. 18
December 13, 2010
Previously Published on my blog: Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life
I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Minder and was really excited about reading Adversary. The way things ended in Minder, there was a LOT of potential for Maddie’s story and I was glad to finally read what came next.
Against all odds I am really enjoying this series. Maddie is a great leading lady, loyal, brave and not afraid to speak her mind. One of the things I love about this series is that she has found her soulmate in Trevor and that is that. They might find some obstacles, some people might try to separate them, but they have found the person they are meant to be with in each other. I can enjoy the “will-they-wont-they” dance or even a nicely created triangle but there is something to be said about a couple that is just meant to be, gets together and from then on we get to enjoy their adventures as a couple… I simply LOVE that!
Kate Kaynak has really surprised me in Adversary by not being afraid of getting bloody and not underestimating her audience. No, this is not the Hunger Games and we don’t get nearly as much action, but Kate is not afraid of getting dirty and blurring the lines between honorable and unethical at times. People do die in this series and not just filler people either, which is well played since Maddie and her friends have inadvertently awaken a war that had been asleep for years.
Another thing that I really enjoyed was that Kate is not afraid to approach the sexuality of her characters. She doesn’t pretend teenagers don’t have sex or that they don’t have urges, she also doesn’t use it to teach her readers a lesson. She simply deals with the issue in a form that I feel is completely realistic.
The Ganzfield is first and foremost a character driven series in my opinion. There is some action and danger to be dealt with, but the internal and emotional issues do take center stage. So if you’re looking for some non-stop action, this might not be the series for you. But Kate has created very interesting and lovable characters that you can’t help but want to know more about.
Adversary is a great addition to this series and I really want to read more of it!
I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Minder and was really excited about reading Adversary. The way things ended in Minder, there was a LOT of potential for Maddie’s story and I was glad to finally read what came next.
Against all odds I am really enjoying this series. Maddie is a great leading lady, loyal, brave and not afraid to speak her mind. One of the things I love about this series is that she has found her soulmate in Trevor and that is that. They might find some obstacles, some people might try to separate them, but they have found the person they are meant to be with in each other. I can enjoy the “will-they-wont-they” dance or even a nicely created triangle but there is something to be said about a couple that is just meant to be, gets together and from then on we get to enjoy their adventures as a couple… I simply LOVE that!
Kate Kaynak has really surprised me in Adversary by not being afraid of getting bloody and not underestimating her audience. No, this is not the Hunger Games and we don’t get nearly as much action, but Kate is not afraid of getting dirty and blurring the lines between honorable and unethical at times. People do die in this series and not just filler people either, which is well played since Maddie and her friends have inadvertently awaken a war that had been asleep for years.
Another thing that I really enjoyed was that Kate is not afraid to approach the sexuality of her characters. She doesn’t pretend teenagers don’t have sex or that they don’t have urges, she also doesn’t use it to teach her readers a lesson. She simply deals with the issue in a form that I feel is completely realistic.
The Ganzfield is first and foremost a character driven series in my opinion. There is some action and danger to be dealt with, but the internal and emotional issues do take center stage. So if you’re looking for some non-stop action, this might not be the series for you. But Kate has created very interesting and lovable characters that you can’t help but want to know more about.
Adversary is a great addition to this series and I really want to read more of it!
September 4, 2010
(Mild spoilers, if you haven't yet read Minder, the first book in the series.)
Wow. Just... Wow. I can't even begin to tell you how impressed I was by this book, after having read the first. I reviewed Minder on my blog in July, and while I enjoyed it, there were some things that gave me pause when I went back to evaluate how I felt after reading the book.
This was not so for Adversary. Right from the beginning it was as though I'd gotten on a roller coaster and taken off, and after that there was no stopping the ride. The book's flawless pacing and much-improved writing lend themselves to a story that I just could not put down.
For those of you just joining the series, our heroine is Maddie Dunn, a teenager with some "special" abilities. After joining the Ganzfield community and finding a place where she can grow and learn, she now finds that there may be danger around every corner, as a dangerous criminal, himself specially abled, is determined to see all G-positives taken down...
While I was reading Minder, I found myself thinking that Maddie had things just a little too easy. Well, maybe all that was just preparation for the grenades that are thrown in Adversary. The introduction of a potential new love interest for Maddie (one who I assume must be coming back in future books, because he is totally delectable), the advent of some broken limbs even before the story's gotten off the ground, and an overwhelmingly threatening adversary -- all these and more make Adversary deliciously gut-wrenching and nail-biting. But even with moments of sheer terror and horrific danger, there are still moments of tenderness, passion, and that friendly teenage snark that's just so much fun to read.
In short, I applaud Kate Kaynak for a sequel that's faster, leaner, and (let's face it, even if it's not a word) funner than the last. Looking forward to the next!
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Just... Wow. I can't even begin to tell you how impressed I was by this book, after having read the first. I reviewed Minder on my blog in July, and while I enjoyed it, there were some things that gave me pause when I went back to evaluate how I felt after reading the book.
This was not so for Adversary. Right from the beginning it was as though I'd gotten on a roller coaster and taken off, and after that there was no stopping the ride. The book's flawless pacing and much-improved writing lend themselves to a story that I just could not put down.
For those of you just joining the series, our heroine is Maddie Dunn, a teenager with some "special" abilities. After joining the Ganzfield community and finding a place where she can grow and learn, she now finds that there may be danger around every corner, as a dangerous criminal, himself specially abled, is determined to see all G-positives taken down...
While I was reading Minder, I found myself thinking that Maddie had things just a little too easy. Well, maybe all that was just preparation for the grenades that are thrown in Adversary. The introduction of a potential new love interest for Maddie (one who I assume must be coming back in future books, because he is totally delectable), the advent of some broken limbs even before the story's gotten off the ground, and an overwhelmingly threatening adversary -- all these and more make Adversary deliciously gut-wrenching and nail-biting. But even with moments of sheer terror and horrific danger, there are still moments of tenderness, passion, and that friendly teenage snark that's just so much fun to read.
In short, I applaud Kate Kaynak for a sequel that's faster, leaner, and (let's face it, even if it's not a word) funner than the last. Looking forward to the next!
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2010
Characters: Maddie and Trevor are back again as the main focus of the story. They have grown closer after the events in book one. We also get to see an introduction to some new characters and Maddie's mother, who I adored.
Writing: The world that the author as built here is fun and dangerous. The characters have to go through Training Drills to make their powers stronger and learn how to work with each other. The drills and the events that happen are very dangerous and when the Doctor goes missing it becomes all out war and survival. Very fast paced, a lot of events and super powers lead to a intense and packed pages.
Plot: Ganzfield is attacked and several people die, some taken hostage. Maddie ends up taking the survivors on a visit to her mother's house while they try to determine the details of who attacked them and where the Doctor is. There are several deaths and dangerous situations that they must endure to survive, and not even Maddie herself is able to get away unharmed.
Originality: Like a comic book adventure put into novel form. There are several different abilities that the students of Ganzfield possess. From healing to mind readers and those that can stretch their mind power out to help or influence others. The students of Ganzfield do take a supplement pill that enhances their abilities and so they have to go through training drills and become target to outside organizations, others like themselves or want to have what they have.
Krista's Review: This series is becoming more intense with every book. It pretty much becomes all out war and nobody is safe. With the fast paced relationship that developed between Trevor and Maddie in book one, it becomes deeper in book 2. The author presents an alternative to sex with these characters with a soul connection that becomes more intense than just sex, and leads so some intense sexytime moments. I would recommend these books to those that like war stories, and a lot of all out battle scenes, with the addition of superhuman powers.
Writing: The world that the author as built here is fun and dangerous. The characters have to go through Training Drills to make their powers stronger and learn how to work with each other. The drills and the events that happen are very dangerous and when the Doctor goes missing it becomes all out war and survival. Very fast paced, a lot of events and super powers lead to a intense and packed pages.
Plot: Ganzfield is attacked and several people die, some taken hostage. Maddie ends up taking the survivors on a visit to her mother's house while they try to determine the details of who attacked them and where the Doctor is. There are several deaths and dangerous situations that they must endure to survive, and not even Maddie herself is able to get away unharmed.
Originality: Like a comic book adventure put into novel form. There are several different abilities that the students of Ganzfield possess. From healing to mind readers and those that can stretch their mind power out to help or influence others. The students of Ganzfield do take a supplement pill that enhances their abilities and so they have to go through training drills and become target to outside organizations, others like themselves or want to have what they have.
Krista's Review: This series is becoming more intense with every book. It pretty much becomes all out war and nobody is safe. With the fast paced relationship that developed between Trevor and Maddie in book one, it becomes deeper in book 2. The author presents an alternative to sex with these characters with a soul connection that becomes more intense than just sex, and leads so some intense sexytime moments. I would recommend these books to those that like war stories, and a lot of all out battle scenes, with the addition of superhuman powers.
January 4, 2011
I loved coming back to hang out with the Ganzfield gang! It feels comfortable, like I never left my little X-Men team. By far, the best part... all of the Trevor and Maddie love!!
Gah! The sexual tension is apparent every time Maddie and Trevor together. Be it alone or around others, they are constantly emitting their love for one another and I LOVE IT! The daydreaming and projecting thoughts between each other is just so... *le sigh*... romantic. They may not be technically having sex but "soulmating" is pretty intense. They had better stay together throughout this series!
"Hot, buzzing-red energy tingled across my skin. I could feel Trevor's mind fill with tender, yet primal impulses; ideas that made me quiver and melt. I opened my thoughts further to his, letting my passion flow over him. The church went dim and the world fell away. Suddenly, we were two beings of energy, merging in an explosive series of waves that tumbled us together until we shattered into a thousand fizzy little fireworks that seemed to linger in the trembling of our newly-returned bodies."
Dang, there's something about Trevor's invisible arms...
Besides the romance, there was a lot of action too! Powers were utilized all over the place, some for very bad reasons.
Incredibly disappointed with Dr. Williamson. Bad decision-making. Big frowny face for you dude. :(
And although he did go a lil' creeper with Maddie, I wasn't turned off by Zack. I'm hoping he shows up in future books. He obviously will be needed at Ganzfield...
Very excited to get my hands on book three, Legacy! (Especially after reading the tease at the end of Adversary.)
Gah! The sexual tension is apparent every time Maddie and Trevor together. Be it alone or around others, they are constantly emitting their love for one another and I LOVE IT! The daydreaming and projecting thoughts between each other is just so... *le sigh*... romantic. They may not be technically having sex but "soulmating" is pretty intense. They had better stay together throughout this series!
"Hot, buzzing-red energy tingled across my skin. I could feel Trevor's mind fill with tender, yet primal impulses; ideas that made me quiver and melt. I opened my thoughts further to his, letting my passion flow over him. The church went dim and the world fell away. Suddenly, we were two beings of energy, merging in an explosive series of waves that tumbled us together until we shattered into a thousand fizzy little fireworks that seemed to linger in the trembling of our newly-returned bodies."
Dang, there's something about Trevor's invisible arms...
Besides the romance, there was a lot of action too! Powers were utilized all over the place, some for very bad reasons.
Incredibly disappointed with Dr. Williamson. Bad decision-making. Big frowny face for you dude. :(
And although he did go a lil' creeper with Maddie, I wasn't turned off by Zack. I'm hoping he shows up in future books. He obviously will be needed at Ganzfield...
Very excited to get my hands on book three, Legacy! (Especially after reading the tease at the end of Adversary.)
September 18, 2010
*4.5*
If you thought Minder was fantastic, well just wait until you read Adversary, the next fast paced, heart-racing tale in Kate Kaynak's Ganzfield series!
Starting a few months after Minder ended, Adversary picks up with even more action and surprises. For one, after Maddie and her team, including Trevor, Rachel, Drew, etc., are off on a overnight mission, they return to an askew, nearly deserted Ganzfield. Not only has Ganzfield itself been pretty much been torn apart but more than half the population is dead! Knowing that the evil, conniving, Isaiah is behind it, Maddie and her team are once again on the run, hoping that this time they will finally be able to stop Isaiah once and for all. But will they succeed, or will even more blood be shed? Only time will tell in this second addition filled with even more romance, surprises, and loss than the first one.
Just like the first addition, one of the richest parts of Adversary is the fantastic cast of characters. Once again we get to see right into Maddie and her friends' lives. Maddie is yet again the bravest of the bunch, and while she does make some silly, rash decisions, you can't help but love her determination and fierceness. Even better, I loved the development into Maddie and Trevor's relationship, because not only was it much needed but it made me truly understand why Maddie and Trevor love each other so much on an emotional level. I also loved to hate Isaiah, the scary man who wants to kill off Ganzfield population, because even though he is someone I detest, he still manages to bring a lot of twists and turns into the novel and series with his evilness.
Kate Kaynak also did a fantastic job with the plot of this one, because not only did it include even more world and character building but it also was filled with many heart racing moments, and the ending has left me eager for more, more, and more!
In all, Kate Kaynak manages to shine as an author once again with Adversary!
Grade: A
If you thought Minder was fantastic, well just wait until you read Adversary, the next fast paced, heart-racing tale in Kate Kaynak's Ganzfield series!
Starting a few months after Minder ended, Adversary picks up with even more action and surprises. For one, after Maddie and her team, including Trevor, Rachel, Drew, etc., are off on a overnight mission, they return to an askew, nearly deserted Ganzfield. Not only has Ganzfield itself been pretty much been torn apart but more than half the population is dead! Knowing that the evil, conniving, Isaiah is behind it, Maddie and her team are once again on the run, hoping that this time they will finally be able to stop Isaiah once and for all. But will they succeed, or will even more blood be shed? Only time will tell in this second addition filled with even more romance, surprises, and loss than the first one.
Just like the first addition, one of the richest parts of Adversary is the fantastic cast of characters. Once again we get to see right into Maddie and her friends' lives. Maddie is yet again the bravest of the bunch, and while she does make some silly, rash decisions, you can't help but love her determination and fierceness. Even better, I loved the development into Maddie and Trevor's relationship, because not only was it much needed but it made me truly understand why Maddie and Trevor love each other so much on an emotional level. I also loved to hate Isaiah, the scary man who wants to kill off Ganzfield population, because even though he is someone I detest, he still manages to bring a lot of twists and turns into the novel and series with his evilness.
Kate Kaynak also did a fantastic job with the plot of this one, because not only did it include even more world and character building but it also was filled with many heart racing moments, and the ending has left me eager for more, more, and more!
In all, Kate Kaynak manages to shine as an author once again with Adversary!
Grade: A
July 27, 2010
Kate Kaynak's sequel to Minder, Adversary detailed the battle of the Ganzfield superpowers against their most evil, powerful and relentless adversary - Isaiah Lerner. The battles in the book were so intense and fascinating with all the superpowers it literally made me grip the book and fear for the characters. Kate Kaynak's imagery is so strong I felt like I was in the room and at the same time seeing things happening with other characters. Once again, she managed to mix an intense action/paranormal story with the elements of quirkiness, romance, and effects of superpowers in romantic situations, like the swimming pool scene. So refreshing and fun!
Being the second book in the series I feared that Trevor, Maddies soulmate, might be removed from the story somehow to create motivation or angst in Maddie, but was so pleased that he remains in this story and together they develop an new and intense ability that amazes even Dr. Williamson. I cannot wait to see what they will do with it in Legacy,the third Ganzfield novel. Other characters were developed more fully in this sequel that made me really care about them like Rachel and Sean, and Maddies mother! I can't wait to see her in Legacy - Go Mom!
Maddie grows stronger and braver personally and with her abilities through each chapter, but at the same time aware of her own weaknesses, helping her to cover the faults of others around her with kindness. Anyone would be blessed to have friends like Maddie and Trevor - even if they had to ask for some "space" once in a while! If you haven't read Minder yet, I recommend you take a weekend to read it and have a copy of Adversary handy because you are going to want to jump right into it. You've done it again Kate! How do you know what readers are thinking?
I rate this ***** (5stars)
Being the second book in the series I feared that Trevor, Maddies soulmate, might be removed from the story somehow to create motivation or angst in Maddie, but was so pleased that he remains in this story and together they develop an new and intense ability that amazes even Dr. Williamson. I cannot wait to see what they will do with it in Legacy,the third Ganzfield novel. Other characters were developed more fully in this sequel that made me really care about them like Rachel and Sean, and Maddies mother! I can't wait to see her in Legacy - Go Mom!
Maddie grows stronger and braver personally and with her abilities through each chapter, but at the same time aware of her own weaknesses, helping her to cover the faults of others around her with kindness. Anyone would be blessed to have friends like Maddie and Trevor - even if they had to ask for some "space" once in a while! If you haven't read Minder yet, I recommend you take a weekend to read it and have a copy of Adversary handy because you are going to want to jump right into it. You've done it again Kate! How do you know what readers are thinking?
I rate this ***** (5stars)
February 10, 2011
Adversary is the second book in the Ganzfield series and it follows Maddie and Trevor along with all the rest of the people of Ganzfield through a harrowing journey. Ganzfield feels safe for the kids and adults who live there. Maddie and Trevor have been training their Team for missions. When Dr. Williamson sends them into the city on a mission, they are excited for the chance to be involved. But while they are away from Ganzfield, the compound is attacked and many of their friends and classmates are killed. Maddie and Trevor rush back to the compound to see what can be done. They find that some of the students and adults have made their way to a camp nearby that is owned by a family of Sparks. But where are the healers Matilda and Morris? Where is Dr. Williamson? And who could have done such a thing? It's up to Maddie and her friends to find the answers to all of these questions and to bring back their friends taken from Ganzfield.
I liked this book at least as much as Minder. It had more fast paced action and suspense but it still had the intense views of relationships between the characters that made Minder so fabulous. I love Maddie and Trevor's relationship. It is just so open, honest and pure. They connect on the most basic level and they each are just what the other needs. It was also fun to watch Maddie continue to grow into her powers. I liked that she was able to learn new things by reasoning her way through it. I stick to my recommendation for Minder with this second book: suitable for age 13 and older due to science, action, and teenage shenanigans but nothing too graphic/explicit. Death does occur in spades in this book so be aware of that as well. But I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It is definitely a new all time favorite of mine.
I liked this book at least as much as Minder. It had more fast paced action and suspense but it still had the intense views of relationships between the characters that made Minder so fabulous. I love Maddie and Trevor's relationship. It is just so open, honest and pure. They connect on the most basic level and they each are just what the other needs. It was also fun to watch Maddie continue to grow into her powers. I liked that she was able to learn new things by reasoning her way through it. I stick to my recommendation for Minder with this second book: suitable for age 13 and older due to science, action, and teenage shenanigans but nothing too graphic/explicit. Death does occur in spades in this book so be aware of that as well. But I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It is definitely a new all time favorite of mine.
November 18, 2010
After having absolutely loved the first book, Minder, I couldn’t wait to delve into Adversary. I expected it to be just as amazing as Minder and I was not disappointed.
Adversary starts off with action and just keeps going and going until the very end. I don’t normally like books like that but with Adversary there was just something about it that had me hooked. I just kept reading because I had to know what was going to happen next.
Adversary had parts that made me laugh but it also had its serious parts. Some of it was really serious and quite sad. I feel so bad for so many of the characters because of what they’d been through by the end of it all.
The new character Zack seemed very interesting and I’m hoping he’ll be in the next book. There were times when I didn’t trust him but others when I thought he was a genuinely nice guy. All of the other characters were pretty cool too. Although, there were a couple of times when I thought Maddie was a bit annoying but she pulled through in the end to still remain a very cool character.
There were so many surprises in Adversary that I just didn’t see coming and I loved it. Kate Kaynak writes a book that leaves you guessing and wanting more and what’s more it features psychics who have really cool powers. I admit that I always wished to be a mind reader (but only if there was some way to shut it off when I wanted to) and so Adversary is just one really awesome book because it gives me insight into what being a mind reader would be like.
Adversary is an amazing book and if you haven’t read it or the first book Minder yet, then you should definitely do so soon. I love this series and am eagerly awaiting the next book, Legacy.
Adversary starts off with action and just keeps going and going until the very end. I don’t normally like books like that but with Adversary there was just something about it that had me hooked. I just kept reading because I had to know what was going to happen next.
Adversary had parts that made me laugh but it also had its serious parts. Some of it was really serious and quite sad. I feel so bad for so many of the characters because of what they’d been through by the end of it all.
The new character Zack seemed very interesting and I’m hoping he’ll be in the next book. There were times when I didn’t trust him but others when I thought he was a genuinely nice guy. All of the other characters were pretty cool too. Although, there were a couple of times when I thought Maddie was a bit annoying but she pulled through in the end to still remain a very cool character.
There were so many surprises in Adversary that I just didn’t see coming and I loved it. Kate Kaynak writes a book that leaves you guessing and wanting more and what’s more it features psychics who have really cool powers. I admit that I always wished to be a mind reader (but only if there was some way to shut it off when I wanted to) and so Adversary is just one really awesome book because it gives me insight into what being a mind reader would be like.
Adversary is an amazing book and if you haven’t read it or the first book Minder yet, then you should definitely do so soon. I love this series and am eagerly awaiting the next book, Legacy.
March 9, 2011
Ok so If I thought Minder was amazing I had no idea that Kate could make it any better, but sure enough she did. Kate takes the story to a whole different level with Advesary. Absolutely brilliantly written and extremely captivating. Kate has no problem keeping me hooked onto every word.
Maddie, Trevor,Drew, Rachel and Hannah embark on a terrifying task when they discover a devastating tragedy has hit Ganzfield the place that everyone has come to know as home. The danger from Isaiah is still threatening the lives of everyone that Maddie loves. Most of all herself. Being the only one with Telepathic abilities as strong as Isaiah, leaves Isaiah needing to eliminate Maddie now more than ever. With Isaiah wanting to destroy all the G-Positives of the world he has become a stark raving lunatic in his quest to wipe them off from the world.
Maddie and Trevor's relationship continues to grow in the strongest ways possible. Their love for each other is unwavering as their connection brings them closer together than anyone, even them, would have guessed possible.
Maddie knows that the only way to stop Isaiah is to kill him before he kills everyone else. But will they be able to stop him before he causes them more pain? Or is this just the beginning?
I absolutely love this series and cannot get enough of it. I love the relationship between Maddie and Trevor. I found myself laughing, and crying and feeling every emotion possible while reading. Kate has introduced a couple new characters who bring some new drama into their already hectic lives.
If you have not gotten your hands on Minder or Advesary I highly highly suggest you do. You will not be disappointed I promise.
A must read for me!
Maddie, Trevor,Drew, Rachel and Hannah embark on a terrifying task when they discover a devastating tragedy has hit Ganzfield the place that everyone has come to know as home. The danger from Isaiah is still threatening the lives of everyone that Maddie loves. Most of all herself. Being the only one with Telepathic abilities as strong as Isaiah, leaves Isaiah needing to eliminate Maddie now more than ever. With Isaiah wanting to destroy all the G-Positives of the world he has become a stark raving lunatic in his quest to wipe them off from the world.
Maddie and Trevor's relationship continues to grow in the strongest ways possible. Their love for each other is unwavering as their connection brings them closer together than anyone, even them, would have guessed possible.
Maddie knows that the only way to stop Isaiah is to kill him before he kills everyone else. But will they be able to stop him before he causes them more pain? Or is this just the beginning?
I absolutely love this series and cannot get enough of it. I love the relationship between Maddie and Trevor. I found myself laughing, and crying and feeling every emotion possible while reading. Kate has introduced a couple new characters who bring some new drama into their already hectic lives.
If you have not gotten your hands on Minder or Advesary I highly highly suggest you do. You will not be disappointed I promise.
A must read for me!
October 8, 2010
After all the excitement in the series opener I wasn't sure what to expect with the sequel. Kaynak really knows how to pack a punch for her readers, and that transferred over into this second installment. Maddie and the rest of Ganzfield is back with force, but now that they're more familiar with their enemy the stakes were of course raised.
While they might have thought by knowing the identity behind the latest bad guy that things would start to fall into place and perhaps a plan of action would formulate quickly, they were a little too hopeful. I knew Kaynak wouldn't take it easy on her readers this time around and I was right. Lots of action going on this time around as well and it was hard to read some of it. Kaynak had a way with creating her characters in the opener that had me and I'm sure many other readers instantly feeling like they were close friends and family. So when readers start to see that things aren't going to go smoothly for these characters, at times it was hard to just sit back and watch.
There were surprises, lots of action like I said, of course some more romance, and twists and turns thrown in that at times made me dizzy with all the suspense thrown my way. Her writing and pacing never gets old or slows down. With a few new faces on the scene and with even more danger on the horizon, I was glued to this book and wasn't satisfied until I read the very last page. Even then I was instantly wanting to reach for the third installment.
I'm coming into this series a little late in the game, but for those of you out there in the same boat as me, do yourself a favor and dive into this series so that you can make up for lost time.
While they might have thought by knowing the identity behind the latest bad guy that things would start to fall into place and perhaps a plan of action would formulate quickly, they were a little too hopeful. I knew Kaynak wouldn't take it easy on her readers this time around and I was right. Lots of action going on this time around as well and it was hard to read some of it. Kaynak had a way with creating her characters in the opener that had me and I'm sure many other readers instantly feeling like they were close friends and family. So when readers start to see that things aren't going to go smoothly for these characters, at times it was hard to just sit back and watch.
There were surprises, lots of action like I said, of course some more romance, and twists and turns thrown in that at times made me dizzy with all the suspense thrown my way. Her writing and pacing never gets old or slows down. With a few new faces on the scene and with even more danger on the horizon, I was glued to this book and wasn't satisfied until I read the very last page. Even then I was instantly wanting to reach for the third installment.
I'm coming into this series a little late in the game, but for those of you out there in the same boat as me, do yourself a favor and dive into this series so that you can make up for lost time.
January 18, 2013
There are a few small spoilers here and there, so be forewarned.
It was definitely a fast read, which I enjoyed (stayed up late to start it, finished it the next morning). I also enjoyed seeing more of the powers, but I think I would have liked to see more of an explanation of how powers were crossing over/able to be accessed by multiple people (especially in relation to the Eden Imaging experiments). As it was, I wonder how Zach could charm Minders, and would have liked to see more of him. Personally, I wonder whether he'll show up later as a good guy or a bad guy. Also would have liked to see more of Isaiah's character, not just the short attacks we did see.
The main problem for me was that it felt like Maddie didn't really accomplish much (except the increasing her stock portfolio, which I thought was a wonderfully humorous inclusion). Yes, Ganzfield took a major blow (I liked that Maddie was able to see what happened vicariously), and they did take a decent strike at Isaiah, but it still felt like something was missing. I'm not quite sure what, though.
Of course, I did like the continued view of Charms and Minders and Sparks, and the story opened up strong, immeadietly getting us back into the action. I enjoyed reading the time spent at Maddie's Mom's house.
I enjoyed the relationship between Maddie and Trevor, and Trevor's character still comes off as a generally nice guy.
I think I enjoyed Minder more, though, because the bad guys felt more personal to Maddie. In Adversary, Isaiah is definitely a bad guy, but it didn't have the same impact as the Charms in Minder. Overall, though, Adversary was an enjoyable read.
It was definitely a fast read, which I enjoyed (stayed up late to start it, finished it the next morning). I also enjoyed seeing more of the powers, but I think I would have liked to see more of an explanation of how powers were crossing over/able to be accessed by multiple people (especially in relation to the Eden Imaging experiments). As it was, I wonder how Zach could charm Minders, and would have liked to see more of him. Personally, I wonder whether he'll show up later as a good guy or a bad guy. Also would have liked to see more of Isaiah's character, not just the short attacks we did see.
The main problem for me was that it felt like Maddie didn't really accomplish much (except the increasing her stock portfolio, which I thought was a wonderfully humorous inclusion). Yes, Ganzfield took a major blow (I liked that Maddie was able to see what happened vicariously), and they did take a decent strike at Isaiah, but it still felt like something was missing. I'm not quite sure what, though.
Of course, I did like the continued view of Charms and Minders and Sparks, and the story opened up strong, immeadietly getting us back into the action. I enjoyed reading the time spent at Maddie's Mom's house.
I enjoyed the relationship between Maddie and Trevor, and Trevor's character still comes off as a generally nice guy.
I think I enjoyed Minder more, though, because the bad guys felt more personal to Maddie. In Adversary, Isaiah is definitely a bad guy, but it didn't have the same impact as the Charms in Minder. Overall, though, Adversary was an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2010
So if you read my review of Minder by Kate Kaynak, you’ll know that I am definitely a fan of hers, and I was extremely excited to read the second novel in this series. I have to say that I was not disappointed.
The story continues to follow Maddie, a mind-reader who only learned about her abilities in book one. I still adore the love-story between Maddie and Trevor, which just makes me feel like a teenager all over again. They’re sweet, romantic, protective – and Trevor, quite literally, is the man of Maddie’s dreams. It’s adorable.
The suspense and story-line within the novel is also something worth reading. I like the idea of teenagers trying to save the world (well…their world), and although it’s not the most original idea, Kaynak writes in a way that keeps you turning those pages and staying up late just to see what happens next.
On a downside...which, unfortunately, there usually is one, I would say that I didn’t like the way the major action scene was written. And I don’t want to give away too much, but I just felt like I got cheated out of all the good stuff. You wait almost the entire novel for this one scene, and I just wanted it to be longer, and more explicit. There is even a point where a character – one of the main characters – dies, and I felt like it was just glanced over. I would’ve loved to see more emotional reactions from the other characters.
With all the ups and downs, I still definitely recommend that you read Minder AND Adversary. They’re great novels, and I will most certainly be reading this next one in January :)
4 out of 5 stars
The story continues to follow Maddie, a mind-reader who only learned about her abilities in book one. I still adore the love-story between Maddie and Trevor, which just makes me feel like a teenager all over again. They’re sweet, romantic, protective – and Trevor, quite literally, is the man of Maddie’s dreams. It’s adorable.
The suspense and story-line within the novel is also something worth reading. I like the idea of teenagers trying to save the world (well…their world), and although it’s not the most original idea, Kaynak writes in a way that keeps you turning those pages and staying up late just to see what happens next.
On a downside...which, unfortunately, there usually is one, I would say that I didn’t like the way the major action scene was written. And I don’t want to give away too much, but I just felt like I got cheated out of all the good stuff. You wait almost the entire novel for this one scene, and I just wanted it to be longer, and more explicit. There is even a point where a character – one of the main characters – dies, and I felt like it was just glanced over. I would’ve loved to see more emotional reactions from the other characters.
With all the ups and downs, I still definitely recommend that you read Minder AND Adversary. They’re great novels, and I will most certainly be reading this next one in January :)
4 out of 5 stars
September 10, 2010
This is more like 4.5 stars. I love this series!
When you read a second novel in a series you automatically expect it to be a filler novel in some way. There has to be some type of lame and frustrating story line that will finally lead into the third book, which is almost always as good or better than the first. I'm not saying that book three won't be better than book one but book two, Adversary, is anything but a filler novel.
Adversary starts out with Maddie and several others members of the Ganzfield student body being away from the school overnight. While they are away Ganzfield is attacked, leaving few survivors. This unlikely group of teenagers band together to fight back against Isaiah, the villain we met in Minder. Adversary also introduces us to a new student and G-Positive who can challenge Maddie in ways no one else can. How does this affect Maddie and what does it mean for her and Trevor? I'm not telling. You're going to have to read it to find out - and trust me, you want to read it.
Kate Kaynak's world is both incredibly original and believable at the same time. The characters are fun, passionate and completely unforgettable. I want to be friends with Maddie, experience Trevor's abilities for myself and maybe start a fire just to see Drew in action. Adversary had me on the edge of my seat for the entire ride and the wait for book three, Legacy, has been excruciatingly long. If you haven't already, pick this series up now. You won't be disappointed!
When you read a second novel in a series you automatically expect it to be a filler novel in some way. There has to be some type of lame and frustrating story line that will finally lead into the third book, which is almost always as good or better than the first. I'm not saying that book three won't be better than book one but book two, Adversary, is anything but a filler novel.
Adversary starts out with Maddie and several others members of the Ganzfield student body being away from the school overnight. While they are away Ganzfield is attacked, leaving few survivors. This unlikely group of teenagers band together to fight back against Isaiah, the villain we met in Minder. Adversary also introduces us to a new student and G-Positive who can challenge Maddie in ways no one else can. How does this affect Maddie and what does it mean for her and Trevor? I'm not telling. You're going to have to read it to find out - and trust me, you want to read it.
Kate Kaynak's world is both incredibly original and believable at the same time. The characters are fun, passionate and completely unforgettable. I want to be friends with Maddie, experience Trevor's abilities for myself and maybe start a fire just to see Drew in action. Adversary had me on the edge of my seat for the entire ride and the wait for book three, Legacy, has been excruciatingly long. If you haven't already, pick this series up now. You won't be disappointed!
February 3, 2013
Originally posted on my blog!! :) :)
This second book in the series picks right up where the first one left off. And once again we're pulled into this exciting world of people with extraordinary abilities. This book though, in my opinion, has just a slight bit more of a darker feel to it. There's more danger, more tragedy and more loss.
I was worried, as I always am, when a first book in a series grabs ahold of me like Minder did, that the second book would quite hold up to the first. You know how it is with sequels. Well, this book did not disappoint. I can just about say, it was almost better than book one!
With a powerful enemy in the wings, tragedy strikes at Ganzfield and Maddie and her team have to prepare for rescue missions far worse than what they got Trevor free from in the first book. Not everyone who goes in, comes back out. And some of those who do, don't look like they'll ever be the same again.
Don't fret! It's not all doom and gloom though. There was just enough traces of humor and love mixed in there so that you aren't a complete emotional wreck by the end! Maddie and Trevor's bond is stronger than ever. I absolutely adore them as a couple.
This is such an amazing series so far and if it continues like it has thus far, it will just keep getting better. Must read series!!
This second book in the series picks right up where the first one left off. And once again we're pulled into this exciting world of people with extraordinary abilities. This book though, in my opinion, has just a slight bit more of a darker feel to it. There's more danger, more tragedy and more loss.
I was worried, as I always am, when a first book in a series grabs ahold of me like Minder did, that the second book would quite hold up to the first. You know how it is with sequels. Well, this book did not disappoint. I can just about say, it was almost better than book one!
With a powerful enemy in the wings, tragedy strikes at Ganzfield and Maddie and her team have to prepare for rescue missions far worse than what they got Trevor free from in the first book. Not everyone who goes in, comes back out. And some of those who do, don't look like they'll ever be the same again.
Don't fret! It's not all doom and gloom though. There was just enough traces of humor and love mixed in there so that you aren't a complete emotional wreck by the end! Maddie and Trevor's bond is stronger than ever. I absolutely adore them as a couple.
This is such an amazing series so far and if it continues like it has thus far, it will just keep getting better. Must read series!!
December 30, 2010
Adversary is the second installement in the outstanding series, Ganzfield. This story takes place shortly after book one ended. From start to finish the reader is on a thrilling rollcoaster ride of excitement.
Kate has developed her characters even more than the first novel and with that the reader will grow to love them even more. As well as that we have some new characters introduced such as Zack. It is very clear he has a thing for our main character Maddie and that leads to him behaving badly. We also get to see more of a depth so some of the characters as well. We see Rachel and Seans relationship develop. And we see Maddie and Trevor get more serious. In Minder I found there relationship developed too fast. However, after being together a while now their relationship its very believable.
The story itself has everything a good story needs. Its packed with action from the very beginning. There is action, adventure, romance and a serious sense of danger what more can a reader ask for. However, I feel Adversary wasn't as easy to reader as Minder was. I felt the story was maybe going just too fast and none was having a second to stop and breathe. That aside though its still a truely amazing sequel in a series that is so unique and thrilling that I recommend everyone to get out there and buy themselves this series you will not be disappointed.
Kate has developed her characters even more than the first novel and with that the reader will grow to love them even more. As well as that we have some new characters introduced such as Zack. It is very clear he has a thing for our main character Maddie and that leads to him behaving badly. We also get to see more of a depth so some of the characters as well. We see Rachel and Seans relationship develop. And we see Maddie and Trevor get more serious. In Minder I found there relationship developed too fast. However, after being together a while now their relationship its very believable.
The story itself has everything a good story needs. Its packed with action from the very beginning. There is action, adventure, romance and a serious sense of danger what more can a reader ask for. However, I feel Adversary wasn't as easy to reader as Minder was. I felt the story was maybe going just too fast and none was having a second to stop and breathe. That aside though its still a truely amazing sequel in a series that is so unique and thrilling that I recommend everyone to get out there and buy themselves this series you will not be disappointed.
December 8, 2010
My thoughts...Book two in the Ganzfield series, Adversary, picks up where Minder left off. This second installment takes readers deeper into Kate Kaynak's world and shows readers the darker side of her writing.
Without giving away any significant events, I will say parts of the book were hard to read. Not that the writing was less than perfect, but the characters deal with some very trying situations. The heroine Maddie really steps up to the plate and takes her place as the leader of her group. She not only proves her strength, but she shows she has the determination, dedication, and spine to protect those around her.
Some of my favorite characters from Minder were still around and Kate also introduces a few new ones. While I can't say if I truly trusted these new people, they definitely made the story more interesting. Another pro for me was the relationship between Maddie and Trevor. Their relationship seemed toned down a bit; less over-the-top. It seems to have developed into something more mature and stable.
Adversary left plenty of room for the story to continue, as there are still several questions left unanswered. I am curious about the credibility of several of the characters and I am hoping Maddie and Trevor get their happy ending.
Without giving away any significant events, I will say parts of the book were hard to read. Not that the writing was less than perfect, but the characters deal with some very trying situations. The heroine Maddie really steps up to the plate and takes her place as the leader of her group. She not only proves her strength, but she shows she has the determination, dedication, and spine to protect those around her.
Some of my favorite characters from Minder were still around and Kate also introduces a few new ones. While I can't say if I truly trusted these new people, they definitely made the story more interesting. Another pro for me was the relationship between Maddie and Trevor. Their relationship seemed toned down a bit; less over-the-top. It seems to have developed into something more mature and stable.
Adversary left plenty of room for the story to continue, as there are still several questions left unanswered. I am curious about the credibility of several of the characters and I am hoping Maddie and Trevor get their happy ending.
June 20, 2011
Wow... Things seem to develop better and better.
I can say this was sort of a tragic book. There's a lot of drama and I've felt anxious throughout the whole book.
The kids find themselves in a middle of a war-plan and prepare for battle. Maddie & Trevor's relationship grows stronger, they lose a few people along the way and we get to meet a new character (which I truly hope not to see again as this is someone I totally dislike - note my explicit intention of NOT mentioning this character's gender :P).
This book is about using the abilities for real, and not just as a test.
I felt pain, astonishment, sadness, grief and fear all at different times and I felt like I was one of them, feeling all the emotions they were feeling and going through all they were going through.
I loved the way we got to explore the boundaries of Trevor & Maddie's relationship: so strong, so deep, so true. I hope there will be more exploring of Rachel's character as well, I feel like there's more to tell about her now that Adversary's over.
Looking forward to book 3, Legacy, hoping that it will be as passionate and emotional as this one was.
This review was originally posted on my blog: http://darkfrannysthoughts.blogspot.com/
I can say this was sort of a tragic book. There's a lot of drama and I've felt anxious throughout the whole book.
The kids find themselves in a middle of a war-plan and prepare for battle. Maddie & Trevor's relationship grows stronger, they lose a few people along the way and we get to meet a new character (which I truly hope not to see again as this is someone I totally dislike - note my explicit intention of NOT mentioning this character's gender :P).
This book is about using the abilities for real, and not just as a test.
I felt pain, astonishment, sadness, grief and fear all at different times and I felt like I was one of them, feeling all the emotions they were feeling and going through all they were going through.
I loved the way we got to explore the boundaries of Trevor & Maddie's relationship: so strong, so deep, so true. I hope there will be more exploring of Rachel's character as well, I feel like there's more to tell about her now that Adversary's over.
Looking forward to book 3, Legacy, hoping that it will be as passionate and emotional as this one was.
This review was originally posted on my blog: http://darkfrannysthoughts.blogspot.com/
October 30, 2011
After reading all the glowing reviews out there, I started reading Adversary with great expectations... This book left me with mixed feeling. Kate Kaynak did an great job of drawing her readers into the world of Maddie, the protagonist, and her skill of painting scenes so vividly had me hooked onto the book, especially the massacre scene. The whole picture of Maddie's fellow classmates and teachers lying lifeless on the snowy ground... it was just so overwhelming. Although the story-line was just as predictable as the one in Minder, the 1st in the series, I still found myself drawn to the ups and downs Maddie was facing.
However, one major glitch of the book that really put me off was the way Maddie and Trevor were fawning over each other. This happened in Minder and continued in Adversary. Seriously, I totally get that Maddie and Trevor were soulmates and meant for each other, but that didn't mean readers had to endure the whole I-love-you-I-will-protect-you-always-let's-start-soul-bonding-now thing in every chapter. To me, it started from magical to downright boring and tedious.
I was a little disappointed by the way the author wasted a large part of the book on the lovey, souley (is that even a word?) stuff. I hope Legacy, the next in the installment, will be better.
However, one major glitch of the book that really put me off was the way Maddie and Trevor were fawning over each other. This happened in Minder and continued in Adversary. Seriously, I totally get that Maddie and Trevor were soulmates and meant for each other, but that didn't mean readers had to endure the whole I-love-you-I-will-protect-you-always-let's-start-soul-bonding-now thing in every chapter. To me, it started from magical to downright boring and tedious.
I was a little disappointed by the way the author wasted a large part of the book on the lovey, souley (is that even a word?) stuff. I hope Legacy, the next in the installment, will be better.
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