I am so excited to share today’s review with you. It’s always a privilege to be part of the launch of a book that you know will deeply satisfy its readers, both male and female, in the case of Open Minds.
The only other protagonist that has truly dragged me into her world from page one this year, is Katniss, and I can assure you, you are going to care just as much about Kira’s outcome as Katniss’ survival in the Hunger Games. This comes from someone who is not normally into YA paranormal science fiction, but who is now begging for a date for the sequel. Quinn takes you on a rollercoaster into a most insidious world of mindreading and mind control. It seems so plausible you start to catch yourself in conversations wondering « does she know what I really think? »
Sixteen-year-old Kira is a zero, an adolescent, who has not gone through the change as her peers have, and who can’t read thoughts or be read by others, unlike the regular (mind) readers. Zeros are society’s dregs, limited to using normal speech, dull jobs and no possibility of true romantic relationships. The latter seems Kira’s biggest challenge as the book begins, but, though romance remains hinted at throughout, more serious problems soon dominate her life. Kira discovers her frightening, unusual, mind controlling abilities when she accidentally controls her best friend, Raf’s, mind and almost kills him. Isolated, and fearful of this new power, she doesn’t know whether to be elated or wary of discovering that there are others with this ability, who have plans for her.
She is unwillingly dragged into a hidden world of mindjackers, where having to jack into the minds’ of loved ones is just the beginning of a series of difficult choices she has to make for her safety and for others much more vulnerable than she. Like Katniss, Kira unwillingly develops a progressively central role in a community where many lives are threatened. Kira’s compassion and integrity overrule her fears, pushing her into a place of maturity and action she would have naturally evaded.
The twists and threats are delightfully unpredictable and it will be well past midnight before you are willing to put this book down. I read this ARC in three sittings, coerced « Mmm, did I really have a choice? » into the world, and, of course, minds of the characters. Quinn has created an intensely real, compelling and dangerous world with its own vocabulary and sensorial experiences. These new words are so skillfully introduced that you assume you have always known what a « reader » or « jacker » is. I loved the concept of being able to smell or taste another’s mind – made me want to try it out! The ending is very satisfying and sets the reader up with, well, the frustration of having to wait for the next book.
When you can control the thoughts of others, and even their memories, how far should you go? Such are the questions that Kira and the other mindjackers must face, and obviously this gives an ethical twist to a well paced, page turning plot! This is the first in a trilogy, and all I can say is, bring on 2 and 3.
Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn will be released on November 1st. Do check back here and on Susan’s blog, on Tuesday for some celebrations.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Joanna – That review just gives me goose-bumps! Thank you for enjoying Kira’s world as much as I do! 🙂
Where can I pre-order 2 and 3? Sue, this is the first time I have been involved in a book launch and I am soo excited for November 1st!
There’s no preorder, but a fan has already added Books 2&3 to Goodreads! So you can add it to your TBR. 🙂 THANKS!
Will be doing this 😉
After I left a comment on your campaign entry, I realized I forgot to mention I memed you on my blog. Sounds awful, doesn’t it? You should be able to find the post a little later today. And BTW, this books sounds great. I’m going to have to get over to Susan’s site, but not until I finish my meming exercise. No matter how I say, spellchecker hates it. Well, not as much as my campaign entry. I think I forgot to stay I’m number 20. Brains are mush today.
Do check out Susan’s site, Sher, especially on Nov 1st. Thanks for meming me, will check it out 😉
Don’t thiink I’ve ever seen you so excited about a book! Looks like a must read and will have to check out Susan’s blog again. You know the brain has always fascinated me, since we use so little of it. Someone using more of their brain I believe would tap into the ability to read minds/thoughts. The question begs ethics, and I see that in Susan’s character as she struggles with. Mind tasting — that’ s a new twist and I’m intrigued. You did an excellent review and I love being introduced to new material. Sounds like a great read and will add to my TBR list. — Pat
Pat, Open Minds is up there in my top five read this year, and I think I have read around 150 so far. It is also so good to occasionally read outside one’s preferred genre, as there are some excellent surprises out there. I think one of the gripping things is that it feels only just beyond possible, hence adding to the intrigue.
I’ve already read about this book once on someone else’s blog… totally can’t remember whose… but it sounds terrific and this is the second rave review I’ve read, so you can bet I’ll be moving it to the top of my TBR list! November 1st is only a couple days away and I’m nearly finished with my current book!
Great. That means the blogging community is doing their job ;).
Wow! as Pat said before, you really are excited. Must look for this book. Very intriguing, not something I would normally go for, but you have me already hooked.
Thanks for sharing Joanna. Great review.
Diane, it is such fun to promote a fellow campaigner’s new book, and one this good. Do look out for some great blog posts from Susan on Tuesday, launch day!
Thanks to everyone adding Open Minds to their TBR! I hope you’ll come join the party on November 1st! 🙂
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Yay! I’ve downloaded and can’t wait to read it. This sounds like it’s right up my alley. Go, Susan. And thanks, Joanna, for the incisive review.
I am sure you’ll love it, Gail 🙂
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