Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn
Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can't read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can't be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf's mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she's dragged deep into a hidden underworld of mindjackers, where having to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her.
(www.amazon.com)
Open Minds is a unique and inovative concept that I enjoyed. Kira is a likeable hero and the other characters are well developed as well. The character development of Kira is believeable and realistic; it is easy to relate to her. The good things about this book are numerous, I'll just name a few:
Kira is kind to others, even when they are cruel to her. She does not enjoy hurting people.
Kira's friend Raf is kind and trustworthy, always offering Kira support even though she is a zero.
The Moore family is happy and supportive of Kira - especially her brother, Seamus.
I do recommend that this book be ages 14+. The issues I have with this story are few but important: the government is the 'bad guy' here; Kira is repeatedly trusting a person who betrays her; boys occasionally make a move on a girl even though it is clear their advances are unwanted. Also, a boy and girl make-out in the back of his car and a girl is touched inappropriately, even though none of the descriptions are graphic. There is violence, reference to people being shot and bleeding, and some people get in fist fights. There is also the issue of invasive mind-reading and mind-control. Surprisingly, this doesn't cast a bad light on the entire book - the story and plot are well thought-out and executed, the characters are well-rounded, and the resolution is satisfying. I enjoyed the story but am not yet sure if I will read the next book in the trilogy. You will have to check it out for yourself!
Note: This book is available free for Kindle.
(www.amazon.com)
Open Minds is a unique and inovative concept that I enjoyed. Kira is a likeable hero and the other characters are well developed as well. The character development of Kira is believeable and realistic; it is easy to relate to her. The good things about this book are numerous, I'll just name a few:
Kira is kind to others, even when they are cruel to her. She does not enjoy hurting people.
Kira's friend Raf is kind and trustworthy, always offering Kira support even though she is a zero.
The Moore family is happy and supportive of Kira - especially her brother, Seamus.
I do recommend that this book be ages 14+. The issues I have with this story are few but important: the government is the 'bad guy' here; Kira is repeatedly trusting a person who betrays her; boys occasionally make a move on a girl even though it is clear their advances are unwanted. Also, a boy and girl make-out in the back of his car and a girl is touched inappropriately, even though none of the descriptions are graphic. There is violence, reference to people being shot and bleeding, and some people get in fist fights. There is also the issue of invasive mind-reading and mind-control. Surprisingly, this doesn't cast a bad light on the entire book - the story and plot are well thought-out and executed, the characters are well-rounded, and the resolution is satisfying. I enjoyed the story but am not yet sure if I will read the next book in the trilogy. You will have to check it out for yourself!
Note: This book is available free for Kindle.
Happy reading!
Hannah
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