Minder (Ganzfield #1)
Kate Kaynak
Paperback, 264 pages
Spencer Hill Press
June 18, 2010
isbn: 0984531106
isbn13: 9780984531103
(Goodreads) Sixteen-year-old Maddie Dunn is special, but she needs to figure out how to use her new abilities before somebody else gets hurt. Ganzfield is a secret training facility full of people like her, but it's not exactly a nurturing place. Every social interaction carries the threat of mind-control. A stray thought can burn a building to the ground. And people's nightmares don't always stay in their own heads. But it's still better than New Jersey--especially once she meets the man of her dreams...
This book has been on my TBR list for some time now. Unfortunately, requested reviews take priority to any type of pleasure reading that I have. That is... until Kate actually contacted me and requested a review. It just so happened I had finished up some reviews early and had the time ... so I was ecstatic!
Minder didn't even start out slow the way that most books do. From the very beginning, we're snagged into the story when Maddie senses that she is being followed by some boys, with not the most pleasant of intentions. I have to say, I got a little squeamish for a few minutes. Being inside the mind of a victim who knows what she's about to go through is intense, to say the least. However, this is where we find out with Maddie that there's something special about her. After, we get hoisted away to Ganzfield, where we meet even more unique students like Maddie - and we learn more about this little refuge they have to harness their abilities without the rest of the world knowing.
You just can't have a good story without good characters. I loved Maddie. She was flawed, yet a hard-worker and intensely loyal to those who earned her trust. Trevor was on my radar as quickly as he appeared, so it wasn't hard to pull for such a great guy. I think the only part for me that was a little iffy was how quickly the relationship for Maddie and Trevor developed - there really wasn't any development, just the beginning of a very intense relationship right off the bat. But, I do understand why it could develop that fast ... so, it wasn't a mood killer for me. And Drew? Seriously. I know he's not a main character, but I am so in love with him. I don't want him to get with Maddie or anything of the likes, I just want to keep him around for his humor and wit. He is such a fun character!
The history of Ganzfield and character development was a big part of this story, but that didn't slow it down for me at all. I thought I was smart by trying to guess throughout the book what was going to happen next ... and found myself completely wrong every single time, which should say something very good about Kate's writing. Oh, and I also need to compliment that because her writing style is a big part of keeping you entwined in the story.
Minder was definitely a one-sitting read for me, and a pretty quick one as well. Also included at the end of the novel is a preview of the second book Adversary, which will leave you wanting much more. Or, if you're like me and have the second book ... it will keep you up a few extra hours to find out what happens in the sequel!
Minder didn't even start out slow the way that most books do. From the very beginning, we're snagged into the story when Maddie senses that she is being followed by some boys, with not the most pleasant of intentions. I have to say, I got a little squeamish for a few minutes. Being inside the mind of a victim who knows what she's about to go through is intense, to say the least. However, this is where we find out with Maddie that there's something special about her. After, we get hoisted away to Ganzfield, where we meet even more unique students like Maddie - and we learn more about this little refuge they have to harness their abilities without the rest of the world knowing.
You just can't have a good story without good characters. I loved Maddie. She was flawed, yet a hard-worker and intensely loyal to those who earned her trust. Trevor was on my radar as quickly as he appeared, so it wasn't hard to pull for such a great guy. I think the only part for me that was a little iffy was how quickly the relationship for Maddie and Trevor developed - there really wasn't any development, just the beginning of a very intense relationship right off the bat. But, I do understand why it could develop that fast ... so, it wasn't a mood killer for me. And Drew? Seriously. I know he's not a main character, but I am so in love with him. I don't want him to get with Maddie or anything of the likes, I just want to keep him around for his humor and wit. He is such a fun character!
The history of Ganzfield and character development was a big part of this story, but that didn't slow it down for me at all. I thought I was smart by trying to guess throughout the book what was going to happen next ... and found myself completely wrong every single time, which should say something very good about Kate's writing. Oh, and I also need to compliment that because her writing style is a big part of keeping you entwined in the story.
Minder was definitely a one-sitting read for me, and a pretty quick one as well. Also included at the end of the novel is a preview of the second book Adversary, which will leave you wanting much more. Or, if you're like me and have the second book ... it will keep you up a few extra hours to find out what happens in the sequel!
Source: Author
4 comments:
Thanks for reviewing, Missy!
I was in the same boat as you - I have Minder and Adversary, but I've been getting requests so I haven't had the chance to READ this series. I want to, though. :( Great review!
I've been wanting to read this book but bookstores here in my country don't have it. Great review.
I have the same problem ...:D as you ,Ivalica ,
It's good that bookDepository has it(as i heard)..
Great review..:)
The relationship between Madie and Trevor isn't a little bit rushed..?
Can't wait to actually read the book myself .
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