Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Review: Minder by Kate Kaynak


Minder (Ganzfield, #1) 


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...
Book link goes to book depository and teaser and photo from Goodreads.com
Kate's site is here
Published June 2010
First in Ganzfield series (#2 Adversary is already out)

**My rating: 5/5**

*My Review*

Minder grabbed my attention and did not let go! This has supernatural powers, an awesome love story, and a protagonist that I can admire, she can stand her own. Maddie is a strong character, a protector, quick learner and holds her own ground. She questions the immediate attraction to her love interest, instead of just simply accepting love at first sight. I like that because they know what each other is thinking, there is a real reason for this quickly developing relationship. There is no room for subterfuge. While the love story is strong element, Maddie still pays attention to other duties.
Forgive the Twilight reference here, but I always wondered if the appeal to Bella would have been so high if Edward could read her thoughts, and come up empty. Minder however, is from the mind reader’s perspective, and I love that Trevor is sweet, caring and selfless enough to pass the test; and deserving of love.  However, he is not perfect and I think that is actually an outstanding characteristic in novels. His issues can be worked through though, as Maddie can read his insecurity and fuel it toward positive.
The minor characters are well thought out, and they are diverse in personality which is amazing to read. Sometimes all of the groups of characters have the same personality and voice, and it was refreshing to see. Dr Williamson is a wonderful lead and father type figure. Maddie looks for his approval and it is good to have someone steady and there to mentor her.
Minder deals with some deep issues, the characters struggle with death, murder and the moral ramifications; because where is the line of too evil to live? She strives for equality among the supernatural and for evilness to be quelled. There are times when she herself steps over the line that she doesn’t want crossed, but she has support and friends to help her find her way. Faith is also touched on but there is nothing pushy or negative about it. It is done beautifully and it relates with scenes that are taking place.
This is also a book with humor laced in- I absolutely love it when books make me laugh. There was much fun poked at New Jersey, but I think that NJ is a big boy and can handle it. J There are also lighthearted sections such as when fireball is being played that for me if for some reason reminiscent of Quidditch in Harry Potter.
This book is a part of a series, but the ending is done well; where I want and crave more, but it is not making me want to throw the book because of where it left me.  The story is tied up well enough to sustain for a bit, but loose enough to make me think about what will happen next.
This is a wonderful novel, and I cannot wait to read more. I recommend picking it up!

Keep your eyes out, and be a follower (old followers get an extra entry) into my contest coming on Thur 30th-- there will be an interview and giveaway!

38 comments:

  1. Love this: "It doesn't make me want to throw the book because of where it left me" .. That's great! Thanks for a well-thought-out review!

    Julie @ Knitting and Sundries

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  2. I love this review. it sounds really compelling and brilliant.

    and how funny was your Twilight reference! hahaha. I've never thought of that before - what would Edward really think of Bella if he couls read her thoughts! LOL

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  3. This sounds so good! It's an excellent review. Definitely adding this to my TBR pile :)

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  4. Thanks for reviewing, Brandi! I'm still grinnin' like a fool.

    - Kate

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  5. Way cool. I definitely want to read this now. And I think that Bella wouldn't have been as interesting to Edward if he could read her mind.
    Alison Can Read

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  6. I've wanted to read this book ever since I won Adversary from a giveaway. I just can't find Minder anywhere for the life of me. I had to special order it via B&N.

    Anyway, I've heard tons of good reviews about this book, and yours just reinforces what I've heard before! The Twilight/HP references made me giggle a bit! I can't wait to read this book! Thank you for the review! <3

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  7. What a fabulous review. I can't say that I have heard much about the book before, but I love the sound of this and will now be on the look out for it!

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  8. Excellent review. Thanks for stopping by to check mine out!

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  9. Sounds good. I need to check this book out!

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  10. "However, he is not perfect and I think that is actually an outstanding characteristic in novels."

    I totally agree! The best characters are flawed but still likable. Not many author's are able to capture the balance well. If you feel this other did, then I might have to look into this book. Great review! Thanks

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  11. Everyone really should read this, It is very enjoyable.

    @Charlotte- Trevor really is a great balance! I would love for him to be my b/f, just can't let Maddie hear me thinking that ;)

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  12. this sounds like it's right up my daughter's alley... I'm not much of a sci-fi fan myself, but she's totally addicted - will be printing out this review and sharing it with her... thanks for linking up on my new meme today

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  13. Wonderful review! I also like it when girls don't jump right in saying, "I think I'm in love-swoon." The way you describe the characters makes me feel there is more going on than just your typical love story. I will def be checking out this book.

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  14. The book looks awesome! Thanks for the review!

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  15. It was really quick attraction and saying I love you, but I think that if I could share and read thoughts, a lot of doubt would be erased and that it would be an exception to the eye roll you are that serious already??

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  16. I've never heard of it before, but it sounds like my kind of book, I love paranormal/fantasy romance. I'll have to check it out. I too am waiting on the Last Sacrifice!

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  17. I love this cover! My BS is in Psychology, and I love pictures like this, and the questions that it brings up. I think it will be so interesting to read a book from the mind readers perspective!
    I've wanted to read this one for a while, and your review makes me want to even more!

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  18. I've been wanting to read this so badly! Hahah I've always wondered about the twilight thing too. You're review made me want to read this even more!!! Thanks for reviewing, and for the giveaway :)

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  19. I've heard so many rave reviews about this novel and love the premise. It sounds so intriguing. I'm glad the main characters are well thought out and like you, I always wondered about the Twilight Eward reading Bella's mind thing as well. The fact that this book made you laugh makes me want it all the more! Thanks for the in depth and honest review!

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  20. Great review. I have been wondering what this one was really like. Now I know---thank you!!

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  21. Great review, I've been curious about this book for a while! (:

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  22. I wondered the same thing as you about Bella and Edward. I didn't know this was about mind reading! When I first saw this cover ages ago I didn't immediately see a girl's and boy's face. Very interesting premise!

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  23. I didn't see them either until you pointed it out. I thought it was abstract...

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  24. I love to hear when books have a protagonist that doesn't just accept love at first sight. This sounds amazing. Powers and real struggles are a good combo.

    Thanks for the awesome review!

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  25. Ah! I just read this book and LOVED it. can't wait to read the rest of the series!!

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  26. Great review. I also like Minder, although I felt the romance was a bit too quick.

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  27. I have seen these books around and have been really curious. Thanks for you review. I am now adding these books to my TBR list.

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  28. Your review made me crave for Minder!

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  29. your review is very nice, simple and clean.

    :D

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  30. this sounds cool!!!

    would love to read it.

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  31. Thanks so much for the review! "Minder" sounds like a fabulous book...one that I really want to read now. I'll have to check out the other title too! :)

    Stephanie
    2love.stephanie@gmail.com
    http://thestephanieloves.blogspot.com

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  32. I have to admit I've heard about this book before but I've never payed it too much attention. Now after reading this review I think I'm gonna put it on my to-read list:) I like the fact that it has a satisfactory ending, because I've just finnished a couple of books which has huge cliffhangers on their last page and I'm not sure I can take any more:)

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  33. This is a great review. I have been wanting to read this book for awhile. Thank you for having the two contests for a chance to win. Please keep up the great reviews :D

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  34. I really enjoy books that look at real, moral issues - especially when they combine that with the supernatural! Good characters also really make novels for me, because it's them you have to put up with for the entire storyline!
    Great review - you've made em really want to read this series now. :)

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  35. In your review, you just described everything I love in a book. Supernatural powers, the power of love and a head strong lead female character. To be honest, I just got out of the Hunger Game series and I am afraid no books will live up to them, but this story line has pulled me in. I am looking for my next fix and this seems to fit my genre. Thanks for the great review.

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  36. This sounds really terrific and I just love how, exactly like you explained, romance doesn't feel rushed when they can read each other's thoughts.

    There are several books in which the two protagonists fall in love too easily or too fast! :)

    Thanks for the review!

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  37. Wonderful review! I've never heard of this series before. So, I'm guessing Minder is the first book of the series? Sounds interesting! I want to read it now, lol!

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