Soulmate by Kate Kaynak a review by Brandi Breathes Books

Soulmate (Ganzfield #6) by Kate Kaynak

The new dangers uncovered in Europe haven't gone away--in fact, some of them seem to have taken up residence at Ganzfield. As the threats intensify, Maddie and the team go into the field again, but when supposed allies start seeing them as the problems, they may find themselves trapped by the very people they are trying to help.

GR
Publishes in US: March 25th 2014 by Spencer Hill Press
Genre: YA paranormal
Source:
Series? Ganzfield #6
My Reviews
#1 Minder 5/5 stars
#2 Adversary 5/5 stars
#3 Legacy 5/5 stars
#4 Accused  5/5 stars
#5 Operative 5/5 stars

Buy it: Amazon Barnes & Noble IndieBound Book Depository

Author stalk away: ~site
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kate.kaynak
Twitter: http://twitter.com/katekaynak
Spencer Hill Press: http://www.spencerhillpress.com/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kate-Kaynak/e/B003HTTW1E/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1272127902&sr=1-1
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Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4022548.Kate_Kaynak
Publisher's Marketplace: http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/KateKaynak/
Minder and the Ganzfield Book Series: http://www.ganzfield.com
My Blog: http://thedisgruntledbear.blogspot.com

 

   So.... Notice above that all of the rest of the series got 5/5 stars from me. And that is not just because I was newer at blogging or that I used to give out 5 stars more easily. I love the books, I love Maddie and Trevor. The books are fun, swoony, filled with action, and I loved every second. I had been waiting for this one for quite a while. I know that Kate manages Spencer Hill Press and that she's had a lot of amazing titles that have come out. On top of that she is such a sweet heart. 

   So, I still loved how strong and fair Maddie is. She is one of my favorite main characters, because she still expects the best from her friends and the others at Ganzfield and even though she sees their dark, inappropriate, mean or any other negative kind of thought that each of them has. She still helps them to be better, to make the best choices and to try and share the good that she sees with each of them in hopes that they'll do what she does, try to make the right and best choices and to give others the benefit of the doubt. 

    Now, when it comes to people trying to hurt her friends or getting away with treating the others with g positive abilities, she is scary as all get out. She can fry people's brains, read their thoughts, cause them to black out, go into seizures and more. But she hates that she has to hurt people at times. She only uses when really needed. She has good discernment and she has a huge heart. 

   And Trevor, oh my goodness. Still one of my favorite book boyfriends ever. He is attentive to Maddie, takes care of her when she doesn't take care of herself. And he thinks the world of her. Maddie can read his thoughts and he is just good. A good guy, a good friend, and an amazing husband to her. I love how their abilities merge and they can talk to each other in their heads and she can share his telekenisis. 

    The plot of this one was very fast paced... and it probably would have gotten another 5 stars, making it the whole series.... But the ending. It felt so rushed and I couldn't believe the people who were killed off or injured just to give it closure. I wish there would have been another 100 pages to handle the threat on the homefront and to make their overseas mission have a bit more flesh too. I just felt like so much was a neat little bow or that they died. And that was the end. 

    Maybe Kate will reconsider this being the last installment and give us more closure and more fullness to the end of some of the ones dead.... 

Bottom Line: Great up until the end which was rushed and felt like people died just to make it easier to end. But Maddie and Trevor are still wonderful and love their characters and relationship.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
What power would you like: ability to control fire, to charm others, to be a healer, to read others minds, or to have extra invisible arms?

Waiting on Wednesday

 Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating

This week, I'm featuring:

6th in the Ganzfield series

What are you waiting on?

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Review: Operative by Kate Kaynak

Operative by Kate Kaynak

Maddie and the rest of the team must catch the person selling classified information to terrorists--before they become the targets.

Publishes in US: March 15th 2012
5th in Ganzfield series, 6th Soulmate releases Dec 2012
Source: Spencer Hill

My Review:
    Operative is as full of amazing as I've come to expect from Kate Kaynak. She did not disappoint, and the only complaint I have is that I have to wait for Soulmate.
    Maddie is brave as ever, and I continue to admire her initiative and her concern for others. I'd really love to be more like her, and that would be true even if the hotness that is Trevor wasn't part of the package deal. Their relationship is so sweet to watch, and I love how it keeps developing, even though they had me a bit nervous at the beginning of this one, because I wasn't sure how things would be fixed.
    Kate writes some of the best secondary characters I've ever read as well. They all have so much life, and I'm always eager to find out more about them. It is hard though because she writes the story her way, and it's not always the easiest to read because it can break your heart.
    I am amazed at how she keeps surprising me and throwing in a curveball just when I think I have everything and everyone figured out--shows the mark of a true and talented author. I'm honored that she sends me her books to read, and that I can call her a friend as well.
    I've said it before, and I don't mind repeating, if you haven't read this series, you are seriously missing out! It's consistently been on my list of favorites that I recommend to anyone. Great characters, writing that's superb and evokes so much emotion while still managing to leave me on the edge of my seat. 

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Review: Accused by Kate Kaynak

We have ways of making you talk. 
Who not has Isaiah's files? Someone in the government knows about Ganzfield... and he has special reasons to target Maddie.

Publishes in US: Aug 15th 2011
4th in Ganzfield series

My Review

  Kate did it again! Accused was thrilling and I never wanted to put it down. If you haven't read this series yet, you are seriously missing out, and I'm telling you--this is the good stuff, and you are missing one of the best series ever. 

  I'm already attached to Maddie, but I felt so much for her in this book. As if she hasn't gone through enough, she's taken on another rollercoaster ride, and Kate thinks up whole new ways to torture her. ;)
The details are amazing, and I feel like I'm right there with her dealing with everything she's going through even though some of it is not so pleasant.
   Trevor is as awesome as ever in this book, and there are some really intense scenes between him and Maddie, and although I can't really say much more than that, just prepare yourself! There were a few scenes that he absolutely surprised me, and I never really saw it coming, and now I can't wait to find out how it resolves, but alas, I'm left waiting and anxiously tapping my foot for more.
   Kate wrote some amazingly funny scenes in this one, and had me rolling and my husband giving me that look like he's trying to decide if I need to be committed...
   So, if you can't tell, I def recommend this one.

Review: Minder by LRC Featured Author Kate Kaynak

Thank you Kate for agreeing to participate and offering Minder for giveaway.
If you review Minder or any of Kate's books this month, you will get extra entries for the giveaway. Make sure you are signed up! Loving the Reviews Challenge and Huge Giveaway!

Minder by Katie Kaynak

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!

LRC Featured Author Guest Post by Kate Kaynak (Minder)

Thank you Kate for agreeing to participate and offering Minder for giveaway.
If you review Minder or any of Kate's books this month, you will get extra entries for the giveaway. Make sure you are signed up! Loving the Reviews Challenge and Huge Giveaway!



Kate wrote a wonderful guest post for us today about Writers and Insanity

E.L. Doctorow once wrote that, "Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia." Sometimes there's only a fine line between being a writer and being insane. However, as a writer and a psychologist, I've had a few insights on where that line might be: 

Writers have a cat or two. Crazy people have more than a dozen, and sometimes they dress them up in little costumes. Seriously, the cat NEVER enjoys this. If you've been putting the clown suit on Mr. Snuffles again, please seek treatment immediately.

Crazy people have hallucinations. Writers have characters.

Writers hear the voices of their characters in their heads. Crazy people talk back to them. The line gets blurred if you're the type of writer who doesn't talk back out loud, but makes hand gestures and faces to go along with the mental conversation.

Writers spend long hours working on manuscripts that they feel compelled to complete. Crazy people? okay, crazy people do that, too.  And don't even get me started on delusions of grandeur.

Most people with schizophrenia improve with medication and therapy, but there is no cure for being a writer. Most experts advise that writers try to remain in remission by reading at least two books each week.

If you can do anything else and be happy in life, don't become a writer. If writing's what makes you happy, though, come sit by me and we'll talk about books for hours.

And people will look at us like we're crazy. 

Copyright ? 2011 by Kate Kaynak

Kate Kaynak is the author of the Ganzfield books: Minder, Adversary, Legacy, and Accused (coming in August). She can be stalked online at www.Ganzfield.com.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Kate Kaynak, Ph.D.
kate@katekaynak.com

"I KNOW what you're thinking."
Minder, Adversary, and Legacy are available
at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository.
 www.ganzfield.com

Review: Legacy by Kate Kaynak

Legacy by Kate Kaynak

Maddie has more problems than the average seventeen-year-old:

A psychotic killer with superpowers wants her dead.

A serious medical issue makes a "normal" life impossible for her.

And she's about to be introduced to Trevor's grandparents.

Guess which one freaks her out the most?

US Publication: Jan 28th 2011
3rd in Ganzfield Series
Source: Received from author in exchange for honest review

**My Rating: 5/5*

*My Review*

So, I feel like one of the luckiest people right now, not only did I receive an ARC of Legacy by Kate Kaynak (what? did you say you don't know what I am talking about? are you living under a rock? Nah, just kidding. But seriously, you are missing out big time and you should read my reviews and buy it NOW!) Hem, I was saying... I received a copy, it is signed and personalized! AND my reviews from Minder and Adversary are quoted!) Plus, I think that I am the first to publish a review :)

Legacy starts out with a letter to the reader and it had me laughing before the book even began--

 "I know there is a fine line between 'I know this already' and 'Who's that guy, and how did he set that thing on fire.'" Classic :)

It starts out with me on the edge of my seat-- wondering when that happened-- when you read you will know exactly what I mean. But it is not what I thought at first and it does add more complications and things to consider.

Kate also gave my imagination many hot things to consider with a few well placed scenes- but she still kept it very clean! (Can't speak for what went on in my head after, lol)

There is a new despicable character introduced and it arises interest as to how she is crucial to the plot. Kate writes her wonderfully, I automatically want to smack her right along with Maddie.

"I still held his arm- it gave my hand something to do besides smack people"

I also like Archer, he is funny, warm and genuine. Plus, he uses words like neat-o. He plays a part in the story that I didn't see coming. That is the thing with Legacy, it is so rich and I love seeing glimpses into the side characters and learning more about their story. Of course the main focus is on Maddie, and it is awesome to be in her head. But characters like Rachel and Matilda just make this story amazing.

There are some heartbreaking passages, but Kate handles them with care. Grief and healing processes are explored, and it shows that love and support really can do wonders. The themes of second chances and redemption are also sprinkled in and I love to see worthy characters who have made mistakes be able to step up and change.

Legacy keeps the break-neck pacing that Adversary had, and I am constantly surprised by what happens. Her writing is superb, eliciting the whole range of emotions. These are the characters that I love, I am invested in them. When they laugh, so do I. I hate who they hate, are in suspense with them. The world at Ganzfield is  well thought out, believable, and complex.

The relationships in this book are amazing, whether they are romantic, parent/child, or friendship. There are examples of how it should be, how dysfunction can really hurt others.

Miscellaneous awesome  (non-spoiler) quotes:

"Holy Crap!..."

The expression bothered Hannah but she concluded that taking the name of poop in vain wasn't really blasphemous." 

"You seem to know a lot about Star Wars Maddie..."

"Doesn't everyone? Isn't is a component of cultural literacy? Like Shakespeare? Or um.... the Bible?" 

"It's like bowling... only with blow torches" 

All I wanted to do was sit here and read, and was mad at real life and sleep when it interrupted my reading time. This is an amazing series of books that I highly recommend, and Legacy did not disappoint in the slightest, except when it ended and I NEED more. (And the preview chapter Kate, come on, awesome writing, but SUSPENSE!)

I would love to hear what you think of my review and/or of this book/series

Review: Adversary by Kate Kaynak

Adversary by Kate Kaynak

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. 

Published: Aug 20 2010
Book 2 of Ganzfield series (Book 3 Legacy releases Jan 28 2011)
Kate's sites are here and here
Book link goes to Book Depository and teaser and book photo from Goodreads

**My Rating: 5/5**

*My Review*
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!!

What did you think of this book and/or my review?

Interview and giveaway with Kate Kaynak

 

Kate lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children. She enjoys traveling, reading, writing, photography, drawing, movies, and fighting crime with her amazing superpowers. She has a PHD from Rutgers, where she has also taught. She has written screenplay, a stand alone novel, Bagastana and her Ganzfield novels (Minder and Adversary are currently out with an expected 4 more to come).
Read more at her personal site , or Ganzfield site here
Minder is available for purchase here, and Adversary here
You can find my review for Minder here

And without further ado, here is the interview:

--How did the idea for Minder come to you?
Minder started as a thought experiment.  I'd recently read both the Twilight and Sookie Stackhouse series, and both have prominent telepathic characters. In both cases, these characters fall in love with people whose thoughts they CAN'T read. I wondered what kind of person a telepath COULD fall in love with, innermost thoughts and all. And what kind of person would be comfortable in a relationship with someone who knew their every thought?
--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?
I have a major book-crush on Trevor, but Maddie would probably kill me if she knew, so they're both out.  Drew would be fun, though, and I'd enjoy picking Dr. Williamson's brain (so to speak). I'd say my "least like" would be Isaiah Lerner.  He's only mentioned in Minder, but becomes a major player in the next books.
--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?
I make time when I can--usually when my kids are running around the playground or the playroom here at home.  I just finished Holly Black's White Cat a couple of days ago, and I can't wait for the next books of the series. As for favorites, I have to give nods to Card's Ender's Game, Carriger's Soulless, Westerfield's Uglies series, Rowling's Harry Potter books, Maguire's Wicked, Robinson's Mars series, Adams' Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Willis' Doomsday Book, etc. I have eclectic tastes that run from YA and chick lit to hard sci-fi, but I think the one thing thats constant is that they all have strong, memorable characters.

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be exactly like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?
Is it bad form to say my own? :)
If not Ganzfield, then Hogwarts, please! As long as I don't have to be a muggle. --Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on Ganzfield "playlist-" songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?
I need coffee to remember how to BREATHE, let alone write. As for inspiration, the song "Mad World" (both the Gary Jules and Adam Lambert versions) unlocked Minder from my head.  I had these ideas bumping around and going nowhere for weeks, then, in the space of a three minute song, they became clear. BTW, those two versions collectively have more than 1500 "plays " listed on my computer. They transport me back to Ganzfield every time. 
--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
I'd probably want to be a charm (mind-control) or an RV (remote viewer).  The others are more trouble than they're worth. --Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
What is this "free" time of which you speak? :) 
I hang out with my kids (I have three under age 6).  
--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?
Just "Thank you for reading!" It amazes me that other people enjoy hanging out with my imaginary friends, too.  

And now it is contest time-- Here is what you can win:

Winner's choice of signed Minder or Adversary (not signed for international) 

  Or  

Rules-  
-Ends Oct 14th at midnight
-Open international, but signed copies are only for US addresses

Extra entries: (NOT required)
+1 Be a follower of my site
+1 Follow Kate' blog "The Disgruntled Bear" 
+1 comment on review of Minder here (at least a few sentences please)
+1 Follow me on Networked Blogs (found on left sidebar)
+1 Like Ganzfield on Facebook which can be found by clicking here
+1 for tweeting contest (can be done once every 24 hours)
+3 Joining swagbucks under my referral link here (It is free and legitimate. You can earn points for gift cards or other prizes just by searching the web
+3 for posting a review of Minder (if you do after you enter intitially just let me know and I will manually add)



Form for extra tweets 



Thanks and Good luck!