Minder
, by Kate KaynakPublished: June 18, 2010
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Pages: 264
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
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...
Maddie and Trevor's relationship is adorable. While I enjoyed it once it started, I feel like it started too soon. There really wasn't much development. I may have liked this, if I personally believed in the idea of love at first sight and soulmates. However, since I don't, it was hard for me to grasp how they fell in love at all.
I loved the idea of their individual abilities. They were all unique, and they're described in a way that feels real. You can't help but wish you lived in their world. All of the characters grabbed my attention in their own way.
I enjoyed the story its self, and I am excited to see where the next book takes us. My only real issue with the novel was that it felt rushed to me. Rushed, and yet at the same time, nothing seemed to really be happening. The majority of the novel revolves around Maddie and Trevor's growing relationship, but it didn't feel as though their relationship was growing at all. It was just...what it was. They were soulmates, in love, and while adorable, it fell flat for me.
The way it was written was hard for me to really get into. Not that the writing is bad, it isn't. But the fact that Maddie could communicate using her mind, left us without much dialogue (technically). Without the dialogue, I sometimes found it difficult to imagine what they were doing. So I felt a bit of a disconnect from the overall picture.
The last few chapters is when it really picks up, and we start to see some real action. Now Maddie doesn't just love Trevor, but she also has to use her power to keep him. I won't say more, I don't want to spoil it.
I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a sweet little love story. I'd also recommend this to someone who is interested in latching onto a new and promising series. To those people I'd say, stick out to the last few chapters, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Don't let my review sway you from entering this contest! I thought it was cute, but a lot of people are loving it. Head over to Good Choice Reading, and Blkosiner's Book Blog to read their raving reviews of the novel.
Cover:
4/5
Plot:
4/5
Plot:
4/5
Pace:
3/5
Characters:
4/5
Ending:
4/5
Writing Style:
3/5
Giveaway Details
- Contest is open to everyone. If winner is in the US, the copy with be signed. If you're an international winner, the book will be shipped via The Book Depository, therefore it will not be signed.
- You do not have to be a follower to enter, although it is appreciated. As is spreading the word.
- Deadline: November 3rd at midnight.
