Scan barcode
jadeeby's review against another edition
3.0
Originally posted at my blog Chasing Empty Pavements
I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did! The premise was totally unique for me and I thought Kinrade did an excellent job with creating a world that is quite scary and intriguing.
The Good: The premise is SO cool! Mind readers, paranormal teenagers and sticky situations are nothing new for Young Adults novels however the way they are presented in this book is NEW. I love the idea that these teens who have paranormal abilities are pretty much taken hostage before they can remember and put in this special “school” where they are rented out to rich people for their own evil devices. They totally brainwash the kids into thinking they “saved” them and they are helping them adjust to the real world and that they will eventually be released into the “wild.” The whole pregnancy thing only adds an element of deviousness to the plot, which I actually enjoyed. I thought it was a very clever way to add suspicion to the characters and alert Sam that things are not all they should be. Speaking of Sam, I loved the characters. I thought Sam, Drake and the twins were awesome.
The Bad: While I did enjoy this novel, there were also some major issues I had with it. First of all, the premise/plot/characters have HUGE potential, and this novel was entirely too short to adequately deal with all of this. It was like Kinrade touched on everything but she didn’t quite develop everything enough. There seems to be SO MUCH more that needs to be said about the “Rent-A-Kid” school, about the characters, about their abilities. Almost everything needed more explanation, description and depth. Also there were some things that were just not executed properly. The pregnancy for one… the first thing is that it’s not entirely explained HOW it happens and regardless of the paranormal world Kinrade built, writers can’t expect readers to just automatically assume how things happen or guess. Readers will believe almost anything, IF and only IF the writing is done well. I don’t believe that’s the case here. The romance between Sam and Drake is not believable as well. I understand the circumstances between them, but I still think there were better ways to depict a believable romance.
Overall though, I did enjoy this novel and I’m very interested in what else Kinrade has up her sleeve. I would love to see this book re-edited and revamped and put out again if possible, it really does have so much potential! C+!
**I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions are my own and I was not obligated to write a favorable review.
I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did! The premise was totally unique for me and I thought Kinrade did an excellent job with creating a world that is quite scary and intriguing.
The Good: The premise is SO cool! Mind readers, paranormal teenagers and sticky situations are nothing new for Young Adults novels however the way they are presented in this book is NEW. I love the idea that these teens who have paranormal abilities are pretty much taken hostage before they can remember and put in this special “school” where they are rented out to rich people for their own evil devices. They totally brainwash the kids into thinking they “saved” them and they are helping them adjust to the real world and that they will eventually be released into the “wild.” The whole pregnancy thing only adds an element of deviousness to the plot, which I actually enjoyed. I thought it was a very clever way to add suspicion to the characters and alert Sam that things are not all they should be. Speaking of Sam, I loved the characters. I thought Sam, Drake and the twins were awesome.
The Bad: While I did enjoy this novel, there were also some major issues I had with it. First of all, the premise/plot/characters have HUGE potential, and this novel was entirely too short to adequately deal with all of this. It was like Kinrade touched on everything but she didn’t quite develop everything enough. There seems to be SO MUCH more that needs to be said about the “Rent-A-Kid” school, about the characters, about their abilities. Almost everything needed more explanation, description and depth. Also there were some things that were just not executed properly. The pregnancy for one… the first thing is that it’s not entirely explained HOW it happens and regardless of the paranormal world Kinrade built, writers can’t expect readers to just automatically assume how things happen or guess. Readers will believe almost anything, IF and only IF the writing is done well. I don’t believe that’s the case here. The romance between Sam and Drake is not believable as well. I understand the circumstances between them, but I still think there were better ways to depict a believable romance.
Overall though, I did enjoy this novel and I’m very interested in what else Kinrade has up her sleeve. I would love to see this book re-edited and revamped and put out again if possible, it really does have so much potential! C+!
**I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions are my own and I was not obligated to write a favorable review.
_camk_'s review against another edition
1.0
I am so surprised by the praise this book has received in the reviews. Forbidden Minds was terrible.
Firstly, at only over a hundred pages, the story moved at lightning pace. One minute Sam and Drake are getting to know each other and the next they are seemingly in love. She gives no real timeline so for all I know this could have happened between a matter or days or weeks.
This leads to that because the book was short, there was little detail or filler to create a real story. I read it in about an hour or less. Are you afraid of using paper, Kinrade? You're a writer, use paper.
Which brings me to point three, the story is not well written. The writing is bland and unexciting and reminds me of an English Essay for school.
Firstly, at only over a hundred pages, the story moved at lightning pace. One minute Sam and Drake are getting to know each other and the next they are seemingly in love. She gives no real timeline so for all I know this could have happened between a matter or days or weeks.
This leads to that because the book was short, there was little detail or filler to create a real story. I read it in about an hour or less. Are you afraid of using paper, Kinrade? You're a writer, use paper.
Which brings me to point three, the story is not well written. The writing is bland and unexciting and reminds me of an English Essay for school.
nicklelove's review against another edition
4.0
Originally published in my blog: http://www.nightowlreads.org/2012/10/review-forbidden-mind-by-kimberly.html
I received a copy of this ebook from the author as part of the book tour. All opinions are my own and are influenced by no one.
I was surprised with how good this book is. Granted it has some elements that I didn't like, but it worked well with the whole story.
While reading, X-men, Dollhouse, and Nikita came to mind. It's like those 3 got married and gave birth to Forbidden Mind. Children and teens with para-powers are kept in an organization/secluded school for gifted children called Rent-A-Kid (X-Men), most of them have no identity in the real world (Nikita), they are rented out to rich and powerful people who need their services (Nikita and Dollhouse), and they are promised to get out of the system when they turn 18. (In Dollhouse, volunteers are in the Dollhouse for 3 years and are released after their contract expires.)
Sam can read minds, she's also a very talented artist. Her 18th birthday is fast approaching and she plans for a future outside Rent-A-Kid. But everything changed when she returns from an assignment to find the art room burned and her mentor Mr. K was no longer in Rent-a-kid. To top it off, there was a boy brought into the facility who was strapped to the bed and somehow asked for her help by communicating with her mind.
Drake can control minds and has super strength. He was in foster care until he ran away and lived with his best friend. He's an amazing surfer and joined a competition to earn money for his future plans. It all fell apart when he was abducted.
Strapped to a bed and can't use his powers, he forced the thought and asked for Sam's help, their minds have been linked ever since. This book gives a different meaning to insta-love. The linking of minds enabled them to communicate from afar. Their attraction wasn't physical, but emotional. They can show each other a part of their life that no one else can share, that intimate connection made them close that falling in love was possible.
Sam and Drake uncovered secrets about Rent-a-kid with the help of Sam's best friends, twins Luke and Lucy. Faced with the reality of their situation, they planned to escape to find someone who could help them save everyone in the program.
Forbidden Mind has romance, mystery, action, and suspense that will keep you hooked from beginning till end. I really enjoyed reading this sensational novel and I can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy.
I received a copy of this ebook from the author as part of the book tour. All opinions are my own and are influenced by no one.
I was surprised with how good this book is. Granted it has some elements that I didn't like, but it worked well with the whole story.
While reading, X-men, Dollhouse, and Nikita came to mind. It's like those 3 got married and gave birth to Forbidden Mind. Children and teens with para-powers are kept in an organization/secluded school for gifted children called Rent-A-Kid (X-Men), most of them have no identity in the real world (Nikita), they are rented out to rich and powerful people who need their services (Nikita and Dollhouse), and they are promised to get out of the system when they turn 18. (In Dollhouse, volunteers are in the Dollhouse for 3 years and are released after their contract expires.)
Sam can read minds, she's also a very talented artist. Her 18th birthday is fast approaching and she plans for a future outside Rent-A-Kid. But everything changed when she returns from an assignment to find the art room burned and her mentor Mr. K was no longer in Rent-a-kid. To top it off, there was a boy brought into the facility who was strapped to the bed and somehow asked for her help by communicating with her mind.
Drake can control minds and has super strength. He was in foster care until he ran away and lived with his best friend. He's an amazing surfer and joined a competition to earn money for his future plans. It all fell apart when he was abducted.
Strapped to a bed and can't use his powers, he forced the thought and asked for Sam's help, their minds have been linked ever since. This book gives a different meaning to insta-love. The linking of minds enabled them to communicate from afar. Their attraction wasn't physical, but emotional. They can show each other a part of their life that no one else can share, that intimate connection made them close that falling in love was possible.
Sam and Drake uncovered secrets about Rent-a-kid with the help of Sam's best friends, twins Luke and Lucy. Faced with the reality of their situation, they planned to escape to find someone who could help them save everyone in the program.
Forbidden Mind has romance, mystery, action, and suspense that will keep you hooked from beginning till end. I really enjoyed reading this sensational novel and I can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy.
mrsjkamp's review
3.0
This didn't need to take me that long to read. It's really a fast, action-packed read. It had to do with switching from a Nook to a Kindle, so it had nothing to do with the book at all. I did enjoy reading this one. The series is called Rent-A-Kid, so yeah.. that intrigued me. The story behind it is that there are a bunch of kids with para-powers, and clients rent them to use their powers for whatever their needs are. Sam needs to use her mind reading powers to look into a bad guy at the beginning. It's supposed to be her last job, but complications arise. This is the beginning of her story.
This is fairly short, so you're not overwhelmed or reading tedious details. It gets to the point. Also, there are some touchy themes in this. I can't say anything without spoiling, but this isn't for super young readers. Nothing dirty happens, but there are some adult themes. The end didn't jive with me. It tries to end happily with doom hanging over their heads. Sam and Drake still have a long way to go!
This is fairly short, so you're not overwhelmed or reading tedious details. It gets to the point. Also, there are some touchy themes in this. I can't say anything without spoiling, but this isn't for super young readers. Nothing dirty happens, but there are some adult themes. The end didn't jive with me. It tries to end happily with doom hanging over their heads. Sam and Drake still have a long way to go!
wildflowerz76's review against another edition
3.0
Gym reading (aka free or cheap on the Kindle). This wasn't a bad little story. It felt WAY shorter that the purported 237 pages. It only took me two treadmill sessions to get through it. It reminded me a LOT of Kelley Armstrong's YA series. I would have liked to get a little more on other kids with powers and, well, anyone. It was a little too focused on the two main characters for my liking. I don't know that I'll read more in this series, but it was pretty good.
amullen03's review against another edition
5.0
The book starts out at school with Sam. She is painting and dreaming about the future, going to college and having fun with her friends. Things take a turn when Sam gets told she has to take a job and risk missing the most important event in her life. The thing about her school is they are also a Rent-A-Kid. They are kids with special Para Powers that get rented out to the rich and powerful to work. Sam Starts to find herself and not letting others push her around anymore.
Drake gets introduced while he is surfing. He feels at home in the water but today he senses someone watching him and nor for a good reason. He gets back to his apartment and his roommate tries to get him to lay low but Drake doesn't listen listen. Then while heading to visit Father Patrick he springs into action and uses his powers to save a life. Father Patrick protects him and warns him to be careful. Drake decides to continue living his life and heads to a surfing competition. That is when things go south.
Go read this book! I loved it. I started the book over and could not put it down. The story is so well written. They make sure that you can follow along as it jumps from Sam to Drake's point of view. This book is the first in a trilogy and is a must for lovers of paranormal, romance and mystery.
Drake gets introduced while he is surfing. He feels at home in the water but today he senses someone watching him and nor for a good reason. He gets back to his apartment and his roommate tries to get him to lay low but Drake doesn't listen listen. Then while heading to visit Father Patrick he springs into action and uses his powers to save a life. Father Patrick protects him and warns him to be careful. Drake decides to continue living his life and heads to a surfing competition. That is when things go south.
Go read this book! I loved it. I started the book over and could not put it down. The story is so well written. They make sure that you can follow along as it jumps from Sam to Drake's point of view. This book is the first in a trilogy and is a must for lovers of paranormal, romance and mystery.
jennkei's review
2.0
Blurb was a bit misleading..
"She reads minds.
He controls minds.
Together, they might get out alive."
Cos she learns to control them too. And there's hardly any cooperation. All in all, an alright book, but don't really feel like reading the rest of the trilogy.
"She reads minds.
He controls minds.
Together, they might get out alive."
Cos she learns to control them too. And there's hardly any cooperation. All in all, an alright book, but don't really feel like reading the rest of the trilogy.
dashichka's review
3.0
For a book that's less than 150 pages, it was actually a pretty interesting read. Its well written and easy to follow. The story is set in an x-men type academy for paranormal kids. The kids are rented out to rich people to basically let them blackmail others, or for some other immoral dealings. The kids are paid for each assignment, but most of the money is set aside into a savings account for them that they can access when they turn 18 and are supposedly cut lose to go to college and lead a normal life. Sam is about to turn 18 when she meets a mysterious boy named Drake at a hospital. Well, meet probably isn't really the right word for it....
I think this book had a ton of potential. It was fun and easy to read and had pretty interesting characters. But it left me with a lot of questions that weren't ever answered. I think the book's real downside was its size. I could have used more detail. The plot got a little complicated, which is actually great, but to a have complicated plot you need a lot of backup. I could have done with another 100 or so pages in different sections to help build on different concepts and points in the book. In fact, this book could have easily been a 400 page book. There were a ton of concepts and character relationships I would have loved to have more info on, or seen developed a little more.
Overall, this was a pretty good read. I would love to see this story rewritten into a longer book that deals with more of my questions, or even see some of those questions answered in the sequel.
To read more reviews check out: www.nightlyreading.wordpress.com
I think this book had a ton of potential. It was fun and easy to read and had pretty interesting characters. But it left me with a lot of questions that weren't ever answered. I think the book's real downside was its size. I could have used more detail. The plot got a little complicated, which is actually great, but to a have complicated plot you need a lot of backup. I could have done with another 100 or so pages in different sections to help build on different concepts and points in the book. In fact, this book could have easily been a 400 page book. There were a ton of concepts and character relationships I would have loved to have more info on, or seen developed a little more.
Overall, this was a pretty good read. I would love to see this story rewritten into a longer book that deals with more of my questions, or even see some of those questions answered in the sequel.
To read more reviews check out: www.nightlyreading.wordpress.com
abydos6's review
1.0
Not for me
This isn't my kind of book. It didn't hold my attention. I skimmed through it. It is possibly someone else's cup of tea. I got it liking the premise, but on starting it quickly realised it wasn't for me.
This isn't my kind of book. It didn't hold my attention. I skimmed through it. It is possibly someone else's cup of tea. I got it liking the premise, but on starting it quickly realised it wasn't for me.
katrinamarie's review
4.0
Forbidden Mind is a unique story. There aren't many action scenes. However, this book doesn't need them.
Sam can't wait to leave Rent-A-Kid and study art in New York. Drake is determined to win the surfing competition to make his life easier. The man dressed in black changes things for both of them.
The characters are well written. Sam is your normal girl ready to live out her dreams. Well, not complete normal. She can read minds. I admire Sam for her bravery. In the same situation, I would have broken down. She's strong and has a need to help others. I appreciate how she doesn't believe everything she's told when things don't add up. Sam begins to question everything she's been told when she forms a mental link with an unconscious boy. Drake helps Sam see the truth in things. He can compel others, but tries not to use his powers unless needed. He forms a link with Sam and they begin to uncover the truth behind Rent-A-Kid. Drake is compassionate and cares about Sam. He isn't trying to use her in order to obtain his freedom. I also loved the best friends of these two. Luke and Lucy are witty and do what they can to help Sam. A girl couldn't ask for more supportive friends. Brad tells Drake what he needs to hear. There's no sugar coating with him. I love characters that are no-nonsense.
As I said before, there isn't a lot of action. We spend most of the story following Drake and Sam as they get to know each other sight unseen. There is a bit of a love story, and it really puts things, like looks, into perspective. Sam and Drake are forced to make choices. They have to decide if they can live with the consequences of those choices. There are a few emotional parts. My heart completely broke in a few places. You realize that some people just have an inherent goodness in them.
Forbidden Mind is fast paced and leaves you wanting more. I highly suggest this book for readers in their teens and up.
Sam can't wait to leave Rent-A-Kid and study art in New York. Drake is determined to win the surfing competition to make his life easier. The man dressed in black changes things for both of them.
The characters are well written. Sam is your normal girl ready to live out her dreams. Well, not complete normal. She can read minds. I admire Sam for her bravery. In the same situation, I would have broken down. She's strong and has a need to help others. I appreciate how she doesn't believe everything she's told when things don't add up. Sam begins to question everything she's been told when she forms a mental link with an unconscious boy. Drake helps Sam see the truth in things. He can compel others, but tries not to use his powers unless needed. He forms a link with Sam and they begin to uncover the truth behind Rent-A-Kid. Drake is compassionate and cares about Sam. He isn't trying to use her in order to obtain his freedom. I also loved the best friends of these two. Luke and Lucy are witty and do what they can to help Sam. A girl couldn't ask for more supportive friends. Brad tells Drake what he needs to hear. There's no sugar coating with him. I love characters that are no-nonsense.
As I said before, there isn't a lot of action. We spend most of the story following Drake and Sam as they get to know each other sight unseen. There is a bit of a love story, and it really puts things, like looks, into perspective. Sam and Drake are forced to make choices. They have to decide if they can live with the consequences of those choices. There are a few emotional parts. My heart completely broke in a few places. You realize that some people just have an inherent goodness in them.
Forbidden Mind is fast paced and leaves you wanting more. I highly suggest this book for readers in their teens and up.