Kate KaynakRecensioni

I LOVED IT OMG ANNOT WAIT TO READ THE 2ND ONE!!!

I LOVED IT OMG ANNOT WAIT TO READ THE 2ND ONE!!!

I LOVED IT OMG ANNOT WAIT TO READ THE 2ND ONE!!!

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.

Commenting on every negative reviews on a book you worked on is not a good way to endear me into reading your books.

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/633290603#comment_79076681

Commenting on every negative reviews on a book you worked on is not a good way to endear me into reading your books.

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/633290603#comment_79076681

Minder is the type of book that makes one wish for a rainy day so they have an excuse to do nothing but sit and read, because once you start reading Minder you aren't going to want to put it down.

The romance between Maddie and Trevor is so sweet it melted my heart. The connection between them was something special and gives a whole new meaning to "soul mate." I fell in love with both of the characters. They were easy to like. I loved that Ms. Kaynak didn't write "perfect" characters. She gave them flaws and that's what makes them easy to identify with.

But Minder isn't all about Maddie and Trevor's romance. Maddie has to learn how to deal with her new ability and the side effects that come with it. But she also has to learn the ins and outs of everyone else at Ganzfield. Such as people who can heal with a touch of their hands. Trevor who just may throw things in his sleep. Oh, and then there's always the possibility of a game or two of fireball. And, of course, you can't forget the Charms. They seem to rule the school.

As if Maddie trying to figure out everything that's happening to her and adjust to her new school wasn't enough—there's trouble at Ganzfield. Just enough that it keeps the story interesting, the pace moving and the reader's attention.

The Ganzfield series is one of the best young adult series on the market. I would rate Minder six stars if I could—I enjoyed it that much. My daughter is reading it and loves it, as well. Kate Kaynak has created lovable and identifiable characters, a sweet and tender romance, interesting "special" abilities, and heart-pounding action...you can't ask for a better combination! Minder is a hit! I highly recommend it and the entire Ganzfield series.

I just have one question…who will play Maddie and Trevor in the movie? Because this book is too good not to make a film version.
[bc:Minder|8249764|Minder (Ganzfield, #1)|Kate Kaynak|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1301829882s/8249764.jpg|13097421][a:Kate Kaynak|4022548|Kate Kaynak|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1288201108p2/4022548.jpg]

Kate Kaynak's series is brilliant. If you haven't started reading it--do it, like, right now. Seriously.

I am finding that the more books that are added to series that I love, the harder and harder it gets to write a review on it. It seems like I have already mentioned everything I love about the books and it is pretty consistent from book to book. Each book has been filled with passion, emotion, action, danger and thrills that keep my heart racing. Each book the connection between Maddie and Trevor has developed more and more and their love grows more fierce. The characters are always well written and ingrained into the story that I couldn't imagine them not being in the series forever and would be destroyed if they were hurt or killed off. I am about 95% positive that I have cried at least once if not multiple times (or throughout the whole thing as was the case with ACCUSED) in all of the books and tend to adapt to the emotions right along with the characters that are feeling them. I know that once I start reading one of Kate's Ganzfield books to not plan to leave the house because I don't want to put it down and thankfully they have all been so fast paced and easy to get into that I finish them pretty darn fast. Even though the books are consistent in their awesomeness we always get great twist and turns thrown at us and a fresh new plot to get us even more addicted.

So on to OPERATIVE..... I'm not telling you what happens..... You will have to go out and discover the awesomeness all on your own so that I don't mistakenly give away something that would compromise your reading experience. You will have to be ok with me telling you that OPERATIVE continues the series as all the others have with fantastic twists, heart pounding turns, fantastic humor, heart wrenching loss and passionate reunions.

I'm going to once again repeat myself GO BUY THIS SERIES you will be far from disappointed and if you are then you have horrible taste in reading material. This series is in my top 5 must have must read series and will continue to be there as long as Kate keeps the great characters and plots coming. SOULMATE is set to release October 1 2012 and has been on my wishlist since it was added to Goodreads.

I am so excited to bring you my review of Operative by the amazing YA paranormal puppeteer - Kate Kaynak! Kate will guide you step by step on a paranormal adventure with the precision of a marionette master in this fifth book of the Ganzfield series. She brings an entirely unique element to Young Adult Paranormal - so new that no other YA authors can touch it. This novel is riveting! Magnetic! Sir, Yes Sir!

It's so great to be back with my Maddie and Trevor (and all of the private thoughts of every character in the book - thanks Maddie ;) Who knew it was so much fun to mess with the minds of military personnel? And for certain, nobody knew what Russian G Positives were capable of until now.....

Operative is one of those novels where telling about it is telling too much. Trevor, Maddie and the Ganzfield bunch embark on another adventure - this time it's international with US government support. Unfortunately, the government support part can only go as far as not prosecuting G positives and aids little to the cause of protecting the world from people with abilities that make bad choices. That's where the good G+ young people with abilities come in.

Kate's storytelling ability must have received a double injection of dodecamine this time because she blasted my mind. She made me fall in love all over again with Maddie and Trevor, made me sympathize with villains, terrified me, and broke my heart when....well, you'll just have to read and find out.

If you have no idea what the Ganzfield story is about, you must peek inside and pick up a copy of Minder at Amazon. com and don't worry, these novels are so gripping you won't be able to stop until you finish number five and are waiting on #6 Soulmate with the rest of us.

I give Operative 5 stars!

I enjoyed this book. It is fast-paced and gripping from the very first page, throwing the reader right into the middle of an action-packed, supernatural journey. Kaynak sure knows how to grab a reader's attention! After a horrific attack unlocks hidden powers inside her, Maddie Dunn is whisked away to a secret facility known as Ganzfield that is home to other teens like her: powerful and potentially dangerous. Chock-full of romance, action, and supernatural powers, Minder is a book you won't be able to put down.

For the most part, this was a solid read. I've always been fascinated with the supernatural (telekinesis, mind-reading), and I have a soft spot for books that take place at a boarding school or similar place, so this was right up my alley. While Ganzfield was an interesting place, I felt like it needed to be developed more in terms of structure and authority in order for it to feel more realistic and believable. For example, one of the telekinetic students sleeps out in this old, ramshackle, unused church instead of in the dorms with everyone else, and either the authority figures don't have a problem with this or they don't know about it, both of which are slightly worrying. I would expect a place filled with people who have the potential to be extremely dangerous and lethal to have a bit tighter security! There were times, as well, where the story progression felt a little rushed. I did like how fast-paced it was, though. There was never a dull moment!

As far as characters go, Trevor was far and away my favorite! He is just such a great guy, through and through. Compassionate, sweet, kind-hearted, loyal, protective, and tough when he needs to be. Totally swoon-worthy, ladies. I didn't connect as well with Maddie, the protagonist. It's hard to put my finger on exactly why I didn't care for her. Her personality came across slightly immature (I know, I know, she's a teenager, and she's going through a lot of overwhelming stuff, of course she's having a hard time!), but I felt like maybe there should have been a bit more of a struggle or inner debate on her part in regards to the fact that she can intrude so completely on someone else's every thought. She just seems to take it all in stride, which can be both an admirable trait and one to cause worry. I would have loved to see that ethical dilemma explored a little more thoroughly. Overall, though, I felt like Maddie was a very realistic teenage character with her fair share of flaws and talents. I could really relate to the intensity of the emotions she was feeling throughout the book, and I loved seeing her relationship with Trevor unfold. The romance in this book was very sweet and pure. It was a nice change of pace from the frenzied, forbidden love affairs that I usually enjoy.

This is a book I would recommend for younger teenagers especially, even though it does touch upon some darker subjects, like rape. I think younger teens will be able to relate very well with Maddie and Trevor and the struggles they go through with self-discovery. I'm definitely interested to see what Kaynak has in store for us in book two, Adversary.

CONCLUSION:

A fun, fast-paced read that grabs you from the very first page and won't let you go!

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.

I love the concept of this book. "Twenty-Two Tales of Paranormal Gatherings Under the Guise of Conventions" is written on the front cover. I couldn't resist the urge to read this book because of that. After all how many times have you seen someone dressed up for a convention, whether it be on television or in real life, and seriously started to wonder about their lives. This book explores what it would be like if the werewolf convention actually has real werewolf attending or if the person sitting next to you at a convention is actually an alien.
This book is a fun read all the way through. These stories deal with practically any supernatural creature you can think of. Some stories are hilarious while others are heart warming. One of my favorites is What We Found in Our Room by Will Morton. It's about an author who is attending a convention and finds a unicorn in her hotel room. Her husband doesn't believe in the supernatural and is having a hard time believing what he is seeing. It's a great story.
This is a fantastic book that fans of the paranormal genre would love to read. Faeries, Aliens and Sirens oh my! Whatever your favorite supernatural creature is this book has a story about it. This is a great collection.

reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blogspot.com/

If you have not picked up these books yet you are totally missing out on the awesomeness of the Ganzfield gang. ACCUSED is emotional, action packed, fast paced and all around awesome addition to the Ganzfield novels. My one and only complaint is a message to Kate:

Kate,

WHY??? WHY must it end there?? WHY is the next book so far away?? *sad face* you wound me.

Seriously, these books are a must read. I have picked up and devoured every book in the series so far and I'm impatiently waiting for the next. I really wasn't expecting to love the books so much when I first started reading them but now I cant imagine ever not reading a new one the moment I am able to get my hands on one. The characters grow so much in each book and even though the books are fast paced and are a quick read SO much happens. ACCUSED I believe is the most emotional book yet of the series. I cried like a baby for most of the book and im really looking forward to seeing where Kate is bringing the series. Kate OPERATIVE really needs to come out sooner =)

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.

www.booksforcompany.com
I really didn't know what to expect with this book and even though l did find a few things which l disliked about this, l really did enjoy it and l am excited to read the next in the series.
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What l loved most about this book is how much is going on beside the romance as well as having a fast paced beginning. Minder starts off, straight away, dealing with a very difficult situation which has you gripped from the first page and very quickly feeling emotions for the main character, Maddie. Maddie is the perfect character for this sort of book, likeable as well as very strong willed and brave with a little bit of innocence.
The other characters in this book made Minder even more intriguing, they were all so different and added to the book in many different ways as well as helping me to see further into the world Kate had created.
Ganzfield, the training camp, is great fun to read and learn about. The social network and how it all works is very different from what l have read before, the different people with all the different powers definitely make for an interesting environment.
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The one thing which made me a bit unsure about this book is the romance. They get close very quickly to a point where they seem to rely on each other a lot BUT l think this is one of those books l was able to forget that and enjoy reading the book. Mainly because of the situation which the characters are in, a situation where you have to form connections with people very quickly and need someone to rely on. l think that was the reason l was able to put behind me how quickly their romance formed and still feel their relationship was real, oh and the fact the guy in this book is really cute and loveable with some faults.. which l love in the male characters as it makes them more real.
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Over-all this is a great book and definitely worth a read for anyone who likes paranormal books with romance and action mixed into it! Kate definitely has the 'nack' for making you want more!!
This is £2.15 for your kindle, l mean, come on! This is one amazing book for that price and l was so shocked when l seen it!! I would pay much more than that.

Ratings :
Plot : 4/5
Cover : 4/5
Page Turner : 4/5
Characters : 4/5
Ending : 4/5
Overall Rating :
4/5

I really like this series. Why? Minders are awesome! And being G-Positive on the meds - she might be 'brain damaged at the end' but she can still communicate becuase she has her skills. I mean, how many ppl are out there now that cannot communicate - they are stuck in their bodies and minds. This story has a happy ending to me because of Maddie's ability. I am lucky to have read these books really, my sister in law won them and my library doesn't have anything by kaynak! :) will have to discuss this serious lack with them.

Good book to read - liked it so much I really didn't want to put it down. Kate took a new and creative take on telepathic people. Not only are there telepaths but they each specialize in their abilities. Some are good with fire, charming people, moving items, or reading minds! VERY GOOD!

It feels absolutely wonderful to be able to go back and visit all of my favorite characters from the Ganzfield series! Without being completely spoiler-ish, can I just say that Zack is back! I absolutely adored his snarky attitude in Adversary and was sad to see him go... so, it was a pleasant surprise to have him back in the series. I have to say he wasn't quite as snarky as he was before, but I think he's just calming down from the bold character that he was when we last saw him - when things between him and Maddie got a little out of control.

Along with Zack coming to Ganzfield, we have a new villian as well. Actually, witch with a capital "B" would be a better description, but I am attempting to be nice! There's also all of our other favorite characters making their return to the story as well - including Drew! As if there is any need to point this out ... Kate keeps the characters true to themselves and they never stray from who they truly are.

The story starts out with a shocking scene that makes you go, "Wait! What?! I thought they never..." Leave it to Kate to make me almost have a stroke within the first chapter! But things are resolved and the story continues. Like its predecessors, Legacy is full of internal struggles as well as external, leaving you with no downtime whatsoever. It seems like Maddie just can't get any breaks between figuring herself out and fighting the bad guys - but when she does get a break, she has Trevor ... and we always love to read about those two. They're an adorable couple without being overly cheesy in any way.

Overall, Legacy definitely lived up to the standards that I have now set for the Ganzfield series. It was just as wonderful and emotionally draining (not in a bad way) as Minder and Adversary. As soon as I sat down with this one, it had me and didn't let go until the end. I can't wait for the fourth installment, Accused, that's coming out in August.

Reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blogspot.com/

I was SO excited to be able to review another of Kate's books. I very much enjoyed ADVERSARY and MINDER and I enjoyed LEGACY just as much. Kate gets you thinking and on the edge of your seat from the first chapter. Maddie had to grow up fast and she is rolling with the punches and learning that she cant always be in control. The supporting characters are all wonderful to get to know, I have come to care about what happens to them just as much as with Maddie. You will see some new faces as well as a new villain, I already know this person is going to be right up there in the evil department like Isaiah. I have found all the books in the Ganzfield to be very smooth and fast reads even though they are packed to the gill with twist, turns, action, and suspense. There is so much awesomeness but I cant tell you much more because I will give away spoilers. I can not wait to see what ACCUSED brings to the table.

Kate Kaynak has done it again with Adversary, the second novel in the Ganzfield series. This one picks up right where Minder left off and the reader is instantly thrown into this world of charms, RVs, healers, sparks, a boy with telekinesis, and a minder who loves him. The book opens with the extremely helpful ‘previously at Ganzfield,’ so I felt nice and caught up with the story. From there, things begin happening at a rapid pace. Unlike the opener in the series, Adversary jumps right into the action and unavoidable skirmishes. I don’t want to give anything away, but let me just say that bad things happen, people get hurt, and quite a few people even die.

With a surprising shake up at Ganzfield, Maddie’s little supergroup of friends takes off to make a difference and come to a faceoff with Isaiah Lerner – the man who tried to vivisect Trevor. The guy is creepy, not only creepy, he’s terrifying. I never questioned the power he holds or the fear he brings out in people. Isaiah is more than willing to maim, torture, and kill.

The roadtrip brings out even more detail into the abilities that the G-positive people possess. Kaynak has developed an incredible way of describing all the thoughts that bombard Maddie and we get to see what she sees through images and vibrant colors. Characters like Rachel and Hannah get a more prominent role and Kaynak explores the world outside of Ganzfield. The addition of new guy Zack brings some much needed tension in Maddie’s and Trevor’s seemingly perfect relationship too.

Still, Maddie and Trevor are stronger than ever. Their soulmating gets quite steamy at times and through it they learn just how intense and unique what they have is. In the short amount of time that they’ve known each other, they’ve fallen in love and it feels real. It never seems rushed or contrived. Their relationship is what carries the story; even in the worst of times, they still have each other and as cheesy as that may seem – I love it.

With fun characters, interesting abilities, and enough surprises to keep me glued to the page, Adversary is a fast-paced installment in a series that I’m not likely to put down. The next book, Legacy is calling my name, begging me to read it and I hope you do too.

Opening line: Were we too late? ~ pg. 1

Favorite lines: Can’t stop. I think I’m addicted to you.
I grinned. The first step is admitting you have a problem. ~ pg. 18

reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blogspot.com/

I honestly had no idea if I would like the Ganzfield series when I won ADVERSARY from Paranormal Haven. Kate Kaynak then offered me book one MINDER to review so I put it on my calendar to read them both back to back and I'm so glad I did. Just like MINDER I found ADVERSARY to be a super fast read, not long but full of information and plot. I loved the characters, I really like Maddie and Trevor's devotion and connection to each other. There is passion, danger, thrills and action. Everything Kate writes just flows perfectly, I enjoyed the story and cant wait to read LEGACY.

Reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blogspot.com/

Book One in the Ganzfield series was a fantastic read. The action starts in the first paragraph of the book and although the whole book isn't filled with action the story kept my attention throughout the entire book. I enjoyed reading and learning about all the abilities that are held by G-Positive people and how they train and learn to live in the real world. MINDER is a super fast read and not very long but it defiantly isn't lacking in detail and plot. I'm about to start ADVERSARY and I'm really excited to see where Kate takes us next.

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!)

First posted on http://rubysreads.com.

Minder is certainly a Private School Paranormal. At least, it doesn’t get much more paranormal than a bunch of teenagers with abilities ranging from telepathy to telekinesis to mind control. The title refers to the main character, Maddie. The story opens with Maddie discovering her telepathic abilities in the worst way possible. When she’s attacked by some schoolmates, her powers manifest, allowing her to protect herself, but resulting in the death of her attackers. Maddie is soon whisked away to Ganzfield Academy, where she learns that she isn’t alone in having special powers.

I started this novel in high spirits. After all, this is a genre I enjoy, or I wouldn’t have dedicated a week’s worth of events to it. And I truly feel awful because the author contacted me personally and offered me a copy for review. I’ve waffled back and forth about this situation and decided that I have to be honest. Minder was not the book for me. My issues with it were threefold: One, Maddie. Two, everything seems too easy. Three, Maddie and Trevor.

I’m going to start with number two, even though it’s out of order. I mentioned that Maddie gets whisked away to Ganzfield, yes? Well, whisked is the right word. No sooner has Maddie learned that she’s telepathic than she’s getting an injection of some drug that will enhance her powers. Yet, conveniently, it doesn’t bother Maddie that she can hear everyone’s thoughts all the time. She can tune them out. Also, at Ganzfield, Maddie discovers that the “charms” rule the school. Charms can convince people to do whatever they want them to do, or believe whatever they want them to believe. When Maddie endeavors to save the rest of the school from the charms, she does. Pretty easily. Without much effort.

Which brings me to reason number one: Maddie. Maddie’s powers in particular irritated me. Due to the injection of the drug that amplified her power, she’s become a very strong telepath. She can read almost anyone’s mind, can suggest thoughts to people and can cause pain through the mind, too. I felt that Maddie was curiously unethical about her powers. Never once does she reflect on how she would feel if someone could read her thoughts. Thoughts are a very private thing and it’s either unrealistic or unlikeable that Maddie fails to understand how uncomfortable being around her would be. The friends that Maddie makes at Ganzfield are the students who don’t have a problem with her listening in on their thoughts. She also uses her telepathic abilities to pull answers from teachers’ heads. As a teacher myself, I see this as wrong and, what’s more, lazy. I can only hope that the later books in the series address the ethical issues of Maddie’s telepathic abilities, from planting thoughts in other peoples’ brains to a person’s right to the privacy of his/her own thoughts.

Issue number three, Maddie and her instantboyfriend, Trevor. My main complaint with Maddie and Trevor’s relationship has to do with that familiar issue of easiness. Maddie and Trevor hardly meet but they’re in love. But, wait, you say. They’re soulmates. Okay. I’ve read and enjoyed soulmate stories before. But the speed with which Maddie and Trevor go from A to Z irritated me. I’ll buy instant attraction, but I guess I just like a relationship that has a bit more up and down. Think Kate Daniels and Curran, not Bella and Edward. I also think the relationship loses a lot because we always know what Trevor is thinking, courtesy of Maddie’s telepathy.

My final issue–and really, I’m going to stop–was that the administration/faculty at Ganzfield sucked. For one thing, Trevor moves objects telekinetically in his sleep. Instead of giving him a cabin on his own like they have the minders, Trevor has been sleeping in an old, unheated, abandoned church. I mean, seriously? And no one cares? And no one notices/cares when Maddie starts sleeping in the church with Trevor? Um, I went to a high school with a boarding program. They’re strict about the opposite-sex thing. They have to be. I don’t buy that that would be different because of the paranormal aspect of Ganzfield. I’d also like to gripe a bit about the issue of the charms doing awful, terrible, no good, very bad things to other students. Like, forcing them to perform certain actions against their will. The faculty should have had a lid on it already. Since they didn’t, they shouldn’t be teaching. End of story. I say that as a teacher myself.

There’s no getting around that this is a harsh review, but I hope it isn’t unreasonable. Readers should know that Minder has gotten good reviews on Goodreads and that this is only one blogger’s opinion. Kate Kaynak is to be commended for the fact that she is a published writer and she has put her work out into the world. I wish her the best of luck with the rest of the series.½