Open Minds

What a first book!!!

I've had this book since it first came out but kept putting it off, I actually couldn't tell you why, it just didn't intrigue me enough I think, plus I thought it was primarily a romance, don't ask me where I got that from!!! Lol. Well what a mistake that was. This book was awesome!!

In a world where everyone can hear your every thought, how do you keep a secret? That's what Kira has to do. Everyone thinks her a Zero, someone whom you can't read nor can they read you, but she has a secret that she has to keep because if it comes to light, it could kill her!

Kira was such an awesome character. She believes herself to be a Zero, someone looked down upon, but she finds out what she is and it could mean the death of her. She is determined, brave, loyal and a great heroine. I loved that she tried her best despite her lack of mind reading. I also loved her friendship with Rafe. He is a true friend to her throughout.

The plot was fast paced and addicting. The world the author created was captivating. I loved the different mind readers and how the author expanded on that. This is a book that will grip you from the very first page and not let go till the very end.

I loved pretty much everything about this!! The world building is unique and gripping. The characters were all well written and developed and the plot was truly entertaining. In fact, this is a must read!! Bring on book 2!

Kelli Shane did a good job, in parts. She had plenty of range and tone, she just didn't give a great performance. I think she needed to become more invested in the story!

*I received this via AudiobookBoom. This in no way affected or influenced my thoughts in any way.*

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Lackluster Performance

What did you like best about Open Minds? What did you like least?

I purchased this audible book to sync with the Kindle version. I typically do this because as I get deeper into a story I enjoy I find it hard to put down and having the audible version means I can usually continue the story while I do chores around the house. In this case however, I found myself so annoyed with the narrator that I actually only listened to about 25% of it via audio book.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

As for the story itself....there was not enough character development of Kira (the protagonist) for me to ever really come to like or care about her. Or any of the characters really. Simon seems abusive while Raf seems altogether too ineffectual. To say more would involve spoilers.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The only word to describe the narrator's voice is "irritating". Perhaps she was chosen because she has a "young" sounding voice and the protagonist of the story is a teenager. Which would be fine if she injected a little enthusiasm for the story and inflection into her reading. Additionally, she manages to mis-pronounce several words and she just sounds plain BORED with the story.

Do you think Open Minds needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

The author does wrap everything up well enough at the conclusion that I could put the story aside and be well with that...It certainly did not leave me wanting more.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Just getting started

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I don't like the Performance. I have fallen asleep three times trying to listen to this book. I think her voice is too monotone. The story though is good so far.

If you’ve listened to books by Susan Kaye Quinn before, how does this one compare?

This is my first book by Susan Kaye Quinn

Would you be willing to try another one of Kelli Shane’s performances?

no I would not.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes I would go see it.

Any additional comments?

I am just the first 5 chapters into the book, I like it. I like the premise and so far it's good. I just have a hard time with the performance.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Incredible story

The story line kept me on the edge of my seat almost the entire time. Unlike many stories this one had me unsure what would happen next. I love the way this is written and the audible voice is very well done as well. I cannot wait to listen to the next in the series.

I absolutely love this book

This book was amazing, I can't wait to read the rest. I was instantly taken by the characters. the story was very entrancing.

Super!

Fabulous story! Imagine a world where the fact that you can’t read minds makes you unusual. And then it really gets interesting!

Loved this book!

Great listen ! Would love to get the rest of the series! Worth the time.

monotone

the narration was too monotone. almost didn't listen but after reading more of the hardcover listened to the rest

Just Didn't Do It For Me

This had a brilliant concept. But I am disappointed. What ruined it most? The Audible narrator: Kelli Shane. Her voice sounded like she was on the last story to ADHD kids at bedtime. How do I know that? Yep, been there had that voice. It works well at putting the reader to sleep. ADHD kid just laughs and takes the book to read to themselves as mom falls to sleep.

I would have been better off just using the text-to-speech. But chose to continue. The story line was interesting. I even sort of liked the main character.

On the other hand, really, if a person can read another's mind and be read what is to stop intrusion? And possible mind jacking? I don't see how the jacker can't read first and the reader not jack. After all, we are talking teens. They are already in each others' heads. So a lot of this seemed to not ring true.

It was a nice diversion. But I just wasn't that into it, and I really wanted to be. Maybe others will love it. I hope so. I doubt I will seek out the next in the series. I do have the German version so I might try it again just to practice my German reading skills.

By the way, the Kindle version is free right now. I hope you enjoy it.

The world has evolved, but human bigotry hasn't.

The human population has evolved, due to water contamination, the ability to speak mind to mind, is now the norm. Our heroine, off course, is the oddity. She believed she was one of those scorned, because she hadn't developed the mindspeak skill.
However, she was in a group of people who have a more powerful mind access ability and hers is stronger than most. This group is being targeted by the Government, just as all people who have been different, have been targeted over the generations. This is the story of her fight for justice for her kind.
It is a spellbinding and compelling tale. I enjoyed the audio rendition immensely.