Author: Lori Brighton
Publisher: Smashwords
Published: December 7, 2010
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 170 Pages (eARC)
Source: Author
Cameron Winters is a freak. Fortunately, no one but her family knows that Cameron can read minds. When Lewis Douglas arrives, he tempts her with possibilities of freedom. Determined to embrace her hidden talents, Cameron heads to a place where she meets other Mind Readers. But when the Mind Readers realize the extent of Cameron’s abilities, they want to use her powers for their own needs.
Cam is your typical small-town girl living in Maine, but she has a dark secret. She can read minds. Trained from a young age to shove her gift aside rather than draw attention, Cam knows she can never use her gift to help people in danger - even if she desperately wants to. Then, unbeknown to Cam, she discovers other mind readers and the possibility to be herself for the first time in her life. There's only one problem. Cam is powerful, and perhaps more powerful than any of the other mind readers. Is she finally finding acceptance, or is she being used?
I've never read anything by Lori Brighton before, but I know she's a fairly prominent adult author, so I figured I would check this one out when the author sent eARC to me. The Mind Readers is a fast-paced paranormal story blending romance, intrigue, and a secret dangerous threat that fuels the story throughout. With strong dialogue and a balance of descriptiveness, strong characterization and clear plot points, The Mind Readers easily sends the reader on a journey into a world within the story.
I have to say that while I enjoyed The Mind Readers, I had a really difficult time with Cam at first. She has this incredible gift with amazing power, and she seemed so...whiny...and annoying. However, she began to progress through the story, and she grew as a character, becoming strong and more self-aware. Lewis, one of the secondary characters and the love interest, is a character I would love to meet. (Seriously. Can I meet him?) He's sweet, well-rounded, and the perfect balance to offset Cam's personality and keep things balanced. Some of the other secondary characters, namely Annabeth, threw things off for me though, which made things a little bit more difficult.
All in all, The Mind Readers is a fast-paced and intriguing story, despite the few flaws that irked me. I give it a very strong 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all those who enjoy Lori Brighton's writing and the YA genre, especially those who enjoy paranormal romance stories.
I received this eARC free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.
I just finished this one too! I liked Cam though I see your point about being whiny at times, I just wanted a little more information at the end. I felt we were left a little in the dark. Nice review Melissa, I love reading your reviews of books I've read, it's fun to compare thoughts with you!
ReplyDeleteI recently finished reading this book . My review is scheduled for later though.
ReplyDeleteI felt annoyed at Cam too , at times . Lewis is soooo sweet!
Another great review, Melissa!
Good review Melissa! I have never heard of this author or the novel. It sounds interesting, but the plot sounds like a lot of other YA novels. Is there anything new to it that sets it apart from all the other, "I've got this great power, I find others that are like me, someone wants to exploit me, etc."?
ReplyDeleteHeather
Looks kinda different. I think I might read it!
ReplyDeleteI have this book, but I haven't read it yet. I love paranormal romance stories, so I hope I will like this one. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI love paranormal romance, but I hate whiny characters!! This one sounds like a good read, though. I hadn't heard of it before your review!
ReplyDeleteHm 170 pages? Strange, how come mine was shorter
ReplyDeleteGreat review Melissa! I hate when the main characters are whiny, but then when a secondary character balances it out, it seems OK...and that's what you just said in your review:P Anywhoo, mind readers sounds cool.
ReplyDelete-Danna
http://friendlyreaderohyeah.blogspot.com/
Great review as always.....:D Is it just me or is anyone else getting sick of the paranmormal romance stuff...? I think Im getting to a point of burnout on the "otherworld"....
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting! I've read Wild Heart by Lori Brighton, and I really liked it! So this book goes on my wishlist :P
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of this one, but it looks interesting! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThis one isn't one I'm familiar with. After reading your review, I think I'd find it interesting. Thanks for such a well-written, thoughtful review.
ReplyDeleteI can always count on you to introduce me to new books :) I really like the sound of this one and how awesome is that cover?
ReplyDeleteHmm... I wanted to read this one, and I'm still curious, but I just hope Cam isn't too whiny. Oh, I hate that in a female character! Still, secondary characters have my intrigued. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting, though I do agree if I don't like the main character it's hard to finish. And I'm sort of avoiding most paranormals right now... that's just me though! Great review Melissa!
ReplyDeleteA great review but I also find this book strangley short and a whiny girl, MC or not, deserves to be slapped.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this one! It sounds interesting because of the whole mind reading thing, but I also worry since you expressed your concerns. I'll have to think on it :)
ReplyDeleteThis does sound good despite it's few minor characters flaws. I love some paranormal romance and I want to meet this Lewis guy :)
ReplyDeleteAren't whiny gals the worst? Great review! I do love this cover.
ReplyDeleteOh, have also not heard of this book before. I agree with you though - there's nothing worse than a whiny main character - that drives me up the wall. Still, I'd definitely give this one a go though - I do love the sound of this. Great review Melissa!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I'm a big fan of Bree's too. I lived in Provo for a year, moved back to Las Vegas September of 2010 & THEN started book reviewing/blogging. If I had known what a find King's English is while I lived there, I would have started blogging a LOT earlier. YA authors NEVER come to Las Vegas! (Except Lauren Kate:)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on placing in the top ten in Mindful Musings poll!!
ReplyDeleteMind Readers sounds really interesting. Too bad the character is whiny though.
Hmm, this sounds interesting and something I might want to read... even with a whiny protagonist.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Melissa. Sounds like a good story, I love the cover. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried Lori Brighton before, but I just accepted this one review. I'm interested to see what I'll think about it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I’m currently reading The Ghost Hunter by this author. I was hoping to read this one as well. Bummed to hear the MC is whiny, but I’ll probably still give it a go.
ReplyDeleteRecently read it! Loved it. Combined review over @ walkingbutterflyfeet.blogspot.com. Search "read it with a buddy" (top left corner of page). You'll find it faster that way :).
ReplyDeleteThis sounds interesting. Would love to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteBrandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
The cover for this book is beyond pretty. It sounds interesting, but I'm not sure it's my kind of book. It really sounds like many other books, but I may give it a shot. Thanks for the honest review.
ReplyDeleteCam did take a bit to warm up to, but all in all I loved this one. :) I'm glad you liked it.
ReplyDeleteI do like Lori Brighton's writing, but I've only read her adult series, a lot of the time YA just isn't the same. Great review Melissa!
ReplyDeleteJen
In the Closet With a Bibliophile
I just got this! Great review :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review... sounds pretty interesting! I'm glad Cam grew as a character -- there's nothing worse than main characters who stay in one place for the whole book.
ReplyDeleteReally great review! I think I own this (the fact that I'm not sure just shows how bad my book addiction is) and while I'm intrigued by the plot, I'm a little worried about a whiny lead.
ReplyDeleteGreat review :D I've just started reading this - I was hesitant at first, which is why it's taken me so long to start! - and I'm enjoying it already!
ReplyDelete