Review for The Eye of the Minds by James Dashner

The Eye of Minds (The Mortality Doctrine #1)

By James Dashner
Published October 8th 2013 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Borrowed Hardback from Local Library
308 pages

"Michael is a gamer. And like most gamers, he almost spends more time on the VirtNet than in the actual world. The VirtNet offers total mind and body immersion, and it’s addictive. Thanks to technology, anyone with enough money can experience fantasy worlds, risk their life without the chance of death, or just hang around with Virt-friends. And the more hacking skills you have, the more fun. Why bother following the rules when most of them are dumb, anyway?
But some rules were made for a reason. Some technology is too dangerous to fool with. And recent reports claim that one gamer is going beyond what any gamer has done before: he’s holding players hostage inside the VirtNet. The effects are horrific—the hostages have all been declared brain-dead. Yet the gamer’s motives are a mystery.
The government knows that to catch a hacker, you need a hacker.
And they’ve been watching Michael. They want him on their team.
But the risk is enormous. If he accepts their challenge, Michael will need to go off the VirtNet grid. There are back alleys and corners in the system human eyes have never seen and predators he can’t even fathom—and there’s the possibility that the line between game and reality will be blurred forever." ~ Goodreads

Review

The Eye of Minds had so much potential - a gamer holding players hostage in a game? yes! - but it felt very underdeveloped.

Was this a bad book? No. Was it really boring? No. However, it just wasn't what I expected... and not in a good way. The characters had personality, but it felt superficial. I couldn't understand why the government would choose Michael and his friends, Bryson and Sarah to try and track down a dangerous criminal in cyber world. I guess it became apparent later on that Bryson and Sarah actually possessed hacking skills, but Michael? Why Michael? They must have been getting desperate. He kept on going, even when things turned nightmarish. I guess that's a good quality to have. Anyway, I did enjoy the relationship between those three. Even though they had never met before in real life, there was a great sense of loyalty in the group. Their banter was cute too. As for the villian Kaine, well, not too much is explained about him (figure that's coming in the second book). He seemed like a formidable foe, though. 

The frustrating part about the plot was that it was in fact intriguing, but underdeveloped. It was like Dashner was trying really hard to make his complex ideas simple. It backfired as I would have liked more details. But at the same time I was getting confused during certain parts. As you can tell, it is hard to please me. The variety of worlds and scenes that the trio visit was amazing and it was very easy to visualize them. It was a crazy set of events they went through. Cra-zy. The pace really picked up by the middle of the book and it totally engaged me. A couple times my butt was even on the edge of my seat. And the twist at the end was surprising! But even when things were explained towards the finish it was hard to comprehend how everything fit together. 

I suggest The Eye of the Minds to readers who enjoy books that center around gaming (obviously) because in that regard it lived up, as well as those who like adventure. There was a lot of that! It's still under debate as to whether I'll be reading the second book.

Excerpt

 Mikethespike: Just meet me back at the deli. One hour. Get Sarah there, too. I gotta go shower. I smell like armpits.

Brystones: Glad we're not meeting in real life, then. Not too fond of the B.O.

Mikethespike: Speaking of that - we need to just do it. Meet for real. You don't live THAT far away.

Brystones: But the Wake is so boring. What's the point?

Mikethespike: Because that's what humans do. They meet each other and shake real hands.

Brystones: I'd rather give you a hug on Mars.

Mikethespike: NO HUGS. See you in an hour. Get Sarah!

Brystones: Will do. Go scrub your nasty pits.

Mikethespike: I said I SMELL like them, not... Never mind. Later.

Brystones: Out. 

Stacking the Shelves and Weekly Recap (Dec 6)

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews (all credit goes to Tynga for this meme). It offers a chance to showcases the books we got over the past week. The recap includes a list of reviews and other posts published during the week.

A Week of Books

Books From Local Library

(click on links for Goodreads synopsis')

  Legend (Legend #1) by Marie Lu

Birthmarked (Birthmarked #1)  by Caragh M. O'Brien

My Life Next Door (My Life Next Door #1) by Huntley Fitzpatrick

The Eye of Minds (The Mortality Doctrine #1) by James Dashner

Thoughts

I'm finally getting around to books that everyone else has read - yay! The reviews for Legend and My Life Next Door promise that these two books are going to be wickedly awesome. However, I will keep an open mind and not pile my expectations a mile high. As for Birthmarked and The Eye of Minds they sound like potentially good reads. I hadn't heard of Birthmarked before, so I'm not sure what to expect. Overall, I'm happy with my trip to the library. 

A Week of Posts

Review for The Elite by Kiera Cass

Waiting On Wednesday: Last Year's Mistake by Gina Ciocca 

Review for Pivot Point by Kasie West

What did you lovelies get? Leave links to your post and I'll visit. Thanks for reading!

Review for The Death Cure by James Dashner

The Death Cure (Maze Runner #3)
By James Dashner
Published by Delacorte Books
Won from Aylee (Thanks Aylee!!)
325 pages

"Thomas knows that Wicked can't be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they've collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It's up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test.

What Wicked doesn't know is that something's happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can't believe a word of what Wicked says.

The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine.
Will anyone survive the Death Cure?"-Goodreads

"Aw shuck, it ended!" That was my response at the end of the book, it was epically awesome and I have no doubts in my mind - this series is a must read!

Through Thomas's POV, TDC is told. I love him as a narrator, he has a certain voice about him that is so easy to get into. While reading this book, it was like meeting old friends again - that's how close I got to this group of teenagers. They have become so real to me! I have to say -besides Thomas- my favourite character is Minho! He is just awesome; in his sarcastic, loud mouth, short temper way! The remarks between the two friends, Minho and Thomas, just make this book so enjoyable! All the characters are well written in that they each become an individual in the mind of the reader. Each has a unique voice and you can distinuguish who's talking. I love every single one of the Gladers- oh and the good guys who aren't Gladers!

Although this isn't as action-packed as the former ones, I have to say, it kept me up till late in the morning (3 o'clock anyone?) It still had lots of action and events going on. I loved how we get to see a few places in here (even the one portrayed on the cover!)... it kept it interesting. I was so disappointed though at the end because it all came to a conclusion - Thomas's story has ended! Wah! I love this series so much, I could cry that its all over. But I have to say the ending left me satisfied and it was definitely not wrapped up with a bow. Expect a few deaths of main characters (I was SO sad when one of them died, that would be "the boy" one). As the reader I really experienced all the emotions that the characters went through, it was THAT real to me.

I highly recommend this series for everyone! Its one of my favourites that I will be re-visiting soon! I really connected with the characters, they are really special to me (seriously, I have to keep reminding myself that Thomas, Minho, and Newt aren't real) AND the action in this trilogy is EPIC! So pick them up and read them - you won't be disappointed!

Excerpt:

"He couldn't get her out of his head, even though he hated her a little more with every passing moment. Her last words to him had been WICKED is good, and right or wrong, to Thomas she'd come to represent all the terrible things that had happened. Every thime he thought of her, rage boiled inside him.

Maybe all that anger was teh last string tethering him to sanity as he waited.

Eat. Sleep. Exercise. Thirst for revenge. that was what he did for three more days. Alone.

On the twenty-sixth day, the door opened."

Book Trailer: (It's a little creepy (so don't watch it in the dark! and it doesn't quite explain the book but hey might as well show you right?) but I have to say the books aren't THAT creepy - the trailer just portrays it that way :)

Oh and if your interested HERE is the site for the books (they have some really cool games based on the books, along with excerpts and more!)

Waiting On Wednesday (24)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to showcase unreleased novels that we're waiting for. Here is my pick for this week:


The Kill Order (Maze Runner 0.5)
By James Dashner
Expected publication: August 14th 2012 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

There is no summary.... yet. But here is what RandomBuzzers said:

Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares seared the earth and mankind fell to disease. THE KILL ORDER tells the story of that fall.
“The prequel is something that has churned in my mind since before The Maze Runner was even complete. It's been hard to keep it a secret! I'm excited to finally share the news and I can't wait for my readers to see how it all began”, says James Dashner.

What I think:

How totally awesome is this? Some people aren't happy but I am! A prequel?? Yay! I have yet to read The Death Cure (its waiting for me on my shelf) but I"m sure this one will answer ALL my questions (hopefully)! Eeek, I cannot wait to see the cover, once it's revealed I'll let you all know :D This is one of my favourite series so you can imagine what I was doing when I found out *happy dance*

  What are you waiting for? Share links/comments :) I would love to know... Thanks for reading!

Making it to the TBR List (5)

Ever read a rave review? Did it make you want to run to the nearest bookstore or library? Tell us about those books that have made it to your To Be Read list. Hosted by The Bookworm is Here!

SIDE NOTE: If you want to participate - feel free! The more the merrier, just link back here :) Thanks!

My Pick This Week Is....

The Death Cure
By James Dashner
Published by Delacorte Books, October 11, 2011
384 pages

Thomas knows that Wicked can't be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they've collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It's up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test. What Wicked doesn't know is that something's happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can't believe a word of what Wicked says. The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine. Will anyone survive the Death Cure?

Why was this added to my TBR list? I loved the first two in the series (The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials <- Check out my reviews) and cannot wait till October so I can read the conclusion of the series! I hope it lives up to the past excitement and that it doesn't let down (no pressure on Mr.Dashner here, ok a little). I'm going to be sad to see this great series end but I really need to know what happens to Thomas and the gang! Do they survive the Death Cure??

Have you ever seen or read this book? Would you be interested in it? Recently what book has made it to your To-Be-Read list?
Thanks for reading....

Review for The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

The Scorch Trials

Author: James Dashner

Publisher: Delacorte Books

Source: Given from Amanda

Challenges: 350 Page, For the Love of YA, I'd Wish I'd Read That

260 pages

"Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.
In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety . . . until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.
Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated—and with it, order—and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim . . . and meal.
The Gladers are far from finished with running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.
Thomas can only wonder—does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?" - Goodreads

    Nooooooooooo! It ended!! *breaks down crying* Do I really have to wait five month's to find out what happens? I'm going to die! Yes, it was that good.... Let me explain.


 Everyone knows how much I love this series, starting with the Maze Runner. The Scorch Trials continues off where Maze Runner left off, naturally. We continue to see the same characters and the brutal world that the Gladers have always wondered about. It's a horrible place; with Cranks, the Flare, and sun flares. I still love Thomas as the main character, Minho I can't live without, and same with Newt. Those are the three characters that you get very attached to when reading this book. There are a few new characters introduced and I think they add a lot to the story. Now, your're probably wondering, what about Teresa? Well, let me tell you I still have mixed feelings (for good reason!) about her. You'll see when you read. So, overall the characters are incredible.


  The plot. It is so, now how to describe it, un-put-a-down-able. You simply cannot put it down. There is so much anticipation as you read, the author gives you little bits of information that keeps you formulating what might happen but then BAM! there's a twist. It's an amazing roller-coaster ride that you cannot miss! There are so many twists, turns, and gasps, my hat is tipped to the author. The writing style is so simple but up to YA level that it's easy to follow and the descriptions are wonderful. It really gives you a feel for how the world is. And there is so much mystery it totally got me hooked!


  This series is INCREDIBLE! If you haven't read it I'm now telling you to read it! Give this series a chance!! You won't be disappointed!! But I advise you to read BOTH The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials. Can anyone tell how much I love these books?? Good then I'm doing my job :) I cannot wait for The Death Cure to come out... oh October hurry up!

Excerpt:

   The world seemed to fade away. All became numb and sweet. And the darkness, somehow comforting. He slipped into a dream.

***
He's very young. Four, maybe? Five? Lying in a bed with blankets pulled to his chin.

A woman sits next to him, her hands folded in her lap. She has long brown hair, a face just beginning to show signs of age. Her eyes are sad. He knows this even though she's trying very hard to hide it with a smile.

He wants to say something, ask her a question. But he can't. He's not really here. Just witnessing it all from a place he doesn't quite understand. She begins to talk, a sound so simultaneously sweet and angry it disturbs him.

"I don't know why they chose you, but I do know this. You're special somehow. Never forget that. And never forget how much"--her voice cracks and tears run down her face--"never forget how much I love you."

The boy replies, but it's not really Thomas speaking. Even though it is him. None of it makes sense. "Are you gonna be crazy like all those people on TV, Mommy? Like . . . Daddy?"

The woman reaches out and runs her fingers through his hair. Woman? No, he can't call her that. This is his mother. His . . . mommy.

"Don't you worry about that, honey," she says. "You won't be here to see it."

Her smile has gone away.

***
Too fast the dream faded into blackness, leaving Thomas in a void with nothing but his thoughts. Had he seen another memory crawl up from the depths of his amnesia? Had he really seen his mom? There'd been something about his dad being crazy. The ache inside Thomas was deep and gnawing, and he tried to sink further into oblivion.

Later--how much later he had no idea--Teresa spoke to him again.

Tom, something's wrong.