‘Mindbender’ is the second book in the YA urban fantasy/sci-fi series, ‘Telepath’. Fast-paced and thought-provoking, it will engage you from start to finish.
Following the climactic events of the first book in the Telepath series, Zoe struggles to deal with the guilt she feels from bringing chaos down upon the Academy. Branded a traitor by both sides—those who befriended her for the past year and those she grew up with—she seeks to regain their trust and find her place in the new order.
As her powers grow, Zoe grapples with the ethics of compulsion, Telepaths’ most controversial Ability. Also known as mind-bending—literally bending someone’s will to your own—it has only ever been used as a last resort because it strips them of their free will. But what if you could save lives by changing a person’s core values, effectively making bad people good? What if you could even save the world?
That is precisely the plan as Telepaths abandon centuries of non-interference in the affairs of Typicals. With the emergence of a staggeringly powerful Telepath claiming to be an ancient Mesopotamian god, Zoe and her friends must choose whether to side with him as he plans to save—and rule—the world, or side with the Resistance in their virtually hopeless fight.
I'm not sure where to start with this review, only because I knew how much I'd love it. The first book in the telepath series I read a few years ago, I was addicted. I knew deep down the second would be the same, if not better. Of course, I was right. Mindbender is an electrifying and thought provoking sequel that not only lives up to the brilliance of the first book but takes the story to thrilling new heights. It's an absolute must-read for fans of sci-fi and urban fantasy. This novel had such a gripping plot, compelling character development and an ever-present sense of suspense. One of the novel's standout elements to me is how intricately Bowman explains telepathic and mind-bending abilities, as well as other techniques. The class professors breaking down both the basics and the more advanced is written that well it feels as though you're learning alongside the characters. It's that immersive I genuinely started to think I could tap into someone's thoughts myself. Unlike some books that slightly skim over or gloss slightly over supernatural abilities. Mindbender makes them feel real, logical and almost attainable, which adds to the books believability and depth.
"Our choices are what matter. Choosing not to do something is every bit as much of a choice as to do something. We could be healing people whose injuries are beyond current medical science, but instead we let them die. Pretending that inaction absolves us of the consequences is cowardly. And that is what we Telepaths have collectively been for centuries. Cowards."
As always, I find Gordon's true strength lies in his characters. Because, what is a book without characters? Every individual in this story is unpredictable, making for an emotional rollercoaster. One moment, you find yourself rooting for them, believing in their motives and their struggles, to despising them the next when their choice took an unexpected turn. Every single interaction in this novel makes everything high-stakes. Nothing and nobody can be trusted completely. It keeps you guessing at all times, and pretty much impossible to put down.
That sense of unease is another reason Mindbender is such a gripping read. I questioned the reality right alongside the characters. Of course, since memories and thoughts can be manipulated, you never know who has been affected or who is truly in control of their own mind (huge twist in the story, which means I cannot delve into this much more as it would be spoiler central). The lingering doubt weaves a tense atmosphere throughout the entire book. Bowman manages to masterfully explore the moral implications of mind-bending. The ability to change someone's core beliefs and memories presenting ethical dilemmas that the characters must confront. Should telepaths use their abilities to change the minds of dangerous individuals for the greater good, and where is the line between helping and controlling them? This pushes the book beyond a standard sci-fi urban fantasy, it's one that lingers in your mind LONG after you've turned the last page.
Overall, Mindbender is an exceptional sequel that expands upon the foundation set by Telepath in every way. It's intricate exploration of telepathic abilities, morally complex characters and a terrifying mixture of both good and evil. This book is unforgettable. Whether you're new to the series or have been eagerly awaiting this instalment. You will not regret buying this, in anyway shape or form. Roll on Book 3!
To buy this book:
https://amzn.to/4bvUVJi
To buy the first book:
https://amzn.to/3DrE6SW
To follow the author:
X - @GordonGBowman
Insta - Instagram
Website - GORDON G. BOWMAN
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