Title: Masterminds
Author: Gordon Korman
First published February 3, 2015
336 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062299963 (ISBN10: 0062299964)
Rating: 4.3
Overview
Get ready for an action-packed adventure with Masterminds, the first book in an exciting trilogy by bestselling author Gordon Korman. Fans of Stranger Things and James Patterson won’t want to miss this! Eli Frieden has never left the town of Serenity, New Mexico, but that all changes when he makes a shocking discovery at the edge of town.
With the help of his friends, Eli sets out to uncover the truth behind their seemingly perfect community. As they dig deeper, they realize that their parents and the town’s leaders are keeping secrets that could put everyone in danger.
Can Eli and his friends solve the mystery before it’s too late? Trust no one in this thrilling page-turner that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
About the Author
When Eric Korman was just 12 years old, he wrote his very first book, “This Can’t be Happening at Macdonald Hall.” He did it as a favor for his coach who had unexpectedly found himself teaching 7th grade English. Later on, he took that experience and turned it into another book, “The Sixth Grade Nickname Game,” where one of the characters, Mr. Huge, was inspired by that 7th grade teacher.
After some time, Korman moved to the bustling city of New York to study film and film writing. It was there where he met his future wife.
Nowadays, they live in Long Island with their three children.
Throughout his career, Korman has published a whopping 50 books.
Editoral Review
Masterminds by Gordon Korman is a thrilling young adult novel that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of suspense, mystery, and adventure. First published on February 3, 2015, this book has become a favorite among readers of all ages, thanks to Korman’s masterful storytelling and compelling characters.
Gordon Korman is a prolific author, having written over 85 books for children and young adults. His work has won numerous awards, including the Edgar Award, the Great Stone Face Book Award, and the Red Maple Award.
In Masterminds, Korman demonstrates his talent for crafting complex, multi-dimensional characters that resonate with readers. The novel tells the story of a group of children living in the idyllic small town of Serenity, New Mexico.
The town is perfect in every way, with clean streets, friendly neighbors, and a close-knit community. But as the story unfolds, the children discover that everything is not as it seems.
They soon find themselves unraveling a web of lies and deceit that threatens to destroy their town and everyone in it. At the heart of the story are four children: Eli, Hector, Amber, and Tori.
Each of these characters is unique and well-drawn, with their own motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. Korman does an excellent job of developing them throughout the novel, creating a sense of investment in their fate that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
The setting of Serenity is also a notable aspect of the novel. Korman paints a vivid picture of a small town that is both beautiful and eerie, with its pristine landscape and unsettling secrets.
The contrast between this seemingly perfect town and the dark underbelly beneath it creates a sense of tension that permeates the entire book. One of the strengths of Masterminds is its relevance to current events and issues.
The novel deals with themes of power, corruption, and the dangers of blind obedience to authority. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of putting too much trust in those in positions of authority, and the importance of questioning everything.
However, the pacing of the novel is somewhat uneven, with some sections feeling slow and others feeling rushed. Additionally, there are a few plot points that feel contrived, and some of the twists and turns feel predictable.
These issues are relatively minor, however, and do not detract from the overall quality of the book. Overall, Masterminds is an excellent young adult novel that will appeal to readers of all ages.
It is a thrilling page-turner that is sure to keep readers engaged until the very end. With its compelling characters, vivid setting, and relevant themes, it is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
