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The Hypnotists: Book 1
Common Sense says
- Gordon Korman
- Fantasy
- 2013
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The Hypnotists is a gripping novel about a man who aims to control the world by misusing a teen's gift of hypnotism. Jax, a 12-year-old boy who can hypnotize people with his eyes, faces off against the evil Dr. Mako, who forcefully threatens the boy to do his bidding. An exciting, suspenseful start to a new fantasy series.
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What's the story?
Twelve-year old Jax Opus has odd eyes that can change color and somehow hypnotize others simply by staring at them. When he's recruited for the Sentia Institute, Dr. Mako wants to develop Jax's natural gift as a hypnotist, supposedly for the good of everyone. At first Jax is honored, then confused. All he knows is that the expensive offices are filled with photos of Dr. Mako and celebrities. No one will explain exactly what the institute does or why he's there. When he discovers what's at stake, it's up to him to stop a disaster before it's too late and to try to save his family and his best friend.
Is it any good?
THE HYPNOTISTS is a fast-paced, thoughtful suspense novel that kicks off a new series of the same name. Jax's battle to maintain his integrity at times resembles a David and Goliath contest, but here it's minds that are at stake.
Though the premise may seem far-fetched, and the initial scenes, in which a bus careens madly uptown barely avoiding a collision and a star basketball player is strangely subdued, are somewhat off-putting, once past that segment the novel sails surely and swiftly on course. The writing is taut and the characters believable. The Hypnotists -- the first book in a planned series -- is indeed mesmerizing.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about why books featuring kids with special powers are so popular. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
How significant is the media in our lives today? Can you think of times you've influenced to buy an item or to do something that you hadn't thought about before?
What are the responsibilties of someone who has an extraordinary gift or talent?
Book details
- Author: Gordon Korman
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
- Publication date: August 1, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 232
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.