Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Second book in cyberpunk saga loses steam.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
THE RULE OF THOUGHTS picks right up where The Eye of Minds left off, with its protagonist, Michael, discovering that he's a sentient computer program inhabiting the body of an unsuspecting boy. Determined to stop Kaine, the rogue sentient program intent on populating Earth entirely with human bodies harboring digital minds, Michael sets off in search of his hacker friends, Bryson and Sarah. With no idea whom they can trust, the three teen hackers must rely on their own instincts and programming skills to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Is It Any Good?
The Rule of Thoughts suffers from Second Novel in a Trilogy Syndrome. Sure, there's plenty of action, double crosses, and hair's-breadth escapes, but some of the frenetic scenes begin to feel like so much running in place. Characters frequently withhold crucial information from each other for obscure reasons. This ploy grows old quickly, seeming to be more for the author's convenience than for the organic needs of the plot. Nevertheless, The Rule of Thoughts does find some fresh twists in its cyberpunk scenario, and young readers will be left eagerly awaiting the final installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why video games remain so popular. What is it about the medium that attracts such enthusiasm and loyalty?
What kinds of restrictions, if any, should be put on violent video games? Do they have negative effects on the people who play them?
Does the government ever indulge in surveillance of online activity? What kinds of boundaries should be put on such surveillance?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Delacorte Press
- Publication date : August 26, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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