From debut author Lindsay Smith comes an espionage thriller with a dash of both history and dystopia.
Yulia’s father always taught her that an empty mind is a safe mind. She has to hide her thoughts and control her emotions to survive in Communist Russia, especially because she seems to be able to read the minds of the people she touches. When she’s captured by the KGB and forced to work as a psychic spy with a mission to undermine the U.S. space program, she’s thrust into a world of suspicion, deceit, and horrifying power where she can trust no one.
She certainly can’t trust Rostov, the cruel KGB operative running the psychic program. Or handsome Sergei who encourages her to cooperate with the KGB. Or brooding Valentin who tells her to rebel against them. And not the CIA, who have a psychic so powerful he can erase a person’s mind with his own thoughts. Yulia quickly learns she must rely on her own wits and power to survive in this world where no SEKRET can stay hidden for long.
Goodreads Summary
I have always been fascinated by communist Russia. I love how the author spent time detailing little things here and there to add to the overall plot of the book. I found Yulia's entire character well-developed and made to please. I loved how she cared so much for her family that she would do literally anything for them. Yulia's father told her to keep an empty mind prior to disappearing and she has done her best to hide her gift from anyone. Unfortunately, nothing stays hidden forever and Yulia is captured by the KGB. The focus of the book is around the U.S. space program; I found the whole plot amazingly cool.
Yulia's character was easy to root for. She was the clear "good guy" in a murky situation. Should you love your country above all? Is an empty mind "best?" How would you react if your family was being used to manipulate you? These interesting questions need to be held in mind while reading this creative novel. Overall, this book is highly recommended to young adult/teen readers.
4 Stars
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
Posts
Whoa. This one sounds really cool. How scary it would be able to read people's minds and then not being able to trust anyone. Fantastic review! I'm definitely adding this one to my ever growing list of books to read. Sigh.