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Mindwalker #1
Mindwalker
DO NOT SURRENDER CONTROL.
'Mindwalker is a cinematic gut punch of action and espionage. Sharp-edged, tense and thrilling, you'll be holding your breath until the last page' Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne
Eighteen-year-old Sil Sarrah is determined to die a legend. But with only twelve months left before the supercomputer grafted to her brain kills her, Sil's time is quickly running out.
In the ten years she's been rescuing field agents for the Syntex corporation - by commandeering their minds from afar and leading them to safety - Sil hasn't lost a single life. And she's not about to start now.
But when a critical mission goes south, Sil is forced to flee the very company she once called home.
Desperate to prove she's no traitor, Sil infiltrates the Analog Army, an activist faction working to bring Syntex down. Her plan: to win back her employer's trust by destroying the group from within. Instead, she and the Army's reckless leader, Ryder, uncover a horrifying truth that threatens to undo all the good she's ever done.
With her tech rapidly degrading and her new ally keeping dangerous secrets of his own, Sil must find a way to stop Syntex in order to save her friends, her reputation - and maybe even herself.
'The thrill ride of a lifetime' Kat Dunn
'Pure adrenaline shot straight into your veins' Jesse Q. Sutanto
'Utterly enthralling' Saara El-Arifi
'This book will leave you breathless' Vaishnavi Patel
'Ridiculously thrilling' Claire Winn
'A vibrant thrill ride from start to finish!' Meg Long
'Mindwalker is a cinematic gut punch of action and espionage. Sharp-edged, tense and thrilling, you'll be holding your breath until the last page' Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne
Eighteen-year-old Sil Sarrah is determined to die a legend. But with only twelve months left before the supercomputer grafted to her brain kills her, Sil's time is quickly running out.
In the ten years she's been rescuing field agents for the Syntex corporation - by commandeering their minds from afar and leading them to safety - Sil hasn't lost a single life. And she's not about to start now.
But when a critical mission goes south, Sil is forced to flee the very company she once called home.
Desperate to prove she's no traitor, Sil infiltrates the Analog Army, an activist faction working to bring Syntex down. Her plan: to win back her employer's trust by destroying the group from within. Instead, she and the Army's reckless leader, Ryder, uncover a horrifying truth that threatens to undo all the good she's ever done.
With her tech rapidly degrading and her new ally keeping dangerous secrets of his own, Sil must find a way to stop Syntex in order to save her friends, her reputation - and maybe even herself.
'The thrill ride of a lifetime' Kat Dunn
'Pure adrenaline shot straight into your veins' Jesse Q. Sutanto
'Utterly enthralling' Saara El-Arifi
'This book will leave you breathless' Vaishnavi Patel
'Ridiculously thrilling' Claire Winn
'A vibrant thrill ride from start to finish!' Meg Long
315 pages
First published September 1, 2022
About the author
Kate Dylan
5 books194 followersKate is a video editor by day, science fiction and fantasy author by night. Her love for creating new worlds is fuelled by a steady diet of coffee, books, and Marvel movies, and when she's not telling stories, you can find her haunting London cafes like an over-caffeinated ghost.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 489 reviews
June 18, 2022
So—obviously—my opinion of this book is biased, but I think it’s pretty great!
It’s basically a Marvel movie re-imagined as a YA novel with a fast-talking heroine, enemies-to-lovers romance, and a whole bunch of wickedly cool tech. I had an absolute blast writing it and (hopefully!) it’s just as much fun to read!
I hope you give it a try!
And with that, I shall yeet myself out of this place :)
It’s basically a Marvel movie re-imagined as a YA novel with a fast-talking heroine, enemies-to-lovers romance, and a whole bunch of wickedly cool tech. I had an absolute blast writing it and (hopefully!) it’s just as much fun to read!
I hope you give it a try!
And with that, I shall yeet myself out of this place :)
September 4, 2021
I'm not usually a fan of scifi, so I was a bit meh about reading a scifi book at first...but OH MY GOD. MINDWALKER grabbed me by my EYEBALLS and then INJECTED ADRENALINE INTO THEM AND IT WAS AWESOME.
Uh, okay, I should probably not use so many caps, but seriously, this book is high-octane FUN. It's thrilling, it's at times heartbreaking, and it's also surprisingly complex with its themes. The plot moves quickly and unpredictably, the characters are full of attitude in the best possible way (not in the way that makes me want to smack them, but in the way that makes me want to beg them to be my besties), and the WRITING. Oh man. It's so slick and so vivid.
This is hands down one of the best YA I have ever read, and again, I am *not* a fan of scifi, so you know this book had to be AMAZING for me to love it this much!
Uh, okay, I should probably not use so many caps, but seriously, this book is high-octane FUN. It's thrilling, it's at times heartbreaking, and it's also surprisingly complex with its themes. The plot moves quickly and unpredictably, the characters are full of attitude in the best possible way (not in the way that makes me want to smack them, but in the way that makes me want to beg them to be my besties), and the WRITING. Oh man. It's so slick and so vivid.
This is hands down one of the best YA I have ever read, and again, I am *not* a fan of scifi, so you know this book had to be AMAZING for me to love it this much!
September 15, 2022
not to sound like a genre puritanical but i've been searching for a typical ya sci-fi for a while now—it seems like quite a few are nowadays mixed with fantasy for a broader sff umbrella, but i digress—and this debut fully delivers. from the futuristic technology and a corporate government to a brewing rebellion and gradual romance, mindwalker kept me engaged; and the driving force of challenging beliefs and recognising ugly truths about a system that selectively benefits fits perfectly in what is a cinematic sci-fi thriller. rtc.
July 28, 2022
Started out good, but got more tedious and less enjoyable as it went on. I had to force myself to finish it.
Mindwalker has everything you would expect in a dystopian cyberpunk book: evil corporations, incredible technology, rebellious teenagers, hacking, rainbow hair. There's nothing wrong with that - the familiarity of the setting allows you to jump straight into the story, and for about the first third I was enjoying the fast pace and the action scenes. But after a while it seemed like that was all the book had to offer, which wasn't enough to make up for the shallow, annoying characters or the very predictable plot.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mindwalker has everything you would expect in a dystopian cyberpunk book: evil corporations, incredible technology, rebellious teenagers, hacking, rainbow hair. There's nothing wrong with that - the familiarity of the setting allows you to jump straight into the story, and for about the first third I was enjoying the fast pace and the action scenes. But after a while it seemed like that was all the book had to offer, which wasn't enough to make up for the shallow, annoying characters or the very predictable plot.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2022
dnf @ 23%. every time someone said ‘christ that was’ i thought it was a character meaning to say ‘christ, that was …’ but it wasn’t and it became real annoying real fast. in the end i couldn’t bear the thought of reading that phrase again, and with literally zero connection to any of the characters, abandoning this mess was a no brainer. editor has a lot to answer for imo.
I received a digital proof from netgalley
I received a digital proof from netgalley
July 25, 2022
I received an arc from Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review.
Huge let down.
Pros: Catchy cover. Clear writing. Action-packed. Some cool world-building details.
Cons: 3 things throughout this story drove me f-ing nuts:
1. ‘Christ that was’ - When I tell you this annoying af phrase ruined RUINED the reading experience for me. So freaking irritating. In EVERY chapter too, and sometimes TWICE in a single scene. Very heavy authorial hand, made all the worse by choosing such a goddam annoying af phrase.
2. Characterisation and relationships are the poorest I’ve read in the last few years. Read non-existent. I couldn’t tell you a thing about any of the characters, never believed in them, couldn’t have cared less about them. I know it’s a debut, but a little investment in the relationships and characters would have gone a long way.
3. The “twist” was telegraphed so goddam heavily it ruined the whole experience. The author practically screams it at you in the opening chapters. There were no surprises left after that, which took away the thrill of reading on.
A frustrating read, and my biggest disappointment so far of the year.
Huge let down.
Pros: Catchy cover. Clear writing. Action-packed. Some cool world-building details.
Cons: 3 things throughout this story drove me f-ing nuts:
1. ‘Christ that was’ - When I tell you this annoying af phrase ruined RUINED the reading experience for me. So freaking irritating. In EVERY chapter too, and sometimes TWICE in a single scene. Very heavy authorial hand, made all the worse by choosing such a goddam annoying af phrase.
2. Characterisation and relationships are the poorest I’ve read in the last few years. Read non-existent. I couldn’t tell you a thing about any of the characters, never believed in them, couldn’t have cared less about them. I know it’s a debut, but a little investment in the relationships and characters would have gone a long way.
3. The “twist” was telegraphed so goddam heavily it ruined the whole experience. The author practically screams it at you in the opening chapters. There were no surprises left after that, which took away the thrill of reading on.
A frustrating read, and my biggest disappointment so far of the year.
November 12, 2022
Mindwalker is a really interesting novel, in that it combines some deep thematic sci-fi elements - the sacrificing of a long life for immediate prosperity, the morality of mind control, the potential abuse of any power no matter its benefits - and runs them alongside a thriller paced romp with some familiar YA elements.
I want to say at this point: Dylan can write. It's rare to see this command of prose displayed in a book targeted at the YA market.
I really enjoyed this book. I like my books fast paced, breathless and loaded with heroism and grit in even measure. While I wouldn't say Mindwalker was heavy on the grit, there are some bleak themes and intense moments. For me that lifted it up above most of its contemporaries in the YA scene right now.
I enjoy Sil Sarrah as a protagonist. In wanted more of her past actions to come to light, as they're indicated as having been pretty dreadful and I found it a great aspect of her character. For those familiar with my own work, Sil is somewhat akin to an 18 year old Galharrow - ruthless, a bit of a fascist, dedicated, but ultimately she'll also risk her life for innocents she doesn't know, and this is her path to redemption. Sil is no cookie cutter protagonist; she felt real, relatable and her journey is worth your time.
Overall, Mindwalker is a nonstop dystopian thrill ride that brims with action and conveys the nightmare future of a life dominated by apps brilliantly.
I want to say at this point: Dylan can write. It's rare to see this command of prose displayed in a book targeted at the YA market.
I really enjoyed this book. I like my books fast paced, breathless and loaded with heroism and grit in even measure. While I wouldn't say Mindwalker was heavy on the grit, there are some bleak themes and intense moments. For me that lifted it up above most of its contemporaries in the YA scene right now.
I enjoy Sil Sarrah as a protagonist. In wanted more of her past actions to come to light, as they're indicated as having been pretty dreadful and I found it a great aspect of her character. For those familiar with my own work, Sil is somewhat akin to an 18 year old Galharrow - ruthless, a bit of a fascist, dedicated, but ultimately she'll also risk her life for innocents she doesn't know, and this is her path to redemption. Sil is no cookie cutter protagonist; she felt real, relatable and her journey is worth your time.
Overall, Mindwalker is a nonstop dystopian thrill ride that brims with action and conveys the nightmare future of a life dominated by apps brilliantly.
August 2, 2022
dnf
Painfully predictable plotting, and criminally shallow characterization.
Painfully predictable plotting, and criminally shallow characterization.
June 26, 2022
Slick, stylish and full of turns I didn't see coming, Mindwalker is a fast paced story set in a sci-fi world not too dissimilar to our own. Sil is a my new favourite character, her combination of tech smarts and snark kept the tone lighthearted and fun, while the ticking clock in her body added a constant sense of danger.
Soldiers trained and owned by a massive corporation is already a terrifying thought, and as Sil uncovers their secrets and finds out that they've been Mindwalking - taking over people's minds and controlling them - without their permission, it just gets scarier. On the run with a bounty on her head, she teams up with friends and enemies to take down the place she once called home.
This seems to be a standalone, but I would love a sequel or two expanding Sil's world and the characters in it. I really want to find out what happens to Sil next, and if she succeeded in her mission and can find a place for herself in society after leaving.
Soldiers trained and owned by a massive corporation is already a terrifying thought, and as Sil uncovers their secrets and finds out that they've been Mindwalking - taking over people's minds and controlling them - without their permission, it just gets scarier. On the run with a bounty on her head, she teams up with friends and enemies to take down the place she once called home.
This seems to be a standalone, but I would love a sequel or two expanding Sil's world and the characters in it. I really want to find out what happens to Sil next, and if she succeeded in her mission and can find a place for herself in society after leaving.
August 5, 2022
“CHRIST-THAT-WAS”
Starts out ok, fun and plenty of action, and then….nothing more. Like, no twists, no character reveals, no shocks, no emotional resonance, nothing. Huh??? We’re told who the villain is early on, and nobody’s ever gonna believe she dies when we’re told she will, so it ends up dragging. It’s just really flat. There’s nothing beneath the surface. And did NOBODY spot the worst thing about it? What is this phrase they ALL say??? Cursed thing set my teeth on edge every time they said it. EVERYONE SAYS IT ALL THE EFFING TIME!!!!
Starts out ok, fun and plenty of action, and then….nothing more. Like, no twists, no character reveals, no shocks, no emotional resonance, nothing. Huh??? We’re told who the villain is early on, and nobody’s ever gonna believe she dies when we’re told she will, so it ends up dragging. It’s just really flat. There’s nothing beneath the surface. And did NOBODY spot the worst thing about it? What is this phrase they ALL say??? Cursed thing set my teeth on edge every time they said it. EVERYONE SAYS IT ALL THE EFFING TIME!!!!
August 26, 2022
Well holy amazing awesomeness please go preorder and read this book if you want a good sci-fi read! This gorgeous book has; perfect pacing, badass female MC, rebel movements, backstabbing, tech for days, incredible banter, beautiful friendships, and incredible angsty romance. I think Kate Dylan just got herself onto my auto-buy author list with this one, I absolutely devoured it. If you like sci-f, marvel, dystopian books, enemies to lovers, and kickass females then this is one you won’t want to miss.
August 29, 2023
If you're stressed because of exams, clap your hands-
Honestly, this book was SUCH a great escape from trying to study for exams, without actually having to study because, the subject in hand is soooooooooo boringggggggg
So, if you have the magnificent ability to forget about your problems and read them away like me, this book is the PERFECT excuse.
1.) it will provide a safe cover because helllooooooo, it's based on a possible near future and doesn't that qualify as studying??? For like, the apocalypse???
2.) It's the guilty pleasure read to end all guilty pleasures
Honestly, this book was SUCH a great escape from trying to study for exams, without actually having to study because, the subject in hand is soooooooooo boringggggggg
So, if you have the magnificent ability to forget about your problems and read them away like me, this book is the PERFECT excuse.
1.) it will provide a safe cover because helllooooooo, it's based on a possible near future and doesn't that qualify as studying??? For like, the apocalypse???
2.) It's the guilty pleasure read to end all guilty pleasures
April 29, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
TW: (from the author) violence, death on page, death anxiety, suicide, alcohol use, drug use (off-page), and graphic medical descriptions (including mentions of blood and vomit)
Holy christ-that-was. This book is my new obsession. Words cannot explain how good this book was. It more than exceeded my expectations. Mindwalker is a YA/Crossover novel that follows mindwalker Captain Sil Sarrah who works for Syntex. She can enter other agents' brains from afar and lead them to safety. Her record and stats are impeccable and she's determined to keep it that way. When a surprise mission goes wrong, she's forced to go on the run. With a warrant and talks of her being a traitor, she joins the Analog Army, a group working to bring Syntex down. However, when truths start to come out about the place she called home, she's left wondering whether she's fighting for the right cause.
Mindwalker had me hooked from the very first chapter. Everything is so well described, it was like watching a movie inside my head. When a book gives me that, it's instantly a 5-star. The world-building was done well and it wasn't overcomplicated like some SFF books out there.
The characters were so likeable, especially Ryder. If you know me, you know I love bad boi characters. There were some characters that I loved at the start but by the end, I absolutely despised them. There were also characters that I hated when they were first introduced, but they grew on me by the time I finished. Sil and Ryder are by far my favourite characters. They both get on each other's nerves and the banter they have is amazing. Especially with the nicknames.
There are a few tropes in this book that I absolutely love: enemies to lovers and knife to throat. Put those to together in a book and its perfection.
I also loved that this book explored the theme of consent and the implications of when consent is ignored. It was so refreshing to see it in a situation where it's not related to sexual relationships. Themes of mental health were also explored and it gave the all-important message that "it's okay not to be okay".
All in all, this book is absolute perfection and is my new obsession. If you like enemies to lovers, badass characters, marvel, morally grey characters and explosions, you don't want to miss out on this book!
TW: (from the author) violence, death on page, death anxiety, suicide, alcohol use, drug use (off-page), and graphic medical descriptions (including mentions of blood and vomit)
Holy christ-that-was. This book is my new obsession. Words cannot explain how good this book was. It more than exceeded my expectations. Mindwalker is a YA/Crossover novel that follows mindwalker Captain Sil Sarrah who works for Syntex. She can enter other agents' brains from afar and lead them to safety. Her record and stats are impeccable and she's determined to keep it that way. When a surprise mission goes wrong, she's forced to go on the run. With a warrant and talks of her being a traitor, she joins the Analog Army, a group working to bring Syntex down. However, when truths start to come out about the place she called home, she's left wondering whether she's fighting for the right cause.
Mindwalker had me hooked from the very first chapter. Everything is so well described, it was like watching a movie inside my head. When a book gives me that, it's instantly a 5-star. The world-building was done well and it wasn't overcomplicated like some SFF books out there.
The characters were so likeable, especially Ryder. If you know me, you know I love bad boi characters. There were some characters that I loved at the start but by the end, I absolutely despised them. There were also characters that I hated when they were first introduced, but they grew on me by the time I finished. Sil and Ryder are by far my favourite characters. They both get on each other's nerves and the banter they have is amazing. Especially with the nicknames.
There are a few tropes in this book that I absolutely love: enemies to lovers and knife to throat. Put those to together in a book and its perfection.
I also loved that this book explored the theme of consent and the implications of when consent is ignored. It was so refreshing to see it in a situation where it's not related to sexual relationships. Themes of mental health were also explored and it gave the all-important message that "it's okay not to be okay".
All in all, this book is absolute perfection and is my new obsession. If you like enemies to lovers, badass characters, marvel, morally grey characters and explosions, you don't want to miss out on this book!
April 11, 2024
Riveting, fast-paced, complex and edge-of-your-seat exciting, Mindwalker was a non-stop thrill ride from start to finish. With strong characters, dangerous secrets, wonderful friendships and dire peril this was a book that, once started, I did not want to put down. Great writing, an engaging plot, sympathetic characters and an excellent pace, there wasn't one aspect of the story that didn't work for me. There are many themes explored in the book and each one was executed extremely well.
If you ask I'll always say I'm not a huge fan of YA books, of course, there always has to be an exception to the rule and Kate Dylan's book proves to be just that. Sil is more mature than your average 18-year-old but given both the dystopian setting and her experiences as a Walker, it felt very plausible. I found her to be a very sympathetic character, vital since the entire story is told from her first-person perspective.
I loved how the author allowed the reader some agency, especially in that ending. I don't need everything tied up with a neat bow, life isn't like that, but we are left with a sense of hope for the future. There are some amazing side characters, Aja and Brinn perhaps could have been a little more developed, they were integral to the plot and I would have liked to have spent more time getting to know them. That is a personal preference though and not an issue with the story.
Finally, I can't not mention the utterly swoon-some Ryder. A good man prepared to do somewhat bad things for good reasons, how could I do anything else but love him for it? He and Sil made a delightful pair and whilst the romance aspect felt a little rushed, a little light on emotion, on balance I'm happy that it didn't detract from the main plot.
Mindwalker was an absolute winner for me and is an SF, YA novel I am only too happy to recommend to like-minded readers.
If you ask I'll always say I'm not a huge fan of YA books, of course, there always has to be an exception to the rule and Kate Dylan's book proves to be just that. Sil is more mature than your average 18-year-old but given both the dystopian setting and her experiences as a Walker, it felt very plausible. I found her to be a very sympathetic character, vital since the entire story is told from her first-person perspective.
I loved how the author allowed the reader some agency, especially in that ending. I don't need everything tied up with a neat bow, life isn't like that, but we are left with a sense of hope for the future. There are some amazing side characters, Aja and Brinn perhaps could have been a little more developed, they were integral to the plot and I would have liked to have spent more time getting to know them. That is a personal preference though and not an issue with the story.
Finally, I can't not mention the utterly swoon-some Ryder. A good man prepared to do somewhat bad things for good reasons, how could I do anything else but love him for it? He and Sil made a delightful pair and whilst the romance aspect felt a little rushed, a little light on emotion, on balance I'm happy that it didn't detract from the main plot.
Mindwalker was an absolute winner for me and is an SF, YA novel I am only too happy to recommend to like-minded readers.
July 19, 2022
thank you to netgalley and hodder & stoughton for providing an arc exchange for an honest review.
3.5 i don’t usually read sci-fi but mindwalker was just intrigued me so much, with the tech dystopia world concept and mc with an AI in her head? there’s no way i’ll miss it!
the story follows sil, an eighteen year old syntex agent prodigy who has 100% total of performance stats. i had a blast delving into their tech world through sil’s mind (accompanied by jarvis). it was thrilling as the book moved fast, the plot was unraveled so quickly. it was full of action and despite the whole futuristic theme, the worldbuilding wasn’t really hard to follow along.
i predicted most of the plot, even the twist, but i liked how the story came out. i liked fast-paced book but the relationship between sil & the rest of the crew was developed way too quickly and despite that this book was pitched as found family trope—which i agree so much—there wasn’t really a ‘bonding’ moment there. we rarely see ryder’s crews together with sil. though her dynamic with aja was solid. the tension & emotional scenes were there. the characters were all also likeable. even if you don’t like cyberpunk theme, please do give this book a fair try!
——
16/6/2022
RTC!
3.5 i don’t usually read sci-fi but mindwalker was just intrigued me so much, with the tech dystopia world concept and mc with an AI in her head? there’s no way i’ll miss it!
the story follows sil, an eighteen year old syntex agent prodigy who has 100% total of performance stats. i had a blast delving into their tech world through sil’s mind (accompanied by jarvis). it was thrilling as the book moved fast, the plot was unraveled so quickly. it was full of action and despite the whole futuristic theme, the worldbuilding wasn’t really hard to follow along.
i predicted most of the plot, even the twist, but i liked how the story came out. i liked fast-paced book but the relationship between sil & the rest of the crew was developed way too quickly and despite that this book was pitched as found family trope—which i agree so much—there wasn’t really a ‘bonding’ moment there. we rarely see ryder’s crews together with sil. though her dynamic with aja was solid. the tension & emotional scenes were there. the characters were all also likeable. even if you don’t like cyberpunk theme, please do give this book a fair try!
——
16/6/2022
RTC!
September 9, 2024
Having seen soo many people rave about this book and its comparisons to the MCU I knew I had to check it out. And I’m glad to report it didn’t disappoint!
It was a fast paced, rollercoaster of a read with high stakes action and a nuance exploration surrounding consent, power and the dangers of corporate greed which I found incredibly fascinating.
The characters were really endearing too, especially Sil, our Black Widow-esque protagonist racing against the clock to clear her name (before the super computer in her head kills her.) I loved her banter filled interactions and slightly impulsive, badass-ness that had me rooting for her from the start.
The dystopian world and shadowy organisation Sil works for wasn’t very fleshed out, but the lack of info surrounding the company worked in its favour as the mystery only intensified the perception of villainy. It felt very much like Minority Report and The Bourne Identity had a love child with Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
I also had a soft spot Ryder, Sil’s devastatingly handsome (rebel) love interest, who Sil had soo much chemistry with. If you love a side of romance with your action then you’re gonna really enjoy this!
I’m still pretty new to the YA Sci-Fi genre but found this such an engaging and easy to follow read, and with soo many shocking twists I didn’t see coming —I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page. If you’re also quite new to Sci-Fi I highly recommend checking this out as it’s definitely a great intro to the genre. Just be sure to check the TWs.
It was a fast paced, rollercoaster of a read with high stakes action and a nuance exploration surrounding consent, power and the dangers of corporate greed which I found incredibly fascinating.
The characters were really endearing too, especially Sil, our Black Widow-esque protagonist racing against the clock to clear her name (before the super computer in her head kills her.) I loved her banter filled interactions and slightly impulsive, badass-ness that had me rooting for her from the start.
The dystopian world and shadowy organisation Sil works for wasn’t very fleshed out, but the lack of info surrounding the company worked in its favour as the mystery only intensified the perception of villainy. It felt very much like Minority Report and The Bourne Identity had a love child with Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
I also had a soft spot Ryder, Sil’s devastatingly handsome (rebel) love interest, who Sil had soo much chemistry with. If you love a side of romance with your action then you’re gonna really enjoy this!
I’m still pretty new to the YA Sci-Fi genre but found this such an engaging and easy to follow read, and with soo many shocking twists I didn’t see coming —I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page. If you’re also quite new to Sci-Fi I highly recommend checking this out as it’s definitely a great intro to the genre. Just be sure to check the TWs.
July 20, 2022
5 Stars
As you all know, I’m a Science Fiction Fantasy lover but I tend to focus on the Fantasy side more often. But let me say that after reading Mindwalker I’ll definitely have to read more science fiction. From the intriguing premise and beautiful cover of Mindwalker, I just knew that I had to request this one off Netgalley and I was happy to learn that I ended up getting approved! Now let me talk about this absolutely incredible story that has become one of my top reads for this year!
Mindwalker is a heart-pounding, fast-paced sci-fi adventure story with remarkable worldbuilding that is sure to immerse you into the story. To everyone who says that Sci-fi isn’t really their thing, I encourage you to still pick up this incredible story that will be sure to convert you to the Sci-fi genre.
Mindwalker is the kind of story that will hold you on the edge of your seat until the very end. From page one, the action begins and doesn’t stop at all. One of the things that the Sci-fi genre is known for is its fast-paced action sequences and let me say Dylan does an incredible job with this, some of the best work I’ve seen! Whenever the characters were put into a stressful situation where there was a chance they wouldn’t make it out alive, my heart started racing afraid for their lives. There was never a moment when I was bored and felt the need to put the story down to take a break.
I think one of the things that turn people off from the Fantasy and Sci-Fi genre can be worldbuilding. If not done right, the world that these characters occupy can be confusing for the audience to understand and comprehend elements that are key to the overall storytelling aspect. This was definitely not the case here!
The worldbuilding is written in a simple way which makes it easier for the reader to understand the world of Mindwalker. This world is filled to the brim with mind-boggling technologies that I would never think of in a million years. The overall concept behind Mindwalkers of people who have supercomputers in their heads that are then able to infiltrate people’s minds is such an intriguing concept that honestly deserves to have its own movie.
With a world focused on technology, it brings into question how far are people willing to go in order to get the latest technological advancements. Themes of consent are featured heavily throughout this story which has characters pondering the question of how much are they willing to give up in order to get ahead in their society. With Sil being on the run after being accused of being a traitor to everything she has ever known, she faces the dangers of corporate power and untying the web of lies that have always been fed to her.
Not only does this story feature incredibly detailed worldbuilding and thrilling action sequences, but the characters are also sure to have you captivated in their own personal journeys. Sil Sarrah was a brilliant main character to follow and I’m sure many readers will love her prickly exterior while still having a deeply sympathetic interior. The enemies-to-lovers relationship between Sil and Ryder was executed well, having been built over the course of the story and not overtaking the main premise behind Mindwalker.
Mindwalker is a story not just for Sci-fi readers but those looking for a story filled with action, extraordinary technological advancements, morally grey characters, and immersive worldbuilding that is sure to grab your attention from the very beginning.
As you all know, I’m a Science Fiction Fantasy lover but I tend to focus on the Fantasy side more often. But let me say that after reading Mindwalker I’ll definitely have to read more science fiction. From the intriguing premise and beautiful cover of Mindwalker, I just knew that I had to request this one off Netgalley and I was happy to learn that I ended up getting approved! Now let me talk about this absolutely incredible story that has become one of my top reads for this year!
Mindwalker is a heart-pounding, fast-paced sci-fi adventure story with remarkable worldbuilding that is sure to immerse you into the story. To everyone who says that Sci-fi isn’t really their thing, I encourage you to still pick up this incredible story that will be sure to convert you to the Sci-fi genre.
Mindwalker is the kind of story that will hold you on the edge of your seat until the very end. From page one, the action begins and doesn’t stop at all. One of the things that the Sci-fi genre is known for is its fast-paced action sequences and let me say Dylan does an incredible job with this, some of the best work I’ve seen! Whenever the characters were put into a stressful situation where there was a chance they wouldn’t make it out alive, my heart started racing afraid for their lives. There was never a moment when I was bored and felt the need to put the story down to take a break.
I think one of the things that turn people off from the Fantasy and Sci-Fi genre can be worldbuilding. If not done right, the world that these characters occupy can be confusing for the audience to understand and comprehend elements that are key to the overall storytelling aspect. This was definitely not the case here!
The worldbuilding is written in a simple way which makes it easier for the reader to understand the world of Mindwalker. This world is filled to the brim with mind-boggling technologies that I would never think of in a million years. The overall concept behind Mindwalkers of people who have supercomputers in their heads that are then able to infiltrate people’s minds is such an intriguing concept that honestly deserves to have its own movie.
With a world focused on technology, it brings into question how far are people willing to go in order to get the latest technological advancements. Themes of consent are featured heavily throughout this story which has characters pondering the question of how much are they willing to give up in order to get ahead in their society. With Sil being on the run after being accused of being a traitor to everything she has ever known, she faces the dangers of corporate power and untying the web of lies that have always been fed to her.
Not only does this story feature incredibly detailed worldbuilding and thrilling action sequences, but the characters are also sure to have you captivated in their own personal journeys. Sil Sarrah was a brilliant main character to follow and I’m sure many readers will love her prickly exterior while still having a deeply sympathetic interior. The enemies-to-lovers relationship between Sil and Ryder was executed well, having been built over the course of the story and not overtaking the main premise behind Mindwalker.
Mindwalker is a story not just for Sci-fi readers but those looking for a story filled with action, extraordinary technological advancements, morally grey characters, and immersive worldbuilding that is sure to grab your attention from the very beginning.
April 18, 2023
It had some flaws, but if you’re looking for something fast-paced, set in a cool world with amazing tech and tons of action, this is definitely that book!
We follow Sil Sarrah, the golden girl for the company she works at- Syntex. As a Walker, she can get into the heads of agents, controlling their bodies to get them out of tough situations.
I think this concept is super unique and really fun to read about. I loved all the tech in this world, including the mod parlors that allows you to change your hair colour, appearance, etc. The world-building was definitely my favourite part of this novel.
Sil is a great main character. I loved being in her head because she doesn’t take crap from anyone. She’s sort of brainwashed by Syntex, but when she realises something’s not right, she is determined to find out more, and move forward. I liked her relationship with her friends, and I hoped to get more out of it.
The romance started off really well, but to be honest it felt really surface level. It was supposed to be an enemies to lovers, and I liked the banter but I just didn’t think Ryder had much of a personality and there was no chemistry between them.
The other characters- Brin and I honestly can’t remember the other girl’s name— were so much more interesting, and I wish we got to know more about them! The most annoying thing in this book by far, however, was the CONSTANT use of a made up ‘curse’ word, which I didn’t mind UNTIL it was repeated by EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER multiple times on almost every page. It was so overdone, that I almost stopped reading because it got so annoying. It could’ve definitely been cut out, because I would’ve loved this book way more! Anyway, this was the downfalll of this book for me, otherwise if you block it out, this makes for aa fun read.
Finally, another aspect that really wasn’t done well, was the villain and their motivations. There were none. Zero. They did it because they could. And those types of villains are the blandest. I didn’t like it.
Overall, this was an engaging read and definitely unique. If you want an entertaining, fast-paced read set in a sci-fi world, pick it up! I would love to see what the author does next!
We follow Sil Sarrah, the golden girl for the company she works at- Syntex. As a Walker, she can get into the heads of agents, controlling their bodies to get them out of tough situations.
I think this concept is super unique and really fun to read about. I loved all the tech in this world, including the mod parlors that allows you to change your hair colour, appearance, etc. The world-building was definitely my favourite part of this novel.
Sil is a great main character. I loved being in her head because she doesn’t take crap from anyone. She’s sort of brainwashed by Syntex, but when she realises something’s not right, she is determined to find out more, and move forward. I liked her relationship with her friends, and I hoped to get more out of it.
The romance started off really well, but to be honest it felt really surface level. It was supposed to be an enemies to lovers, and I liked the banter but I just didn’t think Ryder had much of a personality and there was no chemistry between them.
The other characters- Brin and I honestly can’t remember the other girl’s name— were so much more interesting, and I wish we got to know more about them! The most annoying thing in this book by far, however, was the CONSTANT use of a made up ‘curse’ word, which I didn’t mind UNTIL it was repeated by EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER multiple times on almost every page. It was so overdone, that I almost stopped reading because it got so annoying. It could’ve definitely been cut out, because I would’ve loved this book way more! Anyway, this was the downfalll of this book for me, otherwise if you block it out, this makes for aa fun read.
Finally, another aspect that really wasn’t done well, was the villain and their motivations. There were none. Zero. They did it because they could. And those types of villains are the blandest. I didn’t like it.
Overall, this was an engaging read and definitely unique. If you want an entertaining, fast-paced read set in a sci-fi world, pick it up! I would love to see what the author does next!
August 11, 2022
Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton for providing me with this eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
As someone who is not usually a sci-fi fan, I’m talking turns the TV off when Marvel movies appear, Mindwalker was just the type of book to make me reconsider all my beliefs regarding this genre. The author mentioned this is a Marvel movie re-imagined as a YA- novel and listen if all Marvel movies can be as good as this book I’m willing to change my believes about this genre.
Mindwalker follows a badass, witty and fast-talking heroine Sil, who is an eighteen year old prodigy and Syntex agent, with a 100% on total performance status. Her job entails her to take control of the bodies of fellow spies to get them out of dangerous situations and back to safety. This is done by the help of a computer in her brain, namely Jarvis, and she is excellent at what she does. Only small problem is, this computer will slowly kill her soon, with another dilemma of her being framed by her own company and now on the run- she discovers her employer has been using this technology to take over people’s minds for years without their consent.
Sil now has a race against the clock to dismantle the company and her employer, before the computer lodged in her brain kills her first.
Mindwalker is a beautiful example of how dystopian novels should be. I haven’t been this invested since books like The Hunger Game and Divergent. I loved the technology aspect and how the futuristic theme was incorporated in such a way that wasn’t over done to a sense that you couldn’t follow. It was adventurous, high-stakes and thrilling. I absolutely loved the pace, and the plot unraveled at the perfect time.
Mindwalker will set a whole new bar for the dystopian genre- you should definitely put this on your TBR, people will take about this book for months to come.
As someone who is not usually a sci-fi fan, I’m talking turns the TV off when Marvel movies appear, Mindwalker was just the type of book to make me reconsider all my beliefs regarding this genre. The author mentioned this is a Marvel movie re-imagined as a YA- novel and listen if all Marvel movies can be as good as this book I’m willing to change my believes about this genre.
Mindwalker follows a badass, witty and fast-talking heroine Sil, who is an eighteen year old prodigy and Syntex agent, with a 100% on total performance status. Her job entails her to take control of the bodies of fellow spies to get them out of dangerous situations and back to safety. This is done by the help of a computer in her brain, namely Jarvis, and she is excellent at what she does. Only small problem is, this computer will slowly kill her soon, with another dilemma of her being framed by her own company and now on the run- she discovers her employer has been using this technology to take over people’s minds for years without their consent.
Sil now has a race against the clock to dismantle the company and her employer, before the computer lodged in her brain kills her first.
Mindwalker is a beautiful example of how dystopian novels should be. I haven’t been this invested since books like The Hunger Game and Divergent. I loved the technology aspect and how the futuristic theme was incorporated in such a way that wasn’t over done to a sense that you couldn’t follow. It was adventurous, high-stakes and thrilling. I absolutely loved the pace, and the plot unraveled at the perfect time.
Mindwalker will set a whole new bar for the dystopian genre- you should definitely put this on your TBR, people will take about this book for months to come.
July 12, 2022
I love science fiction. I love watching it and I love reading it. And lately, as more and more YA Sci-Fi books have started to come out, I have found myself falling in love with them. Mindwalker by Kate Dylan is one of them. I was drawn into the story from the premise itself. When I actually got to reading Mindwalker is when I knew I had found a new favourite.
The action begins in the first chapter itself and never stops. The pacing in Mindwalker is some of the best I have seen in sci-fi. It is fast and stays fast till the end; which makes you not want to put down the book because you want to know what happens. The worldbuilding is pretty damn great as well. Everything from the setting of the world to the concept of Mindwalking is written in simple language, making it easy to understand from the get-go. Kate Dylan has created such an incredible world in this book, that you’d be left in awe.
Also the code-based messaging system; I don’t know if that’s the best way to describe it but yeah; that was so cool to read!
Sil was the perfect main character to read from. She was so badass, brave and determined and I felt like I would love to meet her. Or work alongside her. Or be her friend. And Ryder? Love that boy. A new book boyfriend has been found hehe.
If you have been looking to start reading sci-fi, especially YA sci-fi, then Mindwalker is the perfect way to start reading the genre!
Thank you Hodderscape for my e-ARC through Netgalley!
The action begins in the first chapter itself and never stops. The pacing in Mindwalker is some of the best I have seen in sci-fi. It is fast and stays fast till the end; which makes you not want to put down the book because you want to know what happens. The worldbuilding is pretty damn great as well. Everything from the setting of the world to the concept of Mindwalking is written in simple language, making it easy to understand from the get-go. Kate Dylan has created such an incredible world in this book, that you’d be left in awe.
Also the code-based messaging system; I don’t know if that’s the best way to describe it but yeah; that was so cool to read!
Sil was the perfect main character to read from. She was so badass, brave and determined and I felt like I would love to meet her. Or work alongside her. Or be her friend. And Ryder? Love that boy. A new book boyfriend has been found hehe.
If you have been looking to start reading sci-fi, especially YA sci-fi, then Mindwalker is the perfect way to start reading the genre!
Thank you Hodderscape for my e-ARC through Netgalley!
Read
August 13, 2023An action packed, fast paced and fun read.
Although it is definitely worth the read for sure, it didn't blow me away as much as I hoped it would - Not really sure why though .. Possibly needed a bit more from the characters and their relationships ... everything just built a tad too fast and I wasn't as invested as I would have liked to have been and didn't miss it when I put it down.
Overall, worth the read.
September 10, 2022
DO NOT SURRENDER CONTROL.
Mindwalker is a fast-paced, intense, futuristic, dystopian tale, full of high stakes and dangerous endeavours, tense from start to end.
Sil Sarrah has a supercomputer inside her head. It is what makes her great... it is also what's going to end her life rather soon.
The tech component of Mindwalker was such a fun thing to navigate throughout the novel. From the concept of nanites, that all people have to be able to tolerate the planets' radioactive levels, to the very cool and seriously scary mind-walking, aka the ability to literally take control of someone else's mind, you'll be kept mesmerized page after page, learning all the intricacies of this postapocalyptic society where leaving without tech is no longer an option.
The whole book spans a total of 1 week, if I'm not mistaken, and there is no moment pause in the action, our main character gets catapulted from situation to situation. So, if you're looking for something to keep you hooked to the pages, you might want to make this book your next pick!
Lastly, let me tell you how I am truly obsessed with Sil Sarrah, how cool she is and how she -quite literally - kicks asses. The journey Sil gets put through is a a very intense and tough one. I'm in awe of how much growth she goes through, Sil's character ARC is a full-on transformation that will only be provided with great sacrifice, pain and sorrow. A true badass!
ps. the supercomputer is named Jarvis, iykyk
Mindwalker is a fast-paced, intense, futuristic, dystopian tale, full of high stakes and dangerous endeavours, tense from start to end.
Sil Sarrah has a supercomputer inside her head. It is what makes her great... it is also what's going to end her life rather soon.
The tech component of Mindwalker was such a fun thing to navigate throughout the novel. From the concept of nanites, that all people have to be able to tolerate the planets' radioactive levels, to the very cool and seriously scary mind-walking, aka the ability to literally take control of someone else's mind, you'll be kept mesmerized page after page, learning all the intricacies of this postapocalyptic society where leaving without tech is no longer an option.
The whole book spans a total of 1 week, if I'm not mistaken, and there is no moment pause in the action, our main character gets catapulted from situation to situation. So, if you're looking for something to keep you hooked to the pages, you might want to make this book your next pick!
Lastly, let me tell you how I am truly obsessed with Sil Sarrah, how cool she is and how she -quite literally - kicks asses. The journey Sil gets put through is a a very intense and tough one. I'm in awe of how much growth she goes through, Sil's character ARC is a full-on transformation that will only be provided with great sacrifice, pain and sorrow. A true badass!
ps. the supercomputer is named Jarvis, iykyk
September 21, 2022
3.5 stars
Headlines:
Strong women in sci-fi
Adrenaline was a-pumping
Fast-paced thriller that felt light-hearted
This book was a whirl of a read, it developed and progressed quickly and that pace didn't let up right until the culmination. The protagonist Sil had all the knee-jerked decisions of an eighteen year old alongside the heavy responsibility her transplanted tech and job brought to her world. Talking of her world and job, they turned on their heads and this story was Sil's journey to unveil the truth and salute with her middle finger to her previous bosses.
There were a lot of themes to unpick in this book beneath the fast-pace of the storytelling. Ethics in a futuristic age were at the forefront, the thought of 'even if we can, should we' prevailed. Sil uncovered some nasty stuff and her enslavement in the organisation and overall purpose was brought into question.
Sil was brave and stupid in equal measure. I liked her and wanted her to slow down and consider things more. The light-hearted feel to her dialogue didn't always sit with the overall tone of the piece for me but I was able to rub along with it.
Overall, this standalone was worth the read and it was a pleasant sci-fi distraction without heavy world-building. The audio narration was great.
Thank you to Hodderscape for the review copy.
Headlines:
Strong women in sci-fi
Adrenaline was a-pumping
Fast-paced thriller that felt light-hearted
This book was a whirl of a read, it developed and progressed quickly and that pace didn't let up right until the culmination. The protagonist Sil had all the knee-jerked decisions of an eighteen year old alongside the heavy responsibility her transplanted tech and job brought to her world. Talking of her world and job, they turned on their heads and this story was Sil's journey to unveil the truth and salute with her middle finger to her previous bosses.
There were a lot of themes to unpick in this book beneath the fast-pace of the storytelling. Ethics in a futuristic age were at the forefront, the thought of 'even if we can, should we' prevailed. Sil uncovered some nasty stuff and her enslavement in the organisation and overall purpose was brought into question.
Sil was brave and stupid in equal measure. I liked her and wanted her to slow down and consider things more. The light-hearted feel to her dialogue didn't always sit with the overall tone of the piece for me but I was able to rub along with it.
Overall, this standalone was worth the read and it was a pleasant sci-fi distraction without heavy world-building. The audio narration was great.
Thank you to Hodderscape for the review copy.
November 4, 2023
November 2023 reread: just as fun the second time around as the first. A top tier sci-fi.
4.5* A super fun, action packed and fast paced sci-fi that had me totally hooked from the beginning until the end.
I loved Kate Dylan's writing style and the character's she created. They were witty, badass and full of attitude. The plot was completely addictive, the romance was great to follow but also took a backseat to the intensity of the plots high sakes (which I really appreciated). The world was intriguing and close enough to our own to be uncomfortable (in a great way).
I'd happily continue to read this as a series (and am hoping it becomes one) but it equally stands on its own as a solid and brilliantly entertaining standalone sci-fi and one I'd highly recommend. Loved it. (the audiobook narration is fab, too!)
4.5* A super fun, action packed and fast paced sci-fi that had me totally hooked from the beginning until the end.
I loved Kate Dylan's writing style and the character's she created. They were witty, badass and full of attitude. The plot was completely addictive, the romance was great to follow but also took a backseat to the intensity of the plots high sakes (which I really appreciated). The world was intriguing and close enough to our own to be uncomfortable (in a great way).
I'd happily continue to read this as a series (and am hoping it becomes one) but it equally stands on its own as a solid and brilliantly entertaining standalone sci-fi and one I'd highly recommend. Loved it. (the audiobook narration is fab, too!)
September 9, 2023
Mindwalker is a fast paced, adventurous and thrilling sci-fi fantasy/ dystopian novel that will keep you holding your breath until the very end. The story is so captivating and deeply dynamic that I felt emotionally and physically connected to it - I could not get it out my mind (pun slightly intended).
I really enjoyed the brilliant, well paced narrative and fantastic characters that Kate Dylan introduced us to Sil’s world (including Jarvis). Truly incredible and definitely a must read for fans of books like Cinder by Marissa Meyer and Skyward by Brandon Sanderson. This story has all the vibes and more!
4.8 stars ⭐️
I really enjoyed the brilliant, well paced narrative and fantastic characters that Kate Dylan introduced us to Sil’s world (including Jarvis). Truly incredible and definitely a must read for fans of books like Cinder by Marissa Meyer and Skyward by Brandon Sanderson. This story has all the vibes and more!
4.8 stars ⭐️
March 26, 2024
I think the story deserves way more credit. It was very well spaced and written in an interesting way that made me want to continue. I never felt that there was a very boring part. It has depth and it also light hearted. The beginning of it was already interesting, thrilling and nice.
The characters are all (in my opinion) quite likeable. The MC (Sil) is very relatable. She goes through a realistic character development
I’m actually not so big of a fan of reading in the first person perspective, but I didn’t mind doing it here.
I think everyone who’s a fan of science fiction and want to have a well spaced - not too long - interesting book should give it a try !
The characters are all (in my opinion) quite likeable. The MC (Sil) is very relatable. She goes through a realistic character development
I’m actually not so big of a fan of reading in the first person perspective, but I didn’t mind doing it here.
I think everyone who’s a fan of science fiction and want to have a well spaced - not too long - interesting book should give it a try !
March 2, 2024
3.5 rounded up to a 4 for goodreads. Was it a masterpiece? No. But did I have a good time while reading it and read it pretty quickly? Yes.
February 29, 2024
3.5 ⭐️s
August 30, 2022
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: suicide
Every update I saw about Mindwalker I became even more excited. The premise, the cover, the blurbs - everything! And Dylan immediately plunges you into the action. From a SF world perspective, I loved the ways in which it begins with the ethics of technology in these teens. The ways their bodies are weaponized, treated as assets, necessary sacrifices with a countdown. Even days after finishing Mindwalker, I cannot get over how much I am in love with the premise. The ramifications of mind control and the ethics.
A world where our bodies are just technology and assets. What I loved even more is that Dylan fully explores the ways in which corporations and power functions. How they come into a system of poverty and desperation and know just what to say to exploit it for their benefit. To disguise control as protection. A world in which we cannot trust that we aren't pawns. Even if we have a modicum of power, someone always has more.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
TW: suicide
Every update I saw about Mindwalker I became even more excited. The premise, the cover, the blurbs - everything! And Dylan immediately plunges you into the action. From a SF world perspective, I loved the ways in which it begins with the ethics of technology in these teens. The ways their bodies are weaponized, treated as assets, necessary sacrifices with a countdown. Even days after finishing Mindwalker, I cannot get over how much I am in love with the premise. The ramifications of mind control and the ethics.
A world where our bodies are just technology and assets. What I loved even more is that Dylan fully explores the ways in which corporations and power functions. How they come into a system of poverty and desperation and know just what to say to exploit it for their benefit. To disguise control as protection. A world in which we cannot trust that we aren't pawns. Even if we have a modicum of power, someone always has more.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
August 26, 2022
Mindwalker is everything I love in YA SciFi: a fierce protagonist fighting the odds in a future that feels just beyond our own, full of quick-witted banter, a mysterious rebel love interest, and a ticking clock. Pure adrenaline!
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