Closed Hearts (Mindjack Trilogy, #2)

Dec 03, 2012 Carol Riggs rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was excited to obtain an eARC from Susan Kaye Quinn in order to help her proofread! I was eager to discover the continuing story of Kira and her intriguing mindjacking abilities, and enjoyed this novel as I combed through it. Interesting new characters are introduced, most of them mindjackers of varying talents who live in the dangerous area of Jackertown. Political storms begin to brew. Kira has daunting/challenging tasks to perform, and a number of people to protect--such as her boyfriend Ra...more

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May 28, 2012 Experiment BL626 rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopian-apocalyptic, science-fiction, young-adult, reviewed

CAUTION: Long Review.

I really liked book 1 so I was excited when book 2 came out. Once I got my hands on it, I immediately read it. Wow, what a big disappointment book 2 turned out to be. The series was still well written, well edited, and fast-paced. So what was the problem with Closed Hearts, the YA novel of around 84,000 words? One word: Kira.

All the character development in book 1 that made Kira a kick-ass heroine was gone in book 2. Gone! She regressed back to her insecure, incompetent self...more

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Dec 11, 2012 Britney rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I went into reading this book knowing that I would love it, because well, I loved Open Minds! However, I was so enthralled by Closed Hearts that I couldn't put it down! There are some AMAZING new characters in Closed Hearts and it softened the loss of a certain character in Book 1. If you haven't read Open Minds you have no idea what I'm talking about, but if you have... I think you know which character I mean. Anyway, moving on.

Kira's not as driven at the beginningn of this book. She's in hidin...more

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Jun 05, 2012 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ever since I finished reading Open Minds I have been itching to read Closed Hearts. The world of mindreadering and mindjacking is an intriguing and compelling place that continues to call to me. From reading Open Minds I go into this novel with an understanding of Kira’s personality and drive. When the people she loves start being used against her Kira starts to comply to the demands of those who would use her. Will she be strong enough to get them all out alive?

I would never survive in this wor...more Ever since I finished reading Open Minds I have been itching to read Closed Hearts. The world of mindreadering and mindjacking is an intriguing and compelling place that continues to call to me. From reading Open Minds I go into this novel with an understanding of Kira’s personality and drive. When the people she loves start being used against her Kira starts to comply to the demands of those who would use her. Will she be strong enough to get them all out alive?

I would never survive in this world. I really don’t know how Kira does it! In a world of mind readers a mind controller shouldn’t be to abnormal or a cause for fear, but they are. Since I last left, Kira she has gone into hiding working as a mindguard for a prestigious client while avoiding everyone who would want to kill her. Until an old enemy kidnaps her and her boyfriend. Now she must test her abilities to their limits and find a way to save them all…

This book was not a let down from Open Minds in any way. Kira has changed a little from her time in hiding but her spark is still there and paves the way for many unique encounters. The thing I really admire about Kira in Closed Hearts it that, with the exception of those she loves, she doesn’t allow anyone to manipulate her. Pointed comments, glares, pleas to sympathy, she has a reaction to them internally but she doesn’t let that put her loved ones in harms way. She is fiercely loyal and I would love for her to be my friend.

I was very glad to see Raf again in Closed Hearts, if only for a little while. Raf has always had a special place in my heart for how he acted when Kira was a Zero. His compassionate ways make him easy to love and connectable. I have always thought Raf was in a awkward position, it would be easy to use him against Kira, so I’m not really surprised that he was… but I still didn’t like seeing it happen!

One thing that I think Quinn did REALLY well was make the transition between mindreaders to mindjackers seem believable. It was mentioned several times in Open Mind that the evolution of “normal” humans minds into mindreaders was a slow and hate filled process… and going from mindreading to mindjacking is no different. Quinn really captures well our human instinct to fear what we don’t know, as well as portray those who are accepting and stand up for those who are different. Seeing how peoples minds work, no pun intended, in situations like this really ties me to the story. The only thing that really bothered me was all the diversity in Mindjacking gifts that was revealed. Not that that’s a bad thing to have in the book, but it was overwhelming and hard to keep straight in my mind.

The Cover:

I was very confused with why the girl had a huge tattoo climbing up the side of her face, because no one I knew of had one… but within the first few pages it was explained and made sense. I LOVE the blue swirls in the top left corner and along the bottom… and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I see a DNA strand in the design work on the bottom… FANTASTIC COVER!!

I give Closed Hearts 4.5 out of 5 hearts: Very Highly Recommended!(less)

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Jun 01, 2012 Sher A. Hart rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: my-reviews

There's nothing like finding an author whose books are so exciting you hate to put them down. Meet Susan Kaye Quinn, who mindjacked me with the awesome opening book of the Mindjack Trilogy, Open Minds. The follow on, Closed Hearts, is a keeper, a fully fleshed out story with plenty of page turning excitement. I love how it treated me to more cool technology along with the action. Susan Kaye Quinn is now my favorite author and her Mindjack books are my favorite reads both last year and this one.

C...more There's nothing like finding an author whose books are so exciting you hate to put them down. Meet Susan Kaye Quinn, who mindjacked me with the awesome opening book of the Mindjack Trilogy, Open Minds. The follow on, Closed Hearts, is a keeper, a fully fleshed out story with plenty of page turning excitement. I love how it treated me to more cool technology along with the action. Susan Kaye Quinn is now my favorite author and her Mindjack books are my favorite reads both last year and this one.

Closed Hearts opens with Kira and her dad hiding in plain sight, working as mind guards for a wealthy businessman. Then it becomes even more of a future political thriller than book one when a politician, Senator Vellus, stirs up public sentiment against the jackers. Since Kira couldn't let go of Raff, they're an easy target. Raff makes the easiest target of all after they end up in Jackertown.

The jackers have a new leader, the hottie Julian. He's an enigmatic mage, a jacker with special talents, but is he good or bad? It's certain he wants something of Kira's, her hard head. Although he doesn't appear to hate Kira for outing their kind, he controls a large group of jackers. And they use Raff to cause her heartbreak.

By the end of Open Minds, we knew Kestrel wanted all jackers as guinea pigs for his laboratory/torture chamber. Molloy also had to show up for revenge, but how these things happen makes for some tense and scary moments. Julian is surprised when Kira doesn't want to use her talent to rescue Kestrel's jacker captives, and so was I. But her priorities are protecting Raf and her family--even when her dad's loyalties are thrown into question. Except she can't protect Raff from jackers who consider him an inferior pet.

Kira ends up forced to rescue the captives to save Raff and proves she's not strong enough to beat Kestrel. She does better fighting him mentally than physically, but she weakens. Suffering under Kestrel's torture, she would be lost if not for Julian, his sister, and jacker help. Given the chance at freedom, Kira again acts like the heroine from Open Minds. Many mages look to her as their savior, someone to lead a jacker rebellion, but there's another that seems more capable. And it's not who you might expect.

Of course, Kestrel gets away. There is no complete victory in a middle book. The battles are tough, the losses are devastating, and the victories are bittersweet. There's a terrible surprise at the end where the heartbreak happens. I'm too altruistic to hope a mindreader and jacker stay together in a society like theirs. I grew to like Julian during the course of the book, and he may have feelings for Kira. His name for her, keeper, might mean more than what he says.

I hope the de facto jacker leader inspires Kira to toughen up for the final battle. I doubt she would act like Katniss and betray her beliefs by taking revenge on children or stand around snarling at the enemy like Bella. Not that I want gore. I don't. I want the smart kind of futuristic thriller written by a real rocket scientist like Susan Kay Quinn. In her hands, the future is sure to explode with excitement.
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May 30, 2012 Sandy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

CLOSED HEARTS (YA) by Susan K Quinn

CLOSED HEARTS is the second novel and May 23, 2012 release in Susan K Quinn’s Young Adult Mindjack Trilogy.

PREVIOUSLY: In a world where mindreading is the norm (due to decades of contaminated water) those without the ability are known as zeroes, but there are a few who possess a power greater than most, and Kira will learn first hand, just how different is she. Discrimination and stereotyping will force the mindjackers into hiding-fearing for their lives.

Kira...more CLOSED HEARTS (YA) by Susan K Quinn

CLOSED HEARTS is the second novel and May 23, 2012 release in Susan K Quinn’s Young Adult Mindjack Trilogy.

PREVIOUSLY: In a world where mindreading is the norm (due to decades of contaminated water) those without the ability are known as zeroes, but there are a few who possess a power greater than most, and Kira will learn first hand, just how different is she. Discrimination and stereotyping will force the mindjackers into hiding-fearing for their lives.

Kira Moore is a mindjacker. It has been 8 months since Kira revealed to the world that Agent Kestral and the FBI were performing illegal experiments on changelings. With her family now secluded and hiding under false names, Kira and her father are working for a powerful man thought to be on their side. But waking up in Jackertown amongst strangers wasn’t part of her plan. Complicating matters, Clan leader Molloy appears to have aligned himself with other mindjackers in the hopes of finding his brother.

Kira soon meets the other housemates who are hiding in Jackertown. Julien, their leader, is hoping that Kira will help find and rescue his sister, who has been taken prisoner by Agent Kestral to another mindjacker experimental facility. But it is Julien’s references to Kira as a keeper that have everyone hoping she is their answer to freedom. As a keeper, Kira has the ability to keep others out of her mind, but even Kira is not strong enough to break through the newly established mindguard security. With the revelation that mindjackers exist, security is tight, and government officials are hoping to round up everyone perceived as a threat.

Kira is introduced to several variations on the mindjacker phenomenon. Julien explains that those with enhanced abilities beyond the normal mindjacking are considered mage-they perform ‘magic’ and are able to control others in varying degrees. It is the mage more than anyone that the FBI fear. If the mindjackers are able to control one’s mind, are they able to control the body as well? But it is Sasha that will truly scare Kira-as a scribe, Sasha has a special ability that could easily make him a weapon in the war against the others.

Kira’s boyfriend Raf falls prey to Molloy’s tricks and deviance. Not originally part of Julien’s plans, Raf is now a pawn in a new game of search and rescue between Kira and Molloy. But there is more to Molloy’s plans than the rescue of his missing brother- and it is Kira who will become the ultimate prize for Agent Kestral and the FBI.

Kira’s love for Raf will force her to make choices and her decisions could ultimately cost Raf his life. Molloy’s schemes will find Kira imprisoned in a mindjacker facility, but with the help of a few new friends, Kira discovers that it is no longer (just) about her. Security becomes a necessary evil, but detection and discovery will result in lives lost and the loss of a friend. But the biggest loss for Kira will be her heart, when the one person she loves most in this life, is the one person who is no longer himself.

CLOSED HEARTS is a wonderful second instalment in the Mindjack trilogy. The story is fast paced, the characters are real, and the discrimination against those that are different is a definite possibility in the world in which we live. The premise will make you think ‘what if’ and your heart will break for a love now lost. Susan K Quinn writes a thought provoking series that can easily reflect the mindset of many countries, groups and faiths.

see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com(less)

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May 24, 2012 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-paranormal, thriller-suspense, paranormal-romance, science-fiction, dystopian

Originally posted at Riffs And Reviews

Closed Hearts is book 2 of Susan Kaye Quinn’s exciting Mindjack Trilogy, continuing the story of Kira Moore whose ability to hijack a person’s mind has now gone public – endangering her life and those she loves.

Picking up shortly after Open Minds left off, Kira and her family have had to leave their home and take on new identities in an effort to evade the public distrust and paranoia that erupted when the mindjackers were revealed. Changing her hair color,...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Kirstin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ok, if you feel confident enough as an author to introduce jargon and new terminology, relying only on context for your readers to figure it out (which you should), then you certainly don't have to over explain every single action and thought your narrator has. Because your readers are smart. They've already figured out what "mesh", "demens", and "scrit" means, they don't need to have the plot explained again every couple of chapters.

I did enjoy this book a little more than the first. *shocking...more

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Jan 27, 2013 Leslye rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The middle novel of a trilogy can be tricky and Closed Hearts didn't quite live up to the promise of its predecessor for me. There was lots of action, new characters with new abilities and an overall deepening of the world - but Kira's character development was problematic for me and things didn't quite hold together as well.

Since outing mindjackers to the world 8 months prior, Kira and her family have gone into hiding. She and her dad work as mindguards for a wealthy businessman, ensuring no ot...more The middle novel of a trilogy can be tricky and Closed Hearts didn't quite live up to the promise of its predecessor for me. There was lots of action, new characters with new abilities and an overall deepening of the world - but Kira's character development was problematic for me and things didn't quite hold together as well.

Since outing mindjackers to the world 8 months prior, Kira and her family have gone into hiding. She and her dad work as mindguards for a wealthy businessman, ensuring no other jackers interfere with his business dealings, and she also moonlights at a waitress in a diner for some weird reason. Unbeknownst to either of their parents, Kira and Raf secretly see one another every couple of weeks. The world hasn't reacted well to learning about jackers, and many outed jackers are forced to live in dangerous slums like Jackertown.

Worldbuilding Issues
I wasn't really clear why Kira's broadcast prevented these jackers, who had been masquerading as readers their whole lives, from doing so any longer. The changeling kids who had no control and no one to teach them I could understand - but the adults? Also, there are a large number of government employed jackers throughout the book. I guess every oppressed group has those among them willing to sell out, (view spoiler) but I would have liked more on these people, do they feel guilty about what they're doing to their own people? Could we eke out some more three dimensionality from some of them?

Character Issues
As ever, Raf was underwhelming - he never quite takes shape as a real person, just a boy in over his head who always needs to be rescued. Also, Kira struck me as incredibly selfish. When pushed to stand up for her fellow jackers, her only thought is for Raf, not the hundreds or thousands of jackers she could potentially save.

The point of this novel is for Kira to experience some character growth leading her into a more selfless place from where she starts, however, I feel like she didn't earn her status as hero of the story. She has good qualities - but I feel that she was kind of pushed along the entire way by the actions of others forcing her hand instead of her own internal heroism. Something about that was unsatisfying given who she was in book one. Jacker revolutionary, Julian, echoed my thoughts on this in the book - Kira's not quite who we thought she was. Granted, she never intended to start a revolution or reveal jackers to the world, but after having the courage to do so, it seems odd that she's too self-absorbed now to see it through.

The best part of her struggle to decide whether to help free the imprisoned and experimented upon jackers is kind of glossed over. Many of them are criminals that should probably stay locked away, but just as many are likely innocents and changelings. This sort of moral conundrum was really interesting to me in the first book, but here it's just a fleeting thought for Kira so she can get back to worrying about Raf.

(view spoiler)

Overall, this was a fast paced, quick read, and even as it retreads some of the same ground in similar ways as the first book it still manages to be entertaining and fun. Excited to see how it all wraps up in book 3.(less)

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Dec 17, 2012 Patricia J. O'Brien rated it 4 of 5 stars

Another fast-paced sci-fi YA thriller from author/rocket scientist Susan Kaye Quinn. CLOSED HEARTS is the second book in her Mindjack Trilogy, a world in which most people communicate through mindreading, but some are jackers who can control thoughts of others. Kira is a powerful jacker who hides her ability, trying to protect herself from imprisonment or, worse, scientific experiments. No matter how hard Kira tries to stay out of trouble and protect her loved ones, she is continually pulled int...more

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May 30, 2012 Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, dystopian, received-to-review, young-adult

Kira should be considered a hero for her actions in the previous book, instead life has become harder for the mind jackers. she lives in a world where people can link and share their thoughts, except for her and a minority of the population who can control people's thoughts. The populace in afraid of the new strain evolving from their mind readers.

She has moved and changed her name. Unfortunately she can not escape who she is and her past. It comes back to haunt her when she is forced to coopera...more

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May 29, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Holy Cow! I just started this book today. I couldn't have put it down if I wanted to! I thought it was going to be a slow read because the first twenty pages are kind of slow, but hold onto your Kindle or your paperback because this one will blow your hair back! You might remember my review of Open Minds the first novel in the Mind Jacker Trilogy and what a unique idea I thought it was for YA. Well, the unique keeps coming. Kira, who spilled the beans about Mind Jackers last book,finds out that...more Holy Cow! I just started this book today. I couldn't have put it down if I wanted to! I thought it was going to be a slow read because the first twenty pages are kind of slow, but hold onto your Kindle or your paperback because this one will blow your hair back! You might remember my review of Open Minds the first novel in the Mind Jacker Trilogy and what a unique idea I thought it was for YA. Well, the unique keeps coming. Kira, who spilled the beans about Mind Jackers last book,finds out that she isn't the only one with special abilities. In fact, there are some mindjackers with really scary abilities. And then there are some mindjackers that are really scary. Unfortunately, she gets tracked down by someone she betrayed in the last book. Now, this was not a good guy and someone who deserved to be left behind, but Kira couldn't save everyone last time, and some people died. And she's had to live with that. Unfortunately, some people can't live with that. And a man named Molloy comes to exact his revenge. He kidnaps Kira and Raf during a stolen romantic moment and serve them up to a group known as the "mages" in Jackertown, a place Kira is not welcome due to her outing jackers to the world. She's kind of stuck there.

Kestrel, the evil scientist/FBI agent/mindjacker that hates mindjackers is back and even more heinous than ever. Kira's dad gets involved with a rescue attempt and somehow Raf goes missing. Anything and everything goes wrong. The least expected betrayals happen from those who have the least to gain from their betrayals. Corrupted politicians are involved (no way!) and Kira has to decide if she is a cold blooded killer or not.

The last quarter of the book is a total sobfest. There is kind of a love triangle, but not really. Kira would never love anyone but Raf, but she does have to pretend with someone and it tickles back there in her mind. And the boy, Julian, though handsome and totally swoon worthy and heroic, does not take advantage of her in her moments of distress or despair. But God, oh God, Sue Quinn knows how to drag your heart out of your chest and squeeze every last drop of water out of your body. I didn't see it coming at all. And the slap in the face afterward. Rubbing salt in old wounds. I know you don't understand, but you've just got to read it to understand what I'm talking about. Kira's heart is literally wrung out in this one. And my eyes with it.

Book two has ratcheted everything up a notch. It feels like the author is more comfortable in her skin and she really let her characters go in this one. The adventure and tension is high and the evilness just seeps through the words like venom. If I had a gun, I'd shoot Kestrel's name off the page, or at least I'd cross it out, but I'm reading on a Kindle, so you know. He has to be the most evil man I've ever read about with his horrible experiments, injecting things into the mindjackers and withdrawing things, leaving holes in their memories. Total Evil. I can't wait to see how he dies, and he will die if this trilogy ends with justice.

But there is something else in this story besides the excitement and adventure and heartbreak. It's the reality of what's taking place. The mindjackers are different from the mindreaders and difference, even in this world of the future, this world that only until a few generations ago didn't have mindreaders, equals bad, inferior, something to fear. There's a message in this story, subtle as it is because the issue is so far out there. But you could substitute any two groups in there and it could be relevant for today. So kudos again to the author for making a lesson in such an oh so subtle way!

This is an absolutely clean read, but there is definitely romance in it, several. I had originally thought this was a MG series, but it doesn't read that way to me, though MG readers on the higher end would have no trouble with it. I recommend it for any fans of supernatural YA. There is definite violence to the point of almost torture in some cases, but it's not like SAW the movie or anything like that. It's more in the mind. Read it! I promise you won't be sorry! Just don't forget your tissues.

To Susan Quinn- This is an excellent novel that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. It's one of those stories I couldn't put down. There was always something happening. I couldn't stand not to know what would happen next! Thank you for such a great escape! When can I have the next one?(less)

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May 16, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed reading the previous instalment, Open Minds, and when the author contacted me regarding reviewing Closed Hearts and to join in the blog tour I jumped at the chance. So today will be my review, but check back on 1st June for my post as part of the blog tour.

The first thing that grabs my attention is the cover, Susan has lucked out for both of her books in this series, having fantastic covers for them both. Closed Hearts picks up straight where Open Minds finished, Kira is hiding...more I really enjoyed reading the previous instalment, Open Minds, and when the author contacted me regarding reviewing Closed Hearts and to join in the blog tour I jumped at the chance. So today will be my review, but check back on 1st June for my post as part of the blog tour.

The first thing that grabs my attention is the cover, Susan has lucked out for both of her books in this series, having fantastic covers for them both. Closed Hearts picks up straight where Open Minds finished, Kira is hiding out with her family to avoid the attention from previous publicity surrounding the revelation of jackers. But living a life of secrecy doesn't always work out as planned and soon Kira is discovered when old enemies are back for revenge.

It was so easy to fall back into Kira's world of Readers and Jackers and I really enjoyed following her as she learns more things about herself, her abilities, and also others that are like her. We get to learn of Kira's struggle to fit in even more than before and how she is always thinking of her family and keeping them safe. Kira is only a teenager, but acts so much older than her years that I actually forgot how old she was until it's later mentioned. New twists are introduced for Jackers, and we learn Kira is a keeper, a Jacker who can keep their thoughts, whose mind barrier is impenetrable.
Susan has added more things into Closed Hearts that I really wish were real. Tattoos that stay on your skin for six months, perfect for if you wanted to try one out before getting a real one, nano colour as hair dye. In fact I would just be happy with their gadgets.

Closed Hearts was a gripping read and I never knew what would happen next, I was hooked from the moment I started reading. I love the futuristic world that Susan has created with all its gadgets to go along with it, although I am not too keen on the whole mind reading things, some thoughts are meant to be private. ;) The last few chapters were heart breaking and deep down inside I want it to be fixed and for things to work out, but I have doubts whether it will or not and I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment in this series to find out what happens.(less)

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May 12, 2012 Rhiannon Frater rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: EVERYONE

Shelves: looking-forward-to-the-next-one

The second book in a trilogy has to bridge the first and last book while keeping the readers interested in the evolving story line. It can be a real challenge. The plot and the characters must continue to develope in a dynamic way while not robbing the third book of its big ending. The sophomore entry is always a little under-appreciated. Even in film, second movies in trilogy are not often given a lot of love. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is one example. Of course, there is always The E...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Trista rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: badass-heroines, dystopian, cover-love

This follow-up to Open Minds is heart-wrenching. Kira and her family are living in a new city under new names after she exposed Mindjackers to the public. Readers fear her and her kind and Jackers hate her for exposing them. And a politician is using Readers' fears to build a prison designed to hold Jackers. When some Jackers kidnap her and Raf, Kira finds herself having to agree to help them in order to keep herself and Raf safe.
Kira continues to be a strong lead in this sequel. It would have b...more This follow-up to Open Minds is heart-wrenching. Kira and her family are living in a new city under new names after she exposed Mindjackers to the public. Readers fear her and her kind and Jackers hate her for exposing them. And a politician is using Readers' fears to build a prison designed to hold Jackers. When some Jackers kidnap her and Raf, Kira finds herself having to agree to help them in order to keep herself and Raf safe.
Kira continues to be a strong lead in this sequel. It would have been so easy and understandable for her to wallow in self-pity after her entire life has been uprooted but she doesn't. She's working with her dad as mind guards for a business man and also working as a waitress in a restaurant. It wouldn't be easy being on her guard all the time, having to constantly jack into people's heads so they don't suspect her as being different, and it doesn't help that Raf and his parents walk into the diner because his mom heard how amazing the pie is(reading about the pie made me hungry).
Kira and Raf go outside to talk and they get attacked by Jackers. When she wakes up, she's in Jackertown, a dangerous place for her after outing them and for Raf, a reader who's easily controlled by them. Julian, the leader, and his gang use Raf to make Kira agree to their demands. Help them get Kestral, who's still torturing Jackers in the name of science. Kira's more interested in keeping Raf and her family safe and first chance she gets, breaks out.
Her dad gets involved after trying to save her and the Jackers hideouts gets raided. Everyone but Julian and Kira are taken and now Kira has to get involved to save her dad and Raf. It's this agreement that really brings out the chemistry between Julian and Kira, even though I do like Raf especially after the way he stayed her friend when she thought she was a Zero, but there's so much standing in their way. But it's also hard to completely trust Julian after what happened with Simon in the last book and because he has gifts, all his Jacker gang do, but his is the most strange.
The Readers fears of the Jackers, describe as the next step on the evolutionary scale, are at the forefront in the book even without any Reader really playing a huge role. There's no need. Their mass of fear is all it takes to keep the cloud of danger and prejudice hanging over the Jackers heads the whole book.
Reading how Kira works with the Jackers gang to get into the prison to free the captured Jackers, there's really a sense of this is where she belongs. She's meant to be at the front of the group, leading their charge, standing up to the people who think Jackers should be experimented on. And she's there to also give the Readers a voice against the Jackers who see them as inferior and controllable. She's the bridge between the two groups.
The ending was absolutely heart-breaking. I admit, I cried. Can this girl ever be happy for longer than two seconds? It'll be interesting to see how what happened affects her and her decisions in the third book.(less)

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Jun 24, 2012 Patty rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopian-post-apocalyptic, fantasy

Closed Hearts was a fast-moving, action-filled book. There was never a dull moment. This book takes place 8 months after book #1 Open Minds. Kira has become the face of the Mindjackers since the events in the first book, which leads to a backlash from the reader and mindjacker communites. Kira and her family go into *hiding*. I don't think they did a very good job with the hiding, since they were still in relatively the same geographic area. Which, I wouldn't consider hiding at all.

I really enj...more Closed Hearts was a fast-moving, action-filled book. There was never a dull moment. This book takes place 8 months after book #1 Open Minds. Kira has become the face of the Mindjackers since the events in the first book, which leads to a backlash from the reader and mindjacker communites. Kira and her family go into *hiding*. I don't think they did a very good job with the hiding, since they were still in relatively the same geographic area. Which, I wouldn't consider hiding at all.

I really enjoyed the quick pace of the book. It was one thing after another after another. The storyline never faultered. It was interesting to see how the different characters reacted to the discrimination against the jackers. I was surprised at Kira's reactions... I wasn't happy with some of her choices and her character came across weak at some points. It wasn't till the very last chapter where I thought: FINALLY! This is what I've been waiting for from her. Then of course, I'm left hanging for the third book to come out. In my opinion, all of Kira's actions in the book were for self-preservation or to save a loved one. She *almost* reminded me of Simon with wanting a normal life and forgetting she was a jacker. Most of her actions were a reaction to someone else pushing her. She never saw the wide-scale implications... till the last chapter.

I really liked the new characters that were introduced! Julian...!!! I love Julian! All the mages, love them all. I have so many questions about them and hope they answer them or develop it more in the third book.

I hate to say it, but I wasn't very torn about Raf in this book. I know he went through so much, but I didn't feel the pain that Kira was feeling because of it. Maybe it would've helped to have another bridge book between books 1 & 2 that could fill in the 8 months. I was actually pulling for Julian and Kira...! Hoping in the third book that something develops there...

Closed Hearts was a great read and I am really looking forward to the third book. (less)

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May 30, 2012 Mandy (I read Indie) Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Don't read if you haven't read Open Minds yet, my review will contain spoilers.

Ever since Kira outted the whole Mindjacker community, she hasn't been very well liked; not by the mindreaders and certainly not by the jackers. Mindreaders don't trust jackers who can breech their minds and make them do things they normally wouldn't do. And jackers don't trust Kira for giving away their ability making them targets now among the readers.

One day when Kira has a 'run in' with some jackers she starts lea...more

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Jul 06, 2012 Andrea added it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult-paranormal, dnf

I'm sorry/sad about this, but after reading 31%, I'm going to call it quits on Closed Hearts for now. This makes me sad, because I did like book one, Open Minds.

It's not that the writing/story isn't good. The writing is good. So is the story, for those who love a very, very detailed world. I've just found that there is too much going on in the story for me. You have jackers, linkers, rooks, demens, keepers, mindguards, and I think maybe a few other types of "people" to keep up with. Then there'...more

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Mar 21, 2013 Dana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Totally excellent 2nd book in the series. Eight months after Kira made the presence of mindjackers known to the public, the readers are afraid of those who are able to control their minds. The government has come up with more anti-jacker technology and jackers now live in Jackertown, a slum area apart from the "normal" mindreading population.
Kira and Raf are kidnapped by Julius and his jacker crew of revolutionaries who want her to help them free all of the imprisioned jackers and stop the gover...more

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May 22, 2012 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After reading Susan Kaye Quinn's Open Minds, I was very excited to continue Kira's story in the sequel, Closed Hearts. I am happy to report that it lived up to my expectations.

Kira lives in a time where almost everyone can read minds. In Open Minds she found that she was quite different. Her thoughts are not open for all to read, and she has the ability to control others' minds. She found that she wasn't alone, and that the government is doing horrible testing on other Jackers.

Closed Hearts is p...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 06, 2012 Mel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, dystopian

This book leaps straight into the action and barely pauses for breath throughout! Following on from Open Minds this sees how the world has reacted to the existence of Mindjackers – people who can control others in the world of ‘regular’ mind readers. Needless to say most people are paranoid and don’t trust others who can jack them and play with their memories. Kira struggles to continue a ‘normal’ life in the aftermath of the revelations she exposed and when Malloy, one of the mindjackers she be...more This book leaps straight into the action and barely pauses for breath throughout! Following on from Open Minds this sees how the world has reacted to the existence of Mindjackers – people who can control others in the world of ‘regular’ mind readers. Needless to say most people are paranoid and don’t trust others who can jack them and play with their memories. Kira struggles to continue a ‘normal’ life in the aftermath of the revelations she exposed and when Malloy, one of the mindjackers she betrayed in Open Minds returns, she finds herself swept up with revolutionary mindjackers, with abilities as powerful as hers and the government who want to crack down on all jackers.

Kira is in a difficult position – she doesn’t trust a lot of jackers, but she doesn’t believe the government should experiment on them either. This is not an easy world with right and wrong clearly defined but with plenty of shades of grey which Kira finds herself struggling to balance. Yes, taking rights away from jackers is wrong, but should jackers be allowed to play with others? It’s a fine line and one that Kira waivers over throughout the book as she is pushed and pulled between jackers, government and her desire for a normal life with her family and the boy she loves, Raf.

There is plenty of double crossing as loyalties appear to be fluid with the betrayers betrayed and at times you never who to trust. All these events happen over a very short period – a week and the pace never lets up. Kira’s father places a bigger role this time round and there are plenty of intriguing new characters introduced – Julian and his sister Anna, particularly leave me wanting to know more about their past and what their plans are.

The writing is smooth and I was fully immersed in Kira’s world – one word of warning though, there is little introduction to the world. It is assumed that you know are aware of the events of Open Minds and have some idea of the world Kira lives in. Even the language like mesh, jack certainly gives this futuristic Chicago a different flavour but might confuse you if you aren't aware. It is a fun ride and I gobbled up the pages wanting to know what will happen next! Can't wait for the third book in thsi trilogy!(less)

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Mar 25, 2013 Care rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-arcs-prizes, ya, ya-general-paranormal

I hate to say it, but I was disappointed. I wanted more. Traits I disliked in Kira from book one -things I prayed she outgrew form her trials then- made a horrific comeback. One would thing having narrow escaped with her life, she might be a tad wiser. But no. She makes an epically stupid choice based on her damn hormones, which starts our story off. And wait, there's more! After all that was fairly early in the story and only the beginning. *And yes, that last bit is said quite dramatically.*

A...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Jamie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-less-than-4-stars, reviewed, cover-love, cover-fraud, bitter-disappointment

Check out my other book reviews at my blog; The Title Page

Closed Hearts is the sequel to Open Minds, a novel set in a world where everyone normal is a mind reader. Kira, however, is not normal. She's a jacker. Jacking is a special skillset in which the Jacker can enter and ultimately control a Reader's mind.

In this novel, Kira has exposed the jackers to the public, and is set on a mission to free the trapped jackers and protect the ones she loves.

I found this novel to be slightly disappointing c...more Check out my other book reviews at my blog; The Title Page

Closed Hearts is the sequel to Open Minds, a novel set in a world where everyone normal is a mind reader. Kira, however, is not normal. She's a jacker. Jacking is a special skillset in which the Jacker can enter and ultimately control a Reader's mind.

In this novel, Kira has exposed the jackers to the public, and is set on a mission to free the trapped jackers and protect the ones she loves.

I found this novel to be slightly disappointing compared to it's predecessor. Kira has completely changed in terms of her attitude and determination. In Open Minds, she would stop at nothing to bring Kessler down, and in this one she gives up two separate opportunities to do just that.

Her regard for those she loves is pushed until the end of the novel, only then does it occur to her that the best thing she could do to protect her loved ones is to leave them behind.

Her powers which were considered so remarkable in the first book seem weak and useless in this one. At times she can defeat extremely skilled jackers and at others she can't even get in the heads of weakly protected readers. The inconsistinsies in her skill make me think the author got worried that Kira might become a Mary-Sue type character. Her attempts to correct this leave Kira a weak, unimpresive protagonist and one I'd much rather see replaced.

Honestly, I would much rather the story continue on in Julian's perspective, he is the stronger character and while mysterious, much more developed.

Another large red flag to me in this novel is that so many of the Mages' enemies are jackers. Being a jacker, wouldn't you want to help a group that is fighting solely for jacker rights? Or at least do not stand in their way. The anti-jacker readers would be completely powerless without their jacking body guards. This is like saying gay people would fight against gay rights. It makes absolutely no sense.

One of the biggest disappointments I think is the scene set up. The big climax of the book takes place a good amount of time before the ending, almost at the halfway point. If I was an editor, the beginning and end of this book would not interest me enough to back it.

All over, this book is an obvious read if you enjoyed the first book. I would suggest reading it only in hopes that the third one will be much better, and you'll need it to fill in the space between the two novels.(less)

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Jul 01, 2012 Danielle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-authors, for-review, ya-series, youngadult

A revolution is beginning. As much as Kira would like to forget the last year of her life and begin anew she can’t, because everywhere she turns people recognize her. Kira, the one who began the revolution. Even with a new name and a new place to call home she can’t escape what she’s done by sharing the news of jackers in society. What’s worse than not being able escape her past though is how it may affect those she loves, her mindreader boyfriend Raf most of all.

Reading a sequel in a series is...more A revolution is beginning. As much as Kira would like to forget the last year of her life and begin anew she can’t, because everywhere she turns people recognize her. Kira, the one who began the revolution. Even with a new name and a new place to call home she can’t escape what she’s done by sharing the news of jackers in society. What’s worse than not being able escape her past though is how it may affect those she loves, her mindreader boyfriend Raf most of all.

Reading a sequel in a series is often difficult for me, because no matter how good the writing or the characters the second book never seems to live up to the connection with the first book. In fact that’s why I tend to avoid book series as much as possible. Of course, after reading Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn I couldn’t resist reading Closed Hearts, the second book in the Mindjack Trilogy. And now…there is absolutely no way I can resist reading the third book, Free Souls, when it is released. Closed Hearts completely tore through my expectations of sequels and is now my favorite book in the series to date.

From the start a big concern I have with sequels is the lack of information from the previous book or the never ending rehashing of all the events you’ve already read about. That was simply not the case with Closed Hearts by Susan Kaye Quinn. Again, in Closed Hearts Quinn has proven that she knows how to write and that she’s an author worth reading. If I hadn’t read Open Minds I have no doubt I would have enjoyed Closed Hearts just as much as I did reading it through this time. Quinn’s characters are so beautifully crafted with a range of emotions and characteristics that each individual character stands out, making them memorable beyond the pages of the story. Beyond the characters it was the blending of past information with what was to come including some fantastic action and adventure that made the pacing perfect and had me flipping page after page.

In Closed Hearts Kira is back but with a variety of names and working new jobs with her Dad who is also a jacker. At first I was surprised that the story started in such a different place than where the previous one had, but as the story progressed I found I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of the new setting with the past creeping back in around the characters. One of the other aspects that I loved that also surprised me in a very good way was the introduction of such a large number of new characters. The vast majority of the new characters were mindjackers like Kira, but there was also the introduction of a big new bad guy, Vellus, who I’m certain isn’t done with Kira just yet. I was also thrilled to see Raf back in the story, Kira’s boyfriend from the previous book, but I’m also intrigued by new guy, Julian. All of these pieces fit together so nicely, from the new setting to the new characters, making this a story I couldn’t put down.

In a stunning turn of events, Closed Hearts by Susan Kaye Quinn has proven to me that a sequel can be every bit as good as the first book in a series and potentially even better than it’s predecessor. With Open Minds I was completely shocked by how it exceeded my expectations of what I’ve come to expect from self-published novels. Now with Closed Hearts I’ve been entirely blown out of the water with it’s rich cast of characters and action packed situations. The Mindjacker trilogy is one to put on your to-read lists, now; a series to wait for with bated breathe as Quinn crafts next and final book, and is certainly one sci-fi dystopian fans should have already read. Closed Hearts by Susan Kaye Quinn begins with the rumblings of a mindjacker revolution, takes you through an action packed invasion and breaks your heart. Do not miss this series that is now on my “Top Reads” list for the indefinite future.

Originally reviewed at my book review site, There's A Book.(less)

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Jun 06, 2012 Sharon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-may-release, dystopian, sci-fi, young-adult

What a wonderful thrill ride we are taken on in Closed Hearts, the second book in Susan Kaye Quinn’s Mindjack Trilogy.

I was instantly mesmerized by this amazing tale about Kira Moore who is what is known as a Mindjacker, after the events which took place in the first book Open Minds, Kira and her family are now in witness protection with new identities and utilizing her father and her abilities performing mindguard security work for a billionaire.

Kira is a strong character, I love her determinat...more

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May 29, 2012 Aimee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can't tell you how happy I am to be a part of the blog tour for Closed Hearts. I just loved Open Minds. I was so excited to get my hands on the next book, Closed Hearts. I'm loving this series!

This book is filled with heart pumping action and emotion. I was all in from beginning to end.

I'm happy to see Kira in a newer, confident state. Of course she has moments of self doubt and uncertainty, but she is more comfortable with herself. She is finding her place and knowing her own mind.

The introd...more

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Dec 02, 2012 Lolita rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-books, already-released, books-that-i-own

Closed Hearts is the second book in this Mindjack Trilogy and I think it's even better than the first one. This story is original, fast paced and full with action. I did had some problems at the start of the book with remembering what happened in the first book and with remembering the meaning of some words the author made up for this series. But soon I was in the story again and I really enjoyed it.

The story picks up not far after the ending of book 1, it was some time ago that I read book 1 so...more Closed Hearts is the second book in this Mindjack Trilogy and I think it's even better than the first one. This story is original, fast paced and full with action. I did had some problems at the start of the book with remembering what happened in the first book and with remembering the meaning of some words the author made up for this series. But soon I was in the story again and I really enjoyed it.

The story picks up not far after the ending of book 1, it was some time ago that I read book 1 so at the beginning I had some trouble remembering what was going on, but luckily it didn't took me long to remember again and get into the story. There is lots of action in this book and I like the fact that big things happen in the middle of the book and not only at the end as happens in some books. There were some surprising twist and turns, but there were also some parts that I didn't like and it felt like they achieved nothing at all.

In this book we get to know a few new characters and I really liked getting to know them. I can't wait to read the two short stories about two of these characters that the author wrote, because I want to know more about them. The sad part was that the focus is more on what's happening than on getting to know these new characters, so I hope the short stories will focus more on the characters. I also think some characters made some stupid mistakes along the way and some of the drama could've easily be prevented.

The world building is pretty original. In this book there is only a little bit added to the world we already learned about in the first book. The focus clearly isn't on exapnding the world building. I did like getting a better sense of how the world reacts to the discovery of jackers, although I wonder how people in real life really would react if something like this happens, because I had the feeling some parts were a little bit exaggerated.

To conclude: a fast past, original story with lots of action. Some surprising twists and turns and some new characters, but also some parts I didn't like and I would've liked getting to know these new characters better. there is not much added to the world building, but I liked seeing the world reaction to what happened at the end of book 1. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!(less)

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Sep 05, 2012 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is not an easy review for me to write. I would like to remind everyone that I was out of my head in love with the first book and anticipating this sequel for a very long time. Four stars is a step down from five but not a very big one. Closed Hearts was a fun and exciting book and I really did enjoy it. I absolutely loved the whole cast of new characters! The mages added a new dimension and believability to the story. I always new that Kira couldn't be the only jacker with increased abiliti...more This is not an easy review for me to write. I would like to remind everyone that I was out of my head in love with the first book and anticipating this sequel for a very long time. Four stars is a step down from five but not a very big one. Closed Hearts was a fun and exciting book and I really did enjoy it. I absolutely loved the whole cast of new characters! The mages added a new dimension and believability to the story. I always new that Kira couldn't be the only jacker with increased abilities! Julian is a complete puzzle to me though and I'm curious to see how he will evolve this story. Now, Ive read several other reviews of this sequel and I have to say I completely disagree with many of the complaints. I agree that Kira isn't as bad-ass in this book as she was the first, but come on! People are not bad-ass 24/7, we all have our shining moments like Kira in book one. Kira, having been through everything that she has, is a different person. She is more cautious and I think, since seeing the far reaching effects of her actions from book one, more conscious of how her actions will affect others. All of these things lead us to a still completely awesome and evolving character.
Now let's talk boys! Raf is still completely sweet and everything he was from the first book, but if I'm honest I have to say that I have never felt an emotional connection to his character. He was out of his depth in the first book and now in the second he is nothing but a liability. Kira loves Raf though, for whatever reason, and I think that does lend to some heart-wrenching tragedy for Kira in book two. Julian is a completely unique character though, and I for one would like to see something evolve between him and our heroine. He is capable of complimenting her in ways I can never see happening with Raf. Julian and Kira make a good team and if Kira would just focus and practice her abilities more I can see her growing more bad-ass than she was in book one. I would really like to see this happen so I am counting on Julian being able to guide her into herself for some major ass-kicking in the final book.
All in all I was not as taken with this book as the first, but as far and middle books go, it did its job exceptionally well. It was a great set up and stepping stone for the big ending I know everyone is dying to see! I for one will be lining up to get the next installment as quickly as possible and if you're mesh, you will be too!(less)

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May 30, 2012 Heather (BookStacksOnDeck) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series

Whoa, I seriously love this series! In this second book of The Mindjack Trilogy, Kira and her family are in hiding after revealing that mindjackers exist in the world. Kira's world is full of the "norm" mindreaders, who are able to communicate with each other through their thoughts. Mindjackers are those that have the ability to read thoughts, link thoughts, and control thoughts among mindreaders or even other mindjackers. After revealing that mindjackers exist, most of the population is pretty...more

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Young Adult Ficti...: Closed Hearts (Book Two of the Mindjack Trilogy)	2	12	Jun 04, 2012 12:50pm
SciFi and Fantasy...: Closed Hearts (Book Two of the Mindjack Trilogy)	2	11	Jun 04, 2012 12:50pm
YA Paranormal and...: Closed Hearts (Book Two of the Mindjack Trilogy)	2	7	Jun 04, 2012 12:50pm
Q&A with Susa...: Closed Hearts (Book Two of the Mindjack Trilogy)	17	26	Jun 04, 2012 12:50pm
♥!The Young Adult...: Closed Hearts (Book Two of the Mindjack Trilogy)	2	14	Jun 04, 2012 12:50pm
Young Adult Book ...: Closed Hearts (Book Two of the Mindjack Trilogy)	4	102	Jun 04, 2012 12:50pm
The Indie Exchang...: Closed Hearts Launch Giveaway	1	9	May 23, 2012 12:33pm

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Closed Hearts (Mindjack Trilogy #2)

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