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BioShock Infinite: Mind in Revolt

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Authored by Irrational Games writer Joe Fielder with creative director Ken Levine, BioShock Infinite: Mind in Revolt is a prequel to the forthcoming BioShock Infinite and provides insight into the mysterious sky-city of Columbia prior to the events of the game. Printed in full color, this hardcover book is bound in faux-leather paper and stamped with the official seal of the Comstock House Re-Education Center. Featuring artwork by Jorge Lacera and Zoe Brookes, approximately 48 pages long and decorated with concept art as well as inked illustrations, Mind in Revolt is a true artifact of Columbia. **

31 pages, ebook

First published January 22, 2013

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Joe Fielder

2 books3 followers

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5 stars
137 (15%)
4 stars
244 (26%)
3 stars
365 (40%)
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131 (14%)
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30 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Federico DN.
1,163 reviews4,195 followers
March 4, 2023
Mildly interesting side quest.

A prequel short story book to BioShock Infinite, with the origins of Daisy Fitzroy, one of the game antagonists.

LOVED BioShock Infinite. The whole plot, Elizabeth, Booker and the non stop action. Gaming perfection.

Sadly this prequel book was very far from it.

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PERSONAL NOTE :
[2013] [31p] [Fantasy] [2.5] [Not Recommendable]
[Troy Baker & Courtnee Draper "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"]
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Misión secundaria levemente interesante.

Un cuento corto precuela de BioShock Infinite, con los orígenes de Daisy Fitzroy, una de las antagonistas del juego.

AME BioShock Infinite. Toda la trama, Elizabeth, Booker y la interminable acción. Perfección de Video-Juego.

Lamentablemente este libro precuela estuvo muy lejos de eso.

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NOTA PERSONAL :
[2013] [31p] [Fantasía] [2.5] [No Recomendable]
[Troy Baker & Courtnee Draper "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"]
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Profile Image for Sheldon.
110 reviews10 followers
April 5, 2013
A short story with decent potential that ultimately falls flat on its face in the rush to get out the door.

"Mind in Revolt" is a short story set a few years before the events of the video game Bioshock: Infinite. Supposedly, it fleshes out some parts of the conflict between the Founders and the Vox Populi, opposing faction in the game. Told as an audio transcript between a doctor and his psychiatric patient/prisoner (which I'll admit is a actually a clever way of telling this story), it reads very much like a screenplay.

Unfortunately, the whole thing falls flat. The characters themselves are dull and lifeless, feeling more like caricatures than anything else. There's no believable development arc for them. They're clearly meant for the screen and aren't compelling sitting on the page. The story itself is also uncompelling when it's even there, and is completely predictable right up to and including the ending. For a story that's based on a game world and franchise that is so rich, detailed, and emotionally drawn, this story really doesn't add much if anything which makes it that much more disappointing.

Ultimately, "Mind in Revolt" feels like it was little more than a way to cash in on the high anticipation for the game. It feels rushed, like it was slapped together meet a deadline and grow the coffers, and it doesn't help this feeling that the price for this short story is rather expensive. In the end, you aren't going to get much insight into the game's world out of this story, and can easily skip it.
Profile Image for Stuart.
6 reviews
May 10, 2020
A short side quest of optional Voxophones

Bioshock Infinite: Mind in Revolt plays like a threaded collection of Voxophones that Booker would find in Comstock House in game. So much so that it has this feeling that it might be some cut content that was reworked into a short story.

Though the book is described as giving "insight into the mysterious sky-city of Columbia prior to the events of Bioshock Infinite", it doesn't really give any real deeper insight into the world that the game doesn't already provide in Booker's journey through Columbia.

Instead, it really probes into Daisy Fitzroy. The transcripts shows how effective Daisy is as both a leader and manipulator as she learns to read her situation, the people involved, how do disarm them and direct them to her will. Her intellect and charisma becomes a naturally disarming factor to all of Columbian society due to it being a world that cannot believe she can possess either based on her gender and race. It also shows her underlying rage, built from years of structural oppression and exploitation from both Columbia and the world below.

There's also an element of "No good deed goes unpunished" as Dr. Pinchot does everything he believes is right, given his upbringing and beliefs, only to have both his perception of morality and his work betrayed.

It's a short story, but a deep one. If loved Bioshock Infinite, as I did, and want to dig into something that keeps the same underlying tone without Booker and Elizabeth, this is a great quick read.
Profile Image for Oliver Balaam.
7 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2013
The story, set in 1909, finds itself in the unenviable position of having to introduce the floating city and seceded state of Columbia, along with its tensions and politics, while not revealing any information that would detract from the game’s ability to tell a compelling tale. It is much to Fielder’s credit then, that it works well as a standalone piece of fiction, telling a complete, intimate and satisfying story that hints at a wider conflict without ever revealing it. He effortlessly mimics the linguistic style of the time while also reflecting the distortions and fabricated morality that plague Columbia.

A short story told in epistolary format, it is not dissimilar to Kurt Vonnegut’s sci-fi (now retro sci-fi) works, thought it certainly lacks his whimsical tenor and humanism. Indeed, told from the cold, academic perspective of Dr. Pichot, a scientist blinded by his faith and his bone-deep prejudices, it’s certainly sharper than most speculative fiction.

Interview transcripts between Dr. Pinchot and the captive leader of the Vox Populi resistance movement, Daisy Fitsroy, make up the majority of the text. Their conversations address slavery, supremacy, faith, eugenics and phrenology and are as morbid as they are fascinating. As the pair attempt to manipulate one another, tensions rise both in and outside of the interview room and come to a head in an explosive manner than closes this story but leaves the wider fate of Columbia very much in the balance.

Compared to other efforts in extra-textual storytelling, from superfluous, cannon-defying Mass Effect and Assassin’s Creed novels to Halo 4’s decision to lock universe altering secrets in hidden terminals , Mind in Revolt strikes a perfect balance. It won’t and shouldn’t be vital to your enjoyment of Bioshock Infinite but it does flesh out some peripheral characters in a meaningful way for those willing to delve deeper into this fascinating fiction.

At £1.91 for the Kindle release, it’s perfectly priced for a piece of short fiction. Hopefully this digital distribution method will help revive the struggling short-story format.

Highly recommended for fans and newcomers alike, Bioshock: Mind in Revolt is a spectacular work of science-fiction and hopefully just a taste of what’s to come.
Profile Image for Jonathan.
Author 7 books108 followers
March 27, 2013
I received this book as part of a pre-order bonus for the video game Bioshock Infinite and picked it up as a light read between some heavier, longer works. Sold as a means to introduce characters and set the stage for events in the game, the story follows the events that occur when a psychologist is assigned to deconstruct the personality of notorious anarchist Daisy Fitzroy, leader of a group known as the Vox Populi. The story plays out in what is essentially screenplay format, as a series of transcribed audio logs of interviews with Fitzroy.

The idea has some promise; the format itself could lead to some clever mechanical tricks by the author. Unfortunately, it really fails to follow up or use the format to any great effect. It feels more like a way to shorthand the story and get something out under a deadline. There are some interesting character moments here and there, but too many times it feels that we get from Point A to Point C in a character’s development without seeing the Point B. This is an unfortunate drawback to the format, as it wouldn’t make sense for the psychologist to record the “Point B”.

Ultimately, it’s difficult to recommend the story on its own merits. It’s worth a look for the hardened Bioshock fan and is thankfully a quick read, but I didn’t come away from it feeling particularly enlightened or entertained.
Profile Image for Renato Rodriguez.
175 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2025
Re-read this while replaying BioShock Infinite. One of my all time favorite games. This is a great 20 minute read giving us insight into the character of Daisy Fitzroy.

This short story is written as a collection of interviews by a Doctor trying to understand the causes of Fitzroy's rebellious nature, 3 years prior to the beginning of the game. Needless to say, if you have played it, it doesn't end well for the doctor.
Profile Image for Lorena.
4 reviews
January 18, 2018
I was expecting more. Bioshock: Infinite left me thinking about so many things, impossible events, paradoxes, motives and intentions. This book gave me nothing about that. This does not mean I did not enjoy the reading but I do believe it lacked some events; it felt like if point A tried to reach point B by taking a shortcut. I must add that there are some good phrases that left me thinking about human condition.
Profile Image for Stephen West.
179 reviews11 followers
April 11, 2023
BioShock Infinite: Mind in Revolt is an excellent addition to the BioShock universe, providing fans with a deeper look into the backstory of Columbia and the enigmatic figure of Daisy Fitzroy. Written in the form of journal entries and articles by Fitzroy herself, the book offers a unique perspective on the events leading up to the game.

One of the greatest strengths of this book is its ability to expand upon the world and characters of BioShock Infinite. The journal entries are written in a believable and engaging manner, providing insight into Fitzroy's motivations and experiences. The book also delves into the political and social issues that underlie the conflict in Columbia, adding depth and nuance to the game's story.

In addition to its well-written prose, the book also features beautiful illustrations and design, making for an immersive reading experience. The attention to detail and thought that went into the book's presentation is evident, and it is a pleasure to flip through its pages.

While the book assumes a familiarity with the game's story and characters, this is not a major issue as it is written primarily for fans of BioShock Infinite. However, it is worth noting that the book is relatively short and doesn't provide as much content as one might hope for.

Overall, BioShock Infinite: Mind in Revolt is a well-crafted and engaging book that is sure to be appreciated by fans of the game. It offers a deeper understanding of the world and characters of BioShock Infinite, and is a worthy addition to any fan's collection. I would highly recommend this book and give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for Valorie Dalton.
214 reviews18 followers
July 16, 2017
When you play Bioshock Infinite, you encounter an anarchist group called the Vox Populi (Voice of the People), led by former house slave to the Columbian royal family, the Comstock's, Daisy Fitzroy. According to the game, Daisy killed lady Comstock and went on a mad rampage since, inciting revolt and rebellion. Of course, you know from the tone of the game that Daisy is innocent, was set up, but a lot of the backstory relies on reading between the lines and intuning.

Mind in Revolt is "based" on a scientific piece called The Psychology of Dissent Interviews with The Anarchist Daisy Fitzroy by Dr. Francis Pinchot. Dr. Pinchot is a member of the Columbian Founding clan. When anarchist and murderer Daisy Fitzroy is captured, he is allowed to take her for psychological evaluation. The game storyline has already established that Daisy is very charismatic, intelligent, and savvy. She's a hard woman to trick, and doesn't fall easily for people's attempts at dishonesty or misdirection. Naturally, a psychological evaluation would be difficult. Mind in Revolt gives us a greater sense of who and what Daisy Fitzroy is. She is even able to persuade a founder, a Doctor, to aid her in her rebellion. That is the nature of charisma and intellect-- she just inspires people through her rhetoric and knowledge. For anyone into the Bioshock series, this short read is well worth it. You learn a little more about Daisy, but also about Columbia and Comstock.
Profile Image for Jonathan.
163 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2021
I’ve had this short story saved as a PDF on my phone for years, probably ever since I finished Bioshock Infinite (which I absolutely loved.) So it was nice to finally check it out. Although I’m not sure you can even really call it a short story, it’s more of a journal alongside interview transcripts.

Either way I did find the premise of it interesting. A devoted and nationalistic physiologist, Dr. Francis Pinchot, interviewing Daisy Fitzroy (One of the major antagonists in the video game) a famous anarchist and brutal leader of the Vox Populi, before she is due to be lobotomised.

I enjoyed her overall demeanour plus the Doctors surprise when seeing her high results from an intelligence test. Then how he begins to appreciate her mind and fears of it being destroyed, ultimately going as far as to aid her escape before a shock twist at the end.

I quite liked the little writing that there was in this but I just wish there was more of everything. I wish Columbia had its own full scale novel just like Rapture did. Because I would love to explore the city in more depth, it’s creation, it’s leader, the factions within it and the politics surrounding it. This unfortunately barely scratches the surface.
Profile Image for Claain.
6 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2023
Definitely a quick read. I liked it, until I didn't - simply because the end didn't make much sense to me personally. I don't quite know when this short ebook came out exactly, if it was before or after the DLCs, but we do learn in them that Daisy isn't cruel and doesn't kill every rich white person on sight as the main game makes us believe at first. She was just another chess piece of the twins. If a person changes their views and helps her cause, she wouldn't kill them.

To be fair, the whole game series is a big political commentary and it felt like the author kinda wanted to rail it back into the horseshoe theory of the far right being as bad as the far left by letting the book end with Daisy killing the guy after changing his view. But, quite honestly, progressive views and equality live and thrive with allies and educating unaffected people to join the good cause. And with the DLCs in mind, again, Daisy just fell out of character at the end there in the short story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jesse.
12 reviews
November 25, 2023
Recommend skipping, even if you are a Bioshock completionist. No new interesting details are revealed in this short story.

Mediocre at best, everything from the pacing to the dialogues is awkward and stifled. Oversimplifies many of the scientific and political ideas of the era, clearly placing some into 'bad' and others into 'good' buckets without any nuance or insight. Basically preaching to the choir.

The main redeeming qualities are that it is short, and that at times the conceit of a scientist's journal almost feels genuine in the time period. There is one passage about how to break a mind which is particularly moving, which I suspect inspired the name of the short.
Profile Image for Javier  Campos.
20 reviews
November 26, 2020
Es extremadamente corto, no lo llamaría una novela... Es entretenido, se lee rápido, pero es demasiado breve y como precuela a mi gusto no da ni para aproximarse a Columbia, como lo hace la novela de Rapture con Rapture en si. Es más como una introducción a Daisy Fitzroy y hasta ahí nomas... 3 Dolares por esto es un robo a mano armada. Solo para fanáticos de Bioshock
Profile Image for Pixel Lit.
27 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2023
If you are looking for something that is a "good, nuanced handling of the issues handled in Bioshock Infinite" well, you're looking in the wrong place. We had a good time though dissecting what went wrong with this book, as well as what went wrong with the game that it is tied to.

Click here to listen to our episode: https://pixellitpod.com/bioshock-infi...
Profile Image for Mark Crabbe.
79 reviews
May 7, 2023
I think if you love the game like I do you'll really enjoy this book. It's too fast paced and short for my liking but the character work here is spot on and the ending is a nice twist. The doctor through his rebellion and death caused exactly what he was trying to avoid. Daisy is well written and no matter the doctors intentions you can't blame her for killing him. Good quick read.

If you don't enjoy the game or don't know anything about it don't bother you won't get much out of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rohit.
16 reviews
May 7, 2019
Doesn't provide any insight into the characters or the plot of the game. Although, it does show the general mentality of the oppressors in Columbia, but that is one of the running themes of the game. So, no.
433 reviews
November 9, 2021
This was… fine. It provides a little extra backstory to a fantastic game, but it’s not necessary at all to enjoy the game, and I definitely don’t think that it’d be enjoyable to anyone who isn’t already into the game.
Profile Image for Ted..
107 reviews
January 30, 2025
A Bioshock Short Story

I came across this short story by accident..
I played Bioshock infinite several times and it’s a little nicer add on to the story but nothing must read also really short and mostly written in an interview style.
Profile Image for Lucas Maxfield.
8 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2025
"It was not lost on me that the only politeness I was shown this day was by the anarchist."

A short and sweet entry into the BioShock narrative, this novella does a captivating job of bringing the game's story to life.
Profile Image for jonnie brewster.
18 reviews
June 25, 2017
Good read

Not what I expected, but it was good. It is short so it reads quick. Interesting tidbit from the bioshock infinite world.
Profile Image for Mončé Faltová.
5 reviews
March 20, 2019
Nice addition to the story, for someone interested in BioShock series an interesting new viewpoint.
3 reviews51 followers
August 26, 2020
It's a short volume more like a logbook of Dr. Pinchot and Daisy Fitzroy.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
1 review1 follower
April 29, 2022
was a very short story

I was hoping to like this book, but it was so short just when you start to get into the story, it’s over
Profile Image for Josh Gallimore.
44 reviews
August 25, 2025
A fine little companion piece for someone still needing a fix of this game 12 years after release.
86 reviews
October 2, 2020
Despite being such a short story it was really enlightening to read, it helped to set the stage for 'Bioshock Infinite' as it takes place a couple of years before the game takes place. It was really quick to read (read it in like an hour) and sets the tone for the game of the conflict between the Vox Populi and the followers of Comstock. Though there were racial slurs and ideologies which are incredibly horrible to read about so please consider this when reading.

It features two prominent characters the leader of the Vox Populi Daisy Fitzroy and Doctor Pinchot who is through recording on a voxophone and notes is interviewing her (Almost). Now the format of the short story is prominently in the form of a screenplay detailing the numerous conversations of Daisy and Pinchot. As they progress Pinchot begins to slightly sympathise and it ends with him helping the Vox save Daisy and her shooting him and calling him a snake. Though the narrative of this short story is actually Frame narrative almost with Doctor Pettiog who writes an introduction and epilogue to what appears to be either an announcement or a pamphlet in support of Comstock and to demonise the Vox Populi. In one of the scenes, it is clear some of it has been cut out which makes me think we are supposed to take what is being said in this short story with a grain of salt as what has been shown to us could have been tampered with (in-universe if that makes sense?)

I overall enjoyed this short story to an extent it was rich was lore but it was the racial slurs and ideology that definitely make this a horrible read in all honesty, especially with the current social climate. If you enjoy Bioshock infinite then I would definitely give this a read along with the other official book of Bioshock written by Ken Levine called 'Rapture' detailing the history of Rapture before and during the civil war.
Thank You For Reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for David King.
376 reviews12 followers
May 30, 2013
I really enjoyed playing Bioshock Infinity on my PC and upon completing it I realised that I wanted to know more about the world in which it was set. Therefore, when I noticed that the short story, “Mind in Revolt” was going to be made available I jumped at the chance to pick it up and further immerse myself in the world of Columbia.

The basic premise of the story is that it helps expand upon the conflict witnessed within the game between two factions known as the Founders and the Vox Populi. The story takes place prior to the events of the game and is told in the form of an audio transcript between a doctor and his patient/prisoner, the leader of the Vox Populi, Daisy Fitzroy.

Whilst I found this to be an interesting look at Daisy Fitzroy herself, it didn’t really do that much to enhance the readers knowledge of who she actually was. Even with the rather clever format and reasonable writing the short length and rather weak characters limited what could be accomplished. This meant that the entire thing felt like a bit of let-down and I can’t see it working as a hook to get someone interested in playing the game which is a shame.

Overall, whilst I did appreciate the journey back into the world of Columbia, it just didn’t capture my interest of imagination as much as I hoped it would. Personally, it felt to me that the entire story was just a collection of voxophone recordings that they had decided to omit from the game. To be honest, I find it hard to recommend the book on its own merits and it is probably something that only hardened Bioshock fans would want to read.
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