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Cracked Open

(Mindjack #5)

Susan Kaye Quinn (Goodreads Author)

4.47 · Rating details · 107 ratings · 20 reviews

Zeph always knew he was a weapon. He didn't count on being a spy.He'd made a dangerous bargain with the Director of Jacker Technologies at DARPA-he would let Wright test his mutant mindjack ability if she'd release his parents. Simple. Occasionally painful. And the screams of his victims fill his nightmares. But it will be worth it as long as she can't crack open his head ...more

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Paperback, 298 pages

Published July 14th 2017 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

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Jul 27, 2017 Lola rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-that-i-own, e-books-on-ipad, got-a-copy-for-review-reviewed

I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed this book

Every time I pick up a Susan Kaye Quinn novel I am once again impressed with how well she writes these books. The pace moves along well, I easily get pulled into the story and I just want to keep reading. She makes me care about these characters and the side characters are great too. Cracked Open was a great read.

There's a lot going on in this book, but not so much that it gets overwhelming, it all ties together nicely. An I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed this book

Every time I pick up a Susan Kaye Quinn novel I am once again impressed with how well she writes these books. The pace moves along well, I easily get pulled into the story and I just want to keep reading. She makes me care about these characters and the side characters are great too. Cracked Open was a great read.

There's a lot going on in this book, but not so much that it gets overwhelming, it all ties together nicely. And also at times it has a bit of that feel that the story is building up towards this big event at the end. And it totally paid off, I just wanted to know what would happen and if their plan would work out or not or what would go wrong. There is this great scene towards the end were lots of things are happening and it was quite suspenseful to see how things would go. I also feel like what happens at the end really sets the stage for the next book.

I really liked seeing Zeph's character development in this book and how he changed since the start of the previous book. Where at first he was almost someone on the outside looking in, at the end of the book he is deep in the middle of it all. Where his focus shifts from protecting his family, now he starts to care about this cause and he genuinely wants to help. He still has a difficult position as he is basically worked for two different bad guys, while actually being one of the good guys and trying to advance their agenda while playing along with the bad guys as well.

This book not only advances Zeph's story, but also the overarching plot of mindjackers and mindreaders and how the world deals with it all. We find out a bit more about Zeph's powers, but at the same time I wanted to know more as it felt like there was more we didn't know and I had hoped there would be some more working for Kira involved.

There is a bit of a political storyline in this book as well, which worked for the most part. But at the end I felt like there were a bit too many similarities to some real life political situations and it got me out of the story a bit as I like my fiction books to stay fictional and the similarities to the real world situation were a bit jarring. I also would've liked to see a bit more of the normal mindreader citizens and how they were all taking this or if they were divided about this, but the focus mostly stays on this group of jackers and their group of friends and what the bad guys and important politicians are doing.

Most of the bad guys in this book seem almost pure evil, they really don't seem to have any redeeming qualities. But I think that's the point here. There is some bad and disturbing stuff going on and at times it almost feels a bit much. There are definitely some scenes that really show the cruelty going on here and how far the bad guys would go to achieve their goals. But luckily there are also some positive notes and uplifting scenes.

Besides Zeph's character development there are also some interesting developments going on with the side characters. There were some interesting twists and also some changes I hadn't expected yet. One of the side characters pleasantly surprised me and I was happy with the change the character went through. There also is a little bit of romance. I have to admit I wasn't quite sure about the love interest in the previous book, but so far I like them together.

To summarize: another great book in this series! Cracked Open kept my attention and it was just as well written as I've come to expect from Susan Kaye Quinn's book. There is a lot going on, but most of it ties together eventually. And I liked how at the end it all seems to come together and it was a suspenseful scene where things happen and the stage is set for the next book. It did feel at times the political situation in the book was a bit too similar to some real world politics, which got me a bit out of the story. The bad guys are really evil and this book really illuminates how far they would go. I really liked the character development going on in this book and not only with the main character Zeph, but also some side characters. I am curious to see how the last book will wrap this series up!
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Jul 18, 2017 Veronica of V's Reads rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopia, futuristic-world, grief-loss, no-steam, ya-adventure, ya-romance, thriller

This is the fifth book in the MindJack series where humans have evolved the ability to broadcast their thoughts--but the new wrinkle is mindreaders who can hijack your brain. These "mindjackers" are a super powerful minority, being hunted for experimentation and extermination. And Zeph, a "locksmith" mindjacker who can lock and unlock the toughest minds, will do whatever it takes to keep himself and his family safe.

In LOCKED TIGHT, book four, Zeph allied himself with some horrifying persons in t This is the fifth book in the MindJack series where humans have evolved the ability to broadcast their thoughts--but the new wrinkle is mindreaders who can hijack your brain. These "mindjackers" are a super powerful minority, being hunted for experimentation and extermination. And Zeph, a "locksmith" mindjacker who can lock and unlock the toughest minds, will do whatever it takes to keep himself and his family safe.

In LOCKED TIGHT, book four, Zeph allied himself with some horrifying persons in the government and private enterprise--people who truly want to hunt down and kill "jackers"--in order to find his missing sister and parents. He's also infiltrated the jacker population, attempting to get close to the young, powerful and charismatic jacker senator. Hiding his jacker nature from readers has made Zeph a loner, by necessity, and his plan to rescue his family and go back on the run is upset by the new connections he's made. What if there could be a balance between the jackers and the readers? Could he then find sanctuary instead of isolation?

In CRACKED OPEN, the battle lines have been clearly drawn. His employer, a MindWare developer who hired Zeph as a bodyguard to his daughter, believes Zeph's a reader, and shares all sorts of anti-jacker tech with Zeph, by way of relating how it will help Zeph be a better guard. The government's shadow lab, run by Dr. Wright, is preparing a jacking operation on the highest levels of government--to destroy any sympathy the President or populace might have for jackers. Once Zeph recognizes how dangerous all of this has become, he reaches out to Kira Moore, one-time spokesperson for the defunct Jacker Freedom Alliance, to offer his services as a mole.

Zeph had rescued his sister in the previous book, but things aren't all quiet on that front. Her powers are raw and untrained, making Olivia a fourteen-year old walking weapon. Now, Zeph's trying to find his mom, and he knows Wright has her locked up somewhere. In fact, Wright agrees to release her if only he'll assist with the grand scheme she's cooked up. Zeph knows it's a bad job, but he has no choice if he wants his mom freed. This time, however, he's got friends who can assist him--and he calls them.

Fundamentally, the MindJack series is about discrimination, and surviving intact after the powerful have sought to crush you. It's an allegory to the current political climate where discrimination by the government (of any marginalized community) has been lauded by a segment of the population who allow themselves to be led by fear, instead of community. For readers, it's a chilling journey into discovering what the experience might be for a marginalized population, if the government ideologically decided that (insert your personal minority) was Public Enemy Number One, and needed to be studied and eradicated. And yet, throughout, it's a humanizing story. One of hope and desperation, and succeeding against all odds against your most feared, armed, bully.

CRACKED OPEN marks the midpoint of Zeph's three-book story and clearly articulates his rage and fear at the situation he's in for no other reason than being born different. But mostly, it's filled with Zeph's resolve to save his family, and to help all the other jackers out there lead whole lives, not the half-life he's lived. For being roughly 17-18 years old, Zeph's survived a lot of bad, bad stuff. And that's formed him into a weapon. Unlike a gun, however, Zeph has the presence of mind to keep his targeting mechanisms on the bad guys, to ensure he does the most good. Expect things to go from bad to worse, however, and for Zeph to make mistakes--because he's working within a narrow framework. The day might be lost, but the battle continues. Cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!! ...more

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Jul 22, 2017 Sandy S rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 15, 2017

Zeph always knew he was a weapon. He didn’t count on being a spy.
But he made a dangerous bargain with the Director of the Jacker Technologies Division of DARPA—he’d let Wright test his mutant mindjack ability if she’d release his parents. Simple. Occasionally painful. And the screams of his victims fill his nightmares. But it will be worth it as long as she can’t crack open his head and find out his sister, with her super-surge jack-ability, is s 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 15, 2017

Zeph always knew he was a weapon. He didn’t count on being a spy.
But he made a dangerous bargain with the Director of the Jacker Technologies Division of DARPA—he’d let Wright test his mutant mindjack ability if she’d release his parents. Simple. Occasionally painful. And the screams of his victims fill his nightmares. But it will be worth it as long as she can’t crack open his head and find out his sister, with her super-surge jack-ability, is still alive. And if his parents are finally set free.

Once that happens, he’s gone. Even if it means giving up everything he’s just now getting back. A home. Friends. A girl who believes in peace and love even when the world is falling apart.

But as the shock of assassinations and bombings and hate killings continue to pull at the threads that hold society together, Wright hands him a mission he can’t possibly complete. If he does, it will tear everything apart. If he doesn’t, he’ll lose everyone he loves.

Sometimes being a powerful weapon is the most dangerous thing of all.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: CRACKED OPEN is the fifth full-length installment in Susan Kaye Quinn’s young adult (YA) MINDJACK urban fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian series. CRACKED OPEN is the continuing story focusing on mindjacker Zeph MacCay- a young man with the ability to lock down, unlock or scramble the human mind.

SOME BACKGROUND: In a world where mindreading is the norm (due to decades of contaminated or purposely poisoned water) there are those with more powerful abilities than most. These are their stories of discrimination, betrayal, retribution and control. Throughout the years the human population has developed various forms of mind-reading, mind altering and mind controlling abilities due to environmental toxins. And to complicate matters those without the ability to mindjack are purposely setting out to bring war between the have and the have-nots fearing for their own peace of mind.

Told from first person point of view (Zeph) CRACKED OPEN furthers the struggle of Zeph MacCay and his underground group of people hoping to take down the Director of the Jacker Technologies, as well as the man who has developed anti-jacker technology that renders the victim all but paralyzed or dead. CRACKED OPEN follows Zeph MacCay as he struggles to free his family, imprisoned by the Director of the Jacker Technologies, and his fraudulent assignment as boyfriend and bodyguard to the daughter of an evil technology giant. With help from a couple of rogue agents and soldiers, as well as his intrepid gang of underground jackers Zeph MacCay puts into a motion a series of events that place him on the anti-jacker radar, once and for all. Success is measured by the tiniest of wins and in the end their struggle is only going to get worse.

CRACKED OPEN is a comprehensive, intricate and action packed story line of discrimination, fear, power and control. Susan Kaye Quinn’s young adult MINDJACK series looks at the breakdown of humanity, the power of politics and control of the mind, and the people on the fringe trying to survive, one day at a time. Lives will be lost; minds will be broken; friendships and families will crumble and die. CRACKED OPEN is a powerful look at a possible future if and when chaos and oligarchy preside. Susan Kaye Quinn is a master storyteller

Copy supplied for review.
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Apr 05, 2018 Bambi-Nini rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

sehr ereignisreich und spannung bis zuletzt

Achtung: 5. Band der Mindjack-Reihe. Inhaltliche Spoiler zu den Vorgängern vorhanden.

Die Ereignisse setzen kurz nach den Geschehnissen des Vorgängerbandes ein, alle begonnenen Handlungsstränge werden fortgeführt.
Die Welt der Leser und Jacker ist sehr komplex und wurde bereits von vielen Ereignissen erschüttert. Zahlreiche Figuren versuchen in der Politik oder Forschung eine Verschiebung der Machtverhältnisse zu erzielen. Zwar konnte ich mich an die grob sehr ereignisreich und spannung bis zuletzt

Achtung: 5. Band der Mindjack-Reihe. Inhaltliche Spoiler zu den Vorgängern vorhanden.

Die Ereignisse setzen kurz nach den Geschehnissen des Vorgängerbandes ein, alle begonnenen Handlungsstränge werden fortgeführt.
Die Welt der Leser und Jacker ist sehr komplex und wurde bereits von vielen Ereignissen erschüttert. Zahlreiche Figuren versuchen in der Politik oder Forschung eine Verschiebung der Machtverhältnisse zu erzielen. Zwar konnte ich mich an die groben Abläufe des letzten Bandes noch erinnern, hatte aber am Anfang ein paar Schwierigkeiten, mich an sämtliche Figuren und ihre Ziele zu erinnern. Es gibt allerdings immer wieder kleine Rückblicke, durch die ich dann doch recht schnell in die Geschichte zurückgefunden habe. Sehr hilfreich fand ich auch, dass Kira im Verlauf nochmal etwas ausführlicher die Geschehnisse um die ins Wasser geleiteten Hemmstoffe vom Abschluss des dritten Bandes (Free Souls) schildert, die in direktem Zusammenhang zu den aktuellen Ereignissen stehen.

Zeph ist auch in diesem Band der Ich-Erzähler und lässt den Leser dadurch an all seinen Gedanken und Gefühlen, an seinen Ängsten und Hoffnungen teilhaben. Er ist eine sympathische Figur, die immer versucht, das Richtige zu machen, auch wenn manchmal nicht klar ist, was wirklich das Richtige wäre. Darüber hinaus gibt es zahlreiche weitere facettenreiche Charaktere, die an Zephs Seite kämpfen. Und auch die vermeintlichen „Bösewichte“ fehlen natürlich nicht, wobei diese nur nach und nach ihre Absichten offenbaren, sodass Zeph – und mit ihm auch der Leser – lange über die wahren Motive im Unklaren gelassen wird.

Die Geschichte ist dadurch von Beginn an sehr spannend. Zeph wurde in eine ziemlich unglückliche Lage gebracht – er agiert für drei verschiedene Lager und jeder Fehler könnte ihn auffliegen lassen. Um seine Familie zu finden, muss er den Schein wahren und bei der Erforschung der Jackerfähigkeiten helfen. Gleichzeitig will er zusammen mit der Jackergruppe um Kira gegen diese Leute vorgehen, die ihn zur Mitarbeit zwingen. Es ist ein gefährlicher Drahtseilakt bei dem mit der Zeit für alle Beteiligten undurchsichtig wird, wer auf wessen Seite steht und wer gegen weg agiert. Intrigen innerhalb der Intrigen sorgen für immer neue unvorhergesehene Ereignisse, die Zeph und seine Freunde zum schnellen Handeln zwingen. Doch die Zeit sitzt ihnen im Nacken, denn auch die Anti-Jackertechnologie wird immer ausgereifter.

So entwickelt sich ein ereignisreicher, spannungsgeladener Handlungsverlauf, dessen Tempo sich immer weiter steigert. Am Ende habe ich richtig mitgefiebert und konnte das Buch kaum noch aus der Hand legen. In der aufgeheizten Situation, in der sich die Fronten zwischen Lesern und Jackern stetig verhärten, bleibt nur wenig Zeit zum Verharren. Dennoch bietet die Handlung auch einige ruhigere, emotionale Passagen.
Das dramatische, spektakuläre Finale des Buches klärt zwar einige Fragen, lässt aber weiterhin viele Handlungsstränge offen, die neugierig auf den weiteren Verlauf machen und noch viele weitere Kämpfe vermuten lassen.

Fazit
Eine abwechslungsreiche Fortsetzung, die durch die verstrickten Intrigen und zahlreichen Figuren, die gegeneinander agieren, immer wieder unerwartete Wendungen nimmt. Während ich den letzten Band als etwas zu hektisch empfunden habe, bauen sich die Ereignisse hier so aufeinander auf, dass zwar auch ständig etwas neues passiert, sich die Situation aber gleichzeitig so zuspitzt, dass sich die Spannung immer weiter steigert und ich völlig von der Handlung gefesselt war. ...more

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Jul 15, 2017 Adena rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

In a world where everyone can read minds, keeping secrets is a dangerous business. As a mindjacker with the unique ability to lock and unlock minds, Zeph is able to pass as a mindreader for his super paranoid jacker hating boss, while pretending to spy for the government but secretly helping the jacker resistance. After years of fighting to stay hidden and concealing his abilities, Zeph finally realizes that he needs to discover the full extend of his capabilities. He juggles his secret lives wh ...more

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Jul 14, 2017 Samantha Sterling rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I enjoyed this newest installment of the Mindjack Series. The second installment told from Zeph's perspective, we watch as all of the balls he is attempting to juggle in the air manage to interconnect with each other and follow along as Zeph attempts to navigate through it all.
What I have enjoyed most about this story, and preceding installments of this series is how the world building grows with each story and the complexity of the story is enhanced the further along the reader goes. The tone o ...more

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Mar 06, 2019 Smimo Do rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook

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

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Sep 12, 2017 Susan (The Book Bag) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-in-2017, 2017-reviews

I just love this series. I am constantly amazed that this author can continue to take me back to the exciting, futuristic world of mindreaders and mindjackers where I just want more.

Zeph is a good guy but finds himself on the wrong side, agreeing to do things that he wouldn't normally do, in order to get his family back and to keep them safe. As he plays one side against the other, it's hard to tell who will win.

SKQ keeps this series alive by coming up with exciting new plots and adventures. T ...more

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Jul 18, 2017 Christinaraven rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Another chapter in the Mindjack series told from Zeph's point of view is out to get addicted to. Zeph has decided to "work" with the fun Dr Wright to hopefully find and rescue his parents and learn whatever he can to survive. Full of action, twists, wondering what/who's side is Zeph is in this chapter, and other outright fun, I thought it was a great read. Kept me guessing just enough that the time flew by and I was done. I was hooked from the first chapter again as had to see what twists I was ...more

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Sep 04, 2018 Rita rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I couldn't put this down. The story kept pulling me in. The dilemmas Zeph faces are truly horrible - but can absolutely see how they come about and that is scary. Have bought third and final book in series ...more

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Jul 11, 2017 Jackie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wow. What a privilege to read this superb book. This is a continuation of a series, but hopefully there'll be more to come, not the end. So intriguing. It's a definitely not to be missed book. Received an ARC, but would buy it and review anyway. ...more

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Sep 13, 2020 Becky Clark rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The concept is scary

Excellent story telling. Scary concept. Parallels to the present day and bigotry that is effecting all of us. I'm glad I already purchased the next book...picking it up now! ...more

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Jul 13, 2017 Elizabeth rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wow! Almost impossible to put down!! I have loved all the previous books, but this one is takes twists, turns, & impossible situations to a whole new level. An absolute Must Read! I was lucky enough to receive an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

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Apr 13, 2018 Jessica Campbell rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Riveting story!

I couldn't put it down. Another amazing story by Susan Kaye Quinn. I absolutely love this series! Can't wait for more! ...more

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Aug 14, 2017 Kelly Brown rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017-around-the-year-in-52-books

Review to follow

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Aug 30, 2019 Kristie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Captivating

I have sho loved all of these books, it has made me wish I liked to write more and had a imagination worth letting others discover

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Jul 12, 2018 Barb rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Did ya ever want to smack someone in the head and say "grow up and pick a side"! That being said, I am addicted to this series Mindjack: Zeph! ...more

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Aug 31, 2017 Quartknee rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is a really great series. I'm loving how it's evolving. ...more

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Mar 24, 2018 Jenna rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Loves these series

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Jul 15, 2017 The Mysterious Reader rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This installment of the Mindjack series is a continuation of Zelph's story, and there's at least one more tale in this particular story arc. Delphi is a fascinating character and he - as well as the series itself - is getting increasingly layered and complex as time goes on. It's a real pleasure to follow along. The Mindjack stories have been a wonderfully thrilling ride so far, and cracked open is no exception. Great plot, wonderfully crafted (and continually evolving) lead and supporting chawr ...more

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About Susan Kaye Quinn

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Susan Kaye Quinn is a rocket scientist turned speculative fiction author who now uses her PhD to invent cool stuff in books. Her works range from young adult science fiction to adult future-noir, with side trips into royal fantasy romance and middle grade. Her bestselling novels and short stories have been optioned for Virtual Reality, translated into German and French, ...more