What do you think?
Rate this book
Mindful Things
Nineteen-year-old Lauren Reed has always felt peculiar. She has no memory of her past after her parents’ mysterious deaths, and her unusual emerald eyes and severe migraines reinforce her sense of being an outsider. With her sophomore year of Northwestern about to begin, Lauren can’t wait to escape her adoptive parents’ overprotectiveness and move in with her best friend, Raegan, for a fresh start.
Unfortunately, her plan is thwarted when a strange note in her parents’ study leads to a frightful vision of a woman running for her life. Lauren’s other senses also start to heighten—especially after she meets the very handsome and charming Quinn Maxwell. As her visions and connection to Quinn strengthen, Lauren is stalked by an irate man with a cryptic warning: Raefield is coming for her, and she better not resist, or everyone will suffer.
Frightened and confused, Lauren digs into her past, looking for answers. She is shocked to discover her biological parents were witches. Their lifesaving magic triggered her evolving abilities, which is why she’s being hunted by Raefield, a power-hungry madman. Although her parents’ coven swears to protect her, Lauren must willingly embrace her new powers or risk a dark fate.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2017
About the author
Mya Duong
2 books11 followersMya Duong grew up in Wisconsin. In addition to earning a bachelor of science in nursing, she’s always dreamed of becoming a writer and giving life to her stories. She currently lives in San Diego, California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 27, 2018
DNF at pg 316/595 (53%)
I always feel crappy when I get free copies of books in exchange for reviews and then fail to finish the book. But this was just too much of a chore and the formatting errors detracted from the story so much that I found myself skipping chunks before finally resigning and sticking the DNF label on it.
So here's my thoughts on the first half of the book, with thanks to the author for my copy.
Firstly, the formatting.
The copy I had had incomplete sentences and also seemed to be missing whole scenes. It meant that I missed vital information and was left confused when things were referred to later that I hadn't actually read. Sentences stopped halfway through a word, and there were messy formatting marks in some places. I understand this will be the case for very few people but for me it just made the whole experience a lot harder.
Now, the story.
I really liked the premise. The orphan who is secretly super powerful and has to deal with the adjustment once strange things start happening is always a solid formula, even if it's been done plenty of times before. But this was so painfully slow, and heavily overshadowed by Lauren and Quinn's insta-love. It's kind of explained away but it was way too cheesy for my tastes. I rolled my eyes a lot. By the time I gave up, we'd only just learned about Lauren's secret identity. If I'm halfway through a book I'd want to have had at least a little action, not still be in the midst of setting the scene. It was such a drainer.
Also, the characters are dull and don't actually seem to act according to who they've been written to be? They're just stereotypes and cliches all smooshed together to do the same predictable things the same characters do in other books. It's all very unoriginal. There are no dynamics between the relationships, and everyone is just chill and bffs etc and BLEH. SO DULL.
As far as the writing goes, there's evident talent but it's used poorly and needs more originality. There's some creative use of figurative speech, but it tends to try too hard to make the point and so comes across as overblown and excessive. That being said, I think a lot of my issue with the writing is created by the lack of originality in the story so I'd like to see this author try her hand at something completely out of her comfort zone; something completely different to what she personally reads. There's an obvious creative spark but to me it seems like it's been tainted by the desire to follow a familiar formula.
I feel like I'm being particularly harsh on this book and I know there will be others who truly enjoy this story, but it just wasn't enough to suit my tastes. I'd probably recommend for younger readers, who will be less likely to have encountered a similar story before and so will appreciate these characters more than I.
I always feel crappy when I get free copies of books in exchange for reviews and then fail to finish the book. But this was just too much of a chore and the formatting errors detracted from the story so much that I found myself skipping chunks before finally resigning and sticking the DNF label on it.
So here's my thoughts on the first half of the book, with thanks to the author for my copy.
Firstly, the formatting.
The copy I had had incomplete sentences and also seemed to be missing whole scenes. It meant that I missed vital information and was left confused when things were referred to later that I hadn't actually read. Sentences stopped halfway through a word, and there were messy formatting marks in some places. I understand this will be the case for very few people but for me it just made the whole experience a lot harder.
Now, the story.
I really liked the premise. The orphan who is secretly super powerful and has to deal with the adjustment once strange things start happening is always a solid formula, even if it's been done plenty of times before. But this was so painfully slow, and heavily overshadowed by Lauren and Quinn's insta-love. It's kind of explained away but it was way too cheesy for my tastes. I rolled my eyes a lot. By the time I gave up, we'd only just learned about Lauren's secret identity. If I'm halfway through a book I'd want to have had at least a little action, not still be in the midst of setting the scene. It was such a drainer.
Also, the characters are dull and don't actually seem to act according to who they've been written to be? They're just stereotypes and cliches all smooshed together to do the same predictable things the same characters do in other books. It's all very unoriginal. There are no dynamics between the relationships, and everyone is just chill and bffs etc and BLEH. SO DULL.
As far as the writing goes, there's evident talent but it's used poorly and needs more originality. There's some creative use of figurative speech, but it tends to try too hard to make the point and so comes across as overblown and excessive. That being said, I think a lot of my issue with the writing is created by the lack of originality in the story so I'd like to see this author try her hand at something completely out of her comfort zone; something completely different to what she personally reads. There's an obvious creative spark but to me it seems like it's been tainted by the desire to follow a familiar formula.
I feel like I'm being particularly harsh on this book and I know there will be others who truly enjoy this story, but it just wasn't enough to suit my tastes. I'd probably recommend for younger readers, who will be less likely to have encountered a similar story before and so will appreciate these characters more than I.
March 3, 2018
I found the story line confusing in places and then the book didn't really have an ending, there was no big fight before the end so I found it fairly incomplete.
November 23, 2018
I received this book free from Voracious Readers for an honest review. I liked this book. The story had a good premise that I enjoyed immensely. I did find that the story did take a bit too long to develop. I felt it dragged in places, but not enough to make me hate the book. The characters, I found were actually fairly well developed. I think, that because this is book one, that what we saw in this book was just scratching the surface of what the characters are. I look forward to seeing where she goes with the rest of the books.
February 23, 2018
Mindful things has a very good and interesting story line.
It was a pleasant and easy read but now and again I would get a bit confused and/or last a long the way when many characters came in to play and I felt at some point that it was a rushed story.
But all in all a good book.
It was a pleasant and easy read but now and again I would get a bit confused and/or last a long the way when many characters came in to play and I felt at some point that it was a rushed story.
But all in all a good book.
February 12, 2018
Lauren's family love her as if she wasn't adopted at a young age. She's one of them and she couldn't ask for more.
But Lauren is different...
The premise of this book is promising and it's a great first outing for the author, full of everything that the YA crowd like nowadays, magic, intrigue and romance
I found the writing style hard to follow and the characters a little flimsy. I also didn't entirely grasp some of the concepts at play here. Lauren has a 'gem' in her head and we know its not physically there because she's seen by doctors and neurosurgeons all of whom explain that her brain is fine. Okay, but exactly how this works is not explained either? Parallel universes? I couldn't tell. Many people know Lauren and who she is but she has no idea who they are. Intriguing for sure but at 50% of the way through the book, I still had no idea how or why Lauren was so special and the focus of so many people's attentions. I thought there was a time travel element? There was brief mention of witches? I was left a little confused.
In all, I didn't hate it but the truth is, I didn't finish it either. My first and hopefully only DNF for the year. I'm keen to see the authors other works as she clearly has some fantastic ideas. They just seemed a little muddled in this story.
But Lauren is different...
The premise of this book is promising and it's a great first outing for the author, full of everything that the YA crowd like nowadays, magic, intrigue and romance
I found the writing style hard to follow and the characters a little flimsy. I also didn't entirely grasp some of the concepts at play here. Lauren has a 'gem' in her head and we know its not physically there because she's seen by doctors and neurosurgeons all of whom explain that her brain is fine. Okay, but exactly how this works is not explained either? Parallel universes? I couldn't tell. Many people know Lauren and who she is but she has no idea who they are. Intriguing for sure but at 50% of the way through the book, I still had no idea how or why Lauren was so special and the focus of so many people's attentions. I thought there was a time travel element? There was brief mention of witches? I was left a little confused.
In all, I didn't hate it but the truth is, I didn't finish it either. My first and hopefully only DNF for the year. I'm keen to see the authors other works as she clearly has some fantastic ideas. They just seemed a little muddled in this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2018
"Mindful Things", was a very fun book that left me very excited about the next one! I follow the author's website and Facebook page and was excited to learn there would be another book. My cousin and I read it together and it was fun to compare what our thoughts on the symbolism were and just overall what our ideas of what would happen next.
I liked the way the author wrote this book. I was told it might be a little like another book I previously read, but what I loved about this is that it felt like some of my favorite books all rolled into one. I found it very interesting, exciting, romantic, mysterious; I always wanted to read and just not stop until it had ended! But once it ended, I felt sorrow because I wasn't ready for it to end and was worried that I would never know the fate of the characters. I think I always knew there would be another book, and very happy that I was right! I think everyone should read this before the author's reading, which I think is postponed until April in San Diego, CA.
I liked the way the author wrote this book. I was told it might be a little like another book I previously read, but what I loved about this is that it felt like some of my favorite books all rolled into one. I found it very interesting, exciting, romantic, mysterious; I always wanted to read and just not stop until it had ended! But once it ended, I felt sorrow because I wasn't ready for it to end and was worried that I would never know the fate of the characters. I think I always knew there would be another book, and very happy that I was right! I think everyone should read this before the author's reading, which I think is postponed until April in San Diego, CA.
March 11, 2018
** I received a copy of this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway. **
Actual score: 3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. There was just enough action to keep the story moving and the characters were interesting. This most likely would have been closer to a 4 star book if not for the grammatical and spelling errors and the times that it just didn't flow well. There were several instances of sudden understanding with no lead up. Plus the insta-love (even though it was explained later and shown to not be insta-love after all) annoyed me. I also had a problem with the over-use of descriptors. I don't need to know how every little thing smells, looks, feels, etc. Still, the story was good and I probably will read further books to see how things end.
Actual score: 3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. There was just enough action to keep the story moving and the characters were interesting. This most likely would have been closer to a 4 star book if not for the grammatical and spelling errors and the times that it just didn't flow well. There were several instances of sudden understanding with no lead up. Plus the insta-love (even though it was explained later and shown to not be insta-love after all) annoyed me. I also had a problem with the over-use of descriptors. I don't need to know how every little thing smells, looks, feels, etc. Still, the story was good and I probably will read further books to see how things end.
March 19, 2018
I LOVED Mindful Things!
I think because of where it takes place, that I love anything about sorcery, and that it makes you think a little really has made it my new favorite book. I liked how much the author built the characters yet left some mystery. It was like exercise for my brain! I really have a difficult time following stories whether in a book or movie, so the fact that there was always something new and exciting being added into the mix kept my brain happy. This is a fun read for not just young adults, but also adults who need to take a nice break from the day-to-day and enter another world!
I found this book easy to read, but at times it will leave you thinking for yourself.
This is what made it so much fun to read.
Enjoy!
I think because of where it takes place, that I love anything about sorcery, and that it makes you think a little really has made it my new favorite book. I liked how much the author built the characters yet left some mystery. It was like exercise for my brain! I really have a difficult time following stories whether in a book or movie, so the fact that there was always something new and exciting being added into the mix kept my brain happy. This is a fun read for not just young adults, but also adults who need to take a nice break from the day-to-day and enter another world!
I found this book easy to read, but at times it will leave you thinking for yourself.
This is what made it so much fun to read.
Enjoy!
April 7, 2019
If you love creative fantasies that have a mystery element to them, then you will love his novel. The tension between the mc and the love interest is delectable - I had so much fun reading how the author builds it up! I also love the story arc of the heroin, how she learns about who she is and how many twists and turns there are for her. It was a fun escape from reality where fantasy is found abundant in a realm similar to ours. I also loved the evil villains of this book, I love how insidious they are and how the author writes with a bit of a horror edge. Great book, I highly recommend it!
February 20, 2018
Mindful Things is a strong debut for Mya Duong as a published author. She paints a vivid picture of the tangible and intangible components of the story and main character, Lauren. The backstory and character development are intricately weaved together leaving the reader with anticipation of wanting to find out more of what transpires with Lauren and her relationships. Being from Chicago I enjoyed the connection to the city and recommend as a fun and intriguing read to escape to another world.
December 19, 2018
The concept and story were very interesting! The editing needs a bit more attending to. Also, there was a bit more description and telling of the story, rather than showing it. Overall, a good read though!
December 10, 2017
Imaginative and exciting!
A fun read to take you away from your day, into another world filled with romance, friendship, family, and mystery.
A fun read to take you away from your day, into another world filled with romance, friendship, family, and mystery.
January 28, 2018
In Mindful Things, Mya Duong creates an interesting and intriguing world full of entertaining characters.
March 19, 2018
Book was a very exciting and quick read. It was the perfect escape for me during my hectic work schedule and just an overall fun read! I greatly look forward to future books!
September 4, 2018
The book Is great. I can't put the book down after i started reading.
August 9, 2019
I wanted to like this. But it was disjointed and jumpy and confusing for me. I even skipped ahead a few places to see if it evened out, but it didnt. Just wasnt for me
March 8, 2018
Lauren’s journey of finding out who she is. Her parents are acting strange around her. A boy she just meets feels like he’s familiar and she’s falling in love.
Oh she’s not your everyday human. She’s got special powers. And some crazy Witch man is after her. But he wants her alive? And kept alive in his care?
What will happen next? This is an amazing piece of self discovery and magic and love and friendship. Loyalty too.
I loved this story. I wonder what will happen next.
Oh she’s not your everyday human. She’s got special powers. And some crazy Witch man is after her. But he wants her alive? And kept alive in his care?
What will happen next? This is an amazing piece of self discovery and magic and love and friendship. Loyalty too.
I loved this story. I wonder what will happen next.
December 19, 2018
Mindful things, being the first book in a series, tells the story of a young lady who has supernatural powers. I love the premise and the plot. I know that character development is critical so I gave this book a lot of room for doing that. This book clearly sets up the characters for the books to follow. There are some issues with the writing but for a first book by this author, my hat is off to Miss Mya. Book two definitely makes up for some of book one's shortcomings.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews