I received this book from Rock the Boat through a GoodReads giveaway and Rock the Boat books in return for an honest review. This was the first book I've won from a GoodReads giveaway and I adored the first book in this series so I was super excited
So Mindstormer is the sequel to Mindwalker, a book that came out around two years ago now. It continues the story of Lain Fisher as she fights against the IFEN and the type system implemented in URA or the United Republic of America
What I Liked
This book gets straight back into the action. You're introduced to Lain who has forgotten everything from book one and you wonder what's going on. Very quickly the book jumps into action scenes and the action in this book is so good. It's quick, it's fascinating and the characters have some really realistic reactions to some of the situations. I loved all the action sequences and found them to be really well written. Another thing I found that worked really well was that the technology was interesting. Obviously, in sci-fi books, you get all this new technology that authors have to explain. Most of the tech in this book was introduced in book 1 but I liked the rebellion's base and the use of technology they had, I liked the brand new tech introduced and I liked everything they did with it in general.
There were also things from this book that I have liked since book 1. I wasn't sure when the love triangle between Steven, Lain and Ian was cemented but throughout it, I still loved Lain and Ian's friendship. They still cared about each other and I like how they handle their relationship, even with romantic confusion. I just generally like Ian's character and think he's great. Out of the new characters, I like Rhee and Aaron best. They brought new twists and emotions to the book and I felt that both of their stories were really well written
What I Didn't Like
That being said, I did have a few issues with the book. It's not a perfect book and I did find it a little slow to get into. A lot of the time I found myself putting it down and getting distracted easily which is a shame because I was so amazed by the first book. The closer it got to the end, the better the book was but you really do need to give this book a chance to enjoy it.
Part of the reasons it's difficult to get into because it's not always easy to understand the characters motives. You know why the main government want to do these things but you can get a little lost as you narrow things down and I think maybe this novel should have focused on something smaller like the first novel did. I feel like that is the main reason that I can't give this book five stars. And as good as the action was, I found myself finding the final battle to quick and easy. It was a bit of a let-down even if it was interesting how the rebellion actually dealt with things in the end.
Mental Illness in this book
Usually, I stick to two sections of my review but mental illness is both so important to this series and in general so I felt the need to address this. With the type system and Somnazol, mental illness is a really important aspect of the book but in this novel, I was torn about what to think. Whilst why and how they suffer is realistic, it does seem to be pushing the idea that these people are crazy. Even Lain herself sees herself this way later on and though she knows she can get better and needs time, it is a little uncomfortable. I know that people suffering sometimes deem themselves crazy but, I don't know, it just seemed a little more negative in this book.
I wouldn't say the mental illness is problematic as it is mostly handled well but it toes the line in places.
Also I do have to warn about a cutting scene used as a distraction near the end. It's not truly to self-harm but it's a little gross so I thought a warning wouldn't hurt.
3/5 stars
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