Review by Booklist Review
In this sequel to The Hypnotists (2013), Jax and his family are relocated to a quiet town and boring lives under the watchful eye of Axel Braintree. But with Jax's powers of hypnotism, life doesn't stay boring for long. Jax unintentionally becomes a chess champion and draws the attention of eccentric, ailing multimillionaire Avery Quackenbush. Quackenbush, almost 100, offers millions to Jax and his family if the boy will try to hypnotize him to slow down his metabolic functions, thereby prolonging his life. This requires a deeper hypnotic power than Jax has ever experienced, and leads him to connect viscerally with Quackenbush's own emotional memories, putting Jax in danger once again. Jax is a likable, plucky hero who wants to do good despite the forces working against him. This is a clever, engaging second volume infused with enough action and suspense to draw readers back, and enough emotional depth and compassion that readers will root for their hero throughout.--Booth, Heather Copyright 2014 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-7-In this second installment featuring middle school hypnotist Jackson Opus (after The Hypnotists), Jax, his parents, and mentor Axel Braintree are all forced into hiding due to an evil expert hypnotist who has nefarious plans for Jax's talents. Ramon de Ocampo returns as narrator, his realistic vocal rendering capably conveying the conflicted hero. He fluctuates his pitch to match Jax's moods from worried to furious to grieving, sounding exactly like any 12 year old going through puberty, and de Ocampo's voice for Axel has just enough of a cartoony vibe to match his character but not enough to seem unbelievable. He also deftly handles the crackly voice of a 96-year-old eccentric billionaire desperate for Jax's hypnotic assistance. Listeners will quickly be drawn into Korman's tale as de Ocampo smoothly moves the action along, transitioning from voice to voice and chapter to chapter, without any awkward pauses or disruptions in flow. The story ends with a bang, leaving listeners eager to find out what is next for Jax.-Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Wunderkind hypnotist Jackson Opus and his family are trying to lay low in the wake of Dr. Elias Mako's election-tampering campaign. Jax's burgeoning mesmeric gifts draw unwanted attention, especially after an elderly billionaire hires Jax to prolong his life using a dangerous hypnotism technique. Tween boys will enjoy this second engrossing mystery's relatable narrator, quirky secondary characters, and fast-paced plot. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A new identity cant keep Jackson Opus and his parents out of harms way.After refusing to help Elias Mako and his Sentia Institute mesmerists rig an election in The Hypnotists (2013), Jax and his parents move from New York City to Haywood, Connecticut, and change their name from Opus to Magnus. They are in hiding from Mako and his young thugs with the help of Axel Braintree, head of the Sandmans Guild (a kind of 12-step group for hypnotists to keep them on the straight and narrow). But its hard for Jax to keep his head down when his color-changing gaze and an offhand comment can send anyone into a mind-controlled trance. When dying media tycoon Avery Quackenbush, whos on to Jaxs identity, approaches the middle schooler with an offer he cant refuse, Jax takes on the task of hypnotizing Quackenbush to extend his lifeagainst Braintrees advice. But if Quackenbush has figured out who Jax is, can Mako and the FBI be far behind? Though its less hypnotism and more telepathic mind control that acts as a catalyst to the tale, Kormans second light and action-oriented tale about Jax Opus will please fans of the first or his other short suspense trilogies. Though theres not much character depth, and its a bit slow at times, there are still a couple of surprises.Not Kormans best but good for a summer read. (Suspense fantasy. 9-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
