Minds Eye by Douglas E. Richards

Minds Eye Reviews

• 
  Ken Doggett

  The premise is good, the characters are good, and for the most part the book is a good read. The writing style is adequate, although there are a few awkward phrases here and there, but not so much as to be distracting, and probably only another author or possibly a lit professor would know. The big problem is too much description, too much wordiness--too often about things not relevant to the story; so the book could use some editing. Another problem is near the end when you run into the old "Let's discuss the whole plot and why I'm doing this before I kill you" scenario from the bad guy. The author tries to disguise it, but it lasts a whole chapter and it's easy to spot. In fact the entire denouement is too wordy, and drags on for such a long time you can see at least a part of what's going to happen before it happens. No surprise when it came. If the author had taken more time, wrapped the story up with action scenes instead of telling it to us through the bad guy, it would have been a far more satisfying read. I skimmed through the last chapter, and you probably will, too. That said, it's a great read for those who like action and adventure, and in spite of the criticisms, I did like the book. It's hard to criticize a NY Times Bestseller, but I hope the author can find his stride and better editing skills as he goes forward in his career, because I definitely plan to read more of his books in the future.
• 
  Kassie

  One of the most trope filled pieces of rubbish I've read in a while, I should have listened to my gut and stopped reading 50 pages in but the premise interested me enough even if I hated the characters so much and then BAM! Xenophobic garbage about Islamic terrorist sleeper cell brother team. I Can't Believe I Read The Whole Thing.
• 
  Robert

  I found this book easy to put down. So easy that I almost didn't finish it. The writing is often clunky and ham-fisted and the characters are cliched and as shallow as cardboard cutouts in a movie theater lobby. The cartoonish villains are ridiculous.
  
  On the good side, Richards strings together a few creative ideas and throws in a few curveballs. It's also a fast read that is well suited to lounging by the pool, or heavy multitasking.
  
  But it's all for naught, as he has the characters repeatedly explain the plot in exhausting detail. I felt like I was trapped in a Powerpoint presentation - here's what I'm going to tell you about, now I'm telling you about it and finally I'm going to summarize it all for you.
• 
  Jim

  I like military science fiction but once in a great while I latch on to a slightly different genre like techno thrillers, but only if they are very, very good!
  
  This book is very, very good. I've missed a lot of sleep reading this book. Last night I was up until past 1 am trying to finish it because I just couldn't put it down. I'm a gadget geek so when I read about a PDA telling some guy his next appointment is coming up or that your house is secured for the night, that's gets my interest up. And I didn't know there was a nation-wide 6G wireless system; did you?
  
  Well, maybe this stuff comes a little later down the road but this guy Nick Hall has some pretty interesting experiences to share with his readers. If you woke up in a dumpster one day, you'd know there had to be a pretty interesting experience behind it, right. Nick starts running for his life and he doesn't know why. Someone wants him dead but that's about all he knows, except of course he can now surf the web by just thinking of stuff he's interested in.
  
  Yeah, that sounds pretty neat but how many of you sit around in front of your computers wishing you weren't waisting your time on the internet. Now imagine that you could just think about stuff and you'd be surfing the internet anytime / any where you wanted. Some of us wouldn't ever come back to reality. That's scary. Well, Nick Hall has to face his reality and he's also found out that he has another hidden talent that, you guessed it, will get him killed very quickly by the bad guys and the good guys.
  
  This is a very good book. You should read it but be warned, you will spend a lot of time with staring at your ebook reader when you do. Please have the courage to quit, eat and drink something once in a while. The book will still be there. Or you can wait a few years (?) and may be just think about the book and read it with your mind's eye!!!!
• 
  Andrea McFetridge

  I've read a few of Doug's books so far, so thought it was time I left a quick review. All his books are made from the same recipe: 1) a fantastical technology that makes you day dream of the possibilities even when you're not reading, 2) a crazy cat & mouse chase with commandos, government officials, and mercenaries, 3) a love story that's sometimes cheesy and coincidental, but I'm always rooting for them anyway, and 4) a twist at the end that you thought you had figured out what was going on, and he proves that you were only partly right.
  
  For me, it's a recipe I can get behind. His books are a fast read. I can usually finish them in a couple nights of skipping tv.
  
  I am also very impressed with the quality of a self-published author. To think that he finishes writing it, and instead of spending months at a publisher getting hacked to pieces by editors....it's available to download as the author wrote it.
  
  And lastly, he's a local author! I live in Sacramento, CA, and it's always fun to read books that are set in places you're familiar with.
  
  All in all, I'm a fan and will continue to look forward to the next book by Doug.
• 
  Lyndsy

  I got the book Brainweb, but when I started reading it, I realized I was missing something... Mind's Eye. Stopped what I was doing and then went back to read this one.
  
  This is an excellent book. A really disturbing look at what may be coming next for humanity for sure. We seem to be using technology to avoid human interaction now, I can't imagine what being able to surf the web in our heads will do to our desire and ability to communicate with each other on a more personal level. I do suppose that's just *my* preference for humanity. I guess I have to allow for the idea that more disconnection is the better path.
  
  I liked the characters in this one. Richards gives the main character some depth as the book progresses, which is great I wish he would have given more about some of the other characters as well since it seems that they'll be appearing in later books and intimately connected to them.
  
  The writing style is enjoyable. Description is woven throughout the book so we gradually learn what the characters look like, what the environments look like, etc. I don't enjoy it when that stuff gets dumped on me all at once (unless it fits the book that is).
  
  Given the advancing pace of technology, the ideas in the book aren't that farfetched. And we already know the despicable things people will do to each other to achieve their goals.
  
  The end was a bit of a surprise, which is sort of annoying since I like to be able to see things coming. I thought about what I might have missed, but couldn't come up with anything. Either it wasn't there or the author was really subtle about the details. Either way, good job.
  
  Definitely recommend this book.
• 
  David

  As if I had never read it before, my Kindle Fire indicates it is new to me. Maybe a different view four years later.
  
  I chose this book along with "Quantum Lens" by the same author. In the meantime I also read "Murder on the Isle of Capri". If you watch current TV series such as the Blacklist, Madam Secretary, Bones, the Librarians, and Scorpion, these three books fit the same genre. All three books are quick reads, excellent writing.
  
  What if you could browse the Internet simply by bringing to mind whatever you wished? What if you could use the same technology, and like ESP, see and hear every thought from everyone within six miles, and filter it at will? Imagine who among your close friends, and intimate relationships would want to kill you because you knew their dark secrets. And, they in turn could use the same technology.
  
  This story covers several aspects of the old cliches of military intelligence wanting your capabilities, and wanting to kill you. Unfortunately, if you already have bought into the early 2015 media propaganda ("be afraid"), you might target every follower of Islam as an extremist, and every corporate purveyor of the latest scientific advance as not acting in your best interests, based on this story. Thankfully, the lead female character is not a cliche, and plays a stronger role than the woman in "Quantum Lens".
• 
  Nakia

  This started out as a really great action packed mystery about a man searching for his identity after waking up in a dumperster. The book began to drag towards the 2nd half, too many unnecessary details and explanations. Some characters could have remained nameless just for the sake of keeping the reader more engaged. Overall, I give it three stars because the plot was brillant and the way the romance bloomed between the two characters is something I can surely appreciate.
• 
  Daniel Kincaid

  When Nick Hall wakes up in a dumpster, he realizes quickly a few things that would change his life.
  A. He doesn't know who he is.
  B. People are after him, wanting to kill him.
  C. He has implants in his brain that allows him to surf the internet with his thoughts.
  D. He can read people's minds.
  Staying alive isn't Nick's only objective, as he starts a journey to piece together what has happened to him and how he ended up with these two unique gifts. But as he and Megan build this crazy puzzle, they both realize there's a lot more at stake here than just Nick's life. Is humanity even ready for this new kind of technology? Can we handle it? Will we use it to usher a new dawn, or will human civilization destroy itself completely?
  Struggling to stay alive against forces all around them who want them dead, Nick and Megan need to not only solve a dark and sinister conspiracy and also affirm to human society is ready for the changes that are about to come.
  
  I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Douglas E. Richards is a genius. It's not only his uncanny ability to come up with fascinating concepts and stories and execute them to the nth degree, it's also his ability to write flesh and blood, real-as-you-are characters, pitting them against impossible odds, and through all of that make them learn about themselves and the society we live in, and give them them chance to evolve. Nick, Megan and Alex are wonderful characters, and even though this book is a high-octane roller-coaster with barely time to breathe between events, revelations and plot twists (all done marvelously), there was still plenty enough time and space for the reader to get to know them inside and out. But it's something I came to expect from Richards, and he doesn't disappoint.
  
  The story itself, as mentioned before, is fascinating, and Richards uses the opportunity, as usual, to examine the human condition. As with previous novels I've read from his, there are many moral dilemmas tackled in this novel. I love how technology isn't something to be taken lightly or for granted, something Richards explores in-depth this novel, mostly how dependent most of our society has become on the internet and technology in general. Have we lat touch with ourselves, with our humanity? Have be become too depraved, allowing our most crazed, disgusting fantasies come to the surface via the internet? Have we lost touch with who we really are? And would it be a good thing to be able to read people's minds? Knowing what they really think of us, or letting them know what we really think of them? Would we accept those thing sand move on, or will we be petty, starting fights, wage wars and ultimately kill each other?
  
  Grim concept, I know. But as Richards tackle those questions and make you think, he also tries to remain positive- which is important. The problem, for me, with most of modern sci-fi, is that it had become too dark, too gritty, and way too negative. It's as if humanity is doomed no matter what. And hey, maybe we are. But being positive isn't necessarily the same as being naive- quite the opposite. Yes, our society has a tendency to be quite unpleasant, cruel, violent. But we seem to have forgotten we also have many, MANY positive attributes. Glass half full and all that, you know?
  
  In any case- a fantastic, fascinating, edge-of-your-seat, thought-provoking techno/sci-fi thriller, with plenty of twists and turns, plenty of action, awesome characters that will no doubt entertain you and make you think. And laugh- Richards has a great sense of humor too.
  
  Five stars! Hell of a fun ride. =)
• 
  Brian's Book Blog

  A shocking technothriller written by a master.
  
  Mind's Eye is a book about Nick Hall. Hall wakes up in a dumpster with no memory of who he is or how he got there. What he discovers next will shock himself and you as the reader. Nick can read other people's minds and thoughts. While incredibly interesting, this is also full of incredible pain and annoyance as he cannot turn it off. He also realizes that he can surf the web within his own head. When he thinks of a question -- the answer pages just appear in his "vision" like a heads up display. There's one problem--Nick is being hunted. Someone out there wants him dead.
  
  The narration was done by Adam Verner. I've listened to other titles from Verner before and really enjoyed his tone and narration style. He is definitely one of those narrators that adds to the story instead of taking away from it. Verner gets through incredibly technical and scientific sentences and paragraphs with ease. Using his ninja-like tongue to maneuver this complex, yet compelling novel.
  
  So, I had to take a few days to gather my thoughts on this because I enjoyed it so much. I don't know if it was because it reminded me so much of a Michael Crichton novel, or if I had just been looking for a new author to fall in love with. But man, did I really enjoy this novel. Mind's Eye started out a little confusing, purposefully confusing the reader because Hall was also confused. As this book picked up though the pacing was blazing. There were a few times where I thought "he can't possibly take this up another notch" and he did. This book goes to 11... and then some.
  
  Mind's Eye is a story with a lot of "hey that sounds really cool" ideas that are paved as both groundbreaking and terrifying. The way that Richards walks this tightrope is incredible. As a reader, I love being surprised and believe me when I tell you -- this book was full of them.
  
  For those who enjoy a little romantic side to a thriller, this has some of that too. The woman that he literally walks in on (in her office, nothing dirty) and his chemistry is well thought out, enjoyable, and even a nice relief to the right left combo this book provides.
  
  Douglas E. Richards is easily a new favorite author of mine and look for more reviews coming in the near future from Brian's Book Blog (after reading these last two, I bought 2 others back to back.)
  
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  Brian's Book Blog
• 
  Sean Randall

  This is the forth of Richards works I've read. it was November 2012 when I read Wired and Amped, then October last year with The Cure. Each of them was very enjoyable, but I think this is my favourite of his published works to date.
  
  Of course, the opening makes you think of Bourne. It's a comparison I've drawn for better or worse with lots of authors (see my thoughts on works by
  James Patterson,
  Jon Stock,
  Ken Follett,
  Marcus Sakey,
  Mat Nastos, and
  Thomas E. Sniegoski). This book transcends that, of course, and quickly takes itself off in its own direction.
  
  With good, flowing prose and an author as self-effacing and humble as they come, there's little to dislike about the style. He has his tropes, and the things that you grow to expect in his novels, but who doesn't? Look at
  Dave Duncan, a paragraph of his would be identifiable a mile away and he's probably my most-read author of all time. I'm solidly impressed, and would without hesitation pass a recommendation to any thriller fans. In the league of people like
  James Follett (but not British, which does show),
  Richard Bard,
  Greg Iles,
  Daniel Suarez and
  Chris Ryan, without a doubt.
• 
  Emil Girardin

  I have read every one of
  Douglas E. Richards' books, and I can say without a shadow of doubt that his uncanny ability to write such riveting and intellectual fiction (based closely enough in technological fact that the "suspension of disbelief" comes ever too easily) is truly impressive. Mind's Eye is an incredible novel about a fellow who awakens in a dumpster with no knowledge of who he is, or how he came to be there, and who soon discovers that although bad guys and good guys alike are trying to kill him, he is able to escape their clutches because of a form of true ESP which allows him to "read" his attackers before they have a chance to strike their final blows. As the novel progresses, we see a psychopath, a love interest, and the "men who stare at goats" emerge which makes for a surprisingly quick and effortless read until you find out the clever "twist" found in most books and movies worth their salt. Mr. Richards, you, sir, are a genius, and your writing prowess is immediately evident in the first two chapters of Mind's Eye (and every other published novel/kid's story you've written). I look forward to reading everything you're planning for the future and remaining in the elite group of lucky individuals who can say they've read all your published works! To the rest of you reading this, don't hesitate. Buy
  Mind's Eye now! You won't regret it.
• 
  Niles

  A man wakes in a dumpster with no memory of who he is or how he got there. If that's not bad enough, he soon discovers people are trying to kill him. So begins "Mind's Eye," a techno-thriller from Douglas Richards.
  
  Our hero soon learns he has other capabilities, like being able to read people's minds and being able to surf the web with his thoughts. Through his mind reading, he learns his name is Nick Hall. By being able to access his assassin's thoughts, Nick is able to counter their efforts and escape their clutches. He also learns he has been a guinea pig for cerebral implants which give him the web surfing capabilities. But reading minds seems to be a double edged sword. He has no way to turn the ability off and as long as he is near other people, he receives a constant chatter in his brain. Also, he learns the innermost thoughts of anyone he comes in contact with and discovers a lot of the population to be sick and demented.
  
  I won't get into much more of the plot as I don't want to give away any of the twists. The book is full of action and double crosses. It will keep you guessing as to what will happen next. The middle of the book slows down a bit as the pros and cons of mind reading and thought-driven internet access are debated. I think Nick and his friends make a good case for what is their final decision on his abilities. However, the government and certain sociopathic individuals have other plans.
  
  If you enjoy a fast paced adventure with a slant to cutting edge technology, the I think you will enjoy "Mind's Eye."
• 
  Gregory Lamb

  Great Story Concept
  
  This is the third Richards novel I've read and as expected, I enjoyed most of it. The story opens with main character, Nick Hall on the run from those who want him dead. Nick has no recollection of his past other than his name - reminding me of Jason in "Bourne Identity." Nick's unlikely relationship with Megan Emerson harkened back to the Ludlum novels as well. When Nick discovers he was the product of an ESP experiment he comes to realize why there are people that want him dead. The author does a good job with the narrative while exploring the implications of how Nick's brain implants enable telepathic communication, mind reading, and accessing the internet.
  
  A couple of things I didn't like - When discovering the villains are revealed as cliche' Muslim extremists, I start to lose interest. I was also a little surprised that this novel received so much high praise because the quality of writing wasn't very polished (too many sentences beginning with the word "And" - I even started counting them before giving up). In spite of the detractors, it was still a thought provoking story.
  
  Disclaimer - my review copy was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
  
• 
  Mercedes

  Yikes. This book had so much promise in the beginning. Besides a few stupid parts here and there, the book was off to a decent start and held my attention but then as the story continued it just spiraled out of control to become a terrible book. I feel like the author got lost towards the end and struggled with how to tie it up all while badly botching his characters and adding the worst, cheesiest dialogue ever. The concept of the ESP and implants were impressive and intriguing but the author could have done so much more to the carry the story through.
• 
  Indira Seshadri

  Waste of time,not an intelligent or insightful book, poor writing, artificial dialogue and characters, stupid and juvenile romance angles that are very unnecessary to the plot, silly jihadist ending, poor and superficial tech descriptins, remainds me of low budget action movies/video games, no more books from this author!
• 
  Mary

  This book was less than 400 pages, yet it felt like 800. The best book to put me to sleep within a half hour of reading. Thought I'd never finish. Sadly it could have been an interesting story, but Douglas E. Richards put in so many unnecessary words to say make a point. Before he reached what he was trying to say, I had no interest in it. Sorry. Won't be reading any more of his books.
• 
  Nico Kilmer

  Bore
  
  I pretty much skipped the last quarter of this book. I went on and on and on conjuring up the most convoluted and idiotic plot. What a bore
• 
  Patrick

  This was an exciting, well written book. It explores the topic of brain implants and AI and what can be done with that. It is not so far fetched from where we are now, but there are a lot of pitfalls which the book illustrates very well. Read at your own peril.
• 
  Nadim

  Lost interest in the characters couldn’t finish it
• 
  Mark Schumacher

  I liked the premise, but did not enjoy the reading. There really was no real struggle with the new abilities from the character, only that he was good at everything.... right away.
• 
  Nicole

  Perhaps one of the most ridiculous yet boring books I've ever read. The dialog was so unnatural, I felt like I was reading bad acting. Half the time I felt like I was trapped at a party talking to the most boring person on earth. The other half, I felt like I was listening to the ramblings of an insane person. And the ending reeked of Islamophobia to the point of my utter disgust for the author. The constant referencing of LOOOOOONG excerpts of science fiction pieces into conversational dialog was uncomfortable and unnatural. The constant "twists" were obvious and overdone by about 75%. I knew the identity of the "bad guy" within minutes of his introduction. I just wanted this book to end. I thought about putting it down at least 100 times, but I wanted to write this review, so I forced myself to finsish. I would NOT recommend this book to anyone ever.