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45 pages 1 hour read

Masterminds

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Gordon Korman

Masterminds

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Serenity, New Mexico • Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

730L

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Super Short Summary

Masterminds by Gordon Korman centers on Eli Frieden and his four classmates who uncover the dark secret behind their idyllic town of Serenity, New Mexico. After Eli falls mysteriously ill at the town's border and his friend Randy is abruptly sent away, the group discovers they're clones of criminal masterminds, part of an experiment to study criminal behavior. They ultimately devise an escape plan to expose the truth.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Adventurous

Exciting

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

4.5

14,617 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Gordon Korman's Masterminds offers an enthralling narrative filled with suspense and unexpected twists. Critics praise its fast-paced plot and relatable characters, making it a hit with young readers. However, some note that the storyline occasionally stretches believability. Overall, it’s a compelling read with minor flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Masterminds?

Readers who would enjoy Gordon Korman's Masterminds are typically ages 10-14 and drawn to thrilling, fast-paced adventure stories with elements of mystery and surprise. Fans of Lois Lowry's The Giver and James Dashner's The Maze Runner series will likely find this book captivating, given its focus on dystopian themes and unexpected twists.

4.5

14,617 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Eli Frieden

A friendly and cooperative 12-year-old boy who is the son of Serenity’s school principal and mayor. He discovers the town's fabricated internet and has a strong curiosity about his true identity.

Slightly older and physically larger than his classmates, Malik has a rebellious attitude and is known for his belligerent demeanor. He is a key player on the water polo team and forms an emotional connection with his fellow clones.

Tori, who is 12 and slightly younger than her classmates, aspires to be an artist and maintains a strong bond with her parents. She's a good planner with artistic ability and physical agility.

Small for his age and optimistic, Hector endures mockery but retains his cheerful outlook. He becomes useful to the group due to his size and quick thinking.

Amber is content with her life in Serenity and is the town’s only ballet student. She is Tori’s friend and is initially skeptical about the clones' secret but becomes enraged when she learns the truth.

Eli’s best friend, a prankster who is sent away to a private school in Colorado. He is loyal and first notices something special about the children in town, warning Eli of impending issues.

Eli's father, the principal and mayor, who has a dual identity as a scientific researcher. He runs a secret experiment involving cloning and creates the virtual lab of Serenity.

The new water polo coach in Serenity, and an outsider who married a Surety officer. She is kind to Eli but remains detached from the children’s realities.

A tech billionaire who initially funded the clone research. She is mentioned as having withdrawn her support due to ethical concerns.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Serenity, New Mexico • Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

730L

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