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352
Novel • Fiction
Serenity, New Mexico • Contemporary
2015
Middle grade
8-12 years
730L
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
14,617 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
14,617 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Malik Bruder
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 Pritel
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.
Hector Amani
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 Laska
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.
Randy Hardaway
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.
Felix Frieden (Dr. Hammerstrom)
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.
Mrs. Delaney
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.
Tamara Dunleavy
A tech billionaire who initially funded the clone research. She is mentioned as having withdrawn her support due to ethical concerns.
352
Novel • Fiction
Serenity, New Mexico • Contemporary
2015
Middle grade
8-12 years
730L
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