Jackson Opus has always felt a little strange—his eyes change colors, and people feel oddly compelled to do what he asks them to do. His friend Tommy notices this, but because of his color blindness, is immune to Jax’s effect. Jax manages to come to the attention of Dr. Elias Mako, who runs Sentia, a companying where children with hypnotic powers are being trained. Jax seems to have stronger powers than many, which irritates former golden boy, Wilson, who undermines Jax at every opportunity. Jax isn’t exactly sure what Sentia does, but he works with the company because his parents, both of whom are from stong family lines of hypnotists, think it is best. Axel Braintree,the founder of a support group for hypnotists, the Sandmen, is a bit alarmed by Mako and asks Jax to think about what Mako is really trying to accomplish. After Mako blackmails Jax into making a hypnotic video in support of a presidential candidate, Jax knows he is evil. Every time someone is hypnotized by his remote suggestion, Jax feels the effects, and is woozy with them. With the help of Tommy and Braintree, he manages to thwart Mako, but this forces the entire family in to hiding. This is the first book in a trilogy, and I can’t wait to find out what happens in book two.
Strengths: Jax is a truly likeable character, and his friendship with Tommy is brilliantly portrayed. I almost cried at the last chapter! The parents are fun, Mako is evil, and Braintree is an unlikely savior. Even New York City takes a fun turn as the vivid setting. Lots of action and adventure, and I believed the hypnotism without question. The history of the families was fun, too.
Weaknesses: I guess it makes sense that no one question Mako’s intentions very much, since he can control people, but it seemed a bit odd that everyone just went along with it. A little more explanation of what he purported to be doing would have helped me.