The Eye of Minds is the first book in the new Mortality Doctrine series written by James Dashner.
The story centers around a young boy named Michael. He’s an avid gamer in the highly realistic VirtNet — a three dimensional world in which many people spend their time escaping the pressures of everyday life.
Michael and his two friends, Bryson and Sarah, met in the online community and share a mutual interest in goofing off and breaking into places they’re prohibited from going. A hacker lifestyle doesn’t intimidate the gang, and they relish in the adventure and freedom of doing what they like in the virtual world, even if that means breaking a few rules along the way.
Around them, though, the VirtNet is gradually slipping further and further into danger, as one infamous hacker begins to rewrite the rule book for the online world. Endangering anyone who visits the virtual-reality.
Aware that hacking is a major threat to the safety of the people, government officials approach Michael about using his hacking skills to stop the intruder. He and his friends understand the importance of the mission and commit themselves to helping stop the danger lurking in the VirtNet.
The stakes are raised as the virtual world becomes more realistic than anyone ever intended.
‘The Eye of Minds’ review:
While reading, it’s easy to notice the ominous tone Dashner likes to weave into the threads of his books. Conspiracy never feels like a far stretch, and apart from Michael and his friends, it’s hard to pinpoint who exactly is on the side of good. Especially in the VirtNet itself.
The parallels between the VirtNet and our own online communities are quite fascinating to explore, and is probably one of the most interesting aspects of the book. It’s easy to relate to these characters because our own desires to escape “real life” are mirrored within the future world Dashner created.
It will be interesting to watch how certain elements in this book come to fruition in the sequels. However, as a stand alone book, The Eye of Minds leaves a little bit to be desired. Many of the most interesting elements come into play towards the end of the book and it feels like the story slips away just as the real action takes off. It’s a good strategy to get readers to check out the continuing books, but it doesn’t quite satisfy the reading experience within the confines of this novel alone.
On the positive side, though, readers who enjoyed The Maze Runner (Dashner’s debut book trilogy) will thoroughly enjoy this book. It shares a similar tone, as the former series and Dashner’s core audience should be just as thrilled by this new adventure trilogy!
Michael and his friends will have a lot to overcome as the books unfold and readers who enjoy a thrilling mystery will be sure to love the ride.