In Julia McColgan's A Perfect Mind, the thrilling sequel to The Perfect World series, Ollie and Courtney take a desperate gamble. Captured by their creators at the sinister Merit Institute, they infiltrate the enemy's stronghold, aiming for ultimate retribution. This daring plan leaves their friends, Leslie and the others, reeling and heartbroken. Facing the agonizing reality of their absence, Leslie and the remaining group launch a frantic search, piecing together clues to reach Ollie and Courtney before it's too late. A race against time ensues, filled with danger and uncertainty, as they struggle to save their friends and finally break free from Merit's clutches. Will their sacrifice be in vain, or can they achieve their perfect revenge?
Review A Perfect Mind
Oh my goodness, A Perfect Mind completely wrecked me! In the best way possible, of course. Julia McColgan is a master of emotional manipulation, and this book is Exhibit A. I went in expecting a thrilling continuation of Ollie and Courtney’s story, and I got that… and so much more. The sheer audacity of their plan – allowing themselves to be captured – had me gripping my kindle (or e-reader, depending on the day) with white knuckles. Their determination to fight back against the Merit Institute, against their creators, was both heartbreaking and incredibly inspiring. It solidified for me just how deeply flawed and yet fiercely loyal these characters are.
What really surprised me, though, was how much this book focused on Leslie and Miranda. While Ollie and Courtney’s storyline remains central, seeing the story unfold from their perspectives added layers of depth and urgency I didn’t anticipate. Their desperate search for Ollie and Courtney injected a frantic energy into the narrative, constantly reminding us of the stakes. And honestly, Leslie’s wit and determination had me both giggling and sweating along with her. The supporting characters, too, really shine here. The ones I disliked in the previous books? Well, I still dislike them, but now with a deeper understanding of their motivations (and a burning desire to see them get their comeuppance).
McColgan’s writing is simply exquisite. She builds suspense with a precision that leaves you breathless, constantly twisting the knife with unexpected turns and revelations. I found myself completely unable to predict where the story was going next, which is a testament to her skill. The emotional rollercoaster was intense – one moment I’m chuckling at Miranda’s dry humor, the next I’m sobbing over Ollie and Courtney's plight, and then bam! A shocking twist that leaves me reeling. I mean, that ending? Don’t even get me started. It’s the kind of cliffhanger that leaves you simultaneously devastated and desperate for the next book.
The found family dynamic remains one of the strongest aspects of the series. The bond between these characters, their unwavering loyalty and love for each other, is what makes the story so compelling. They’ve been through so much, and yet their resilience shines through. Their emotional journeys are raw and authentic, and you can’t help but feel invested in each and every one of them. You truly feel like a friend along for this wild, heart-wrenching journey.
If you haven’t started this series yet, do yourself a favor and dive in. Just be warned: this isn't a light, breezy read. It's dark, it's intense, and it’s emotionally demanding. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. The characters, the world-building, the plot twists – everything about A Perfect Mind is exceptional. And if the previous books left you breathless, get ready, because this one takes it to a whole new level. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go reread the ending and mentally prepare myself for whatever Julia McColgan throws at me next.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.08 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 479
- Publication date: 2024
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