This mysterious,
speculative novel focuses on Julian, a young man who attends a school where a figure
called Teacher coaches students on how to read untrained people’s behavior and
to influence them using mind tricks and a control over body language and
personae. These gifted and highly disciplined students can then utilize their
skills to control others. Teacher approaches Julian when one of the world’s most
famous scientists comes out of a four-year hiding, and he tells him that
throughout his life he has been trained specifically for the purpose of
destroying this scientist, Michael Graven. Michael suffered a burn on his face
from a fire as a child and wears a mask to hide the horrendous scars, but when
Julian meets Michael, he realizes that he is hiding much more than his face.
Set in a future where
evolutionary biology, cancer research, and organ transplants have advanced
quite far ahead of their present standing, Users
of the Mind intertwines cutting-edge science with strongly passionate
characters, resulting in a captivating and unique experience. The narrative is
intense yet simple, bringing to mind the voice of a sensei or other martial
arts instructor. This voice can occasionally come off as a bit cryptic, which
results in a portrayal of an often archetypal Teacher, whose lessons and
mantras can sometimes be cliché. Michael and Julian assume some cliché characteristics
as well, Michael resembling Two-Face from Batman or similar psychopathic/genius
characters from comics, and Julian possessing a charming naivety that
automatically stages him as the novel’s hero. The setting of the novel—a school
with “chosen” students, an enormous mansion where the scientist resides, and a
mysterious island where the scientist performs experiments—is also
stereotypical. On only one instance did a plot hole make itself evident:
sword-fighting a few weeks after a major heart surgery. However, the time frame
of the story is vague, leaving readers to allow this incident to pass without
too much skepticism.
While the three
archetypal characters create a straight-forward plot arc that leaves the reader
to feel as though they know what is coming next—and not surprised when what
they think will happen does—there are numerous aspects of the book that make it
a worthwhile read. In fact, the scientific and mental ingredients mixed
together in this novel make it a must-read for mystery, psychological, and
medical thriller fans. Kois’s grasp of language is quite magnificent, with
beautiful descriptions that capture the setting perfectly. Her skillful and
patient writing perfectly evokes the message she set out to convey.
Thematically,
there are plenty of shining gems in this book, like, “I have isolated my anger.
It is nothing but an emotion. A pointless physiological reaction to an external
event. It will be of no use for me to let it influence me. It will not help me
to achieve my goals.” This example of the control the characters are able to
assert over themselves is just one of the great techniques that allows for passion—which
leads to immense obsession—to develop in these characters, leaking into the
reader’s mind and making for a heart-pounding read.
Though on the surface
some people may regard the obvious archetypes as an unavoidable downfall, this
unfortunate distraction is balanced by the equally weighty revelation of
thought-provoking topics, conveyed through Kois’s excellent utilization of her
literary skills. Exploring the strength of genetic ties, the power of love and
secrecy, the destructiveness of single-minded ambition and obsession, and even the significance of death, Users of the Mind is a magnificent work
of science fiction that mirrors great superhero comics and medical thrillers.
