From the first page of “Mind’s Eye,” author Douglas E. Richards draws you in to his tale of ESP, conspiracy, love, and a future that seems more probable every day.
When Nick Hall wakes up in a dumpster–bloodied, without a memory, and hearing voices in his head–he knows things are bad. But they’re about to get far worse. Because he’s being hunted by a team of relentless assassins. Soon Hall discovers that advanced electronics have been implanted in his brain, and he now has two astonishing abilities. He can surf the web using thoughts alone. And he can read minds. But who inserted the implants? And why? And why is someone so desperate to kill him?
As Hall races to find answers, he comes to learn that far more is at stake than just his life. Because his actions can either catapult civilization to new heights–or bring about its total collapse.
Much like the protagonist, Nick Hall, we are thrown into a world with little to no information about what is going on. Richards skillfully forces you to empathize with Hall as neither of you have any idea what is happening or why our main character is in such a predicament at the beginning. So what do you do? Like Hall, you keep on trucking forward as you slowly find out more about the main character and why he is special. It is a brilliant way to connect the audience to the story while illuminating that things are not what they seem and be prepared for one hell of a journey.
Richards also shows us a future that could likely be happening as we live and breathe. Hall literally has the internet surgically implanted into his brain and optical systems to create a mind controlled internet with extensive technological capabilities. Not only does Richards explain the theory behind this concept in a way that is both believable and interesting, but he reminds us of the danger that such abilities could have.
Whether it is because of the resulting ESP or implanted internet, everyone considers Hall to be dangerous as well as a threat to National Security. Not to mention the social implications including his desire to have some peace and quiet every now and then.
Overall, “Mind’s Eye” is a jaunty and fun ride that keeps you entertained through every page. Richards chilling and thought-provoking look into just how far science can and will go borders on prophetic.
