THE HYPNOTISTS, by Gordon Korman

The story: Jackson Opus is seeing things, but it's worse than that: every time he does, the "vision" he sees comes true, and the person he directs to do something does it--from bus drivers to performing magicians. Jax doesn't know what's going on until he's approached by Dr. Mako of the Sentia institute, who helps him recognize his hypnotic abilities and teaches him how to use them. But there's something Jax doesn't know: he's being trained to take over the world. And not for the good guys.

June Cleaver's rating: Language PG; Nudity G; Sexual content G; Violence, PG; substance abuse G; GLBT content G; magic & the occult PG; adult themes PG (people being hypnotized to commit suicide/murder); overall rating PG.

Liz's comments: definitely a change from the trademark Gordon Korman 5-8 book, which frequently features a smart-mouth kid getting into trouble for one reason or another--this reads more like a thriller, and so is something of a surprise when the only was sassing that goes on is between Jax and his friend Tommy. In fact, Jax's hypnotic abilities are pretty much a super power, although somewhat more believable than a kid finding out he can fly, or that he's a demi-god. I liked it just fine, but probably won't follow the series in the future...there are just too many books to read in this world!