Book Reviews and More: The Hypnotists - Gordon Korman

The Hypnotists

The Hypnotists Book 1

Scholastic Canada

ISBN 9780545503259

eISBN 9780545503273

ASIN B00B9FX3O0

The Hypnotists - Gordon Korman - The Hypnotists Book 1

This book was originally published in 2013. According to Goodreads there are 23 editions of the first volume in this series, including editions in English, French, German and Russian editions listed. My introduction to Korman’s works was the 39 Clues back in 2009. Since then I have read 67 of his books including this volume, a few of them more than once. I set the goal of reading all his books about 2020. I am now over half way thorough his canon, and have completed all the stand alone books and am now just working my way through the remaining series. Not counting omnibus editions I believe that as of the summer of 2025 Korman has published 109 books. With each that I read I am entertained and often challenged, and I am always entertained. My son, who is 17 often, reads these books to me or with me, and he still loves them.

The description of this volume states:

“Is it a gift . . . or is it a curse? Jax Opus can use his color-changing eyes to make people do things they don't want to do. (Only his color-blind best friend, Tommy, seems immune.) At first, Jax doesn't know what he's doing -- temporarily hypnotizing friends, foes, and strangers. But then his power pushes things way too far, and his secret isn't a secret any longer. Soon Jax finds himself meeting Dr. Elias Mako, who wants him to join a special institution that will teach him how to use his powers. But what will his powers be used for? That's the big question for Jax as his hypnotic abilities draw him into a conspiracy that will have him racing against time and a mysterious mastermind to save his best friend, his parents, and the entire United States.From #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Gordon Korman comes a fast, fun, and fantastic adventure about a kid who can make other people do what he wants -- and who's wanted big-time because of it.”

Another is:

“An all-new, mesmerizing adventure from the masterful Gordon Korman! Jackson Opus has always been persuasive, but he doesn't know that he's descended from the two most powerful hypnotist bloodlines on the planet. He's excited to be accepted into a special program at the Sentia Institute -- but when he realizes he's in over his head, Jackson will have to find a way to use his powers to save his friends, his parents, and his government.”

About the author at the back of this volume we are informed:

“GORDON KORMAN is the #1 bestselling author of three books in The 39 Clues series as well as five books in his Swindle series: Swindle, Zoobreak, Framed, Showoff, and Hideout. His other books include This Can’t Be Happening at Macdonald Hall! (published when he was fourteen); The Toilet Paper Tigers; Radio Fifth Grade; the trilogies Island, Everest, Dive, Kidnapped, and Titanic; and the series On the Run. He lives in New York with his family and can be found on the web at his website.”

I was always hesitant to give this series a try. But it is the second last series for me to start from those still in print. I have to admit I was greatly surprised by this story. I made the mistake of judging a book by its cover, and I feel this is a pretty cheesy cover. From what I have read this story is about the middle of the road for intensity among Korman’s books, but there are some pretty dark events or attempted events in this work.

Jax Opus has a strong pedigree, one he is completely unaware of until some surprising events take place and bring him to the attention of meeting Dr. Elias Mako and his institute. But all is not as it appears at the Sentia Institute and the contrast with the Sandman’s Guild is night and day. Jax soon realized he has chokies to make, and with threats and coercion he is making choices that will have worldwide impact. Can he turn it around? Can he protect those he cares about? What sacrifices will he have to make. To find out you will need to read this excellent story.

Wonderfully written characters, great pace, and the beginning of what looks like it will be an excellent series. This story is another great read from Korman’s masterful pen.

Books by Gordon Korman:

MacDonald Hall Series:

This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall (1978)

Go Jump in the Pool (1979)

Beware the Fish! (1980)

The Wizzle War (1982)

(formerly The War With Mr. Wizzle)

The Zucchini Warriors (1988)

Light’s Camera, Disaster (1991)

(aka Macdonald Hall Goes Hollywood)

The Jokes on Us (1995)

(formerly Something Fishy at Macdonald Hall)