The Hypnotists

December 2, 2013
Twelve-year-old Jackson is accepted into a program at the Sentia Institute after an encounter with a stage hypnotistâand because he's actually the descendent of powerful hypnotists. At the institute, Jackson begins honing his skills, but soon realizes that hypnotism will be the key to his survival. Korman's novel is simply yet vividly narrated by Ramon de Ocampo in a subtle performance that allows the author's material to shine. de Ocampo's subtle shifts in tone give the characters original and unique voices. As Jackson, de Ocampo is an easygoing yet determined young man with an incredible gift, and when it comes time to use that gift, de Ocampo's delivery is pitch-perfect. Ages 8â12. A Scholastic hardcover.

Starred review from December 1, 2013

Gr 5-8-In this funny, fast-paced tale of supernatural suspense, Jackson "Jax" Opus never thought too much about his color-changing eyes until strange things began happening to people who looked into them. After a series of wacky mishaps, Jax discovers that he's descended from the two strongest hypnotic bloodlines and that the powerful gift he has inherited could put all those he cares about in danger. Before he discovered his gift, Jax was just a normal teenager dealing with problems related to friends, school, and girls, but his ability draws the attention of many people, including Dr. Elias Mako, the head of an institute that promises to help the boy learn to control his powers-for a dangerous price. Korman has created a very believable hero. Any reader who has ever felt different will identify with Jax's struggle to be "normal" while still doing the right thing. Ramon D'Ocampo's well-modulated, youthful voice is a perfect fit for Korman's story (Scholastic, 2013). He easily keeps up vocally with the nonstop action, but never goes too rapidly, and his decision not to do a fully voiced narration was absolutely correct. Listeners will eagerly anticipate the next installment in Jax's adventures.-Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Librry, MI

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 17, 2013
The fast-paced first volume in Korman’s Hypnotists series introduces some historical conspiracies worthy of Dan Brown. In Korman’s world, famous events from the Hindenberg disaster to the Lewis and Clark expedition were influenced by hypnotists, people with a genetic gift that allows them to control others’ minds. Twelve-year-old Jackson “Jax” Opus is starting to notice that people sometimes do what he says without thinking about it, and that he has strange visions when this happens. After a run-in with a stage hypnotist, he is recruited to the Sentia Institute, run by Dr. Elias Mako, friend to politicians and movie stars alike. Jax starts training his natural skills, but an encounter with another hypnotist, former con artist Axel Braintree, persuades him that there’s more to both his own family history and to Sentia. Korman (the Swindle series) delivers an entertaining mix of intense action and goofy fun; he isn’t afraid to raise the stakes when necessary, and he makes the moral murkiness of mind control apparent to characters and readers alike. The ending wraps up some loose ends, but leaves plenty for future books. Ages 8–12.