Y’all… Minds by Rob Delplanque grabbed me by the brain and didn’t let go. 🤯
Will Rivers is a hot mess—haunted, lonely, and just trying to survive. When he signs up for a clinical drug trial for some quick cash, I thought, “Oh boy, what could possibly go wrong?” Answer: EVERYTHING. Suddenly, he’s hearing people’s thoughts—raw, unfiltered, like tuning into the world’s messiest podcast with zero off switch.
The writing had me feeling everything. I could practically hear the buzzing of other people’s secrets in my own head, feel Will’s panic tighten in my chest, and—real talk—imagine the smell of stale coffee in that therapist’s office like I was sitting on the couch next to him. This book is smart, heartbreaking, and funny in those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it ways that make you snort mid-read.
Minds is a psychological drama that dances on that razor’s edge between gift and curse, hope and destruction. It’s about connection, loss, and the messy, beautiful business of being human. And honestly? I loved every chaotic, thought-swirling minute.
I truly enjoyed this book. Initially I was concerned that the whole mind reading thing would be too unbelievable to get past to be able to enjoy the story. However, Rob proved me wrong. This was well written and I found myself buying into the idea of what if? The main character, Will, was likable and I found myself being able to relate to his insecurities and his heart to help people. His growth and self discovery paced nicely with Jonah's own growth and evolution. I don't know that I would consider this a true psychological thriller but at the same time I struggle with what genre to label this book. It was a quick read for me and I found myself wanting more at the end. Great book! Ready to read more from this author!
I went into Minds expecting a psychological thriller, but what I found was something far deeper and far more unsettling in the best possible way. Rob Delplanque didn’t just write a story about mind reading. He wrote about loneliness, emotional damage, desperation, and the terrifying weight of truly understanding other people.
Will Rivers felt painfully real to me from the very beginning. He is flawed, anxious, emotionally exhausted, and trying so hard to outrun his past that you can feel his tension in almost every chapter. When the clinical trial changes him, the novel becomes more than suspense. It turns into an exploration of what happens when someone who is already emotionally fragile suddenly loses the ability to escape the thoughts and pain of others.
What impressed me most was how raw the emotional writing felt. So many psychological thrillers focus only on twists, but Minds gives equal attention to the emotional consequences of the supernatural element. The scenes where Will struggles to separate his own thoughts from everyone else's genuinely made me uncomfortable in a way that felt intentional and powerful. There were moments where I had to stop reading for a minute just to process what he was going through.
The relationship between Will and Jonah was another standout for me. Their conversations carried so much emotional weight and vulnerability that they grounded the entire novel. Jonah is not written like a perfect savior figure. He has his own scars and emotional complexity, which made every interaction between them feel authentic rather than forced.
Rob Delplanque also deserves credit for his writing style. The prose is sharp, immersive, and emotionally intelligent without becoming overly complicated. The pacing was excellent because the quieter reflective moments balanced perfectly with the darker psychological tension. I kept thinking about the themes long after finishing the final page, especially the question the book keeps asking: would we really want to know what people truly think?
This is not just a thriller. It is a deeply human story disguised as one. If you enjoy books that combine emotional depth, psychological intensity, and thought provoking themes, Minds absolutely deserves your attention. One of the most memorable reads I’ve had this year.
Minds centers on Will Rivers, a man barely holding himself together who suddenly gains the ability to read minds. What sounds like a gift quickly becomes a burden as he’s flooded with the raw, private thoughts of everyone around him. As he struggles to cope, his connection with Jonah brings moments of honesty and healing. Minds is powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking, reminding us that sometimes not knowing everything is what protects the heart.
This is a raw and gripping story that hooked me right away. The idea of suddenly being able to hear other people’s thoughts is fascinating, but what really stood out was how personal and emotional the story felt. Will’s struggles with connection, trauma, and identity made the book hit deeper than I expected. It’s thought-provoking, intense, and lingers with you after reading.
Minds is such an intriguing concept. The idea of reading people’s raw, unfiltered thoughts is powerful but also terrifying. I really like how the story focuses on the emotional and psychological impact, not just the ability itself. Will’s struggle feels real, and the connection with Jonah adds depth. It sounds like a gripping and thought-provoking read.
Minds instantly caught my attention. The thought of hearing everyone’s unfiltered thoughts is both fascinating and disturbing. I love that it explores the emotional toll behind such a power, especially through Will’s struggles. It feels intense, personal, and deeply human like a story that lingers after the last page.
Minds sound deeply compelling. The concept of mind-reading is intriguing, but what really stands out is the emotional depth behind Will’s journey. It feels like more than a psychological drama it’s a story about vulnerability, healing, and the cost of truly knowing others. Definitely a powerful and thought-provoking read.
Minds sounds like a powerful psychological ride. The concept of hearing people’s true thoughts is gripping, but what makes it stand out is the emotional weight behind it. Will’s inner battle and the connection with Jonah make it feel real and layered. It seems like a story that’s both intense and deeply human.*
Minds immediately feels different. The ability to read minds is compelling, but the real hook is the emotional cost that comes with it. Will’s vulnerability and the psychological tension make the story feel raw and authentic. It sounds like a deeply reflective read that explores connection in a powerful way.
Minds tells the story of Will Rivers, a man haunted by his past who suddenly can hear the thoughts of others. The experience is overwhelming and forces him to face the messy truths of human nature.
With Jonah’s guidance, Will learns that real connection takes courage and compassion. Minds is gripping, emotional, and unforgettable.
Minds follows Will Rivers, a man searching for change who unexpectedly gains the ability to read minds. The unfiltered thoughts of those around him challenge everything he knows about trust, connection, and himself.
With Jonah’s help, he discovers that understanding others is only part of life true connection comes from courage and heart. Minds is raw, gripping, and deeply moving.
Minds is the story of Will Rivers, a man haunted by his past who suddenly can hear the thoughts of others. The experience is overwhelming and forces him to confront his fears, loneliness, and what it truly means to connect.
With Jonah’s support, he learns that understanding others is only meaningful when paired with courage and compassion. Minds is gripping, emotional, and unforgettable.
Minds follows Will Rivers, a man struggling with his past who suddenly gains the power to read minds. The unfiltered thoughts of others push him to confront his fears, loneliness, and the complexity of human connection. With Jonah’s support, he learns that understanding isn’t enough real connection requires courage and heart. Minds is gripping, emotional, and unforgettable.
Minds is about Will Rivers, a man haunted by his past who suddenly can hear the thoughts of others. The experience is intense and overwhelming, forcing him to face the messy realities of people and his own fears. Through his connection with Jonah, Will discovers that true understanding and real connection take courage. Minds is raw, emotional, and unforgettable.
Minds feels intense in the best way. The idea of reading minds is fascinating, but what really draws me in is the emotional struggle behind it. Will’s journey sounds raw and honest, and the psychological depth makes it more than just a supernatural story. It feels meaningful and thought-provoking.
I don't usually write reviews unless a book really is remarkable. I finished reading MINDS and the writing was smooth and easy. The author has the unique ability to keep you captivated enough to want to see what happens to the characters. I absolutely loved the idea of a medical test trial gone wrong. I loved the idea that the character could read minds. I was anxious to see what he would use that superpower for. Rob writes with true passion and I am looking forward to reading more books from this talented author, Rob Delplanque.