49 pages • 1 hour read
Gordon KormanA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Jax is the 12-year-old protagonist and viewpoint character of the novel. He is an ordinary tween who lives in New York City, but unusual color-changing eyes mark his appearance. High stress triggers them to turn dark blue while hypnotic visions turn them purple. He learns that the color-changing eyes run in his father’s family, and he later discovers that his hypnotic abilities are tied to his eyes and family history. Midway through the novel, Jax learns that his mother comes from a line of notable hypnotists as well, the Sparks family, whose tree includes Frances Mesmer, the most famous hypnotist in history. Being the confluence between two notable hypnotist bloodlines causes Jax to have unusually strong powers.
Throughout the novel, Jax's relationships with others drive his character arc. His friendship with Tommy is a source of comfort and normalcy, but ultimately, Jax must prioritize Tommy's safety over their bond. His relationships with Mako and Braintree represent opposing forces: Mako embodies the dangers of unchecked power and manipulation, while Braintree offers guidance and support, recognizing that hypnotic powers come with great temptation and hypnotists must use them sparingly. Jax is close with his parents but sees how his hypnotic powers put them in danger and erode the trust between them.
By Gordon Korman
Born to Rock
Born to Rock
Gordon Korman
Chasing the Falconers
Chasing the Falconers
Gordon Korman
Framed
Framed
Gordon Korman
Jake, Reinvented
Jake, Reinvented
Gordon Korman
Level 13
Level 13
Gordon Korman
Linked
Linked
Gordon Korman
Masterminds
Masterminds
Gordon Korman
No More Dead Dogs
No More Dead Dogs
Gordon Korman
Restart
Restart
Gordon Korman
Schooled
Schooled
Gordon Korman
Shipwreck
Shipwreck
Gordon Korman
Slacker
Slacker
Gordon Korman
Son of the Mob
Son of the Mob
Gordon Korman
Supergifted
Supergifted
Gordon Korman
Swindle
Swindle
Gordon Korman
The Fort
The Fort
Gordon Korman
The Juvie Three
The Juvie Three
Gordon Korman
The Toilet Paper Tigers
The Toilet Paper Tigers
Gordon Korman
The Unteachables
The Unteachables
Gordon Korman
Ungifted
Ungifted
Gordon Korman