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David R. Bernstein
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Influence: Book One in the Influence Series Kindle Edition

by David R. Bernstein (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 373 ratings
If you could manipulate the reality of others, would you?

Kaylin has been on the run for nearly half of her life, hiding her untapped abilities from the relentless forces that hunt her. When rescuing a mysterious stranger risks exposing the depths of Kaylin's power, she quickly learns that this harsh, new world will no longer allow her to remain hidden.

Surviving has never been easy, but resisting is deadly.

In a future where greed and corruption have torn society apart, ruthless sector groups manipulate and oppress the masses by abusing gifted youths, known as Influencers. With the ability to shift the mindset of others and bend the populace to the will of their masters, these teens are high-value targets to be acquired and controlled at any cost. Now, war is being waged by the sector groups to expand their reach and consolidate power. Though only wanting to create a new life for herself, Kaylin may be the only one who can stop them from enslaving the rest of humanity.

But will fighting back cost Kaylin everything?

The complete 5 book Influence series is now available!

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  1. Reading age
    12 - 18 years
  2. Book 1 of 5
    Influence Series
  3. Print length
    290 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    August 16, 2016
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 5 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Can I just say how wonderful and refreshing it is to read, not only a unique book with fantastic, diverse characters, but one with a strong female lead!!!
- Author S.L. Morgan ★★★★★
The premise is really cool. David had a unique idea that he was able to spin into a very enjoyable story with a few twists and turns you may not expect.
- Author Jenetta Penner - jenettapenner.com ★★★★★
The power to "push" helped me love this book! The story concepts and world-building were awesome.
- Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
Exciting! Captivating! Couldn't put it down! The characters were extremely well developed and the story just flowed.
- Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

From the Author

Influence is an exciting young adult, science fiction, dystopian novel from David R. Bernstein. The story has post-apocalyptic elements, as well as youth who can alter the collective consciousness of groups. It is a very fast-paced and exciting read with some light romance.

This book was a passion of mine for the past few years. After lot of research and polishing, it is ready for everyone to enjoy.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01JQZ8YWU
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Torment Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 16, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 290 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Influence Series
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 373 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
David R. Bernstein

David R. Bernstein

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David R. Bernstein is a Torment Publishing author who writes sci-fi and fantasy young adult fiction. After several years in the Pacific Northwest, he recently returned to his native Southern California to focus on writing.

David has three wonderful children and has been happily married to his beautiful wife for over 14 years. When he's not writing or researching his next story, you'll most likely find him wrestling with their kids around the house, working out at the gym, or hooping it up on the local basketball courts.

Follow David's work on the Influence series! Visit www.davidrbernstein.com for exclusive content and updates.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
373 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a believable, fast-paced action story with engaging characters that feel full of life. Moreover, the writing is well described, and customers appreciate the creativity, with one review highlighting the satisfyingly detailed world-building. Additionally, they enjoy the plot twists, particularly the one at the end.

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20 customers mention "Action story"18 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the action-packed story of this YA dystopian novel, with one customer highlighting its impressive world-building and plot twists.

"...world descriptions, the setting of the hubs and it's power, the action scenes, very well described...." Read more

"...(Miya, Caiden, Jax) ... these are just some of the things on why I liked the story and why I'll be continuing with the series so I can learn more..." Read more

"...society, character development, action, adventure, friendship, romance, and cool "push" abilities! As a dystopian lover, I enjoyed every page...." Read more

"...at the end and appreciated that this book contained both a full and satisfying ending while making the reader want to read more and find out what..." Read more

20 customers mention "Readability"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and believable, with one customer noting it was never dull.

"...The characters are full of life and very believable...." Read more

"Even though this is a short quick read, this book has it all: an interesting dystopian society, character development, action, adventure, friendship..." Read more

"Very action-packed and quite a different kind of YA storyline. It was great...." Read more

"This book was such an exciting read. Very well written. It leaves you with questions and a desire to know more...." Read more

12 customers mention "Character development"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the characters are full of life.

"...The characters are full of life and very believable...." Read more

"...setting, the abilities that some of the characters have, the variety of characters (Miya, Caiden, Jax) ... these are just some of the things on why..." Read more

"...read, this book has it all: an interesting dystopian society, character development, action, adventure, friendship, romance, and cool "push"..." Read more

"...unexplained, but the book moved at a nice fast pace and kept me interested in the characters, their world, and their ultimate goal the entire time...." Read more

10 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as a fast-paced read.

"...seemed a bit convenient and somewhat unexplained, but the book moved at a nice fast pace and kept me interested in the characters, their world, and..." Read more

"...novel by David R. Bernstein is well written, well edited an moves at a fast pace to keep you completely submerged in this world he created...." Read more

"...for control over what’s left of the world, and you’ve got a fast paced story you can’t put down...." Read more

"...Its a lottke flat story wise not as fully developed but still worth it." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it wonderfully and very well described, with one customer noting its fast-paced style and another highlighting its satisfyingly detailed world building.

"...What I found amazing about this novel is that it's written in 1st POV from the character perspective of Kaylin, by the author Mr. Bernstein, and it..." Read more

"...is different is with its well-developed characters and satisfyingly detailed world building...." Read more

"...The dystopian setting was realistic and well described. I like the relationship between the main character, Kaylin, and her best friend Amanda...." Read more

"...I really like the fast-paced writing style. You don’t have to sift through tons of backstory or details to get into the meat of the story...." Read more

7 customers mention "Creativity"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the creativity of the book, with individual reviews highlighting its interesting concept, well-developed mind stuff, and unique approach.

"I'm sorry, I found the book to be about average. Good ideas, definately, but presented in less than riveting style...." Read more

"...Lots of action and the mind stuff is really well done. I would recommend it to anyone who likes sci-fi and young adult books...." Read more

"...I loved the characters, who were well developed and relatable...." Read more

"...It is a solid (not the best, not the worst, but good/ solid) work in its genre...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Shaun Green
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very visual, great read
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    The cover first attracted me to this novel, so I went for a pre-order and it was certainly worth waiting for.
    The book is so visual, the world descriptions, the setting of the hubs and it's power, the action scenes, very well described.
    The characters are full of life and very believable. What I found amazing about this novel is that it's written in 1st POV from the character perspective of Kaylin, by the author Mr. Bernstein, and it's totally absorbing.
    I highly recommend this book for readers of YAadventures, and happy to hear this is the beginning of a series. I'll look out for more.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unique setting, special abilities, the variety of characters ... All must haves for an AWESOME debut novel!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I'm a huge dystopian fan! Who doesn't like "The Hunger Games" or "Divergent"? Am I comparing "Influence" to those? Of course not. And why? Because "Influence" isn't like either of those books. The only two similar themes: a 17-yo girl and set in the future with a different government structure, but isn't that the basis for all dystopian? It sure is!

    But here's why I liked "Influence" by debut author, David Bernstein. First we meet Kaylin and her BFF, Amanda, on the run. From what? The Magnus Order and the Vernon Society hunting her because she has a unique "push" ability. We first see Kay's ability in a flashback scene on how she and Amanda meet at the orphanage. When Kay uses her push ability to get all the kids to gang up on the two bullies threatening Amanda's life, they make a run away from the shelter.

    On the road is where they meet Farren Knox-mystery boy who betrays them ... or does he? He brings them into the fold, but also helps conceal her when she breaks loose from her captors. A sweet romance buds between them, but they do have more important things to deal with --- like staying alive in the war zone woods when she joins the band of Resistance fighters who takes the battle to the Magnus Order doors.

    The unique setting, the abilities that some of the characters have, the variety of characters (Miya, Caiden, Jax) ... these are just some of the things on why I liked the story and why I'll be continuing with the series so I can learn more about Kaylin, Farren, and the baddies!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • G.
    3.0 out of 5 stars What to say...?
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I'm sorry, I found the book to be about average. Good ideas, definately, but presented in less than riveting style. I had difficulty staying interested, although I can't quite put my finger on why. I appreciate the minimal swearing and the lack of gratuitous sex. Actually, I guess the book felt rather "choppy". Ideas that could have been strung together were instead made into two or even three short sentances. I'm going to read the next book in the series with the hope that how the story is put together will improve.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Sheyla
    5.0 out of 5 stars Captivated from chapter 1!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Even though this is a short quick read, this book has it all: an interesting dystopian society, character development, action, adventure, friendship, romance, and cool "push" abilities! As a dystopian lover, I enjoyed every page. The book was never dull, it goes straight to the point, and the characters are great which makes the story even more enjoyable. The main character, Kaitlyn, makes a good job at describing to the reader what is going on in the story and how her push ability works. I totally recommend it to those looking for an exciting YA dystopian novel!

    I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Rachel Barnard
    4.0 out of 5 stars Dystopian YA
    Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    In this dystopian American society, Kaylin stands out, even amongst others with similar powers. Her ability, to influence others, is highly sought after by warring factions. She’s been on the run with her best friend for years, but will her powers of empathy change all that?

    Where only teenagers have the ability to “push” others’ consciousness to do something or feel something, this society is set up much like other young adult dystopian novels. There’s the female main character who doesn’t know the reaches of her own power. There are the factions that want to use her for their own evil plans. Where Influence is different is with its well-developed characters and satisfyingly detailed world building.

    I knew exactly how a “Push” worked and was shown many possibilities for how and why one would be used. I knew Kaylin and her best friend Amanda almost as well as they knew each other and loved how empathetic Kaylin was!

    Where the story lost me a bit was with the plot details and the romantic element. The sweet romance between kaylin and Farren was stereotypical for a dystopian teen read, but I enjoyed that even though this romance was based on mutual first attraction (duh!) that the romance grew slowly and steadily throughout the book and didn’t end with too much of the romance taking over the plot! The romance and action were well balanced.

    Some elements of the plot seemed a bit convenient and somewhat unexplained, but the book moved at a nice fast pace and kept me interested in the characters, their world, and their ultimate goal the entire time. The plot twist at the end was a bit rough and though all the elements to tie it in were there, they were a bit too loose for my liking.

    I loved the tease at the end and appreciated that this book contained both a full and satisfying ending while making the reader want to read more and find out what happens to Kaylin next!
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh and original with some light romance
    Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Very action-packed and quite a different kind of YA storyline. It was great. Even with the intense action scenes, the book was clean and my young son would be able to read it, which is important for me.

    The dystopian setting was realistic and well described. I like the relationship between the main character, Kaylin, and her best friend Amanda. I even liked the mild romance elements. It wasn’t in your face like most young adult books.

    It is for sure worth a read!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • MD
    5.0 out of 5 stars An action-packed dystopian
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    As soon as I read the back cover copy for INFLUENCE, I just knew I had to buy it. And this book did not disappoint.

    The premise is unique and original, and Bernstein's world building was great. The writing was fluid and tight, and the packing was spot on. I particularly loved that we're given some backstory, but that we're shown it (no telling!) in flashback-like episodes where it's applicable, and Bernstein leads us into these scenes very cleverly, in such a way that I knew it was a flashback. There was none of that confusion (the 'is this happening now or has it already happened?') that you sometimes get when books use flashbacks as a device to tell backstory. And I mean, the first flashback near the beginning contained pretty important backstory too, explaining why Kay is now on the run and answering any questions I had at that point. So, yes, there's no heavy info-dumping, and we're given just the right amount of backstory to go by.

    As a main character, Kaylin is great. I also really appreciated the relationship between Kay and her best friend, Amanda. It was refreshing to see.

    As the plot builds, the tension and stakes increase. And there's a lot of action, which I absolutely love. The ending! Wow. I loved it and it fitted the whole book so well. I don't want to give any spoilers there--but let's just say it's very cleverly written. I read the whole thing in less than 24 hours.

    Would definitely recommend to dystopian fans.
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  • Jenna
    5.0 out of 5 stars Action packed adventure..
    Reviewed in Australia on May 30, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Action packed adventure that will leave you wanting more. Kaylin has powers beyond the normal, to influence others and its highly sought after. Love the strong female lead, bring on book 2.
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