“A thrilling, touching and thought-provoking read" (Common Sense Media)

THE ABILITY & MINDSCAPE (ABILITY II)

Some kids excel in art, others in sports or math. But Christopher Lane’s talents lie only in thieving and lying - or so he’s always been told. So it comes as a shock to everyone, not least Chris himself, when he wins a place at an exclusive academy after a very unusual interview. 

For it turns out Chris does have a natural gift for one thing - something that every child can do during their twelfth year, though few will ever find out.

He can enter people’s minds.

Now Chris must learn to use this power, his Ability, to make the world a safer place. But while Chris is perfecting his talent, twin brothers Ernest and Mortimer are using their Ability to carry out the plan their mother has spent many years perfecting. And she’s not interested in saving anyone. 

All she wants is revenge.

Re: The Ability III

Thank you so much to the readers who have written asking about the third book in The Ability series. Due to different publishing schedules, the third and final instalment of The Ability III is currently published in German only. If you would like to be kept informed on any updates regarding the publication of THE ABILITY III in English, please sign up to M.M.Vaughan’s newsletter or check back on here - we’ll post more as soon as information becomes available.

Praise for The Ability & Mindscape

“A brilliantly crafted tale, from the quality of the writing to the twistiness of the plot and the complexity of the real-life issues the characters are dealing with… A thrilling, touching, thought-provoking read.” (Common Sense Media)

The Ability is extraordinary. That is the perfect word to describe it. It has lots of action, suspense, mystery, and some comedy, as well. Luckily, there is a sequel coming soon, Mindscape. I knew there would be one because there was a cliff hanger ending. There is not a dry spot in this book, no page that I had read twice to understand it. It is like Harry Potter for the next generation. This book is great for anyone, young or old. I would certainly recommend it. (Teen Ink)

Reminiscent of early Harry Potter novels with its neglected hero, oddball teachers, eccentric assortment of classmates, and secret school where students learn to harness their powers, the novel still manages ultimately to feel fresh and original, and the narrative strikes a delicate balance between light-hearted wish-fulfillment, fun, dark moments of heartbreak, and genuine suspense…Those looking for a read-alike to Stewart’s The Mysterious Benedict Society will be delighted with Christopher’s adventure. (The Center for Childrens’ Books)

The Ability is a great read for more mature middle graders. It's a great choice for those who enjoyed Trenton Lee Stewart's The Mysterious Benedict Society, as well as Harry Potter. I will be looking forward to the next installment! (A Reader of Fictions)

“The Ability by M.M. Vaughan is my kind of book. It has great characters and a wonderfully fun plot. I am definitely a plot-driven reader, but in order for a book to really connect with me, I have to love the characters. Christopher Lane, the protagonist, is a character I adore. Throughout the story Christopher shows his smarts, but more importantly his heart always is in the right place. He faces challenges with curiosity and respect. I am glad I got to know him.” (Atychiphobia)

Vaughan showcases a Dahl-esque flair for the grotesque- and the descriptions of the secret underground school (not to mention superpowers!) will have younger readers longing to enroll. (Kirkus Reviews)

Perfect for teens to read alone, or for younger kids as a riveting bed-time story. (A Wrinkle In The Pages)

“Readers will enjoy the candy-shop wish fulfillment in this fast-paced, superhero-tinged spy novel. With its comics-style origin stories and vows of revenge, this first book in a planned series has an intriguing concept that could hit a middle-grade sweet spot.” (Publishers Weekly)

Storm, 12. NY. For TIME for Kids. “Christopher Lane is an outcast. His mother pays little attention to him, and he has grown up feeling unwanted. But that changes when Christopher’s natural gifts are recognized by the prestigious Holt Academy. He finds out that he has special powers and learns how to utilize his gifts. Eventually, though, he faces great challenges. And if he wants to keep his new life, he will have to overcome them.The characters are very believable. Readers will find Christopher Lane easy to relate to because of his reactions to situations and people. When Miss Sonata of the Holt Academy acknowledges his true potential, he is surprised and humbled that someone appreciates him. When he realizes that his teachers at the academy have faith in him, he starts to have faith in himself.If you enjoy stories filled with mystery and suspense, then it is a must-have addition to your booklist.”

Adventure? Check! Humor? Check! Six twelve-year-olds who can enter people's minds? Check! This book has it all! The reader follows Christopher Lane as he transitions from the troublemaker that all the teachers hate to the most talented in school. After being expelled, Chris enrolls in a highly exclusive school which only excepts 6 students a year. He goes on a dangerous mission to save the prime minister and makes some new friends in the process. This book is AMAZING!! Five Stars. (Palo Alto Library, Teen Reviews)