"In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it." 
 What is this book about? 
 Since the 1980's one percent of the people is born different, born brilliant. With extraordinary abilities, these people are seen as a threat to all humans. A special branch of the government is set up to dissipate any violent actions and Nick Cooper, a 'brilliant' who can read body language, finds himself working for them and trying to catch the most dangerous terrorist of America. 
 Why is it boring? 
 I'm sorry, but did you read that summary? How can superpowers, secret government branches and terrorists be boring? 
 Well ok, if I need to give one downside to the book is that it's not really a sci-fi novel, but more of a crime story. Don't expect superpowers like flying and shooting lasers out your eyes. The brilliants are not literally super, but more like enhanced human beings. Think savants with advanced human capabilities and not X-men superheroes. 
 Who would you recommend it to? 
 Anyone who loves a smart and exciting story. Anyone who constantly thinks that normal crime novels need more superpowers and anyone who thinks that superhero stories need to have a better plot. Also anyone who loves a series, because Brilliance is just part one! 
 Why should I read it if it's boring?! 
 If I haven't made it clear yet that this book is not boring, I'm not sure what else to tell you. But I guess I'll have to try. The book is fast-paced, well written and exciting. The characters are good, the world is well built and the plot keeps you at the edge of your seat. The world is described eerily realistic and although being brilliant sounds awesome, being send to an academy as a small kid to be used by the government as a weapon is my worst nightmare. However, it would have been nice to learn more about the brilliants and their powers and hopefully we get to dive in deeper into the world in the rest of the series! 
 Rating 4/5