失察

by Dennis Batchelder, Angle Gao (Translator)

《失察》讲述了一个关于年轻人的友谊、背叛和命运的故事，一个女孩观察她前世的生活旅程——以及这段经历将如何塑造她的未来。 泽莉目前是一个在西雅图长大的17岁的电脑怪杰。她也是"灵魂身份"组织最后三位转世的领袖之一，这个古老的组织承诺帮人们把财富和记忆传给他们未来的自己。她将同两个最亲密的朋友一道，在19岁时登上权力的宝座……如果她能活到那一天的话。 在英子生日的前夕，泽莉怀疑这个朋友会试图杀死她。当她们获得唯刻空间的入口时，她的恐惧感加剧了，那是一项新技术，能让她们身临其境地看到、感受到、听到、摸到以及闻到她们前世的生活场景中的东西。令泽莉失望的是，她了解到英子是一个权欲熏心的领袖转世，她们之间的较量已经持续了几个世纪。 泽莉迫切地希望智胜这个朋友和对手。她认为唯刻技术能帮助她预测自己的未来，并且她认为那是由前世决定的。泽莉每一次体验前世之旅都会增长智慧，但是，她从自己和英子共有的历史中发现的东西很可能会颠覆她对友谊和灵魂深处的一切认知。

Genres: Young Adult, Ebooks, Fantasy

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2023

About the author

One of the world's experts at fighting cybercriminals and the co-founder of a growing internet safety company, Dennis Batchelder started writing novels with a 2006 New Year's resolution, vowing he wouldn't return from his 2-year overseas posting to India without a first draft in hand. Oversight is his fourth novel-following his best-selling Soul Identity series-and his debut for young adults. Dennis lives in West Seattle with his wife, his mother-in-law, and his three youngest sons. He writes both on-scene and back home at his desk overlooking the Puget Sound.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning is a bit slow & I honestly questioned if I could even finish the book. Not much time is spent setting up the world, or explaining it, so I was a bit lost for a bit trying to piece together what is actually going on. But it gets better! I don't remember exactly which chapter it picks up in but I was invested & had to find out what happened. Ended up enjoying it! I would like to see how the characters turn out several years after this book is finished.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

totally original and utterly compelling

This book really has it all and is a welcome, fresh addition to the YA space. It’s a page turner, packed with action and head spinning adventure, yet it also presents concepts and characters that are multi dimensional, have depth and keep you entertained. Great start to hopefully a new series and an awesome follow up to Batchelder’s original series Soul Identity.

[Juliet Hartell · Rating 4 out of 5]

*early release review*

Following Zelly, Simon, and ying through their adventures really put a new perspective on things. This book is about teamwork and not letting your past control you. Early on Val teaches them about looking for people's most respectful intentions.

"We interpret our own actions with our best intentions, yet we interpret other people's actions with our worst suspicions" this is a quote that will stick with me.

Oversight is fast paced, fascinating, and overall a great read

[Anna Ferreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

[AVALIAÇÃO: 4.3 ESTRELAS]

É a primeira obra do autor que eu estou lendo, eu particularmente gostei bastante da escrita e a forma que a leitura fluiu. A protagonista a princípio se mostra como uma pessoa paranoica e que bate o pé para que seus desejos sejam realizados, se tornando até mesmo chata por conta desse comportamento. Mas a medida que a história vai passando, consegui me sentir mais conectada com ela e observei aos poucos a evolução da personagem. Por ser apresentado como um livro de volume único, a Soul identity ainda ficou um pouco difícil pra mim de entender do que realmente se trata. As partes de ação confesso que me soaram "fáceis de mais" e o final foi bem "vai dar certo porque os mocinhos tem que vencer". Acredito que o livro deixou brechas muito boas para continuações, desejo ver um arco de personagem mais bem construído de Yin e Simon. Val e Scott descobri que posso conhecer melhor a partir da saga inicial do autor que faz parte desse mesmo universo. Enfim, foi uma leitura prazerosa e tranquila, eu gosto de leituras mais pesadas e quis me "desintoxicar" um pouco e esse livro foi uma ótima escolha, me fez refletir sobre a vida, sobre a influência do passado na nossa vida e escolhas. Eu recomendo a leitura e pretendo ler outras obras do autor futuramente, principalmente para conhecer mais do universo criado por ele.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am *obsessed* with this book. The idea is something completely new to me, and I am a sucker for anything about past lives and destinies. I was admittedly a little confused about how everything worked regarding Soul Identity, its history, and how exactly the “soul lines” work. That is really no fault of the author, but probably just me forgetting the explanation provided in the beginning. It may also be because I have not read the preceding Soul Identity series, which I did not find out about until I was halfway through this book. Needless to say, I am excited to see that there are more stories set in this world and am looking forward to purchasing them to read. Oversight is a book written for a young adult audience, but I felt that it was mature enough to be enjoyable for adults, as well. I’m hoping it’s the first in a series!

To me, the book has a lot of clever twists here and there, and the near future built in the book is realistic and one I can imagine very easily. I liked the relationships between the three teens, especially between Zelly and Ying, and how it seemed to develop into something more intimate and trusting. Like I said, I am a sucker for past lives, so the story of their intertwining past was really interesting to me. I don’t know if the author plans to take it there, but I think a romance between them could be sweet.

I didn’t have many complaints about the book. The story moved fast, and it was not a very long book. It felt like a quick read, and I never found myself skimming through pages to get through any boring parts. I’m excited for a potential sequel, and to read all of the older books!

[Veena Sheker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oversight by Dennis Batchelder is one of the highly imaginative books that I have read. While reading this book, I couldn't believe that I could remember all the characters from his previous books Soul Indentity, Soul Intent and Soul Integrity which I had read in 2017! I highly recommend reading the entire series to enjoy the whole picture. Although Oversight continues from where the previous book ended, this by itself has a separate story. Soul identity is an entity which preserves the belongings of the people from previous births and they are passed on to the next in the soul line. The iris pattern of a person is captured and matched with a database to identify the past soul line. Soul identity is protected by Overseers. The next overseer is Ying. Zelly is not yet ready to become an overseer as she is not old enough. She is very scared that Ying may kill her before she becomes an overseer. She tries to convince Simon, who is yet be another overseer, that their lives are in danger. Jeremy sells a concept of 'vike to the past' using a device that takes a person to their previous soul. However, she learns how to vike without a device (xanazo) and travels to her past. She even teaches Simon to the past who learns that he was a pilot in his previous soul line. In the meantime, Ying joins hands with BiggerGuns and tries to change the purpose of Soul Indentity. For that she needs to eliminate all the hurdles. Will she succeed in doing it? What are those hurdles? You must read the book to find out.
#pastlifebooks #amazonkindle #primebooks #soulfiction #goodreads

[Julie Kleckner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Futuristic thriller

Set in the future when you have the capability to live through the lives of your ancestors. The premises is good and I know this story continues in a few more books. This book goes back and forth on who the bad guys are. Decent read.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told from the point of view of a 17-year-old computer geek, Zelly, Oversight begins with one of the more provocative statements in recent memory: “Ying wants me dead before I turn nineteen.” Zelly and Ying attend “bootcamp” together, a sort of preparatory school for members of Soul Identity, an ancient organization that ensures its members are healthy and wealthy as they’re reincarnated countless times.

Speaking of which, both teens – and a third, Simon – are reincarnated leaders of the group, essentially royalty. Despite the physical age of their bodies, they are, literally and figuratively, “old souls.” And why is nineteen such a “drop dead” birthday? Because that’s the age when each of the three are eligible to become an “overseer,” which gives them the power to run the world’s oldest bank, with funds intended to bankroll Soul Identity members across future reincarnations.

Author Dennis Batchelder has devised an ingenious power struggle within a fascinating organization. Along with the trio at bootcamp is Val, the group’s teacher and the organization’s “CEO.” Also along for the ride are “visitors,” who apparently have no idea that the trio are their future overseers. The story takes place in West Seattle, but except for recognizable glimpses of the ordinary civilian population, it feels in every way like an alternate universe.

Fictional world-building can be a treacherous game. Most authors hopelessly disorient readers without blatantly ripping off classic sci-fi/fantasy concepts. But that’s not the case here, as Batchelder successfully conveys the alliances, fractures and rules of the Soul Identity universe early on, all within a captivating, seamless and compelling narrative. Best of all, this isn’t yet another dark dystopian universe. When it comes to fantasy worlds inhabited by fierce teenagers, the Oversight universe feels entirely fresh, and at times, even hopeful. Is Zelly a sympathetic character? In the early going, it’s easy to get behind her seemingly simple desire to live to see the age of nineteen. Soon, it’s clear this is about more than simple survival. No one can blame her for being ambitious, and the more time goes on, the clearer it is that she’s a teenager in body only, and that she’s actually quite well-suited to this peer vs peer war for world domination. To say more would spoil the fun, but thanks to some ingenious plotting on Batchelder’s part, Zelly’s moral compass is ultimately put to the test.

We should mention that Batchelder began publishing the related Soul Identity trilogy in the 2000s. With that said, Oversight can be easily enjoyed as a stand alone novel.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a riveting piece of fiction by Dennis Batchelder speaking of the transcendental journey of three figures who are set to become overseers of Soul Identity. The organisation works like a secret bank and prestigious in its enormity. It delivers everything that is promises of the future.

The beginning of the story is a bit emotional and touchy but at the same time, gives the glimpse of a story that is on the horizon. What I really like about the characters is that their nature is very contrasting, but also intimate, especially between Ying and Zelly. Both are inline future overseers of the organisation but the history of such positions has been very challenging and threatening.

The desperate longing for power corrupts a human, and it only adds treachery and sinful ambition. Ying, who is seeking to be an overseer, is an ambitious girl who talks less and is often seen reading The Prince. Jelly is a tech savvy who got first computer at age of 10, possessing some distinct qualities yet being afraid of being overrun by her ambitious rival.

The concept of such an organisation is wonderfully depicted, the addition of a new idea known as Xanazo which allows people an immersive experience of knowing their ancestor line. It is very very well embodied to the context of the story as the tale proceeds to unfold unprecedented events.

The book is very engaging with all sorts of things taking place as you expect in a sci-fi young adult fantasy type setup. I would say that dialogue and narration work is incredibly attentive with a bit of a technical aspect but nothing is out of common knowledge.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, nothing to add nor anything to take away, perfect as it is. Yet I believe that chapters could have themed titles and a bit of prolonged content. I think this book is a must read if you're looking to explore the latest tab in the young adult genre.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batchelder follows up on his Soul Identity series in this interesting YA sci-fi standalone. 17-year old Giselle "Zelly" Oliveira has a knack for computer code and is a self-proclaimed computer nerd who lives in present-day Seattle. She is part of a secret organization called Soul Identity, that focuses on storing people's memories and money, and passing it along to their soul line descendants. Zelly, along with her friends Ying and Simon, have been taking lessons and training for years in order to prepare for their ascension as overseers at the age of nineteen. Ying being the oldest of the trio, she'll be the first to ascend her power and Zelly fears that Ying will try to block her by killing her. Zelly's fears are confirmed when she discovers that Ying is the reincarnate of a power-hungry tyrant and that their rivalry has gone on for centuries in their past lives. Armed with the newly discovered information about her and Ying's shared past, Zelly must figure out how to outwit Ying in order to survive and avoid history from repeating itself. Zelly's interest in computers is uncommon for female protagonist in the YA space, particularly in sci-fi, and is a great example for girls who are looking to explore STEM topics. Although sci-fi is not always my cup of tea, I can appreciate the originality of the plot and the technology used. The story has plenty of unexpected twists and turns that are sure to keep readers glued until the very last page.

[S Prakash · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Thrilling Technological Journey into the Afterlife


Dennis Batchelder's "Oversight" is an electrifying ride through a world where technology and the afterlife collide. Zelly, a reincarnated computer genius, navigates the perils of Soul Identity, an ancient organization that allows her to travel back in time to previous lives. With Ying and Simon as her fellow reincarnated leaders, the stakes are high, and Zelly must live to see her nineteenth birthday.

Batchelder's world-building is superb, with political intrigue, unexpected twists, and fully developed characters. Zelly is a relatable and compelling narrator, and Ying's calculated demeanor serves as an intriguing foil. Tensions rise as the dynamic between the two develops, and readers will be eager to find out what happens next.

But the book is more than just a page-turner. It delves deeper into themes of identity, morality, and the human soul, leaving readers wondering what it truly means to be alive. "Oversight" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys science fiction or just a good story with heart and depth. Don't pass up your chance to enter this enthralling world where the afterlife is just a click away.

[Aditya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this book was a new experience, and I loved it. The plot point is unique and the way the characters are shaped, reformed, and integrated around the main plot, for me, is the main feature of this book.

The plot itself is a unique idea, with equally brilliant execution. For starters, this book is what I perceive to be the best example of a cool Sci-fi-ish idea merged with clever writing and well-rounded characters. For all, intents and purposes this book was one of the best I have read.

The characters are very unique and at the same time, very relatable. The aforesaid statement may seem paradoxical but the writing is done in such a way that if you isolate the characters, they are relatable but when seen with the overall essence of the story they are very unique.

This book for me was an experience, hence, I will not ruin it for your fellow readers by forcing you to read long reviews. In a nutshell, this book was a wonderful read and I will highly recommend it. Much gratitude to the author for writing such a great book for us readers.

Thank you
Happy Reading

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oversight is a YA book filled with drama, conflict, action, and intimidation, all based on technology and power. The fear and intimidation Zelly had towards Ying potentially killing her, the perseverance and inspiration she had using the vike portal, and the advancements it brought to society brought the story to life in a whole new way. Finding out Ying is a reincarnated evil leader is the twist of the century, shocking and unexpected. Reading Oversight reminded me a lot of the movie The Covenant taking the concept of the ascension of power when the warlocks turned eighteen. However, Zelly is a soul finder, and she will ascend at nineteen. Nonetheless, the story was compelling, exceptionally well-written, well-edited, and had a decent flow making it easier to follow along and understand.

Oversight will be the next go-to read for the YA universe and will be on reading lists, libraries, bookstores, and home bookshelves worldwide. I am giving this book a 4 out of 5-star rating.

[Samantha Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did not change that. I recognize that a part of this is me just not vibing with this genre, which is why I can't give it less than a 3. The descriptions were good, the tech stuff wasn't that complicated. So, if it's that aspect of sci fi you're worried about don't let that stop you.

However, Zelly is your main character and I don't like her. She's incredibly worried about Ying, even though, there seems to be no real reason for that. You don't see them interacting as young teenagers. And their relationship when the story actually starts seems more or less like a typical sister relationship.

Actually, I started to wonder why none of the adults got Zelly checked out. Her paranoia seems to have no basis in reality. She just says Ying does things. Even Simon points out that Zelly has an extreme advantage over Ying and Simon.

Zelly makes the story a slog.

[Purnima Khanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Oversight " by Dennis Batchelder is a an incredible, intriguing and immersive sci- fi fantasy. A unique, refreshing and intense plot, well crafted and executed characters and simple and crisp narrative make it an enticing read.
It's a dramatic tale of three reincarnated overseers of an ancient secret society. It reiterates that power struggle can turn best friends into rivals. However, it also highlights that values are more important than greed and rivalry.
The narrative is in first form, which makes all the characters more relatable. One can feel their emotions, their anxieties and dilemmas. Inspite of being an sci- fi thriller it's narrative is surprisingly very easily understandable. The technological content is awe-inspiring and fascinating. Fast- paced, action packed thriller, a must read for sci-fi fans.

[Adrien Weinhoffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this book, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. At first, I thought it sounded too familiar to a video game storyline and was going to lack uniqueness.
Boy, was I wrong!
Even though the main plotline has been done before, this was an absolutely fresh take on the subject. The book definitely hits the Young Adult category for me, but yet wasn't too simplistic to be enjoyed by older readers as well.
You're kept on a whirlwind of action and adventure throughout the whole story, with completely unexpected twists and turns. I could hardly put the book down because every chapter left you wanting to read more!
There were a few parts that I thought felt a bit too unbelievable, but overall it didn't take away the love I had for the story and characters.
I'd definitely recommend giving this book a read!

[Tianna ❀]

No Rating. DNF

When I first saw this book and read the blurb I was so interested in diving into the story, but now that I’ve been reading it isn’t as interesting as I thought.

Almost 50% into the book and it feels like a manual for I.T. Technicians. There are so many concepts and terminologies that aren’t easy to consume by the average reader.

Zelly is an annoying character who seems to only care about herself. Everything she’s done this far are to serve her own best interest - which she ironically accuses Ying of doing the entire time.

If you’re into science and fancy tech this is the story for you, but I found myself not enjoying it one bit.

[Wolf O'Rourc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oversight starts with a good premise of somebody trying to take over Soul Identity and all its wealth and power and incredible tech named xanazo. The story quickly gets sidetracked by a different issue that takes scene after scene of talking heads discussing the issue with little else happening. The main story doesn't pick up until chapter 27, but then delivers big time with lots of twists, turns, and creative problem solving.

Bonus points for a realistic portrayal of a teenage girl programming computers, including debugging and troubleshooting.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like futuristic, sci-fi vibes, yet the deep-rooted drama and emotional complexities of human nature from the most traditional customs you can imagine, this is the book for you. A beautifully crafted tale of three intertwined lives on the journey of self-exploration and not letting your past define you.

The pace is great, and although there could be more depth to the creation of the world, it's not really necessary.

I look forward to reading previous books in this series and any sequels that I hope will come soon!

[Angie Padilla]

I couldn’t put this book down! Oversight by Dennis Batchelder, sucks you in and keeps you turning the page. It follows three people who are set to become overseers of Soul Identity. I won’t go into detail as don’t want to ruin it for anybody.

This is a great and engaging read and takes you on the journey with all of the characters
It is an enjoyable young aviary sci-fi and I think everyone should read it.


Defiantly so happy I won this giveaway!

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very promising story, but I felt that the plot was confusing to follow and to fully invest into! Definitely an unique idea and a fresh concept for the scifi-thriller subgenre. Had potential, but failed to impress me.

[Kelly O'Mara Whites · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the concept was very interesting. And the world created by the author was well done. However, this isn’t really my genre and I struggled to finish it.

I imagine someone more into this genre would enjoy it more.

[Caity · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting one, I love seeing how authors imaginations translate into stories. I could never have dreamed this stuff up but it was a fun read

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a giveaway book! it got me out of my comfort zone to read something else and it was a great book!

[Beth Barlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of the book sounded great, with Soul Ancestor lines, and the ability to visit past reincarnations of your soul ancestors. I have to admit though, I didn’t particularly enjoy any of the past life characters. As a YA novel, the protagonist Zelly was perfectly cast, but I have to say I didn’t love her, or feel invested in her point of view. I also found a lot of the circumstances in the events of the book more far fetched than the possibility of viking ( visiting past incarnations of your soul ancestors) I found the writing a little juvenile. Although I didn’t love this book, I enjoyed the concept enough that I’d consider reading the preceding Soul Origin Series. I appreciate the opportunity to read the ARC thanks to Netgalley.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.