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Psion #4
Psion Alpha
Sammy, a 14-year-old fugitive, accidentally discovers he has the powers of a Psion.
A surprise attack by the Continental American Government has the NWG reeling. Countless operatives are Psions, Ultras, Tensais, and Elite. Sammy and his friends have joined Thomas and Lara Byron's resistance, hoping to mount an offensive against the CAG and give the NWG a fighting chance. To prepare for this, Sammy and his team are sent on a secret mission into the heart of the most dangerous terrain on the planet.
Meanwhile, the CAG isn't resting. The fox continues to lead from the shadows. The Queen's plans for revenge unfold. And horrors beyond imagination await Sammy and his team in the darkness.
The Silent War is no longer silent. It has tipped in favor of the enemy. One boy can still be the difference.
But to do so, he must survive.
A surprise attack by the Continental American Government has the NWG reeling. Countless operatives are Psions, Ultras, Tensais, and Elite. Sammy and his friends have joined Thomas and Lara Byron's resistance, hoping to mount an offensive against the CAG and give the NWG a fighting chance. To prepare for this, Sammy and his team are sent on a secret mission into the heart of the most dangerous terrain on the planet.
Meanwhile, the CAG isn't resting. The fox continues to lead from the shadows. The Queen's plans for revenge unfold. And horrors beyond imagination await Sammy and his team in the darkness.
The Silent War is no longer silent. It has tipped in favor of the enemy. One boy can still be the difference.
But to do so, he must survive.
487 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2013
61 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 15, 2013
I love this book. I had such a great time writing it, and I think it pushes the Psion story into new directions and explores new themes.
Originally, when I was in college, I started writing this book while taking Brandon Sanderson's writing class. That was back in 2007. Back then it was an all-Byron book. Eventually I realized that I couldn't just stop writing about Sammy for a whole book, so I came up with the idea for the "bridge" that connected the two ideas together. I think it worked out great, especially with the way it helps builds Sammy's faith in a higher power. Some days, however, I really wanted to go back and write a whole novel just about Byron. However, I think this is a case where less is more.
As for Sammy's story, I wanted to move him and Jeffie past the juvenile stages of their relationship, and contrasted that growth against Natalia and Brickert's budding romance. I liked exploring how a different couple would fight. Whereas Jeffie would simply stop talking to Sammy for weeks or months, Brickert and Natalia just can't seem to leave each other alone. Their fights were fun to write.
I hope you enjoyed reading the tale. I know I can't please everyone. But hold onto your hats. The final installment of the Psion series is going to rock your world!
Originally, when I was in college, I started writing this book while taking Brandon Sanderson's writing class. That was back in 2007. Back then it was an all-Byron book. Eventually I realized that I couldn't just stop writing about Sammy for a whole book, so I came up with the idea for the "bridge" that connected the two ideas together. I think it worked out great, especially with the way it helps builds Sammy's faith in a higher power. Some days, however, I really wanted to go back and write a whole novel just about Byron. However, I think this is a case where less is more.
As for Sammy's story, I wanted to move him and Jeffie past the juvenile stages of their relationship, and contrasted that growth against Natalia and Brickert's budding romance. I liked exploring how a different couple would fight. Whereas Jeffie would simply stop talking to Sammy for weeks or months, Brickert and Natalia just can't seem to leave each other alone. Their fights were fun to write.
I hope you enjoyed reading the tale. I know I can't please everyone. But hold onto your hats. The final installment of the Psion series is going to rock your world!
July 3, 2016
In Psion Alpha, the fourth book in the Psion series, Sammy has been promoted to Psion Alpha. He is back in CAG territory with his Alpha team and his Beta friends. NWG has suffered a series of strategic strikes seriously damaging its ability to fight back.Sammy, along with the remaining Psions and Elites, work with the resistance to try and strike back and hopefully give the NWG a fighting chance.
In this installment of the Psion series, Sammy continues trying to figure out not just who he is but what he is. The revelation in the third book that Sammy actually has three anomalies not the two he’d been told he had. The fact that the third anomaly is Thirteen, same anomaly as the psychotic monsters he’s been trained to kill, shakes Sammy’s world to its very foundations and is understandably unsettling.
As Sammy learns to deal with being a Thirteen, he’s got to help lead the resistance, plan a strike against CAG, learn to deal with all the feelings of having a girl friend, and try and convince the adult resistance leaders that he’s not just a kid. I think he’s actually relieved to get out on a mission where it seems everything is trying to kill him.
Psion Alpha, like the other books in the series, is another page turner and is a super fun and exciting read. It’s definitely a five star book although not as “five star” as the other books in the series. Definitely leaves me pacing for the fifth and final book in the series. As with the other Psion books, the violence and death makes it a no-no for really young or sensitive readers.
December 14, 2013
loved it. I got some ugly looks from my wife because I didn't want to put it down. I think everyone should read at family mealtimes though.
May 31, 2014
This is going to be a review for the whole series up to this point.
I love these books. So much so that I really don't know how to write a review for them so if I end up not making sense, I apologize in advanced xD Even though I've given each book no more than 4 stars with mostly 3s going around, I actually love the whole package.
These books aren't perfect by any means, but they are very enjoyable (I still I thought they were enjoyable). I've have had this same thing happened with another series that's ended up as one of my favorites. Individually the books could use some more sprucing up but alltogether? They are just awesome.
If you want to know what to expect from this series, plot wise, then think something like the Insignia trilogy by S.J. Kincaid. If you like those type of books then I urge you to read these.
My favorite book so far out of the 4 has been Psion Delta. These books never lack action. There is barely any downtime for our MC, Sammy. He just goes from one trouble to the next and I've wanted him to have a break because he has just suffered so much throughout his very short life.
What draws me to these books isn't just the action, it's the way the author manages to write about these very young kids in these very adult type of situations. You never truly forget that these are kids you are reading about even though they go through training to become killers, they still manage to keep that innocence, that spark that still makes them kids. Sammy, has had to grow up much more quickly than the rest because of his background and experiences. I loved that he could be both mature when he had to be, but also act like the kid he was in personal matters.
There was a lot of morality, existential, and religious questions through the books. The first two are dealt more in the first 3 books with the religious bit weaving through all 4 of them and having more screen time in the fourth, which is probably why the fourth book is my least favorite of the three. It was too close preaching at times for comfort. On the other hand I can see why it was needed and it did work for the most part. I specially enjoyed how Sammy had to come to terms with what he was doing, the killings, the survivor's guilt, and the torture and the responsibility of who he was, and what everyone expected of him.
In short, what I'm saying is. Give these books a try. I loved them and can't wait till the last one. So much happened at the end in Psion Alpha, can't wait to see how everything is resolved.
I love these books. So much so that I really don't know how to write a review for them so if I end up not making sense, I apologize in advanced xD Even though I've given each book no more than 4 stars with mostly 3s going around, I actually love the whole package.
These books aren't perfect by any means, but they are very enjoyable (I still I thought they were enjoyable). I've have had this same thing happened with another series that's ended up as one of my favorites. Individually the books could use some more sprucing up but alltogether? They are just awesome.
If you want to know what to expect from this series, plot wise, then think something like the Insignia trilogy by S.J. Kincaid. If you like those type of books then I urge you to read these.
My favorite book so far out of the 4 has been Psion Delta. These books never lack action. There is barely any downtime for our MC, Sammy. He just goes from one trouble to the next and I've wanted him to have a break because he has just suffered so much throughout his very short life.
What draws me to these books isn't just the action, it's the way the author manages to write about these very young kids in these very adult type of situations. You never truly forget that these are kids you are reading about even though they go through training to become killers, they still manage to keep that innocence, that spark that still makes them kids. Sammy, has had to grow up much more quickly than the rest because of his background and experiences. I loved that he could be both mature when he had to be, but also act like the kid he was in personal matters.
There was a lot of morality, existential, and religious questions through the books. The first two are dealt more in the first 3 books with the religious bit weaving through all 4 of them and having more screen time in the fourth, which is probably why the fourth book is my least favorite of the three. It was too close preaching at times for comfort. On the other hand I can see why it was needed and it did work for the most part. I specially enjoyed how Sammy had to come to terms with what he was doing, the killings, the survivor's guilt, and the torture and the responsibility of who he was, and what everyone expected of him.
In short, what I'm saying is. Give these books a try. I loved them and can't wait till the last one. So much happened at the end in Psion Alpha, can't wait to see how everything is resolved.
October 23, 2018
One event from the book is the hospital in the very beginning. At this point the only main character is Walter, he is a kind 15-year-old that has always dreamed of being a pilot. Walter was in school when he found out that best friend kissed his girlfriend. He pushed his friend and to his surprise he nearly flew across the whole room. That was the first time that Walter discovered that he had special abilities, the abilities of a Psion. The Government force Walter and his family to move into a hospital while they due test on him. They live there for several weeks, which almost forces them to hate the government. Walter doesn’t like the doctors, but his opinion was changed when he played a pick-up game of basketball with them and realized that what they do to him is just part of their job and they are just normal human beings.
A recruiter for an elite air force visits Walter and constantly tries to convince him to join. The only thing holding him back is the fear of breaking his parents’ hearts by going against their will. Walter’s dad Thomas doesn’t like the government and thinks that its way of governing is wrong. His mom’s supports his dad’s opinion but at the same time thinks that Walter should be able to choose what he wants. After his mom tells him that he has the choose, he decides to join, even though it left his dad heart broken. Afterwards, Thomas soon realizes that his son is capable of making his own decisions and that he has proven that he is no longer the little boy they once knew.
A recruiter for an elite air force visits Walter and constantly tries to convince him to join. The only thing holding him back is the fear of breaking his parents’ hearts by going against their will. Walter’s dad Thomas doesn’t like the government and thinks that its way of governing is wrong. His mom’s supports his dad’s opinion but at the same time thinks that Walter should be able to choose what he wants. After his mom tells him that he has the choose, he decides to join, even though it left his dad heart broken. Afterwards, Thomas soon realizes that his son is capable of making his own decisions and that he has proven that he is no longer the little boy they once knew.
July 1, 2018
Style And plot surprises
This volume has several distinct threads running through it - to its end. Multiple threads is common but you usually see them converging or some interaction. Not so much in Psion Alpha. Switching back and forth for so many chapters is a bit disconcerting at first but, it's acceptable at this point in the story because you've come to know the characters well enough. Maybe Gowans is exploring writing techniques? Semi unusual to me. I suspect readers who read occassionally are not going to find it easy to follow. I'm reading the series straight through, np. So, readers be ready to remember where and who you're reading about in each chapter. And know, of course, there are surprise coming.
This volume has several distinct threads running through it - to its end. Multiple threads is common but you usually see them converging or some interaction. Not so much in Psion Alpha. Switching back and forth for so many chapters is a bit disconcerting at first but, it's acceptable at this point in the story because you've come to know the characters well enough. Maybe Gowans is exploring writing techniques? Semi unusual to me. I suspect readers who read occassionally are not going to find it easy to follow. I'm reading the series straight through, np. So, readers be ready to remember where and who you're reading about in each chapter. And know, of course, there are surprise coming.
August 9, 2017
Setup for the final showdown
I pretty much knew that one of the books in the series would be like The Two Towers or The Empire Strikes Back with more back story and character development to set up for the dramatic finale.
This book is good but has a little slower pacing than the previous 3 books. The story has more character development and we get a deeper understanding of the experiences and values that make each person who they are. There it's still plenty of action so the book is by no means boring or a slog that you have to "get through".
With each twist and turn we come closer to the final showdown between the Queen and Sammy.
I pretty much knew that one of the books in the series would be like The Two Towers or The Empire Strikes Back with more back story and character development to set up for the dramatic finale.
This book is good but has a little slower pacing than the previous 3 books. The story has more character development and we get a deeper understanding of the experiences and values that make each person who they are. There it's still plenty of action so the book is by no means boring or a slog that you have to "get through".
With each twist and turn we come closer to the final showdown between the Queen and Sammy.
August 14, 2017
The ending... oh, man. I had fallen so deeply and maddeningly in love with these characters, that to have one die... It felt like I should of had a funeral or at least wear black. Those characters were my friends. I saw them peeking out from my real friends and sneaking up on me in the mirror. Those characters were so life-like. Thank you for writing this book.
September 17, 2024
The pacing of the final book in the series was slow, and the ending “twist” was confusing and not explained super well? I still don’t quite understand what exactly happened or why the ending worked? Also so much violence/gore, more than I usually enjoy, but much the same as the previous books in the series.
Still enjoyed the characters, and the overall plot, and the dystopian world it was set in! The added character/conflict depth in books 2-4 was excellent!
Still enjoyed the characters, and the overall plot, and the dystopian world it was set in! The added character/conflict depth in books 2-4 was excellent!
July 4, 2019
The plot was not as good as the 3 first books.
I also hated all that religious stuff that brought nothing to the story.
It looked to me like the author wanted to show his faith and tried to hide it as spiritual thoughts showing Sammy where trying to make sense of things.
I also hated all that religious stuff that brought nothing to the story.
It looked to me like the author wanted to show his faith and tried to hide it as spiritual thoughts showing Sammy where trying to make sense of things.
June 6, 2017
This book was one of the best in the series! I loved it!
March 29, 2016
Check out my Booklikes Blog, Dan Grover: Cover to Cover
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
It's Complicated
I just committed 14 days to 2420 pages of the five-book Psion Series.
The series has 2564 five-star reviews on Goodreads, and about as many four-star reviews. There are hardly any one or two starred reviews.
Everyone who read these books loved them. So, obviously, I loved them too.
Obviously.
Right?
Sigh.
It's complicated.
Here's what I liked.
I wonder when I'll get bored of stories about kids with unique talents being discovered and shipped off to special kid school so they can learn to use their talent to save the world? Never, I suspect.
What about stories about underdogs overthrowing oppressive governments? Doesn’t get old.
How about stories about unlikely heroes? Troubled, imperfect good guys who have to overcome their personal demons before they can save the ones they love? Sacrificing yourself for your friends? Young love? Please—give me more! More, more, more!
The Psion Series has it all. No offensive language or sex either.
I like it.
Here's what's complicated:
First, the writing is unpolished. I’m trying to be polite—I have tremendous respect for anyone that writes, so I hate calling out the writing. But I do call it as I see it. The writing improves as the series goes on, but those first three books were really hard to get through. Even by the end though, it reads more like a middle-grade book than anything. Which actually isn’t really that much of an issue…
…except for the other complication.
The Psion series sees an Ender and raises a Rambo. These kids die violently. And kill violently. Really, really violently.
For all of the chaste love and elementary-school expletives, there is an exponential elevation of violence. I’m talking blood and guts, full descriptions, gore, smells, feels, emotions, no holding back. It’s the weirdest thing. It’s a middle-grade story with grown-up violence.
What do I do with that?
I WANT to recommend The Psion Series—the story is a lot of fun and I cared about the characters.
I can’t recommend it to my kids because of the strong, bloody, and frequent violence—even though the writing, language, and relationships are perfectly on their level.
I can’t recommend it to my adult friends because the juvenile writing is lame. To be clear, I’m not talking about lack of swearing or sex as juvenile. I’m talking about the actual writing. It was just plain hard to read.
You see?
It’s complicated.
So, I’ll just do my job. I liked The Psion Series, but I didn’t like the writing. I liked the clean language and chaste love, but didn’t like the violence.
If you can look past the complicated and appreciate the good, I think you’ll find a series worth investing in. If you’re going to get hung up on complicated, you’d better not waste your time.
Happy reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
It's Complicated
I just committed 14 days to 2420 pages of the five-book Psion Series.
The series has 2564 five-star reviews on Goodreads, and about as many four-star reviews. There are hardly any one or two starred reviews.
Everyone who read these books loved them. So, obviously, I loved them too.
Obviously.
Right?
Sigh.
It's complicated.
Here's what I liked.
I wonder when I'll get bored of stories about kids with unique talents being discovered and shipped off to special kid school so they can learn to use their talent to save the world? Never, I suspect.
What about stories about underdogs overthrowing oppressive governments? Doesn’t get old.
How about stories about unlikely heroes? Troubled, imperfect good guys who have to overcome their personal demons before they can save the ones they love? Sacrificing yourself for your friends? Young love? Please—give me more! More, more, more!
The Psion Series has it all. No offensive language or sex either.
I like it.
Here's what's complicated:
First, the writing is unpolished. I’m trying to be polite—I have tremendous respect for anyone that writes, so I hate calling out the writing. But I do call it as I see it. The writing improves as the series goes on, but those first three books were really hard to get through. Even by the end though, it reads more like a middle-grade book than anything. Which actually isn’t really that much of an issue…
…except for the other complication.
The Psion series sees an Ender and raises a Rambo. These kids die violently. And kill violently. Really, really violently.
For all of the chaste love and elementary-school expletives, there is an exponential elevation of violence. I’m talking blood and guts, full descriptions, gore, smells, feels, emotions, no holding back. It’s the weirdest thing. It’s a middle-grade story with grown-up violence.
What do I do with that?
I WANT to recommend The Psion Series—the story is a lot of fun and I cared about the characters.
I can’t recommend it to my kids because of the strong, bloody, and frequent violence—even though the writing, language, and relationships are perfectly on their level.
I can’t recommend it to my adult friends because the juvenile writing is lame. To be clear, I’m not talking about lack of swearing or sex as juvenile. I’m talking about the actual writing. It was just plain hard to read.
You see?
It’s complicated.
So, I’ll just do my job. I liked The Psion Series, but I didn’t like the writing. I liked the clean language and chaste love, but didn’t like the violence.
If you can look past the complicated and appreciate the good, I think you’ll find a series worth investing in. If you’re going to get hung up on complicated, you’d better not waste your time.
Happy reading!
May 25, 2016
Story: 3 of 5
Writing: 3 of 5
I don't have a whole lot to say about this one. The writing and story is on par with the previous books (with Gamma still being the best in the series up until this point).
In "Psion Alpha" Gowans carries multiple stories lines, and does so fairly well with each new chapter switching to a different setting and set of characters. On that note, I usually really hate this writing style because it usually follows this format: a crescendo of tension throughout a chapter and instead of some kind of resolution or climax the reader gets ripped away to a different setting with a new chapter. Thankfully, Gowans does not end each chapter with an infuriating cliffhanger like some other authors. Instead, he tells multiple stories simultaneously throughout "Psion Alpha," and does so well by ending each chapter at a satisfying point. In particular, the chapters that follow Sammy and that set of characters is adeptly interwoven with a story line from Byron's past. The other story lines are just kind of tossed in because they are happening at the same (excluding Byron's past story line, of course), but are still enjoyable nonetheless.
I could go on about a few other aspects of "Psion Alpha," and the series as a whole, but it would be a lot more subjective then what I've already said in each review. In no particular order those topics would be: the constant poetry (ugh), the too many instances of religious preachiness from too many Characters, and knowing when a story has "jumped the shark" and when to pull it back a bit.
Originally read in September 2014. Reread in May 2016. Review written in May 2016
Writing: 3 of 5
I don't have a whole lot to say about this one. The writing and story is on par with the previous books (with Gamma still being the best in the series up until this point).
In "Psion Alpha" Gowans carries multiple stories lines, and does so fairly well with each new chapter switching to a different setting and set of characters. On that note, I usually really hate this writing style because it usually follows this format: a crescendo of tension throughout a chapter and instead of some kind of resolution or climax the reader gets ripped away to a different setting with a new chapter. Thankfully, Gowans does not end each chapter with an infuriating cliffhanger like some other authors. Instead, he tells multiple stories simultaneously throughout "Psion Alpha," and does so well by ending each chapter at a satisfying point. In particular, the chapters that follow Sammy and that set of characters is adeptly interwoven with a story line from Byron's past. The other story lines are just kind of tossed in because they are happening at the same (excluding Byron's past story line, of course), but are still enjoyable nonetheless.
I could go on about a few other aspects of "Psion Alpha," and the series as a whole, but it would be a lot more subjective then what I've already said in each review. In no particular order those topics would be: the constant poetry (ugh), the too many instances of religious preachiness from too many Characters, and knowing when a story has "jumped the shark" and when to pull it back a bit.
Originally read in September 2014. Reread in May 2016. Review written in May 2016
September 30, 2016
Jacob Gowans is by far the best author I have ever seen since reading I was young. While my preference may change I feel that Gowans is one of the most talented authors in this day and age. His books, including this one, connect the reader to the characters in a way that I have never felt with any other book. Psion Alpha has been, in my opinion, one of the more slow books of the series. After the Characters become refugees it brings the book to a calmer point until the mission begins. Though it is not his best book in the series, it is definitely worth reading. Jacob puts twists and turns in his books that make the reader unable to put down the book. You are constantly worried about the well being of the characters. Intense description, twisting plot, and suffering for the next event to happen and unfold itself is what makes this book so enticing. I recommend reading the series from the beginning up to his most recent over any book that I have ever read. No books come close to the entrapment caused by Gowan's well thought through plot, extreme vexation in his events, and his ability to make the reader unable to stop reading until their heart and mind can not take anymore.
December 16, 2015
This book would have been an easy four stars if it weren't for the ending.
On the positive side, Commander Byron gets a lot more development as his history as the first Psion is revealed, with his training to become an Elite. This is definitely my favourite plot line in the whole series, because although it is still based around competition, the Elite training is also team-based and involves Byron focusing on hard work and persistence to do well, rather than cruising through on natural super-brilliance like Sammy did.
Sammy's story was a lot less interesting, and it was annoying how such a petulant teenager was given such responsibility and respect in the resistance.
The series has always had some religious undertones, but in this book they went too far and just became ham-fisted.
Still, as it was the book is very enjoyable, and is only really let down by a very poor ending, which included a plot 'twist' that I saw coming from several chapters earlier.
On the positive side, Commander Byron gets a lot more development as his history as the first Psion is revealed, with his training to become an Elite. This is definitely my favourite plot line in the whole series, because although it is still based around competition, the Elite training is also team-based and involves Byron focusing on hard work and persistence to do well, rather than cruising through on natural super-brilliance like Sammy did.
Sammy's story was a lot less interesting, and it was annoying how such a petulant teenager was given such responsibility and respect in the resistance.
The series has always had some religious undertones, but in this book they went too far and just became ham-fisted.
Still, as it was the book is very enjoyable, and is only really let down by a very poor ending, which included a plot 'twist' that I saw coming from several chapters earlier.
February 10, 2016
reread first 3 again
Sammy, a 14-year-old fugitive, accidentally discovers he has the powers of a Psion. A surprise attack by the Continental American Government has the NWG reeling. Countless operatives are dead: Psions, Ultras, Tensais, and Elite. Sammy and his friends have joined Thomas and Lara Byron's resistance, hoping to mount an offensive against the CAG and give the NWG a fighting chance. To prepare for this, Sammy and his team are sent on a secret mission into the heart of the most dangerous terrain on the planet. Meanwhile, the CAG isn't resting. The fox continues to lead from the shadows. The Queen's plans for revenge unfold. And horrors beyond imagination await Sammy and his team in the darkness. The Silent War is no longer silent. It has tipped in favor of the enemy. One boy can still be the difference. Bu
t to do so, he must survive.
Sammy, a 14-year-old fugitive, accidentally discovers he has the powers of a Psion. A surprise attack by the Continental American Government has the NWG reeling. Countless operatives are dead: Psions, Ultras, Tensais, and Elite. Sammy and his friends have joined Thomas and Lara Byron's resistance, hoping to mount an offensive against the CAG and give the NWG a fighting chance. To prepare for this, Sammy and his team are sent on a secret mission into the heart of the most dangerous terrain on the planet. Meanwhile, the CAG isn't resting. The fox continues to lead from the shadows. The Queen's plans for revenge unfold. And horrors beyond imagination await Sammy and his team in the darkness. The Silent War is no longer silent. It has tipped in favor of the enemy. One boy can still be the difference. Bu
t to do so, he must survive.
June 24, 2014
Another really good book to the Psion series. It took some time for me to warm up to the new chosen POV characters and flashbacks but the payoffs were great. At times the events felt like Book 1 all of again. However the book had to take a break for me to read Words of Radiance so I do think that space between finishing the book affected some aspects of the story. The last 100 pages were fantastic and it was so refreshing to read an LDS authors perspective on possible afterlife themes and Gowans couldn't have written that chapter better. Very moving scene and the the changes in plot in the ending were 100% satisfying.
November 5, 2014
Excellent story! I have thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series. The characters develop and grow throughout the story and I found myself caring very much about what would happen to them next.
If I had a criticism at all it would be the way the book was composed. There were two main alternating storylines taking place some 30 or so years apart. Each was told in alternating chapters which made it agonizing to read because I was tempted to skip through the chapters reading each storyline in a contiguous manner. Somehow I held out and read the book as it was written.
I can't wait for the next and final book in the Psion series to come out.
If I had a criticism at all it would be the way the book was composed. There were two main alternating storylines taking place some 30 or so years apart. Each was told in alternating chapters which made it agonizing to read because I was tempted to skip through the chapters reading each storyline in a contiguous manner. Somehow I held out and read the book as it was written.
I can't wait for the next and final book in the Psion series to come out.
June 8, 2014
The best of the Psion series (so far)! Each time I've finished a Psion book I'm simultaneously dying to get into the next one but needing to take a break - They are so intense! I'm usually annoyed when narratives are constantly changing POVs as I'm almost always more interested in one character and what they're doing than the others. Gowans finds a way to be constantly shifting characters and plotlines but each one is riveting and relevant, weaving together brilliantly in the end. I loved this book!
March 27, 2014
Ok, I love this series. If you like young adult and science fiction this series is fantastic. I was a little harsh on my review of the first book, but while I still see a similarity to Enders Game, I actually think this series is better then the Enders Game series and if you know me you know that is HIGH praise. I highly recommend this series and cannot wait for the final book.
April 18, 2014
I love Jacob Gowan's books. They are books that you just can't put down. My son started this series and couldn't stop reading. It took me a couple weeks to get this one started, but once I got into it, I too, couldn't put it down. Awesome series. Can't wait for his next book. This author is amazing, similar to Brandon Sanderson, one of my other favorites.
March 2, 2014
This was one of the best books that I have ever read. The characters are developed beautifully and you can feel their struggles as if they are your own. Their is never a dull moment and the books will keep you reading from cover to cover without any willing breaks.
March 11, 2014
Great series, albeit a bit too violent to recommend to my younger kids...too bad, I think they'd enjoy the storyline. I hope the author changes his mind and decides to finish up this series faster than planned!
November 13, 2015
THE STORY CONTINUES
In addition to existing plotlines, this entry also has flashback sequence for one of the characters.
IMHO, it is a nice addition that breaks monotony and added more to the prevailing story.
In addition to existing plotlines, this entry also has flashback sequence for one of the characters.
IMHO, it is a nice addition that breaks monotony and added more to the prevailing story.
January 23, 2015
this book was AMAZING. The plot moved along greatly and built up lots of suspenses as to be expected for this book. I really liked the flashback feature and I felt it added ALOT to brians character. I can't wait until to the fifth book is released!
September 9, 2016
Very good can't wait for the last book.
Read
June 23, 2014Review coming soon
October 19, 2014
love the characters and the story!
January 7, 2014
Loved the book; though a little heavy on the religious undertones it was overall a great book
April 21, 2014
Can't wait till the next on
great book gets your heart going the author did great job with the writing
I recommended this book to everyone
great book gets your heart going the author did great job with the writing
I recommended this book to everyone
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