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The Winters Family Psi Chronicles #1
Transformation
Emily Winters was kidnapped as a teenager by Psi-Tech, a corrupt and power-hungry corporation that learned of her precognitive ability. Imprisoned for years and forced to use her talent to help a company thrive, she now reaches a point where she must escape or die. A natural disaster will cause chaos, death, and destruction throughout the entire world while transforming most of the survivors into psychics. After this happens, Psi-Tech will kill all of their prisoners to hide the evidence of their horrific crimes.
Knowing how the disaster will affect her captors gives Emily one slim chance to escape. She must seize this opportunity to save not only herself but her brother as well who will die without a medical treatment that doesn’t yet exist.
Knowing how the disaster will affect her captors gives Emily one slim chance to escape. She must seize this opportunity to save not only herself but her brother as well who will die without a medical treatment that doesn’t yet exist.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
350 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2013
33 people are currently reading
1054 people want to read
About the author
John O'Riley
22 books163 followersThe author, John O'Riley, is an award winning writer. He is an author of both novels and screenplays in the categories of urban fantasy, comedy, science fiction and young adult.
He is the author of the Grumpy Old Wizards series, the Wizard of Seattle series, and the Winters Family Psi Chronicles series. A full listing of all the series in chronological order with book excerpts and descriptions can be found on the official author website at http://johnoriley.webs.com.
When you sign up to be on the mailing list at http://johnoriley.webs.com/new-book-n..., you will always know when new titles are available and will be kept in the loop when there are special offers. You will also receive a short story free when you sign up.
John's movie feature screenplay, Cursed, is an Honorable Mention Winner for the 2012 Screenplay Festival. His most recent accomplishments include the screenplays Cursed, Project Pandora, Pinky Swear, Incipio, and Bad Sister which have been listed as Quarter Finalists, Semi Finalists, and Top Finalists in the 2012 Screenplay Festival, 2012 Filmmakers International Screenplay Awards, 2012 StoryPros International Awards, 2012 Pulsar Sci Fi Screenplay Contest, and the 2012 Reel Authors International Breakout.
He is the author of the Grumpy Old Wizards series, the Wizards of Seattle series, and the Winters Family Psi Chronicles series. You can visit the author website at http://johnoriley.webs.com to see a complete listing with book descriptions and book excerpts.
You can sign up at http://johnoriley.webs.com/new-book-n... to stay in the loop for special offers and to know when a new book is available. The first time you sign up, you will receive a free short story.
He loves reading fantasy, science fiction, and humorous fiction. Some of his favorite authors include Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, Kay Hooper (Bishop Files/ psychic detective thrillers), Kat Richardson, J.K. Rowling, Angie Sage, Jayne Krentz, and Janet Evanovich. He currently lives in Lynnwood, Washington which is by Seattle and owns a parakeet named Amy. Amy is by far the most polite bird he's ever had as she always quiets down if he takes a nap or needs rest. However, when she wants a treat, she will squawk at him until he takes her out of the cage and gives her millet seeds.
He is the author of the Grumpy Old Wizards series, the Wizard of Seattle series, and the Winters Family Psi Chronicles series. A full listing of all the series in chronological order with book excerpts and descriptions can be found on the official author website at http://johnoriley.webs.com.
When you sign up to be on the mailing list at http://johnoriley.webs.com/new-book-n..., you will always know when new titles are available and will be kept in the loop when there are special offers. You will also receive a short story free when you sign up.
John's movie feature screenplay, Cursed, is an Honorable Mention Winner for the 2012 Screenplay Festival. His most recent accomplishments include the screenplays Cursed, Project Pandora, Pinky Swear, Incipio, and Bad Sister which have been listed as Quarter Finalists, Semi Finalists, and Top Finalists in the 2012 Screenplay Festival, 2012 Filmmakers International Screenplay Awards, 2012 StoryPros International Awards, 2012 Pulsar Sci Fi Screenplay Contest, and the 2012 Reel Authors International Breakout.
He is the author of the Grumpy Old Wizards series, the Wizards of Seattle series, and the Winters Family Psi Chronicles series. You can visit the author website at http://johnoriley.webs.com to see a complete listing with book descriptions and book excerpts.
You can sign up at http://johnoriley.webs.com/new-book-n... to stay in the loop for special offers and to know when a new book is available. The first time you sign up, you will receive a free short story.
He loves reading fantasy, science fiction, and humorous fiction. Some of his favorite authors include Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, Kay Hooper (Bishop Files/ psychic detective thrillers), Kat Richardson, J.K. Rowling, Angie Sage, Jayne Krentz, and Janet Evanovich. He currently lives in Lynnwood, Washington which is by Seattle and owns a parakeet named Amy. Amy is by far the most polite bird he's ever had as she always quiets down if he takes a nap or needs rest. However, when she wants a treat, she will squawk at him until he takes her out of the cage and gives her millet seeds.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 25, 2014
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.
Well, what to say about Transformation. Did I enjoy it? Immensely! Would I recommend it? Sure! Did I have a lot of questions? Yeah, I did.
I read this book fast. This year has been very poor for me in terms of everything. My reading has gone down hill so fast. So to finish a book in less than a week I found to be a great feat for me.
It's very fast paced, page turning and interesting.
There is a corporation named Psi-Tech who has been using precognitives to foresee their future benefits to ensure their success. During this they have become corrupt (I assume) and want power. After a freak storm hits Earth, everyone on the planet gets some form of psychic ability. This is where Psi-Tech has to change their game or else they are doomed.
The characters, in my opinion were a little underdeveloped. A few times while reading this it felt like I was missing something. A HUGE something central to the plot. It felt as though the author forgot that we the readers are not psychic and don't know. Some details and explanations are always welcome. None... not so much. The best part for me, and the most interesting was the introduction of Rose. She easily became my favourite aspect as she had the most story drive happening. I knew a lot more about Rose than any of the other characters.
While I did like this a lot, I still can't help but feel that way. Feeling as if I'm missing something. I found myself re-reading certain pages to see if I just passed it but the details I was seeking were not there.
A few other things felt mentioned to never be brought up again. While Jeremy is a famous artist... he never picks up a pencil to even doodle. And if he does, well it's never mentioned so I wouldn't know. I would have to try to envision this a movie, as it felt more scripted. What I mean by that is that it felt more shown, instead of told. What is Emily feeling? What is Jeremy feeling? How did Kate feel after seeing her daughter after she was missing? What were Emily's thoughts and need to save her family? After she reunites with them I didn't even get a hint toward their "love" or "family bond". Also, why do Kate's children call her Kate? Does she not prefer Mom? and if she doesn't/does, why do I not know that?
That is my main gripe with the book. Lack of details and descriptions. How is Phoenix making money? How is Psi-Tech making money? How did they establish themselves, and how did they figure out the way to use Precognitives to help them advance and HOW are they doing that?
After the book ended I had a lot of questions. But I liked it enough to rate it a 4 star.
I find this concept SO brilliant and so interesting. I will pick up the next novel as soon as it's available to me. For I look forward to continuing this series.
Read it, and determine yourself whether it's for you. For me, yes. I enjoyed it more than some of the best sellers that I've read.
Well, what to say about Transformation. Did I enjoy it? Immensely! Would I recommend it? Sure! Did I have a lot of questions? Yeah, I did.
I read this book fast. This year has been very poor for me in terms of everything. My reading has gone down hill so fast. So to finish a book in less than a week I found to be a great feat for me.
It's very fast paced, page turning and interesting.
There is a corporation named Psi-Tech who has been using precognitives to foresee their future benefits to ensure their success. During this they have become corrupt (I assume) and want power. After a freak storm hits Earth, everyone on the planet gets some form of psychic ability. This is where Psi-Tech has to change their game or else they are doomed.
The characters, in my opinion were a little underdeveloped. A few times while reading this it felt like I was missing something. A HUGE something central to the plot. It felt as though the author forgot that we the readers are not psychic and don't know. Some details and explanations are always welcome. None... not so much. The best part for me, and the most interesting was the introduction of Rose. She easily became my favourite aspect as she had the most story drive happening. I knew a lot more about Rose than any of the other characters.
While I did like this a lot, I still can't help but feel that way. Feeling as if I'm missing something. I found myself re-reading certain pages to see if I just passed it but the details I was seeking were not there.
A few other things felt mentioned to never be brought up again. While Jeremy is a famous artist... he never picks up a pencil to even doodle. And if he does, well it's never mentioned so I wouldn't know. I would have to try to envision this a movie, as it felt more scripted. What I mean by that is that it felt more shown, instead of told. What is Emily feeling? What is Jeremy feeling? How did Kate feel after seeing her daughter after she was missing? What were Emily's thoughts and need to save her family? After she reunites with them I didn't even get a hint toward their "love" or "family bond". Also, why do Kate's children call her Kate? Does she not prefer Mom? and if she doesn't/does, why do I not know that?
That is my main gripe with the book. Lack of details and descriptions. How is Phoenix making money? How is Psi-Tech making money? How did they establish themselves, and how did they figure out the way to use Precognitives to help them advance and HOW are they doing that?
After the book ended I had a lot of questions. But I liked it enough to rate it a 4 star.
I find this concept SO brilliant and so interesting. I will pick up the next novel as soon as it's available to me. For I look forward to continuing this series.
Read it, and determine yourself whether it's for you. For me, yes. I enjoyed it more than some of the best sellers that I've read.
December 22, 2015
As much as I tried to finish this book, I am having to list it as DFR.
The plot and cover were intriguing and so I was able to get a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I still hold onto the fact that the main idea is a good one and is definitely intriguing.
However, I found it very difficult to connect with the text. I wasn't getting any real emotion or feeling from reading it. It just felt like a list of events to me and there wasn't that certain spark that I can usually feel with books. I wasn't intrigued by the writing. I felt there were a few too many conveniences that favored the main characters and just kind of allowed them to be semi-invincible or have opportunities or chances to do things other people wouldn't have. Then there were times that I felt some of the description was unnecessary and rather than adding to the story, it took away from it.
Maybe one day I can pick up this book again and finish it, but today is not that day.
(*Note: I was given a free copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review from the author through LibraryThing.)
The plot and cover were intriguing and so I was able to get a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I still hold onto the fact that the main idea is a good one and is definitely intriguing.
However, I found it very difficult to connect with the text. I wasn't getting any real emotion or feeling from reading it. It just felt like a list of events to me and there wasn't that certain spark that I can usually feel with books. I wasn't intrigued by the writing. I felt there were a few too many conveniences that favored the main characters and just kind of allowed them to be semi-invincible or have opportunities or chances to do things other people wouldn't have. Then there were times that I felt some of the description was unnecessary and rather than adding to the story, it took away from it.
Maybe one day I can pick up this book again and finish it, but today is not that day.
(*Note: I was given a free copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review from the author through LibraryThing.)
July 6, 2014
First off I would like to state that I received a free copy through Goodreads First reads.
WOW!! This is one fast paced page turner. Throughout the book there was never a dull moment but you must pay attention in order to keep up. The characters were well developed and the storyline itself will make you feel as if you want to challenge your mind into magically developing powers of your own. This was an extremely pleasant read and I cannot wait for the next! Congratulations Mr. O'Riley on the job well done!
WOW!! This is one fast paced page turner. Throughout the book there was never a dull moment but you must pay attention in order to keep up. The characters were well developed and the storyline itself will make you feel as if you want to challenge your mind into magically developing powers of your own. This was an extremely pleasant read and I cannot wait for the next! Congratulations Mr. O'Riley on the job well done!
January 6, 2015
I won this book off of goodreads for free. It was a good book. A natural disaster causes chaos and most of the survivors end up with super powers. Emily is a girl who is in prison at Psi-Tech and can see the future. The leaders there keep her life and her brother's in danger and living in fear, but with the aid of others there Emily and Jeremy (her brother) join forces to try to take down Rosa and the company. Can they do it? Read it and find out.
July 6, 2015
I was sent this book from First Reads and this story was indeed a quick read. The characters were well developed and the plot was clear. In order to understand the story 100% you needed to consistently be paying attention. It's a good read and I totally recommend it. I'll be waiting for the next book!!
December 28, 2022
I was annoyed by too many sentences starting with luckily, unfortunately and hopefully, so I gave up.
January 25, 2019
Interesting Premise But Awkward Writing
This story is a little simplistic and repetitive, but still interesting. Moderately well edited; could be better but I've seen worse...still, the typos are distracting. It's futuristic but there's very little world building. I found it very difficult to suspend disbelief. Some of the events were sudden, and poorly described, so that they didn't make much sense. The author seemed to have a lot of trouble composing coherent and concise sentences. The redeeming feature is that it has clean language. I also appreciate the lack of gore.
This story is a little simplistic and repetitive, but still interesting. Moderately well edited; could be better but I've seen worse...still, the typos are distracting. It's futuristic but there's very little world building. I found it very difficult to suspend disbelief. Some of the events were sudden, and poorly described, so that they didn't make much sense. The author seemed to have a lot of trouble composing coherent and concise sentences. The redeeming feature is that it has clean language. I also appreciate the lack of gore.
November 20, 2020
DNF
Although the premise was intriguing, the lackluster delivery left me bored and uninterested.
I think the idea has great potential, and kudos to the author for writing and finishing the book. It could have been exciting, unfortunately it comes down to telling vs showing. This book is full of telling, leaving the reader bored and disconnected. I tried several times to get into it, but it just fell short every short. Another fatality to add to the telling pit of lost potential.
For my clean readers: minimal, if any language.
Although the premise was intriguing, the lackluster delivery left me bored and uninterested.
I think the idea has great potential, and kudos to the author for writing and finishing the book. It could have been exciting, unfortunately it comes down to telling vs showing. This book is full of telling, leaving the reader bored and disconnected. I tried several times to get into it, but it just fell short every short. Another fatality to add to the telling pit of lost potential.
For my clean readers: minimal, if any language.
June 11, 2014
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Emily Winters is a powerful precognitive, she can see far into the future, and what she sees is the murder of telepaths and Psi-Tech causing the deaths. Her goal is to escape the prison they have her in, save her brother and warn others that their lives are in danger. With the aid of other people with special abilities, they join forces to battle a powerful multipath that has her eyes set on taking over Psi-Tech and eventually the government. Will they be able to take Rose down before it's too late? How is she so powerful?
This book wasn't quite like John O'Riley's Grumpy Old Wizards series, with quirky characters and funny wit. It was more about how telepaths and the like come to be. I must admit, I love how each character's unique personality shone through. I think Emily and Jeremy's perseverance was really commendable, I don't think I'd have been brave enough to do everything that they did. This was an interesting action filled novel I am sure you will enjoy.
Emily Winters is a powerful precognitive, she can see far into the future, and what she sees is the murder of telepaths and Psi-Tech causing the deaths. Her goal is to escape the prison they have her in, save her brother and warn others that their lives are in danger. With the aid of other people with special abilities, they join forces to battle a powerful multipath that has her eyes set on taking over Psi-Tech and eventually the government. Will they be able to take Rose down before it's too late? How is she so powerful?
This book wasn't quite like John O'Riley's Grumpy Old Wizards series, with quirky characters and funny wit. It was more about how telepaths and the like come to be. I must admit, I love how each character's unique personality shone through. I think Emily and Jeremy's perseverance was really commendable, I don't think I'd have been brave enough to do everything that they did. This was an interesting action filled novel I am sure you will enjoy.
June 18, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Starting the book, I felt like I was jumping into the second book of a series. It definitely felt like the beginning of a scene from a previous cliffhanger. However, once I got past that feeling, and could truly feel the characters, the book was so enjoyable.I may have liked a little more detail on the natural disaster, it seemed as if that part was kind of glossed over to get more to the storyline.
The writing was well-done, but I felt the conversational parts had some choppiness in it. Smoother writing of the personal scenes would help with this. There was enough action that kept the book moving very quickly.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. The change in the cover definitely improved, but there's so much more possibility with it. I'm really hoping to see more of the Winters' family with Emily, Kate, Skylar, and Jeremy.
Starting the book, I felt like I was jumping into the second book of a series. It definitely felt like the beginning of a scene from a previous cliffhanger. However, once I got past that feeling, and could truly feel the characters, the book was so enjoyable.I may have liked a little more detail on the natural disaster, it seemed as if that part was kind of glossed over to get more to the storyline.
The writing was well-done, but I felt the conversational parts had some choppiness in it. Smoother writing of the personal scenes would help with this. There was enough action that kept the book moving very quickly.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. The change in the cover definitely improved, but there's so much more possibility with it. I'm really hoping to see more of the Winters' family with Emily, Kate, Skylar, and Jeremy.
August 12, 2015
Shades of Anne McCaffrey
The story line was rather interesting for a sifi fan, but I got hung up on sentence structure. I had to re-read several sentences to follow the thought, and the ending was to abrupt. I would hope Mr. O'Riley will j just sit down and read the book with new eyes and see if he might rearrange some of the phrases. The story line was pretty good. I might read more in the series.
The story line was rather interesting for a sifi fan, but I got hung up on sentence structure. I had to re-read several sentences to follow the thought, and the ending was to abrupt. I would hope Mr. O'Riley will j just sit down and read the book with new eyes and see if he might rearrange some of the phrases. The story line was pretty good. I might read more in the series.
August 13, 2015
Couldn't put down!
An electric storm changes the world leaving most of the population with some kind of psychic abilities. Varying in strength with some having more than one ability opens the door for the strong and unstable with a thirst for power and domination to be at war with those that want peace. Rich cast of characters with a constant battle never knowing where the plot twists to next. Unpredictable creative and filled with action of a unique kind.
An electric storm changes the world leaving most of the population with some kind of psychic abilities. Varying in strength with some having more than one ability opens the door for the strong and unstable with a thirst for power and domination to be at war with those that want peace. Rich cast of characters with a constant battle never knowing where the plot twists to next. Unpredictable creative and filled with action of a unique kind.
December 1, 2015
Transformation was an interesting book to read. I could not put the book down when I started reading it. The plot of the story holds your interest and moves along quickly. Transformation was different from other books by John O'Riley. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I have to say that I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to read books that is going to draw you into the story and hold you thru the whole book. Then this is the book for you.
December 6, 2014
Really enjoyed this book. Hooked on page one and right through to the end. I'll have to get my hands on book two so I can find out what happens to everyone. Great characters and well written. Definitely would recommend this book.
October 9, 2015
Psi world looks interesting
In an expanding world of psychic abilities and connections, a core group tries to not only stop future events from happening but steer actions in a manner they choose. And, of course, we have a psy-war.
In an expanding world of psychic abilities and connections, a core group tries to not only stop future events from happening but steer actions in a manner they choose. And, of course, we have a psy-war.
October 19, 2015
I found this book free on Book bub and downloaded for one of daughter's to read. I was in between books and started to read Transformation. Wow, I really enjoyed the story line. Will definitely be downloading and reading the next book in the series. Thank you John.
April 28, 2016
good story line.
did u ever wonder what the world would be like if everyone had some type of psychic power?
what if some used for self gain and only a few had a conscience?
this makes you think, is this possible? and if so what happens to society?
did u ever wonder what the world would be like if everyone had some type of psychic power?
what if some used for self gain and only a few had a conscience?
this makes you think, is this possible? and if so what happens to society?
Read
February 10, 2017Dnf at page 5. The writing is too descriptive. I can't get a feeling for the story.
August 14, 2015
A very intriguing paranormal world. Hard to put the book down! Thrilling and fast paced.
August 25, 2015
Entertaining
Escapism entertainment with a few twists. The characters took a while before I could keep track of them, but once I did it became a very enjoyable story.
Escapism entertainment with a few twists. The characters took a while before I could keep track of them, but once I did it became a very enjoyable story.
October 18, 2015
Interesting. Need to read the second to see exactly how I feel about the series.
December 8, 2015
3.5 stars really. It started off as the potential for a great book. It kind of fizzled out at the end.
June 3, 2016
Unique and engaging
Received this book free .... Off to buy the next in the series!
Received this book free .... Off to buy the next in the series!
January 10, 2017
Just found this series and love this book about psi abilities. Definitely recommend this book!
January 10, 2017
Just found this series and was very pleasantly surprised. If you like psi abilities and how the world came about getting them, this series is for you. Definitely recommend this book!
January 22, 2017
Generally a good story but at time the narrative rambles as if seeking the next plot point.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews