What do you think?
Rate this book
Always Watching
The Equal Rights movement is off to a strong start. Melissa, Claire and their new friend, Kisa Velnos, have created ripples that will spread through Antauran society.
But their victory is not without cost. Eager to control her great power, the Truth Seers have set their sights on Claire. And there are things far older and more terrible than telepaths lurking in the dark crevices of the galaxy. One of them has come to Antaur, seeking to end the disruption caused by the Field Binders.
While investigating a string of murders, Melissa comes face to face with an enemy unlike any she has ever encountered terrifying beings known only as the Administrators. These questionably human entities have inspired a hundred urban legends across a dozen different planets, and now, they want her dead.
As the movement gains momentum, Kisa’s refusal to back down forces Melissa to choose between her career and her principles... and the choice may cost her her life.
But their victory is not without cost. Eager to control her great power, the Truth Seers have set their sights on Claire. And there are things far older and more terrible than telepaths lurking in the dark crevices of the galaxy. One of them has come to Antaur, seeking to end the disruption caused by the Field Binders.
While investigating a string of murders, Melissa comes face to face with an enemy unlike any she has ever encountered terrifying beings known only as the Administrators. These questionably human entities have inspired a hundred urban legends across a dozen different planets, and now, they want her dead.
As the movement gains momentum, Kisa’s refusal to back down forces Melissa to choose between her career and her principles... and the choice may cost her her life.
514 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2025
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
R.S. Penney
57 books56 followersI was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario where I attended Saltfleet High School and McMaster University. I've spent most of my life fighting for the little guy in one form or another, advocating for the poor, for environmental sustainability, for minority rights.
Throughout my twenties, I wrote about five novels and threw them all out because they weren't very good. But I improved and honed my skills with each new manuscript. About two years ago, I had an offer from a traditional publishing house, but I chose to go indie instead. Writing is my passion; if I could dedicate myself to one thing, it would be bringing the ideas in my head to life.
Throughout my twenties, I wrote about five novels and threw them all out because they weren't very good. But I improved and honed my skills with each new manuscript. About two years ago, I had an offer from a traditional publishing house, but I chose to go indie instead. Writing is my passion; if I could dedicate myself to one thing, it would be bringing the ideas in my head to life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 9, 2025
This is a review for the first two books
“Neutrality is just another way of siding with the oppressor!”
The Carlson Girls and its sequel Always Watching are the first two books in a new science fiction fantasy series by author R.S. Penney. At the surface level, they are fun, action filled books about Justice Keeper Melissa Carlson and her telepath younger sister Claire. However, this is a society where telepaths are seen as genetically superior citizens and all others are broken into classes - the X5s being considered the lowest caste. This is the story of two strong-willed young women fighting against injustice on the planet of Antaur. It’s the story of the bond between sisters, of self discovery, of finding the strength to fight for what you believe in even when you are in the minority.
In today’s political climate, I believe books like this are so important. So many claim, “I don’t like my books to be political!” But literature is political, and the best stories speak to the injustices in the world. That’s what The Carlson Girls and Always Watching does. In this society, the lowest caste is seen as second class citizens - banned from certain restaurants, schools, establishments. Claire and Melissa, by nature of their abilities and job, claim a higher status, but they see the injustice that takes place around them. They fight for what is right even when others are fighting against them. These girls have heart and fight in them.
This series speaks deeply to the question of morality. It parallels what we see in the world today, and you can’t help but ask yourself, “Do I standby and watch or do I take a stand?”
Thank you to the author and Henry Roi PR for gifting me a copy of the ebooks. All thoughts are my own.
“Neutrality is just another way of siding with the oppressor!”
The Carlson Girls and its sequel Always Watching are the first two books in a new science fiction fantasy series by author R.S. Penney. At the surface level, they are fun, action filled books about Justice Keeper Melissa Carlson and her telepath younger sister Claire. However, this is a society where telepaths are seen as genetically superior citizens and all others are broken into classes - the X5s being considered the lowest caste. This is the story of two strong-willed young women fighting against injustice on the planet of Antaur. It’s the story of the bond between sisters, of self discovery, of finding the strength to fight for what you believe in even when you are in the minority.
In today’s political climate, I believe books like this are so important. So many claim, “I don’t like my books to be political!” But literature is political, and the best stories speak to the injustices in the world. That’s what The Carlson Girls and Always Watching does. In this society, the lowest caste is seen as second class citizens - banned from certain restaurants, schools, establishments. Claire and Melissa, by nature of their abilities and job, claim a higher status, but they see the injustice that takes place around them. They fight for what is right even when others are fighting against them. These girls have heart and fight in them.
This series speaks deeply to the question of morality. It parallels what we see in the world today, and you can’t help but ask yourself, “Do I standby and watch or do I take a stand?”
Thank you to the author and Henry Roi PR for gifting me a copy of the ebooks. All thoughts are my own.
August 26, 2025
I had the pleasure of being sent both books in this series by the author. After reading the first book, I was expecting another slow start but I was pleasantly surprised. The author added suspense pretty early on in the book with no resolution until towards the end so it kept me hooked and wanting to know what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this book if you love science fiction and love other works by this author.
November 18, 2025
Part 2 is so much more action packed than part 1!
The Carlson girls continue to develop and improve their skills as everything goes against them. Or towards them?
I love the twists in this book which I won’t spoil and am excited to see where the books will continue to go!
The Carlson girls continue to develop and improve their skills as everything goes against them. Or towards them?
I love the twists in this book which I won’t spoil and am excited to see where the books will continue to go!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews