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Watched
Remember always: You are being Watched.
One morning Jason and Rory wake up in their dorm room at boarding school, the next, they have been transported to an intensive training facility for teens with superpowers.
Equipped with the abilities to manipulate gravity and harness dark energy, Jason and Rory discover their strengths, weaknesses – and themselves.
Enveloped in a realm of action, mystery and superhuman powers, the two protagonists believe they are being trained to hone their powers and ensure the ongoing survival of humanity.
But as they grow more powerful and discover the deadly secrets of the Watchers, Jason and Rory struggle to keep their friendship intact in the face of mounting peril.
One morning Jason and Rory wake up in their dorm room at boarding school, the next, they have been transported to an intensive training facility for teens with superpowers.
Equipped with the abilities to manipulate gravity and harness dark energy, Jason and Rory discover their strengths, weaknesses – and themselves.
Enveloped in a realm of action, mystery and superhuman powers, the two protagonists believe they are being trained to hone their powers and ensure the ongoing survival of humanity.
But as they grow more powerful and discover the deadly secrets of the Watchers, Jason and Rory struggle to keep their friendship intact in the face of mounting peril.
- GenresScience FictionAction
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2014
3 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 2, 2015
Superheroes seem to enjoying a surge in popularity in visual media right now, with a number of big movies and expensive TV series in production, and I’ve noticed a growth in their appearance in print, and in books without pictures at that. The advantage for the writer is that they are able to get into the head of the nascent superhero, and explore how the individual feels about their prodigal powers. This is something that Tihema Baker does very well; showing great skill at getting inside the minds of teenagers and their relationships. Perhaps too much; I spent a great deal of time while reading this novel wondering when the other shoe was going to drop. When it did, only a few short chapters from the end, it did so with a vengeance, and a great deal of action was squeezed into the last few pages.
The real difficulty is that this is essentially a “school for superheroes” story, and that has been done, very thoroughly by the X-Men and Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and by numerous others. Even Disney has done this trope, in the movie “Sky High”. It doesn’t help that the young supers in “Watched” have essentially the same origin story as the X-men; it may be called a “prodigium” gene, but it’s still a genetic mutation, and that equates prodigies to mutants. It would have helped if the author had come up with a more creative origin story, maybe even something we hadn’t seen before.
That said, the manipulation of dark matter (as opposed to darkness) is a power that you don’t find in many of the comics – at least it’s something I don’t recall having come across previously. As is the use of the black robots called Stalkers as assistants and as punch-bags in the training rooms. Though there is no explanation for the advanced technology (some of it decidedly weird science) that they represent. Or for the location of Castle Infinity, and what keeps it hidden from the eyes of the world – or what keeps it supplied with food and materials. I was also a bit dubious about the power groups as they became apparent late in the story. If a super-powered individual sees fit to create a hurricane in a populated area it doesn’t say much for their humanitarian values.
So, I shall give good marks for characterisation, good for writing style, average in plotting, but poor for a lack of originality and of coherence in the world-building department. I suspect that teenage boys will enjoy the action here, and it is certainly nice to see a superhero story that kicks off in Wellington. Oh, and the author does set up for a sequel.
The real difficulty is that this is essentially a “school for superheroes” story, and that has been done, very thoroughly by the X-Men and Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and by numerous others. Even Disney has done this trope, in the movie “Sky High”. It doesn’t help that the young supers in “Watched” have essentially the same origin story as the X-men; it may be called a “prodigium” gene, but it’s still a genetic mutation, and that equates prodigies to mutants. It would have helped if the author had come up with a more creative origin story, maybe even something we hadn’t seen before.
That said, the manipulation of dark matter (as opposed to darkness) is a power that you don’t find in many of the comics – at least it’s something I don’t recall having come across previously. As is the use of the black robots called Stalkers as assistants and as punch-bags in the training rooms. Though there is no explanation for the advanced technology (some of it decidedly weird science) that they represent. Or for the location of Castle Infinity, and what keeps it hidden from the eyes of the world – or what keeps it supplied with food and materials. I was also a bit dubious about the power groups as they became apparent late in the story. If a super-powered individual sees fit to create a hurricane in a populated area it doesn’t say much for their humanitarian values.
So, I shall give good marks for characterisation, good for writing style, average in plotting, but poor for a lack of originality and of coherence in the world-building department. I suspect that teenage boys will enjoy the action here, and it is certainly nice to see a superhero story that kicks off in Wellington. Oh, and the author does set up for a sequel.
February 9, 2015
This is an awesome book that both adults and teens can enjoy. It is a sci-fi novel but don't let that dissuade you - the sci-fi aspects aren't in your face and don't weigh it down at all. The characters are really well-developed and believable, and in particular the relationship between the two main characters is one of the highlights. There's plenty of action but there's also a lot of emotional depth, so I think it will appeal in different ways to lots of different people. I loved the plot twists, which kept me guessing the whole time. It's also nice to see more young adult fiction like this coming out of New Zealand. And I did I mention how awesome the superpowers are? I would highly recommend!
January 28, 2023
I am obsessed with this book! It made me feel the same way I did when I read series like the Hunger Games and Cherub. I love how you can read it as just a story or you can read it as a metaphorical commentary of certain aspects of the soecity around us - relgion, politics and friendship mostly. The book does not end how you think it will and it's super refreshing to have a familair story and setting tackled from a different perspective. I am begging for a sequel.
September 13, 2017
I decided to read this book because the burlb on the back interested me to read it.
A setting I found interesting in the book 'watched' is castle infinity, the place the superhuman's were taken to develop their abilities. Castle infinity is interesting to me because of its advanced modern technology to help develop the superhuman's powers, it's unknown location and it's giant capacity.
A quotation worth remembering is in the book watched "Lifelong friendship should never be a battle of proving who is best".In the novel Jason and Rory are spilt into different training teams, this causes the teenagers to drift apart and cause a strain on their relationship. Because of this while the teams are battling each other to win the tournaments for the sake of their survival, Rory and Jason are battling each other to prove who is best. It is then discovered the boys need each other if they're ever going to make it out alive.
This quote is worth remembering because it can be reflected in real life situations.
If I could ask the author anything I would ask where she had based castle infinity.
If the author had given me permission to change something in the text I would reveal where castle infinity is at the end of the story.
A setting I found interesting in the book 'watched' is castle infinity, the place the superhuman's were taken to develop their abilities. Castle infinity is interesting to me because of its advanced modern technology to help develop the superhuman's powers, it's unknown location and it's giant capacity.
A quotation worth remembering is in the book watched "Lifelong friendship should never be a battle of proving who is best".In the novel Jason and Rory are spilt into different training teams, this causes the teenagers to drift apart and cause a strain on their relationship. Because of this while the teams are battling each other to win the tournaments for the sake of their survival, Rory and Jason are battling each other to prove who is best. It is then discovered the boys need each other if they're ever going to make it out alive.
This quote is worth remembering because it can be reflected in real life situations.
If I could ask the author anything I would ask where she had based castle infinity.
If the author had given me permission to change something in the text I would reveal where castle infinity is at the end of the story.
April 10, 2023
YALO and sci-fi
Summary: The two main characters, Jason and Rory, wake up and realize that they were relocated to an intensive training facility and that they now have superpowers to train. They find that they can now manipulate gravity and harness dark energy. They figure out how to use their powers and in doing so they learn their strenghts and weaknesses throughout the book.
Reaction: I am obsessed with this book! It made me feel the same way I did when I read series like the Hunger Games and Cherub. I love how you can read it as just a story or you can read it as a metaphorical commentary of certain aspects of the soecity around us - relgion, politics and friendship mostly. The book does not end how you think it will and it's super refreshing to have a familair story and setting tackled from a different perspective. I am begging for a sequel.
Ranking: 3
Summary: The two main characters, Jason and Rory, wake up and realize that they were relocated to an intensive training facility and that they now have superpowers to train. They find that they can now manipulate gravity and harness dark energy. They figure out how to use their powers and in doing so they learn their strenghts and weaknesses throughout the book.
Reaction: I am obsessed with this book! It made me feel the same way I did when I read series like the Hunger Games and Cherub. I love how you can read it as just a story or you can read it as a metaphorical commentary of certain aspects of the soecity around us - relgion, politics and friendship mostly. The book does not end how you think it will and it's super refreshing to have a familair story and setting tackled from a different perspective. I am begging for a sequel.
Ranking: 3
January 13, 2019
4 Stars
Although I found the book quite cringey and predictable, the story and characters were not too bad. I found this book in the Teen Section of my local library, however I feel like I would have loved this book a couple years back during my Rick Riordan and Brandon Mull days. However for me it was a sub par novel compared to the other novels I have been reading. I bumped it up to 4 stars because I always love to support a fellow NZ kiwi and this is exactly the sort of stuff I read when I was younger.
Although I found the book quite cringey and predictable, the story and characters were not too bad. I found this book in the Teen Section of my local library, however I feel like I would have loved this book a couple years back during my Rick Riordan and Brandon Mull days. However for me it was a sub par novel compared to the other novels I have been reading. I bumped it up to 4 stars because I always love to support a fellow NZ kiwi and this is exactly the sort of stuff I read when I was younger.
March 31, 2024
This book was quite slow moving at the start, but once it picked up, I really enjoyed it. I read this book for school and I actually liked analysing it and the dystopian themes within the text. The character development throughout the book was good, although I wish that Rory's personality didn't switch so immediately at the end, it felt like there needed to be a bit of lead up with him realising he was being an ass.
May 12, 2025
Engaging and entertaining superhero-training school with evil dude betrayal element and strained relationship between mates theme; enjoyable but not really my thing, I realise. There’s generally good characterisation, and believable types, although a jealousy trope probably needed some better groundwork, especially given the intensity – but these are quibbles.
July 28, 2024
3.5 rounded down to 3
A simple superhero story. There's a secret school, two best friends growing apart and becoming rivals, and of course plenty of superpower on superpower action.
Nothing fancy.
Y9,10
A simple superhero story. There's a secret school, two best friends growing apart and becoming rivals, and of course plenty of superpower on superpower action.
Nothing fancy.
Y9,10
February 9, 2024
A fascinating exploration of values through an exciting fantasy battle scenario.
February 1, 2017
I just love reading scifi fantasy from New Zealand, especially from a Maori author. It adds an extra dimension of spirituality and Maori world view that is completely unique.
Jason and Rory are at the same boarding school and wake every morning from bad dreams which they can't quite remember. It turns out that they're Prodigies, an elite group of teens from all over the world who have superhuman powers.
They are taken to Castle Infinity, a training ground where the Watchers (who watch over the world and ensure it stays in balance) teach them how harness their individual powers.
Jason has the power to manipulate gravity (which means he can fly!) while Rory can channel Dark Energy, the destructive force that exists all around us.
When the two are split into different training teams, Jason and Rory find themselves drifting apart and their lifelong friendship is strained. And while the teams are battling each other to win the tournaments and ensure their survival, Jason and Rory are battling each other to prove just who is the best.
But the Watchers have secrets of their own, and the battle isn't just within Castle Infinity...
I really enjoyed this book. It's well written and fast paced. If you like X-men, you'll love this.
Jason and Rory are at the same boarding school and wake every morning from bad dreams which they can't quite remember. It turns out that they're Prodigies, an elite group of teens from all over the world who have superhuman powers.
They are taken to Castle Infinity, a training ground where the Watchers (who watch over the world and ensure it stays in balance) teach them how harness their individual powers.
Jason has the power to manipulate gravity (which means he can fly!) while Rory can channel Dark Energy, the destructive force that exists all around us.
When the two are split into different training teams, Jason and Rory find themselves drifting apart and their lifelong friendship is strained. And while the teams are battling each other to win the tournaments and ensure their survival, Jason and Rory are battling each other to prove just who is the best.
But the Watchers have secrets of their own, and the battle isn't just within Castle Infinity...
I really enjoyed this book. It's well written and fast paced. If you like X-men, you'll love this.
April 9, 2015
This was a great start to what is obviously going to be a suite of different books. The author, kiwi born and bred, has done a good job of introducing super powered characters within a genre already packed full of beings with a plethora of different capacities. His use of descriptive methods to portray the powers his characters possessed was refreshing and also added interest. The book is easy to read and has a subtle cadence of a story which slowly builds towards its climax and out to obviously book two, which is yet to be released. The woven threads of friendship and character interchange was well executed, and the odd surprise and intrigue kept myself as a reader well entertained. It will be interesting to see how the story unfolds and also to see how the audience builds and reacts to the books as they continue to disseminate nationwide. Wishing all the best to the young author and fabulous to see something of such good quality and substance emerge for a wide readership...Kemp Reweti
March 18, 2016
This was like Harry Potter with superheroes. There were so many parallels, and I enjoyed it very much. The most exiting part was finding out about all the different powers people had. It was predictable but that didn't bother me much for once.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews