Oracle is a fast-paced sci-fi novel with characters that will get into your head.
Although the description highlights Dean, the scientist who has a change of heart about Wilderness, an institute creating people with extraordinary powers, it is Olivia and Nick who are the heart of the story. Two Psions who left Wilderness at a young age, Olivia and Nick have been helping other Psions get or stay free from the institute. Olivia is one of those kick-ass women we love to follow in urban spec fic and although she is mostly surrounded by men in this series, she doesn't rely on a single one. She does have a very strong platonic relationship with Nick, the kind I adore with a strong telepathic bond that exists only between the two of them. Their relationship is well cemented before the events of the novel begin and never did I feel cheated not knowing the details behind it in this book. I love Nick, and I own the t-shirt to prove it. He is not the brawn of the team (none of the team's guys are), but he has an inner strength that I adore.
The powers are scientifically explained, as brains developed to be able to do telepathy, electrical control, telekinesis, pre-cognition, control of your own body, ability to tell if someone's lying, projecting illusions, and the like. Using their powers affect the Psions seriously. In the case of Olivia and Nick's project, their brains start to break down, causing nosebleeds and dizziness after using their powers. They understand that one day their brains may shut down. Other Psions might not be able to understand their powers and go crazy from them. The Wilderness also has other projects such as the android Anthony, who is the catalyst for Dean's defection from the institute. And you know I love a good android :)
If I had one complaint about Oracle (okay, two, because the title suggests the book is something it's not), it's that the book lacks a unifying plot of its own. At the end, it does feel like set up for Lazarus. Now, Lazarus is amazing, and Oracle is a good read, so it's definitely worth it, but I do wish book 1 had one central plot of its own. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot that happens in Oracle, and a lot of smaller plots and climaxes that are resolved within. It's fast-paced, although it has enough slower moments to allow you to get to know the characters. Just the right balance, in my opinion.
And speaking of book 2, at this time, I could only find Lazarus by going directly to Kelly Meding's page and searching through her books. Although it is listed as Project Files #2 on its page, it is not linked to Oracle. The second book *is* out.
Recommended for fans of: SF-based superpowers, strong platonic relationships, powers with consequences, books with lots of smaller goals instead of one big one, well-written action, Whedonesque dialogue, androids.
Note: I read an unfinished version of this book, years ago.