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Hyllis Family #1
Telekinetic
“Telekinetic” is the first of a series of stories featuring the Hyllis family, who tend to inherit telekinetic “talents.” The story is set after a plague induced apocalypse. The resulting collapse of civilization has reduced mankind back to iron and horsepower.
Tarc Hyllis’s mother (and his grandfather before her) could “feel” things with their talent. They became healers because of their ability to feel inside their patients. This frequently lets them diagnose the underlying causes of an illness. Having made a diagnosis, unfortunately, there is all too often very little they can do to treat the problem.
Tarc’s father can “push” objects with his mind, but because he can’t feel inside of anything, he doesn’t know where to push in order to help to treat his wife’s patients.
Tarc is just gaining the ability to do both of these things. The combination of these two powers will let him both diagnose a physical problem such as bleeding and also stop that bleeding by applying pressure inside the patient. This is a very exciting development for his mother, who so often has had to watch her patients die for lack of effective treatment.
Then some strangers show up to scout the town where the Hyllises live. They plan and initiate a violent takeover. Can Tarc’s powers, weak as they are, play a role in resisting this invasion?
Tarc Hyllis’s mother (and his grandfather before her) could “feel” things with their talent. They became healers because of their ability to feel inside their patients. This frequently lets them diagnose the underlying causes of an illness. Having made a diagnosis, unfortunately, there is all too often very little they can do to treat the problem.
Tarc’s father can “push” objects with his mind, but because he can’t feel inside of anything, he doesn’t know where to push in order to help to treat his wife’s patients.
Tarc is just gaining the ability to do both of these things. The combination of these two powers will let him both diagnose a physical problem such as bleeding and also stop that bleeding by applying pressure inside the patient. This is a very exciting development for his mother, who so often has had to watch her patients die for lack of effective treatment.
Then some strangers show up to scout the town where the Hyllises live. They plan and initiate a violent takeover. Can Tarc’s powers, weak as they are, play a role in resisting this invasion?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2014
About the author
Laurence E. Dahners
63 books711 followersI was born on the island of Cyprus where my dad was employed as a mining engineer. We moved to the Philippines (more mining) when I was three and then to Arizona when I was 9. I went to med school at the University of Arizona and did a residency in Orthopaedics at the University of Kansas. I taught Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill until I retired in 2017.
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 21, 2019
Rating 4.0 stars
Started off kind of slow but picked up towards the end. I like the whole setup for how the family has telekinetic powers. While the powers themselves seem sort of weak in the beginning it was amazing how much can be done without much force if you have enough imagination. Post apocalyptic worlds are always tricky. It is amazing how much society does for a community. When that society falls apart it reverts back to survival of the fittest and might makes right. Morality is a societal construct.
Overall this was a good story and I am looking forward to reading the next one. I might need to read something a little lighter though before I read the next book.
Started off kind of slow but picked up towards the end. I like the whole setup for how the family has telekinetic powers. While the powers themselves seem sort of weak in the beginning it was amazing how much can be done without much force if you have enough imagination. Post apocalyptic worlds are always tricky. It is amazing how much society does for a community. When that society falls apart it reverts back to survival of the fittest and might makes right. Morality is a societal construct.
Overall this was a good story and I am looking forward to reading the next one. I might need to read something a little lighter though before I read the next book.
March 10, 2019
Stays Good and True to the End
Well written, well edited, and imaginative with a twist that sets it apart. He keeps the plot moving without getting bogged down in angst, yet allows his characters to grow and breathe. I'm delighted with this story and hurrying on to the next. Laurence Dahners is truly a treasure among the trash.
Well written, well edited, and imaginative with a twist that sets it apart. He keeps the plot moving without getting bogged down in angst, yet allows his characters to grow and breathe. I'm delighted with this story and hurrying on to the next. Laurence Dahners is truly a treasure among the trash.
September 25, 2015
A Winner!
This story goes a long way using small powers. I found the story interesting, action packed, well written, full of good dialogue and admirable characters. It also has a good enough ending to please both the reader and the writer looking for sequels.
I have always felt that I am supposed to naturally able to move objects at will and not being able to do it feels unnatural and awkward. Ha! Maybe I am just lazy or possibly humans have this capability and either it was lost or it has yet to be developed. "On light switch, on!" Oh well...
Read this book. It's a good one!
This story goes a long way using small powers. I found the story interesting, action packed, well written, full of good dialogue and admirable characters. It also has a good enough ending to please both the reader and the writer looking for sequels.
I have always felt that I am supposed to naturally able to move objects at will and not being able to do it feels unnatural and awkward. Ha! Maybe I am just lazy or possibly humans have this capability and either it was lost or it has yet to be developed. "On light switch, on!" Oh well...
Read this book. It's a good one!
July 28, 2017
I like Dahners approach to books. They start with a "What would happen if?" built on strong characters and great events.
I like seeing him here doing his best with dystopian settings and Pizzas and medicine.
I like seeing him here doing his best with dystopian settings and Pizzas and medicine.
January 27, 2019
A very good book
This book was well written and worth reading. The concept was nice in the MC is not over powerful but is instead very smart and creative in how he uses his gift. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of the books in this series.
This book was well written and worth reading. The concept was nice in the MC is not over powerful but is instead very smart and creative in how he uses his gift. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of the books in this series.
June 27, 2019
Interesting story and world
I’m enjoying the world building and getting to know the characters. Really, really wish the writer knew how to use commas better. The editor, too.
I’m enjoying the world building and getting to know the characters. Really, really wish the writer knew how to use commas better. The editor, too.
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June 1, 2020dans un village fortifié après l'apocalypse un jeune ado prend connaissance de ses pouvoirs
Bou diou, que c'est looooooonnnnngggg ! chaque geste chaque étape sont décrits dans le détail Malgré mon envie de lire un roman sur les pouvoirs psy, je m'y suis profondément ennuyé
à réserver aux jeunes lecteurs
Bou diou, que c'est looooooonnnnngggg ! chaque geste chaque étape sont décrits dans le détail Malgré mon envie de lire un roman sur les pouvoirs psy, je m'y suis profondément ennuyé
à réserver aux jeunes lecteurs
September 24, 2020
24.9.2020 - 3,5*
I think that the best thing in this book was also the one I hated the most.
How ugly people can become.
I think that the best thing in this book was also the one I hated the most.
How ugly people can become.
March 22, 2024
Pretty good!
April 8, 2024
Discover his new talents as his town is invaded makes for quite a challenge for the Hyllis son. His unerring skill with a knife and aiding his father's skill with the bow sort out the villains but create new problems.
August 6, 2014
This story is reminiscent of Card's Alvin Maker series. Though it is somewhat predictable and certainly not up to the mark in terms of professional writing or plotting, the author's skillful handling of characters, relationships, and emotional tension (and of the reader's emotions) earns this novella a solid four stars. From the first paragraph (as poorly written as that paragraph is) I was absolutely engaged and that continued right through to the finish.
Anybody can learn to write well. What cannot be taught is emotional understanding, of which Dahners has plenty. We may see a serious five star novel from him in the near future. I hope so!
Anybody can learn to write well. What cannot be taught is emotional understanding, of which Dahners has plenty. We may see a serious five star novel from him in the near future. I hope so!
July 29, 2014
I really enjoyed this book
I really enjoyed this book
I started this book relaxing out on the front porch. the next thing I know my kindle is telling me it needs to be charged. it was about 2 hours later. that is the highest compliment I can give it. I can not wait till the next book for there are unanswered questions. one thing though I will agree that the prologue was unnecessary unless it will play a role in later books.
I really enjoyed this book
I started this book relaxing out on the front porch. the next thing I know my kindle is telling me it needs to be charged. it was about 2 hours later. that is the highest compliment I can give it. I can not wait till the next book for there are unanswered questions. one thing though I will agree that the prologue was unnecessary unless it will play a role in later books.
December 1, 2018
I enjoyed this story, it had interesting characters and moved along at a decent pace. It can’t really be described as a ‘fun’ read because there is quite a lot of violence and it is not a serious dystopian scifi story. For example, given the destruction of civilisation had been caused by a genetically modified virus, rather than a nuclear war, there should have been far more technology still available.
However, it was still a great read and I will be happy to read the next one in the series.
However, it was still a great read and I will be happy to read the next one in the series.
September 13, 2015
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected. In a post apocalyptic world the MC Tarc finds out he has some telekinetic abilities that help heal and kill people. I enjoyed watching Tarc grown and learn different ways to use his abilities. I also enjoyed how there wasn't alot of complex world building going on but a basic almost pre industrial culture setting.
July 21, 2014
Great start to a new series.
I am an avid Donsaii reader. This start to a new series has the same flaw as the rest... I can't stop once I start reading. This is a great story and very thought provoking. I kept thinking what else could be done with these skills?
I am an avid Donsaii reader. This start to a new series has the same flaw as the rest... I can't stop once I start reading. This is a great story and very thought provoking. I kept thinking what else could be done with these skills?
August 4, 2014
Look I read Laurence Dahners books because they are fun and to the point and I can mostly turn my brain off. Its not hard science fiction. This was no different a short and sweet book with a main character I am sure we will see more of in the future.
Have a read and enjoy the ride.
Have a read and enjoy the ride.
September 12, 2015
Great!
This was a pleasant surprise to read. I am anxious to see another as soon as possible! Definitely not your average storyline, told with colorful characters and it really makes you want more more more!
This was a pleasant surprise to read. I am anxious to see another as soon as possible! Definitely not your average storyline, told with colorful characters and it really makes you want more more more!
November 7, 2015
Page turner
This book will keep you excited and anxious the whole way. I could hardly wait to find out what could happen next as the story unfolded. A fun book with great characters and a great story.
This book will keep you excited and anxious the whole way. I could hardly wait to find out what could happen next as the story unfolded. A fun book with great characters and a great story.
February 19, 2018
Gripping action
I couldn't put the story down. The characters were very believable and descriptions of the tavern and town made them co!e alive in my mind. I would definitely like to read novels by this author again.
I couldn't put the story down. The characters were very believable and descriptions of the tavern and town made them co!e alive in my mind. I would definitely like to read novels by this author again.
May 4, 2018
Great story
This book is a little more violent than I'm used to form Mr Dahners, but then I have a very low tolerance for violence. It is still the high quality characters and story that we've grown used to from this terrific author.
This book is a little more violent than I'm used to form Mr Dahners, but then I have a very low tolerance for violence. It is still the high quality characters and story that we've grown used to from this terrific author.
June 2, 2018
Entertaining tale of a young man's self discovery
I really enjoyed the coming of age story contained within the story of a towns fight to save itself. the main character was believable and compelling. I loved this story.
I really enjoyed the coming of age story contained within the story of a towns fight to save itself. the main character was believable and compelling. I loved this story.
May 22, 2019
A decent page turner if you can ignore how amateurish and juvenile the writing is, particularly anything that is grounded in real fact (the prologue describing the origin of the plague is atrocious) and his use of italics for emphasis in dialogue.
September 1, 2015
Enjoyable read. Fast paced and interesting. Good strong characters with some depth.
September 18, 2015
Loved this one. It was a freebie and I'm glad I found this author and this series.
May 9, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
March 31, 2022
Fun, Quick and Well Written
This is the first book in an ongoing series, however, there is no cliffhanger, just a little hook to make you want to buy the next book.
In a post-apocalyptic world, transformed by a virus that wiped out mankind back to an age of swords and arrows, live the Hyllis Family. They run the tavern in a small town that tries it’s best to stay safe with stout wooden wall and militia training for all the men. However, there are things that not even a stout wall can save you from.
Tarc Hyllis is the son of Eva and Daum who own the tavern and he and his annoying little sister Daussie work hard all day to keep their business afloat. In addition Eva is a healer, one who is guided by the teaching of her family and the ability to ‘see’ inside a body helping her to diagnose problems. She is teaching both her children to be healers but it is only when Daum asks a simple question “where is the sun?” That he realises that Tarc might share his mother’s abilities and possibly his own ability to move things a small distance with the power of his mind.
Just as Tarc starts to come to terms with his new ability, the lives of everyone in town is turned upside down.
I really enjoy Laurence Dahners work. He writes smooth narrative that keeps you turning pages long after you should have turned out the lights. I love the creativity of his world building. By the end of this book you feel like you really know the people of this small town and in particular the Hyllis family who strive so hard for their neighbours.
I really liked how Tarc starts off being really annoyed by his whiny younger sister until he starts to see her in a new light, especially when conflict and danger force them to work together. We witness Tarc grow up during the course of this book, going from a teenager resenting the time he has to study medicine when they don’t have the treatments given in the books and hates how hard militia training is, to someone brave and quick thinking. It’s not an instant transformation and the transition from boy to young man is a believable one.
This was a really entertaining read, and I can’t wait to start the next book in the series.
This is the first book in an ongoing series, however, there is no cliffhanger, just a little hook to make you want to buy the next book.
In a post-apocalyptic world, transformed by a virus that wiped out mankind back to an age of swords and arrows, live the Hyllis Family. They run the tavern in a small town that tries it’s best to stay safe with stout wooden wall and militia training for all the men. However, there are things that not even a stout wall can save you from.
Tarc Hyllis is the son of Eva and Daum who own the tavern and he and his annoying little sister Daussie work hard all day to keep their business afloat. In addition Eva is a healer, one who is guided by the teaching of her family and the ability to ‘see’ inside a body helping her to diagnose problems. She is teaching both her children to be healers but it is only when Daum asks a simple question “where is the sun?” That he realises that Tarc might share his mother’s abilities and possibly his own ability to move things a small distance with the power of his mind.
Just as Tarc starts to come to terms with his new ability, the lives of everyone in town is turned upside down.
I really enjoy Laurence Dahners work. He writes smooth narrative that keeps you turning pages long after you should have turned out the lights. I love the creativity of his world building. By the end of this book you feel like you really know the people of this small town and in particular the Hyllis family who strive so hard for their neighbours.
I really liked how Tarc starts off being really annoyed by his whiny younger sister until he starts to see her in a new light, especially when conflict and danger force them to work together. We witness Tarc grow up during the course of this book, going from a teenager resenting the time he has to study medicine when they don’t have the treatments given in the books and hates how hard militia training is, to someone brave and quick thinking. It’s not an instant transformation and the transition from boy to young man is a believable one.
This was a really entertaining read, and I can’t wait to start the next book in the series.
August 11, 2021
Dahners, Laurence E. Telekinetic. Hyllis Family No. 1. Kindle, 2014.
Laurence Dahners usually builds worlds that are close spinoffs of a recognizable near future America, but in the Hyllis Family series he goes to the trouble of a postapocalyptic future a bit further on. A pandemic, which may have been started by a minor mistake in a biology lab, reduced the world population to 1,000 BCE levels, and years later industrial technology is still not possible. Only scraps of ancient science remain. The Hyllis family--a tavern owner, his wife, who is a local healer, and their teenage children--have a heritable trait that gives them varying degrees of telekinetic power. These powers are a closely held family secret for fear of a superstitious response from the provincial community. When the town is invaded by bandits, they must put their TK to work. As usual, Dahners centers his story on smart kids and inventive ways to use a new ability, for self-defense and as a tool to enhance preindustrial medicine. Gorier than usual, but fun. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Laurence Dahners usually builds worlds that are close spinoffs of a recognizable near future America, but in the Hyllis Family series he goes to the trouble of a postapocalyptic future a bit further on. A pandemic, which may have been started by a minor mistake in a biology lab, reduced the world population to 1,000 BCE levels, and years later industrial technology is still not possible. Only scraps of ancient science remain. The Hyllis family--a tavern owner, his wife, who is a local healer, and their teenage children--have a heritable trait that gives them varying degrees of telekinetic power. These powers are a closely held family secret for fear of a superstitious response from the provincial community. When the town is invaded by bandits, they must put their TK to work. As usual, Dahners centers his story on smart kids and inventive ways to use a new ability, for self-defense and as a tool to enhance preindustrial medicine. Gorier than usual, but fun. 3.5 stars rounded up.
April 19, 2023
I Really Loved This Book!
I always enjoy reading about a young person, especially young men, finding out they have talent and value, and this story does it beautifully.
I like how Tarc not only learns about his own skills and how important they are, but he learns how to value his kid sister.
This seems more of a young adult novel in that the traumas aren't dwelt on very deeply, but I'm okay with that. My life has enough trauma and hardships, I don't need to have my nose rubbed in it when I'm reading for entertainment.
You get a few lessons in anatomy reading this books. I actually learned some new things about the human body. I always learn something reading Mr Dahners' books.
I would rate this PG-13. There is violence and references to rape. There is a lot of medical talk of physiology. There's some language.
I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription.)
I always enjoy reading about a young person, especially young men, finding out they have talent and value, and this story does it beautifully.
I like how Tarc not only learns about his own skills and how important they are, but he learns how to value his kid sister.
This seems more of a young adult novel in that the traumas aren't dwelt on very deeply, but I'm okay with that. My life has enough trauma and hardships, I don't need to have my nose rubbed in it when I'm reading for entertainment.
You get a few lessons in anatomy reading this books. I actually learned some new things about the human body. I always learn something reading Mr Dahners' books.
I would rate this PG-13. There is violence and references to rape. There is a lot of medical talk of physiology. There's some language.
I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription.)
February 14, 2020
Enjoyable book about a brave young man with mind over matter powers, surrounded by killers.
Tarc Hyllis is a brave, talented hard working young man who is the teenaged son of a tavern owner telekinetic father and a healer mother. He also has a beautiful teenaged younger sister. They both work doing whatever is necessary to help their mom and dad.
Unfortunately, the medieval level village that they live in is invaded and taken over by a gang of murdering, rapist ex-soldiers. The story is the tale of how the Hyllis family battles the invaders with their unique abilities and help lead the villagers in resisting and fighting the invaders.
Great underdog story. Read it, you'll enjoy it!
Tarc Hyllis is a brave, talented hard working young man who is the teenaged son of a tavern owner telekinetic father and a healer mother. He also has a beautiful teenaged younger sister. They both work doing whatever is necessary to help their mom and dad.
Unfortunately, the medieval level village that they live in is invaded and taken over by a gang of murdering, rapist ex-soldiers. The story is the tale of how the Hyllis family battles the invaders with their unique abilities and help lead the villagers in resisting and fighting the invaders.
Great underdog story. Read it, you'll enjoy it!
January 26, 2026
Simple and basic young reader with heavy issues, needs editing,
It's kind of forgettable, as a basic story as the main character never really captures the reader. Between his reluctance to do hard things, his immaturity or stupidity at the same time trying to grasp smart concepts confuses the reader. His powers are undefined and unearned so it feels easy and unappreciative. Difficult issues like sexual assault and killing and murder seem to be everyday life, one moment there repost the other it's just normal like getting dressed. It's a basic story that didn't really have a lot of substance to it. Young readers May overlook all that, but it's rather forgettable for an adult.
It's kind of forgettable, as a basic story as the main character never really captures the reader. Between his reluctance to do hard things, his immaturity or stupidity at the same time trying to grasp smart concepts confuses the reader. His powers are undefined and unearned so it feels easy and unappreciative. Difficult issues like sexual assault and killing and murder seem to be everyday life, one moment there repost the other it's just normal like getting dressed. It's a basic story that didn't really have a lot of substance to it. Young readers May overlook all that, but it's rather forgettable for an adult.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews