Unraveling: The Psion Series by Jacob Gowans

Title: Psion Beta; Psion Gamma; Psion Delta; Psion Alpha

Series: Psion Series

Author: Jacob Gowans
Genre: YA Sci-Fi

Publication Date: 2010-2014

Sammy, a 14-year-old fugitive, accidentally discovers he has the powers of a Psion.

Plucked off the streets, he is thrust into the rigorously-disciplined environment of Psion Beta headquarters. As a new Beta, Sammy must hone his newfound abilities using holographic fighting simulations, stealth training missions, and complex war games. His fellow trainees are other kids competing to prove their worth so they can graduate and contribute to the war effort.

But the stifling competition at headquarters isolates Sammy from his peers. Learning to use his incredible powers is difficult enough, but when things go horribly wrong on a routine training mission, he must rely on the other Betas to stay alive.

The Silent War is at a tipping point; even one boy can be the difference.

But to do so, he must survive.

  

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My Thoughts

This is going to be a review for the whole series up to this point.

I love these books. So much so that I really don't know how to write a review for them so if I end up not making sense, I apologize in advanced xD Even though I've given each book no more than 4 stars with mostly 3s going around, I actually love the whole package.

These books aren't perfect by any means, but they are very enjoyable (At least I thought they were enjoyable). I've have had this same thing happened with another series that's ended up as one of my favorites. Individually the books could use some more sprucing up but alltogether? They are just awesome.

If you want to know what to expect from this series, plot wise, then think something like the Insignia trilogy by S.J. Kincaid. If you like those type of books then I urge you to read these.

My favorite book so far out of the 4 has been Psion Delta. These books never lack action. There is barely any downtime for our MC, Sammy. He just goes from one trouble to the next and I've wanted him to have a break because he has just suffered so much throughout his very short life.

What draws me to these books isn't just the action, it's the way the author manages to write about these very young kids in these very adult type of situations. You never truly forget that these are kids you are reading about even though they go through training to become killers, they still manage to keep that innocence, that spark that still makes them kids. Sammy, has had to grow up much more quickly than the rest because of his background and experiences. I loved that he could be both mature when he had to be, but also act like the kid he was in personal matters.

There was a lot of morality, existential, and religious questions through the books. The first two are dealt more in the first 3 books with the religious bit weaving through all 4 of them and having more screen time in the fourth, which is probably why the fourth book is my least favorite of the three. It was too close preaching at times for comfort. On the other hand I can see why it was needed and it did work for the most part. I specially enjoyed how Sammy had to come to terms with what he was doing, the killings, the survivor's guilt, and the torture and the responsibility of who he was, and what everyone expected of him.

In short, what I'm saying is. Give these books a try. I loved them and can't wait till the last one. So much happened at the end in Psion Alpha, can't wait to see how everything is resolved.

So...

Would I Recommend it?

***

Other books in the Psion Series:

1. Psion Beta
2. Psion Gamma
3. Psion Delta
4. Psion Alpha
5. Psion Omega

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