Freakling (Psi Chronicles)

Freakling is a fast paced novel that tells the story of young Taemon, whose rivalry with his power hungry older brother, Yens, results in him losing his ability known as psi. In this incredibly imaginative world that Krumwiede has created psi enables individuals in this seemingly utopian society, to manipulate objects with their minds. Thus they are incredibly dependent on this ability and if a person does not posses it they are immediately exiled.But when Taemon loses his ability to wield psi, rather give up and go to the “dud farm” he comes up with innovative solutions to appear like he still posses psi. For a time this plan does work. In spite of his best efforts though Taemon’s secret is eventually revealed and he is promptly ship off to live in the powerless colonies. What is so bad about this dud farm? People actually have to work with their hands! It’s a psi user’s worst nightmare.Nevertheless, Taemon makes the best of the situation – as he always does – and builds a new life in the powerless colony. Just when he is settling in though, Taemon gets wind that there is trouble brewing back in the psi city and his brother is right in the middle of it. Thus in order to protect his family, save his home, and prevent a war Taemon and his new friend Amma return to the city to confront the corrupt individuals who would use psi for their own selfish gains.Freakling takes readers on a non-stop roller coaster ride. I don’t think Taemon ever has a dull moment since he sits down to his family dinner on page 1! Readers will definitely find it easy to submerge themselves into the world Krumwiede has created. It’s filled to brim with futuristic gadgets, hover crafts, a cool sport called psi ball, and more. But in addition, to all this eye candy the novel has a lot of meaningful themes such as pride, loyalty, and self-sacrifice that add more depth to Taemon’s story as well. Furthermore, Taemon’s character embodies a lot of noble qualities and young readers will certainly identify with this protagonist’s struggle to remain true to himself despite the expectations and pressures both his family and society place upon him.The earth-shattering events that Freakling leaves off on, certainly paves the way for the next (and definitely exciting) installment in the PSI Chronicles, Archon, which has just been released this past fall! Check it out!!!

An excellent world-building serves as the foundation for this very special and fascinating novel of a world where the paranormal-in terms of psychic talents-is very real, and only those who do not possess psychokinesis (here called "psi") are considered pariahs, "the powerless." But only psychokinesis is considered a talent, or useful; anything else in the way of psychic capabilities is simply disregarded. In the city of Deliverance, home of psi, no manual labour exists: children are taught from early on to use their minds to do even simple tasks such as folding clothes and opening a doorknob.Taemon lives in the shadow of his arrogant and hubristic older brother Yens, who desires more than anything to be declared the "True Son," the prophesied one who will bring on great changes and a new era. When the high priest does indeed choose Yens, Taemon reaches a crisis point, and wills away his psi capability. When discovered, he is exiled to the colony of the powerless. Soon he discovers that the great changes are not so great at all; people are disappearing, rules are violated, and the high priest and Yens wish to go to war. Can Taemon stop them in time?I reviewed an e-book copy provided by Great Minds Think Aloud in exchange for my fair and impartial reviews.

I had read the 3 chapter preview of Lana Krumwiede's debut novel Freakling, I was entranced and excited for the upcoming release.In Freakling, Lana illustrates the extraordinary of being 'normal'. I found the the novel to be engaging and well paced. She provides strong characters, vivid world building, and themes that are appropriate for young adult readers and older.I would recommend this novel to any YA reader.

The dystopian genre for young adult books is my favorite so I knew the story and theme would be something I would love. I read this book aloud to my two young daughters (10 and 7) and it was great. They both were confused and at times bored in the first three chapters but once we got through that they were both hooked and begging me to read more. I had read the first three chapters offered free for kindle so I was concerned it would be over their heads but it was enjoyable for all. It has been a few weeks and they are still bringing up parts of the book. Freakling has wonderful character development and creates an imaginary world to get lost in. If my girls can be engaged by a book whose main character is a teenage boy then this is very well written.

I had to read it for my 9 year old daughters school and it was very hard to understand and there were no children that could decipher it. She would ask about who is this character popping in and why is he knife not a not a quake and who are republics? Very confusing all around.

I was priveleged enough to read an ARC copy of the entire novel, and let me tell you, I couldn't put this book down! Then I passed it to my teenager and he couldn't put it down. He passed it to my tween and she couldn't put it down!This book is exciting and thought provoking. From the first page adventure with Taemon and his brother to the last page where the entire society changes (no spoliers on how), I was alternatively thrilled and amazed at such a richly imagined world. The cliff hanger ending made me wish I could read more RIGHT NOW. Ms. Krumweide has crafted a world that I wish I could visit when it was in its prime, before everything started to corrupt.This is a must-read.

Business review awesome. Reader review from 12 year old was that the lack of personal information in the book intro chapters made for missing character development throughout story.

Book one of the best series I've ever read! My son, age 11