Publishers Weekly
Debut novelist Krumwiede offers a fast-paced dystopian novel that ably explores the corrupting influ-ence of power. In the future, people with "psi" (abilities that typically manifest as a type of telekinesis) have segregated themselves into a mountainous region, and those few without such powers are ban-ished from the main city. Taemon, a 12-year-old boy, has discovered that his psi goes beyond telekine-sis to include remote viewing and other gifts. His jealous older brother, Yens, believes himself to be the True Son predicted in prophecies, and he is willing to kill Taemon to secure his place. When an accident leaves Taemon powerless, he is exiled and begins to discover both the true nature of psi and the secret history of his people. Krumwiede's combination of conspiracy and corruption among the ruling class is familiar, with nefarious villains sometimes crossing into cartoonish territory. Still, readers who are not yet ready for The Hunger Games should be attracted to resourceful Taemon, as he learns that real strength comes in many different forms. Ages 10–up. Agent: Molly Jaffa, Folio Literary Management. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
Memorable characters; a smooth, suspenseful plotline; and a fascinating premise make this debut a worthy addition to the genre. Give it to kids who are a little too young for Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games.
—School Library Journal
Readers who are not yet ready for The Hunger Games should be attracted to resourceful Taemon, as he learns that real strength comes in many different forms
—Publishers Weekly online
This is an exciting tale that will keep readers hooked until the end.
—Library Media Connection
School Library Journal - Audio
Gr 5–8—Krumwiede's dystopian novel (Candlewick, 2012) is set in Deliverance, a city where everyone has the power of psi—the ability to move and manipulate objects with their minds. Twelve-year-old Taemon's ability seems more unique than that of his brother, causing an intense rivalry. When Taemon loses his power, he fakes it for a short while and then is exiled to the "dud" farm, a colony of powerless people. The boy learns to improvise and master new skills and discovers more about his family history. Nick Podehl's dramatic narration increases the story's tension. He emphasizes Taemon's incredulity at people who read books, have to use door knobs, and eat with their hands rather than floating food to their mouths. The voices of Taemon's new friends—Moke, Amma, and the mysterious Challis—are all individualized and reflect each character's nature (impetuous, cautious, prophetic). The dogmatic voice of the Elder is convincingly bureaucratic. As the pacing increases, Taemon sounds more and more desperate and listeners will hold their breaths as he tries to decide on the best action to save both his community and his brother. Fans of Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games and Divergent by Veronica Roth will immediately be drawn into this unique, convincingly narrated story.—Edie Ching, University of Maryland, College Park
DECEMBER 2012 - AudioFile
When 12-year-old Taemon loses his psi, the power everyone in the city has to move objects with their minds, he’s banished to the “dud community” to live among the powerless. Narrator Nick Podehl is an excellent choice for this dystopian story. His timing keeps up with the fast pace of the story without feeling rushed. His portrayal of Taemon changes as the character does, starting out shaky and uncertain for the awkward, unsure preteen and strengthening as Taemon transforms into a decisive, brave hero. Podehl's tone is dark and ominous when depicting the unsavory characters who are plotting to take over the world. This imaginative debut novel examines what can go wrong when power goes unchecked. M.D. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
The power of psi, or the ability to control objects with thought, is kept in check by one's conscience. So, when 12-year-old Taemon's brother Yens, a boy with far more drive than self-control, is named True Son--a prophesied Messiah-like figure--Taemon is forced to decide how far he is willing to go to protect those he loves. Following a terrible accident, Taemon hears a voice giving him permission to kill his unstable brother. Rather than follow this psychic command, he gives up his psi, leaving him unable to live within the city. Taemon is forced to move to a powerless colony where people use their hands to eat and work. There he meets Challis, his mother's sister, who exposes him to many secrets that threaten to undo everything he believes. An uneven plot and predictable showdown between the two brothers is partially saved by the surprise ending. Krumwiede facilitates worldbuilding with a psi-centered religion, jargon and slang, as well as caste divisions. At first penned as the stable, sensitive brother, Taemon seems oddly unaffected by his exile. In contrast, Yens, rather than being complicated or interesting, comes across as simply psychotic. Supporting characters are similarly flat. Readers will be drawn to the unique premise, but the many obvious flaws will leave them wanting more. Ultimately unsatisfying. (Dystopian adventure. 10-14)
