What do you think?
Rate this book
PSIONIC Pentalogy #3
Lesser Gods
Despite his newfound standing in the Guardian faction, psionic destroyer Adrian Howell never imagined himself joining the Knights for actual combat missions. He would have preferred to live in peace, but the psionic war takes no one's preferences into account. And much to his own surprise, Adrian finds himself beginning to enjoy the thrill of the chase - until something goes drastically wrong. Now, even as the Guardians prepare for a major showdown against their primary enemy faction, Adrian finds himself trapped in a world of darkness that is slowly poisoning his heart and mind... drawing him ever closer to becoming the very monster he had set out to kill.
(Lesser Gods is the third book of Adrian Howell's PSIONIC Pentalogy) Read all five books of Adrian Howell's PSIONIC Pentalogy in Book Wild-born
Book The Tower
Book Lesser Gods
Book The Quest
Book Guardian Angel
(Lesser Gods is the third book of Adrian Howell's PSIONIC Pentalogy) Read all five books of Adrian Howell's PSIONIC Pentalogy in Book Wild-born
Book The Tower
Book Lesser Gods
Book The Quest
Book Guardian Angel
408 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2012
32 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Adrian Howell
6 books43 followersAdrian Howell (pen name) is the author of the Psionic Pentalogy: five novels that follow the life of a telekinetic teenager through a dark world of warring paranormal factions, deadly religious cults and secret government organizations.
Born of a Japanese mother and American father, Adrian was raised for a time in California and currently lives a quiet life in Japan where he teaches English to small groups of children and adults. Aside from reading and writing fiction, his hobbies include recumbent cycling, skiing, medium-distance trekking, sketching and oversleeping.
Born of a Japanese mother and American father, Adrian was raised for a time in California and currently lives a quiet life in Japan where he teaches English to small groups of children and adults. Aside from reading and writing fiction, his hobbies include recumbent cycling, skiing, medium-distance trekking, sketching and oversleeping.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 15, 2017
I had trouble putting this down, yet as I read on I found myself getting increasingly depressed. Very bad things just keep happening to Adrian... fate can't be that cruel to one child. I found it a bit hard to swallow. It's a little refreshing / more realistic to have an author write about a hero who doesn't always make the best decisions and who can't always get himself out of bad situations. At the same time, it makes for a grim read, which is why I say it's only a little refreshing. Adrian's noble sentiments continue to drop by the wayside. I'm not sure it's fair, but I took a star away because I felt downtrodden after finishing this installment; there were very few happy moments. But that won't stop me from reading the rest of the series.
April 16, 2013
Taken from my Amazon.com review.
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions below are entirely my own.
"Lesser Gods" is the third book in the PSIONIC series, and as such, if you haven't read the first two books, you may find yourself a little lost. The author doesn't sacrifice pacing to catch up new readers, so jumping into the middle is discouraged. This review may contain spoilers for the previous books, so if you'd rather skip it (or my ridiculously long reviewing style!) head on down to the last full paragraph, my "bottom line". It'll be safe there, honest!
Picking up where "The Tower" left off, "Lesser Gods" is quick to demonstrate how the protagonist, Adrian, will be in for a rough war, even after all of the training in the prior book. The author delves into some dark places in this book, and as Adrian grows up, hopefully the readership will as well - this series is moving into solidly teenage territory, meaning younger readers might need some parental guidance. However, the evolving maturity of both the series and its characters are to their credit, weaving an engrossing and emotional tale at a generally-smooth pace.
The development is quick and well-timed, greatly trimming complains of pacing from the prior two entries in the series - there are still a few quiet points, but they are short enough and endowed with enough character development to make them more of a welcome respite from high action, and a way to ease into the next battle. It's not quite perfect yet, but the improvement is clear and welcome. That said, there were a few instances where the plot felt rather contrived, and while I will name no examples here (spoilers!) it did, in some instances, come off rather awkwardly.
The cast, growing more and more nuanced with each page in the series, is beginning to take on a life of its own as side characters are fleshed out and main characters find new ways to grow. It is genuinely exciting watching them go, and their trials and tribulations evoke genuine emotion.
As is the usual high point of the series, the author's style of writing is clear and concise, yet descriptive and only pointedly impressive when it needs to be (as compared to the pretention of constant flowery language). He says things simply and effectively, able to evoke complex ideas with an economy of language. One of my favorite demonstrations of this comes after a particularly devastating blow:
~
"Emptiness. Despair. These are just words that describe feelings. They're not the same as real feelings. Real feelings are beyond words."
~
While the "real feelings" are left to the reader's empathy, the idea nonetheless comes across astonishingly well, especially considering that the point of the lines was that something could not be put into words.
As to the editing and layout of the book, I received a .pdf for review, so I can't speak to layout of the Kindle Edition in practice, but it certainly looked good in theory. In "Lesser Gods", there were a few "accidents" that an editor ought to have caught. These were few and far between (in fact I can only think of two) but are worth noting, if only so that their rarity might serve as credit to the editor.
The bottom line is that "Lesser Gods" is a marked improvement over "The Tower", standing alongside (and possible surpassing) "Wild-born". If you enjoyed the first two, you'll enjoy this one, and if you haven't started yet, know that this series won't convert anyone who's no fan of fantasy or YA-fiction, but will almost certainly please those who are.
If anything needs clarifying, please feel free to use the comment box below, or contact me at SeanOnAmazon@gmail.com
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions below are entirely my own.
"Lesser Gods" is the third book in the PSIONIC series, and as such, if you haven't read the first two books, you may find yourself a little lost. The author doesn't sacrifice pacing to catch up new readers, so jumping into the middle is discouraged. This review may contain spoilers for the previous books, so if you'd rather skip it (or my ridiculously long reviewing style!) head on down to the last full paragraph, my "bottom line". It'll be safe there, honest!
Picking up where "The Tower" left off, "Lesser Gods" is quick to demonstrate how the protagonist, Adrian, will be in for a rough war, even after all of the training in the prior book. The author delves into some dark places in this book, and as Adrian grows up, hopefully the readership will as well - this series is moving into solidly teenage territory, meaning younger readers might need some parental guidance. However, the evolving maturity of both the series and its characters are to their credit, weaving an engrossing and emotional tale at a generally-smooth pace.
The development is quick and well-timed, greatly trimming complains of pacing from the prior two entries in the series - there are still a few quiet points, but they are short enough and endowed with enough character development to make them more of a welcome respite from high action, and a way to ease into the next battle. It's not quite perfect yet, but the improvement is clear and welcome. That said, there were a few instances where the plot felt rather contrived, and while I will name no examples here (spoilers!) it did, in some instances, come off rather awkwardly.
The cast, growing more and more nuanced with each page in the series, is beginning to take on a life of its own as side characters are fleshed out and main characters find new ways to grow. It is genuinely exciting watching them go, and their trials and tribulations evoke genuine emotion.
As is the usual high point of the series, the author's style of writing is clear and concise, yet descriptive and only pointedly impressive when it needs to be (as compared to the pretention of constant flowery language). He says things simply and effectively, able to evoke complex ideas with an economy of language. One of my favorite demonstrations of this comes after a particularly devastating blow:
~
"Emptiness. Despair. These are just words that describe feelings. They're not the same as real feelings. Real feelings are beyond words."
~
While the "real feelings" are left to the reader's empathy, the idea nonetheless comes across astonishingly well, especially considering that the point of the lines was that something could not be put into words.
As to the editing and layout of the book, I received a .pdf for review, so I can't speak to layout of the Kindle Edition in practice, but it certainly looked good in theory. In "Lesser Gods", there were a few "accidents" that an editor ought to have caught. These were few and far between (in fact I can only think of two) but are worth noting, if only so that their rarity might serve as credit to the editor.
The bottom line is that "Lesser Gods" is a marked improvement over "The Tower", standing alongside (and possible surpassing) "Wild-born". If you enjoyed the first two, you'll enjoy this one, and if you haven't started yet, know that this series won't convert anyone who's no fan of fantasy or YA-fiction, but will almost certainly please those who are.
If anything needs clarifying, please feel free to use the comment box below, or contact me at SeanOnAmazon@gmail.com
March 4, 2017
Better and Better
I really enjoy a great series and I have found one in this collection. Looking forward to the next part of the adventure!
I really enjoy a great series and I have found one in this collection. Looking forward to the next part of the adventure!
November 16, 2013
This is the third book in this amazing series of psionics and their war. After finishing the first two books in this series, I was eager to begin reading the third installment of this edge of your seat series. I found this novel almost as good as the first two with only one set back. Which is why I have chosen to rate this novel as a FOUR STAR read.
The story begins shortly after the second book. With Adrian facing more challenges than the first two books within this story. Adrian and Alia face major conflicts within these pages and they will keep you at the edge of your seat eager for more. These conflicts are quickly devoured as you will be unable to put the book down in these moments. Howell has an amazing way with words and the novel is written so well that you feel as though you are right there with them.
“I set the duffle bag next to my bed and sat down on my mattress. As I stared out the window on the other side of the room, I wondered what I would see and do on my second mission for the Raven Knights.”
Adrian is now an Honorary Guardian Knight and he is now accepting missions. Each of his missions are equally exciting and when you read through his adventures you cannot put the book down (No seriously. The book will not want to leave your hands).
“How would Laila feel if, in taking her mother’s place, I were to be killed tomorrow? What of Alia and Cindy, and even Terry? And what of me? Was I celebrating the last night of my life on this planet?”
As per usual, our Adrian is just a little dare devil. Taking giant risks in the name of eventually one day reuniting with his lost sister. Does he actually accomplish that goal? You’ll have to read to find out ;)
My only downfall with this book, that I didn’t find true of the first two novels, is that there are several chapters that are extremely slow paced. I’m more of a fast paced don’t want to stop reader so these slower moments were hard for me to get into.
The Schwartz Reviews
The story begins shortly after the second book. With Adrian facing more challenges than the first two books within this story. Adrian and Alia face major conflicts within these pages and they will keep you at the edge of your seat eager for more. These conflicts are quickly devoured as you will be unable to put the book down in these moments. Howell has an amazing way with words and the novel is written so well that you feel as though you are right there with them.
“I set the duffle bag next to my bed and sat down on my mattress. As I stared out the window on the other side of the room, I wondered what I would see and do on my second mission for the Raven Knights.”
Adrian is now an Honorary Guardian Knight and he is now accepting missions. Each of his missions are equally exciting and when you read through his adventures you cannot put the book down (No seriously. The book will not want to leave your hands).
“How would Laila feel if, in taking her mother’s place, I were to be killed tomorrow? What of Alia and Cindy, and even Terry? And what of me? Was I celebrating the last night of my life on this planet?”
As per usual, our Adrian is just a little dare devil. Taking giant risks in the name of eventually one day reuniting with his lost sister. Does he actually accomplish that goal? You’ll have to read to find out ;)
My only downfall with this book, that I didn’t find true of the first two novels, is that there are several chapters that are extremely slow paced. I’m more of a fast paced don’t want to stop reader so these slower moments were hard for me to get into.
The Schwartz Reviews
October 28, 2015
I rate this book 3.5 stars
I have several credibility issues with this story, particularly with regard to Adrian's blindness.
Firstly, it is virtually impossible for a blind person to 'automatically' know how to use a long cane without having gone through training that would usually last several weeks (my sister went blind when she was fifteen and my mom became a mobility trainer). It would have been a simple matter for the author to accommodate this training in the space of one or two paragraphs without the need for too much detail.
Secondly, there is a specific technique used by sighted people when 'guiding' blind people; this does NOT involve leading the blind person around by the hand!
I finished reading the book in the early hours of this morning. I got the impression that the author was hurrying the story (deadline issues perhaps?), as I found the plot increasingly disorganised and over-the-top. Disappointing, as the overall theme remains interesting.
I have several credibility issues with this story, particularly with regard to Adrian's blindness.
Firstly, it is virtually impossible for a blind person to 'automatically' know how to use a long cane without having gone through training that would usually last several weeks (my sister went blind when she was fifteen and my mom became a mobility trainer). It would have been a simple matter for the author to accommodate this training in the space of one or two paragraphs without the need for too much detail.
Secondly, there is a specific technique used by sighted people when 'guiding' blind people; this does NOT involve leading the blind person around by the hand!
I finished reading the book in the early hours of this morning. I got the impression that the author was hurrying the story (deadline issues perhaps?), as I found the plot increasingly disorganised and over-the-top. Disappointing, as the overall theme remains interesting.
February 7, 2016
I really enjoy this series. Lesser Gods: PSIONIC Book Three (Psionic Pentalogy 3) by Adrian Howell is definitely worth the time to read and got me hooked. I enjoyed every page of this book and the previous two. Adrian Howell, the main character, is a totally believable character who finds he has powerful telekinetic abilities. Being a teenager, he does things a teenager would do, but he is forced to grow up fast. The community he goes to live with is involved in a war with other psionic factions, the God slayers, and the Wolves, the military group out to capture and study them. I was as reluctant to put this book down as I was with the first two volumes. I can't wait to finish the series, A very well told story clearly taking up where the first books left off. A well written book, I highly recommend to everyone.
April 9, 2016
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This book series and its author both deserve to get more than 5 stars. I love the sheer amount of action. But with the action there is always time for friendships to be made and other things to happen. Adrian develops better connections with Terry, Alia, and Laila. It held my attention from the start to the finish. I really enjoyed reading this book and couldn’t wait to read the next one after I finished it. This book does have a bit more bloodshed than the last, so I suggest young readers have parental guidance before reading.
This book series and its author both deserve to get more than 5 stars. I love the sheer amount of action. But with the action there is always time for friendships to be made and other things to happen. Adrian develops better connections with Terry, Alia, and Laila. It held my attention from the start to the finish. I really enjoyed reading this book and couldn’t wait to read the next one after I finished it. This book does have a bit more bloodshed than the last, so I suggest young readers have parental guidance before reading.
September 8, 2015
Breathtaking scope
This story that started out like just another teen fiction book (because of my own personal bias), and spiraled out control, telling tales of bitter betrayal, forgiveness, and heavy losses.
This series is fantastic because of one thing.
The author does not lie to his readers, he does not spin a fantastical story.
It seems that he merely created the characters and made them real by, allowing them to suffer and struggle.
This story that started out like just another teen fiction book (because of my own personal bias), and spiraled out control, telling tales of bitter betrayal, forgiveness, and heavy losses.
This series is fantastic because of one thing.
The author does not lie to his readers, he does not spin a fantastical story.
It seems that he merely created the characters and made them real by, allowing them to suffer and struggle.
January 28, 2017
Dark story, maturing story line
As the third installment in the series, this book was much darker than the first two. While thankfully, that darkness wasn't heavy throughout the entire story, I would still recommend only for a more mature crowd. There were abusive scenes on top of the usual "fighting in a war" scenario.
It was harder for me to stay engaged with this story line than the first two, but it was still a really good read. I am planning to purchase the next book.
As the third installment in the series, this book was much darker than the first two. While thankfully, that darkness wasn't heavy throughout the entire story, I would still recommend only for a more mature crowd. There were abusive scenes on top of the usual "fighting in a war" scenario.
It was harder for me to stay engaged with this story line than the first two, but it was still a really good read. I am planning to purchase the next book.
May 1, 2015
Kind of Scoobydoo ish plot. Tell the plan then see the plan go wrong. Also loved seeing the characters grow with each book. This was the first book that predicted the future. Adrian makes a choice and tells how he will regret his choice. A few creative twists that really fit with the plot of this series.
May 17, 2014
Amazing book and if you don't read it you are missing out. Finished it in 2 days I tried to save it but it was impossible.
May 15, 2015
Best in the series so far, they've all been amazing. I saw something coming but, it sure as hell wasn't that.
August 8, 2015
addictive
April 13, 2017
l.
Great series. I am starting book 4. I really enjoy the textured and rich character development as the series progresses. The story line grabs you early!!
Great series. I am starting book 4. I really enjoy the textured and rich character development as the series progresses. The story line grabs you early!!
May 2, 2017
Reader thoughts: The first third or so didn't live up to my expectations. The next third was scary and hopeful and sad (the best!). The last third was its own story and just too tragic.
Some good lines and good inner wrestlings about the divine and redemption and hatred and torture and death.
Some favorite lines:
"What’s life without a little adventure?” “Probably longer,” replied Laila. (Ha!)
“Sometimes I wonder if you’re her brother or her mother.” (This was Terry to Adrian about Alia. So true!)
That was the problem with not being able to see people’s faces. (Others don't understand what it's like to not see something. Without glasses/contact lenses, I can't see much. I wouldn't recognize you from a couple yards away, and I can't read expressions. It's amazing how difficult it suddenly seems to carry a conversation when you can't read the other people's expressions. Adrian understood that.)
“It might be different if only I could believe that the Guardians were good. But as far as I’m concerned, we’re no different from the Angels." (Totally, Adrian. I'm thinking the same thing. Where are the good guys, here??)
My somewhat inaccurate predictions.
I predicted that Adrian would sense things around him telekinetically and be able to see in the dark, so to speak. Like Toph, sort of.
I also predicted that his sister would turn out to be Number Two for the Angels.
I predicted that Adrian would be converted to the Angels's side.
Writer thoughts: I have a rule that authors shouldn't give characters telekinesis because it never works. Well, AH gave Adrian telekinesis, and it works. I think there are maybe 2 times the entire book where I was like, "Why didn't you just use telekinesis on them?" AH only manages this because he put enough limitations in place. Adrian can't use telekinesis on metal or something he can't see (except he pulled a metal bullet out of someone's body . . . ), and he can't use it when he's bleeding or touching metal.
Some good lines and good inner wrestlings about the divine and redemption and hatred and torture and death.
Some favorite lines:
"What’s life without a little adventure?” “Probably longer,” replied Laila. (Ha!)
“Sometimes I wonder if you’re her brother or her mother.” (This was Terry to Adrian about Alia. So true!)
That was the problem with not being able to see people’s faces. (Others don't understand what it's like to not see something. Without glasses/contact lenses, I can't see much. I wouldn't recognize you from a couple yards away, and I can't read expressions. It's amazing how difficult it suddenly seems to carry a conversation when you can't read the other people's expressions. Adrian understood that.)
“It might be different if only I could believe that the Guardians were good. But as far as I’m concerned, we’re no different from the Angels." (Totally, Adrian. I'm thinking the same thing. Where are the good guys, here??)
My somewhat inaccurate predictions.
I predicted that Adrian would sense things around him telekinetically and be able to see in the dark, so to speak. Like Toph, sort of.
I also predicted that his sister would turn out to be Number Two for the Angels.
I predicted that Adrian would be converted to the Angels's side.
Writer thoughts: I have a rule that authors shouldn't give characters telekinesis because it never works. Well, AH gave Adrian telekinesis, and it works. I think there are maybe 2 times the entire book where I was like, "Why didn't you just use telekinesis on them?" AH only manages this because he put enough limitations in place. Adrian can't use telekinesis on metal or something he can't see (except he pulled a metal bullet out of someone's body . . . ), and he can't use it when he's bleeding or touching metal.
Read
January 20, 2018i liked it
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews