The world of the 2070s is one dominated by the five Consolidates. It is also a world in which the advent of ‘aptitude-enhanced humans’, or alihumans, was predicted some three decades earlier by ‘Gardiner’s Genomic Extrapolations’.
Trajan Valence is a unique, dual telepath-telekinetic among his fledgling alihuman race. He is also better known for his life-saving deeds as the anonymous Samaritan called ‘Psion’. However, the scheming human supremacist Umbra Domini organization, as well as the radical alihuman supremacist Children of the Dawn movement, want Psion out of the picture. Permanently.
Between finding himself caught in the harrowing crosshairs of these two opposing factions, and with the notorious ‘Greys’ of the Secret Service of his Consolidate casting their probing attention on him, Trajan will have to confront his past and the worst of what he could become. Above all, he will have to discover and embrace his true nature if he is to save all he holds dear, let alone survive…
After a successful career of some 22+ years as a tenured university professor and research scientist, PHV opted to take his early retirement and plunge head-on in his (other) passion: writing. Reader of science-fiction/fantasy books, graphic novels, and comic books since his pre-teen years, he is currently enjoying his life as a retiree while focusing his creative energies into putting down in words a hero’s tale—Trajan Valence’s—that has been bouncing around in his brain for too many years.
Psiarch: Rising is the first book in the Psiarch Chronicles series. Psiarch: Rising is that science fiction novel that will keep readers coming back for more. If the not-so-distant future is anything like what author PHV depicts, it absolutely sounds like an interesting one. Though with “super-powered” humans running around, one thing is for sure…things would not be boring!
When readers first glimpse the cover of Psiarch: Rising they are presented with a cover decked out in black, white and shades of illuminating blues. A man is in the center of the cover with his back appearing to be turned to the viewer. Wreathed in light and electricity piques one’s curiosity as to…who is this character? “Will he be the one this story focuses on?” One thing is for sure when you delve into this book…your questions WILL be answered. But Psiarch: Rising is ONLY the beginning!
As Psiarch: Rising begins to unfold author PHV treats readers to an opening salvo of “prelude” that gives readers background on some of the characters of this story. There is quite a lot of scientific terminology bandied about in this prelude. Its intent is to give readers a few ideas of what is going to be going on with the characters and what makes the select few so special.
Psiarch: Rising then transitions into the actual story and shifts gears to a boardroom. Think this is where the character you’re going to be focusing on appears? Well, you’re going to be left waiting, but it’s okay! These scenes that are playing out are part and parcel for what is coming up. So, don’t dismiss these shadow characters that author PHV is introducing us to. There’s more going on, and this author is quick to show this to you. In this first chapter, our brave protagonist is introduced in an indirect way.
Homo sapien alisapiens… ‘humans with significant super powers’! Humans who have recently started come out on the scene. How many are out there? What are they capable of? Are they dangerous? Well, the “homo sapien alisapien” known as the Samaritan wishes only to do good. He wants to help, and that is exactly what he uses his unique skills for. It’s not an easy thing though. While he may have the support of local law enforcement, there are those who view him as “evil” and want him to go away.
Psiarch: Rising continues to proceed with excerpts sprinkled throughout this book that give readers inside glimpses into various thought processes of particular characters. Some are putting plans into place to bring about the demise of the Samaritan. Others are putting out into the world their ire and disdain for the Samaritan because there is no way that he’s as good as he presents himself. So, what’s the catch? What is the truth?
The first few chapters lay out these questions and give you an idea as to what Psion aka the Samaritan must face every time he dons his mask and “hero attire” to help save people in danger with little thought of reward for himself. This really makes you like the guy, right? He’s selfless, out to help, looking to help those in need no matter what. Well, as long as he’s in the area of course, and aware of the situation.
Psiarch: Rising holds a nice array of characters as author PHV details this story from the third person perspective. You get to look in on the characters as they go about their lives, jobs, and existence as a whole. Psiarch: Rising doesn’t focus solely on our hero, Trajan. The story frequently will shift to other characters as author PHV looks to keep readers on their toes as to what all is going on.
Psion makes his appearance in chapter two and as this chapter unfolds you get to learn more about him. He has some truly unique skills, and the author makes sure to convey to readers. He’s super smart. No, seriously, this guy has some serious brain power, and no it’s not just his telepathic and telekinetic abilities.
Author PHV conveys to readers multiple times throughout this book that Psion aka Trajan is absolutely intelligent. He’s definitely booksmart, but is he street-smart? That question will be answered rather quickly when a certain fight plays out on the pages of Psiarch: Rising. Psion aka Trajan finds himself in the fight for this life (literally) and while most of us aren’t fighters…we could have probably coached Psion through a few tactics during this one particular fight.
The deeper you delve in, the more you’re going to be drawn into this story. Tucked into these pages are quite a few surprises. Yes, surprises! There are going to be scenes that will literally have your jaw on the floor from shock, and if you’re walking and reading? You just might find yourself stopping dead in your tracks. Just don’t be jogging on a treadmill…it’s a wreck waiting to happen. LOL!
The first few chapters in Psiarch: Rising will be a testament in patience for some readers. The initial chapters, unfortunately, aren’t going to be the most interesting for the average reader. You’re going to have to be a little patient as this book gains its footing. However, don’t let that dissuade you from engaging in this novel! Exercising patience and giving this book a chance will absolutely be worth it.
The more the story progresses, the more you’re going to be drawn in. Each chapter will unveil more about Trajan, his family, the people around him, and those looking to take him out of the picture. Author PHV will take you back in time with deep reflections of the historical events that went on to shape this fictitious world. You’ll learn about a horrific disease that created a pandemic that shook the world to its core.
Author PHV takes familiar events from real life and subtly drops them into this book. One thing that readers are going to love is how the author knows exactly where our brains are going to go. The pandemic mentioned in this book? It gets dismissed due to the “overinflation” of previous ones that amounted to…a bunch of ado about nothing. This time though? It was no small matter. It ended up bringing humanity to its knees.
The “flashbacks” are in-depth and well-detailed. They give you insight before bringing you back to the present and reminding you that this is where we are…the present, well, for these characters anyway. You gain insight, knowledge, and a better understanding of the characters and the overall situations that they find themselves in.
There is so much to be found in this book. Some scenes that get depicted, especially early on in the book, aren’t going to make sense. All we can say is…wait for it. Author PHV is going to blow your mind when it all comes and ties together later on. Psiarch: Rising is packed with science fiction goodness. You get a ton of futuristic along with drama for miles.
Wondering when the “bad guys” are going to show up? Trick question, because they already have. From the very beginning, you’re getting the bad guys, but why only have one set when you can have multiples coming at you from all sides? Well, that’s Psiarch: Rising in a nutshell! Author PHV decided that the main character can handle it or die trying! Obviously, our hero Trajan can handle it because otherwise…this wouldn’t be the first book in a series.
Psiarch: Rising is not for the faint of heart! This novel covers the gambit of drama, some romance, danger, death, and much more. Some elements are more detailed than others, but for some readers, it may be wise to proceed with caution concerning certain scenes depicted in this book.
Looking for a new science fiction novel to sink your teeth into? Psiarch: Rising is an epic of a novel that you’re not going to want to miss out on. A dynamic cast of characters, and a fascinating storyline that keeps you coming back for more. Steeped in science fiction, this book brings you the beginning of a series that really packs quite the punch.
Story takes place in 2070. Not so distant future. There are five equal divisions. In this human race some of the humans have super abilities. Means super humans. The protagonist should confront his past and truama and raise to the top.
The story has lots of twists and turns but makes reader bit confused.
I liked the writing. But sometimes felt that hero is stuck.
The Psiarch Chronicles Book One by Pierre Vachon is a thrilling science fiction novel set in the world of the 2070s. This world is dominated by five powerful Consolidates, and the emergence of "aptitude-enhanced humans," known as alihumans, was predicted decades earlier by a groundbreaking work called "Gardiner's Genomic Extrapolations."
The protagonist, Trajan Valence, is a unique and exceptional alihuman who possesses dual telepathy and telekinesis abilities. However, he is more widely known as the anonymous Samaritan called "Psion" for his heroic acts of saving lives. Unfortunately, Trajan finds himself entangled in a dangerous web as two opposing factions vie for his elimination: the scheming human supremacist organization known as Umbra Domini and the radical alihuman supremacist movement called the Children of the Dawn.
As if that weren't enough, Trajan also faces scrutiny from the Secret Service of his Consolidate, known as the "Greys," who are closely monitoring him. Caught between these conflicting forces and threatened from all sides, Trajan must confront his own troubled past and the darkest aspects of his potential. To save everything he holds dear and even ensure his own survival, Trajan must embark on a journey of self-discovery and fully embrace his true nature.
"Psiarch: Rising: The Psiarch Chronicles Book One" promises a gripping narrative filled with suspense, action, and complex characters. It explores themes of identity, power, and the struggle between different factions in a futuristic world. Pierre Vachon's novel sets the stage for an epic series that will captivate readers as they follow Trajan Valence's thrilling and perilous journey.
I enjoyed this book! It is a good sci-fi plot with elements of actions and romance mixed throughout to keep readers engaged. The concept of humans having different super powers in the distant future is interesting! The storyline and world-building is well written. Similar to other sci-fi novels, there is a lot of background information to pay attention to and different characters to focus on. Therefore, the beginning can be a little slow and there are some moments throughout the book where I was left with more questions than answers. This is only book 1 in the series and I am excited to see what lies ahead in the rest of the series.
I have to admit that this book was a lot to dissect. There were quite a few characters to learn, a new world, and new abilities, and super long chapters, but I just couldn't find myself putting the book down.
If you like a deep-dive into sci-fi and you like solving mysteries and intricate world-building, this may be the book for you.
There's so much talk around how someone having powers might affect the world at a later stage, and I think it ties well in with the thoughts and feelings regarding AI.
A well-written, thought-provoking book that is sure to leave some with a good book hangover (honestly, I sometimes wonder if that is a good thing 😂)
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC for my honest review.
An engaging science fiction world with a lot of action and adventure through eyes of a superhero protagonist. Lots of twists and turns. The only criticism I have is that our hero comes across as a Gary Stu at times.
The strength of this novel lies in its world-building. PHV skillfully constructs a layered society, exploring complex dynamics between human and alihuman factions. The inclusion of philosophical questions about heroism adds depth, challenging readers to think about what it means to be a true role model in a fractured world. The narrative delivers moments of genuine suspense, action, and introspection.
However, this strength is also a potential drawback. While the richly detailed descriptions help to establish the setting, they occasionally feel overexplained, which can slow the pacing. Certain scenes, though important, might have benefited from a subtler touch to allow readers to engage their imaginations more fully.
Despite this, Psiarch: Rising remains an engaging read for fans of character-driven science fiction. PHV’s dedication to presenting an inspiring hero amidst a morally complex world sets this book apart from typical genre fare. For those who enjoy intricate storytelling with philosophical undertones, this novel offers plenty to savor.
Imagine a future where humans can develop telekinetic powers thanks to some fancy mutant genes (I'm already signing up). The story kicks off in 2066, where we meet Psion, our telekinetic hero, who's basically a flying superhero... minus the cape. 🦸♂️ He's out here saving people from burning buildings like it's just another day at the office. But of course, it’s not that simple—there's a secret group of power players (Umbra Domini, because why not?) watching Psion's every move. Their goal? World domination, naturally. 💀
This book's got everything: political intrigue, science gone rogue, conspiracy theories, and super cool fight scenes. Oh, and there’s even some futuristic sarcasm thrown in (because you can't have the end of the world without a little sass). The vibe feels like X-Men meets The Matrix with a sprinkle of Minority Report. Who wouldn't love that combo? 😏
Honestly, it kept me on my toes the entire time. The way it mixes hard sci-fi with epic action? Chef's kiss. Plus, the chapters are perfect for "just one more" before bed (which is a lie, obviously, because you’ll read five). Highly recommend if you're into futuristic thrillers or just wanna escape to a world where humans might evolve into something a bit more… awesome.
P.S. Be prepared for some serious cliffhangers. Book 2, where you at? 😩
I must start by saying that I am not very fond of this genre of books, however, this is a success and I was very pleased to read it. For science fiction readers and those of us who like the MCU, this book will undoubtedly hook us. It is easy to read because from the beginning, we are given all the scientific terminology so that we can understand the entire fictional world that our author has created. The more you read, the more you become hooked on the plot and characters. Perhaps a critical point is that the beginning is a bit slow. Thanks to Booktasters for getting me a copy of this incredible book.
This is the first book in the Psiarch Chronicles series. I found it quite a hefty read, but I'd say it's an epic treat for sci-fi fans, or if you're looking for something to sink your bookish teeth into. The author has created a unique world for readers, and brings the characters to life within it, with clever and subtle imagery. I found this a little bit too much to read in one sitting, but it was a page turner and very action packed. You might find that once you escape into this world, you'll stay there for a while.
I absolutely loved the narrative of this book! It felt like a gift box filled with all the elements I enjoy. I'm really excited about the possibility of real-life genetic predictions someday, just like Gardiner's Genomic Extrapolations in the novel. Just as I eagerly turned the pages in the story, I can't wait to turn the pages of reality and see what the future holds!
The story follows Trajan Valence, a young man who discovers his own telepathic and telekinetic powers. As he grapples with his newfound abilities, Trajan is drawn into a conflict between two factions: the human supremacist Umbra Domini and the radical alihuman supremacist Children of the Dawn.
The book is filled with action, suspense, and political intrigue. The characters are well-developed and complex, and the world-building is rich and immersive. The emotions evoked in the reader range from excitement and wonder to fear and anxiety.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the exploration of the theme of identity. Trajan struggles to come to terms with his powers and his place in the world. He is constantly questioning who he is and what he is meant to do. This theme is reflected in the book's larger exploration of the human condition and the nature of good and evil.
Overall, Psiarch; Rising is a well-written and engaging novel that is sure to appeal to fans of science fiction and action. It is a thought-provoking book that raises important questions about identity, power, and the future of humanity.