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.
Pros:
- Engaging storyline
- Lots of detail
- Pertinent flashbacks
- Evolving characters
- Page-turner
Cons:
- Rocky beginning chapters
Scribble's Worth 
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