FREAKLING

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 [Published: DECEMBER 2012]