PSION

Rating:
Summary: Merely an OK Book
Review: "Psion" is merely an OK book. It's not bad, but it's certainly not good. The biggest problem is the overall shallowness, or even triteness, of everthing: theme, plot, and character development. The theme is essentially that humans are evil, especially if they have any kind of wealth or power. The plot's not that bad, though there are jumps where people do things that are just plain stupid. The worst part of the book is the character development. The characters DO develop. It's just that that development seems to be a step function (i.e., you don't see the character learn through experience: they just behave differently later in the book). Plus, I don't really like the main character as a person: he's essentially a victim and doesn't want to take any of the opportunities to improve himself that he's offered throughout the book. Even worse, though, is the villain. He nothing but a cardboard cutout. Not only does Vinge not develop his character thoughout the book, she's also given him no character in the first place. There's also a problem with several groups that ought to have been central to the book. Two that spring to mind are the aliens and the mine management on Cinder. Neither of these groups are given any kind of development. Vinge needs them to do certain things for the plot to proceed and so, Twin-Pines, they do them (some of the things she has the mine management do are absolutely not in their own best interest).

Since this book is really required if you want to read the second book in the series, "Catspaw," I still recommend you read it. Again, it's not a bad book. I wouldn't call it a light read, but at least it's not heavy.

Rating:
Summary: Telepathy has never been described better!
Review: Branded as half alien by his emerald green eyes, homeless, illiterate Cat discovers his psionic talent and is plunged into a conflict that will test his mental powers, his strength of will, and his loyalties. On one side is the Center for Psionic Research, where the empath Jule offers Cat the only love he's known in his life and the Feds want to use him as just another tool; on the other is the rogue psion Quicksilver, ruthless and powerful, who offers Cat power beyond his dreams; and on yet another stand the Hydrans, psionic aliens, kin to Cat, who seek him as their promised savior and show him the keys to unlocking his amazing telepathic abilities. Cat's world is vividly and richly detailed, from the hard, jagged streets of Oldcity, to the glittering, acid beauty of the penal planet Cinder, to the complex layers of the characters' own minds. It is an amazing, absolutely believable future, an unforgettable world.

I first read "Psion" three or four years ! ago and fell in love with it, reading it until it literally fell apart (fortunately, I have since then acquired a new copy). I don't think I have ever read a better book on telepathy and telepaths. Joan D. Vinge explores not only the scientific aspects of psionics, but the characters who bear this gift/curse: what it feels like to be forever an outcast, punished for what should be revered, cursed for what should be a blessing. Humanity is both ugly and beautiful, and neither: characters such as Jule, beautiful outcast of a ruling family, Siebeling, the doctor with a wound in his heart that he will not let heal, and Quicksilver, whose psi is limitless and whose soul is empty, provide strong foils for Cat as he grows and changes over the course of the book, gaining, losing, and living. So much of the action takes place within the characters' minds that it seems like a brief telepathic experience--senses, memories, emotions are all given to you by Vinge's expert writing. Cat him! self is a fascinating character: tough, vulnerable, needy, ! cynical, so used to standing alone that he doesn't quite know how to react to someone caring for him, or him caring for them. Half-breed Hydran, he is accepted fully by neither humans nor aliens, reaching out without knowing where he is reaching to.

"Psion" is well worth the read, and more. It is not just about telepathic politics, or the workings of a future society. What it really deals with are the inner workings of people, minds and hearts--an endlessly fascinating topic. The two sequels, "Catspaw" and "Dreamfall", as well as the short story "Psiren" (takes place between "Psion" and "Catspaw", located in the anthology "Phoenix in the Ashes") should also be read, parts of Cat's continuing saga. All are action-filled, philosophical, and unbelievably good.

To say more would give away the fun. Read.

Enough said.

Rating:
Summary: Gotta read it!
Review: Good read and an excellent introduction to the series. The search for a balance in one's life and answer to the ultimate questions, "Who am I?" "Where do I come from?" and "Why am I here?" that we all strive to answer.

Rating:
Summary: Fine, fine story
Review: I discovered this jewel of a book completely by accident one day in my univerity's library. It was shelved in the children's storybook section, oddly enough. An obvious, glaring mistake. I knew it had to be something more, not only by its thickness, but by it's title. Show me a five year old who would know how to pronounce the word 'psion.' I checked it out, and damn, am I glad I did. Vinge gives her stories a character, a mood, and a depth that is absent from many sci-fi novels, which love to focus on infathomable technology instead of a good story. You can't help but to like Cat, and to feel for him throughout the hell he's put through. 'Psion' is just the first in the Cat trilogy, followed by 'Catspaw' and 'Dreamfall.' If you like your sci-fi with just the right amount of character and the right amount tech, then get these three books if you can. And be sure you get them all at the same time, or you'll find yourself going nuts waiting to read the next part.

Rating:
Summary: Fine, fine story
Review: I discovered this jewel of a book completely by accident one day in my univerity's library. It was shelved in the children's storybook section, oddly enough. An obvious, glaring mistake. I knew it had to be something more, not only by its thickness, but by it's title. Show me a five year old who would know how to pronounce the word 'psion.' I checked it out, and damn, am I glad I did. Vinge gives her stories a character, a mood, and a depth that is absent from many sci-fi novels, which love to focus on infathomable technology instead of a good story. You can't help but to like Cat, and to feel for him throughout the hell he's put through. 'Psion' is just the first in the Cat trilogy, followed by 'Catspaw' and 'Dreamfall.' If you like your sci-fi with just the right amount of character and the right amount tech, then get these three books if you can. And be sure you get them all at the same time, or you'll find yourself going nuts waiting to read the next part.

Rating:
Summary: Love it
Review: I had no clue there was a book called PSION untill i went to a computer artwork site that made wallpapers of Buffy and Angel and Firefly[all totally awesome shows].I saw a challenge pic that a girl made using some characters in Angel, Firefly,and Smallville.The bottom said based on the book Psion by Joan D. Vinge.I thought id check it out and it was awesome.Read if you love science fiction.

Rating:
Summary: Love it
Review: I had no clue there was a book called PSION untill i went to a computer artwork site that made wallpapers of Buffy and Angel and Firefly[all totally awesome shows].I saw a challenge pic that a girl made using some characters in Angel, Firefly,and Smallville.The bottom said based on the book Psion by Joan D. Vinge.I thought id check it out and it was awesome.Read if you love science fiction.

Rating:
Summary: Just a question....
Review: I haven't actually read this book. I checked out Catspaw from the library, started it, and realized I didn't have a clue about what was going on. So I had to place a hold on the two (?) other books that come before. Psion and Phoenix in the Ashes, right? But then I noticed that Psion and Catspaw are offered as a set along with another book, Alien Blood. Is that part of this series as well? I can't find any information on it...So that's just my kinda stupid question. I was just wondering if anyone knew the answer and would like to make a post. It would really be appreciated. I hate not starting at the beginning of a series...hehe. Thanks so much.

Rating:
Summary: This book got me reading!
Review: I was what you would call one out of the illiterate masses. At fourteen years of age I had yet to do a single book report; then I picked up "Psion." This book is not as complex as "The Brothers Karamazov" nor as elegant as Chopin's "The Awakening," but it has that quality all readers search for. wether reading for fun or picking apart the plot for sub-plots you will find, as we all find, good guys and bad guys. And in the end you can seperate them wether you are a "punk" off of the street or a rich girl with empathic powers. I gave "Psion" the rating of 9 for its true reading scale, but in my heart it will always be number one. P.S. "Psion" got my sister reading also; thank you Mrs. Vinge

Rating:
Summary: A loveable rouge
Review: I've read all the Cat books, to date, and I greatly enjoyed them all. The writing is bright, sarcastic, funny, and touching all at the same time. Cat is completely engrossing and loveable, while still being tough and witty. If you enjoy sarcastic humour, a little romance, loads of action, neat mental powers, and hidden political themes- these books are perfect for you! I would read them again. In fact, I probably will, because I own all there. Psion, Cat's Paw and whatever the other one is called.