Author: Annabel and Edgar Johnson
Genre: 80's dystopian literature
Pages: 149
General Setup: As with most of their works, PSI is written in the 1980's, set in the near future (early 2000's) and based in Denver, Colorado. The title has a dual meaning as there are actually 2 prisoners in this book. The first is Emory Morgan, a psychic who is captured by terrorists. The second is his son Tristan, who while trying to rescue his father is held captive by his own psychic capabilities.
Characters: The point of view for PSI switches occasionally. Mostly it stays with Tristan, but it also changes to the terrorist's point of view. This allows the reader can see the other side of the coin. Most of Tristan's pov is recorded in the form of a journal. In this way, the reader is able to get inside his head. He is an entertaining and fleshed-out character. Although only 17, he is mature beyond his years and quite self-aware. In addition, the authors do a good job of incorporating the other characters with all their quirks.
Plot: The epistolary nature of the method of storytelling has the chance to be confusing, but the authors have a good handle on the story and avoid this plot hole, for the most part. I paticularly enjoy the Johnsons' way of phrasing things. Their prose is unique and they are creative in coming up with inventive ways of expressing common ideas.
Ending: The end of the book is not entirely what I expected and a few strings are left untied. However, the main points have been resolved and the reader is left with a positive outlook for the character's futures.
Things to Watch Out For: Some language. Some exploration of the psychic realm and supernatural powers.
Other Media: The Johnsons have written other books, such as A Memory of Dragons and The Burning Glass. A lot of their work is set in the Denver area in Colorado, with a futuristic twist.
