THE FOURTH KINETIC

A superpowered teenager joins others with similar abilities in fighting a covert agency that’s hunting them in this debut novel.

Rion Grean starts his senior year in Missouri—the sixth school in four years. He keeps others at a distance and lives a quiet life with his freelance researcher mother, Diana. The high school student has practiced telekinesis for as long as he can remember, lifting objects whenever he’s alone. He says nothing about this ability, even to Diana, who has her own secrets; she won’t give Rion details about his father. It’s hardly surprising when they have to move again. But what is shocking are the unmarked SUVs that chase Diana and Rion. After the two must separate, Rion luckily finds “Clairvoyants”—others with superpowers. Some are “Kinetics,” like Rion; others sport abilities such as telepathy. But all are on the run from the Psionic Research and Intervention Institute, or Psyriin, an agency with a largely unknown agenda. When Rion learns Psyriin likely has Diana captive, he aims to track down the agency’s impossible-to-find prison. He’ll just have to hone his skill and rely on his new allies. This series opener’s diverse cast comprises varying races, powers, and personalities. While race is never an issue, the Clairvoyants clash over direction; several form a less-trustworthy group, the Predators. Rion is a superb protagonist; he’s considerate but understandably frustrated with Diana’s secrets, and he’s a convincing, unseasoned superhero. For example, he learns as he goes along, picking up new abilities and questioning his decisions. Moore’s concise prose fuels the narrative with tight scenes of action as well as Rion’s training. Still, the best moments are in the beginning, when typically outcast Rion makes his first best friend with the other new kid at school. The ending answers some questions but leaves much up in the air for the sequel.

This taut, entertaining tale mingles astonishing powers with ordinary adolescence.