Title: ESPer Wars
Author: J.W. Delorie
Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 978-1643612966
Pages: 372
Genre: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
Reviewed by: Tony Espinoza

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One of the best tools and weapons a person can have on their person is their mind. The mind can accomplish a great deal on its own, from harvesting memories of a lifetime to thinking situations through critically. Some have even theorized and hoped that humans would one day tap into unused regions of the brain and discover abilities beyond reason, such as ESP or telekinesis. As Plutarch once said, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”

In author J.W. Delorie’s ESPer Wars, the story follows Lasko, a former Enforcer turned mercenary working on salvage operations in the galaxy. Years ago, those with powers known as ESPers went to war with the rest of humanity, forcing humans to flee Earth and start colonizing other worlds. Now the Presidium rules over the colonized worlds, outlawing ESPers in an effort to prevent another war. Lasko’s wife developed a cure that would allow any ESPers who followed humanity into space to be controlled, but was soon captured by the Guild. Lasko must protect two children who were under his wife’s care, who not only harness ESPer powers but may be the key to saving humanity and its survival.

This was a very lengthy, detailed and well-crafted new sci-fi mythos. The author brings readers into a dialogue-heavy narrative, allowing the characters to take charge of the story early on and give a more personal feel to the life of this new universe. The combination of space exploration and adventures with ESP-like powers and the divisiveness that often brings makes this story stand out from the crowd of other sci-fi epics, and the chemistry between Lasko and the children as the story progresses keeps the readers invested throughout the narrative.

For those who enjoy heavy sci-fi style storytelling with elements of space exploration, deep character growth and complex plot lines, this is the novel for you. The author also does a great job of exploring the protagonist as a person as well, from his lack of parenting skills in the beginning to his love for his wife and the honor for which he works to keep the children his wife protected safe. It adds an emotional beat to the novel in the midst of great action and adventure scenarios that play out through the narrative.

Overall, ESPer Wars by J.W. Delorie is a must-read sci-fi adventure. Filled to the brim with memorable characters, a thoroughly established mythology that makes the narrative unique in the sci-fi genre, and a protagonist that is memorable and relatable all at once, this is the perfect winter sci-fi read to jump into.