Oversight

By: Dennis Batchelder

Narrated by: Dominique Franceschi

Seventeen-year-old Zelly is a self-proclaimed computer geek growing up in present-day Seattle. She's also one of the last three reincarnated leaders of Soul Identity, an ancient organization that promises to pass people's fortunes and memories to their future selves. Along with her two closest friends, she'll ascend to power when she turns 19...if she lives that long.

Zelly suspects her friend Ying is trying to kill her. Her fears escalate when they both get their hands on a vike portal, a new technology that lets them vividly see, feel, hear, touch, and smell what happened in their past lives. To her dismay, Zelly realizes that Ying is the reincarnation of a power-hungry leader, and their rivalry has played out for centuries.

In a thrilling ride, Zelly scrambles to outwit her friend and rival. She thinks the vike technology will help her predict her future, which she believes is preordained by the past. Each trip to her past life brings Zelly wisdom, but what she uncovers from her shared history with Ying threatens to upend everything she knows about friendship…and her very soul.

©2023 Dennis Batchelder (P)2023 Dennis Batchelder

Critic reviews

“A dramatic tale of past lives, dark treachery, and the true nature of good and evil, Oversight by Dennis Batchelder is a stunning work of YA science fiction.” (The Independent Review of Books)

Broadbrush soulful engagement

In the earlier novels of this series, Soul Identity, Soul Intent, Soul Integrity, author Dennis Batchelder exhibited not only his great storytelling ability but also his rare talent for great storyweaving. Similar to Martha Wells in her Murderbot series, Batchelder weaves for us a world that is even more psychically engaging than it is materially. With Oversight, Batchelder reaches even further, inviting comparisons to Baum's Oz, Lewis' Narnia, and Tolkein's Middle Earth. Thoroughly engaging and spiritually thought-provoking. Bravo!

Such an intricate story!

I really loved the details, especially in the historical parts. Had twists and turns I did not see coming. Really enjoyed how the narrator brought the characters to life!