Time for PsyQ

Quantum Talents Series Book 1

Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 07/15/2025
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Time for PsyQ by Marti Ward follows Airlie, an eleven-year-old girl with a kitten named Sooty, who becomes involved in uncovering a dognapping ring at her school. After helping recover stolen dogs, Airlie and her friends are invited to Camp Polis, where children with unusual animal-linked cognitive abilities train and explore quantum-based sensory connections. Airlie develops a strong link with her kitten and other campers’ animals, using these connections to aid sensory perception and communication. The situation intensifies when Kate, a blind camper with a guide dog Goldie, is kidnapped. Airlie must use her quantum sensory abilities and teamwork with Kate’s brother Tim to track the kidnappers, communicate with Kate, and assist the police in the search, aiming to rescue Kate and Goldie while exploring the science behind their extraordinary connections.

Time for PsyQ by Marti Ward is a fantastically intelligent and equally entertaining story, and one of the most unique plots and casts of characters I've come across in quite some time. Incorporating what is being taught into the story organically, and with Ward's use of clear, precise language, makes even some of the more complicated ideas accessible. My middle-grade reader never felt overwhelmed, and any questions that arose gave us an opportunity to check it out together. The standout for us was the use of a Braille Neue BCI keyboard, and the teamwork in the coordination between characters. Airlie’s technological innovations and the subtle communication methods employed are a testament to Ward's careful attention to detail. Overall, this is a brilliant book with positive messaging, a bit of mystery, and a lot of fun. Very highly recommended.

Pikasho Deka

Time For PsyQ by Marti Ward is a sleuth mystery adventure for kids. Airlie Sanderson is an eleven-year-old with extraordinary psionic abilities. She uses her gifts to solve mysteries and petty thefts in middle school, which prompts Inspector Jonathan Humble of the Department of Minor Affairs to invite her to his summer camp, Camp Polis. Airlie also receives a scholarship to attend a different school, where other gifted youngsters like her can master their talents. Meanwhile, Airlie discovers that her new friend, Kate, and her guide dog, Goldie, have been kidnapped. She must use her psionic abilities to find and rescue Kate and Goldie before the abductors get away with their nefarious plans. Will Airlie be successful?

If you love superhero origin stories or sleuthing mysteries, you will have a blast with Time For PsyQ. I love the fact that the book incorporates elements from both sci-fi and superhero genres to appeal to children and young adult readers. Author Marti Ward absolutely knocks it out of the park with the first installment of the Quantum Talents Series. The plot is fast-paced, and there's a lot of mystery and intrigue to keep your eyes glued to the pages. But the biggest highlight of this book for me was its characters. Airlie is a relatable character whom kids will love to follow. Moreover, her friendships with Yan, Lilly, and Kate, alongside all the pets, ensure young readers will relate to Airlie and root for her as she solves the crimes. It's a fantastic sci-fi adventure for children.

Carol Thompson

Time for PsyQ by Marti Ward is a blend of science fiction, mystery, and psychological exploration. The story follows Airlie Sanderson, a gifted young girl with extraordinary abilities, as she navigates a world where quantum talents are emerging among children and their animal companions. The narrative is filled with intrigue, as Airlie uses her unique skills to solve mysteries, including a dognapping ring and a high-stakes kidnapping involving foreign agents. The book excels in its portrayal of Airlie's growth, both as a detective and as a person grappling with the implications of her abilities. Her relationships with her friends, family, and her cat, Sooty, add depth to the story. The inclusion of other gifted children, such as Kate and Libby, expands the narrative, highlighting diverse talents and the challenges they face.

Marti Ward seamlessly weaves scientific concepts like quantum mechanics and brain-computer interfaces into the plot. The appendix, "Science for PsyQ," is a valuable addition, offering readers a deeper understanding of the scientific principles behind the story. It bridges the gap between fiction and reality, making the book appealing to science enthusiasts and curious minds. While the book is packed with action and suspense, it also raises important questions about ethics, privacy, and the societal impact of emerging technologies. The characters' struggles with their newfound abilities and the dangers they face highlight the complexities of living in a world where science blurs the line between the possible and the impossible. Time for PsyQ is a compelling read for fans of science fiction and young adult mysteries. Its blend of scientific exploration, emotional depth, and thrilling adventures makes it a standout in its genre.