Possession (trilogy)
| Company type | Book series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Elana Johnson |
| Products | Young adult dystopian novels |
| Parent | Simon Pulse |
Possession is a dystopian trilogy aimed at young adults, authored by Elana Johnson and published through Simon Pulse. The collection consists of three novels: Possession (released June 2011), Surrender (June 2012), and Abandon (June 2013). The narrative centers on Vi, a defiant teenager who opposes the authoritarian regime known as the 'Thinkers' while grappling with her allegiance to her designated partner, Zenn. Following the initial novel, Johnson also published a 20-page prequel short story titled Resist.
Surrender
According to School Library Journal, Surrender "functions well independently," although its intricate storyline and connections to the preceding book might challenge readers unfamiliar with the series. Critics have drawn parallels between this trilogy and popular works such as The Hunger Games and Uglies.
Possession
Vi lives in a divided society where "Goodies" trade their autonomy for security within the Goodlands, while "Baddies" endure perilous conditions but maintain control over their minds. Although generally compliant, Vi occasionally defies rules, especially in the company of her sanctioned partner, Zenn. She risks punishment by walking alone with him despite strict prohibitions against such interactions, attracting scrutiny from the oppressive "Thinkers" who govern the Goodies. After being detained, Vi encounters Jag, a rebellious Baddie leader. Together they escape captivity to join the insurgency, yet Vi remains focused on shielding Zenn from Thinker influence.
Surrender
The story of Surrender follows Raine, daughter of the Freedom Director and a Baddie allied with the rebellion. She is tasked with surveilling Vi, who has recently broken free from Thinker indoctrination amid fears about Vi’s possible unique abilities. While keeping watch on Vi, Raine finds herself developing romantic feelings for Gunner, who has long admired her.
Abandon
In Abandon, Vi faces a pivotal choice between Jag and Zenn that carries profound repercussions. Concurrently, internal treachery threatens the rebellion’s efforts to overthrow the Thinkers once and for all.
Violet/Vi
Vi resides with her mother after her father and sister vanish. Following incarceration due to contact with her fiancé, she joins Jag Barque’s rebel faction and taps into dormant Thinker-like powers to challenge their rule. Although subjected to reprogramming, she is ultimately liberated by Raine and the rebel forces.
Jag Barque
As leader of the uprising against the Thinker regime, Jag wields the ability to compel obedience. Despite his youthfulness, he holds considerable sway and develops a relationship with Vi by the series' conclusion.
Zenn Bower
Zenn is Vi’s former fiancé and an official within the government who wrestles with conflicting loyalties shaped by Vi’s influential Thinker father. He eventually sides with the rebels out of love for Indy but meets his demise at the end of Abandon. His Thinker abilities include control over wind.
Raine Hightower
Raine is the daughter of a city ruler and commands an elite cadre of teenage Thinkers. She maintains a romantic relationship with Gunner, a pilot, while counting Cannon as her closest friend. Raine assists in freeing her brainwashed roommate Vi and later undergoes indoctrination herself as 'Arena Locke' before being restored by the rebellion.
Books
- Possession (2011)
- Surrender (2012)
- Abandon (2013)
Short stories
- Resist (2011, issued as 0.5 in the series)
- Insider Information (2011, issued as 0.5 in the series)
- Regret (2012, issued as 1.5 in the series)