The Obernewtyn series makes you think about the bigger picture. This world will suck you in and you'll keep reminding yourself that it's not real, it's just fiction. Yet, in many ways it feels like this is the way we are going to end up. Elspeth and the rest of the population live like humans would have a few hundred years ago, but with one major difference: some have psychic abilities. Everyone with these 'special' powers have one thing in common: if anyone from the Council finds out about them, they will be killed. This is a great read by a great author. The whole series is amazing, and each will leave you eagerly awaiting the next.