What do you think?
Rate this book
2050: Psycho Island
Disagree with the government? Low social credit score? They might send you to Psycho Island.The American dream is a mirage. The gap between the haves and the have-nots is wider than ever before. The haves live a life of opulence, with robotic domestics and self-driving vehicles. The have-nots struggle to survive, their jobs long since replaced by automation, with only Universal Basic Income standing between them and starvation.Crime is nearly nonexistent, thanks to the surveillance state and the test. Ubiquitous cameras and facial recognition software deter and detect would-be criminals, and the test identifies psychopaths with 99.59% accuracy. Citizens who test positive receive a one-way ticket to US Penal Colony East. The have-nots call it Psycho Island.In 2050, people struggle for their piece of a shrinking pie. Derek Reeves is one of those people, a small farmer, his business hanging by a thread. His wife, Rebecca, dreams of the finer things in life. Jacob Roth, CEO and member of the most powerful banking family in the world, sweeps Rebecca off her feet and gives her the lifestyle she craves.Summer Fitzgerald’s pregnant. Like all prospective parents, she wants a designer baby. These children vastly outperform natural-born children. Unfortunately, her nurse’s salary and her fiancé’s low-level tech job don’t pay enough to give their little bundle of joy the must-have advantage in the new economy.Naomi Sutton is a congresswoman with her eye on the White House. Unwilling to take campaign donations with strings, she lacks the budget or the connections for a serious run at the presidency. In a town of sharks, she’s the only one who truly cares about the people. Will she compromise her ideals to sit on the throne of power? Will she make good on her promise to close Psycho Island?In 2050, the seeds of discontent are growing. The elites will stop at nothing to maintain their dominance. But the people are awakening to the rigged game. And they’re very, very angry.Buy this twisty page turner before it’s banned by the powers that be.A 2021 Finalist National Indie Excellence AwardAdult language and sexual content.What readers are saying"This is a must read and so plausible. One of the best books I have read in years.” - Mark ★★★★★“Phil Williams has another hit in my opinion. Psycho Island is a beautiful piece of fiction …” – AZ Golfer ★★★★★"Awesome book you will want to read in one sitting. Very well written, excellent character development and a fascinating storyline that feels like a true and terrifying glimpse of our future. I was hooked from the first chapter and hated every time I had to stop reading." – Rachael M. ★★★★★"A great read - it's so relevant to things that are happening in our society today, and every detail so well thought out, that I just could not put this book down! I can't wait for the next book to come out!!!” – Shari T. ★★★★★“What a wonderfully written story of a possible look into the future. Author Phil Williams knows how to write a book that is for SURE! Captures your heart and senses, and never let’s go. Such real lifelike characters and I fell in love with them right from the start.” - Suzanne ★★★★★
462 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2020
About the author
Phil M. Williams
36 books314 followersPhil M. Williams is the author of twenty-five books primarily in the thriller genre. His thrillers span many subgenres, such as: murder mysteries, political, domestic, dystopian, legal, psychological, and technothrillers. His stories often feature regular Joes and Janes in extraordinary situations that are ripped from today’s headlines.
Williams lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, Denise. When not writing, he can be found tending their permaculture farm.
If you’d like to read two of his thriller novels for free. Go to http://PhilWBooks.com.
Williams lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, Denise. When not writing, he can be found tending their permaculture farm.
If you’d like to read two of his thriller novels for free. Go to http://PhilWBooks.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 5, 2021
I started it off and thought, okay!
Then came the politics, and the presidential race, and the corruption in government ( WOW, thats unheard of) It jumped around too much, i never got invested in any character and was just glad it was over.
Maybe not being American affected my ability to enjoy it, so typical of all American government corruption books.
A crappy escape from New York, but without any good characters .
Then came the politics, and the presidential race, and the corruption in government ( WOW, thats unheard of) It jumped around too much, i never got invested in any character and was just glad it was over.
Maybe not being American affected my ability to enjoy it, so typical of all American government corruption books.
A crappy escape from New York, but without any good characters .
October 17, 2023
I love books that flow smoothly and Psycho Island made me work. The back and forth between characters confused me in the beginning. I figured they would come together and it would flow smoother once they did…and it did.
I love books about the haves and have nots. I love when a book can get me riled up having me cringe with shivers running up and down my spine. I love psychopaths, I mean reading about them. I love apocalyptic and dystopian books. The title and cover won me over, before I ever read the blurb. I’m not sure where I saw the book, but I picked it up on a free day and I am so glad I did. I had to begin reading it ASAP, but because it took me a while to get into, I kept putting it down and picking it up.
Once we got on the island, I didn’t put it down until I was done. The depth of depravity was truly terrifying. Some of the characters were no longer human, they were animals. It’s one thing to do evil to save your life, if there is no other way. It’s another thing to do it for sport. Of course, I wondered where their food would come from. I mean, how much is left in the demolished buildings? Are there any animals on the island…other than the wicked people? Being female…well…let your imagination run wild and I think it still won’t get you there.
This is one of those books, that I wish the characters could do unto others…You know. Switch places with the ones who put them on the island.
Looking at the Phil M Williams photo makes me wonder…he sure does look normal, doesn’t he? But, where his mind takes him? Wicked evil imagination! I watched the book trailer after I read the book and I think it hit me harder than it would have if I watched it before, because everything I read matched the video.
Warning: There is violence!!!!!!!! Every kind that you can imagination, and some you can’t.
I love books about the haves and have nots. I love when a book can get me riled up having me cringe with shivers running up and down my spine. I love psychopaths, I mean reading about them. I love apocalyptic and dystopian books. The title and cover won me over, before I ever read the blurb. I’m not sure where I saw the book, but I picked it up on a free day and I am so glad I did. I had to begin reading it ASAP, but because it took me a while to get into, I kept putting it down and picking it up.
Once we got on the island, I didn’t put it down until I was done. The depth of depravity was truly terrifying. Some of the characters were no longer human, they were animals. It’s one thing to do evil to save your life, if there is no other way. It’s another thing to do it for sport. Of course, I wondered where their food would come from. I mean, how much is left in the demolished buildings? Are there any animals on the island…other than the wicked people? Being female…well…let your imagination run wild and I think it still won’t get you there.
This is one of those books, that I wish the characters could do unto others…You know. Switch places with the ones who put them on the island.
Looking at the Phil M Williams photo makes me wonder…he sure does look normal, doesn’t he? But, where his mind takes him? Wicked evil imagination! I watched the book trailer after I read the book and I think it hit me harder than it would have if I watched it before, because everything I read matched the video.
Warning: There is violence!!!!!!!! Every kind that you can imagination, and some you can’t.
Read
June 4, 2023I just finished this amazing dystopian piece of fiction. Taking place in the year 2050, it made me think that we are heading towards the same society, with robots taking over people’s jobs, face recognition on every street corner, and a corrupt government that’s even more so than what it is now. Fabulous writing by Phil M Williams, and I didn’t know there was a book 2 until the end. I just ordered it. This is probably one of the best books I’ve read in years.
April 18, 2020
Gripping page turning sure to keep you on the edge.
The writing and characters are excellent I know it's fiction but it drew me in and kept me there. I felt that in some time warp that what happens to these people sent to this awful place by a corrupt government and judicial system could very well come to fruition. I can't wait for the second book to be out so I can read the conclusion.
The writing and characters are excellent I know it's fiction but it drew me in and kept me there. I felt that in some time warp that what happens to these people sent to this awful place by a corrupt government and judicial system could very well come to fruition. I can't wait for the second book to be out so I can read the conclusion.
April 10, 2020
It's the "1984" of 2020!
In 2050 the domestic robots do everything around the house for the rich, including raise their designer made genetic children. The have Nots however, not only have to compete with those genetically superior people, they're struggling to hold on to what precious little they've scratched out. Everything in life is based on your social score, and merely yelling at a robot nurse in the ER will get you busted 15 points. So what happens when society no longer wants to deal with you? You're given the Antisocial Personality Test, and failing scores get you sent to the new penal colonies, dubbed Psycho Island.
Author Phil M. Williams weaves a multi-faceted look into a future where the social gap between The Have-Nots and The Haves is growing larger and larger, and if you speak out against the system, you're apt to suddenly disappear. Rumor has it, you'd be headed to Psycho Island. A great read - it's so relevant to things that are happening in our society today, and every detail so well thought out, but I just could not put this book down! I simply cannot wait for the next book to come out!!!
In 2050 the domestic robots do everything around the house for the rich, including raise their designer made genetic children. The have Nots however, not only have to compete with those genetically superior people, they're struggling to hold on to what precious little they've scratched out. Everything in life is based on your social score, and merely yelling at a robot nurse in the ER will get you busted 15 points. So what happens when society no longer wants to deal with you? You're given the Antisocial Personality Test, and failing scores get you sent to the new penal colonies, dubbed Psycho Island.
Author Phil M. Williams weaves a multi-faceted look into a future where the social gap between The Have-Nots and The Haves is growing larger and larger, and if you speak out against the system, you're apt to suddenly disappear. Rumor has it, you'd be headed to Psycho Island. A great read - it's so relevant to things that are happening in our society today, and every detail so well thought out, but I just could not put this book down! I simply cannot wait for the next book to come out!!!
April 8, 2020
It's a scary image of the future Phil Williams is painting in this novel, the most scary part is it not being impossible.
Of course a novel never can invent everything from nothing, dystopian fiction will always have it's starting point in the present society. Thus it's not surprising that life within society reminds 1984, with advanced technology, and life on the island reminds Lord of the Flies.
Classless society is a high goal and probably not reachable. Those in power will never let go. Power may mean wealth or weapons. And those without power will always pay the price.
The main characters are relatable and lovable and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Of course a novel never can invent everything from nothing, dystopian fiction will always have it's starting point in the present society. Thus it's not surprising that life within society reminds 1984, with advanced technology, and life on the island reminds Lord of the Flies.
Classless society is a high goal and probably not reachable. Those in power will never let go. Power may mean wealth or weapons. And those without power will always pay the price.
The main characters are relatable and lovable and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 16, 2020
Great informative read
This was an amazing book definitely opened my eyes to what the future may hold. I am excited to read the sequel.
This was an amazing book definitely opened my eyes to what the future may hold. I am excited to read the sequel.
March 21, 2020
Totally wonderful storyline
This .at be fiction , but should give readers good for thought. Something like this could happen, but hopefully not. Always like this authors work. He brings a great deal of mystery and intrigue.👏👏👏
This .at be fiction , but should give readers good for thought. Something like this could happen, but hopefully not. Always like this authors work. He brings a great deal of mystery and intrigue.👏👏👏
February 9, 2020
As always, Phil Williams’ attention to detail is remarkable. Within the first few chapters we know and like Derek, the believable and sympathetic hero, as well as all the main characters, their circumstances, their history, the political state of affairs in 2050 U.S.A., and how the origins of the frightening dystopia he pictures lie in the political situation of 2020 U.S.A. The author pulls no punches in attributing blame to corrupt and greedy bankers, capitalist moguls, and for-sale politicians, assisted by corrupt and increasingly violent law enforcement agencies. A land where democracy is a sham, the already obscenely wealthy are becoming ever wealthier and heartlessly callous towards their fellow humans who are left to survive the best they can in a vicious predatory society that cares not whether they live or die.
It is a profoundly chilling book, because it depicts what seems to be the inevitable future for humans, who in 2020 are already under constant surveillance by all government agencies and fearful of violence and the future.
The second part of the book is a thriller set in a penal colony run by the prisoners. That it is a carbon copy of the cruel society that condemned them, suggests that such horror is inevitable due to human nature. What seems certain is that the future predicted in this story is the most likely one, considering today’s fiscal, political and moral corruption. Mr. Williams is a brave and talented writer with a deep commitment to exposing the decadent shallowness and callous selfishness of a society enmeshed in the capitalist nightmare in which the sole moral virtue is the acquisition of wealth by any means whatever.
It is a profoundly chilling book, because it depicts what seems to be the inevitable future for humans, who in 2020 are already under constant surveillance by all government agencies and fearful of violence and the future.
The second part of the book is a thriller set in a penal colony run by the prisoners. That it is a carbon copy of the cruel society that condemned them, suggests that such horror is inevitable due to human nature. What seems certain is that the future predicted in this story is the most likely one, considering today’s fiscal, political and moral corruption. Mr. Williams is a brave and talented writer with a deep commitment to exposing the decadent shallowness and callous selfishness of a society enmeshed in the capitalist nightmare in which the sole moral virtue is the acquisition of wealth by any means whatever.
October 29, 2020
My new favorite author!
Great proof reading
Excellent plots and plenty of action
Easy to read. Couldn't put it down!
Can't wait to read book 2
Great proof reading
Excellent plots and plenty of action
Easy to read. Couldn't put it down!
Can't wait to read book 2
July 22, 2020
This is another book from Phil M. Williams that makes you think. It has so many elements from political maneuvering to tense life and death struggles. The author takes so much from real life and basically asks, ‘What if?’ Whether or not he intends to scare you with this story he does. The most frightening part is it might just be possible. This could happen if we’re not vigilant. I’ve enjoyed many of Phil M. Williams books and know he looks at the world and tries to highlight those parts that aren't working for all. This book takes it further and shows a possible future that’s terrifying. Don’t think that this is a dark depressing tale of corruption and evil, although there's that there too, but it’s more about ordinary people getting caught up in other people's agendas and what they’ll do to fight back. It’s part one of the series so be warned you’ll want more when this part ends. I for one certainly want to know what happens next.
March 4, 2020
This book took hold of me from the beginning and it could get away without sleeping I wouldn’t have put it down.
There are a lot of characters but they are so well written I felt like I knew them. There are some characters I love and some that I hate. I feel like there are sub-pouts inside the main plot where you really don’t know what will happen next. There are so many twists and turns and knowing that this could really happen in the US if we don’t elect a new President.
It is well written and I think a MUST READ for adults so that maybe more of them will pay attention to what already is and what else could happen in the US. Farmers loosing their jobs, US being way too friendly with China. Not knowing what our government really knows about us. Phil M. Williams is an awesome author. I will be reading the next one as soon as I can.
There are a lot of characters but they are so well written I felt like I knew them. There are some characters I love and some that I hate. I feel like there are sub-pouts inside the main plot where you really don’t know what will happen next. There are so many twists and turns and knowing that this could really happen in the US if we don’t elect a new President.
It is well written and I think a MUST READ for adults so that maybe more of them will pay attention to what already is and what else could happen in the US. Farmers loosing their jobs, US being way too friendly with China. Not knowing what our government really knows about us. Phil M. Williams is an awesome author. I will be reading the next one as soon as I can.
February 5, 2020
Scary!
I love this author's writing style. A very unusual storyline and scary in the sense that this could really be true in the near future. I am very much against Trump and I can see this happening. There are a lot of characters to keep track of but they are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly.
Some of the scenes in this book are hard to read due to the graphic descriptions. But it keeps you reading. Phil Williams is one of my favorite authors. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. The only thing I didn't like about this book is the small cliffhanger. Due to the graphic nature of some scenes, I would recommend this book to adults only.
I love this author's writing style. A very unusual storyline and scary in the sense that this could really be true in the near future. I am very much against Trump and I can see this happening. There are a lot of characters to keep track of but they are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly.
Some of the scenes in this book are hard to read due to the graphic descriptions. But it keeps you reading. Phil Williams is one of my favorite authors. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. The only thing I didn't like about this book is the small cliffhanger. Due to the graphic nature of some scenes, I would recommend this book to adults only.
March 3, 2020
Brilliant - a scary view of the future!
Rarely do I find a book that captures my attention in such a way. It is both entertaining and scary. The book is written in the future but not so far in the future that you can’t relate to the issues covered.
The reason it is scary is that so much of the story stems from current world issues and in some respects presents a dystopian view of the potential future of the world. I live in the UK and can relate especially to the European references to immigration and the effects of extreme religious beliefs on communities and the resultant difficulties.
Phil certainly has a unique style of writing that draws you in and keeps you there until you finish the book. A brilliant book and extremely well written. Thoroughly recommended!!
Rarely do I find a book that captures my attention in such a way. It is both entertaining and scary. The book is written in the future but not so far in the future that you can’t relate to the issues covered.
The reason it is scary is that so much of the story stems from current world issues and in some respects presents a dystopian view of the potential future of the world. I live in the UK and can relate especially to the European references to immigration and the effects of extreme religious beliefs on communities and the resultant difficulties.
Phil certainly has a unique style of writing that draws you in and keeps you there until you finish the book. A brilliant book and extremely well written. Thoroughly recommended!!
October 8, 2021
Written in 2020, this book is even more prophetic with recent events, particularly tech censorship... and just today (early October, 2021) learning that, according to an alternate source of news, "US Intelligence Agencies Threatened Facebook’s Leadership Unless They Ban Certain Conservative." Whether or not that report can be verified, it does run parallel to substantial censorship that's running rampant at the time of this review.
There are some elements of fiction that were perhaps weak. Making up for that, is a compelling snapshot into the not-to-distant future where people disappear... or worse, end up in a penal colony (somewhat borrowing from the Australian concept) that is pure anarchy with the worst of humanity on display.
There are some elements of fiction that were perhaps weak. Making up for that, is a compelling snapshot into the not-to-distant future where people disappear... or worse, end up in a penal colony (somewhat borrowing from the Australian concept) that is pure anarchy with the worst of humanity on display.
July 3, 2020
What's An OLED TV?
Author Phil may be really enamored with OLED TV's since he mentioned about a thou...., okay, 50 times including TV's, telephones and other electronics. But more about the story. Although in reality, the world, or at least the USA, sees far more crashes and downturns than anyone prior has seen in, maybe ever. The USA now has to correct some serious problems but the people's will has been subdued for so long they've the will to rebel and rise up against tyranny and boundless apathy that now exists in abundance.
Author Phil may be really enamored with OLED TV's since he mentioned about a thou...., okay, 50 times including TV's, telephones and other electronics. But more about the story. Although in reality, the world, or at least the USA, sees far more crashes and downturns than anyone prior has seen in, maybe ever. The USA now has to correct some serious problems but the people's will has been subdued for so long they've the will to rebel and rise up against tyranny and boundless apathy that now exists in abundance.
December 29, 2021
This book was great, but it ended on a cliffhanger! The tale was fascinating and thought provoking. I had to stay up into the early hours of the morning to hear the whole audiobook in one sitting as I wanted to know in what paths the author would take the story. I enjoyed it a lot. I'm looking forward to attaining the next book in the series. Tristan Wright's and Sarah Grace Wright's dual narration was great and added to the entertainment of the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.
February 6, 2020
2050: Psyco Island by Phil M Williams is possibly a glimpse into the future of our country. The author has an uncanny ability to take our current events and project how they could affect the lives of our descendants in 30 years. The story takes several characters and weaves a story that will keep you turning pages well into the night as you are constantly surprised by the next turn of events. I highly recommend this book.
September 6, 2020
Do the banks control the world? Are you the kind of person that just goes along, does what is expected of you? In the world of 2050 I think I would be a rebel. Read this unique dystopian series and decide for yourself!
The characters as much as the plot had me seeking out the next book in the series as soon as I finished this one. If you haven't discovered this great author, there is no time like now.
The characters as much as the plot had me seeking out the next book in the series as soon as I finished this one. If you haven't discovered this great author, there is no time like now.
September 25, 2020
So good I had to put it down
There were a few times when things just got too real for me to handle and I just had to put my tablet down for a few minutes to let it all sink in. This book made me audibly gasp a few times. I cried. It's hard to find a book so moving that I cry! I'm really excited to see what will happen in book 2 and beyond. Another excellent book from Williams!
There were a few times when things just got too real for me to handle and I just had to put my tablet down for a few minutes to let it all sink in. This book made me audibly gasp a few times. I cried. It's hard to find a book so moving that I cry! I'm really excited to see what will happen in book 2 and beyond. Another excellent book from Williams!
January 14, 2021
Eerily similar to what I see happening in the future
Phil Williams is that rate thought provoking author who writes about what's going on in the world, what's wrong with the world, and them takes it a step further that worst case scenario to get everyone to wake up! I wish everyone in the current government would his books . This is the train wreck we are barreling towards.
Phil Williams is that rate thought provoking author who writes about what's going on in the world, what's wrong with the world, and them takes it a step further that worst case scenario to get everyone to wake up! I wish everyone in the current government would his books . This is the train wreck we are barreling towards.
August 16, 2021
2050: Psycho Island
Wow! It's been awhile since I've read a Phil M. Williams book. I can see that his imagination is still strong and just slightly twisted. I like that and he has the political world written down to almost a tee... The world in 2050 isn't an improvement over the world of 2021. Good book, Phil.
Wow! It's been awhile since I've read a Phil M. Williams book. I can see that his imagination is still strong and just slightly twisted. I like that and he has the political world written down to almost a tee... The world in 2050 isn't an improvement over the world of 2021. Good book, Phil.
February 27, 2020
Great Read
Fiction but with enough information about our current societal trends the premise of this book is not too far fetched to believe. Very well written and I’m looking forward to reading the next installment.
Fiction but with enough information about our current societal trends the premise of this book is not too far fetched to believe. Very well written and I’m looking forward to reading the next installment.
May 8, 2020
Great Imaginative Book
Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline.
Great characters to keep you involved in the book.
The imagination of Phil the author was brilliant.
I could really believe his descriptions being for real in the not to far distant future.
Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline.
Great characters to keep you involved in the book.
The imagination of Phil the author was brilliant.
I could really believe his descriptions being for real in the not to far distant future.
January 19, 2021
Timely Political Read
As the 2020 election comes to fruition, this book sure made me realize how much worse life could be if political dissidents we sent to "Psycho Island". Another great series to read!
As the 2020 election comes to fruition, this book sure made me realize how much worse life could be if political dissidents we sent to "Psycho Island". Another great series to read!
February 10, 2021
Derek vs Wade
2050 is not such a great Era in this book. Living is bleak and dog eat dog. Survival is rough and definitely not guaranteed no matter which gang you belong to. A great thriller with lots of believable characters
2050 is not such a great Era in this book. Living is bleak and dog eat dog. Survival is rough and definitely not guaranteed no matter which gang you belong to. A great thriller with lots of believable characters
February 18, 2021
A good, thought provoking book.
Recommended and enjoyable reading. As noted above, very thought provoking. Believable characters, well plotted story line. I’m starting book 2 ASAP. Thanks to the author for making his books available via kindle unlimited.
Recommended and enjoyable reading. As noted above, very thought provoking. Believable characters, well plotted story line. I’m starting book 2 ASAP. Thanks to the author for making his books available via kindle unlimited.
May 18, 2021
Good book
I did enjoy it , it hit really close to home in these trying times we are living in. It reminds me of 1984 and Animal Farm. Not saying its of the same caliber but he is a good writer. Read it yourself and decide.
I did enjoy it , it hit really close to home in these trying times we are living in. It reminds me of 1984 and Animal Farm. Not saying its of the same caliber but he is a good writer. Read it yourself and decide.
May 20, 2021
Good Read
This book does make you wonder if we are indeed looking at the future of our country or at least an idea of our scary future. Good books make you think long after you read them. This one will be on my mind for a while.
This book does make you wonder if we are indeed looking at the future of our country or at least an idea of our scary future. Good books make you think long after you read them. This one will be on my mind for a while.
September 25, 2021
Scarey similarities to the times we are living in.
Scarily, a lot of probable truth to this fiction. This book challenges one to the possibilities and probabilities of what can happen to humanity in the hands of the wrong people. Be proactive, not reactive!
Scarily, a lot of probable truth to this fiction. This book challenges one to the possibilities and probabilities of what can happen to humanity in the hands of the wrong people. Be proactive, not reactive!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews