Awakening

by Skyler Ramirez, Stephen Gay

When the line between human and machine fades…

Orson Anders is going nowhere fast, just like everyone else in the Southern California sector. His dreams of leaving Earth and traveling through space are just dreams that will never be a reality.

But when a chance encounter with a fleeing fugitive lands Orson’s sister in jail and the world’s most advanced AI inside his head, Orson has no choice but to make a deal with the devil to rescue his sister from a fate worse than death.

Commandeering a spaceship and heading to the lunar colonies, Orson must fight betrayals at every turn, an increasingly controlling AI, and uncertainty about all he’s ever known. And if he wins, all he might earn is another day on the run.

An exciting cyberpunk thriller that questions what it is that makes us human, Awakening is the ultimate science fiction thrill ride from established authors Skyler Ramirez (author of Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes) and Stephen Gay (author of Night Owls). You’ll be on the edge of your seat with Orson and his friends the entire time.
Order today and experience this thrilling ride.

244 pages, Hardcover

Published June 16, 2025

About the author

Skyler grew up in Southern California, under the best weather that state has to offer. So, he's shown a little of his insanity over the years in moving to colder, wetter places: New York City; Provo, Utah; Bainbridge Island, WA. He now resides with his family in Texas, which (apart from the humidity) gives him that great weather once again.

Skyler has been and continues to be a leader and executive with multiple Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies, working across a variety of functions, both technical and non-technical. In other words, he's very much a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. Maybe that's why he has now decided to be an author as well. In it, he’s finally found the thing he loves to do most.

Mr. Ramirez currently resides in Texas with his wife, Lindsey, and their four children.

Reviews

[Susan Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good story from author Skyler Ramirez. I first read a section of it in a book entitled AI Apocalypse, a collection of stories from several different authors. Awakening is a stand alone book that is about a young man and an AI and the troubles they become involved in. I liked the characters and the way the story developed. I don’t do spoilers but I will say the ending is interesting.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orson Anders, his sister and best friend, stumble into an AIs escape plan and are soon running for their lives. With the AI in his head, Orson must fight to stay alive and keep his friends safe, but knowing who he can trust.

[mr.Saunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not up to Skyler Ramirez standards BUT.....

All in all not a bad read. The last few pages set up for a new book. I like the characters but I think one them is a little goody goody. But other than that I rather enjoyed it

[Gary Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I've read all of his other books and am just waiting for the new ones that are coming. I guess you could say he's a favorite author.🙂