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Awakening: A Novel of Aliens and Consciousness
Awakening is the log kept by Arthur Davies, senior analyst for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Arthur, initially very skeptical, became convinced an alien really was being held by the government at a secret facility. The log is his story of what he did with that information, and how he was awakened to a part of himself he had never imagined; and how that experience showed him the threat that hangs over civilization and humanity itself.
252 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 13, 2018
It's one thing to read Science Fiction but quite another when a notable Scientist writes a political thriller titled, "AWAKENING: A Novel of Aliens and Consciousness."
This made me sit up and take notice!
Author Stephan A. Schwartz takes the reader on a fast-paced ride which begins when character Arthur Davies, a senior analyst on Capitol Hill shows up to court in support of an attorney, but wanders into another courtroom out of curiosity, where the judge is hearing arguments on a Freedom of Information Act suit, equally as boring. Or is it?
Why would anyone go to court to keep a Meteor crash in the forest a secret, asks Arthur?
Like a Mastiff with a bone, the question nags Arthur who finds himself unable to let go of investigating what happened that night in a forest in Montana . The story takes off at a clip when he and his friend Rachel Carter embark on an unforgettable journey down a one-way street where the impossible suddenly becomes reality, and there's no turning back.
The story is seamlessly told with beautiful details that are both enthralling, and complex, placing the reader in the gifted position of being able to ask questions through the characters, posed to an 'outsider' of our galaxy with years of his own research and watchfulness under his metaphoric belt; Crucial questions about mankind, our planet, and what to expect of an uncertain future.
From start to finish this is a spell-binding tale of epic proportions holding at stake Earth in the balance and answering firmly what we must do now to avert the threat that hangs over civilization, and humanity, itself!
I see a movie in the making.
This made me sit up and take notice!
Author Stephan A. Schwartz takes the reader on a fast-paced ride which begins when character Arthur Davies, a senior analyst on Capitol Hill shows up to court in support of an attorney, but wanders into another courtroom out of curiosity, where the judge is hearing arguments on a Freedom of Information Act suit, equally as boring. Or is it?
Why would anyone go to court to keep a Meteor crash in the forest a secret, asks Arthur?
Like a Mastiff with a bone, the question nags Arthur who finds himself unable to let go of investigating what happened that night in a forest in Montana . The story takes off at a clip when he and his friend Rachel Carter embark on an unforgettable journey down a one-way street where the impossible suddenly becomes reality, and there's no turning back.
The story is seamlessly told with beautiful details that are both enthralling, and complex, placing the reader in the gifted position of being able to ask questions through the characters, posed to an 'outsider' of our galaxy with years of his own research and watchfulness under his metaphoric belt; Crucial questions about mankind, our planet, and what to expect of an uncertain future.
From start to finish this is a spell-binding tale of epic proportions holding at stake Earth in the balance and answering firmly what we must do now to avert the threat that hangs over civilization, and humanity, itself!
I see a movie in the making.
March 24, 2018
Stephan is a dear friend I've known for many years, and I have been reading his annotated Schwartzreport selections from the flood of newsworthy scientific and political stuff that flies by every day, and reading his scientific papers and books, and noting his lecture tours and DVD productions, amazed by how one person can accomplish so much. Now suddenly he's a novelist too? And in my favorite genre, science fiction? Wonderful!
It was a considerable surprise to find the fictional story, "Awakening," so deeply engaging, but I should really have expected it because Stephan is a splendid story teller -- there's plenty of color and rich detail when he springs a vignette from yet another of his many lives and careers on the listener. This book is finely drawn from his personal experience as a young, fast moving admiral's aide in Washington, involved in major policy issues. I hope Stephan will write more novels. I can already imagine the one informed by his business dealings in Russia and his search for "the blue." And the one inspired by his psychic search in the Egyptian delta for the library of Alexander. Each such story will have a social intent, will push us toward insights we need. Already in "Awakening," Stephan is teaching us that we can depend on each other if we are willing to connect deeply. We can even expect help from unexpected quarters enabling us to accomplish "impossible" feats, just as Arthur Davies was able to extract Mike from the heavily protected government safe-house where he'd been held for years -- because Mike and Arthur could connect, deeply, with powerful effect. It's tempting to tell bits of the story, but you will be better served if you read it as Stephan tells it. It's a good book, which I am tempted to say is even better described as a valuable teaching vehicle. It is clearly designed to be not just a novel, but a powerful collection of essential understandings about humans entering the second quarter of the 21st century.
It was a considerable surprise to find the fictional story, "Awakening," so deeply engaging, but I should really have expected it because Stephan is a splendid story teller -- there's plenty of color and rich detail when he springs a vignette from yet another of his many lives and careers on the listener. This book is finely drawn from his personal experience as a young, fast moving admiral's aide in Washington, involved in major policy issues. I hope Stephan will write more novels. I can already imagine the one informed by his business dealings in Russia and his search for "the blue." And the one inspired by his psychic search in the Egyptian delta for the library of Alexander. Each such story will have a social intent, will push us toward insights we need. Already in "Awakening," Stephan is teaching us that we can depend on each other if we are willing to connect deeply. We can even expect help from unexpected quarters enabling us to accomplish "impossible" feats, just as Arthur Davies was able to extract Mike from the heavily protected government safe-house where he'd been held for years -- because Mike and Arthur could connect, deeply, with powerful effect. It's tempting to tell bits of the story, but you will be better served if you read it as Stephan tells it. It's a good book, which I am tempted to say is even better described as a valuable teaching vehicle. It is clearly designed to be not just a novel, but a powerful collection of essential understandings about humans entering the second quarter of the 21st century.
December 16, 2017
Until we Earthlings actually do make full, publicly-verified contact with intelligent alien life, all our stories about UFO's (whether classed as fact or fiction) are bound to be full of projections, which say more about humans than they do about intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. Stephan Schwartz's novel, Awakening, offers a welcome, and very needed upgrade in the quality of these projections, presenting a far more credible scenario than most accounts, including many that purport to be factual encounters. His story is a clear, simple, and realistic vision — both of a believable extraterrestrial civilization that is worthy of the evolutionary potential of intelligent life; and of a humanity that is worthy of being contacted by such intelligence. The publication of this novel at this time suggests that, contrary to the implications of the current all-time low in American political leadership, we humans (including Americans!) may well be starting to collectively outgrow our adolescent projections of aggressive aliens and galactic battlefields
November 1, 2025
I was recommended "Awakening" by my book club, and it sparked one of our most lively discussions in years. The book operates on so many levels, it's impossible to categorize simply. On the surface, it's a relentlessly paced thriller about a man uncovering the world's biggest secret. But peel back the layers, and you find a devastatingly accurate critique of Washington's culture of ambition and gossip, a touching romance, and a deep philosophical treatise on the nature of reality.
Arthur Davies is the perfect vehicle for this story. His initial skepticism is not just a plot device; it's a fundamental part of his character as an analyst. We experience every shocking revelation through his rational, data-obsessed lens, which makes the unbelievable gradually become undeniable. His fall from grace within the political machine is both terrifying and liberating to witness. The scene where he is offered a promotion as a subtle bribe to look the other way is a masterpiece of political tension.
The supporting characters are all brilliantly realized. Maggie represents the path not taken, a life of power and influence within the system. Her inability to understand Arthur's quest is tragic and feels entirely real. Rachel, in contrast, is his intellectual and spiritual equal. Her own journey from helpful researcher to committed fugitive is compelling. And then there's Mike. The introduction of this non-human intelligence is handled with such grace and intelligence. His "voice" is unique, filled with a wry humor and a perspective that forever changes Arthur and Rachel.
Arthur Davies is the perfect vehicle for this story. His initial skepticism is not just a plot device; it's a fundamental part of his character as an analyst. We experience every shocking revelation through his rational, data-obsessed lens, which makes the unbelievable gradually become undeniable. His fall from grace within the political machine is both terrifying and liberating to witness. The scene where he is offered a promotion as a subtle bribe to look the other way is a masterpiece of political tension.
The supporting characters are all brilliantly realized. Maggie represents the path not taken, a life of power and influence within the system. Her inability to understand Arthur's quest is tragic and feels entirely real. Rachel, in contrast, is his intellectual and spiritual equal. Her own journey from helpful researcher to committed fugitive is compelling. And then there's Mike. The introduction of this non-human intelligence is handled with such grace and intelligence. His "voice" is unique, filled with a wry humor and a perspective that forever changes Arthur and Rachel.
October 23, 2017
If this book had crossed my desk while I was still an executive/indy producer in the movie business, I would have immediately optioned it on the basis that it could prove to be a phenomenal popular hit film. The kind of story that people want and need to believe. Written by a long time close friend, Stephan Schwartz, the book is rooted in an extraordinary lifetime of experience. From The Hill, in the military, as a journalist who's been published in the NY Times and The Smithsonian, as an activist for social and climate justice, Schwartz is a respected researcher writer focusing on world trends, neuroscience and remote viewing. The Awakening is his first novel; a thriller, a love story about two people bucking incredible odds to uncover the truth behind a government conspiracy to repress documented evidence of a spaceship landing and the capture and containment of an alien from an advanced civilization. A combination of what's real and the imagination, once begun, the book is impossible to put down. At the end, the reader is left with a glimpse of the powerful possibilities for kicking off a shift in the personal and the broader cultural consciousness that is sorely needed if humankind is to survive.
October 16, 2025
"Awakening" is a masterclass in building suspense. The first third of the book is a slow, deliberate burn, laying the groundwork with such skill that you don't even realize the trap is being set around you, the reader, just as it is around Arthur. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, particularly the political maneuvering and veiled threats. When Senator Pardoe offers Arthur a promotion over a bowl of chili, the scene is dripping with unspoken menace.
The middle section, where Arthur and Rachel become fugitives, is incredibly tense. The author makes brilliant use of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal as a setting, turning a peaceful national park into a landscape of paranoia and pursuit. Their reliance on low-tech solutions to evade a high-tech dragnet is both clever and deeply satisfying. It’s a testament to the power of preparation and will over overwhelming force.
The payoff is worth every page of buildup. Mike is an incredible creation: wise, funny, and utterly alien yet deeply relatable. The concepts of consciousness and reality that he introduces are profound and will stick with me for a long time. The ending is perfect, offering a sense of closure while opening up a universe of possibilities. This book is an unforgettable experience.
The middle section, where Arthur and Rachel become fugitives, is incredibly tense. The author makes brilliant use of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal as a setting, turning a peaceful national park into a landscape of paranoia and pursuit. Their reliance on low-tech solutions to evade a high-tech dragnet is both clever and deeply satisfying. It’s a testament to the power of preparation and will over overwhelming force.
The payoff is worth every page of buildup. Mike is an incredible creation: wise, funny, and utterly alien yet deeply relatable. The concepts of consciousness and reality that he introduces are profound and will stick with me for a long time. The ending is perfect, offering a sense of closure while opening up a universe of possibilities. This book is an unforgettable experience.
October 16, 2025
I read this book in two sittings, completely neglecting my chores. The premise is every conspiracy theorist's dream, but it's executed with the rigor of a legal brief and the heart of a character-driven drama. Arthur's internal struggle is so well rendered; you feel his frustration, his dawning horror, and his unwavering determination. His background as a veteran adds a layer of depth and practical skill that becomes crucial later on.
The book is also a love letter to research and librarians. Rachel's role is not just as a love interest; she is an intellectual powerhouse whose skills in data retrieval and electrical engineering are vital to their success. Their partnership is one of equals, and their romance develops organically from mutual respect and shared danger. It’s refreshing and empowering.
The philosophical underpinnings of the story are its true genius. The idea that consciousness is fundamental, not matter, and Mike's ability to manipulate reality through intention, is a game-changer. It transforms the story from a simple escape thriller into a profound exploration of human potential. "Awakening" doesn't just tell a story; it expands your mind.
The book is also a love letter to research and librarians. Rachel's role is not just as a love interest; she is an intellectual powerhouse whose skills in data retrieval and electrical engineering are vital to their success. Their partnership is one of equals, and their romance develops organically from mutual respect and shared danger. It’s refreshing and empowering.
The philosophical underpinnings of the story are its true genius. The idea that consciousness is fundamental, not matter, and Mike's ability to manipulate reality through intention, is a game-changer. It transforms the story from a simple escape thriller into a profound exploration of human potential. "Awakening" doesn't just tell a story; it expands your mind.
October 16, 2025
From the moment Arthur Davies falls asleep in that courtroom, I was hooked. The author masterfully captures the soul-crushing boredom of certain bureaucratic processes, making the sudden intrusion of the extraordinary all the more jarring. Arthur’s life is one of comfortable power, and watching him risk it all for a truth everyone else dismisses as lunacy is the core of the story’s tension. His moral compass is his most defining trait.
The supporting cast is phenomenal. Topher Kelly, the wily colleague with a hidden past, is a scene-stealer. The relationship with Maggie is painfully realistic, a partnership based on career ambition that cracks under the weight of a higher purpose.
The sci-fi elements are introduced gradually and with a firm grounding in realism. The concept of the "Blue Room" and the being within it is handled with a sense of awe and wonder that is often missing from modern fiction. The final act is a pulse-pounding escape that never loses sight of its characters' humanity. This is a magnificent, thought-provoking novel that deserves to be a bestseller.
The supporting cast is phenomenal. Topher Kelly, the wily colleague with a hidden past, is a scene-stealer. The relationship with Maggie is painfully realistic, a partnership based on career ambition that cracks under the weight of a higher purpose.
The sci-fi elements are introduced gradually and with a firm grounding in realism. The concept of the "Blue Room" and the being within it is handled with a sense of awe and wonder that is often missing from modern fiction. The final act is a pulse-pounding escape that never loses sight of its characters' humanity. This is a magnificent, thought-provoking novel that deserves to be a bestseller.
November 21, 2025
I wasn’t expecting much when our book club chose Awakening, The opening scene in the D.C. courthouse is so vividly real (the boredom of watching a cement lawsuit, biting your tongue because you fell asleep) that I instantly liked the narrator, Arthur Davies. Then, within a few pages, he stumbles into a FOIA hearing about a supposed “meteor” in Montana” being classified for national security, and I was hooked. The writing feels smart without being pretentious, and the conspiracy thread is introduced perfectly, slow enough to feel plausible, fast enough to keep you turning pages.
The mix of insider Washington detail, dry humor, and creeping paranoia about what the government really knows is addictive. This is exactly the kind of thoughtful, grown-up conspiracy thriller I’ve been missing since early Michael Crichton. Highly recommend, our whole book club is still talking about it!
The mix of insider Washington detail, dry humor, and creeping paranoia about what the government really knows is addictive. This is exactly the kind of thoughtful, grown-up conspiracy thriller I’ve been missing since early Michael Crichton. Highly recommend, our whole book club is still talking about it!
October 10, 2017
A story for this age and all ages, Awakening is an integration of a lifetime of work in the field of consciousness and social change. Rendered in the most accessible of forms, a novel with well developed characters that take us through the hourly and daily decisions that illuminate good over evil, love over control, and the development of conscious awareness over the acquisition of power and things. This is a fun read that slowly guides the reader to an awakening of new possibilities for living as an integrated part of a greater consciousness. Part adventure novel, part guidebook, part love story, Awakening is an invitation to a sublime experience of our connection to each other and to the wholeness of the universe. Highly recommended.
October 16, 2025
I was blown away by the depth of research and character development in this novel. Arthur is not an action hero; he's an analyst, and his strengths lie in pattern recognition and meticulous planning. This makes his foray into the dangerous world of black-ops and secrets all the more compelling. His vulnerability and intelligence make him a hero you root for unconditionally.
Rachel is a fantastic counterpart, equally smart but with a different skillset that proves invaluable. Their partnership is the heart of the book. The climax, inside the secret facility, is brilliantly executed, combining high-stakes action with a profound first contact experience. The final pages are both triumphant and bittersweet, leaving a lasting impression. I'm already desperate for a sequel.
Rachel is a fantastic counterpart, equally smart but with a different skillset that proves invaluable. Their partnership is the heart of the book. The climax, inside the secret facility, is brilliantly executed, combining high-stakes action with a profound first contact experience. The final pages are both triumphant and bittersweet, leaving a lasting impression. I'm already desperate for a sequel.
October 16, 2025
"Awakening" starts as a political drama and evolves into an epic, soul-searching adventure. Arthur's initial resistance to the UFO theory is what makes his eventual conviction so powerful. The author does a fantastic job of presenting the evidence piece by piece, making the reader a co-investigator in the mystery. The scenes with the dying forest rangers are particularly haunting and effective.
The second half of the book is a white-knuckle ride. The tradecraft they use to disappear is fascinating and feels authentic. The introduction of Mike and the explanation of his consciousness-based reality is mind-bending in the best way possible. It elevates the story from a simple conspiracy thriller to a profound commentary on the nature of reality itself. A stunning achievement.
The second half of the book is a white-knuckle ride. The tradecraft they use to disappear is fascinating and feels authentic. The introduction of Mike and the explanation of his consciousness-based reality is mind-bending in the best way possible. It elevates the story from a simple conspiracy thriller to a profound commentary on the nature of reality itself. A stunning achievement.
October 18, 2025
A breathtaking blend of "The X-Files" and "All the President's Men." The author’s knowledge of Washington insider politics is staggering, lending an air of unsettling credibility to the entire narrative. You find yourself wondering, "Could this be real?" Arthur's journey from a cog in the machine to a fugitive from it is both terrifying and inspiring.
The relationship dynamics are superb. The slow-burn romance with Rachel feels earned, and the dissolution of his relationship with Maggie is poignantly handled. But the star is Mike. His communication method is a brilliant narrative device, allowing for deep philosophical discussions without ever slowing the pace. This book is a tour de force that will appeal to fans of sci-fi, thrillers, and literary fiction alike.
The relationship dynamics are superb. The slow-burn romance with Rachel feels earned, and the dissolution of his relationship with Maggie is poignantly handled. But the star is Mike. His communication method is a brilliant narrative device, allowing for deep philosophical discussions without ever slowing the pace. This book is a tour de force that will appeal to fans of sci-fi, thrillers, and literary fiction alike.
November 1, 2025
This book hooked me from the very first chapter. The authenticity of the Washington D.C. setting, from the hallways of the Senate to the casual power lunches, is palpable. You can tell the author has intimate knowledge of how the Hill really works. Arthur’s initial skepticism about the UFO angle is so well-portrayed; his journey from cynic to believer is the core of the book's power.
The second half of the novel, as Arthur and Rachel go on the run, is a masterclass in tension. The transition from a political drama to a gripping survival thriller is seamless. Their relationship is the emotional anchor, and their connection with Mike offers some of the most mind-expanding concepts I've encountered in fiction.
The second half of the novel, as Arthur and Rachel go on the run, is a masterclass in tension. The transition from a political drama to a gripping survival thriller is seamless. Their relationship is the emotional anchor, and their connection with Mike offers some of the most mind-expanding concepts I've encountered in fiction.
November 1, 2025
"Awakening" is a slow-burn thriller that pays off in spades. The first half meticulously builds the world and the conspiracy, making the eventual reveal feel earned and genuinely shocking. Arthur’s internal conflict between his career ambitions and the pursuit of truth is compelling. His relationship with the ambitious Maggie provides a stark contrast to the more genuine connection he finds with Rachel.
When the action kicks in, it's relentless. The scenes of them biking along the C&O canal, using old-school tradecraft to evade a high-tech surveillance state, were incredibly tense and believable. The climax, involving the rescue of Mike, is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. This isn't just a story about finding an alien; it's about finding yourself.
When the action kicks in, it's relentless. The scenes of them biking along the C&O canal, using old-school tradecraft to evade a high-tech surveillance state, were incredibly tense and believable. The climax, involving the rescue of Mike, is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. This isn't just a story about finding an alien; it's about finding yourself.
November 1, 2025
This is a thinking person's thriller. The plot is intricate and smart, never relying on cheap twists or action sequences. The mystery unfolds like a detective story, with Arthur piecing together clues from old reports, reluctant witnesses, and hidden data. The bureaucratic obstacles he faces feel all too real, highlighting the immense power of secrets within the government.
The emotional core of the story is the bond that forms between Arthur, Rachel, and Mike. It’s a testament to the author's skill that a non-human character can be so warm, intelligent, and compelling. Their escape down the Buffalo River is a standout sequence, filled with nail-biting tension and quiet moments of connection. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
The emotional core of the story is the bond that forms between Arthur, Rachel, and Mike. It’s a testament to the author's skill that a non-human character can be so warm, intelligent, and compelling. Their escape down the Buffalo River is a standout sequence, filled with nail-biting tension and quiet moments of connection. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
September 19, 2019
While looking for a diversion from the 'news of the day' - somehow, I stumbled upon 'Awakening: A novel of Aliens and Consciousness'. It’s a great read, with exquisitely delicious entertainment value and wit, but it is much more than a novel. Spoiler: it involves ESP and telepathy. I found myself re-reading it for it’s useful insight. Bonus gift: I then found Schwartzreport.net - a daily news feed I recommend much like having a balanced diet for good health. It is remarkable to me that someone with such research skills — can also entertain us while informing us. Beware: Get comfortable - you might not be able to put this down, and have to read it one setting. 5 stars well earned, IMHO.
November 21, 2025
Really strong opening. The author nails the ennui of Washington insiders while planting seeds of something much bigger. I loved the little touches brass-studded courtroom doors, photocopied case sheets held up with tape, the Old Ebbitt Grill on a weekday night. It feels like someone who’s actually worked there is writing it.
The conspiracy angle is introduced perfectly: no wild-eyed ranting, just a calm federal judge shutting down a FOIA request because “national stability” might be at risk. That understated delivery gave me chills. Only docking one star because the girlfriend character feels a bit trophy-ish so far, but I trust the author will flesh her out.
The conspiracy angle is introduced perfectly: no wild-eyed ranting, just a calm federal judge shutting down a FOIA request because “national stability” might be at risk. That understated delivery gave me chills. Only docking one star because the girlfriend character feels a bit trophy-ish so far, but I trust the author will flesh her out.
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November 23, 2025I love when a book surprises me, and Awakening did. Starts like a slice-of-life novel about jaded Washington couples, then casually drops that a “meteor” strike from twelve years ago is still so secret that even document summaries are classified. The shift is seamless and terrifying.
The protagonist’s voice is perfect, smug, sarcastic, certain he knows how the system works, until he realizes he doesn’t. The courtroom scene where the judge shuts everything down with bureaucratic calm is one of the most chilling things I’ve read in years.
If you liked Foucault’s Pendulum or early Crichton but wished they had more dry Beltway humor, this is for you. Strongly recommend.
The protagonist’s voice is perfect, smug, sarcastic, certain he knows how the system works, until he realizes he doesn’t. The courtroom scene where the judge shuts everything down with bureaucratic calm is one of the most chilling things I’ve read in years.
If you liked Foucault’s Pendulum or early Crichton but wished they had more dry Beltway humor, this is for you. Strongly recommend.
October 10, 2017
Stephan Schwartz's first novel is both a page turner and an eye/mind opener. The story takes us on a wild ride, reflecting an emerging scientific worldview that displaces the primacy of the material world with an invisible order rooted in consciousness. Readers will enjoy this alien redemption story and also receive an introduction to the farther reaches of human consciousness. Highly recommended.
November 14, 2025
The dialogue is razor-sharp, especially the political repartee. You can feel the unspoken threats and alliances simmering beneath every conversation. It's clear the author knows this world intimately.
The description of Mike's appearance was perfect, unsettling yet graceful, alien yet familiar. I had a crystal-clear image of him in my mind, and he was nothing like the clichés we usually see.
The description of Mike's appearance was perfect, unsettling yet graceful, alien yet familiar. I had a crystal-clear image of him in my mind, and he was nothing like the clichés we usually see.
November 21, 2025
The book opens with a tone that is instantly cinematic, courtrooms, political maneuvering, and a mysterious case that refuses to stay buried. As the protagonist digs deeper, the tension unfolds organically, and the hints of government secrecy feel uncomfortably believable. The writing style is crisp and observant. It's the blend of science, politics, and personal conflict that makes this story stand out. Even at its most mysterious, it always feels grounded and intelligent.
November 21, 2025
'Awakening' drew me in with its sharp political tension and the eerie mystery surrounding the Glacier Park incident. The pacing feels brisk and grounded, making every chapter feel like a step deeper into something hidden and unsettling.
What impressed me most was how real the characters felt flawed, ambitious, and constantly navigating pressure. The subtle sci‑fi thread gives the story a unique edge without overshadowing the human side.
What impressed me most was how real the characters felt flawed, ambitious, and constantly navigating pressure. The subtle sci‑fi thread gives the story a unique edge without overshadowing the human side.
November 21, 2025
Picked this up because my book club was doing “conspiracy thrillers” this month and I’m so glad we did. Awakening starts slow and domestic, guy picking up his lawyer girlfriend, falling asleep in court, biting his tongue, but then pivots into something genuinely unsettling. The idea that a random meteor crash from 12 years ago is still classified at the highest levels is chilling in its plausibility.
November 23, 2025
Finally, a UFO/conspiracy book that doesn’t treat the reader like we’re idiots. Arthur Davies is a believable everyman cynical, a little arrogant, comfortably entrenched in the Washington machine, until one random courtroom visit cracks his worldview. The dialogue with his lawyer girlfriend Maggie is sharp and funny; you can feel the lived-in relationship.
Highly recommend if you love intelligent thrillers.
Highly recommend if you love intelligent thrillers.
November 23, 2025
The Washington details are spot-on, and the author clearly knows how the Hill and the Justice Department actually work. The courtroom scenes feel lived-in, and Arthur’s voice is wry and engaging.
Overall I’m curious enough to keep reading, especially after the FOIA bombshell. It has the potential to be a smarter version of The X-Files meets All the President’s Men. I’ll reserve final judgment for when I see where it goes.
Overall I’m curious enough to keep reading, especially after the FOIA bombshell. It has the potential to be a smarter version of The X-Files meets All the President’s Men. I’ll reserve final judgment for when I see where it goes.
November 1, 2025
A breathtaking fusion of Crichton-esque scientific intrigue and Grisham-style legal/political tension, "Awakening" is a uniquely intelligent thriller that had me questioning the nature of reality itself. The characters are richly drawn, the plot is immaculately constructed, and the pay-off is profoundly satisfying. One of the best books I've read this year.
November 1, 2025
The authenticity of the Washington setting is what sold me initially, but it was the heart-pounding suspense and the mind-expanding philosophical concepts that kept me up all night reading. Arthur and Rachel's journey from researchers to fugitives is both believable and utterly compelling. Mike is a character for the ages.
November 14, 2025
I was completely swept away by this story. It's a brilliant critique of institutional secrecy and a beautiful ode to the power of curiosity and love. The final third of the book is some of the most exciting and original storytelling I've encountered. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.
November 21, 2025
Solid setup for a political/UFO conspiracy thriller. The writing is crisp, the D.C. atmosphere feels authentic, and I liked how the author uses mundane details to ground the story before dropping the bombshell about the “meteor” that apparently isn’t a meteor. My only complaint is the excerpt ends right when it’s getting good, classic Amazon sample trick!
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