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Awake
Death is no more. War, famine, and disease are gone. Earth is a paradise. But not everyone lives on Earth.
On a distant planet, the Sandigan regime struggles to survive in wake of the Last War. Their goal: to revive their dead leader and return to Earth. One unsuspecting programmer on Earth can help.
James Hawthorn is a socially detached researcher working for weLive, the company responsible for ending death. Because of DNA complications, billions of people—like James’ mother—were never revived. To solve this, James develops a new revival method, but his research is threatened when a network hack targets him.
Caught between reviving his mother and allowing his work to fall into enemy hands, James must confront the implications of his research before the Sandigan exploits it to begin a new war.
On a distant planet, the Sandigan regime struggles to survive in wake of the Last War. Their goal: to revive their dead leader and return to Earth. One unsuspecting programmer on Earth can help.
James Hawthorn is a socially detached researcher working for weLive, the company responsible for ending death. Because of DNA complications, billions of people—like James’ mother—were never revived. To solve this, James develops a new revival method, but his research is threatened when a network hack targets him.
Caught between reviving his mother and allowing his work to fall into enemy hands, James must confront the implications of his research before the Sandigan exploits it to begin a new war.
- GenresScience Fiction
367 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2020
13 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Alder
8 books11 followersJonathan Alder is a Utah-based, small-press author and LGBTQ+ activist. His latest book, Closeted: My Life as a Gay BYU Student, offers an approachable and sympathetic view of the complexities of navigating a religious education as a queer student. The memoir candidly explores issues of mental health, abuse, self-acceptance, and family relationships during periods of transition. Alder graduated from Utah State University two years after leaving BYU and currently works as a full-time data analyst while pursuing his passion for writing and publishing. Since the release of Closeted, Alder has been featured on ABC4 News and spoken on various podcasts, raising awareness for mental health in the queer community. Alder resides in Utah with his husband and dog and continues to inspire others with his powerful story and advocacy efforts.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 26, 2020
Imagine a world where death is no longer final, where so long as you have a person’s DNA code they can be brought back. Dr James Hawthorn has dedicated himself to advancing this technology, to using computer calculations to predict missing parts of a person’s DNA by analysing the genetics of their family, because no matter how hard he tries, he cannot find any biological trace of his mother. He desperately wants to bring her back, as death has separated them for centuries.
The meticulous scientific research that has gone into this novel is astounding, including biomedical sciences, mathematics and AI. As a scientist myself, I love learning something new from reading a fiction novel. As a biochemist, the accuracy makes me very happy. There is never a point where any of this information and world building is dry or overwhelming. There are no info dumps, instead it is cleverly weaved into the story. One brilliant example is a scene where a teacher tries to educate his class about the tidal locking of their planet and how this effects their seasons/climate. The students are bored and rush out as soon as the bell rings, but the reader’s curiosity is stroked. The scientific backing adds depth to the story and makes it incredibly interesting.
One of the main characters, James Hawthorn, is an autistic researcher and although this can be a tired theme, it felt the opposite in this novel, refreshing even, because for the first time it was done well. The narrative really explored what it is like for a person with this condition, in a very real and humanizing way, showing the struggles that come with it. It was beautifully done, and nice to see a minority group represented in an authentic way.
The idea of artificial intelligence with a personality, motives and insecurities was very interesting. I quite enjoyed the close relationship and fun banter between James Hawthorn and the AI he created and named Thea. Theirs is a complex, nurturing bond, where he sees himself as a father figure to his creation, and she/the AI takes on a carer’s role when he struggles with the limitations that come with his autism.
This novel ends with a bang, and I am definitely planning to read book 2 when it is released.
The meticulous scientific research that has gone into this novel is astounding, including biomedical sciences, mathematics and AI. As a scientist myself, I love learning something new from reading a fiction novel. As a biochemist, the accuracy makes me very happy. There is never a point where any of this information and world building is dry or overwhelming. There are no info dumps, instead it is cleverly weaved into the story. One brilliant example is a scene where a teacher tries to educate his class about the tidal locking of their planet and how this effects their seasons/climate. The students are bored and rush out as soon as the bell rings, but the reader’s curiosity is stroked. The scientific backing adds depth to the story and makes it incredibly interesting.
One of the main characters, James Hawthorn, is an autistic researcher and although this can be a tired theme, it felt the opposite in this novel, refreshing even, because for the first time it was done well. The narrative really explored what it is like for a person with this condition, in a very real and humanizing way, showing the struggles that come with it. It was beautifully done, and nice to see a minority group represented in an authentic way.
The idea of artificial intelligence with a personality, motives and insecurities was very interesting. I quite enjoyed the close relationship and fun banter between James Hawthorn and the AI he created and named Thea. Theirs is a complex, nurturing bond, where he sees himself as a father figure to his creation, and she/the AI takes on a carer’s role when he struggles with the limitations that come with his autism.
This novel ends with a bang, and I am definitely planning to read book 2 when it is released.
February 13, 2021
Very entertaining read diving into complex and intriguing concepts of a future society where natural death doesn’t exist and artificial intelligences are gaining autonomy. Highly recommended!
June 8, 2020
Alder has created a world where death is no longer a problem, but he doesn't stop there. Even when death stops being a problem, life, clearly, does not. I appreciate the thought that went into what life would be like if you'd lived several lifetimes, and what kinds of new problems you would have to solve in that case.
The pace is slow at first, but it steadily gains speed. By the climax I was lamenting the fact that I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough. Alder's strength lies in his ability to create dynamic character relationships - a plus for my personal tastes - as well as creating and describing a socio-political landscape that intrigues without boring someone like myself, who never much cared for military-type stories.
Overall, a very good read.
The pace is slow at first, but it steadily gains speed. By the climax I was lamenting the fact that I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough. Alder's strength lies in his ability to create dynamic character relationships - a plus for my personal tastes - as well as creating and describing a socio-political landscape that intrigues without boring someone like myself, who never much cared for military-type stories.
Overall, a very good read.
March 17, 2020
I really enjoyed the premise of this book. The overall idea was great. It was different from most of the sci-fi I have read over the years and gave a unique feel. I am looking forward to Book #2.
March 4, 2020
I crave books that are captivating and original. When I find one, I can’t put it down. Awake is one of these books.
The author of this book has created a new and interesting world where death is no longer the end. The many implications of this notion are explored in great detail - treating the reader to many thought-provoking implications.
Awake is a sci-fi thriller with twists and turns at every chapter. It’s format and narrative style is distinctive. I don’t recall ever reading a book that has been told in such a unique way. You will know what I mean by this when you start reading it.
This book is for you if you enjoy quirky characters, thrilling adventures, a tinge of romance, and nail-biting suspense. Suffice it to say that this book is one of my all-time favorites!
The author of this book has created a new and interesting world where death is no longer the end. The many implications of this notion are explored in great detail - treating the reader to many thought-provoking implications.
Awake is a sci-fi thriller with twists and turns at every chapter. It’s format and narrative style is distinctive. I don’t recall ever reading a book that has been told in such a unique way. You will know what I mean by this when you start reading it.
This book is for you if you enjoy quirky characters, thrilling adventures, a tinge of romance, and nail-biting suspense. Suffice it to say that this book is one of my all-time favorites!
October 9, 2020
I decided to listen to the audio book cause I have no time outside of work and school to read much. I am able to listen while at work so that’s where I get all my reading done. I was very impressed by a few of the plot points that took me by surprise. It’s not often that I find an author who is not afraid of what fans may think and will write what needs to happen without sugarcoating anything. Overall I can’t wait for the next book to come out and to see what else this author has in store for us readers!!!
On a side note, I had a blast listening to the reader!
On a side note, I had a blast listening to the reader!
June 19, 2020
Awake is the debut novel written by Jonathan Alder and it’s one of those books that will make you feel like you are watching a movie.
I liked the way the chapter starts with transcription like, informing time and location which makes the book unique and gives it a futuristic touch. The storyline of the book is very intriguing and full of action and adventure, that will surely excite you as you read.
The author Jonathan Alder has described everything chapter and characters with the minor details and with full of creativity that will not only take you to a new world but will also make you feel completely lost in it. The author Jonathan Alder has penned down his creativity and imagination in an impressively engaging.
The highlight of the book is no doubt the storyline that I think will make a great movie. Also, the chapters are described amazingly making the book perfect and imaginative.
Overall a must-read book that will amaze you beyond this world.
I liked the way the chapter starts with transcription like, informing time and location which makes the book unique and gives it a futuristic touch. The storyline of the book is very intriguing and full of action and adventure, that will surely excite you as you read.
The author Jonathan Alder has described everything chapter and characters with the minor details and with full of creativity that will not only take you to a new world but will also make you feel completely lost in it. The author Jonathan Alder has penned down his creativity and imagination in an impressively engaging.
The highlight of the book is no doubt the storyline that I think will make a great movie. Also, the chapters are described amazingly making the book perfect and imaginative.
Overall a must-read book that will amaze you beyond this world.
November 12, 2020
Alder challenges our conceptions of life and death, peace and war, family, love & more. The premise behind the book is that people who have died can be brought back, as long as you have some DNA. The process of bringing someone back involves printing them. They come out of the printer physiologically as adults, but socially as infants. It take some time for them to be socialized and to sync with their old self. So, death is not final. Unless there is no DNA, but not to worry, James Hawthorn, a researcher with few social ties, and all of those awkward, is working on that; he wants his mom back.
The most engaging character in the book is Hawthorn's AI, whose name I can't recall off-hand. She might pop in and out, but she is the most real person here. The others are cardboard. If that weren't enough, the book goes on and on, seemingly endlessly.
The most engaging character in the book is Hawthorn's AI, whose name I can't recall off-hand. She might pop in and out, but she is the most real person here. The others are cardboard. If that weren't enough, the book goes on and on, seemingly endlessly.
December 29, 2021
One of the best books I’ve read in awhile!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews