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The Awakening of Artemis
Orphaned and disillusioned, Diana Gutierrez-Adams is on a routine military assignment when a domestic militia kidnaps her and her team. She learns from her captors that her cryogenically-frozen grandfather is at the center of a high-stakes caper to steal technology for greed and great fortune. Challenged by the conspiracy and pulled by emotions she doesn’t fully understand, Diana begins a rescue mission that will change her life.
Set in 2049 America -- a world where the elites make all the rules and artificial intelligence enforces them – the real danger is that the technology will be lost in the ensuing chaos. With her life under threat, Diana is forced into a desperate bid to escape, taking with her Gabrielle, her soulmate, the one person she knows she can trust.
To evade a devious enemy one step ahead of them at every turn, Diana and Gabrielle must outsmart the global monitoring system that tracks their every move. On a trail littered with the dystopian remains of middle-class America, they will come face-to-face with an artificial intelligence that threatens the future of all humankind.
What happens to her is unexpected, perhaps miraculous – an adventure that embraces all her hopes for finding her true self and her place in a world dominated by powerful elites and even more powerful artificial intelligence.
Set in 2049 America -- a world where the elites make all the rules and artificial intelligence enforces them – the real danger is that the technology will be lost in the ensuing chaos. With her life under threat, Diana is forced into a desperate bid to escape, taking with her Gabrielle, her soulmate, the one person she knows she can trust.
To evade a devious enemy one step ahead of them at every turn, Diana and Gabrielle must outsmart the global monitoring system that tracks their every move. On a trail littered with the dystopian remains of middle-class America, they will come face-to-face with an artificial intelligence that threatens the future of all humankind.
What happens to her is unexpected, perhaps miraculous – an adventure that embraces all her hopes for finding her true self and her place in a world dominated by powerful elites and even more powerful artificial intelligence.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2021
23 people are currently reading
916 people want to read
About the author
John Calia
4 books221 followersA Brooklyn-born, recovering businessman, John Calia has been a naval officer, banker, entrepreneur and consultant. He began writing his blog “Who Will Lead?” in 2010 attracting more than 120,000 readers. The five-star rating of his first book – a business fable titled “The Reluctant CEO: Succeeding Without Losing Your Soul” – inspired him to keep writing. His fascination with artificial intelligence and its impact on society inspired him to write “The Awakening of Artemis and its sequel Parallel Lies. His most recent novel is Protopia--the journey of two women through the fractured landscape of America's cultural divide.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 26, 2021
This is a standard political action-adventure novel involving the usual different levels of the US administrative and military conglomerate, demonstrating the various ways ambitious individuals can screw up the system by inserting their own personal agendas. It’s been done before many times, so the author must attract our attention through interesting characters and a creative plot. This story does well on both counts.
Diana, the main character, is a great reluctant hero. She’s got the chops, but she doesn’t necessarily have the motivation, because other elements of her complex character get in the way. This creates all sorts of internal conflict, which in turn affects the interpersonal conflicts, the love story, and the main plotline.
While the action is going on, the other characters are back in the big city hatching their plots, which are so complicated that at times I couldn’t remember who was a good guy and who was not. Which, I suppose, is the idea. However, there were too many powerful, driven women who weren’t that different from each other, which made the story difficult to follow.
There is a good amount of well-described conflict, but this is definitely a book that leans towards female readers, with lengthy sections spent hashing through the interpersonal conflicts and their internal causes.
Tony Russo, the love interest in the book, is a breath of fresh air. A man of principle and action, he despises the manipulation and evil he sees around him but manages to maintain his sense of honour despite the muck that clings to everyone.
The setting is a believable but not intrusive deteriorating future America, with a goodly dollop of sci-fi security and armament technology integrated nicely so that those who don’t understand the acronyms can understand what is going on.
Given these strengths, the book should deserve a four-star rating. However, it also seems proofread but not edited. So no spelling mistakes, but the sentence structure is often long, convoluted, and erroneous enough to distract us and sometimes even interfere with our understanding of what is happening.
The second paragraph contains two examples of the “Going to the store, a deer crossed my path,” type of error.
And I know it is considered good writing to slip small background and setting details into action sentences in order to shorten exposition, but the technique can be taken to extremes. “A drone pilot, Captain Diana Gutierrez-Adams was about to fly her first combat mission when she was thrown across the room.” Four separate ideas in one sentence.
So, much though I enjoyed the book, I can only recommend it for people that don’t really care about the writing, as long as the characters are sympathetic and the plot is interesting.
This review was originally posted at Reedsy Discovery.
Diana, the main character, is a great reluctant hero. She’s got the chops, but she doesn’t necessarily have the motivation, because other elements of her complex character get in the way. This creates all sorts of internal conflict, which in turn affects the interpersonal conflicts, the love story, and the main plotline.
While the action is going on, the other characters are back in the big city hatching their plots, which are so complicated that at times I couldn’t remember who was a good guy and who was not. Which, I suppose, is the idea. However, there were too many powerful, driven women who weren’t that different from each other, which made the story difficult to follow.
There is a good amount of well-described conflict, but this is definitely a book that leans towards female readers, with lengthy sections spent hashing through the interpersonal conflicts and their internal causes.
Tony Russo, the love interest in the book, is a breath of fresh air. A man of principle and action, he despises the manipulation and evil he sees around him but manages to maintain his sense of honour despite the muck that clings to everyone.
The setting is a believable but not intrusive deteriorating future America, with a goodly dollop of sci-fi security and armament technology integrated nicely so that those who don’t understand the acronyms can understand what is going on.
Given these strengths, the book should deserve a four-star rating. However, it also seems proofread but not edited. So no spelling mistakes, but the sentence structure is often long, convoluted, and erroneous enough to distract us and sometimes even interfere with our understanding of what is happening.
The second paragraph contains two examples of the “Going to the store, a deer crossed my path,” type of error.
And I know it is considered good writing to slip small background and setting details into action sentences in order to shorten exposition, but the technique can be taken to extremes. “A drone pilot, Captain Diana Gutierrez-Adams was about to fly her first combat mission when she was thrown across the room.” Four separate ideas in one sentence.
So, much though I enjoyed the book, I can only recommend it for people that don’t really care about the writing, as long as the characters are sympathetic and the plot is interesting.
This review was originally posted at Reedsy Discovery.
December 18, 2021
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The good:
Calia creates a near-future world that includes plausible applications of many technologies that are in development today complete with a description of how these technologies may shape society. The focus is on the negative impacts and how these can be leveraged by an overreaching government and power-hungry bureaucrats to become intrusive and controlling. He includes many strong characters including a number of powerful women and explores he interplay between these personalities. He is sufficiently descriptive without bogging down the story with too much detail. The action is quick paced and tension is maintained throughout the story. He does a good job of wrapping up the story lines in the end. The book is worthy of a read based upon these attributes.
The others:
The book would greatly benefit from a heavy edit. The spelling is correct but there are a large number of grammar and sentence structure errors that distract the reader from the entertainment value of the story. I did not give the book a five-star rating because of these errors. A second issue is related to style. Calia tends to lecture on the potential negative impacts of technology and their contribution to emergent political trends. A more entertaining way would be to merely tell the story and let the reader develop their own conclusions.
The good:
Calia creates a near-future world that includes plausible applications of many technologies that are in development today complete with a description of how these technologies may shape society. The focus is on the negative impacts and how these can be leveraged by an overreaching government and power-hungry bureaucrats to become intrusive and controlling. He includes many strong characters including a number of powerful women and explores he interplay between these personalities. He is sufficiently descriptive without bogging down the story with too much detail. The action is quick paced and tension is maintained throughout the story. He does a good job of wrapping up the story lines in the end. The book is worthy of a read based upon these attributes.
The others:
The book would greatly benefit from a heavy edit. The spelling is correct but there are a large number of grammar and sentence structure errors that distract the reader from the entertainment value of the story. I did not give the book a five-star rating because of these errors. A second issue is related to style. Calia tends to lecture on the potential negative impacts of technology and their contribution to emergent political trends. A more entertaining way would be to merely tell the story and let the reader develop their own conclusions.
October 5, 2021
The Awakening of Artemis by John Calia is quite the story! Right up my alley with the scifi and I always love a well-written speculative fiction. I couldn’t get enough of this book and wanted more as soon as I finished the last page.
I really enjoyed the writing. Sometimes scifi can be a little too scientific, that it loses me. This isn’t the case here. I felt like I was there, in the story, watching it all unfold. I loved getting lost in this one.
Overall, an excellent read. Lots of unexpected twists and turns with great characters, too. I am really looking forward to more from this author.
Thank you to R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this on the tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
I really enjoyed the writing. Sometimes scifi can be a little too scientific, that it loses me. This isn’t the case here. I felt like I was there, in the story, watching it all unfold. I loved getting lost in this one.
Overall, an excellent read. Lots of unexpected twists and turns with great characters, too. I am really looking forward to more from this author.
Thank you to R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this on the tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
February 15, 2022
The future, I hope not!
Diana is sent to retrieve her grandfather from cryogenic storage. John Calia has created a future world that is eerily similar to ours. His characters could be our neighbors. What scares me is his use of AI. I see more of it everyday and wonder if this way lies chaos. John Calia in The Awakening of Artemis has given us a mystery with AI as lead rolls. I liked it but I also choose to see it as a warning of possible things to come.
Diana is sent to retrieve her grandfather from cryogenic storage. John Calia has created a future world that is eerily similar to ours. His characters could be our neighbors. What scares me is his use of AI. I see more of it everyday and wonder if this way lies chaos. John Calia in The Awakening of Artemis has given us a mystery with AI as lead rolls. I liked it but I also choose to see it as a warning of possible things to come.
January 9, 2022
I'm not much of a book reader, more of a Podcast or Netflix person but the book was a good read and I finished it in a few days, I have a lot of half read books so that says a lot. It is more a Science Future book than Science Fiction, it is easy to see how the world could end up as envisioned by the author. I think you will enjoy it and it will make you think a bit.
November 7, 2021
An exciting read!
November 22, 2025
This book absolutely floored me. From the very first chapter, the story of Diana Gutierrez Adams grabbed hold and refused to let go. What begins as a routine military assignment spirals into a high stakes, deeply emotional journey that blends action, mystery, and social commentary in a way that feels both sharply relevant and utterly cinematic.
Diana is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in years tough, vulnerable, conflicted, and deeply human. Her discovery that her cryogenically preserved grandfather is tied to a conspiracy of greed creates a gripping central mystery, but the author goes far beyond typical sci-fi tropes. The emotional core especially her connection with Gabrielle grounds the story beautifully. Their bond is tender, believable, and provides a desperately needed sense of hope amid a bleakly imagined 2049 America.
And what a world it is. The depiction of an elite controlled society where AI enforces power structures is chilling and disturbingly plausible. The global monitoring system, the abandoned remains of middle class life, and the almost omnipresent artificial intelligence all create a vivid, unsettling backdrop. Yet the narrative never feels weighed down by worldbuilding; instead, the dystopia propels the suspense and the urgency on every page.
The escape sequences and cat and mouse tension had me glued to the book, but what impressed me even more was how the story asks deeper questions: Who do we become when the systems around us fail? What does it mean to claim your identity in a world designed to erase it? Can technology save us or destroy us?
The final act is stunning. I won’t spoil anything, but the transformation Diana undergoes is powerful, unexpected, and profoundly satisfying. It’s rare to find an ending that manages to feel both miraculous and earned.
If you love sci-fi with heart; if you crave thrillers that challenge the mind; if you want a story that lingers with you long after you close the book this is the one. A masterful, exhilarating read from start to finish. Five stars, without hesitation.
Diana is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in years tough, vulnerable, conflicted, and deeply human. Her discovery that her cryogenically preserved grandfather is tied to a conspiracy of greed creates a gripping central mystery, but the author goes far beyond typical sci-fi tropes. The emotional core especially her connection with Gabrielle grounds the story beautifully. Their bond is tender, believable, and provides a desperately needed sense of hope amid a bleakly imagined 2049 America.
And what a world it is. The depiction of an elite controlled society where AI enforces power structures is chilling and disturbingly plausible. The global monitoring system, the abandoned remains of middle class life, and the almost omnipresent artificial intelligence all create a vivid, unsettling backdrop. Yet the narrative never feels weighed down by worldbuilding; instead, the dystopia propels the suspense and the urgency on every page.
The escape sequences and cat and mouse tension had me glued to the book, but what impressed me even more was how the story asks deeper questions: Who do we become when the systems around us fail? What does it mean to claim your identity in a world designed to erase it? Can technology save us or destroy us?
The final act is stunning. I won’t spoil anything, but the transformation Diana undergoes is powerful, unexpected, and profoundly satisfying. It’s rare to find an ending that manages to feel both miraculous and earned.
If you love sci-fi with heart; if you crave thrillers that challenge the mind; if you want a story that lingers with you long after you close the book this is the one. A masterful, exhilarating read from start to finish. Five stars, without hesitation.
November 22, 2025
This book grabbed me from page one and never let go. It’s that rare kind of sci-fi novel that balances high intensity action with rich character development and a deeply meaningful emotional core. I honestly didn’t expect to be this moved by a dystopian thriller but here we are.
Diana Gutierrez-Adams is an unforgettable heroine. She’s sharp, wounded, stubborn, and incredibly compelling to follow. When she and her team are captured, the story launches into a thrilling, edge of your seat sequence of events that unfolds with impeccable pacing. The twist involving her cryogenically frozen grandfather is brilliant part mystery, part emotional gut punch, part catalyst for everything that follows.
What really elevates this book is the worldbuilding. The 2049 America depicted here is disturbingly plausible: a society hollowed out by extreme inequality, with elites at the top and omnipresent AI systems policing everyone else. The detail is so vivid you can practically feel the surveillance watching you as you read. It’s immersive, it’s chilling, and it’s smart.
Gabrielle is a standout character in her own right, and her relationship with Diana is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Their connection is tender yet resilient, a steady heartbeat amid chaos. The author builds their bond with such care that every moment between them feels genuine and earned.
The chase sequences trying to outwit the global monitoring system and evade a ruthless enemy who never seems to miss a step are gripping. The tension is constant, but never overwhelming; it’s the kind of suspense that keeps you turning pages far past bedtime.
And then comes the encounter with the AI. It’s profound, eerie, and mind expanding in the best possible way. The philosophical undertones are woven seamlessly into the action, making the story feel both epic and intimate.
By the time I reached the ending, I was fully invested emotionally. It’s a conclusion that manages to be both a shock and a triumph transformative, beautiful, and absolutely satisfying.
Diana Gutierrez-Adams is an unforgettable heroine. She’s sharp, wounded, stubborn, and incredibly compelling to follow. When she and her team are captured, the story launches into a thrilling, edge of your seat sequence of events that unfolds with impeccable pacing. The twist involving her cryogenically frozen grandfather is brilliant part mystery, part emotional gut punch, part catalyst for everything that follows.
What really elevates this book is the worldbuilding. The 2049 America depicted here is disturbingly plausible: a society hollowed out by extreme inequality, with elites at the top and omnipresent AI systems policing everyone else. The detail is so vivid you can practically feel the surveillance watching you as you read. It’s immersive, it’s chilling, and it’s smart.
Gabrielle is a standout character in her own right, and her relationship with Diana is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Their connection is tender yet resilient, a steady heartbeat amid chaos. The author builds their bond with such care that every moment between them feels genuine and earned.
The chase sequences trying to outwit the global monitoring system and evade a ruthless enemy who never seems to miss a step are gripping. The tension is constant, but never overwhelming; it’s the kind of suspense that keeps you turning pages far past bedtime.
And then comes the encounter with the AI. It’s profound, eerie, and mind expanding in the best possible way. The philosophical undertones are woven seamlessly into the action, making the story feel both epic and intimate.
By the time I reached the ending, I was fully invested emotionally. It’s a conclusion that manages to be both a shock and a triumph transformative, beautiful, and absolutely satisfying.
November 22, 2025
What an incredible read. This book surprised me in all the best ways, it's not just a futuristic thriller, it's a character driven odyssey that blends heart, tension, and big ideas into something truly memorable.
From the moment Diana Gutierrez Adams is kidnapped by a domestic militia, the story explodes into motion. What starts as a terrifying capture becomes a layered unraveling of secrets, including the stunning revelation that her cryogenically frozen grandfather is tied to a massive tech conspiracy. The stakes rise fast and the author handles them with remarkable precision.
The world of 2049 America is hauntingly believable. An elite controlled society with AI as its enforcer feels almost too plausible, and the atmosphere of surveillance, decay, and inequality is captured with a level of detail that makes every scene immersive. You can practically feel the tension of a world on the brink of chaos.
But what truly elevates the book is its emotional backbone. Diana’s journey isn’t just physical it’s deeply personal. Her bond with Gabrielle is tender, fierce, and written with such authenticity that it anchors the entire narrative. Their trust in each other becomes a refuge against a world that has abandoned them, and the moments between them are some of the most compelling in the book.
The pacing is exceptional tight, urgent, and full of twists. Every time I thought I understood the conspiracy, the story surprised me again. The global monitoring system, the relentless enemy on their trail, and the looming threat of an AI powerful enough to determine humanity’s fate all build a sense of unstoppable momentum.
And the ending? Absolutely breathtaking. It’s rare for a sci-fi story to combine adrenaline with genuine spiritual and emotional resonance, but this one does it effortlessly. Diana’s transformation is both triumphant and deeply moving a conclusion that feels not just satisfying, but earned.
From the moment Diana Gutierrez Adams is kidnapped by a domestic militia, the story explodes into motion. What starts as a terrifying capture becomes a layered unraveling of secrets, including the stunning revelation that her cryogenically frozen grandfather is tied to a massive tech conspiracy. The stakes rise fast and the author handles them with remarkable precision.
The world of 2049 America is hauntingly believable. An elite controlled society with AI as its enforcer feels almost too plausible, and the atmosphere of surveillance, decay, and inequality is captured with a level of detail that makes every scene immersive. You can practically feel the tension of a world on the brink of chaos.
But what truly elevates the book is its emotional backbone. Diana’s journey isn’t just physical it’s deeply personal. Her bond with Gabrielle is tender, fierce, and written with such authenticity that it anchors the entire narrative. Their trust in each other becomes a refuge against a world that has abandoned them, and the moments between them are some of the most compelling in the book.
The pacing is exceptional tight, urgent, and full of twists. Every time I thought I understood the conspiracy, the story surprised me again. The global monitoring system, the relentless enemy on their trail, and the looming threat of an AI powerful enough to determine humanity’s fate all build a sense of unstoppable momentum.
And the ending? Absolutely breathtaking. It’s rare for a sci-fi story to combine adrenaline with genuine spiritual and emotional resonance, but this one does it effortlessly. Diana’s transformation is both triumphant and deeply moving a conclusion that feels not just satisfying, but earned.
November 22, 2025
This book was an absolute knockout. I went in expecting a solid sci-fi thriller and ended up completely swept away by a story that is sharper, more heartfelt, and more immersive than anything I’ve read in a long time.
Diana Gutierrez Adams is a phenomenal protagonist gritty, intelligent, emotionally complex, and instantly sympathetic. The moment she and her team are captured, the narrative hits full speed and never loses momentum. The revelation that her cryogenically frozen grandfather is tied to a massive technological caper adds layers of mystery that kept me turning pages late into the night.
But what really sold me is the world. The portrayal of America in 2049fr actured, surveilled, and ruled by elites while AI enforces the social order is chillingly believable. The author paints this future with incredible clarity: abandoned towns, omnipresent tracking systems, and a society hollowed out by inequality. It feels real enough to touch.
Gabrielle is another standout. The dynamic between her and Diana is beautifully written quiet moments of trust and affection woven seamlessly into a backdrop of danger. Their relationship provides the emotional ballast that makes the story more than just a chase; it turns it into something intimate and deeply human.
As Diana and Gabrielle work to outsmart a global monitoring system and an enemy who always seems a step ahead, the tension becomes almost unbearable in the best possible way. The action scenes are razor sharp, but they never overshadow the personal stakes or the philosophical questions at the heart of the narrative.
The encounter with the powerful AI is unforgettable. It pushes the story beyond dystopian thriller territory into something almost mythic, exploring identity, destiny, and what it means to be human in a world governed by machines.
And the ending? A revelation. Uplifting, surprising, and immensely satisfying a perfect blend of hope and transformation.
Diana Gutierrez Adams is a phenomenal protagonist gritty, intelligent, emotionally complex, and instantly sympathetic. The moment she and her team are captured, the narrative hits full speed and never loses momentum. The revelation that her cryogenically frozen grandfather is tied to a massive technological caper adds layers of mystery that kept me turning pages late into the night.
But what really sold me is the world. The portrayal of America in 2049fr actured, surveilled, and ruled by elites while AI enforces the social order is chillingly believable. The author paints this future with incredible clarity: abandoned towns, omnipresent tracking systems, and a society hollowed out by inequality. It feels real enough to touch.
Gabrielle is another standout. The dynamic between her and Diana is beautifully written quiet moments of trust and affection woven seamlessly into a backdrop of danger. Their relationship provides the emotional ballast that makes the story more than just a chase; it turns it into something intimate and deeply human.
As Diana and Gabrielle work to outsmart a global monitoring system and an enemy who always seems a step ahead, the tension becomes almost unbearable in the best possible way. The action scenes are razor sharp, but they never overshadow the personal stakes or the philosophical questions at the heart of the narrative.
The encounter with the powerful AI is unforgettable. It pushes the story beyond dystopian thriller territory into something almost mythic, exploring identity, destiny, and what it means to be human in a world governed by machines.
And the ending? A revelation. Uplifting, surprising, and immensely satisfying a perfect blend of hope and transformation.
November 22, 2025
This book is the kind of story that reminds you why you love reading. It’s gripping, imaginative, beautifully layered, and emotionally resonant in ways that completely exceeded my expectations.
From the very beginning, Diana Gutierrez-Adams emerges as a fiercely compelling protagonist. She’s capable yet vulnerable, brave yet deeply unsure of her place in a collapsing world and watching her navigate that tension is one of the book’s greatest pleasures. Her kidnapping sets off a chain reaction of revelations, the biggest being the shocking truth about her cryogenically frozen grandfather. That twist alone would fuel an entire novel, but here it’s just the spark for something much larger.
The 2049 America the author creates is stunningly realized. The elite run society, the AI enforcement systems, the broken remains of the middle class these elements aren’t just window dressing; they actively shape every danger, every decision, and every emotional moment of the narrative. It feels all too real, yet fresh and visionary at the same time.
The relationship between Diana and Gabrielle is beautifully handled. Their trust, their tenderness, and the quiet intensity between them give the book its emotional backbone. Amid global surveillance, hostile forces, and a world on the brink, their connection is a reminder of what’s still worth fighting for.
The suspense is immaculate. Every chapter feels like a strategic battle against a system that already knows your next move. The global monitoring network, the relentless antagonist, and the looming threat of an AI with unimaginable power create nonstop tension without ever sacrificing character depth.
And then comes the story’s final evolution a moment that is both surprising and deeply moving. Diana’s transformation feels earned, powerful, and downright awe inspiring. The ending is the kind you sit with for a long time, replaying in your mind because it hits on both an emotional and philosophical level.
From the very beginning, Diana Gutierrez-Adams emerges as a fiercely compelling protagonist. She’s capable yet vulnerable, brave yet deeply unsure of her place in a collapsing world and watching her navigate that tension is one of the book’s greatest pleasures. Her kidnapping sets off a chain reaction of revelations, the biggest being the shocking truth about her cryogenically frozen grandfather. That twist alone would fuel an entire novel, but here it’s just the spark for something much larger.
The 2049 America the author creates is stunningly realized. The elite run society, the AI enforcement systems, the broken remains of the middle class these elements aren’t just window dressing; they actively shape every danger, every decision, and every emotional moment of the narrative. It feels all too real, yet fresh and visionary at the same time.
The relationship between Diana and Gabrielle is beautifully handled. Their trust, their tenderness, and the quiet intensity between them give the book its emotional backbone. Amid global surveillance, hostile forces, and a world on the brink, their connection is a reminder of what’s still worth fighting for.
The suspense is immaculate. Every chapter feels like a strategic battle against a system that already knows your next move. The global monitoring network, the relentless antagonist, and the looming threat of an AI with unimaginable power create nonstop tension without ever sacrificing character depth.
And then comes the story’s final evolution a moment that is both surprising and deeply moving. Diana’s transformation feels earned, powerful, and downright awe inspiring. The ending is the kind you sit with for a long time, replaying in your mind because it hits on both an emotional and philosophical level.
November 22, 2025
This book is an absolute triumph one of those rare stories that hits every note perfectly: action, emotion, worldbuilding, and thematic depth. I finished it in a single sitting because I simply could not stop turning pages.
Diana Gutierrez Adams is the kind of heroine you root for instantly. She’s tough, scarred, and deeply human, and the author writes her with such authenticity that every choice she makes feels vital. Her kidnapping sets off a pulse pounding chain of events, and the revelation about her frozen grandfather adds a layer of intrigue that never stops unfolding. The conspiracy she uncovers is massive, terrifying, and incredibly well crafted.
The setting America in 2049 is nothing short of astonishing. The elite controlled hierarchy, the oppressive AI surveillance, the decaying remnants of everyday life… it’s all rendered with vivid, chilling clarity. It’s a dystopia that feels uncomfortably plausible, which makes every moment of tension land even harder.
Gabrielle is a revelation. Her connection with Diana is tender, passionate, and beautifully understated, giving the story a warmth that balances its darker elements. Their trust in each other anchors the book, and their partnership is one of its most compelling strengths.
The chase through an AI monitored world is exhilarating. I loved the constant sense that the characters are one misstep away from disaster. The antagonist feels omniscient, the danger feels real, and the stakes keep climbing.
And then there’s the encounter with the powerful AI the moment the book shifts from incredible to unforgettable. It’s eerie, profound, and executed with stunning emotional precision. What happens to Diana afterward is nothing less than awe inspiring.
The ending ties everything together in a way that feels both epic and intimate. It’s hopeful, transformative, and deeply satisfying.
Diana Gutierrez Adams is the kind of heroine you root for instantly. She’s tough, scarred, and deeply human, and the author writes her with such authenticity that every choice she makes feels vital. Her kidnapping sets off a pulse pounding chain of events, and the revelation about her frozen grandfather adds a layer of intrigue that never stops unfolding. The conspiracy she uncovers is massive, terrifying, and incredibly well crafted.
The setting America in 2049 is nothing short of astonishing. The elite controlled hierarchy, the oppressive AI surveillance, the decaying remnants of everyday life… it’s all rendered with vivid, chilling clarity. It’s a dystopia that feels uncomfortably plausible, which makes every moment of tension land even harder.
Gabrielle is a revelation. Her connection with Diana is tender, passionate, and beautifully understated, giving the story a warmth that balances its darker elements. Their trust in each other anchors the book, and their partnership is one of its most compelling strengths.
The chase through an AI monitored world is exhilarating. I loved the constant sense that the characters are one misstep away from disaster. The antagonist feels omniscient, the danger feels real, and the stakes keep climbing.
And then there’s the encounter with the powerful AI the moment the book shifts from incredible to unforgettable. It’s eerie, profound, and executed with stunning emotional precision. What happens to Diana afterward is nothing less than awe inspiring.
The ending ties everything together in a way that feels both epic and intimate. It’s hopeful, transformative, and deeply satisfying.
November 22, 2025
This book is pure storytelling magic. From the opening pages, it had me completely locked in emotionally, intellectually, and viscerally. It’s that perfect blend of cinematic sci-fi action and deeply felt character work that keeps you thinking about it long after you finish.
Diana Gutierrez Adams is the kind of protagonist who stays with you. She’s bruised by life but never broken, resilient yet full of quiet doubts. When her team is ambushed and she learns the shocking truth about her cryogenically frozen grandfather, the story rockets forward with a level of intrigue and momentum that never falters.
The 2049 America portrayed here feels frighteningly close to our own world corroded by inequality, dominated by elites, and monitored by omnipresent AI that acts as judge, jury, and enforcer. The atmosphere is tense, vivid, and absolutely immersive. It’s dystopian fiction at its most believable.
At the heart of all the danger and conspiracy is Diana’s relationship with Gabrielle. Their partnership is beautifully written tender, trusting, and emotionally grounded. It gives the book a warmth that offsets the bleakness of the world around them. You feel why they fight so hard to stay alive and stay together.
The suspense is relentless. Every escape, every narrow miss, every clever work around of the global monitoring system is crafted with precision. The antagonist, always just one move ahead, adds an extra layer of urgency that keeps the pages flying.
And then the encounter with the advanced AI takes the story to another level entirely philosophical, eerie, and transformative. What happens to Diana afterward is unexpected, powerful, and deeply moving. It’s storytelling with purpose.
The ending sticks the landing with emotion, insight, and a sense of earned triumph.
Diana Gutierrez Adams is the kind of protagonist who stays with you. She’s bruised by life but never broken, resilient yet full of quiet doubts. When her team is ambushed and she learns the shocking truth about her cryogenically frozen grandfather, the story rockets forward with a level of intrigue and momentum that never falters.
The 2049 America portrayed here feels frighteningly close to our own world corroded by inequality, dominated by elites, and monitored by omnipresent AI that acts as judge, jury, and enforcer. The atmosphere is tense, vivid, and absolutely immersive. It’s dystopian fiction at its most believable.
At the heart of all the danger and conspiracy is Diana’s relationship with Gabrielle. Their partnership is beautifully written tender, trusting, and emotionally grounded. It gives the book a warmth that offsets the bleakness of the world around them. You feel why they fight so hard to stay alive and stay together.
The suspense is relentless. Every escape, every narrow miss, every clever work around of the global monitoring system is crafted with precision. The antagonist, always just one move ahead, adds an extra layer of urgency that keeps the pages flying.
And then the encounter with the advanced AI takes the story to another level entirely philosophical, eerie, and transformative. What happens to Diana afterward is unexpected, powerful, and deeply moving. It’s storytelling with purpose.
The ending sticks the landing with emotion, insight, and a sense of earned triumph.
November 22, 2025
I rarely feel this compelled to rave about a book, but this one deserves every bit of praise. From start to finish, it’s a rollercoaster of emotion, action, and intellectual thrills that left me breathless and fully invested in Diana Gutierrez Adams’ journey.
Diana is an extraordinary protagonist resilient, resourceful, and deeply human. Watching her navigate the kidnapping, the shocking revelations about her cryogenically frozen grandfather, and the ensuing conspiracy is gripping. Her personal growth is as compelling as the high stakes action around her, making her story both thrilling and emotionally rich.
The worldbuilding is phenomenal. America in 2049 is depicted as both dystopian and eerily plausible: elites control everything, AI monitors and enforces with precision, and the remnants of middle class life paint a stark, haunting picture. Every detail from the surveillance systems to the decayed urban landscapes adds to the intensity and realism of the story.
Gabrielle is an absolute standout. Their relationship with Diana provides the emotional core, balancing danger with intimacy and trust. Their bond feels authentic, tender, and powerful, making the stakes of the chase even more personal and urgent.
The tension is relentless. From evading a global monitoring system to confronting a powerful AI, every challenge feels razor sharp and unpredictable. The pacing is impeccable, with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
The ending is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s surprising, moving, and leaves you with a sense of hope and transformation that feels fully earned. Diana’s journey of self discovery and courage resonates long after the last page.
Diana is an extraordinary protagonist resilient, resourceful, and deeply human. Watching her navigate the kidnapping, the shocking revelations about her cryogenically frozen grandfather, and the ensuing conspiracy is gripping. Her personal growth is as compelling as the high stakes action around her, making her story both thrilling and emotionally rich.
The worldbuilding is phenomenal. America in 2049 is depicted as both dystopian and eerily plausible: elites control everything, AI monitors and enforces with precision, and the remnants of middle class life paint a stark, haunting picture. Every detail from the surveillance systems to the decayed urban landscapes adds to the intensity and realism of the story.
Gabrielle is an absolute standout. Their relationship with Diana provides the emotional core, balancing danger with intimacy and trust. Their bond feels authentic, tender, and powerful, making the stakes of the chase even more personal and urgent.
The tension is relentless. From evading a global monitoring system to confronting a powerful AI, every challenge feels razor sharp and unpredictable. The pacing is impeccable, with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
The ending is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s surprising, moving, and leaves you with a sense of hope and transformation that feels fully earned. Diana’s journey of self discovery and courage resonates long after the last page.
October 29, 2023
"The Awakening of Artemis," by John Calia, has all the ingredients of a great book. You have shady politicians, the military, science fiction, another Great Depression, an unlimited energy source, a resurrected scientist, conspiracies, likable, life-long friends, relatable characters, playing cat and mouse, action scenes, and love.
Calia created memorable characters woven into the fabric of an elaborate tapestry of intrigue and conspiracies. You spend quite a bit of time trying to figure out who the "baddies" and "goodies" are and deciding which way you hope the characters will go. The book is paced beautifully and keeps you in suspense. While the plot isn't new, Calia blended a current distrust of science and politicians, fighting between factions over the belief and disbelief of scientists and politicians, and science fiction splendidly. Calia made this book different in subtle ways. The characters, the science fiction aspect, and the pivotal ways the characters adapt to the plot make this book different from similar stories. It's in the extras!
I won a copy of the second book in this series by Calia, "Parallel Lies." I got a copy of the first book so I could read it in succession after the reviews from the second one. People stated that it would help in comprehension. I am glad I got the first because now I'm excited to read the second book. If you love politics, science fiction, and conspiracies, you'll love this book.
Calia created memorable characters woven into the fabric of an elaborate tapestry of intrigue and conspiracies. You spend quite a bit of time trying to figure out who the "baddies" and "goodies" are and deciding which way you hope the characters will go. The book is paced beautifully and keeps you in suspense. While the plot isn't new, Calia blended a current distrust of science and politicians, fighting between factions over the belief and disbelief of scientists and politicians, and science fiction splendidly. Calia made this book different in subtle ways. The characters, the science fiction aspect, and the pivotal ways the characters adapt to the plot make this book different from similar stories. It's in the extras!
I won a copy of the second book in this series by Calia, "Parallel Lies." I got a copy of the first book so I could read it in succession after the reviews from the second one. People stated that it would help in comprehension. I am glad I got the first because now I'm excited to read the second book. If you love politics, science fiction, and conspiracies, you'll love this book.
February 21, 2022
Blown away by the research and technology!
This is a well-written, well-researched novel with hidden depths and meaning. If you want a very accurate glimpse of the future, this is a must read! I was hooked by it, and I just needed more. Absolutely fascinating!
This is a well-written, well-researched novel with hidden depths and meaning. If you want a very accurate glimpse of the future, this is a must read! I was hooked by it, and I just needed more. Absolutely fascinating!
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