J. O. Quantaman’s Woke is a fast-paced, near-future dystopian thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats the whole way through. Filled with high-octane action scenes and a cast of memorable and striking characters, the book is the perfect debut for the Cool Assassins series.
Set in the 2070s, the story takes place in a dark and gritty world that has been wrecked by climate change and all-powerful corporations that have taken control over every aspect of people’s lives. Technology is an ever-present force and human rights and dignity have fallen to the wayside. The only hope? Dog Breakfast, a small but highly skilled cooperative who use their physical, mental and emotional strengths to right societal wrongs and bring justice to the masses.

At the centre of the story is Nyssa Persson. A former high-class call girl from Tokyo, she is rescued by Dog Breakfast and offered a chance at a new life as a skilled operative. Passionate, bold and vulnerable, Nyssa’s character is multifaceted and relatable, bringing to light issues linked to rediscovering oneself, dealing with traumatic events, and remaining resilient in the face of adversity—her journey is complex, painful and inspiring. In addition, her relationship with the other characters, Jen, Shepp, China Doll, Griz and Cook adds emotional interest and depth to the story, ultimately showing the power to overcome in the face of overwhelming odds.

What truly makes Woke stand out is Quantaman’s epic world-building. The intricate and extremely detailed future he has imagined offers a glimpse at what our society may become if we keep fuelling it with hate, anger, discrimination and fear. This ties in beautifully with the novel’s themes of survival, violence, justice and redemption, pulling readers into an immersive plot that won’t soon be forgotten. In addition, another standout feature of the book is Quantaman’s integration of martial arts as an almost spiritual practice, with elaborate action sequences that have been very well-thought out.

A must read for fans of dystopian and survival thrillers, Woke is a challenging and entertaining read that offers stark commentary on the way we live our lives, what it means to live in a just and equal society, and the importance of taking a closer look at who and what we support with regards to the impact it will have on our future.