"A gripping cyberpunk debut that hooks you with its premise and keeps you turning pages through sharp psychological tension.

Warren Wright’s The Awake: The Dispensable drops you into a chilling near-future where MyReality offers the ultimate escape—a flawless simulation that feels more real than life itself. For Kyrah and others like her, it’s not just entertainment; it’s a refuge from a brutal, unforgiving world outside. But when the lines between simulation and reality begin to blur, the story takes a darker, more unsettling turn that explores identity, control, addiction, and what it truly means to be “awake.”

I loved the concept and the way Wright layers psychological thriller elements with cyberpunk vibes. The world feels lived-in and oppressive, and the questions it raises about technology, escapism, and disposable lives hit hard. Kyrah is a compelling protagonist—flawed, resourceful, and increasingly desperate—which makes her journey tense and emotionally engaging. The pacing is solid, with short, punchy chapters that build suspense effectively.

It’s not a perfect 5 for me because a few supporting threads felt slightly underdeveloped, and I wanted a bit more depth in the world-building outside the simulation. Still, this is a strong start to the series with plenty of twists and a haunting atmosphere that lingers after you finish.

If you enjoy dystopian sci-fi with psychological depth, moral gray areas, and high-stakes virtual-vs-real conflict (think a grittier blend of Ready Player One and Black Mirror), this one’s worth picking up. I’m definitely curious to see where the series goes next." - Goodreads

"Well this was a gut wrenching journey from beginning to end! Like the Matrix and The Hunger Games had a gladiator baby. Kyrah wakes up believing one reality to be true, and begins to navigate her new world, until tragedy leads her to a whole new reality. But “what is reality, anyway?” I really wish I knew her backstory a little more, so I’m hoping the next installments give us a deeper sense of not only why VR and AI are so fully embraced, but the how and why of the world she finds herself in. It’s so hard to review without spoiling this one! The descriptive language was really beautiful. This author has a way of really making you visualize the whole setting. I found myself surprised when it was over. I want more! It had me hooked though and I eagerly await more from this author." - Goodreads