The Secret Society
The Awakened I
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Jul 31 2026 | Archive Date Jul 9 2026
Talking about this book? Use #TheSecretSociety #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
All that Emoura perceives as reality teeters on the edge of collapse. In the wake of the American Empire collapse, a new nation has formed. With a new nation, comes a new hierarchy–the First Ring corporate dynasties; the Second Ring sycophants; and the Third Ring have-nots in a world of have-too-much. When a Third Ringer mysteriously vanishes from the prestigious New World University, her cousin, Emoura enrolls in the institution with the goal of solving the mystery. On her journey, Emoura becomes a target of a sadistic secret society, whose goal rests in cleansing the university of lower class students. As she encounters inconvenient truths, she discovers her latent divine powers that will aid her in collapsing the new nation.
A Note From the Publisher
Tropes: Fish out of water. Chosen one. False prophecy. Self-fulfilling prophecy. Hero origin story.
Themes: Weaponization of spirituality to manufacture consent for collective oppression. Hijacking and weaponization of higher education to sustain fascism and authoritarianism. Resistance vs Assimilation. The commodification of appearance. The commodification of unique gifts we were born with. Institutional decadence enabling authoritarian populism.
Advance Praise
Beta Reader Review: "I was a beta reader for the secret society and thoroughly enjoyed the adventure from start to finish! The locations have a lot to offer in this dark academia setting, each world space feels genuinely lived in which creates a new mystery or narrative to uncover wherever you go. The characters, especially the protagonist Emoura, are relatable in their strengths and flaws. I found myself invested in the intertwining relationships of students and what it could mean for the fate of New World University and beyond. I would recommend giving this coming of age mystery a try if you haven’t already!"
Marketing Plan
I am active on social media:
Instagram: @bryson_writes
Threads: @bryce_p0
Tiktok: @bryson_writes
And I am actively using the hashtag #jointhesociety in my posts.
I am active on social media:
Instagram: @bryson_writes
Threads: @bryce_p0
Tiktok: @bryson_writes
And I am actively using the hashtag #jointhesociety in my posts.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9798234009258 |
| PRICE | $4.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 397 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 4 members
Featured Reviews
Kathryn M, Reviewer
this was a strong opening chapter to the Awakened series, it had that dystopian element that I was hoping for and enjoyed from this type of book. It was a unique concept and worked with the world that was going on. The characters had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. Bryson Owens wrote this well and left me wanting more, in both this series and from Bryson Owens.
Charity R, Reviewer
The premise of a strong, young female character in a dystopian setting with a hierarchical structure has definite The Hunger Games vibes. The society's structure and political intrigue were riveting and well-articulated. The characters were interesting; each one had a complex voice that lent to the book. The world-building was captivating and rendered in exquisite detail. I can't sing enough praises regarding these attributes because they were absolutely stunning.
I hate to admit this, especially after singing this book's praises, but I had difficulty following the plot. It seemed to jump around suddenly, and I felt like I couldn't keep up. There were chapters in the middle of the book where I thought everything was falling into place, and then another tangent popped up. I'm sure that there are readers out there who will enjoy a plot that is incredibly fast-paced and prone to go on tangents; I'm just not one of them.
Overall, I recommend this book for dystopian readers who enjoyed The Hunger Games and are willing to go on a wild ride filled with twists and turns.
Readers who liked this book also liked:
Kelley Armstrong
General Fiction (Adult), Horror, Mystery & Thrillers
