What do you think?
Rate this book
Awakening
If you like Lord of the Flies, 1984, All the King's Men and other books that explore the nature of power and the price who seek it have to pay for it, you may be interested in this psychological thriller.
Ray N. Kuili’s AWAKENING, called by some reviewers “The Hunger Games of management” is a story of eleven rising-star managers who gather together in a secluded luxury lodge for a mysterious five-day leadership training. Asked to pick a leader among themselves, they soon realize that nothing is what it seems at this place, where managers are compared to ancient conquerors and one corporate taboo gets broken after another.
As the group exercise progresses rapidly from a friendly election to a twisted web of no-holds-barred power plays, the players don’t realize that soon some of them will be facing the harshest challenge of their lives. The unconventional workshop is about to take a very dangerous turn, testing values and characters of its participants in the most brutal ways and presenting them with the ultimate question: how high a price are they willing to pay for power?
Ray N. Kuili’s AWAKENING, called by some reviewers “The Hunger Games of management” is a story of eleven rising-star managers who gather together in a secluded luxury lodge for a mysterious five-day leadership training. Asked to pick a leader among themselves, they soon realize that nothing is what it seems at this place, where managers are compared to ancient conquerors and one corporate taboo gets broken after another.
As the group exercise progresses rapidly from a friendly election to a twisted web of no-holds-barred power plays, the players don’t realize that soon some of them will be facing the harshest challenge of their lives. The unconventional workshop is about to take a very dangerous turn, testing values and characters of its participants in the most brutal ways and presenting them with the ultimate question: how high a price are they willing to pay for power?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2012
27 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
Ray N. Kuili
19 books59 followersRay N. Kuili is a US-based author of novels and short stories, including AWAKENING, OVERDOSE, THE LAST MASK and the new series THE DAWN. His books include elements of science fiction, psychological thriller, and suspense, and explore such themes as integrity, self-discovery and personal freedom.
He is also the publisher of Storius Magazine (http://storiusmag.com) -- an online magazine about the art, craft, and business of storytelling. Featuring perspectives of professional and emerging authors, filmmakers, and other creators, it delivers a rich mix of storytelling facts, news, and techniques to its readers from a network of 200+ contributors
The get a free book and be the first to hear about new releases subscribe at http://raynkuili.com/subscribe.
Site: http://raynkuili.com
The Dawn: https://amzn.to/49bcRXd
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4d5bCu4
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raynkuili/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/raynkuili
Facebook: https://facebook.com/Ray.N.Kuili.Books
He is also the publisher of Storius Magazine (http://storiusmag.com) -- an online magazine about the art, craft, and business of storytelling. Featuring perspectives of professional and emerging authors, filmmakers, and other creators, it delivers a rich mix of storytelling facts, news, and techniques to its readers from a network of 200+ contributors
The get a free book and be the first to hear about new releases subscribe at http://raynkuili.com/subscribe.
Site: http://raynkuili.com
The Dawn: https://amzn.to/49bcRXd
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4d5bCu4
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raynkuili/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/raynkuili
Facebook: https://facebook.com/Ray.N.Kuili.Books
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 24, 2013
A case of a high and great concept brought low and just about split even with a a poor execution. Ray N. Kuili has given us a novel that has the guts and bravado of a great work but is unfortunately hamstrung by a shaky hand and confused sense of expression.
First, to get the simple and obvious out of the way: this novel is in desperate need of an editor. Too many misspellings, grammatical errors, and just plain linguistic weirdness that can only come from an enthusiastic but unpolished first draft rushed to print. Second, the dialogue here is very weak. At times purely expository, and other times almost audibly creaking as Kuili attempts to bend and twist it to make it resemble humor or wit but in fact only sounds like what, apparently Mark Hamil allegedly once said to George Lucas regarding his dialogue in one of the Star Wars movies, that 'People don't talk like this'.
Next, for a book that takes its time to develop its points as much as this one does, there's a surprising lack of tension. Why? Kuili makes the ill-informed decision to tell the readers outright who the violent and even sociopathic character is with no mystery and no attempt at misdirection. Granted this novel isn't billed as a mystery but it feels like you're reading a summation rather than a well thought out and well conceived story.
Which leads to one of the overarching problems of the novel, that despite its verbose-ness, it's incredibly dry and lazily vague. There are too many instances to count where detail would've been more than welcome. Settings are basic, barely described, characters are given little in the way of back story (the female characters fare far worse in this regard) and depth and, on the contrary, seem to manifest specific traits only as the plot calls for them, and never before or after. You're very aware you're reading novel with characters screwed into the system like computer chips for that purpose.
However, if that were all to this novel than it wouldn't have fared as well as it did by me. Much like a Dostoyevsky novel and even a Saul Bellow novel, this plot is less linear plot and even great and in-depth character description but more a novel of ideas, or in this case 'idea' singular. That idea discussed is the oft repeated one of 'power'. And after the purely abysmal first half the book does begin to take shape and Kuili finds something akin to a voice and even genuine confidence in the message he's trying to convey regarding the idea of power he's interpreting for the readers.
Unfortunately the ending is brought down by the MASSIVE exposition dump that basically gives the reader an entire play by play that, while explaining everything, does so in such a dry yet overstated manner that it sucks the mystery out of what's just happened and even serves to trivialize somewhat what's come before and what's to come after.
So overall, it's a half decent book that could have been significantly better had the author edited it substantially. The ending, and overall sense I get from the book is an overstuffed behemoth that would have been leagues more effective as a lean and devastating treatise or novella on power interpretations and struggles in the modern American managerial psyche.
First, to get the simple and obvious out of the way: this novel is in desperate need of an editor. Too many misspellings, grammatical errors, and just plain linguistic weirdness that can only come from an enthusiastic but unpolished first draft rushed to print. Second, the dialogue here is very weak. At times purely expository, and other times almost audibly creaking as Kuili attempts to bend and twist it to make it resemble humor or wit but in fact only sounds like what, apparently Mark Hamil allegedly once said to George Lucas regarding his dialogue in one of the Star Wars movies, that 'People don't talk like this'.
Next, for a book that takes its time to develop its points as much as this one does, there's a surprising lack of tension. Why? Kuili makes the ill-informed decision to tell the readers outright who the violent and even sociopathic character is with no mystery and no attempt at misdirection. Granted this novel isn't billed as a mystery but it feels like you're reading a summation rather than a well thought out and well conceived story.
Which leads to one of the overarching problems of the novel, that despite its verbose-ness, it's incredibly dry and lazily vague. There are too many instances to count where detail would've been more than welcome. Settings are basic, barely described, characters are given little in the way of back story (the female characters fare far worse in this regard) and depth and, on the contrary, seem to manifest specific traits only as the plot calls for them, and never before or after. You're very aware you're reading novel with characters screwed into the system like computer chips for that purpose.
However, if that were all to this novel than it wouldn't have fared as well as it did by me. Much like a Dostoyevsky novel and even a Saul Bellow novel, this plot is less linear plot and even great and in-depth character description but more a novel of ideas, or in this case 'idea' singular. That idea discussed is the oft repeated one of 'power'. And after the purely abysmal first half the book does begin to take shape and Kuili finds something akin to a voice and even genuine confidence in the message he's trying to convey regarding the idea of power he's interpreting for the readers.
Unfortunately the ending is brought down by the MASSIVE exposition dump that basically gives the reader an entire play by play that, while explaining everything, does so in such a dry yet overstated manner that it sucks the mystery out of what's just happened and even serves to trivialize somewhat what's come before and what's to come after.
So overall, it's a half decent book that could have been significantly better had the author edited it substantially. The ending, and overall sense I get from the book is an overstuffed behemoth that would have been leagues more effective as a lean and devastating treatise or novella on power interpretations and struggles in the modern American managerial psyche.
December 2, 2014
The author takes you into the minds of a group of managers sent away for a training in a secluded luxury estate. In fact, this training is a competition to choose the best manager (or the best leader).
The book starts off with all eleven main characters being introduced, one section at a time, in their own voices. Not knowing who is who, or anything about their personalities, it's a little hard to keep them straight until they really start to develop through the rest of the story. But just wait, once it starts...
These people are all dominant personalities and all masters in the art of deception to better seduce and thus win votes. So, don't you dare start thinking you know who any of them truly are. What they show on the outside is certainly not who they are on the inside.
All the story is like a power game (a kind of Hunger Game for leaders). Even the most subtle of actions by any character has the reader wondering if the action is accidental or contrived to manipulate some additional twist later in the story.
This is intertwined with historical or sociological facts mixed with psychology. Sorrily, the author is just a little bit too heavy on those elements. I am accustomed to read books of philosophy or sociology, so I was not repelled by what other readers considered like useless blabla. And the story itself is a good thriller, a thought-provoking page-turner (if such thing exists), with a surprising ending.
Some readers complained about the number of mistakes. I saw a few, but very few; nothing to slow my reading. Maybe the readers who complained read a previous version of the story.
I will certainly read other Kuili's books.
The book starts off with all eleven main characters being introduced, one section at a time, in their own voices. Not knowing who is who, or anything about their personalities, it's a little hard to keep them straight until they really start to develop through the rest of the story. But just wait, once it starts...
These people are all dominant personalities and all masters in the art of deception to better seduce and thus win votes. So, don't you dare start thinking you know who any of them truly are. What they show on the outside is certainly not who they are on the inside.
All the story is like a power game (a kind of Hunger Game for leaders). Even the most subtle of actions by any character has the reader wondering if the action is accidental or contrived to manipulate some additional twist later in the story.
This is intertwined with historical or sociological facts mixed with psychology. Sorrily, the author is just a little bit too heavy on those elements. I am accustomed to read books of philosophy or sociology, so I was not repelled by what other readers considered like useless blabla. And the story itself is a good thriller, a thought-provoking page-turner (if such thing exists), with a surprising ending.
Some readers complained about the number of mistakes. I saw a few, but very few; nothing to slow my reading. Maybe the readers who complained read a previous version of the story.
I will certainly read other Kuili's books.
December 29, 2012
An interesting read, one that turned out to be exceptionally gripping in some places, but suffered from three key issues:
1) Character flooding. There are a ton of key characters in the story, but we're flooded with information about all of them at the same time. In many cases when there are multiple characters near each other it's pretty easy to confuse who is speaking or even present, partly because...
2) The book needs another editing session in a BAD way. Minor and major errors abound, even places where the wrong character is mentioned in conversation (Alex is present where Alan once was, things like that).
3) The moral of the story beats you over the head. Ray crafts the story particularly well in many sections, leading you along with just enough information to make you curious about what will happen next, but all his subtlety goes out the window at the end of the book. The last few pages are difficult to handle because he draws out his points so far that you can tell he's simply using the characters as mouthpieces for his own ideas. This happens often in the journal-like sections of the story as well.
Overall, Awakening is an interesting read and showcases the promise of Kuili, but he'll need a little more precision to make his talents really shine.
1) Character flooding. There are a ton of key characters in the story, but we're flooded with information about all of them at the same time. In many cases when there are multiple characters near each other it's pretty easy to confuse who is speaking or even present, partly because...
2) The book needs another editing session in a BAD way. Minor and major errors abound, even places where the wrong character is mentioned in conversation (Alex is present where Alan once was, things like that).
3) The moral of the story beats you over the head. Ray crafts the story particularly well in many sections, leading you along with just enough information to make you curious about what will happen next, but all his subtlety goes out the window at the end of the book. The last few pages are difficult to handle because he draws out his points so far that you can tell he's simply using the characters as mouthpieces for his own ideas. This happens often in the journal-like sections of the story as well.
Overall, Awakening is an interesting read and showcases the promise of Kuili, but he'll need a little more precision to make his talents really shine.
May 18, 2013
I found this story very interesting. I would recommend it to anyone planning to become a manager or entering politics. In fact, it is a great read for anyone, because life is "political", nothing escapes it. It’s always good to have someone who can open your eyes or reopen them.
But regardless, I was not absolutely certain until the end or almost. I cannot reveal more as not to spoil the plot, but this plot caught my interest from beginning to end. I have not seen, however, the interest for the big bad wolf to get rid of his first true disciple. The interest was only to allow the author to drive home his point a little more. I hate when an author derails the coherence of his narrative in order to explain something he thinks we could not understand otherwise. But readers are not as perfect morons you seem to think, Mr. Kuili.
I have only one real complaint to make to this author; he should moderate his sanctimonious grandstanding by reducing the number of internal speech of his characters. His story speaks for itself; it sends the message loud and clear. No need to add endless sermons under the guise of characters’ reflections. This preaching could get some readers out of the story and it would be unfortunate, because it’s worth to be read to the end.
Some quotes:
There were a few mistakes and even a mix of characters’ name, but since I truly loved this story, I give it 5 stars all the same.
But regardless, I was not absolutely certain until the end or almost. I cannot reveal more as not to spoil the plot, but this plot caught my interest from beginning to end. I have not seen, however, the interest for the big bad wolf to get rid of his first true disciple. The interest was only to allow the author to drive home his point a little more. I hate when an author derails the coherence of his narrative in order to explain something he thinks we could not understand otherwise. But readers are not as perfect morons you seem to think, Mr. Kuili.
I have only one real complaint to make to this author; he should moderate his sanctimonious grandstanding by reducing the number of internal speech of his characters. His story speaks for itself; it sends the message loud and clear. No need to add endless sermons under the guise of characters’ reflections. This preaching could get some readers out of the story and it would be unfortunate, because it’s worth to be read to the end.
Some quotes:
“These days you are considered a weirdo if you live without a phone. Yet nobody cares if you live without a purpose.”
“A society in which a child makes his parents proud when he proclaims he wants to be a dentist, but draws nothing but laughter by saying that he wants to be a great king. Not the president, not a general, but a king, a ruler.”
“And you already understand that all it takes to be considered controversial these days is to speak your mind.”
“We’ve moved beyond that stage. We are Homo Democraticus.”
“And for those who believe that a lust for absolute power can be pronounced dead, there is history. There is Rome, circa 49BC. There is France, circa 1799 and Germany, circa 1933.”
“It [lust for power] will live as long as two people walk the Earth. It’s inextinguishable. And it knows how to wait.”
“They were unable to grasp that democracy emasculates its rulers [...] this emasculation leads to weak power. And following weak power inevitably comes dictatorship, the only form of governance natural to men.”
“Who would choose to follow a man who behaves like a lackey? A ruler who seeks approval of his every action.”
At some point of the story, Alan invents a new rule to add to his set of rules to have a good life: “Don’t be ashamed of anything you’ve done to survive”. And he calls it: “The Rule of Survival”.
Then Alan thinks: “When it’s not about you, it’s always far far away”.
“Looks are nothing but blind lucks; words are nothing but an art. Robert was right when he said yesterday: ‘I trust only action. And only the consistent ones’.”
“As far as true power is concerned, a manager is nobody. Power is when you tell someone to lick your boot and he licks them clean. Whimpers, but licks clean. Hates your guts, but licks clean. That’s power. When you ask someone to go and die. And he goes and dies. Without asking you a single question. That’s power. When a schoolboy tells another schoolboy to bring him cash from home and the next morning he gets cash—that’s power.”
“Because no matter what they say, you always have a choice. You just don’t always have the guts to make it.”
After finding the guts to do the right thing, Alan thinks: “Now, all the rules can be replaced by a single one. Just a few words with no catchy name: always be true to yourself.”
“Because you cannot change who you are. But you can recognize it.”
There were a few mistakes and even a mix of characters’ name, but since I truly loved this story, I give it 5 stars all the same.
December 30, 2019
This was a free book for a review.
This wasn't really my type of book but it was pretty good. It is about a bunch of different managers who are brought together for a seminar which is a different kind of seminar. They are all staying at the place and are far from town. Each thinks they are the best manager but as times goes on and they have to nominate one person as the head person it becomes very hard to know who is a good leader and who may be doing other things to get their way. Interesting concept.
This wasn't really my type of book but it was pretty good. It is about a bunch of different managers who are brought together for a seminar which is a different kind of seminar. They are all staying at the place and are far from town. Each thinks they are the best manager but as times goes on and they have to nominate one person as the head person it becomes very hard to know who is a good leader and who may be doing other things to get their way. Interesting concept.
November 14, 2021
Thought Provoking Novel
This was a little different. A group of managers, all from different companies, are sent to a special management training. A week away, no cell phones, basically in the middle of nowhere. Not quite a psychological thriller, but almost interesting characters with a surprising plot. A good read.
This was a little different. A group of managers, all from different companies, are sent to a special management training. A week away, no cell phones, basically in the middle of nowhere. Not quite a psychological thriller, but almost interesting characters with a surprising plot. A good read.
April 10, 2018
Awakened
I felt this book started out fast and interesting. Then in the middle it got bogged down in trying to do too much to the point that it got confusing and boring. However, at the end it picked back up and seemed to get focused again.
I felt this book started out fast and interesting. Then in the middle it got bogged down in trying to do too much to the point that it got confusing and boring. However, at the end it picked back up and seemed to get focused again.
May 22, 2018
It took me about four times to get into this book, but once I did it really was good. You should try AWAKENING by Ray N. Kuili.
June 28, 2020
Very entertaining read. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
June 1, 2013
Similar books read: The Prince, The Art of War
An idealist book that suggests corporations should be run by CEOs with a high moral ground. They will make the world a better place to live in.
Awakening attempts to delineate the nature of power struggle within a corporation and the structure of society against the backdrop of a system forged by big global players.
Here is a 5-day workshop of middle level managers presumably in their 20’s held in a nebulous location. Attendees are only known by their first names and the corporations and industries they represent are undisclosed. They are sent by the CEOs of the corporations they are working for.
The purpose: To choose the best leader. Note: not the best manager.
Drawing from various theories of strategic management and leadership since ancient times, Kuili suggests that history has recorded many rulers who have sought power but only to leave the world a legacy of tyranny and bloodshed.
Ditch Alexander the Great or Napoleon Bonaparte, for example. They ruled and built empires but they went down in history, disgraced and died an undignified death.
In this workshop, participants were asked why do they want to become the company’s big boss. Power, control, wealth, prestige?
The facilitator notes:
“ . . . You are the material from which the lords of the corporations are made. You are those who some years later will replace today’s rulers of the business world. You are those who at some point in the future will steer the global economy. It won’t be the Ivy League and Oxford graduates. It won’t be the inheritors of old money. It won’t be your current bosses. p.63
You were gifted with something that one day will elevate you very high, to those levels of the social pyramid that only few, very, very few ever reach . . .” p. 64
Kuili is probably an idealist as far as how corporations should run. The world in which they operate can perhaps be better if managers are grounded with values and integrity.
An idealist book that suggests corporations should be run by CEOs with a high moral ground. They will make the world a better place to live in.
Awakening attempts to delineate the nature of power struggle within a corporation and the structure of society against the backdrop of a system forged by big global players.
Here is a 5-day workshop of middle level managers presumably in their 20’s held in a nebulous location. Attendees are only known by their first names and the corporations and industries they represent are undisclosed. They are sent by the CEOs of the corporations they are working for.
The purpose: To choose the best leader. Note: not the best manager.
Drawing from various theories of strategic management and leadership since ancient times, Kuili suggests that history has recorded many rulers who have sought power but only to leave the world a legacy of tyranny and bloodshed.
Ditch Alexander the Great or Napoleon Bonaparte, for example. They ruled and built empires but they went down in history, disgraced and died an undignified death.
In this workshop, participants were asked why do they want to become the company’s big boss. Power, control, wealth, prestige?
The facilitator notes:
“ . . . You are the material from which the lords of the corporations are made. You are those who some years later will replace today’s rulers of the business world. You are those who at some point in the future will steer the global economy. It won’t be the Ivy League and Oxford graduates. It won’t be the inheritors of old money. It won’t be your current bosses. p.63
You were gifted with something that one day will elevate you very high, to those levels of the social pyramid that only few, very, very few ever reach . . .” p. 64
Kuili is probably an idealist as far as how corporations should run. The world in which they operate can perhaps be better if managers are grounded with values and integrity.
June 10, 2013
*Caution: May contain spoilers*
I was offered this book to review via kindle. Not having read the published version, which may be different, I do need to point out there are a couple of grammatical errors and the only reason I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5. It could have benefited from having an editor, but this was the first edition so that may have been taken care of for all I know.
Having said that, there is nothing else about this book that I dislike.
The set up begins with a short bio on all 11 main characters from different companies, all in (middle) management positions. 9 men, and only 2 women. I feel a bit irritated by this, but all in all that's (unfortunately) how it would most likely be in the real world, even in a modern boardroom.
All characters are hand picked to attend a prestigious management conference in the middle of the mountains to "fine tune their management skills". Day 1 they are told why they're there, what they've accomplished, etc. Their task is simple: to choose a leader by Friday. Sounds simple, right? Guess again.
Right off the bat they start making rules, and it isn't long before they're breaking them. As they start sizing up one another the reader gets an inside look into the minds of the average person where power and winning are concerned. One man automatically picks out why he can-and should-win. Automatically he thinks the women aren't threats because- you guessed it- because they're women. He even thinks "yeah, we're all equal, blah blah blah..." and that IS how 90% of guys think, even in the 21st century. He starts judging the pudgy guy, "no one will listen to a short fat guy. They want someone who 'looks' like a leader", which one he can take in a fight, etc. Each one is not good enough. Not ironically, this particular judgmental thinker is the first one to crack up.
Next we have one of the women, Joan who immediately sizes up the other. It's because her female opponent has short hair and wears pant suits that she's immediately thought to be less worthy. After all, Men don't want women to look or act like boys, yet you're expected to play the game...(this is proven untrue later when the short haired girl is asked out by one guy at the end of the conference. So, some guys aren't threatened by smart business women). It's Joan who is the one to try and use her "female charms" to try and win votes - because she wouldn't be a woman otherwise... The sad truth is, there will always be one that behaves this way. *sigh* Women are a much greater enemy to women than men are.
I should add that by day 2 their host adds they are allowed to win by any means necessary. Violence is discussed but no one thinks it will happen until it actually does and it becomes a fight for survival more than just winning.
Violence, sex, sabotage...these are just a few things that happen while fighting to get to the top.
Kuili dictates just how people think and what they'll do when left to their own devices. What would you do for power? How far would you go? Do you realize the thing about power is that it's addicting(Obama, Napoleon, Hitler), and that enough is just never enough...
It can be compared to Lord of the Flies, The Prince and yes, even the Hunger Games. Organization will happen, and those within the system will break it down and abuse it faster than those on the outside.
Be careful. Keep your friends close, and, well you know the rest...
I would recommend this book to be read in college courses of business, management and even sociology. There's a lot to be learned.
I was offered this book to review via kindle. Not having read the published version, which may be different, I do need to point out there are a couple of grammatical errors and the only reason I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5. It could have benefited from having an editor, but this was the first edition so that may have been taken care of for all I know.
Having said that, there is nothing else about this book that I dislike.
The set up begins with a short bio on all 11 main characters from different companies, all in (middle) management positions. 9 men, and only 2 women. I feel a bit irritated by this, but all in all that's (unfortunately) how it would most likely be in the real world, even in a modern boardroom.
All characters are hand picked to attend a prestigious management conference in the middle of the mountains to "fine tune their management skills". Day 1 they are told why they're there, what they've accomplished, etc. Their task is simple: to choose a leader by Friday. Sounds simple, right? Guess again.
Right off the bat they start making rules, and it isn't long before they're breaking them. As they start sizing up one another the reader gets an inside look into the minds of the average person where power and winning are concerned. One man automatically picks out why he can-and should-win. Automatically he thinks the women aren't threats because- you guessed it- because they're women. He even thinks "yeah, we're all equal, blah blah blah..." and that IS how 90% of guys think, even in the 21st century. He starts judging the pudgy guy, "no one will listen to a short fat guy. They want someone who 'looks' like a leader", which one he can take in a fight, etc. Each one is not good enough. Not ironically, this particular judgmental thinker is the first one to crack up.
Next we have one of the women, Joan who immediately sizes up the other. It's because her female opponent has short hair and wears pant suits that she's immediately thought to be less worthy. After all, Men don't want women to look or act like boys, yet you're expected to play the game...(this is proven untrue later when the short haired girl is asked out by one guy at the end of the conference. So, some guys aren't threatened by smart business women). It's Joan who is the one to try and use her "female charms" to try and win votes - because she wouldn't be a woman otherwise... The sad truth is, there will always be one that behaves this way. *sigh* Women are a much greater enemy to women than men are.
I should add that by day 2 their host adds they are allowed to win by any means necessary. Violence is discussed but no one thinks it will happen until it actually does and it becomes a fight for survival more than just winning.
Violence, sex, sabotage...these are just a few things that happen while fighting to get to the top.
Kuili dictates just how people think and what they'll do when left to their own devices. What would you do for power? How far would you go? Do you realize the thing about power is that it's addicting(Obama, Napoleon, Hitler), and that enough is just never enough...
It can be compared to Lord of the Flies, The Prince and yes, even the Hunger Games. Organization will happen, and those within the system will break it down and abuse it faster than those on the outside.
Be careful. Keep your friends close, and, well you know the rest...
I would recommend this book to be read in college courses of business, management and even sociology. There's a lot to be learned.
October 13, 2013
Imagine twelve of the best and brightest rising stars in corporate America invited to attend a Manager’s Retreat. But not just any retreat, this is an opportunity of a lifetime. The conditions are cloaked in a veil of secrecy, to create anonymity and promote honesty. Each middle manager is hand selected by their superiors, based on their promising leadership skills, and have moved up the corporate ladder at much faster speeds than their peers. A true leader is a vocation and a calling. Leaders are to be admired, adored, followed anywhere, and are among the most powerful and elite. Each one is asked do they have what it takes to be a true leader to wield that power? A heady brew for anyone, but for this group, each one driven to succeed, driven by mind-numbing power; it is intoxicating.
Set in a beautiful wooded mountain lake lodge far from their normal lives, and corporate worlds; they are given one task; to select among themselves one leader in five days. They will be observed and evaluated by two observers. Having signed waivers prior to arrival, there are no rules. Game on.
Ray N. Kuilli masterfully creates an incredibly intricate and intriguing world of the interplay of human emotion, psychology and politics among his characters. Feeling as if you have been dropped onto a game board reality of plot twists, you wait for each character to make their move. Kuilli artfully explains the inner mental calculations, schemes and cohorts between managers as you wait for them to play their best hand. He has an amazing grasp of history and human sociology and weaves it throughout the book as the story unfolds.
“Power corrupts and absolute power, corrupts absolutely.”- Lord Acton, encapsulated the book for me. My favorite quote from Kuilli’s book “Our people are businessmen.”- The Godfather
Awakening is a true page turner that you can’t put down, and keeps you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has worked in corporate America, loves history or just wants to delve into a deeper understanding of human’s quest for power. Basically anyone.
Set in a beautiful wooded mountain lake lodge far from their normal lives, and corporate worlds; they are given one task; to select among themselves one leader in five days. They will be observed and evaluated by two observers. Having signed waivers prior to arrival, there are no rules. Game on.
Ray N. Kuilli masterfully creates an incredibly intricate and intriguing world of the interplay of human emotion, psychology and politics among his characters. Feeling as if you have been dropped onto a game board reality of plot twists, you wait for each character to make their move. Kuilli artfully explains the inner mental calculations, schemes and cohorts between managers as you wait for them to play their best hand. He has an amazing grasp of history and human sociology and weaves it throughout the book as the story unfolds.
“Power corrupts and absolute power, corrupts absolutely.”- Lord Acton, encapsulated the book for me. My favorite quote from Kuilli’s book “Our people are businessmen.”- The Godfather
Awakening is a true page turner that you can’t put down, and keeps you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has worked in corporate America, loves history or just wants to delve into a deeper understanding of human’s quest for power. Basically anyone.
January 23, 2015
I received a copy of this book with a request for a review. I just finished the book. Here is what I thought:
Ray N. Kuili and Awakening comment on the nature of power and those who seek it. It does this in an artful way by first introducing us to the cast of characters in their everyday setting. Next these characters are swept away to a retreat/competition where they are pit against each other in a competition for power – Survivor style.
It is in this contest that dialogue delivers discourse on how the nature of real power differs from positions of allowed leadership and limited power (e.g. the US president). The author comments on how these pseudo leadership positions are not enough for truly power-hungry leaders and, so, the office will slowly migrate to one of unfettered power.
*mild spoiler alert*
I thought that the main point of this book was that sociopaths have a unique set of skills that, when combined with a lust for power, make mere pawns out of otherwise type-A power brokers. It is the power-hungry genius with both a knowledge of right and wrong and no conscience about it, who controls others with ease.
*end of mild spoiler*
My only criticisms of the book were of the author’s decision to use first names only and the editing. It took me awhile to keep proper track of the characters. Last names help me to remember the characters. Also, typos detracted from the book. Lastly, I am not an author but something about the bones of the book could be better.
This book was a page-turner and offered some interesting points of view regarding power and those that seek it. I recommend it as a book with some interesting things to say wrapped up in an entertaining suspense thriller.
Ray N. Kuili and Awakening comment on the nature of power and those who seek it. It does this in an artful way by first introducing us to the cast of characters in their everyday setting. Next these characters are swept away to a retreat/competition where they are pit against each other in a competition for power – Survivor style.
It is in this contest that dialogue delivers discourse on how the nature of real power differs from positions of allowed leadership and limited power (e.g. the US president). The author comments on how these pseudo leadership positions are not enough for truly power-hungry leaders and, so, the office will slowly migrate to one of unfettered power.
*mild spoiler alert*
I thought that the main point of this book was that sociopaths have a unique set of skills that, when combined with a lust for power, make mere pawns out of otherwise type-A power brokers. It is the power-hungry genius with both a knowledge of right and wrong and no conscience about it, who controls others with ease.
*end of mild spoiler*
My only criticisms of the book were of the author’s decision to use first names only and the editing. It took me awhile to keep proper track of the characters. Last names help me to remember the characters. Also, typos detracted from the book. Lastly, I am not an author but something about the bones of the book could be better.
This book was a page-turner and offered some interesting points of view regarding power and those that seek it. I recommend it as a book with some interesting things to say wrapped up in an entertaining suspense thriller.
June 7, 2013
The author masterfully uses his character’s dialogue, introspection, and recollection of similar experiences to frame the personalities and psychological profiles of 11 high-flying executives vying for an ill-defined brass ring. At the initial introduction of our Captains of Industry, they appear as stick figures with few apparent excesses other than those required to rise quickly in management. But the extraordinary conference they attend in AWAKENING provides an environment where a no-holds-barred approach is quickly adopted.
For the reader, the task slips into a weighing of individual thrusts and parries in an attempt to garner which participant seems to be gaining the upper hand in this mental and, yes, physical contest. But our author, Ray N. Kuili, keeps us off-balance with clever ploys we thought too ingenious for those engaged in mere business to contemplate.
Eventually, we learn the stakes are far higher than we’d imagined and the participants a worthy tribute to the most Machiavellian of tactics. By novel’s end, we’ve revisited a few old psychological melodramas we thought long subdued and so settle in as vultures to pick over the bones of the fallen and see who’s left standing – knowing fully the victor falls far short of heroic or noble.
AWAKENING is not fun, unless you’re a thoughtful, chess style strategist who admires moves initiated in one venue to pay off later in another. But beware, Mr. Kuili has a collection present who seem to prefer slowly insuring victory, but when all else fails……………
For the reader, the task slips into a weighing of individual thrusts and parries in an attempt to garner which participant seems to be gaining the upper hand in this mental and, yes, physical contest. But our author, Ray N. Kuili, keeps us off-balance with clever ploys we thought too ingenious for those engaged in mere business to contemplate.
Eventually, we learn the stakes are far higher than we’d imagined and the participants a worthy tribute to the most Machiavellian of tactics. By novel’s end, we’ve revisited a few old psychological melodramas we thought long subdued and so settle in as vultures to pick over the bones of the fallen and see who’s left standing – knowing fully the victor falls far short of heroic or noble.
AWAKENING is not fun, unless you’re a thoughtful, chess style strategist who admires moves initiated in one venue to pay off later in another. But beware, Mr. Kuili has a collection present who seem to prefer slowly insuring victory, but when all else fails……………
August 15, 2013
Now this was an interesting book.
I wasn't completely sure if I was going to like it - I don't know much about business or management or power or anything like that, really, but I still really enjoyed this book. There were a few things that weren't perfect - the narrative got a little confusing at times and I couldn't keep everyone straight for a while, but it really wasn't anything too major.
While it took me a while to remember which character was which, once I did figure it out I really liked them. Paul, Robert, and Michael stood out the most - Paul because I have a weakness for that type of character, Robert because he was just pretty awesome, and Michael because... well, I'm not quite sure about Michael, but he always seemed to be in the back of my mind while I was reading.
The concept of the book is this - eleven young managers are sent to a workshop. What do they do there? Pick one leader out of the eleven of them. Nothing is against the rules (which a few people used to their advantage). It's pretty easy to pick out who's going to be the leader, but I did find myself having some doubts about my theory. Until I got really into the book - and I did get really into the book, it sucked me in about a hundred and fifty pages in - I was mainly driven on to who was going to win. That, and Paul's comments.
The end of the book was mind-blowing. It's sort of an infodump, but I liked how it was done. This book might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I seriously liked it.
I wasn't completely sure if I was going to like it - I don't know much about business or management or power or anything like that, really, but I still really enjoyed this book. There were a few things that weren't perfect - the narrative got a little confusing at times and I couldn't keep everyone straight for a while, but it really wasn't anything too major.
While it took me a while to remember which character was which, once I did figure it out I really liked them. Paul, Robert, and Michael stood out the most - Paul because I have a weakness for that type of character, Robert because he was just pretty awesome, and Michael because... well, I'm not quite sure about Michael, but he always seemed to be in the back of my mind while I was reading.
The concept of the book is this - eleven young managers are sent to a workshop. What do they do there? Pick one leader out of the eleven of them. Nothing is against the rules (which a few people used to their advantage). It's pretty easy to pick out who's going to be the leader, but I did find myself having some doubts about my theory. Until I got really into the book - and I did get really into the book, it sucked me in about a hundred and fifty pages in - I was mainly driven on to who was going to win. That, and Paul's comments.
The end of the book was mind-blowing. It's sort of an infodump, but I liked how it was done. This book might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I seriously liked it.
September 8, 2013
After ordering this book I couldn't wait to start reading! I knew from the title alone I was being offered an opportunity. That opportunity proved far from disappointing! Once I began reading I didn't stop. This book never left me until the finish. At its end I could not help but wish it would continue.
Awakening is an intelligent work of art, stimulating, and well played. The story is relevant to anyone desiring an honest look into the nature of power, where it can lead those who lust for it, and who is truly worthy of leadership. The characters are easy to follow so long as you are attentive, which shouldn't be hard for an active reader. After all, this work is for a mind willing to be sharpened, opened, and changed.
There are honest moments allowing the reader to ponder and evaluate the structure of human society, particularly in the business world. It is written remarkably well, showing knowledge of business, character values, intuition, wisdom, leadership, and psychology. While this book is set in the realm of business, it is a story of much more. It is about living, conquering, and so much of what motivates humanity today.
This book should be read by those envisioning a position of success, leaders, mothers, fathers, or simply even the student. The more we all begin to ponder the valuable message in Awakening, the more we all will have a chance of succeeding.
Awakening is an intelligent work of art, stimulating, and well played. The story is relevant to anyone desiring an honest look into the nature of power, where it can lead those who lust for it, and who is truly worthy of leadership. The characters are easy to follow so long as you are attentive, which shouldn't be hard for an active reader. After all, this work is for a mind willing to be sharpened, opened, and changed.
There are honest moments allowing the reader to ponder and evaluate the structure of human society, particularly in the business world. It is written remarkably well, showing knowledge of business, character values, intuition, wisdom, leadership, and psychology. While this book is set in the realm of business, it is a story of much more. It is about living, conquering, and so much of what motivates humanity today.
This book should be read by those envisioning a position of success, leaders, mothers, fathers, or simply even the student. The more we all begin to ponder the valuable message in Awakening, the more we all will have a chance of succeeding.
July 4, 2016
This was definitely an interesting one. It resembles Lord of the Flies in some ways, although it's a drama rather than a thriller, and it's adults on a corporate retreat rather than children on an island. It's oddly philosophical, and shows a great deal of depth. Unfortunately, that depth gets convoluted with the multiple pov switches, and backstory on too many characters.
The characters that it does focus on, I felt were solid. They had their motives, wildly different personalities, and varied backstories. Had it been focused on one or two characters, I think it would have been easier to follow and added a bit more mystery to it. Still solid characters and story. The only other complaint that I had about the characters were that the females felt like throwaway characters, instead of fleshed out, necessary ones. They felt more obligatory than anything.
There is a bit of mystery in this story, and it's a decent plot, I enjoyed it, but it really is more of a drama about manipulation and societal power. Fluid prose is backed up by easygoing dialog that feels natural if at times unnecessary. I enjoyed the narration and the plot pacing, and I truly believe that this author has a long career ahead of him. With the talent and potential shown in this book, I cannot wait to see what he can do now with a few more years of experience.
The characters that it does focus on, I felt were solid. They had their motives, wildly different personalities, and varied backstories. Had it been focused on one or two characters, I think it would have been easier to follow and added a bit more mystery to it. Still solid characters and story. The only other complaint that I had about the characters were that the females felt like throwaway characters, instead of fleshed out, necessary ones. They felt more obligatory than anything.
There is a bit of mystery in this story, and it's a decent plot, I enjoyed it, but it really is more of a drama about manipulation and societal power. Fluid prose is backed up by easygoing dialog that feels natural if at times unnecessary. I enjoyed the narration and the plot pacing, and I truly believe that this author has a long career ahead of him. With the talent and potential shown in this book, I cannot wait to see what he can do now with a few more years of experience.
May 17, 2013
There is painstaking effort put into this work, the author cares about it, that becomes clear very soon.
First note; I generally hate reading on computers/smartphones etc prefering the feeling of a real book in my hand. This may somewhat color my feelings about the work because it frustrates me to read in this format.
On with the review; some editing could be needed but otherwise I do think this story is at times gripping and fascinating and carries on well. I like the ending (important to a book like this because it colors the whole story) and without putting any judgement or bias into it I would have to say that I kind of think Nietszche would have enjoyed this, make what you will of that comment.
That Said I think, with the kind of effort put into this text, that we can expect to see more of Ray K, and it's likely to get better and better as he clearly cares about the craft.
A good book all in all, probably better as a paperback ;) and if you enjoy the genre you will probably enjoy this.
First note; I generally hate reading on computers/smartphones etc prefering the feeling of a real book in my hand. This may somewhat color my feelings about the work because it frustrates me to read in this format.
On with the review; some editing could be needed but otherwise I do think this story is at times gripping and fascinating and carries on well. I like the ending (important to a book like this because it colors the whole story) and without putting any judgement or bias into it I would have to say that I kind of think Nietszche would have enjoyed this, make what you will of that comment.
That Said I think, with the kind of effort put into this text, that we can expect to see more of Ray K, and it's likely to get better and better as he clearly cares about the craft.
A good book all in all, probably better as a paperback ;) and if you enjoy the genre you will probably enjoy this.
June 7, 2013
I went into reading this book, Awakening, not knowing what to expect. I was simply asked and I blindly jumped in ...
... and I'm glad I did.
Ray N. Kuili's "Awakening" takes its reader into what appears to be a typical corporate workshop for mid-level managers. The themes and characters that stream through the story represent aspects of people and events we see today regularly. Kuili takes you on a well-paced tour of what people in any position, in all positions, would do to achieve personal power over the next person. Awakening tells the story of power players and players that are played that will lead to "... a breathtaking, dazzling goal and not for yourself." And in the end, you as the reader will know what it means to be "awakened".
I enjoyed it because it was well written and read at a pleasant pace. In fact it began to become harder and harder to put down as I desired to figure out ... what will happen next. I do intend to recommend this book to others.
... and I'm glad I did.
Ray N. Kuili's "Awakening" takes its reader into what appears to be a typical corporate workshop for mid-level managers. The themes and characters that stream through the story represent aspects of people and events we see today regularly. Kuili takes you on a well-paced tour of what people in any position, in all positions, would do to achieve personal power over the next person. Awakening tells the story of power players and players that are played that will lead to "... a breathtaking, dazzling goal and not for yourself." And in the end, you as the reader will know what it means to be "awakened".
I enjoyed it because it was well written and read at a pleasant pace. In fact it began to become harder and harder to put down as I desired to figure out ... what will happen next. I do intend to recommend this book to others.
December 31, 2012
I do not typically read this sort of book, and so, for me, The Awakening's hook was its premise as an interesting glimpse into corporate culture, which is unfamiliar to me. I will not say that I understand corporate culture better, necessarily, after reading this work of fiction, but I will say that I enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on the philosophy of power and greed, the psychology, relevance and implications for the modern world. This was the major takeaway for me, in light of the fact that some key events betray the author's slightly too heavy of a hand directing characters toward a prescribed conclusion, even though most interactions are believable, as are the successes are attributed to one character's talent for diplomacy or another's talent for intimidation, etc.
August 5, 2013
I was intrigued by the book Awakening when I started reading it but it has too many main characters to keep track of. The premise of corporate life and how it is manipulated at the top is interesting and the machinations of the program is very different. However, trying to figure out whose thoughts we are reading and who we will be following on each chapter was distracting to me. I was not able to grab onto any one of them as more important than the others. The ending was a disappointment for me because it came out of left field and didn’t really have any connection to the rest of the story. Having said all that I would love to see this as a movie. It reminded me of a Hitchcock type movie.
September 4, 2013
This was really a nice read. It somehow made me recall why I left my career and why I would never like to get back to it. Very few realize how damaging high managerial position is to life values and how it turns us into zombies.
The book was very well written. I had a feeling that the writer had personal experience of communicating/working with managers - or even maybe he has been one - since the wording and the dialogues could have been from any management meeting or discussion.
I liked the uniques approach of lookig at the topic.
The only reason I did not give 5 stars is that I had a feeling that the ending was a bit artificial. I t did not come naturally and somehow did not seem to fit the rest.
Definitely would recommend.
The book was very well written. I had a feeling that the writer had personal experience of communicating/working with managers - or even maybe he has been one - since the wording and the dialogues could have been from any management meeting or discussion.
I liked the uniques approach of lookig at the topic.
The only reason I did not give 5 stars is that I had a feeling that the ending was a bit artificial. I t did not come naturally and somehow did not seem to fit the rest.
Definitely would recommend.
April 16, 2015
I got a copy last year for a review request. \ I read the book for almost a year and I read it again and again because it's really interesting. And now is the time to write a short review about it.
Awakening is one of the books that you should read before you die. Yes because it tells something important of what you really wishes to know or hear. If you just read the book once, it's just really interesting but when you read it for the second and the third and the fourth time, it makes you think a lot. Ray N. Kuli really got what I really want as a reader: to think deep. The concept is amazing. I love it. I appreciate the work.
I will definitely recommend this to my future literature students ;)
Awakening is one of the books that you should read before you die. Yes because it tells something important of what you really wishes to know or hear. If you just read the book once, it's just really interesting but when you read it for the second and the third and the fourth time, it makes you think a lot. Ray N. Kuli really got what I really want as a reader: to think deep. The concept is amazing. I love it. I appreciate the work.
I will definitely recommend this to my future literature students ;)
October 10, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Would have given 5 stars with stronger editing as it did detract at times.
Interesting - almost makes me want to go out and DO this - LOL! But seriously, I've led numerous leadership workshops and now teach the subject and felt this was very on topic/task with how many of them progress. Of course, many more twists and turns with this one.
Recommend this for anyone interested in leading -- or who even wants some insight into those who lead them.
Interesting - almost makes me want to go out and DO this - LOL! But seriously, I've led numerous leadership workshops and now teach the subject and felt this was very on topic/task with how many of them progress. Of course, many more twists and turns with this one.
Recommend this for anyone interested in leading -- or who even wants some insight into those who lead them.
November 9, 2013
I read the sample of this book from Amazon and was truly bored. The sample was long enough and reviews specific enough to let me know the 'professionally edited' release still contained errors and the rest of the book wouldn't be much better. Deleted the sample and moved on to my next Indie book, 'Host', which was free and is extremely good!
July 29, 2013
The plot leads one to expect at least one clever twist - and there is - but the final twist is a device that is fundamentally unsatisfactory. One feels cheated.
August 14, 2014
I couldn't finish. It felt like slogging through a swamp of words to get to some sort of action and finally I couldn't really find any.
June 10, 2016
An ambitious attempt be a cross between Agatha Christie and John Grisham. I found it to be predictable and in need of editing.
April 11, 2017
Too many words. Needlessly long because the author presents a thought and the repeats it again and again and again.
The concept is compelling. The execution dreadful.
The concept is compelling. The execution dreadful.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews