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The Futile
In a near future world, where critics of the authoritarian leader are imprisoned and media has become a state sponsored tool for repression, one punk rock band goes on the road to start a revolution with their music.
But the members of The Futile are fighting more than just the upcoming (and likely rigged) re-election of J. R. Rankin—the man who decides what art, music, books and news can be consumed by the public. When one of their own secretly brings The Futile to the attention of state media and causes them to be a target for Rankin himself, the band—and some of their family members—find themselves on the run. They won’t be silent. They will stick with their very public and very dangerous plan to take down Rankin—even if they might not make it out of this final act of rebellion and revolution alive.
Written with plenty of humor and heart, The Futile is ultimately a book about how people have the power to change themselves—and their world—even in the darkest of times.
But the members of The Futile are fighting more than just the upcoming (and likely rigged) re-election of J. R. Rankin—the man who decides what art, music, books and news can be consumed by the public. When one of their own secretly brings The Futile to the attention of state media and causes them to be a target for Rankin himself, the band—and some of their family members—find themselves on the run. They won’t be silent. They will stick with their very public and very dangerous plan to take down Rankin—even if they might not make it out of this final act of rebellion and revolution alive.
Written with plenty of humor and heart, The Futile is ultimately a book about how people have the power to change themselves—and their world—even in the darkest of times.
318 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2022
4 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Dane Johns
2 books7 followersDane Johns lives in southern Illinois where he works at a nonprofit youth crisis shelter. At one time, Dane played in several bands that you probably haven't heard of unless you were in very specific places at very specific times. Even then, you probably didn't like them. His debut novel, The Futile, came out in April 2022 via Honey Gold Records. His second novel, Our Extended Universe, will be out May 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 23, 2022
Hey! I wrote this and I'm really proud of it. The Futile is a story about people trying to make something meaningful together despite their egos, insecurities, and the government trying to kill them. If you like punk bands, fighting for what you believe in, and cat fact jokes, then you should like this book. Thanks!
June 7, 2023
In a cold, post-apocalyptic world, The Futile's colorful masks serve as a beacon of hope amidst oppression. This diverse band embarks on a gritty tour, spreading their message of revolution against J. R. Rankin, an authoritarian leader who mirrors real people in power today. The novel's modern and relatable storyline captivates readers, drawing them into a bleak yet vibrant world.
As readers follow The Futile's punk-rock journey, they witness the band members face perilous obstacles, injecting the story with anxiety, suspense, and excitement. Each character is uniquely developed, offering depth and emotional connection. Dane Johns's, the author, exploration of political themes feels timely, shedding light on the dangers of unchecked authority and the significance of challenging oppressive systems. With its multiple perspectives and captivating storytelling, 'The Futile' delivers an impactful and thought-provoking reading experience.
While listed in the young adult section, I would also recommend this book to adult readers who love alternative music, political drama, sociology, and rooting for the underdogs.
As readers follow The Futile's punk-rock journey, they witness the band members face perilous obstacles, injecting the story with anxiety, suspense, and excitement. Each character is uniquely developed, offering depth and emotional connection. Dane Johns's, the author, exploration of political themes feels timely, shedding light on the dangers of unchecked authority and the significance of challenging oppressive systems. With its multiple perspectives and captivating storytelling, 'The Futile' delivers an impactful and thought-provoking reading experience.
While listed in the young adult section, I would also recommend this book to adult readers who love alternative music, political drama, sociology, and rooting for the underdogs.
May 18, 2022
I was one of the first to receive this novel upon its release a couple of months back. A friend of mine is the author. The day the book arrived I met him at a show in West Frankfort, Illinois and he signed my copy. That was such a cool experience! Tonight I finished reading The Futile and I can state that I thoroughly enjoyed it. Dane Johns did an excellent job. The five stars are absolutely deserved!
February 12, 2022
Dane is a great up and coming YA author and this story is straight from the gut. Anyone with a love for music, expression, friendship, justice, and rebellion will appreciate this read. You’ll find yourself in one of these characters and root them on the whole way.
Don’t sleep on this new book or this author!
Don’t sleep on this new book or this author!
April 5, 2022
The best kind of art or entertainment should feel timely but be timeless and that is what Dane Johns has done with The Futile. Easy enough for teenagers to read with the potent verbal picture painting any experienced reader can enjoy.
September 1, 2022
This book has the ability to transport you to another world. The imagery really makes you feel as though you truly know the characters. It feels like you are with the band as they join the Dissent traveling around playing music and opposing the corrupted government, trying not to die. Kept me on the edge of my seat during the last half. The writing style is unlike anything I have read before. It is written almost like a documentary one would watch. Very cool! Highly recommend!!!
August 8, 2022
I would give this 4.5 ⭐️
What an unexpected read! This isn’t usually my genre but was reccomended on Chorus so I figured it must be good. And it was!
The focus on the power of music hit home for me. The band of misfits that fit together, the external characters that were developed, the evil regime, it just worked.
Definitely recommend.
What an unexpected read! This isn’t usually my genre but was reccomended on Chorus so I figured it must be good. And it was!
The focus on the power of music hit home for me. The band of misfits that fit together, the external characters that were developed, the evil regime, it just worked.
Definitely recommend.
July 12, 2022
A great story of how music, specifically, punk rock and youth can transform a society. The book is set in a dystopian America with a totalitarian regime. Friendship, courage, and music carry this story from beginning to end. Check it out if you like punk rock music, dystopian novels, and indie authors.
March 2, 2023
THIS BOOK WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO START A BAND. There's tons of humor and heart in this post-apocalyptic punk rock romp. While the book has a lot to say on the social issues of today, such as the rise of Christian nationalism and authoritarianism in the United States, it also feels deeply nostalgic, while still projecting a dystopian view of the future which despite being grim is also kind of rad? I mean that because while the nation is taken over by a right wing theocratic-military regime (obviously bad), this lays the groundwork for an underground network of punk bands who use their music to literally fight the power (rad). There is a great cast of characters, lots of pop culture nods, and some really interesting twists and turns including a series of chapters from the perspective of a sentient robot.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews