BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS - SHAKEN
A strong female protagonist, on the run from law enforcement, chased for the powerful, advanced technology she created.
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Synopsis of Shaken: A Quake Runner Alex Kayne Thriller
Shaken by J. Kevin Tumlinson is a fast-paced techno-thriller that follows Alex Kayne, a brilliant but hunted technologist on the run after creating QuIEK, a quantum encryption tool that can crack any system in the world. Betrayed by her partner and targeted by global powers, Alex uses her hacking skills, resourcefulness, and moral compass to help victims of injustice while evading relentless pursuers. Themes of technology as both salvation and weapon, personal redemption, and survival under pressure drive the story forward. Readers will be drawn into Alex's world of high-stakes espionage, corporate greed, and underground justice.
Book Club Questions for Shaken
First Impressions: The book opens with Alex Kayne on the run. How did the initial scene set the tone for the rest of the novel? Did it pull you in immediately?
Alex Kayne’s Morality: Alex operates in a morally gray space—stealing, hacking, and evading the law to help others. Did you find her motivations justifiable? Why or why not?
Betrayal and Trust: Adrian’s betrayal plays a major role in Alex’s backstory. How did this moment affect Alex’s decisions throughout the book? Were there signs that Adrian couldn’t be trusted?
QuIEK Technology: The quantum encryption tool QuIEK is central to the plot. How do you feel about the real-world implications of such technology? Could it be a blessing or a curse?
The Role of Resourcefulness: Alex constantly uses her environment to survive. What were some of the most creative or surprising moments where Alex’s resourcefulness stood out to you?
Abbey’s Story: Abbey Cooper’s experience with her prosthetic arm reflects themes of innovation and loss. How did her journey highlight issues of justice, technology, and personal resilience?
The Role of Technology: How does Tumlinson portray technology’s double-edged nature—capable of immense good but also dangerous in the wrong hands? What real-world parallels do you see?
Corporate and Government Power: The government and corporations in Shaken often act as the antagonists. Did this depiction of power feel realistic to you? Why or why not?
Alex’s Motivation: Alex’s work often involves balancing her past guilt with helping others. Do you think her actions are driven more by redemption or rebellion?
The Russians as Antagonists: Global powers play a significant role in Alex’s chase. Did the inclusion of Russian operatives enhance the stakes or feel like a trope?
Justice and Injustice: Alex works outside the law to deliver justice to those the system fails. How did you feel about this vigilante approach?
Female Protagonist: Alex Kayne is a strong, resourceful female lead. How does her character challenge traditional action-thriller hero tropes?
Moments of Vulnerability: Throughout the story, Alex faces physical and emotional challenges. Did any moment of vulnerability make her more relatable to you?
Abbey’s Missing Arm: The theft of Abbey’s prosthetic arm brings up issues of autonomy, agency, and exploitation. How did her story impact your understanding of how technology changes lives?
Secondary Characters: Which supporting character—Abbey, Adrian, or others—stood out the most to you? Why?
The Thrill of the Chase: Tumlinson creates a relentless pursuit in Shaken. Did you feel the tension of Alex constantly being hunted? What moments were the most suspenseful?
Themes of Power: Who, in your opinion, truly “holds the power” in this story—governments, corporations, or individuals like Alex? What message does this send?
Pacing and Style: The story alternates between action and introspection. Did you find the pacing satisfying? Was there a particular scene that stayed with you?
Realistic Stakes: The book is filled with high-tech and espionage elements. Did the stakes feel believable to you? Could you see this story happening in the real world?
20. Alex’s Future: At the end of Shaken, Alex continues her fight for justice while remaining on the run. What do you predict for her next adventure? What challenges might she face next?
BOOK CLUB APPEARANCES
To book J. Kevin Tumlinson for an appearance with your club (in person or virtual), please contact Kevin at https://kevintumlinson.com/contact and select “Book Club.”
If there’s a J. Kevin Tumlinson book you’d like to include in your book club or classroom discussion, but you don’t see questions for it, feel free to reach out here: https://kevintumlinson.com/contact