Feeling imprisoned by your life? Do you constantly compare your existence to movies like "The Matrix?" Have you ever wondered if everything you've ever been taught was some kind of lie? Then check out John Twelve Hawks' dystopian novel The Traveler.

This first book in Twelve Hawks' 'The Fourth Realm' trilogy will grab readers by the head and yank them along on a psycho-spiritual journey through an American mindscape of suffocating bureacratic control that's not far from our current reality.

An ancient secret society, known as 'The Tabula,' believes that all unpredictable parts of humanity can, and should be controlled. For years, they've hunted a group of spirtually prophetic mystics called Travelers to near extinction. Now there are only two brother Travelers left named Michael and Gabriel.

Maya, a member of an ancient warrior sect called The Harlequins, wants to save Michael and Gabriel from extermination. The Tabula, however, don't want to destroy the brothers anymore. Instead, the secret organization hopes to use them for sinister experiments. Neither Michael, nor Gabe knows if they can actually travel yet. So they have to avoid The Tabula while trying to awaken their abilities under the reluctant protection of Maya.

Novelists used to include at least a little philosopy in their fiction. Now, most popular writers stay away from anything resembling complex thought. Or, if they do get cerebral, then only Oprah Winfrey's blessing can help them sell enough books to pay of their publishing advance.

It's sad that today's popular entertainment corporations market the same overdone action plots or derivative romances because they don't think people are smart enough to want something better in their books and movies. Thankfully, some publishers, authors and filmakers are willing to take risks on insightful writing that's worth remembering.

John Twelve Hawks and his publisher Doubleday have done well by combining a compelling fast-paced plot with spiritual, psychological, and philosophical brain food in The Traveler. Film fans, who like Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" and Aaron Arnofsky's "The Fountain" will devour this novel. Twelve-Hawks' writing will also provide readers with new perspective on the consequences of technocracy.

To see if The Traveler is available at your library , go to DouglasCountyLibraries.org or call 303-791-READ(7323).