Wyonation is a gripping political thriller by Dallas Jones. Eighteen years into the future, Wyoming is no longer considered a US state. Instead, it's classified as a Natural Range Region called Wyonation, governed by its own laws. After two Wyonation Protectors kill a Chinese diplomat for poaching, one member of the Chinese delegation, Mr. Tang Dingbang, has a conversation about Wyonation's creation with Grayson Woodley, the Director of Wyonation Treasures. Grayson tells the story of how and why Wyonation was created eighteen years ago due to the dwindling population of Wyoming, which prompted the DC politicians to take advantage of the state and its inhabitants. Caught in the midst was the Native American populace, who had much at stake. But Grayson is about to learn who was pulling the strings all along.

Soaked in political intrigue, romance, and action and sprinkled with a tinge of mystery, Wyonation is a captivating political drama that provides thrills galore. Dallas Jones has crafted an engaging story that draws inspiration from real-world American politics, with varying factions looking to further their own interests at the cost of the nation and its people. It's easy to see the key political talking points integrated into the plot as an exaggeration of the politics played out in the real world. Jones uses a nonlinear narrative style to tell the story. It allows readers to see the events and their fallout from the perspective of two different timelines. Despite the premise, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of humor in the book. I found the dialogue particularly witty and crisp. Recommended to readers who love political thrillers.

Wyonation by Dallas Jones is a speculative novel that unfolds with Lin Lok, a Chinese consulate employee, being fatally confronted by Wyonation Protectors who view him as a wildlife threat. Grayson Woodley, a Wyonation representative, explains the situation to Chinese diplomats and US officials, defending Wyonation's self-governing status and its right to uphold wildlife laws. China demands justice for Lin while cultural and diplomatic tensions escalate. Grayson supports the Protectors' actions due to resource protection and anti-poaching efforts. As global conservation clashes and cultural disparities mount, Grayson forms an unexpected bond with Chinese envoy LeRoy Tang over shared memories. As the state-cum-nation of Wyoming faces a dwindling populace and potential dissolution, Grayson strategizes to reshape perceptions, finds comfort in unlikely arms, and confronts the complex issue of Wyoming's autonomy. Amidst political maneuvering, personal connections, and fabricated crisis, uncertainty looms over Wyonation's future.

“So that’s how Wyonation became more than just the state of Wyoming...” Who knew Wyoming could be so darn interesting with a future of potential secession and cows as far as the former state lines can see? The storyline of Wyonation by Dallas Jones is almost eerie in the themes Jones explores through speculative elements that relate to real-world issues, like government overreach, cultural preservation, and the balance between modern conveniences and traditional values. The writing is exceptional and truly engages readers in an alternate reality where a proposed Twenty-eighth Amendment threatens Wyoming's statehood and the dynamics of how a state might respond to federal intrusion and possible secession. Out of all the characters, I loved Lenny the most. He is terrifyingly smart and exactly the type of mastermind you do not want on the opposite side of an argument. Grayson is equally devious and as far as the ultimate anti-heroes go, this is as good as it gets. Overall, this is a quirky, intelligent, and wildly entertaining novel and I have no doubt those who read it will feel the same. Very highly recommended.