Melissa’s Review: Out of Exodia by Debra Chapoton

Out of Exodia
written by Debra Chapoton
Expected Publication: June 25, 2015

find it here: (affiliate links) Amazon, Goodreads

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange  for an honest review.

Did I enjoy this book: I loved Exodia, the first book of this pair (you can read my review HERE), but I’m sorry to say Out of Exodia doesn’t live up to its predecessor. Exodia has the perfect blend of sci-fi and the biblical story of Moses, but Out of Exodia stretches things just a bit too far: the anagrams are a bit too contrived, the “loosely based on” Moses part is a bit more than loose, and for some reason the coolest part—the idea that the entity leading Dalton & his followers is a mortal with epic technology instead of a god—fizzles. What a bummer.

Also, I’m pretty sure it’s bad form to use the same title for a chapter that you’ve already used for one of your books.

Would I recommend it: Go ahead and read the first one, but I’d give this one a pass.

About the book – from Goodreads: In this sequel to EXODIA, Dalton Battista takes on his prophesied identity as Bram O’Shea. When this psychic teen leads a city of 21st century American survivalists out from under an oppressive regime, he puts the escape plan at risk by trusting the mysterious god-like David Ronel. With Ronel’s ulterior motives under suspicion, Bram’s loyalties questioned, and a mutiny imminent, this large group of outcasts faces multiple problems. What should have been a two-week journey lasts for months as they engage in battles against new enemies. Bram’s unusual abilities and a special weapon supplied by Ronel help them overcome obstacles but can they reach the “Promised Land” before time runs out?

Based loosely on the ancient story of Moses, this two book dystopian journey (EXODIA and OUT OF EXODIA) crosses genres, combining young adult, new adult, sci-fi, magical realism, and speculative fiction for an adventure full of symbolism, hidden codes, and thematic imagery.