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Breathing Space: Book One of the Exodus Trilogy
The year is 2095. It has been decades since World War III has ended. The Earth is in severe ecological decline, the result of several centuries of mistreatment by its human progeny. Within a few decades, a century at most, Earth will no longer be habitable. Pollutants, wars, deep mantle mining, and everyday disregard for our planet have finally taken their toll, and now earthquakes, droughts, volcanic eruptions, and plagues are regular occurrences. Colonies have been established on all the larger bodies of the solar system, but these are small and hardly self-sufficient; it is widely recognized that, in order to save the majority of the species, humanity must find a new homeworld, ready-made for its existence. "Ian Fydell's 'Breathing Space,' the kick-off novel for his ambitious Exodus Trilogy, is an unexpected SF treasure . . . and a cautionary tale in the most traditional sense. Evocative of the best of James Hogan and Robert Heinlein, this character-driven novel introduces us to a raddled, dying Earth and takes us along on a desperate effort to find a new homeworld for humanity." -Floyd Largent, San Antonio, TX Professional Writer and Editor "Ian Fydell takes modern day Earth issues (environmental degradation, planetary exploration) and puts it all together in a futuristic, sci-fi thriller ... 'Breathing Space' is a page turning, heart pounding book, that makes you wonder just how close to reality we are on planet Earth now and how soon we may all be looking for a little 'Breathing Space.'" -Edward J. Guster III, Fairless Hills, PA Environmental Scientist, USEPA
350 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2010
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 15, 2025
It was a good story I liked it. There where a few things that I am over looking but. I really enjoyed it. From the start to finish well meh but you lol. I finished it in one day not even maybe like 2 hours , 3 max. Anyways it’s a good quick read I think ^v^
March 25, 2012
Review Brought to you by OBS staff member Angie
Beware of spoilers
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Fydell uses such beautiful imagery that you can easily picture what he’s describing. From the sterile, efficient commander’s quarters to the unique colorful landscape of Exodus, I felt like I was sitting in a theatre watching this story unfold.
The opening scene finds us in Africa where a deadly virus has nearly wiped out an entire village. The events that occur give you a taste of what type of reactive, controlled panic the world is in at this point in time.
Breathing Space is a great blend of science reality and science fiction. If you have even a basic knowledge of ecology, sociology, biology and astronomy you’ll be able to understand exactly what’s going on. And if you’re a little more educated in the field then there’s plenty of stuff going on to keep you interested as well. I loved the idea of literally starting over and meeting a new species and working through the language and cultural barriers. But I think most importantly, there’s just enough of a love story to keep the romantics interested as well.
My father is a sci-fi fan. One of the things he frequently complains about is how they “ruin a perfectly good story with all that kissin’!” I think I can confidently say that my dad would enjoy this story.
The twist at the end of the story was just enough to not feel forced or “hokey” and was a PERFECT way make me say out loud “NO!!!!!! Not fair!!!!” bigGrin
Breathing Space is the first part of The Exodus Trilogy. I can’t wait to see how this twist is resolved.
Beware of spoilers
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Fydell uses such beautiful imagery that you can easily picture what he’s describing. From the sterile, efficient commander’s quarters to the unique colorful landscape of Exodus, I felt like I was sitting in a theatre watching this story unfold.
The opening scene finds us in Africa where a deadly virus has nearly wiped out an entire village. The events that occur give you a taste of what type of reactive, controlled panic the world is in at this point in time.
Breathing Space is a great blend of science reality and science fiction. If you have even a basic knowledge of ecology, sociology, biology and astronomy you’ll be able to understand exactly what’s going on. And if you’re a little more educated in the field then there’s plenty of stuff going on to keep you interested as well. I loved the idea of literally starting over and meeting a new species and working through the language and cultural barriers. But I think most importantly, there’s just enough of a love story to keep the romantics interested as well.
My father is a sci-fi fan. One of the things he frequently complains about is how they “ruin a perfectly good story with all that kissin’!” I think I can confidently say that my dad would enjoy this story.
The twist at the end of the story was just enough to not feel forced or “hokey” and was a PERFECT way make me say out loud “NO!!!!!! Not fair!!!!” bigGrin
Breathing Space is the first part of The Exodus Trilogy. I can’t wait to see how this twist is resolved.
January 5, 2011
Breathing Space was a very enjoyable, heart-pounding book. It captures your attention right from the beginning and throughout the book you will grow deep, emotional feelings for the main characters, especially Captain John Lewis. The descriptions in the book are so vivid that you can tell that a lot of thought went into choosing just the right words to describe what was going on. They were so good that it was easy to picture the events, objects and characters in your head.
This book also touches on current ecological issues that hopefully will not become as major of a reality in the real world as it was in the opening pages of the book. You will get enthralled as the hunt to find a new planet becomes the main focus of the book. Then once the mission is set off, you will be kept in suspense for every move that the expedition team makes. You will meet new species, new beings, and you will be surprised to find out who is an ally and who is an enemy!
The end of the first book leaves you anxiously waiting for Resistance: Book Two of the Exodus Trilogy!
This book also touches on current ecological issues that hopefully will not become as major of a reality in the real world as it was in the opening pages of the book. You will get enthralled as the hunt to find a new planet becomes the main focus of the book. Then once the mission is set off, you will be kept in suspense for every move that the expedition team makes. You will meet new species, new beings, and you will be surprised to find out who is an ally and who is an enemy!
The end of the first book leaves you anxiously waiting for Resistance: Book Two of the Exodus Trilogy!
November 19, 2011
I was very impressed with Ian Fydell's first novel. The story grabs you and doesn't let go. Ian has a true talent for writing descriptively, showing true skill in creating worlds that come alive in the readers mind.
Ian's vision of the future gives us a startling look at what our future generations could face. His brilliant plot twists will leave you craving more. I can't wait for Resistance: Book Two of the Exodus Trilogy!
Ian's vision of the future gives us a startling look at what our future generations could face. His brilliant plot twists will leave you craving more. I can't wait for Resistance: Book Two of the Exodus Trilogy!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews