After the Exodus

by R.J. Zielonka

I DREAM THEREFORE I AM.

A Dying Planet Earth. A Vivid Dream. A Reluctant Hero.

Meet Fin, who's been left behind on a dying planet Earth as the love of their life, Auryn, is forced to head on a ship to colonize another planet in order to try and save humanity.

Back and forth the POV's go, but as they desperately long for each other halfway across the galaxy, never really knowing if the other is still alive, they meet others, friends, helpers... and potential lovers?

The guilt they feel sometimes overwhelms them, but continue they must, because what if Auryn makes it back to Earth? What if Fin and their found family, Esha and Garven, survive a harsh life traveling through the Great Lakes?

As they struggle to continue on, Fin experiences strange things Their dreams start coming true, and unexplained powers start surging through them.

How can they manage to figure out why these things are happening, while also falling for a new person, Kian, and dealing with those they once considered friends, but are now mortal enemies?

Read Amazon #1 New Release Author RJ Zielonka's The Hallowed Star Series to find out!

A Dystopian Science Fantasy Story.

Genres: Science Fiction

403 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2024

About the author

Amazon #1 New Release Author RJ Zielonka resides in Buffalo, NY, where near-constant heartbreak from his local sports teams caused him to turn inward and write about something lighter and happier: The fictional end of the world. You can follow his much shorter and much, more more chaotic rumblings on the Bills, Sabres, space, LGBTQIA+ rights, and more on Bluesky @bobz.bsky.social.

Reviews

[tori jabo · Rating 5 out of 5]

****Review contains spoilers****

****I LOVED this book****
First things first, our NB bisexual main character was everything. Next, I LOVED the dual POV between Auryn & Fin, seeing snippets of life on the ship vs life on Earth was so cool!

Fin was such a relatable character to me and it’s not usually easy to relate to characters in a post apocalyptic universe as they’re generally larger than life & hardened by a world that does not care for them. It was such a different type of main character in this setting.

Esha & Garven were so funny & so supportive every single step of the way, I truly loved them both. If I were hiking hundreds of miles through a barren waste land to hopefully find ANY sort of civilization, I’d absolutely want to be doing it with both of them!

Kian, omg what to say about Kian, literally every time he was on the page I was twirling my hair and giggling like a teenager. He was so charming, so understanding & again SUPPORTIVE & yes I have the biggest crush on him; I am obsessed.

Last but certainly not least **Auryn** some of my favorite parts of this book focused on Auryns journey! She is so brave and I just loved reading about her traveling to the new colony. Truly, I ALSO have a crush on Auryn so I know Fin is going to have a some very real drama when she lands BACK ON EARTH in that ship.

There were honestly *so many* great characters in this book I had so much fun reading it. I’m DYING to see what happens in the next book!!!!!
PS- Screaming, crying, throwing up at that cliff hanger 😭😭😭😭

[Adam Randazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I don't want to spoil any of the plot, but when I imagine the earth 100 years from now, I feel it would be like this. The author does an excellent job at world building and character development. The pacing of the book is excellent - I never felt bored or like it dragged. I finished it in only two sittings!

My understanding is that this is the author's first novel, which I find incredible. RJ is a hell of a story teller and you could actually see the writing evolving as the book went on.

I am impatiently waiting for the next installation!!!

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story - and, so it seems, the series - is a great adventure.
The elements of the book all work perfectly together.

First of all, a scenario that feels very realistic, something that might very possibly happen a hundred years from now, maybe earlier. The book doesn't discuss this but I couldn't avoid thinking about the ethical implications of the whole scenario. The predominant theme of the story is survival, long term but also on a daily basis.

Secondly, the characters. The main characters are young, however it's interesting that all generations seem to all work together towards the same goal. The young characters are incredibly mature, raw, as if the innocence of childhood has been roughly stolen from them. As Fin points out towards the end, they have been mainly focusing on survival to the point of forgetting positive, simple, pure emotions. However, the main characters have very distinctive personality traits and they complement each other ensuring also some sort of emotional survival. Fin is strong but vulnerable, Garven is sarcastic and resilient, Esha is a rock, Kian is sweet and mature, and Auryn is assertive, loyal and clever.

The additional element is the romance. It's delicate, sweet. There might or might not be a hint at a love triangle.. we'll see :)

[Tristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.J. Zielonka's 'After the Exodus' is a luminous exploration of hope, longing, and the indomitable spirit of love in a world grappling with the aftermath of departure. Awarding this novel a well-deserved 5 stars, I found myself captivated by the resilience and dreams of its characters, set against the backdrop of an Earth struggling to shine in the shadow of past heartbreaks and the promise of celestial salvation.

'After the Exodus' weaves its narrative through the lives of a small, tightly-knit group of characters, offering dual perspectives that enrich the story's depth and complexity. The protagonist's journey, marked by a blend of longing for a lost love and a steadfast belief in reunion, serves as the emotional core of the story. Their unwavering faith, despite the bitterness and challenges that pervade their existence, sets a tone of poignant hopefulness that resonates deeply.

Zielonka's writing style is both elegant and evocative, with each word and sentence contributing to a rich tapestry of emotions and imagery. The descriptions are vivid, painting a world where the beauty of comets streaking across the night sky contrasts sharply with the protagonist's internal turmoil and aspirations. This narrative choice not only highlights the themes of longing and resilience but also subtly questions the nature of faith and human connection in the face of uncertainty.

The pacing of the novel is masterfully handled, striking a balance between reflective introspection and narrative momentum. This ensures that the reader is both engaged and emotionally invested throughout the journey. The use of multiple perspectives enhances the reading experience, providing a comprehensive view of the story's world without leading to confusion.

Recommended for fans of young adult fiction, 'After the Exodus' is a testament to Zielonka's skill in crafting characters that, despite their youth, embody a universal and timeless exploration of love and hope. Their youthfulness adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making their experiences and growth relatable to a wide audience.

In conclusion, 'After the Exodus' is a breathtaking masterpiece that merges eloquent prose with a compelling exploration of the human condition. It invites readers to step into a world where dreams and reality converge, offering a journey that is both introspective and illuminating. R.J. Zielonka has crafted a novel that is not only a pleasure to read but also a profound commentary on the enduring power of love and belief in the face of adversity.

I'd like to thank R.J. Zielonka for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of 'After the Exodus.' This review is based on my honest opinions and insights into the book.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I met this author at a book signing and picked up the first book in this series! He is fantastic at world building and creating characters that you cheer for to succeed. Even if you normally don’t read fantasy or books set in the future, pick this one up and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed. It wrapped up enough to be a fantastic stand alone, but also leaves plot points open that you hope to learn more about in book two. I’m hoping to meet up with the author at a future event so I can buy a signed copy or book two and three!

[Liam Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read, and quick page turner. Fans of dystopia and YA sci-fi would really enjoy this one even though I believe this one to be more "New Adult" than "Young Adult." Although a wholly original concept, I spot influences from Dune, Elysium, Mad Max, and Hunger Games. This book about surviving in a post-apocolyptic on a planet dying from global warming and pollution as the rich are colonizing another planet seems especially relatable today.

[Michelle Fjelstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very enjoyable! Great set up for deep characters to develop in the rest of the series. I grew up living near Buffalo and this story was very nostalgic for me. I can vividly see the places these characters are traveling and the Author does a wonderful job pulling you into this not so distant future. After the Exodus leaves you wanting more! Can not wait for the next installment.

[Mike Barbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, exciting read on the surface that follows a group of survivors who are trying to walk from Cleveland to Toronto by way of Buffalo in order to rendezvous with friends/family. But, the underlying tones of a grim future due to humanity’s destruction of our environment are the true takeaway for me. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series!

[Matt Hanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.J. crafts a dystopian science fiction novel that focuses first on the humanity of those involved in a situation that could come to pass. The setting of the story, which takes place along much of the shores of Lake Erie and the Niagara River, plays host to the good, the bad, and ugly of survival. It also stays true to the human condition. I can't wait to see where the next installment goes.

[Tyler Vail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable reading experience. Characters with depth, environments that draw you in, and a scenario with enough mystery to keep you turning the pages. Cannot recommend this one enough!

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Zielonka creates a believable apocalyptic vision of humanity in the 22nd century. It’s a quick and easy read, good for fans of sci-fi, apocalypse stories, YA fiction, queer fiction, and page-turners in general.

Looking forward to nabbing the sequel!

[Ricky Melamed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. The characters were likable and easy to get to know. The journey they were on was immersive and exciting. I read it cover to cover in only 2 days!

[Elle Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

An indie gem! This story had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning. I also loved the split narrative between Earth and beyond.

[R.J. Zielonka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I wrote it, so I tend to think it's pretty good!