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Jumper #4
Exo
Cent can teleport. So can her parents, but they are the only people in the world who can. This is not as great as you might think it would be — sure, you can go shopping in Japan and then have tea in London, but it’s hard to keep a secret like that. And there are people, dangerous people, who work for governments and have guns, who want to make you do just this one thing for them. And when you’re a teenage girl things get even more complicated. High school. Boys. Global climate change, refugees, and genocide. Orbital mechanics.
But Cent isn’t easily daunted, and neither are Davy and Millie, her parents. She’s going to make some changes in the world.
But Cent isn’t easily daunted, and neither are Davy and Millie, her parents. She’s going to make some changes in the world.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2014
152 people are currently reading
2513 people want to read
About the author
Steven Gould
52 books1,150 followersSteven Charles Gould is an American science fiction author. His novels tend to have protagonists fighting to rid government of corrupt antagonists. The struggle against corruption is the focus, rather than the technology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
November 29, 2014
3.5 stars. Too much science info-dumping nearly made this novel impossible to get through, I had to skim certain sections. If you're into the characters and can already suspend disbelief, why does it matter? I am sure it does to certain readers but not me. On the Flash TV show, they spout out a fact like "you need to reach 600 mph to run up walls, but make sure to keep that velocity on the way down" - that's all I need. It probably isn't true but I don't care. Now this book, there is a lot of info dumping about building a pressure suit to withstand outer space, building a space station out of dirigibles - the hulls protected by ice - well, a lot of scientific facts and theories - but in the end it's probably not as easy as the writer thinks and I get too tired to care. For another novel that did this better, see Red Thunder by John Varley.
Aside from these barriers, it is a fairly enjoyable continuation of the story of Cent (Millicent) and her Mom (Millie) and Dad (Davy). Cent develops her "Jumper" powers in ways her parents never imagined and deals with her friends made in the last novel. There are some great "girl power" scenes as 17 year old Cent starts a business in outer space and has funny interactions with the military and NASA.
Another problem I had - there was a threat to Cent's family, an evil organization out to get them which was the main subject of the 2nd book Reflex. They are still out to get the family but like the third book, they really only appear in the last 10% of the book. It feels like a cheap way to get a climax and I could see how they were going to be dealt with early on.
Aside from these barriers, it is a fairly enjoyable continuation of the story of Cent (Millicent) and her Mom (Millie) and Dad (Davy). Cent develops her "Jumper" powers in ways her parents never imagined and deals with her friends made in the last novel. There are some great "girl power" scenes as 17 year old Cent starts a business in outer space and has funny interactions with the military and NASA.
Another problem I had - there was a threat to Cent's family, an evil organization out to get them which was the main subject of the 2nd book Reflex. They are still out to get the family but like the third book, they really only appear in the last 10% of the book. It feels like a cheap way to get a climax and I could see how they were going to be dealt with early on.
October 31, 2018
This was the most joyous book that I've read in a long time.
This is the first of the Jumper series to change it's focus from "how would society react the a select few people that can teleport" to "what could a few teleporters accomplish, that would otherwise be impractical". This transition makes a lot of sense: Davy grew up in fairly poor circumstances and developed a pretty reasonable paranoia as an adult. Cent, by contrast, may have been sheltered, but otherwise had a much happier childhood.
The result is that, when the protagonist of the series changed, so did the motivation: Davy's first instinct is always "how do I protect myself and my family", whereas Cent's is more along the line of "what could I do that would be awesome". In the previous book, Cent tried more or less to live a normal life. In this book, she abandons that goal, deciding instead to live an extraordinary life.
I really appreciate that the author appears to have taken great pains to consider what the practical considerations of a small space program would be. The little problems and obstacles that come up add a verisimilitude to a fantastic premise that makes the whole thing feel more real.
This is the first of the Jumper series to change it's focus from "how would society react the a select few people that can teleport" to "what could a few teleporters accomplish, that would otherwise be impractical". This transition makes a lot of sense: Davy grew up in fairly poor circumstances and developed a pretty reasonable paranoia as an adult. Cent, by contrast, may have been sheltered, but otherwise had a much happier childhood.
The result is that, when the protagonist of the series changed, so did the motivation: Davy's first instinct is always "how do I protect myself and my family", whereas Cent's is more along the line of "what could I do that would be awesome". In the previous book, Cent tried more or less to live a normal life. In this book, she abandons that goal, deciding instead to live an extraordinary life.
I really appreciate that the author appears to have taken great pains to consider what the practical considerations of a small space program would be. The little problems and obstacles that come up add a verisimilitude to a fantastic premise that makes the whole thing feel more real.
November 5, 2014
This book was so fucking boring that I couldn't finish it. I have no idea how Gould managed to turn a story about a teenage teleport going into space into such a SNOOZE FEST, but he did it. Not only that but if you've read any of the other books, the entire family does a complete reversal on their security paranoia. Not only do they let Cent into space, which I could see since she can do whatever she wants anyway, but they throw themselves into starting an ENTIRE COMPANY based on their teleportation ability. It's not like Davy spent the past twenty years trying to secure a comfortable and safe life for his family, but whatever, let's throw our abilities in the face of every space-capable government on the planet because if they weren't ALREADY interested in capturing them and using them for their own means, they SURE AS HELL ARE NOW.
Cent is an outrageous character who knows pretty much everything already and has turned into a complete Mary Sue. I couldn't give two craps about her anymore and I am completely turned off by this entire series. Seriously, what the hell.
Cent is an outrageous character who knows pretty much everything already and has turned into a complete Mary Sue. I couldn't give two craps about her anymore and I am completely turned off by this entire series. Seriously, what the hell.
March 10, 2016
An Opinionated Look at:
Steven Gould's Exo
By Eric Allen
I first picked up Jumper shortly after its publication back in the early '90s and loved it. It was a book for young adults that wasn't afraid to treat them like adults. I've been following the series ever since. I enjoyed, but was a little bored by, the second book in the series, but I absolutely LOVED the third. Exo is the first book in this series that felt as though it was actually planned when the previous book was written. It picks up with the life of Cent, daughter of Davy and Millie, shortly after the events in the previous book, where the previous two sequels had breaks of ten and twenty years between them respectively. I really like Davy and all, but I have to say that Cent is probably my favorite character in the entire series thus far, and to have another book about her, and her struggles to find a normal life in a world that is not very welcoming of her and her family, was everything I could have hoped for and more.
A little over a year has passed since the events of Impulse. Cent has kept a long distance relationship going with her boyfriend, but that relationship is feeling the strain, and she has not kept in touch with her other friends. Since she was a child she has wanted something very badly, to explore space. With the US space program effectively cancelled, she sets her mind to finding a way to use her teleporting abilities to launch herself into space. Naturally, she finds herself in need of a space suit and life support and such, and so she goes hunting for just the right scientist to help her.
After working everything out, she sets up a business, taking satellites into orbit for fees far lower than those of other services, earning her quite a bit of fame throughout the world. However, this draws the attentions of those hunting her and her family, bringing the decades long fight between them to a final confrontation.
The Good? Steven Gould did his research. He always does, of course, but this one required quite a bit more than his average fare. He looked up space junk, physics, space in general, and quite a few other things that were needed to make this book feel as realistic as it does. When everything else is so real and pieced together with actual facts, it doesn't really seem all that weird that he's also adding a bit of magic to the science with characters inexplicably able to teleport themselves. You can really tell that Gould has quite the passion for space and its exploration by this book, and when writers write about things they're clearly very interested in, it usually makes the book that much more fun.
I really like how instead of giving his characters new powers to fit the new story, Gould uses the same power of teleportation in a new way. The second book had Davy learn to do his twinning thing, the third had Cent learn to change velocity with her impulse thing, and this one has Cent learning to teleport to places she has never been before simply by reading GPS coordinates. In my opinion it is always better for an author to work within the powers he has already given his characters to come up with a new and interesting use for it, than for the characters to just inexplicably gain a whole new power. And these characters actually DO have to learn these new abilities too by experimentation, they don't just automatically know how to do it because the plot says so. That's another thing I really like about Steven Gould. Characters always have to experiment and learn how to use their magical powers in his books rather than knowing how to do everything right from the beginning. It adds a feeling of realism to the fantastical and makes it easier to see the fantastical happening in the real world.
Pope. To tell you what happens with this longtime villain of the series at the end of this book would ruin the awesomeness of the moment. But HOLY #%$&ing #@*&!!! THAT WAS AWESOME!!!
The Bad? Millie, a character who has previously shown herself to be very strong and capable, doesn't really have much to do in this book. Her side story really feels tacked on just to give her something to be doing until the very end of the book. I mean, this is the woman who took on a secret organization almost single-handedly to save her husband from them and freaking WON, and here she's playing nursemaid, and doing very little other than crying and bemoaning fate. What happened to all the awesomeness that she displayed back in the day? I just sort of felt as though her character was rather neglected by the author in this book, and was relegated to a role of lesser importance and kickassery than she deserved.
All in all, I loved this book. It was great. It's a great story about great characters that has a very good mix of sound real world science and a bit of magical teleporting powers, because hey, why not? It was well written and well researched, and you can tell that the author has a great deal of love for the subject material. Most of the loose ends from the previous books are tied up here, and this could, very well, be the end of the series, though I would not complain at all if there were more in the works. If you enjoyed Impulse, you'll have a good time with this one. If you haven't read any of the Jumper books, I certainly recommend that you pick up the first in the series, conveniently titled Jumper, at your earliest convenience.
Check out my other reviews.
Steven Gould's Exo
By Eric Allen
I first picked up Jumper shortly after its publication back in the early '90s and loved it. It was a book for young adults that wasn't afraid to treat them like adults. I've been following the series ever since. I enjoyed, but was a little bored by, the second book in the series, but I absolutely LOVED the third. Exo is the first book in this series that felt as though it was actually planned when the previous book was written. It picks up with the life of Cent, daughter of Davy and Millie, shortly after the events in the previous book, where the previous two sequels had breaks of ten and twenty years between them respectively. I really like Davy and all, but I have to say that Cent is probably my favorite character in the entire series thus far, and to have another book about her, and her struggles to find a normal life in a world that is not very welcoming of her and her family, was everything I could have hoped for and more.
A little over a year has passed since the events of Impulse. Cent has kept a long distance relationship going with her boyfriend, but that relationship is feeling the strain, and she has not kept in touch with her other friends. Since she was a child she has wanted something very badly, to explore space. With the US space program effectively cancelled, she sets her mind to finding a way to use her teleporting abilities to launch herself into space. Naturally, she finds herself in need of a space suit and life support and such, and so she goes hunting for just the right scientist to help her.
After working everything out, she sets up a business, taking satellites into orbit for fees far lower than those of other services, earning her quite a bit of fame throughout the world. However, this draws the attentions of those hunting her and her family, bringing the decades long fight between them to a final confrontation.
The Good? Steven Gould did his research. He always does, of course, but this one required quite a bit more than his average fare. He looked up space junk, physics, space in general, and quite a few other things that were needed to make this book feel as realistic as it does. When everything else is so real and pieced together with actual facts, it doesn't really seem all that weird that he's also adding a bit of magic to the science with characters inexplicably able to teleport themselves. You can really tell that Gould has quite the passion for space and its exploration by this book, and when writers write about things they're clearly very interested in, it usually makes the book that much more fun.
I really like how instead of giving his characters new powers to fit the new story, Gould uses the same power of teleportation in a new way. The second book had Davy learn to do his twinning thing, the third had Cent learn to change velocity with her impulse thing, and this one has Cent learning to teleport to places she has never been before simply by reading GPS coordinates. In my opinion it is always better for an author to work within the powers he has already given his characters to come up with a new and interesting use for it, than for the characters to just inexplicably gain a whole new power. And these characters actually DO have to learn these new abilities too by experimentation, they don't just automatically know how to do it because the plot says so. That's another thing I really like about Steven Gould. Characters always have to experiment and learn how to use their magical powers in his books rather than knowing how to do everything right from the beginning. It adds a feeling of realism to the fantastical and makes it easier to see the fantastical happening in the real world.
Pope. To tell you what happens with this longtime villain of the series at the end of this book would ruin the awesomeness of the moment. But HOLY #%$&ing #@*&!!! THAT WAS AWESOME!!!
The Bad? Millie, a character who has previously shown herself to be very strong and capable, doesn't really have much to do in this book. Her side story really feels tacked on just to give her something to be doing until the very end of the book. I mean, this is the woman who took on a secret organization almost single-handedly to save her husband from them and freaking WON, and here she's playing nursemaid, and doing very little other than crying and bemoaning fate. What happened to all the awesomeness that she displayed back in the day? I just sort of felt as though her character was rather neglected by the author in this book, and was relegated to a role of lesser importance and kickassery than she deserved.
All in all, I loved this book. It was great. It's a great story about great characters that has a very good mix of sound real world science and a bit of magical teleporting powers, because hey, why not? It was well written and well researched, and you can tell that the author has a great deal of love for the subject material. Most of the loose ends from the previous books are tied up here, and this could, very well, be the end of the series, though I would not complain at all if there were more in the works. If you enjoyed Impulse, you'll have a good time with this one. If you haven't read any of the Jumper books, I certainly recommend that you pick up the first in the series, conveniently titled Jumper, at your earliest convenience.
Check out my other reviews.
September 19, 2024
La habilidad de utilizar un mismo superpoder de diferentes formas convirtiéndolo a efectos prácticos en otro superpoder totalmente diferente, es lo que me ha resultado más asombroso de toda la saga. Y con resultados tan distintos y espectaculares!. Personalmente no he leído nada ni parecido en parte alguna. Además está muy bien explicado ese proceso. Me parece una genialidad. Ese es un gran, gran, graaaan pro.
Por otra parte me encanta ese no sé qué que tienen los personajes, que los hace tan cercanos que te da la sensación de que perfectamente podrías habértelos cruzado en el ascensor una tarde cualquiera. Menos Cent, claro.
Davy y su mujer nacieron en familias normales (no necesariamente felices, pero no extraordinarias) y lo "diferente" no entra en su vida hasta que tienen cierta edad. Han ido a colegios, institutos, etc. Y tenido amigos y enemigos en el cole... Cent ya fue educada de modo "distinto". Aislada por el miedo de sus padres, en una casa prácticamente inaccesible si no es por Teletransportación (don que ella misma no desarrolló hasta la adolescencia, lo que quiere decir que necesitaba que sus padres la teletransportaran para salir). Educada en su casa por progenitores tan poco convencionales, con alta exigencia en ciertas materias. Una niña para la que, desde siempre era normal estar en una zona con nieve y vestirse de verano porque iban a África y estarían allí al segundo. Que conocía las experimentaciones de su padre con su superpoder y cómo extrajo de ello otro distinto alterando su uso (que llamó algo así como "hermanamiento"). Así que también creció aprendiendo que esta clase de "investigaciones" era lo normal y de hecho lo primero que hizo al desarrollar el poder, fue sacarle una tercera posibilidad.
Así que a Cent, más culta de lo normal, más valiente de lo normal, más todo de lo normal, desde luego no la percibes, como sí lo hacías con sus padres, como alguien normal o cercano. Tanta perfección la hace parecer a veces una cyborg. Al menos en el libro pasado metía la pata de vez en cuando.
Aquí super Cent es tan pluscuamperfecta que a veces resulta hasta molesto. Ese fue uno de los "contras". Uno pequeñito, porque entiendo por qué ella es así, pero ñññññññ
Hay autores y hasta películas, capaces de explicarte gran profusión de detalles técnicos o científicos totalmente ajenos a tus conocimientos, que ni siquiera logras entender completamente más que por el rabillo del cerebro y aún así se las apañan no sólo para que entiendas lo suficiente, sin tener ni idea, sino que además consiguen que este proceso te resulte apasionante. Es un don muy de agradecer que pocos tienen. Gould, cuya escritura me ha ganado con esta saga, no tiene este don, sin embargo. Cuando se extiende en datos técnicos no entiendes ni papa ni de refilón, así que se percibían como parrafadas plúmbeas que daban un sueño tremendo y cuando empezaba otra parrafada de estas sólo podías pensar "Otra vez no!". Esto desde luego es un contra más serio que el otro.
Comentar que esto sólo es así a la hora de hablarte de la construcción del traje espacial y cosas así (Qué sopor!). Sin embargo cuando te describe el funcionamiento del superpoder o por qué y cómo se convierte en otro, es de una claridad diáfana y totalmente comprensible.
Lo demás, ya fue pura hipérbole, pero ¿Cómo no habría de ser así en una historia de estas características?. Lo que me pude divertir! Con la chica del espacio, la abuela del espacio🤣🤣🤣 por ahí bailando la conga como quien dice, la bajada a poner los pies en la tierra de ese dron, la resolución del conflicto que se inició en "Reflex" de la manera más asombrosa, increíble y original!. Me encantó ese momento!😍
En fin, que me lo pasé genial (con alguna pequeña veta soporífera de datos técnicos incomprensibles).
La inclusión de Cent el libro pasado abrió una pequeña vía a la desmesura (que en este libro se agrandó bastante) en una saga que era asombrosamente contenida para ser de superpoderes. Pero es que Milli y Davy son personas normales a las que les sucede algo extraordinario. Cent ya es una super héroe con todas las de la ley a lo Marvel, por decirlo de alguna manera.
Me dio pena el abandono de aquella contención que me enamoró en Jumper, pero eso no quiere decir que no disfrutara muchísimo la entrada en el hiperbólico mundo del super héroe. Viva el desenfreno!. Autores en GL Bis
Por otra parte me encanta ese no sé qué que tienen los personajes, que los hace tan cercanos que te da la sensación de que perfectamente podrías habértelos cruzado en el ascensor una tarde cualquiera. Menos Cent, claro.
Davy y su mujer nacieron en familias normales (no necesariamente felices, pero no extraordinarias) y lo "diferente" no entra en su vida hasta que tienen cierta edad. Han ido a colegios, institutos, etc. Y tenido amigos y enemigos en el cole... Cent ya fue educada de modo "distinto". Aislada por el miedo de sus padres, en una casa prácticamente inaccesible si no es por Teletransportación (don que ella misma no desarrolló hasta la adolescencia, lo que quiere decir que necesitaba que sus padres la teletransportaran para salir). Educada en su casa por progenitores tan poco convencionales, con alta exigencia en ciertas materias. Una niña para la que, desde siempre era normal estar en una zona con nieve y vestirse de verano porque iban a África y estarían allí al segundo. Que conocía las experimentaciones de su padre con su superpoder y cómo extrajo de ello otro distinto alterando su uso (que llamó algo así como "hermanamiento"). Así que también creció aprendiendo que esta clase de "investigaciones" era lo normal y de hecho lo primero que hizo al desarrollar el poder, fue sacarle una tercera posibilidad.
Así que a Cent, más culta de lo normal, más valiente de lo normal, más todo de lo normal, desde luego no la percibes, como sí lo hacías con sus padres, como alguien normal o cercano. Tanta perfección la hace parecer a veces una cyborg. Al menos en el libro pasado metía la pata de vez en cuando.
Aquí super Cent es tan pluscuamperfecta que a veces resulta hasta molesto. Ese fue uno de los "contras". Uno pequeñito, porque entiendo por qué ella es así, pero ñññññññ
Hay autores y hasta películas, capaces de explicarte gran profusión de detalles técnicos o científicos totalmente ajenos a tus conocimientos, que ni siquiera logras entender completamente más que por el rabillo del cerebro y aún así se las apañan no sólo para que entiendas lo suficiente, sin tener ni idea, sino que además consiguen que este proceso te resulte apasionante. Es un don muy de agradecer que pocos tienen. Gould, cuya escritura me ha ganado con esta saga, no tiene este don, sin embargo. Cuando se extiende en datos técnicos no entiendes ni papa ni de refilón, así que se percibían como parrafadas plúmbeas que daban un sueño tremendo y cuando empezaba otra parrafada de estas sólo podías pensar "Otra vez no!". Esto desde luego es un contra más serio que el otro.
Comentar que esto sólo es así a la hora de hablarte de la construcción del traje espacial y cosas así (Qué sopor!). Sin embargo cuando te describe el funcionamiento del superpoder o por qué y cómo se convierte en otro, es de una claridad diáfana y totalmente comprensible.
Lo demás, ya fue pura hipérbole, pero ¿Cómo no habría de ser así en una historia de estas características?. Lo que me pude divertir! Con la chica del espacio, la abuela del espacio🤣🤣🤣 por ahí bailando la conga como quien dice, la bajada a poner los pies en la tierra de ese dron, la resolución del conflicto que se inició en "Reflex" de la manera más asombrosa, increíble y original!. Me encantó ese momento!😍
En fin, que me lo pasé genial (con alguna pequeña veta soporífera de datos técnicos incomprensibles).
La inclusión de Cent el libro pasado abrió una pequeña vía a la desmesura (que en este libro se agrandó bastante) en una saga que era asombrosamente contenida para ser de superpoderes. Pero es que Milli y Davy son personas normales a las que les sucede algo extraordinario. Cent ya es una super héroe con todas las de la ley a lo Marvel, por decirlo de alguna manera.
Me dio pena el abandono de aquella contención que me enamoró en Jumper, pero eso no quiere decir que no disfrutara muchísimo la entrada en el hiperbólico mundo del super héroe. Viva el desenfreno!. Autores en GL Bis
September 21, 2014
Of all the Jumper novels, I enjoyed this one the least, by far. To say it needs editing is to say the Titanic had a little trouble on its maiden voyage. A little research and technical detail can be a wonderful thing. Too much, and the flow becomes bogged down and unreadable. Even a little more tension and resistance to Cent's space program by bureaucrats or male chauvinists would have given the story the conflict it needed. Instead, we have the occasional and poorly structured afterthoughts of a conspiracy, and an otherwise strong female lead character at the mercy of a dishonest boyfriend with a rather unconvincing sob story.
Read
November 4, 2014My favorites of this series are the first, Jumper (before the awful movie, and equally awful novelization), and the latest before this, Impulse, featuring the teenage daughter of Davy and Millie.
This one takes place not long after Impulse ends. I appreciate how Gould is trying to do different things with these books. This one is an earnest attempt to evoke all the gosh-wow about space that excited my peers back in the fifties and sixties. I don't know how it will succeed with teen readers--if that is who it's aimed at. It is very science-heavy, and there are times when Cent sounds like, and thinks like, a science professor and not a kid.
That said, I still enjoyed it. There is a story wrapped around all the science, and some vivid descriptions of what it is like to be in space. I love Cent's ability to think for herself. I hope Gould does more with this series.
This one takes place not long after Impulse ends. I appreciate how Gould is trying to do different things with these books. This one is an earnest attempt to evoke all the gosh-wow about space that excited my peers back in the fifties and sixties. I don't know how it will succeed with teen readers--if that is who it's aimed at. It is very science-heavy, and there are times when Cent sounds like, and thinks like, a science professor and not a kid.
That said, I still enjoyed it. There is a story wrapped around all the science, and some vivid descriptions of what it is like to be in space. I love Cent's ability to think for herself. I hope Gould does more with this series.
February 15, 2015
In a nutshell: the author is trying too hard.
Other reviewers have expressed the same frustration. Namely, that Gould obsesses over the technical and scientific elements of his tale (that a teenage girl can teleport into low earth orbit), at the expense of a compelling narrative or believable characters.
The premise is ludicrous enough that anyone willing to buy into the story is clearly willing to suspend their reasonable beliefs, hence the endless technical explanatory babble becomes quickly tiresome and redundant, no matter how well researched or plausible it may or may not be (I do not know or care which).
The lesser (but still considerable) failing of the author is wrought in attempting to write from the perspective of a teenage girl (despite the considerable hindrance of being a 60 year old man). The dialogue is unlikely, the character and her friends unrounded.
If you like the previous Jumper novels, leave it there and give this one a miss.
Other reviewers have expressed the same frustration. Namely, that Gould obsesses over the technical and scientific elements of his tale (that a teenage girl can teleport into low earth orbit), at the expense of a compelling narrative or believable characters.
The premise is ludicrous enough that anyone willing to buy into the story is clearly willing to suspend their reasonable beliefs, hence the endless technical explanatory babble becomes quickly tiresome and redundant, no matter how well researched or plausible it may or may not be (I do not know or care which).
The lesser (but still considerable) failing of the author is wrought in attempting to write from the perspective of a teenage girl (despite the considerable hindrance of being a 60 year old man). The dialogue is unlikely, the character and her friends unrounded.
If you like the previous Jumper novels, leave it there and give this one a miss.
May 10, 2015
I was very much looking forward to reading Exo. Its predecessor, Impulse, had been exciting and fascinating, with a badass teleporting protagonist who used her wits as well as her ability. Unfortunately, I was to be profoundly disappointed with Exo, which suffered not just from its premise, but from Gould’s pigheaded determination to follow that premise to its conclusion, no matter what the consequences. Exo centers around Cent’s determination to use her abilities to achieve low earth orbit. A nice idea in theory, but in practice, it didn’t work out.
First, the good parts, because I don’t want this review to be profoundly negative. Cent is as stubborn and competent as before, perhaps a bit more than is realistic, but only a bit. Her determination to forge her own path in a world that isn’t built for people like her is admirable. The other characters are just as great. The return of Cent’s friends Jade and Tara was welcome. Their ingenuity brought a breath of fresh air into the story.
And that fresh air was necessary, because I felt like I was suffocating from boredom when I read this book. I’m not a scientifically minded person. But I imagine even a scientifically minded person would have gotten bored reading this book. At times, this book reads more like a science textbook than a novel. While the various challenges about space travel were vaguely fascinating at times, it really got old fast. But I accept that this is a matter of personal perception, and another person might disagree with me here.
This wasn’t the worst part of the novel, though. No, the problem with this novel is that over the course of the novel, Cent more or less reveals her secret to the world. And instead of freaking out about mysterious teleporters and how they just are able to do that in the first place, everyone pretty much takes it in stride. No one cares. This is the biggest scientific revelation since the discovery the world was round, and no one gives a damn. They’re more interested in the fact that Cent is teleporting into space than the fact that she’s teleporting in the first place.
Then, in the last fifty or so pages of the novel, Cent is snatched by the bad guys. These bad guys, who appear to be just evil for the sake of being evil, kidnap Cent and then are suddenly all put away by the government. Who weren’t able to act against them beforehand, but now suddenly are. And although Cent is able to get a truly stupendous moment of total, utter awesomeness at the end, it isn’t enough to redeem this book.
So, no, I didn’t like Exo. I didn’t like the second book either. Perhaps only the odd number books in this series are good? I hope so.
First, the good parts, because I don’t want this review to be profoundly negative. Cent is as stubborn and competent as before, perhaps a bit more than is realistic, but only a bit. Her determination to forge her own path in a world that isn’t built for people like her is admirable. The other characters are just as great. The return of Cent’s friends Jade and Tara was welcome. Their ingenuity brought a breath of fresh air into the story.
And that fresh air was necessary, because I felt like I was suffocating from boredom when I read this book. I’m not a scientifically minded person. But I imagine even a scientifically minded person would have gotten bored reading this book. At times, this book reads more like a science textbook than a novel. While the various challenges about space travel were vaguely fascinating at times, it really got old fast. But I accept that this is a matter of personal perception, and another person might disagree with me here.
This wasn’t the worst part of the novel, though. No, the problem with this novel is that over the course of the novel, Cent more or less reveals her secret to the world. And instead of freaking out about mysterious teleporters and how they just are able to do that in the first place, everyone pretty much takes it in stride. No one cares. This is the biggest scientific revelation since the discovery the world was round, and no one gives a damn. They’re more interested in the fact that Cent is teleporting into space than the fact that she’s teleporting in the first place.
Then, in the last fifty or so pages of the novel, Cent is snatched by the bad guys. These bad guys, who appear to be just evil for the sake of being evil, kidnap Cent and then are suddenly all put away by the government. Who weren’t able to act against them beforehand, but now suddenly are. And although Cent is able to get a truly stupendous moment of total, utter awesomeness at the end, it isn’t enough to redeem this book.
So, no, I didn’t like Exo. I didn’t like the second book either. Perhaps only the odd number books in this series are good? I hope so.
August 5, 2022
Loved it. Review in progress.
I have now read 4 Jumper books, 1 AU novel, and 1 short story. I can honestly tell you this has become my favorite since we're solidly in the geeking out with science and dreaming the "impossible" I don't want to spoil a thing but by the title, it should tell you where the story is going. It's so worth it. Cent is again the main protagonist but we get (as usual) get a few chapters from other POVs, even one or two that come completely by surprise but totally make sense. I adore the Rice family they are truly extraordinary. Hmm, somehow extraordinary just seems so pedestrian after this book.
What I really appreciate the most is how Gould's obsession with details always leads to more and more interesting tech and scientific knowledge. I am no engineer but I'd imagine a lot of this book would pass muster without question and any bits that stretch laws only stretch in the realm of possibility and theory. It's not like it's some new fad either. Even in Reflex, there is possibly my favorite moment of any book I've ever read where Millie *considers* hacking into a computer and decides to pass on the whole endeavor knowing there just wasn't enough time.
Honestly, I can't keep talking about this book without ruining too much but suffice to say. The Rice family takes things to a new level when Cent tries out her hand at contributing to the world. It's a good time all around. Honest. If you're a fan you will feel very at home. Suffice to say this isn't the first time (nor I suspect the last) where you'll really be sad you don't possess their ability yourself.
I have now read 4 Jumper books, 1 AU novel, and 1 short story. I can honestly tell you this has become my favorite since we're solidly in the geeking out with science and dreaming the "impossible" I don't want to spoil a thing but by the title, it should tell you where the story is going. It's so worth it. Cent is again the main protagonist but we get (as usual) get a few chapters from other POVs, even one or two that come completely by surprise but totally make sense. I adore the Rice family they are truly extraordinary. Hmm, somehow extraordinary just seems so pedestrian after this book.
What I really appreciate the most is how Gould's obsession with details always leads to more and more interesting tech and scientific knowledge. I am no engineer but I'd imagine a lot of this book would pass muster without question and any bits that stretch laws only stretch in the realm of possibility and theory. It's not like it's some new fad either. Even in Reflex, there is possibly my favorite moment of any book I've ever read where Millie *considers* hacking into a computer and decides to pass on the whole endeavor knowing there just wasn't enough time.
Honestly, I can't keep talking about this book without ruining too much but suffice to say. The Rice family takes things to a new level when Cent tries out her hand at contributing to the world. It's a good time all around. Honest. If you're a fan you will feel very at home. Suffice to say this isn't the first time (nor I suspect the last) where you'll really be sad you don't possess their ability yourself.
September 6, 2014
This book was not as enjoyable as the previous books in this series. The character development was somewhat 2-dimensional and the teenage angst aspect rather cliched. I was left feeling as though the book had been hastily put together in order to meet the publisher deadline.
October 17, 2015
I have been following this series for a while now, and in my opinion Exo is the best of the lot (so far).
Beautiful, uplifting, wondrous story. And very engaging characters. The previously known ones continue to be good, but among the new ones I particularly like the grandmother Samantha Harrison and the character of (as opposed to the real life person) Cory Matoska.
Last but not least, there are not one but FOUR Filipino or Filipino-American characters: Roberta Matapang, Jeline, Bea, and Tessa. As a Filipino, I find that inclusion highly entertaining and gratifying.
Some unhappiness: I think there are some inconsistencies wrt naming. During the space interview, Tessa is called Tessa Orcullo, but her father is Professor Lapena. Which is very odd. Perhaps she did not want to give her real name, but it would surely have gotten out eventually, yes?
Secondly, it was Dr Perez at the Aggie lab but later Roberta called her advisor Dr Garcia. Perhaps there were two professors there? I dunno.
Anyway, highly enjoyable and delightful book. Don't miss it or the previous ones.
March 10, 2016
I kind of love this book more than I should.
The structure is wobbly -- it bounces along without much tension to it. The bad guys from the last book are back, but they mostly stay in the background and then pop up for a anticlimactic "big" finish. There's also a brush with sexual assault early which makes me want to keep the book out of my pre-teen daughter's hands, even though she would love everything else in the book, and that's a disappointment.
Take those elements away, and the rest of the book is "Our hero Cent builds her own private space program using her powers, her pluck, and a bunch of lovingly-explained off-the-shelf components and engineering techniques." Which in the wrong hands would be horrendously boring, but in Gould's hands is charming and exciting and often hilarious.
I can't really recommend this book to anyone who doesn't like plucky teen heroines conquering space with quick thinking and chutzpah. But if you DON'T like plucky teen heroines conquering space etc. etc., you're dead inside and I probably don't want to know you anyway. So we're all good, right?
The structure is wobbly -- it bounces along without much tension to it. The bad guys from the last book are back, but they mostly stay in the background and then pop up for a anticlimactic "big" finish. There's also a brush with sexual assault early which makes me want to keep the book out of my pre-teen daughter's hands, even though she would love everything else in the book, and that's a disappointment.
Take those elements away, and the rest of the book is "Our hero Cent builds her own private space program using her powers, her pluck, and a bunch of lovingly-explained off-the-shelf components and engineering techniques." Which in the wrong hands would be horrendously boring, but in Gould's hands is charming and exciting and often hilarious.
I can't really recommend this book to anyone who doesn't like plucky teen heroines conquering space with quick thinking and chutzpah. But if you DON'T like plucky teen heroines conquering space etc. etc., you're dead inside and I probably don't want to know you anyway. So we're all good, right?
October 17, 2020
Loved it. You see....Steven Gould writes every novel differently. There was the exploration of a possibilities of teleportation in Jumper. Then the almost horror (or rather dark thriller) in Reflex...more or less YA book in Impulse....and now, we have a book with modern writing in modern age, where the idea of space exploration is re-examined and combined with teleporting. You remember those old hard sci-fi books that dealt with just "reaching space" instead of galaxy spanning empires of most sci-fi books today? This is like that. After first reading Jumper, I remember thinking about the possibilities of space travel. I was always kind of sad that Mr. Gould didn't explore the thought. Well...I'm not sad any more :D This was better than I'd hoped for.
Characters - well built, realistic, smart and likeable
Story - engaging, well balanced, natural and...awesome :)
Science part of the Sci-fi writing....perfect. It makes sense, it's very well thought out...I loved it.
Definitely worth reading...and re-reading :) I very much hope there will be a book 5 in the series :)
Characters - well built, realistic, smart and likeable
Story - engaging, well balanced, natural and...awesome :)
Science part of the Sci-fi writing....perfect. It makes sense, it's very well thought out...I loved it.
Definitely worth reading...and re-reading :) I very much hope there will be a book 5 in the series :)
January 9, 2019
The book could use some editing, particularly in the long and often unnecessary discussions of jumping space travel and equipment. Also, the mixture of various stories from Grandmother's illness to Cent's science knowledge and lost love is often bothersome. Add some barely explained but serious problems and solutions Davy has with bad guys and gals from the past, and readers may be bored.
The book is enjoyable for those of us who have read the series, but it seems as though Gould had material for several novels and he decided to plug them all in to one book. If you have read the other books, you are more likely to enjoy "Exo." If you haven't read the others, it might mean little at times.
The book is enjoyable for those of us who have read the series, but it seems as though Gould had material for several novels and he decided to plug them all in to one book. If you have read the other books, you are more likely to enjoy "Exo." If you haven't read the others, it might mean little at times.
October 30, 2025
Jumper series 04 Exo: A Novel by Steven Gould
4.0 Stars
challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus: Yes
I just finished, and I can say that I had a LOT of fun reading this story. The sad part, is that this is the end. I skipped my reread of Griffin's Story (and will rectify that, soon), but there isn't any other story...that I know, that's been written by the author, let alone in the Jumper series. BTW, why is that? Hmmm?
The main character is Cent, with POV storylines with Davy and Millie.
This is a very technical book, which reminded me of Andy Weir's writing style...at times.
I would love to see a story written in tandem with Steven Gould's world and a POV character, while Andy Weir writes a counterpoint character...using his technical knowledge...to tackle another story about Mars? What do you think?
I love these stories. The conspiracy angle is such a "downer", but it also adds a LOT of realism. There will ALWAYS be people who want to use a new talent or skill for nefarious purposes.
I might add more to this review, but for now...I'm just basking in the joy of having read this story...and staving off the sadness that my Jumper reading...is over, for now.
Next up, will definitely be the prequel story, Grifffin's Story. Then I will rewatch the adaptation of Jumper, again.
4.0 Stars
challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus: Yes
I just finished, and I can say that I had a LOT of fun reading this story. The sad part, is that this is the end. I skipped my reread of Griffin's Story (and will rectify that, soon), but there isn't any other story...that I know, that's been written by the author, let alone in the Jumper series. BTW, why is that? Hmmm?
The main character is Cent, with POV storylines with Davy and Millie.
This is a very technical book, which reminded me of Andy Weir's writing style...at times.
I would love to see a story written in tandem with Steven Gould's world and a POV character, while Andy Weir writes a counterpoint character...using his technical knowledge...to tackle another story about Mars? What do you think?
I love these stories. The conspiracy angle is such a "downer", but it also adds a LOT of realism. There will ALWAYS be people who want to use a new talent or skill for nefarious purposes.
I might add more to this review, but for now...I'm just basking in the joy of having read this story...and staving off the sadness that my Jumper reading...is over, for now.
Next up, will definitely be the prequel story, Grifffin's Story. Then I will rewatch the adaptation of Jumper, again.
May 1, 2015
I was so disappointed with this book, especially since I'm such a huge fan of Jumper and Reflex. Too much science, not enough fiction. I literally had to skim entire chapters because of the ridiculous amount of physics jargon. Add that on top of an unlikable Mary Sue main character, a hastily shoved in plot in the last 20 pages, and you get the most annoying book I've ever had to slog my way through.
Seriously, what happened?
Seriously, what happened?
August 21, 2022
Exo is a great addition to the "Jumper" series. I really enjoyed Cent's character development and power progression, and the ending worked for me both as a wrap-up to the series and a preview of things to come. I certainly hope Gould intends the latter!
September 9, 2015
If you like terms like mansplaining this is the book for you. Its not a surprise since the series has increasingly been exploring the authors hatred for his gender. I truly hope boys are not reading this and internalizing it.
May 27, 2017
The first chapter is up as an excerpt, and all I can say is "I Want MOAR!" It is quite gripping, and definitely doesn't disappoint; I read it with the unholy glee of a true addict getting a fix.
September 17, 2014
Enjoyed the continued adventures of Cent and her family. Great addition the series and will leave you wanting more.
October 7, 2024
4.75☆
December 20, 2018
Of course the most exciting part is the last 20 pages... But a fun story all the way through, if a little overly heavy on the space construction details. (I skimmed those parts)
August 3, 2020
Well, the cat is out of the bag. After 3 books spent keeping their Jumper talents hidden, the teen daughter goes public in a big way. Imagine how the world would be different if you didn't have to worry about transportation. Lots of entertaining interactions between old-farts and teens wise beyond their years. Some fun with physics, including some well-developed math that makes sense (if you ignore the jumping thing). A few tense moments with the bad guys, with some clever action scenes.
There is some teen angst, but it's not overpowering, and it's matched by some parental strains as well. As always, Grandma knows best.
There is some teen angst, but it's not overpowering, and it's matched by some parental strains as well. As always, Grandma knows best.
April 5, 2016
a jumping good time
I gave exo the jumper series three stars because I like how they open cent up more as a character the way she changed and developed over the course of the second book was quite interesting I thought the way she used her abilities to help NSA in space was nice and saving her grandmother was really kind we also got to see more into their abilities like being able to twinning was really cool I did enjoy the story which is why I gave it three stars but I felt like it was a letdown I mean after all the books we still don't know why or how the origin of their powers came to be I mean come on how could he not write some background for the first jumper or anything I was really hoping we can get some backdrop for their abilities which I felt why I had to take away a star for and the other star because the ending felt a little rushed I mean why did it take so long for hyacinth to come out the shadows and make her move and still lose in the end by something that they could have easily prevented having studied jumpers almost their whole lives how did they not know they could do more than jump and to bring up a good point if anyone spends enough time with jumpers they become one like mille became one why isn't there more jumpers out there I mean shouldn't there be more people who can jump even if they don't know surely they must have the jumping ability well to wrap it up I recommend to anyone who read the first book really good story and powers and any newcomers read the book see the movie you'll enjoy it trust in it
I gave exo the jumper series three stars because I like how they open cent up more as a character the way she changed and developed over the course of the second book was quite interesting I thought the way she used her abilities to help NSA in space was nice and saving her grandmother was really kind we also got to see more into their abilities like being able to twinning was really cool I did enjoy the story which is why I gave it three stars but I felt like it was a letdown I mean after all the books we still don't know why or how the origin of their powers came to be I mean come on how could he not write some background for the first jumper or anything I was really hoping we can get some backdrop for their abilities which I felt why I had to take away a star for and the other star because the ending felt a little rushed I mean why did it take so long for hyacinth to come out the shadows and make her move and still lose in the end by something that they could have easily prevented having studied jumpers almost their whole lives how did they not know they could do more than jump and to bring up a good point if anyone spends enough time with jumpers they become one like mille became one why isn't there more jumpers out there I mean shouldn't there be more people who can jump even if they don't know surely they must have the jumping ability well to wrap it up I recommend to anyone who read the first book really good story and powers and any newcomers read the book see the movie you'll enjoy it trust in it
September 9, 2014
Jumper is one of my favorite books, so I was very excited to read this sequel. Steven Gould is the king of taking an idea ("What if you could teleport anywhere you can see or remember?") and examining it methodically and with great joy.
The only drawback to his books is that I like them so much I finish them in a day or two and then have to wait for the next one to come out. Oh wait, I can go back and read Jumper, Reflex, Impulse, and then Exo again. (I highly recommend reading them in order without even looking at their blurbs, because a lot happens and they're best read unspoiled.)
Smart, likeable people doing things that matter, and I care very much what happens when I turn the page. My very favorite kind of book. It is an excellent world that has such books as this in it.
The only drawback to his books is that I like them so much I finish them in a day or two and then have to wait for the next one to come out. Oh wait, I can go back and read Jumper, Reflex, Impulse, and then Exo again. (I highly recommend reading them in order without even looking at their blurbs, because a lot happens and they're best read unspoiled.)
Smart, likeable people doing things that matter, and I care very much what happens when I turn the page. My very favorite kind of book. It is an excellent world that has such books as this in it.
November 24, 2014
The writing in this is what I'd expect from a Gould novel. Engaging text, lots of planning and building stuff up in small pieces. Yet it has its small differences that break it apart from other Gould books: a bigger emphasis on women-in-STEM (Cent definitely has a bit of a chip on her shoulder about terms like 'manned space station', and it makes a big point of highlighting the many women in positions of professional power), and some generational relation issues.
This novel also breaks new ground in a different way; I read it as Gould is tired of teleportation being used for superheroing, secret agenting, or even aid missions. Instead, this is the impulsive Cent taking a look at the stars and flying high to get there; this is optimistic, space-oriented *science fiction*.
But, while Cent has been shown in the previous book as being impulsive, some critical sections of the novel struck me as happening surprisingly quickly, and made me look for the not-very-hidden hand of the author. And, the focus on 'the mission' meant that very little of the personal relationships were actually examined; they were just there to provide a bit of flavor around focusing on orbital mechanics and radiation worries.
This novel also breaks new ground in a different way; I read it as Gould is tired of teleportation being used for superheroing, secret agenting, or even aid missions. Instead, this is the impulsive Cent taking a look at the stars and flying high to get there; this is optimistic, space-oriented *science fiction*.
But, while Cent has been shown in the previous book as being impulsive, some critical sections of the novel struck me as happening surprisingly quickly, and made me look for the not-very-hidden hand of the author. And, the focus on 'the mission' meant that very little of the personal relationships were actually examined; they were just there to provide a bit of flavor around focusing on orbital mechanics and radiation worries.
August 21, 2014
I received this book as an advance reading copy in yesterday's mail and got almost nothing done around the house since.
This is definitely a sequel, and reading Impulse first is a necessity for full enjoyment. That being said, I enjoyed every minute of it. Gould somehow manages to write a story that cranks along at a breathtaking speed, but the pages still turn slow enough that you don't feel left behind or disappointed because the book ended too quickly. Well-fleshed out characters from the first story (or should I say third?) return in all their glory, and new cast members, while few, are nicely three-dimensional.
The science used is a huge part of the story. As a non-scientist who still enjoys watching The Science Channel on TV, very little was under- or over-explained. Only a few times did I feel a need to look something up, and never did I feel like I was stuck in a lecture. Realistically, if you can suspend your disbelief to go with the whole concept of "jumping", the rest is a piece of cake.
Five stars, and going on my favorite sci-if shelf.
This is definitely a sequel, and reading Impulse first is a necessity for full enjoyment. That being said, I enjoyed every minute of it. Gould somehow manages to write a story that cranks along at a breathtaking speed, but the pages still turn slow enough that you don't feel left behind or disappointed because the book ended too quickly. Well-fleshed out characters from the first story (or should I say third?) return in all their glory, and new cast members, while few, are nicely three-dimensional.
The science used is a huge part of the story. As a non-scientist who still enjoys watching The Science Channel on TV, very little was under- or over-explained. Only a few times did I feel a need to look something up, and never did I feel like I was stuck in a lecture. Realistically, if you can suspend your disbelief to go with the whole concept of "jumping", the rest is a piece of cake.
Five stars, and going on my favorite sci-if shelf.
September 13, 2014
I'm a huge fan of the Jumper series, ever since I read the first one a million years ago. Reflex, in my opinion, wasn't quite as strong of a book—but Impulse was fantastic.
Exo was not what I was expecting. We've shifted from "globe-jumping adventure romp" to something else now. Harder science-fiction, with an emphasis on space. This was a good idea, I think. Sequels sometimes tend to just rehash things, arranging the parts in a different order.
Not Exo.
This book took our teleporting characters and introduced an entirely new story. And that's a good thing!
With Gould tapped to write Avatar books, I can't help but sadly feel that the Jumper universe might get returned to the backburner. But I also feel that we were spoiled with two Jumper books (Impulse and Exo) in such a short time. Either way, I'm looking forward to more.
Exo was not what I was expecting. We've shifted from "globe-jumping adventure romp" to something else now. Harder science-fiction, with an emphasis on space. This was a good idea, I think. Sequels sometimes tend to just rehash things, arranging the parts in a different order.
Not Exo.
This book took our teleporting characters and introduced an entirely new story. And that's a good thing!
With Gould tapped to write Avatar books, I can't help but sadly feel that the Jumper universe might get returned to the backburner. But I also feel that we were spoiled with two Jumper books (Impulse and Exo) in such a short time. Either way, I'm looking forward to more.
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