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Exodus 2022
IS HE LOSING HIS MIND-- OR HIS WORLD?
Joe Stanton is in agony. Out of his mind over the death of his young daughter. Unable to contain his grief, Joe loses control in public, screaming his daughter’s name and causing a huge scene at a hotel on San Juan Island in Washington State. Thing is, Joe Stanton doesn’t have a daughter. Never did. And when the authorities arrive they blame the 28-year-old’s outburst on drugs. What they don’t yet know is that others up and down the Pacific coast—from the Bering Sea to the Puget Sound—are suffering identical, always fatal mental breakdowns. With the help of his girlfriend, Joe struggles to unravel the meaning of the hallucination destroying his mind. As the couple begins to perceive its significance—and Joe’s role in a looming global calamity—they must also outwit a billionaire weapons contractor bent on exploiting Joe’s newfound understanding of the cosmos, and outlast the time bomb ticking in Joe’s brain.
Joe Stanton is in agony. Out of his mind over the death of his young daughter. Unable to contain his grief, Joe loses control in public, screaming his daughter’s name and causing a huge scene at a hotel on San Juan Island in Washington State. Thing is, Joe Stanton doesn’t have a daughter. Never did. And when the authorities arrive they blame the 28-year-old’s outburst on drugs. What they don’t yet know is that others up and down the Pacific coast—from the Bering Sea to the Puget Sound—are suffering identical, always fatal mental breakdowns. With the help of his girlfriend, Joe struggles to unravel the meaning of the hallucination destroying his mind. As the couple begins to perceive its significance—and Joe’s role in a looming global calamity—they must also outwit a billionaire weapons contractor bent on exploiting Joe’s newfound understanding of the cosmos, and outlast the time bomb ticking in Joe’s brain.
416 pages, Paperback
First published May 20, 2014
57 people are currently reading
1790 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth G. Bennett
6 books143 followersKenneth G. Bennett is the author of the sci-fi thriller, EXODUS 2022, and the new short story series: WANDERINGS: SHORT FICTIONS AND ILLUSIONS. Bennett also penned the young adult novels, THE GAIA WARS and BATTLE FOR CASCADIA.
Praise for EXODUS 2022: "Bennett, after a neat Dean Koontz-style curtain-raiser, keeps raising the stakes. Deft storytelling and a riptide of action." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS
"Exodus 2022 opens full throttle and never lets up. A fresh, original sci-fi thriller full of unexpected twists and turns. Kept me guessing to the very last page." -- Bob Mayer, New York Times Bestselling Author of the AREA 51 Series.
"I'm not usually a sci-fi thriller enthusiast. But Kenneth G. Bennett has set this on-the-edge-of-your-seat story in the Great Pacific Northwest where I make my home. After reading Exodus 2022, this place will never look quite the same. His best yet." --Rebecca Wells, author of DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA-YA SISTERHOOD and other novels.
Kenneth G. Bennett lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and son and two hyperactive Australian Shepherds.
Publisher's note: THE GAIA WARS series was optioned for film by Identity Films, LA in 2012 and both GAIA and BATTLE have been featured as Top 100 Bestsellers in Teen Literature and Fiction on Amazon. Kirkus Reviews calls THE GAIA WARS "A solid first entry of a promising, imaginative new young-adult fantasy series featuring a well-crafted character."
Read the VARIETY article at http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118... and learn more about Identity Films at http://identityfilm.com
Praise for EXODUS 2022: "Bennett, after a neat Dean Koontz-style curtain-raiser, keeps raising the stakes. Deft storytelling and a riptide of action." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS
"Exodus 2022 opens full throttle and never lets up. A fresh, original sci-fi thriller full of unexpected twists and turns. Kept me guessing to the very last page." -- Bob Mayer, New York Times Bestselling Author of the AREA 51 Series.
"I'm not usually a sci-fi thriller enthusiast. But Kenneth G. Bennett has set this on-the-edge-of-your-seat story in the Great Pacific Northwest where I make my home. After reading Exodus 2022, this place will never look quite the same. His best yet." --Rebecca Wells, author of DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA-YA SISTERHOOD and other novels.
Kenneth G. Bennett lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and son and two hyperactive Australian Shepherds.
Publisher's note: THE GAIA WARS series was optioned for film by Identity Films, LA in 2012 and both GAIA and BATTLE have been featured as Top 100 Bestsellers in Teen Literature and Fiction on Amazon. Kirkus Reviews calls THE GAIA WARS "A solid first entry of a promising, imaginative new young-adult fantasy series featuring a well-crafted character."
Read the VARIETY article at http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118... and learn more about Identity Films at http://identityfilm.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
March 10, 2014
NOTE: I received the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I hadn't even heard of Kenneth before I read EXODUS 2022. Nor did I know what to expect of the book. I do love science fiction, and thrillers are usually blood-boiling, so I thought "Why not?"
There were scenes that had me laughing. By the end it had me teary eyed and somewhere in the middle I was pointing at the evil dude, saying "That's what you deserve, mister!"
Writing style:
Clean, well structured, and professional. The action flowed from one scene to the next without any stumbling. It was definitely a page turner.
Also, I can't say how much I loved the paragraph length. SHORT!
Story line:
I think I can count on my one hand the novels that kept me guessing until the very end. EXODUS 2022 was one of them. I had no idea what was going to happen until, literally, the very last page.
So, what's the story?
A young man by the name of Joe Stanton is struck by hallucinations. Of the daughter he never had. After a video of him going out of it is uploaded in the global web, he is noticed by a genius scientist and a weapons baron who are suddenly interested in solving the mystery of several Pacific coast victims. Things get tense and complicated along the way ans the mystery gets unraveled.
Themes:
-The power of money and how it can corrupt people;
-The human influence over anything seems to be mostly destructive;
-There are other sentient beings living on this planet. We'll do well to remember that.
Characters:
Joe Stanton was a quiet, peaceful young man. He had his life ahead of him, a life he was hopeful to share with his girlfriend Ella. He had an open attitude, a huge heart and a mind set in the right place. For someone placed in his situation, Joe was doing admirably. He knew what was waiting for him in a week's time, but he never lost sight of what he thought was important. He was a strong man, even when perceived as week, for strength is not always found in the physical body.
Ella was not a girl, who would run at the first sight of trouble. In fact, I thought that was going to be how events would unfurl, but I was proved wrong. Ella stood by Joe's side until the very end. She suffered a lot - seeing him fall apart, seeing him struggle to remain with his mind, feeling helpless beside him, being kidnapped, harassed and everything else... Despite all that, Ella remained strong and brave.
Beck... well, he was the antagonist. Not entirely, but to a certain extent, he made known that he was the force to be reckoned. And while the forces within him were the main evil, he was still one sick, egotistical man. He cared about nothing but himself. I despised him way before he became evil personified. He wasn't an admirable character to begin with - he was a murderer without a conscience. But he degraded even further as the story progressed. What I liked about him was that he wasn't a flat character. There was depth to him, layers upon layers and not even one of them was the the spectrum of goodness.
So yeah, lots of times I find myself rooting for the villain in a novel, but... dude, not this time.
In conclusion, I'd like to say that EXODUS 2022 was a journey I never expected to take, but am glad I took it.
I hadn't even heard of Kenneth before I read EXODUS 2022. Nor did I know what to expect of the book. I do love science fiction, and thrillers are usually blood-boiling, so I thought "Why not?"
There were scenes that had me laughing. By the end it had me teary eyed and somewhere in the middle I was pointing at the evil dude, saying "That's what you deserve, mister!"
Writing style:
Clean, well structured, and professional. The action flowed from one scene to the next without any stumbling. It was definitely a page turner.
Also, I can't say how much I loved the paragraph length. SHORT!
Story line:
I think I can count on my one hand the novels that kept me guessing until the very end. EXODUS 2022 was one of them. I had no idea what was going to happen until, literally, the very last page.
So, what's the story?
A young man by the name of Joe Stanton is struck by hallucinations. Of the daughter he never had. After a video of him going out of it is uploaded in the global web, he is noticed by a genius scientist and a weapons baron who are suddenly interested in solving the mystery of several Pacific coast victims. Things get tense and complicated along the way ans the mystery gets unraveled.
Themes:
-The power of money and how it can corrupt people;
-The human influence over anything seems to be mostly destructive;
-There are other sentient beings living on this planet. We'll do well to remember that.
Characters:
Joe Stanton was a quiet, peaceful young man. He had his life ahead of him, a life he was hopeful to share with his girlfriend Ella. He had an open attitude, a huge heart and a mind set in the right place. For someone placed in his situation, Joe was doing admirably. He knew what was waiting for him in a week's time, but he never lost sight of what he thought was important. He was a strong man, even when perceived as week, for strength is not always found in the physical body.
Ella was not a girl, who would run at the first sight of trouble. In fact, I thought that was going to be how events would unfurl, but I was proved wrong. Ella stood by Joe's side until the very end. She suffered a lot - seeing him fall apart, seeing him struggle to remain with his mind, feeling helpless beside him, being kidnapped, harassed and everything else... Despite all that, Ella remained strong and brave.
Beck... well, he was the antagonist. Not entirely, but to a certain extent, he made known that he was the force to be reckoned. And while the forces within him were the main evil, he was still one sick, egotistical man. He cared about nothing but himself. I despised him way before he became evil personified. He wasn't an admirable character to begin with - he was a murderer without a conscience. But he degraded even further as the story progressed. What I liked about him was that he wasn't a flat character. There was depth to him, layers upon layers and not even one of them was the the spectrum of goodness.
So yeah, lots of times I find myself rooting for the villain in a novel, but... dude, not this time.
In conclusion, I'd like to say that EXODUS 2022 was a journey I never expected to take, but am glad I took it.
March 10, 2014
In the year 2022, a world-wide cataclysm of epic proportions begins quietly enough with an Episcopal priest running around hysterically in a motel parking lot claiming his daughter was dead. But, he had no daughter. Family, friends and acquaintances fear for his sanity.
This eco-thriller fittingly takes place in and around Puget Sound and the Gulf of Alaska. The man in question is receiving visions and instructions from an unknown source. A multi-national corporation with immense wealth and power (can I insert Halliburton?) also is studying this man and his girlfriend because the corporation's scientists are on the threshold of unlocking and interpreting the deep secrets of telepathy and telekinesis. Three other victims have exhibited the exact same symptoms as the priest and they are all dead.
A force of unspeakable power is impacting every living organism in the earth’s oceans and the trans-national corporation is desperately trying to exploit its hidden power. The leader of this corporation is an arch villain of the most sinister intent. The author doles out tidbits of information regarding this catastrophic phenomenon with painful deliberation. The effect on the reader is “Oh my God, what next? Turn-the-page-turn-the-page-turn-the page……..repeat.
Part thriller, part ecological position statement, part romance, part sci-fi, part fantasy, part mystery, Mr. Bennet’s overpowering descriptions of things never seen before by human eyes is masterful. Even his scenes of gruesome violence are somehow poetic, similar to best-selling author Cormac McCarthy’s. It left me exhausted as I was carried forcefully along on one of the wildest literary rides I have ever experienced.
And now about that problematic conclusion. It ends as abruptly as a door slamming in your face. More questions than answers. Totally open-ended. Mostly unresolved. It doesn’t just beg for a sequel; it screams for a sequel! I’ve heard through the grapevine that the author plans a sequel but not in the immediate future. That’s OK because I still have to recover from the overload of Exodus 2022 first. If a future sequel is published, take this review back to a 5.
This eco-thriller fittingly takes place in and around Puget Sound and the Gulf of Alaska. The man in question is receiving visions and instructions from an unknown source. A multi-national corporation with immense wealth and power (can I insert Halliburton?) also is studying this man and his girlfriend because the corporation's scientists are on the threshold of unlocking and interpreting the deep secrets of telepathy and telekinesis. Three other victims have exhibited the exact same symptoms as the priest and they are all dead.
A force of unspeakable power is impacting every living organism in the earth’s oceans and the trans-national corporation is desperately trying to exploit its hidden power. The leader of this corporation is an arch villain of the most sinister intent. The author doles out tidbits of information regarding this catastrophic phenomenon with painful deliberation. The effect on the reader is “Oh my God, what next? Turn-the-page-turn-the-page-turn-the page……..repeat.
Part thriller, part ecological position statement, part romance, part sci-fi, part fantasy, part mystery, Mr. Bennet’s overpowering descriptions of things never seen before by human eyes is masterful. Even his scenes of gruesome violence are somehow poetic, similar to best-selling author Cormac McCarthy’s. It left me exhausted as I was carried forcefully along on one of the wildest literary rides I have ever experienced.
And now about that problematic conclusion. It ends as abruptly as a door slamming in your face. More questions than answers. Totally open-ended. Mostly unresolved. It doesn’t just beg for a sequel; it screams for a sequel! I’ve heard through the grapevine that the author plans a sequel but not in the immediate future. That’s OK because I still have to recover from the overload of Exodus 2022 first. If a future sequel is published, take this review back to a 5.
March 20, 2014
An intriguing new sci-fi/eco-adventure that makes you think!
Science fiction has been called the "literature of ideas" and I love SF novels that make me think. To me, the best SF uses advanced science or otherworldly elements to offer a new perspective on our own world. This is precisely what "Exodus 2022" does -- elegantly and without sacrificing a compelling plot nor fully-realized characters.
Without giving away the big mystery of the story (and it's a shocker), let's just say that author Kenneth Bennett weaves a fast-moving adventure tale filled with plot twists, vivid scenes full of drama and conflict, and sharply-drawn characters (including the tragic protagonist Joe Stanton, a man who starts off seemingly insane and hallucinating). But the real magic resonates within the themes and ideas of the novel. Quite simply "Exodus 2022" makes you think -- by positing a near-future where the link between humankind and the natural world is about to be changed forever.
If you like the classic sci-fi of the 1960s and 1970s (Bradbury, Heinlein, Asimov, Ellison, Dick, et. al.), grab a copy of "Exodus 2022" and prepare to go on a thinking-person's adventure. Better get, gather some like-minded sci-fi fans so you can all read and discuss this thought-provoking novel.
Science fiction has been called the "literature of ideas" and I love SF novels that make me think. To me, the best SF uses advanced science or otherworldly elements to offer a new perspective on our own world. This is precisely what "Exodus 2022" does -- elegantly and without sacrificing a compelling plot nor fully-realized characters.
Without giving away the big mystery of the story (and it's a shocker), let's just say that author Kenneth Bennett weaves a fast-moving adventure tale filled with plot twists, vivid scenes full of drama and conflict, and sharply-drawn characters (including the tragic protagonist Joe Stanton, a man who starts off seemingly insane and hallucinating). But the real magic resonates within the themes and ideas of the novel. Quite simply "Exodus 2022" makes you think -- by positing a near-future where the link between humankind and the natural world is about to be changed forever.
If you like the classic sci-fi of the 1960s and 1970s (Bradbury, Heinlein, Asimov, Ellison, Dick, et. al.), grab a copy of "Exodus 2022" and prepare to go on a thinking-person's adventure. Better get, gather some like-minded sci-fi fans so you can all read and discuss this thought-provoking novel.
October 11, 2014
***I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads***
Exodus 2022 started out pretty well. In fact, for the entire first half of the book, the mystery of Joe’s hallucination, his relationship with his girlfriend, Ella, as well as the futuristic technology employed by the antagonist made it fast paced and interesting. However, about halfway through, the plot rapidly exploded into undisguised propaganda which I could barely tolerate until, irritated and disappointed, I finished the book. I could not believe it. After I read this highly anticipated but extremely maddening plot revelation (which I have hidden), Exodus 2022 became so unbearably stupid that I wished it had never been written. I seriously could not stop rolling my eyes and groaning.
Well since I’m already hiding much of this review because of the above spoiler, I might as well go on.
well, I thought that I had come to the end of this grueling story.
Oh, how wrong I was.
So commenced an entirely new storyline which turned out to be even worse than the previous one, if that is possible. The closer I got to the end of the book, the more insane, absurd, and laughable it became. I really was laughing at how dumb it was. At this point my eyes were pretty much rolling out of my head. IT. WAS. SO. BAD. There are so many other terrible aspects of Exodus 2022, but there is not enough room to address them all here. It’s not worth it anyway. Don’t waste your life reading this book. It physically hurt me to see that this book gets an average of 4.18 stars. Wow.
Exodus 2022 started out pretty well. In fact, for the entire first half of the book, the mystery of Joe’s hallucination, his relationship with his girlfriend, Ella, as well as the futuristic technology employed by the antagonist made it fast paced and interesting. However, about halfway through, the plot rapidly exploded into undisguised propaganda which I could barely tolerate until, irritated and disappointed, I finished the book. I could not believe it. After I read this highly anticipated but extremely maddening plot revelation (which I have hidden), Exodus 2022 became so unbearably stupid that I wished it had never been written. I seriously could not stop rolling my eyes and groaning.
Well since I’m already hiding much of this review because of the above spoiler, I might as well go on.
well, I thought that I had come to the end of this grueling story.
Oh, how wrong I was.
So commenced an entirely new storyline which turned out to be even worse than the previous one, if that is possible. The closer I got to the end of the book, the more insane, absurd, and laughable it became. I really was laughing at how dumb it was. At this point my eyes were pretty much rolling out of my head. IT. WAS. SO. BAD. There are so many other terrible aspects of Exodus 2022, but there is not enough room to address them all here. It’s not worth it anyway. Don’t waste your life reading this book. It physically hurt me to see that this book gets an average of 4.18 stars. Wow.
May 26, 2014
Exodus 2022 is the latest offering by Kenneth G. Bennett, the author of the lauded young adult series, THE GAIA WARS. An ecological, paranormal Sci-fi Thriller set in the year 2022, opens with 28 year old Joe Stanton waking up in a motel room on San Juan Island in Washington State, hysterical to find his lost daughter. Odd thing is, he doesn’t have a daughter. The police and ER doctor believe his delusions are drug-related but what they don’t know is that poor Joe isn’t the only one to have experienced these same hallucinations. Divers and fisherman from the Bering Sea to the Puget Sound, experienced almost this exact episode –resulting in their imminent death.
“A jolt of adrenaline traveled the length of his body, like a blast of electric current. His limbs twitched and his heart thumped in his chest. Ella felt Joe’s body quiver and tense. Heard him cry out: ‘No!’ She dropped her book. Spun around. Caressed his face. ‘Joe. Sweetie? Joe? You okay?’
He couldn’t hear her. He was deep underwater now, zooming toward a huge drifting shape. A shape he somehow recognized. Click! Skeleton. Brain. Lungs. Internal organs. Heart. Heart? The heart’s not beating. The heart is still. ‘No!’ Joe twisted and writhed, twitched and moaned. His face paled and a slick glaze of sweat coated his forehead. ‘She’s dead!’ he cried, his voice a guttural, strangled gurgle. A sound Ella barely recognized.
She gripped him by his shoulders. Shook him. ‘Joe! It’s me! You’re having a bad dream. Wake up.’ Joe stirred, and suddenly people up and down the beach were yelling. For a moment, Ella thought they’d heard her worried cries and were yelling at her. But everyone was staring at the water. Pointing and smiling and cheering. ‘Whales!’ someone shouted.” pp.44-45.
As Joe & his girlfriend, Ella, discern the images during these spells and who the voice is in his head, a very powerful and dangerous weapons contractor tries to identify the link with these occurrences and how his coterie might profit. But not all is as it seems as Joe comes face to face with a sentient being who needs his aid. And if he does help, at what cost?
Although sci-fi thrillers are not my typical cuppa tea, I must admit EXODUS 2022 is a provocative, unprecedented, spine-tingling novel, and coupled with the very germane “Blackfish” documentary & images from Taiji, Kenneth G. Bennett’s eco-thriller has stayed with me long after the last page. I was given an early copy to read in exchange for my honest review. I can absolutely see this as a feature film. And the ending warrants a sequel! Add EXODUS2022 to your to-be-read list—sooner than later.
“A jolt of adrenaline traveled the length of his body, like a blast of electric current. His limbs twitched and his heart thumped in his chest. Ella felt Joe’s body quiver and tense. Heard him cry out: ‘No!’ She dropped her book. Spun around. Caressed his face. ‘Joe. Sweetie? Joe? You okay?’
He couldn’t hear her. He was deep underwater now, zooming toward a huge drifting shape. A shape he somehow recognized. Click! Skeleton. Brain. Lungs. Internal organs. Heart. Heart? The heart’s not beating. The heart is still. ‘No!’ Joe twisted and writhed, twitched and moaned. His face paled and a slick glaze of sweat coated his forehead. ‘She’s dead!’ he cried, his voice a guttural, strangled gurgle. A sound Ella barely recognized.
She gripped him by his shoulders. Shook him. ‘Joe! It’s me! You’re having a bad dream. Wake up.’ Joe stirred, and suddenly people up and down the beach were yelling. For a moment, Ella thought they’d heard her worried cries and were yelling at her. But everyone was staring at the water. Pointing and smiling and cheering. ‘Whales!’ someone shouted.” pp.44-45.
As Joe & his girlfriend, Ella, discern the images during these spells and who the voice is in his head, a very powerful and dangerous weapons contractor tries to identify the link with these occurrences and how his coterie might profit. But not all is as it seems as Joe comes face to face with a sentient being who needs his aid. And if he does help, at what cost?
Although sci-fi thrillers are not my typical cuppa tea, I must admit EXODUS 2022 is a provocative, unprecedented, spine-tingling novel, and coupled with the very germane “Blackfish” documentary & images from Taiji, Kenneth G. Bennett’s eco-thriller has stayed with me long after the last page. I was given an early copy to read in exchange for my honest review. I can absolutely see this as a feature film. And the ending warrants a sequel! Add EXODUS2022 to your to-be-read list—sooner than later.
May 13, 2014
Wow. I finished this book in less than 24 hours. I could not put it down. This is my first Kenneth Bennett read, and I was not disappointed. I'm a big scifi, nature and environment fan and boy, this was right up my alley. Bennett created strong and interesting characters and weaved an elaborate and exciting story. The mystery of Joe Stanton’s hallucinations were so intriguing and I could not wait to find out more. The story is incredibly well-crafted with convincing characters and truly great twists and turns. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the sequel!
February 24, 2014
When my then-12yo son read and loved Ken Bennett's earlier books, The Gaia Wars and Battle for Cascadia, I got the opportunity to read and enjoy them as well.
Impressed by Ken's writing, I jumped at the chance to read his latest Exodus 2022. I started reading after dinner and couldn't put it down or turn out the lights until it was finished in the wee hours. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and all its details and twists and turns. Now the rest of the family (including my now-14yo son) are lined up for their turns at it. Thanks, Ken!
Impressed by Ken's writing, I jumped at the chance to read his latest Exodus 2022. I started reading after dinner and couldn't put it down or turn out the lights until it was finished in the wee hours. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and all its details and twists and turns. Now the rest of the family (including my now-14yo son) are lined up for their turns at it. Thanks, Ken!
March 18, 2014
Kenneth Bennett's Exodus 2022 does for the eco-thriller what Stephen King did for horror: create a wild, hang on to your hats ride through unknown terrain. The premise: what if all non-homo sapien species had their fill of what we've done to the planet? They might attack, or better, pack their bags. It's a unique situation that raises many questions ranging from an ecological apocalypse to invasive technologies. It's a page turner of the first order, full of good versus evil, human connection (literally) and raises the "what if" scenarios regarding what we're doing to the planet and each other. I particularly enjoyed the HItchcockian approach of dropping ordinary people into extraordinary situations.
Note: I was given an advanced reader copy, however, the review is non-fiction:-)
Note: I was given an advanced reader copy, however, the review is non-fiction:-)
February 23, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. If you are looking for a page turner, this is it. My family didn't see me for 3 days! Ken Bennett definitely has a best seller with Exodus 2022. I highly recommend it!
March 1, 2014
A fast-paced eco-thriller placed firmly in the Pacific Northwest, body and soul. It's the year 2022 and the non-humans we share this planet with have had enough of our selfish shenanigans and decide to tell us what they think.
Par for the course in thrillers is the firm line drawn between good and evil, no gray areas in between, and, in that regard, this book does not disappoint. You know who the bad guys are from the get-go and you're immediately led to the side of the reluctant protagonist. The writing is fluid and you're turning the pages anxious to see if evil will be defeated. While this is a future imagined where we have the technology to tele-communicate, scan and decipher details of thoughts, it's unfortunate that it's also a future where there are still intractable lines between right and left, blue and red, those who care about the earth and those who don't.
All the attention to calling out good and evil somewhat takes away from the subject they're fighting over, which, to me, deserved to be more at the center of this novel: man's impact on the earth. So, it's more thriller, than "eco", but still a fast fun read. You can imagine it translating readily into a screenplay and a great film for the big or small screen.
Par for the course in thrillers is the firm line drawn between good and evil, no gray areas in between, and, in that regard, this book does not disappoint. You know who the bad guys are from the get-go and you're immediately led to the side of the reluctant protagonist. The writing is fluid and you're turning the pages anxious to see if evil will be defeated. While this is a future imagined where we have the technology to tele-communicate, scan and decipher details of thoughts, it's unfortunate that it's also a future where there are still intractable lines between right and left, blue and red, those who care about the earth and those who don't.
All the attention to calling out good and evil somewhat takes away from the subject they're fighting over, which, to me, deserved to be more at the center of this novel: man's impact on the earth. So, it's more thriller, than "eco", but still a fast fun read. You can imagine it translating readily into a screenplay and a great film for the big or small screen.
March 9, 2014
The book is riveting. I can't wait for another and I assume there will be another. Ken Bennett has an amazing insight into the impact humans have had on the environment and understands the urgent need for raising awareness of the overall health and well being of our planet. His book is timely. His choice of sci-fi genre to captivate the reader speaks volumes about his creative writing talent. There is and always will be avid an interest in places outside our own universe and human connections to all creatures great and small. Exodus 2022 sparks interest, reflection and excitement about the 'what ifs.' Bennett's knowledge and detail of the northwest is impressive. What more perfect setting for this story than in and amongst the pristine surroundings of Alaska and Washington. This is a must read!
January 28, 2015
Very well written and with a fresh plot line with a Priest as the main protagonist who suffers from hallucinations about her dead daughter..thing is the priest is a man, not married and he has no dead daughter.
The novelty of plot line is refreshing although I think the author would have been well served if he did one more edit trimming back on some of the repetative scenes, in other words I think the book drags on in certain places.
That said the character portrayal is amazing. The writing overall is very professional and the novelty of the plot line convinced me to stick with the book cause I could not wait to see what is up?
WaAr
The novelty of plot line is refreshing although I think the author would have been well served if he did one more edit trimming back on some of the repetative scenes, in other words I think the book drags on in certain places.
That said the character portrayal is amazing. The writing overall is very professional and the novelty of the plot line convinced me to stick with the book cause I could not wait to see what is up?
WaAr
March 17, 2014
Just finished reading this fantastic story with a smile. Held my attention from the beginning, and was very excited reading thru to the outcome. The characters were enjoyable to discover, and "hands down" would recommend this book.
February 21, 2014
This book is as addictive as potato chips. I could not put it down. An exceptional thriller with some real intellect and heart. Not a false step in the entire book.
April 24, 2014
I LOVE this author! :)
May 4, 2014
Exodus 2022 is a riveting and compelling novel by Kenneth G. Bennett who has mesmerized and dazzled readers with the ambitious young adult novels, The Gaia Wars and Battle for Cascadia. It is a genre-bending novel which is a mishmash of science-fiction, fantasy, and eco-adventure thriller with doses of action and mystery thrown in, guaranteed to delight fiction lovers.
In this incredibly well-crafted novel, Kenneth G. Bennett’s adept writing and wonderful storytelling skill will delight and fascinate readers as the story moves swiftly, leaving one absorbed and guessing to the very end. What is particularly striking about the novel is the beautiful prose the author employed to narrate a story that is both original and entrancing.
Exodus 2022 by Kenneth G. Bennett is set in and around Puget Sound and the Gulf of Alaska in 2022 with a calamity on a scale unheard of before. Author Bennett’s take on nature and environment with the characters he planted into the story is simply stunning. Joseph Stanton, Sheldon Beck and Ella Tollefson played an important role in the development and progress of the story. They are characters readers will remember for a long time.
Joe is a tall, confident, strong, graceful, outdoorsy, athletic twenty-eight-year-old. Ella is gorgeous, gentle, funny, sweet, a total knockout and nurse who is going steady with Joe. They are deeply in love. To celebrate the success of Joe’s new Episcopal congregation in Bremerton of which he is a priest, the two went on a fun vacation to San Juan Island. But the trip went horribly wrong as Joe is struck by a delusional image of a daughter, Lorna Gwin, and begins to lose his grip on reality, behaving like a total nutcase.
Joe’s weird case is not an isolated one. There are several other identical mental breakdowns along a twenty-five-hundred-mile trajectory in the Pacific coast, from the Bering Sea to the Puget Sound, in the course of two weeks, with all having the same symptoms, same pathology! And most have died following the seizure of weird violent hallucination. And if Joe follows the same pattern, he has twelve days to live, at the most. And at the center of this mystery is Sheldon Beck and some brilliant scientists on his payroll.
In Exodus 2022, Kenneth G. Bennett paints a terrifying picture of how nature is wantonly destroyed, and the extent to which money and power have corrupted people. It is a thrilling novel fusing various genres with such ingenuity that will leave readers breathless. I feel myself drawn into the world of Joseph Stanton, feeling helpless and forlorn, but with an indomitable spirit to conquer and overcome all hurdles. This is a story that will stay with you long after the book is shelved.
In this incredibly well-crafted novel, Kenneth G. Bennett’s adept writing and wonderful storytelling skill will delight and fascinate readers as the story moves swiftly, leaving one absorbed and guessing to the very end. What is particularly striking about the novel is the beautiful prose the author employed to narrate a story that is both original and entrancing.
Exodus 2022 by Kenneth G. Bennett is set in and around Puget Sound and the Gulf of Alaska in 2022 with a calamity on a scale unheard of before. Author Bennett’s take on nature and environment with the characters he planted into the story is simply stunning. Joseph Stanton, Sheldon Beck and Ella Tollefson played an important role in the development and progress of the story. They are characters readers will remember for a long time.
Joe is a tall, confident, strong, graceful, outdoorsy, athletic twenty-eight-year-old. Ella is gorgeous, gentle, funny, sweet, a total knockout and nurse who is going steady with Joe. They are deeply in love. To celebrate the success of Joe’s new Episcopal congregation in Bremerton of which he is a priest, the two went on a fun vacation to San Juan Island. But the trip went horribly wrong as Joe is struck by a delusional image of a daughter, Lorna Gwin, and begins to lose his grip on reality, behaving like a total nutcase.
Joe’s weird case is not an isolated one. There are several other identical mental breakdowns along a twenty-five-hundred-mile trajectory in the Pacific coast, from the Bering Sea to the Puget Sound, in the course of two weeks, with all having the same symptoms, same pathology! And most have died following the seizure of weird violent hallucination. And if Joe follows the same pattern, he has twelve days to live, at the most. And at the center of this mystery is Sheldon Beck and some brilliant scientists on his payroll.
In Exodus 2022, Kenneth G. Bennett paints a terrifying picture of how nature is wantonly destroyed, and the extent to which money and power have corrupted people. It is a thrilling novel fusing various genres with such ingenuity that will leave readers breathless. I feel myself drawn into the world of Joseph Stanton, feeling helpless and forlorn, but with an indomitable spirit to conquer and overcome all hurdles. This is a story that will stay with you long after the book is shelved.
April 7, 2014
An ordinary vacation soon turns out to be anything but for Joe Stanton. His mind is riddled with images he can't explain. He hears a voice so sweet inside his head, yet he has no idea where it's coming from. Though he'd like to believe that the phenomenon he's experiencing is just a random occurrence, deep inside he knows it's not.
As the voice grows stronger, Joe starts to see the images gain clarity within his mind. The unknown being knows exactly what it wants, and it'll utilize Joe's vulnerabilities to the fullest extent. At first, he starts to question his sanity. There has to be a suitable explanation for what he's going through. Granted, he can't quite make sense of it all just yet, but he'll do everything possible to do just that.
As Joe's life continues to spiral out of control, he soon realizes that everything isn't happening at random. He's become a vessel for the voice's demands, and he'll do everything possible to help in fulfilling it's every wish. His life further changes when he comes face to face with the voice's owner. What he's going through is nothing he's ever gone through before. A phenomenon he'll make the most of.
When attempts on his life are made, Joe soon realizes that the situation is more involved than he knew. Others know about the visions he's had, and are willing to circumvent any and all attempts to make sure The Exodus doesn't happen. Though he knows he has the power to make things happen, he's not exactly sure if he wants to do as he should. Mia obviously has an agenda, one she's pulled him into. If he's to succeed in getting to the bottom of things before all hell breaks, he'll need to come to terms with Mia wants from him. The question is, how can he do that when he's not exactly sure what he's supposed to do in the first place?
A mind-boggling thriller, Exodus 2022 will definitely keep you guessing with every turn of the page. Kenneth has done a great job in putting together a world where the unexpected truly happens. Who knew that whales could be so intuitive and crafty in the hopes of achieving an end to their own means. He's delivered a thought-provoking tale that truly leaves you wondering as to whether such ideas could take place in real life. This is a definite must-read, a book you won't regret picking up!
As the voice grows stronger, Joe starts to see the images gain clarity within his mind. The unknown being knows exactly what it wants, and it'll utilize Joe's vulnerabilities to the fullest extent. At first, he starts to question his sanity. There has to be a suitable explanation for what he's going through. Granted, he can't quite make sense of it all just yet, but he'll do everything possible to do just that.
As Joe's life continues to spiral out of control, he soon realizes that everything isn't happening at random. He's become a vessel for the voice's demands, and he'll do everything possible to help in fulfilling it's every wish. His life further changes when he comes face to face with the voice's owner. What he's going through is nothing he's ever gone through before. A phenomenon he'll make the most of.
When attempts on his life are made, Joe soon realizes that the situation is more involved than he knew. Others know about the visions he's had, and are willing to circumvent any and all attempts to make sure The Exodus doesn't happen. Though he knows he has the power to make things happen, he's not exactly sure if he wants to do as he should. Mia obviously has an agenda, one she's pulled him into. If he's to succeed in getting to the bottom of things before all hell breaks, he'll need to come to terms with Mia wants from him. The question is, how can he do that when he's not exactly sure what he's supposed to do in the first place?
A mind-boggling thriller, Exodus 2022 will definitely keep you guessing with every turn of the page. Kenneth has done a great job in putting together a world where the unexpected truly happens. Who knew that whales could be so intuitive and crafty in the hopes of achieving an end to their own means. He's delivered a thought-provoking tale that truly leaves you wondering as to whether such ideas could take place in real life. This is a definite must-read, a book you won't regret picking up!
April 2, 2014
An excellent read. I recommend Ken Bennett’s Exodus 2022 without reservation. It’s well written, it’s well researched, and it’s engaging. In short, it was fun to read, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
But more importantly, I felt richly rewarded for reading it. Unlike so many books that fade into the miasma of my memory after the last page, Exodus 2022 has been on my mind for weeks, fueling much of my own thinking, and dozens of conversations. It struck me as memorable and meaningful.
Once I’d been immersed in the world of Exodus 2022, I was hard-pressed to opt for sleep over another chapter. The conclusion struck notes both triumphant and devastating, leaving me with that pleasant mix of emotions that will have you thinking for weeks. Yes, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
But more importantly, I felt richly rewarded for reading it. Unlike so many books that fade into the miasma of my memory after the last page, Exodus 2022 has been on my mind for weeks, fueling much of my own thinking, and dozens of conversations. It struck me as memorable and meaningful.
Once I’d been immersed in the world of Exodus 2022, I was hard-pressed to opt for sleep over another chapter. The conclusion struck notes both triumphant and devastating, leaving me with that pleasant mix of emotions that will have you thinking for weeks. Yes, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
August 9, 2016
I was captivated by this thriller from the get go. I always wanted to know what was going happen next. And was never let down. It just kept getting better with each twist and turn. The power of the writing kept me right with Joe Stanton. I went wherever Bennett took me with his vivid descriptions, believable characters and riveting action sequences. This is a siren for us all for all to heed.
April 13, 2014
Joe Stanton (28, Episcopal priest) called out to wake up his biological daughter Lorna Gwin (5). He told his S/O Ella Tollefson (nurse anesthetist) she was missing from room 22 at the Breakwater motor lodge. Joe ask the owner Walter Spinell if he had seen his daughter. Doris Spinell called 911. Joe seemed like he was very sick & needed to go to the hospital. Walter wanted to press charges against him. Doris watched the surveillance camera video. Lorna’s biological mother watched in the background as things unfolded.
2 San Juan County sheriff’s deputies & Detective Vince Palmer came to investigate. Lorna informs them there is no child.
2 Erebus Global Patriot divers were thought lost in the Bering Sea. John Galbreth, Andy Stahl & Brad Whittaker (divers) died a week later. They were diving & running security checks (Tension leg platforms (TLP) on the Sedco Forex around Nunivak (Northern Mercy). They all had nervous breakdowns & hallucinations before they died of a brain tumor in the exact same location.
Dr. Myron Goss was going to check out Joe. Nothing was found wrong with Joe.
Joe Stanton & Ella were finally flown back to Bremerton. She & Beck also thought Joe could have ate some tainted food with PCP (psilocybin) (The Anacortes) in it. Joe even began to wonder if he had a mental illness.
As sailors & PPL watched from various ships of all sizes/shapes, skiffs, kayaks, & sailboats; through a tunnel in the ocean an Exodus migration both oceanic & terrestrial (land, Gallatin Range) phenomenon had began!?
Why did Joe & Ella both jump off a high bridge into 50° water in the middle of the night? Who is Mia really? Does Mia have a counterpart?
Who is Professor Will Dieturlund? What could he have to do with Lorna Gwin?
Cool book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mysterious, thrilling, suspenseful, action packed book (sci-fi or paranormal). It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. Quite a lot of exciting twists/turns. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of interesting scenarios & a great set of characters to keep track of. This would make a great action packed movie (1973, the day of the dolphin) or TV series. A book you won’t want to put down. It was so easy for me to rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
2 San Juan County sheriff’s deputies & Detective Vince Palmer came to investigate. Lorna informs them there is no child.
2 Erebus Global Patriot divers were thought lost in the Bering Sea. John Galbreth, Andy Stahl & Brad Whittaker (divers) died a week later. They were diving & running security checks (Tension leg platforms (TLP) on the Sedco Forex around Nunivak (Northern Mercy). They all had nervous breakdowns & hallucinations before they died of a brain tumor in the exact same location.
Dr. Myron Goss was going to check out Joe. Nothing was found wrong with Joe.
Joe Stanton & Ella were finally flown back to Bremerton. She & Beck also thought Joe could have ate some tainted food with PCP (psilocybin) (The Anacortes) in it. Joe even began to wonder if he had a mental illness.
As sailors & PPL watched from various ships of all sizes/shapes, skiffs, kayaks, & sailboats; through a tunnel in the ocean an Exodus migration both oceanic & terrestrial (land, Gallatin Range) phenomenon had began!?
Why did Joe & Ella both jump off a high bridge into 50° water in the middle of the night? Who is Mia really? Does Mia have a counterpart?
Who is Professor Will Dieturlund? What could he have to do with Lorna Gwin?
Cool book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mysterious, thrilling, suspenseful, action packed book (sci-fi or paranormal). It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. Quite a lot of exciting twists/turns. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of interesting scenarios & a great set of characters to keep track of. This would make a great action packed movie (1973, the day of the dolphin) or TV series. A book you won’t want to put down. It was so easy for me to rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 29, 2014
I’ve been reaching outside of my comfort zone lately and have found that there is a wealth of amazing literature I’ve been ignoring for far too long.
I decided to read EXODUS 2022 by Kenneth Bennett, because I read and loved his first novel, Gaia Wars, back in 2011. Although his first book was YA, this new one is more of a thriller. The common thread is this author’s love for the environment and his cool, tech-savvy way of bringing that message out without whopping the reader over the head with it.
EXODUS 2022 starts off at a full gallop and doesn’t slow down for a second. When Joe Stanton wakes up screaming for his lost daughter, Lorna Gwin, only to find out that he never even had a daughter and that there’s some disembodied voice sending him telepathic images and communications, well… I for one didn’t see it coming. The owner of the voice was a great surprise and took the book to a whole new level.
I’ll confess to not much caring for Stanton—though he’s a likeable enough guy. I grew up in a very conservative religious family, and although Stanton is meant to be a progress Episcopalian priest, he just didn’t act priesty enough for me. Overnight trips with his girlfriend? I just couldn’t get past that.
His girlfriend, Ella, was fantastic, relatable, and interesting to follow. The owner of the voice was my second favorite character, and I kept finding myself wondering how the author was able to develop her so well. What kind of research did he have to do in order to get into the head of…?
Nope! No spoilers here.
My favorite character was the villain, Sheldon Beck, a rich boy businessman who will always get his way, no matter whom he has to torture and kill. The more evil he became, the more I loved him. And his thought capture technology was both surreally sci-fi and something I could see happening before my lifetime is through.
The characters were very well developed given their diversity and how plot-driven this novel was.
To sum up, EXODUS 2022 is full of action, intrigue, cool future technology, great characters, and a fantastic message that we all need to hear before it’s too late. I <3 you, Earth!
I decided to read EXODUS 2022 by Kenneth Bennett, because I read and loved his first novel, Gaia Wars, back in 2011. Although his first book was YA, this new one is more of a thriller. The common thread is this author’s love for the environment and his cool, tech-savvy way of bringing that message out without whopping the reader over the head with it.
EXODUS 2022 starts off at a full gallop and doesn’t slow down for a second. When Joe Stanton wakes up screaming for his lost daughter, Lorna Gwin, only to find out that he never even had a daughter and that there’s some disembodied voice sending him telepathic images and communications, well… I for one didn’t see it coming. The owner of the voice was a great surprise and took the book to a whole new level.
I’ll confess to not much caring for Stanton—though he’s a likeable enough guy. I grew up in a very conservative religious family, and although Stanton is meant to be a progress Episcopalian priest, he just didn’t act priesty enough for me. Overnight trips with his girlfriend? I just couldn’t get past that.
His girlfriend, Ella, was fantastic, relatable, and interesting to follow. The owner of the voice was my second favorite character, and I kept finding myself wondering how the author was able to develop her so well. What kind of research did he have to do in order to get into the head of…?
Nope! No spoilers here.
My favorite character was the villain, Sheldon Beck, a rich boy businessman who will always get his way, no matter whom he has to torture and kill. The more evil he became, the more I loved him. And his thought capture technology was both surreally sci-fi and something I could see happening before my lifetime is through.
The characters were very well developed given their diversity and how plot-driven this novel was.
To sum up, EXODUS 2022 is full of action, intrigue, cool future technology, great characters, and a fantastic message that we all need to hear before it’s too late. I <3 you, Earth!
April 17, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed Exodus 2022 tremendously!
Where did you come from Kenneth G. Bennett? Does the 'G.' stand for genius? I couldn't google the author fast enough to see if there were any more hidden treasures written by Kenneth and (sigh of relieve) there are other books by him with similar ratings! Needless to say, I will make sure to add those to my collection.
When I saw the book description I thought to myself, why not read something different for a change? Boy oh boy was I in for a surprise! Exodus 2022 blew my socks off! I was mesmerized from beginning to end. The journey was so intense and extreme that I hardly know where to start explaining the Exodus experience. I guess I'll just try to do it justice...
Joe wakes up, his daughter is dead, he just knows it. He calls and calls her name, but nothing. He runs outside frantically screaming for somebody to help him. Won't you believe it, it turns out that Joe has no daughter...
A string of events leads to scientists who have seen and studied these exact symptoms. They offer Joe free medical treatment but plant a projector into his brain that transmits his thoughts to a mainframe. The lucid hallucinations that Joe is having, is in fact messages that he receives from a very unlikely (might I add, oddly refreshing) source.
His certain demise from this encounter drives him to succeed in his quest. With the help of his girlfriend Ella, he faces unmeasurable obstacles.
The balance of the universe lies in his hands...
Do yourself a favor, go buy this book!!!
5-Bombs
Reviewed by Soreta
I enjoyed Exodus 2022 tremendously!
Where did you come from Kenneth G. Bennett? Does the 'G.' stand for genius? I couldn't google the author fast enough to see if there were any more hidden treasures written by Kenneth and (sigh of relieve) there are other books by him with similar ratings! Needless to say, I will make sure to add those to my collection.
When I saw the book description I thought to myself, why not read something different for a change? Boy oh boy was I in for a surprise! Exodus 2022 blew my socks off! I was mesmerized from beginning to end. The journey was so intense and extreme that I hardly know where to start explaining the Exodus experience. I guess I'll just try to do it justice...
Joe wakes up, his daughter is dead, he just knows it. He calls and calls her name, but nothing. He runs outside frantically screaming for somebody to help him. Won't you believe it, it turns out that Joe has no daughter...
A string of events leads to scientists who have seen and studied these exact symptoms. They offer Joe free medical treatment but plant a projector into his brain that transmits his thoughts to a mainframe. The lucid hallucinations that Joe is having, is in fact messages that he receives from a very unlikely (might I add, oddly refreshing) source.
His certain demise from this encounter drives him to succeed in his quest. With the help of his girlfriend Ella, he faces unmeasurable obstacles.
The balance of the universe lies in his hands...
Do yourself a favor, go buy this book!!!
5-Bombs
Reviewed by Soreta
March 6, 2014
Something of a sci fi book, something of a fantasy book, something of a paranormal book, something of a thriller, something of a spiritual journey book. Its precise niche is a little difficult to pin down.
An Episcopalian priest starts having hallucinations while he is on vacation with his sweetie. He wakes from a deep sleep convinced his daughter is missing and runs around the motel grounds screaming for her.
But he actually has no daughter; has never had a daughter.
So you can cue the spooky music to start here, because it just gets stranger. His lady friend is supportive but pretty much weirded out, especially when it happens again. The authorities think it is due to drugs. But our hero, Joe, thinks someone is trying to contact him, is talking to him in his head.
The general theme of the book is one of ecoconsciousness, one of the standard tropes of sci fi -- what damage we are doing to the planet, so life off planet becomes necessary. The book has a lot of bloody, vicious violence which for me always earns the book demerits, but then what is a thriller without brutality, right? So just ignore my prissy Auntie Ethel sensibilities, because all that nastiness serves as a somewhat necessary foil for the attempts of Good to overcome Evil.
It really is an interesting storyline, - it's an over the top book, but somehow, it works, and has that satisfying ending we are always looking for. Expect good writing, lots of action, a soupcon of mysticism, some cool future technology, and a baddy with a huge identity problem. 5 stars does it for me!
An Episcopalian priest starts having hallucinations while he is on vacation with his sweetie. He wakes from a deep sleep convinced his daughter is missing and runs around the motel grounds screaming for her.
But he actually has no daughter; has never had a daughter.
So you can cue the spooky music to start here, because it just gets stranger. His lady friend is supportive but pretty much weirded out, especially when it happens again. The authorities think it is due to drugs. But our hero, Joe, thinks someone is trying to contact him, is talking to him in his head.
The general theme of the book is one of ecoconsciousness, one of the standard tropes of sci fi -- what damage we are doing to the planet, so life off planet becomes necessary. The book has a lot of bloody, vicious violence which for me always earns the book demerits, but then what is a thriller without brutality, right? So just ignore my prissy Auntie Ethel sensibilities, because all that nastiness serves as a somewhat necessary foil for the attempts of Good to overcome Evil.
It really is an interesting storyline, - it's an over the top book, but somehow, it works, and has that satisfying ending we are always looking for. Expect good writing, lots of action, a soupcon of mysticism, some cool future technology, and a baddy with a huge identity problem. 5 stars does it for me!
July 29, 2016
Wow. I want more!! I would love to see what happens after the last page. This book is different from any other I have read. Joe Stanton wakes up one morning, looks around his hotel room for his daughter and worries because he can't find her. He rushes downstairs to look for her, panic taking over and comes to the realization that she is dead, murdered, and starts going crazy in the parking lot. The other patrons of the hotel come out of their rooms to witness and of course, you tube, the event. The real problem here, is that Joe never had a daughter, and he is not the first one who has had this hallucination. While the others that have had this hallucination have all died, Joe figures out how to decipher the crazy voice in his head and separate it from reality. But he also believes it, and along with his girlfriend, goes on an amazing journey to figure out why he is hearing this voice in his head and how to save it and himself before he ends up dead like the others. I can't really go into any further detail without giving anything away. The other characters in this book are well defined and beautifully written. I love Joe and his girlfriend Ella, they are a perfect match and she will do anything to help save him. The resident bad guy, Beck, is so ruthless and evil you love to hate him right from the beginning. The voice, you will fall in love with her too. I loved every second of this story, it was very hard to put down, and I only did so when it was absolutely necessary. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read, it is not just for a specific genre lover.
May 15, 2014
Joe Stanton wakes up searching for his missing daughter - the daughter he knows is dead... the daughter he never had. This bizarre hallucination is only the beginning of a wild ride that Joe and his girlfriend, Ella, find themselves on - one that includes a billionaire weapons contractor, a genius scientist, telepathy, the future of life on the earth and Joe's impending death.
I totally loved Exodus 2022! I'd read it halfway before bed on
Monday night and was intending to do stuff on Tuesday morning, being a public holiday, but partially because I was lazy and also because I really had to know what happened I ended up spending the whole morning finishing the book.
The story has a very strong environmental thrust and some paranormal overtones. I'd hesitate to say fantasy... it has a more "religious" feel to it (i.e. other higher power, good vs evil).
I only had 3 issues with this book, which isn't quite major enough to warrant any drop in my rating, but I figured I would mention them here:
1. Iffy formatting in the kindle version made some awkward line breaks between sentences. It didn't affect the sentences or meanings or anything, but was just a little annoying.
2. Priest with tattoos, long-hair, earrings and on holiday together with his girlfriend? Not something that would normally be tolerated in churches where I'm from, but then again I don't know much about the Episcopal church.
3. The ending (which was happy/tragic for me) raised one... question...
I received this book for review as part of the Novel Publicity Tour.
I totally loved Exodus 2022! I'd read it halfway before bed on
Monday night and was intending to do stuff on Tuesday morning, being a public holiday, but partially because I was lazy and also because I really had to know what happened I ended up spending the whole morning finishing the book.
The story has a very strong environmental thrust and some paranormal overtones. I'd hesitate to say fantasy... it has a more "religious" feel to it (i.e. other higher power, good vs evil).
I only had 3 issues with this book, which isn't quite major enough to warrant any drop in my rating, but I figured I would mention them here:
1. Iffy formatting in the kindle version made some awkward line breaks between sentences. It didn't affect the sentences or meanings or anything, but was just a little annoying.
2. Priest with tattoos, long-hair, earrings and on holiday together with his girlfriend? Not something that would normally be tolerated in churches where I'm from, but then again I don't know much about the Episcopal church.
3. The ending (which was happy/tragic for me) raised one... question...
I received this book for review as part of the Novel Publicity Tour.
April 17, 2014
"Joe Stanton is in agony. Out of his mind over the death of his young daughter. Or so it seems."
This was the intriguing line posted in the synopsis of EXODUS 2022 by Kenneth Bennett, a sci-fi thriller that reads like a fast-paced detective story. The story opens with a situation that seems tragic, but not extraordinary—a couple, staying at a motel, wake up one morning. The man looks around for his daughter, and panics when he can’t find her.
If I weren’t hooked by this part, I would still be reading. Bennett’s writing is clear, fast-paced, and interesting. He has a knack for a turn of phrase without being so clever that the reader is pulled out of the story. He tells you just enough … and then pulls the rug out from under you.
That daughter that Joe Stanton can’t find and is causing a scene about? She doesn’t exist. Never did.
I don’t want to give too much of the synopsis away here—part of the fun is thinking you know what’s coming, and then find that Bennett takes you in a completely different direction. Even with the twists and turns, though, the writing is never confusing. Although I was constantly guessing, I was definitely hooked for the ride.
I enjoy a good piece of speculative fiction, and if you do too, then I highly recommend you check out this book.
This was the intriguing line posted in the synopsis of EXODUS 2022 by Kenneth Bennett, a sci-fi thriller that reads like a fast-paced detective story. The story opens with a situation that seems tragic, but not extraordinary—a couple, staying at a motel, wake up one morning. The man looks around for his daughter, and panics when he can’t find her.
If I weren’t hooked by this part, I would still be reading. Bennett’s writing is clear, fast-paced, and interesting. He has a knack for a turn of phrase without being so clever that the reader is pulled out of the story. He tells you just enough … and then pulls the rug out from under you.
That daughter that Joe Stanton can’t find and is causing a scene about? She doesn’t exist. Never did.
I don’t want to give too much of the synopsis away here—part of the fun is thinking you know what’s coming, and then find that Bennett takes you in a completely different direction. Even with the twists and turns, though, the writing is never confusing. Although I was constantly guessing, I was definitely hooked for the ride.
I enjoy a good piece of speculative fiction, and if you do too, then I highly recommend you check out this book.
September 10, 2016
While the sci-fi genre is not typically one I read, the synopsis caught my eye so I decided to give it a try. The opening chapter quickly caught my attention and interest. As I was reading, I realized I needed to get to bed and found myself saying ‘just one more chapter’ more than once. Thankfully, the chapters are short, which I love. Joe Stanton wakes up one morning and starts searching for his daughter, Lorna Gwin. He starts to go crazy, running out of the hotel room and screaming on the street. Problem is, he never had a daughter. Other men have had this same hallucination and, as a result, died. Now Joe and his girlfriend, Ella, are doing everything they can so Joe doesn’t suffer the same fate. As I continued reading, I kept wondering who Lorna Gwin was. What was so significant about her that people kept repeating her name? As the answers unraveled I couldn’t put the book down. It’s unlike any other book I’ve read before. My emotions kept going from one extreme to the next. The story was well written and the characters beautifully described. Overall, this was a phenomenal book and I highly recommend it to anyone! I wish there was more!
May 13, 2014
The minute I opened this book I knew I was going to be drawn into a story filled with mystery and suspense. The action begins from page one and does not let up for even a second throughout, and this is a long book, so expect plenty of mayhem.
Although this was a fictional story, it combined a number of real issues and scientific studies. And it was this mix of science fiction/fantasy/reality that really brought this book to life. Of course, the plethora of amazingly defined and complex characters drove the story, as well as Bennett’s descriptive prose.
The phenomena detailed within this story were captivating – with many layers, a few surprises and a deeper meaning and message. Like a ticking time bomb, Joe and Ella have to figure out what is going on before the connection that started it all destroys him, as well as having to deal with the maniacal Beck and his henchmen.
This book was a thrill-a-second, fast-paced read that kept me one the edge of my seat. Each time I finished a chapter I told myself “just one more” but I could not stop. For a compelling read that puts a twist on many of the issues that are relevant today this is the book to grab.
Although this was a fictional story, it combined a number of real issues and scientific studies. And it was this mix of science fiction/fantasy/reality that really brought this book to life. Of course, the plethora of amazingly defined and complex characters drove the story, as well as Bennett’s descriptive prose.
The phenomena detailed within this story were captivating – with many layers, a few surprises and a deeper meaning and message. Like a ticking time bomb, Joe and Ella have to figure out what is going on before the connection that started it all destroys him, as well as having to deal with the maniacal Beck and his henchmen.
This book was a thrill-a-second, fast-paced read that kept me one the edge of my seat. Each time I finished a chapter I told myself “just one more” but I could not stop. For a compelling read that puts a twist on many of the issues that are relevant today this is the book to grab.
April 25, 2014
Im not much for Thrillers but this was one that definitely gripped me from the beginning! The first thing I like to comment on is how well/poor characters are written. Why read a book if you cant get in tune with the characters? Theres no point. I really cant go too in depth without giving away spoilers. So I'll keep this as short as possible. The characters were written extremely well. You feel like the characters are real and youre able to experience what they are going through. Definitely very believable! The plot of this book was certainly one I have not encountered before. There are so many twists and turns. Yes there are even some expected ones. But it leaves you asking questions. Hopefully we will be getting a second dose very soon!
August 23, 2014
What a surprisingly intriguing book, and well worth the read! A young priest suffering from bizarre hallucinations becomes entangled in a strange situation, which will take him on an incredible, mysterious and frightening journey. The book is very well paced, with clues being given at regular intervals, and making the story even more compulsive. I don't want to give away the plot so I won't say too much about it. The book deals with whales, and other sea creatures and land animals, and their communications, disrupted by human sonar mapping of the sea bed. It is a book that I could not put down! The ending leaves you stunned and breathless, wondering about this phenomenon and wanting to know more. Certainly gets you thinking. If you enjoy sci fi, this is a must read!
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