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The Exiled
Only those who change, survive.
Jacob Hughes never set out to be a criminal. But when tragedy shatters his life, his pursuit of vengeance lands him on Eremos, a brutal island where only savages prevail. Ruled by the ruthless Derro Council, exile to Eremos is a punishment worse than death—one Jacob must endure to confront his own demons.
Fighting for his life among the island’s feral inhabitants, Jacob forms an uneasy alliance with other exiles. Together, they hunt for Ostria, a rumored sanctuary offering hope from Eremos’s relentless anarchy. But with time running out and an unstoppable inferno threatening to destroy everything, Jacob must face not just the island’s dangers but the shadows of his own past. Can he escape the flames—and himself—or will vengeance consume him first?
Jacob Hughes never set out to be a criminal. But when tragedy shatters his life, his pursuit of vengeance lands him on Eremos, a brutal island where only savages prevail. Ruled by the ruthless Derro Council, exile to Eremos is a punishment worse than death—one Jacob must endure to confront his own demons.
Fighting for his life among the island’s feral inhabitants, Jacob forms an uneasy alliance with other exiles. Together, they hunt for Ostria, a rumored sanctuary offering hope from Eremos’s relentless anarchy. But with time running out and an unstoppable inferno threatening to destroy everything, Jacob must face not just the island’s dangers but the shadows of his own past. Can he escape the flames—and himself—or will vengeance consume him first?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2025
38 people are currently reading
1568 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Lowery
1 book17 followersJordan Lowery is an indie author living in Oregon with his wife and daughter. His debut novel is The Exiled. As a lifelong book and movie nerd, he is always in search of stories that challenge perspectives and inspire deep reflection, qualities he strives to bring to his own writing. When he can't carve out the time to write, he enjoys spending time with his family, lost in a good book, and listening to Twenty One Pilots on repeat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 26, 2025
“Welcome to life after death”
I’m genuinely gonna dare to say this book has rocketed to my top reads so far this year 💫
Jacob is one of the best written characters I’ve seen in a while plus this being a debut novel just makes no sense because how come you write something so refreshing, beautifully written and questioning one’s morality?
The only ‘but’ I’m gonna add here was that the ending may have felt a bit rushed making me get a bit lost with the outcome of the story.
I’m genuinely gonna dare to say this book has rocketed to my top reads so far this year 💫
Jacob is one of the best written characters I’ve seen in a while plus this being a debut novel just makes no sense because how come you write something so refreshing, beautifully written and questioning one’s morality?
The only ‘but’ I’m gonna add here was that the ending may have felt a bit rushed making me get a bit lost with the outcome of the story.
September 15, 2025
I got to know about the book from Instagram and some pages giving it wildly rave reviews. I divulged into it instantly, and let me tell you that the entire plot lacks a good narrative. Any sense of coherence is gibberish, main characters are weak, wallowing in self pity and the antagonist is droll, and there is no background as to who the villain is, why is he such, what compelled him to be exiled? The premise of a near dystopian technology based future where they exile criminals on islands filled with criminals could have been a banger.
The context could have been so much more fleshed out and had such a "Far Cry," appeal of being exiled on some dangerous island filled with sociopaths that I dived headfirst into this and came out smeared in shit.
Jacob, as the main character, does things, not even a teenager with an IQ of 10 would contemplate. His choices are one dimensional, just like the rest of the story arc. How on earth is this rated so high, is a better mystery than the one Jordan Lowery just piled on me. You are better off reading last decade's newspaper rather than this excuse of a storyline.
The context could have been so much more fleshed out and had such a "Far Cry," appeal of being exiled on some dangerous island filled with sociopaths that I dived headfirst into this and came out smeared in shit.
Jacob, as the main character, does things, not even a teenager with an IQ of 10 would contemplate. His choices are one dimensional, just like the rest of the story arc. How on earth is this rated so high, is a better mystery than the one Jordan Lowery just piled on me. You are better off reading last decade's newspaper rather than this excuse of a storyline.
July 4, 2025
Emotional not so distant Dystopian world with real characters, that don’t always know what decisions to make. The main character Jacob is living a seemingly ideal life until one event changes everything. Part murder mystery, part trying to survive exile on an island this novel has great action, surprises and high-stakes.
Watch out for a couple trigger warnings.
Watch out for a couple trigger warnings.
January 5, 2026
Overall, i enjoyed this! I was intrigued by the premise and the alternating time lines, loving the shadow of mystery behind why Jacob was exiled, seeing his grief, and also watching his growth. I liked the Easter eggs throughout the book about the other characters and their reason for exile as well. The pacing was occasionally off throughout the book, but even so i was able to be hooked and consumed. i thought the ending was a good arc for certain characters along with the potential to revisit this world.
November 15, 2025
This not so distant future dystopian book is ACTION PACKED!!! And I love books with dual timelines, and this one surely delivered! If you were a fan of Scythe and Lost, you have got to check this out.
Be sure to check out trigger warnings before reading!!
Be sure to check out trigger warnings before reading!!
November 17, 2025
I feel like I just ran a marathon. This is a perfect execution of a near-future dystopia, with a deeply satisfying story of grief, government control, revenge, justice, and survival. The social commentary was exquisite, without being overt, and the dual timelines were perfectly paced. It felt like I was watching an episodic TV drama each time a chapter ended, I felt a gutteral “AHHHH” whenever I had to switch back to the other timeline.
Plus, support local authors! Woo Oregon!
Plus, support local authors! Woo Oregon!
June 26, 2025
If you guys have never trusted my recommendations before, DO IT WITH THIS BOOK! I’ve never been so emotionally connected to characters in such a short amount of time, this book had my wife teary eyed less than 20% in.
It’s a near future “dystopian” novel where everyone has a chip in their brain that displays a social score, do good your score goes up, do bad and your scores goes down and limits your access to basic rights like owning a gun. Do criminal acts and instead of punished by death, all criminals are exiled to an island where they must change and adapt to survive
The book starts with our main character Jacob, having to jump out of the plane and head to the island as he has been exiled! The book alternates every chapter between his time on the island and the backstory on what lead him to being exiled!
Absolutely loved this book. 5 ⭐️
It’s a near future “dystopian” novel where everyone has a chip in their brain that displays a social score, do good your score goes up, do bad and your scores goes down and limits your access to basic rights like owning a gun. Do criminal acts and instead of punished by death, all criminals are exiled to an island where they must change and adapt to survive
The book starts with our main character Jacob, having to jump out of the plane and head to the island as he has been exiled! The book alternates every chapter between his time on the island and the backstory on what lead him to being exiled!
Absolutely loved this book. 5 ⭐️
October 3, 2025
Wowow. I have never connected to characters so quickly in story before. I was teary eyed within the first 20% and bawled in the end. What an amazing character arc. Such strong themes of redemption and forgiveness in a world that is actually quite a scary near future dystopian America. Another central theme is of the repercussions of gun violence and anarchy. The setting was also amazing. I was completely captivated in both timelines. I enjoyed this story so much and am shocked it is his debut!!
Bonus ⭐️: I chatted with the Author a bit before starting his book. Like me, he is a big Twenty One Pilots fan. It was extra fun to be on the look out for (and find) some Easter eggs from their songs.
10/10 experience!! Highly recommend!
Bonus ⭐️: I chatted with the Author a bit before starting his book. Like me, he is a big Twenty One Pilots fan. It was extra fun to be on the look out for (and find) some Easter eggs from their songs.
10/10 experience!! Highly recommend!
August 21, 2025
This book would be a 6 star if the app allowed it!! Jordan captured everything that reading is about in this novel. From start to finish this book absolutely captivated me. I DID NOT WANT TO PUT THIS DOWN!! The twists & turns in this book were ones I did not see coming however was so blown away when they happened. When that last word left my eyes & I shut that book a rush of sadness hit me as I did not want this story & journey to end. If you haven’t gotten a copy of this novel you don’t know what you’re missing! Jordan is an author that should be talked about more & his debut novel THE EXILED is one that will hang with the greats any day! Get this book & you’ll regret you didn’t get it sooner!
November 5, 2025
"Welcome to life after death."
Talk about action-packed! It isn't often that I read books from a MMC's perspective--and this one was refreshing. I loved the dual-timelines choreographed throughout the book, giving us backstory and present day story at the same time. Jacob is an easy character to like, although you witness him struggle with his inner demons incessantly. I found his inner monologues a bit repetitive, especially towards the end, when there's a whole lot of action happening all at once. A bit rushed in that regard, and I found myself struggling to pick the book back up and finish it. Glad I did though!
"Exile was a relentless cycle."
I loved the dystopian and speculative fiction elements of the book, as I could EASILY see Derro becoming a distant reality (unfortunately). I enjoyed the symbolism of the owl and seeing all aspects of gun culture/ownership on full display. Also, I give props for how awful, brutal, and wicked Daemion is written. It was fantastic.
“Survival isn’t a game, dearie. It’s about making tough choices.”
There was one scene with one of the thugs where AAV was used and I kind of wish there was more explanation to that choice (was he Black? It wasn’t addressed.)
Trigger warnings though, as gun violence, torture, and death are sprinkled throughout the entire book. The bigger question The Exiled examines is: do people kill people, or do guns kill people?
Talk about action-packed! It isn't often that I read books from a MMC's perspective--and this one was refreshing. I loved the dual-timelines choreographed throughout the book, giving us backstory and present day story at the same time. Jacob is an easy character to like, although you witness him struggle with his inner demons incessantly. I found his inner monologues a bit repetitive, especially towards the end, when there's a whole lot of action happening all at once. A bit rushed in that regard, and I found myself struggling to pick the book back up and finish it. Glad I did though!
"Exile was a relentless cycle."
I loved the dystopian and speculative fiction elements of the book, as I could EASILY see Derro becoming a distant reality (unfortunately). I enjoyed the symbolism of the owl and seeing all aspects of gun culture/ownership on full display. Also, I give props for how awful, brutal, and wicked Daemion is written. It was fantastic.
“Survival isn’t a game, dearie. It’s about making tough choices.”
There was one scene with one of the thugs where AAV was used and I kind of wish there was more explanation to that choice (was he Black? It wasn’t addressed.)
Trigger warnings though, as gun violence, torture, and death are sprinkled throughout the entire book. The bigger question The Exiled examines is: do people kill people, or do guns kill people?
January 23, 2026
The Exiled is an incredibly well-done, emotionally heavy read. Jacob’s character growth during his time on Eremose is the heart of this story, and the journey from who he was to who he becomes is both heartbreaking and powerful. The events leading up to his exile hit hard and make his fate feel earned rather than forced.
The author does an excellent job tying everything together, with no moment feeling wasted and every piece adding to the overall impact. A deeply compelling story about loss, growth, and survival that stayed with me long after I finished.
The author does an excellent job tying everything together, with no moment feeling wasted and every piece adding to the overall impact. A deeply compelling story about loss, growth, and survival that stayed with me long after I finished.
January 4, 2026
In The Exiled by Jordan Lowery we follow Jacob Hughes, a man who has been exiled to the island of Eremos. We follow the main character both in the present on the island and in the past, seeing what he is doing and the events that led to his exile. It is set in a very near future dystopia and the world building is well thought out with innovative technology that isn’t over the top yet still adds to the book. Overall I thought the story was enjoyable and entertaining to read. If anyone is interested in the premise even a little bit I would definitely recommend checking it out.
December 31, 2025
This book was all gas and NO breaks! I was engaged from the first to the last page and I wanted to keep picking up the book to figure out what was going to happen next!
I loved how we got 2 plots. One was the current timeline and one was the flashbacks. I absolutely loved how well that was executed. It added a good amount of tension and slowly revealed what we all wanted to know. Why our character got exiled!
Overall I’d recommend this to anyone looking to get back into reading. The pacing, the story, and the mystery kept me going back for more until I was done.
For a debut novel I have to give Jordan his flowers. Amazing work and I will continue to read anything he writes!
I loved how we got 2 plots. One was the current timeline and one was the flashbacks. I absolutely loved how well that was executed. It added a good amount of tension and slowly revealed what we all wanted to know. Why our character got exiled!
Overall I’d recommend this to anyone looking to get back into reading. The pacing, the story, and the mystery kept me going back for more until I was done.
For a debut novel I have to give Jordan his flowers. Amazing work and I will continue to read anything he writes!
April 25, 2025
The story follows Jacob Hughes’ quest for vengeance that lands him in exile on the island of Eremos. Here he must use all his wits to survive it's deadly inhabitants and uncover the truth of what really happened the night he lost everything.
I really enjoyed the way this story was a split timeline that converged together towards the end.
Well written with interesting Sci-fi elements, this story pulled me in from the start. Would recommend.
I really enjoyed the way this story was a split timeline that converged together towards the end.
Well written with interesting Sci-fi elements, this story pulled me in from the start. Would recommend.
June 20, 2025
I was recommended this by a random Tiktok and I couldn't be happier with it.
Really great read with great pace and central themes. The format of the book being one chapter of the main story then one chapter a year prior i wasn’tsure about at first, but both sides kept me really intrigued and I'm excited to see where this author goes next.
Really great read with great pace and central themes. The format of the book being one chapter of the main story then one chapter a year prior i wasn’tsure about at first, but both sides kept me really intrigued and I'm excited to see where this author goes next.
January 28, 2026
I went into this book completely blind, and wanted to read it because I thought the cover looked cool, and I have to say I was blown away at just how good this book was! And for his debut novel Jordan Lowery came out swinging!
The book takes place in a dystopian world where criminals are exiled to islands, never to return to society. Our story follows Jacob in a split time line. Present day where we follow him on eremos one of the mostly deadly islands to be exiled on, and flash backs to the past, and the events that lead to his exile.
I really enjoyed the world building, I loved seeing the futuristic side as well as everything on the island. The book does a really good job painting the picture, with vivid and detailed descriptions.
I loved our characters, especially our main character Jacob. Seeing where he started at to how he ends up exiled was absolutely fantastic. That said I do wish we got a little more depth with our side characters. Mainly those he’s with on the island.
I think the antagonist of the story is really great. Diamien was just the right amount of mad and crazy that brought a lot of tension to the story. Everytime he was in a scene I honestly had no idea what to expect.
The exiled was a fantastic book, I highly recommend giving it a read, one of my favorite books of 2026 thus far!
The book takes place in a dystopian world where criminals are exiled to islands, never to return to society. Our story follows Jacob in a split time line. Present day where we follow him on eremos one of the mostly deadly islands to be exiled on, and flash backs to the past, and the events that lead to his exile.
I really enjoyed the world building, I loved seeing the futuristic side as well as everything on the island. The book does a really good job painting the picture, with vivid and detailed descriptions.
I loved our characters, especially our main character Jacob. Seeing where he started at to how he ends up exiled was absolutely fantastic. That said I do wish we got a little more depth with our side characters. Mainly those he’s with on the island.
I think the antagonist of the story is really great. Diamien was just the right amount of mad and crazy that brought a lot of tension to the story. Everytime he was in a scene I honestly had no idea what to expect.
The exiled was a fantastic book, I highly recommend giving it a read, one of my favorite books of 2026 thus far!
February 6, 2026
The Exiled is a sensational debut by author Jordan Lowery. Part crime novel, part dystopian, part sci-fi, part survival adventure, this book soars high and then lands the plane.
At its surface, The Exiled has a fast-moving plot that will get your pages turning, but I also enjoyed the world Lowery built outside of the main plot lines, all the politics and corruption that lie just below this society's surface. The idea of a No-Go Zone (established and exploited by the same government body) is terribly devious, yet so totally plausible. And the Aux (AI implants in everyone's brains) at this point feels like an unavoidable future.
I know this is a one-off novel, but I think there's more to explore here if Lowery ever wants to return to this world. Either way, I can't wait to read whatever Lowery publishes next.
At its surface, The Exiled has a fast-moving plot that will get your pages turning, but I also enjoyed the world Lowery built outside of the main plot lines, all the politics and corruption that lie just below this society's surface. The idea of a No-Go Zone (established and exploited by the same government body) is terribly devious, yet so totally plausible. And the Aux (AI implants in everyone's brains) at this point feels like an unavoidable future.
I know this is a one-off novel, but I think there's more to explore here if Lowery ever wants to return to this world. Either way, I can't wait to read whatever Lowery publishes next.
February 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dystopian Sci-fi thriller anyone!? This is literally an all gas no breaks, fast paced, mind blowing good time! Well, you may cry a little too.
It takes place in a post-anarchy futuristic high-tech world, where people are given social scores based on lifestyle and behavior. The lower your social score, the less access you have to basic rights- like owning a gun. Forget being sent to a prison with a bed and 3 square meals for your crimes; in this world criminals are exiled to a remote island- left to survive on their own.
The Exiled is single POV/dual timeline that follows Jacob through his exile and the events that lead up to it. It’s heart breaking, mind blowing, shocking, intriguing, and keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time!!
Highly highly recommend!! Go follow @jordan.lowery8 on Instagram and check out this book! 🙌🏼
It takes place in a post-anarchy futuristic high-tech world, where people are given social scores based on lifestyle and behavior. The lower your social score, the less access you have to basic rights- like owning a gun. Forget being sent to a prison with a bed and 3 square meals for your crimes; in this world criminals are exiled to a remote island- left to survive on their own.
The Exiled is single POV/dual timeline that follows Jacob through his exile and the events that lead up to it. It’s heart breaking, mind blowing, shocking, intriguing, and keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time!!
Highly highly recommend!! Go follow @jordan.lowery8 on Instagram and check out this book! 🙌🏼
February 7, 2026
This book was a great introduction to Jordan Lowrey’s creativity and writing style. From the first page this was a unique read that felt like I was watching an adaptation. The MC goes through some devistating obstacles in life and shows how a human is capable of becoming whatever is needed in order to survive. Highly recommend! 4.5 stars.
January 21, 2026
Set in a dystopian future where citizens have a social score that governs not only their standing in society but also what they can and cannot do which forces many with low scores into a life of crime. Everyone is fixed with an AI chip soon after birth that not only helps them through their day to day but monitors everything they do. When criminals are found guilty of violent actions instead of being imprisoned or executed they are exiled to an island called Eremos.
After a tragic accident sends his life into a spiral, Jacob finds himself sentenced to exile along with a plane full of fellow criminals. On Eremos, they must fight to survive and choose who to trust.
I loved the alternating timeline between past and present. It really kept you wanting to read one more chapter as well as try to figure out what was going on.
Being on an island of exiled criminals you would think there would be no one to root for but the character work really shows that people are not just their bad actions, everyone is multi layered and flawed.
I had a hard time trying to keep myself from flying through the book and it kept me intrigued the whole time. This is not a book that suffers from slower pacing. I will say my only picky challenge is the last 15% of the book seemed to fly by so quickly as everything escalated and I wish we would have been able to sit with some of the events before it snowballed into more. However, it didn’t ruin the experience, still loved it.
After a tragic accident sends his life into a spiral, Jacob finds himself sentenced to exile along with a plane full of fellow criminals. On Eremos, they must fight to survive and choose who to trust.
I loved the alternating timeline between past and present. It really kept you wanting to read one more chapter as well as try to figure out what was going on.
Being on an island of exiled criminals you would think there would be no one to root for but the character work really shows that people are not just their bad actions, everyone is multi layered and flawed.
I had a hard time trying to keep myself from flying through the book and it kept me intrigued the whole time. This is not a book that suffers from slower pacing. I will say my only picky challenge is the last 15% of the book seemed to fly by so quickly as everything escalated and I wish we would have been able to sit with some of the events before it snowballed into more. However, it didn’t ruin the experience, still loved it.
December 29, 2025
Saw this book on TikTok and noticed it had pretty good reviews so I gave it a go. I wish I wouldn’t have.
Very poorly written dialogue and the story was just all over the place.
The author is also very wordy and repetitive. So much filler in a 370 page book. Did anyone even edit this book prior to publishing? It doesn’t feel like it.
Boring and badly written. I’d read something else if I were you.
Very poorly written dialogue and the story was just all over the place.
The author is also very wordy and repetitive. So much filler in a 370 page book. Did anyone even edit this book prior to publishing? It doesn’t feel like it.
Boring and badly written. I’d read something else if I were you.
January 15, 2026
I really enjoyed “The Exiled” - so much that I read it in two sittings. The world the author created was easy to invision and I could see this being made into a movie no problem. I appreciated the jump between past and present in the storytelling and am still thinking about the book and its themes days after I finished it, which is not often the case. Definitely glad I read it and will be sharing my copy with friends for years to come. Look forward to seeing future stories from Jordan!
January 17, 2026
wow
I absolutely loved this. I was sucked in from the start. This was such a heartbreaking wild ride. Definitely read this!
I absolutely loved this. I was sucked in from the start. This was such a heartbreaking wild ride. Definitely read this!
January 7, 2026
The Exiled is an incredible way to kick off a debut novel—Jordan Lowry absolutely crushed it. The pacing is fast, the stakes are high, and the characters are genuinely lovable and easy to become attached to. I felt immediately drawn to the main character, especially as a husband; his emotional arc felt painfully relatable.
This book caused my first tears shed while reading as an adult—and that alone says a lot.
At its core, The Exiled explores themes of revenge and anger as false sources of power in situations we can’t control. Rage and vengeance feel like what keep us alive, what give us purpose, but without spoilers, the story ultimately shows that acceptance is what truly teaches us what it means to live—even when the weight of your reality feels unbearable.
Imagine being cast off to an island for your crimes, forced to live among other criminals for the rest of your life, where survival is the only law. What would you do to survive?
This book caused my first tears shed while reading as an adult—and that alone says a lot.
At its core, The Exiled explores themes of revenge and anger as false sources of power in situations we can’t control. Rage and vengeance feel like what keep us alive, what give us purpose, but without spoilers, the story ultimately shows that acceptance is what truly teaches us what it means to live—even when the weight of your reality feels unbearable.
Imagine being cast off to an island for your crimes, forced to live among other criminals for the rest of your life, where survival is the only law. What would you do to survive?
October 13, 2025
I feel like with another round of editing, this could easily be a 5 star read! The dialogue between characters was a bit stiff and formal at times and the *slightly?* futuristic elements of a world after the fall of the US could have been more consistent, BUT the story was GREAT and overall a great read. I love dual timelines where you gradually get to piece things together and i feel as though Jordan did that really well. a great debut novel!!
May 27, 2025
"The Exiled" by Jordan Lowery left me absolutely speechless, in the best way possible. It’s easily one of the most powerful and memorable novels I’ve ever read.
Set in a chillingly believable future, the story centers on Jacob, a gun store owner navigating life under a brutal new regime that has taken over the United States. In this dystopia, lawbreakers aren’t jailed but instead exiled to remote islands, cut off from the rest of society. The premise alone is gripping, but what truly sets this book apart is its emotional depth and realism.
Jacob is a masterfully written protagonist. His grit, fears, resilience, and moments of vulnerability make him feel like someone you can’t help rooting for from the very first page. The supporting characters are just as nuanced, each adding richness to the story with their own arcs and motivations.
Lowery’s world-building is nothing short of stunning. He crafts a future that feels terrifyingly plausible, with strict laws, ever-present danger, and a constant sense of tension. The pacing strikes a perfect balance—there’s action, suspense, and thought-provoking reflection, all seamlessly woven together.
This is dystopian fiction at its finest. The Exiled is a raw, riveting, and unforgettable read with characters that stay with you long after the final page. If you're a fan of high-stakes plots paired with deeply human storytelling, this book is a must-read.
Five stars, without hesitation. I’ve already started recommending it to everyone I know.
Set in a chillingly believable future, the story centers on Jacob, a gun store owner navigating life under a brutal new regime that has taken over the United States. In this dystopia, lawbreakers aren’t jailed but instead exiled to remote islands, cut off from the rest of society. The premise alone is gripping, but what truly sets this book apart is its emotional depth and realism.
Jacob is a masterfully written protagonist. His grit, fears, resilience, and moments of vulnerability make him feel like someone you can’t help rooting for from the very first page. The supporting characters are just as nuanced, each adding richness to the story with their own arcs and motivations.
Lowery’s world-building is nothing short of stunning. He crafts a future that feels terrifyingly plausible, with strict laws, ever-present danger, and a constant sense of tension. The pacing strikes a perfect balance—there’s action, suspense, and thought-provoking reflection, all seamlessly woven together.
This is dystopian fiction at its finest. The Exiled is a raw, riveting, and unforgettable read with characters that stay with you long after the final page. If you're a fan of high-stakes plots paired with deeply human storytelling, this book is a must-read.
Five stars, without hesitation. I’ve already started recommending it to everyone I know.
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December 29, 2025This book is SO good! It took me on an emotional roller coaster and had multiple twists I never expected. The author did a phenomenal job with his use of literary devices to make the story hit home even more. I wish I could give more than 5 stars.
July 21, 2025
A fantastic read, perfect pacing that tears at your heart. I loved trying to put pieces together. Would recommend 100%
November 7, 2025
The Exiled by Jordan Lowery perfectly demonstrates what the United States would look like should democracy fail and anarchy ensue – and the state of the nation when a mysterious “Council” emerges to save its citizens. With how our world is currently advancing, it was both terrifying and intriguing to see a fictional world that relies heavily on advanced AI chips in our brains (since birth!), social scores that can advance or inhibit your life, and the never-ending political factions and attempts at revolution.
While it aims to be dystopian, I fear that the world of The Exiled could be reality in a hundred or so years. The world-building here is stunning and plausible, which makes it all the more exciting to read. The descriptions are vivid, detailed, and immersive – I felt myself in Jacob’s shoes, and it allowed me to have more sympathy for him.
This book allows for two plots (one in the present and the other a year before “exile”) to show us how our protagonist, Jacob Hughes, a seemingly moral and upstanding citizen, ended up being exiled by his government for what must have been an egregious crime. While it doesn’t explicitly reveal what Jacob did until the end, you don’t really have to guess – extreme grief and a system that works against you is bound to drive anyone to do irrational things. When it comes time to see Jacob commit his crime, it is completely expected, and somehow, you can’t help but root for him. Jacob’s interactions with the other characters easily showcase the motivations of all involved, but I would have liked to see more natural dialogue to make said interactions feel more authentic.
When he is finally exiled, we see the island Jacob ends up on is very reminiscent of Lord of the Flies and even The Most Dangerous Game… anarchy ultimately rules in combination with struggles for power, cannibalism, revenge, newfound friendship, and, of course survival. What else can be expected on an island full of polite society’s undesirables?
I will say that the ending threw me, but (without ruining it), it made sense. Readers who enjoy near-future science fiction, political thrillers, survival stories, and technology-driven dystopia will enjoy The Exiled by Jordan Lowery.
While it aims to be dystopian, I fear that the world of The Exiled could be reality in a hundred or so years. The world-building here is stunning and plausible, which makes it all the more exciting to read. The descriptions are vivid, detailed, and immersive – I felt myself in Jacob’s shoes, and it allowed me to have more sympathy for him.
This book allows for two plots (one in the present and the other a year before “exile”) to show us how our protagonist, Jacob Hughes, a seemingly moral and upstanding citizen, ended up being exiled by his government for what must have been an egregious crime. While it doesn’t explicitly reveal what Jacob did until the end, you don’t really have to guess – extreme grief and a system that works against you is bound to drive anyone to do irrational things. When it comes time to see Jacob commit his crime, it is completely expected, and somehow, you can’t help but root for him. Jacob’s interactions with the other characters easily showcase the motivations of all involved, but I would have liked to see more natural dialogue to make said interactions feel more authentic.
When he is finally exiled, we see the island Jacob ends up on is very reminiscent of Lord of the Flies and even The Most Dangerous Game… anarchy ultimately rules in combination with struggles for power, cannibalism, revenge, newfound friendship, and, of course survival. What else can be expected on an island full of polite society’s undesirables?
I will say that the ending threw me, but (without ruining it), it made sense. Readers who enjoy near-future science fiction, political thrillers, survival stories, and technology-driven dystopia will enjoy The Exiled by Jordan Lowery.
June 4, 2025
After the opening pages, this book really pulls none of it's punches when it comes to tragedy and suffering. Jacob Hughes, our main character, seems to have a fairly idyllic life until circumstances leave him craving vengeance and wanting to take justice into his own hands.
However, the chapters are staggered between the past and present, so you get pieces of the past events which lead Jacob to his present condition of being exiled to a prison island where the struggle to survive is even more real. Many of the other inhabitants of the island have gone feral and chaos runs rampant, however, Jacob does find a few he feels he may be able to trust, and he starts hatching a plan.
I really enjoy this book focuses on a future which has (scary) potential to become real. With the discussion of the government and powers shifting across the United States to the levels of anarchy which start to threaten even the most quiet of neighborhoods. I feel this story is well-crafted and the author has also created characters which are flawed, real, and multifaceted.
I probably didn't enjoy the level of focus which was placed on firearms but I understand it from the perspective of the book. I'm really glad I got to dive into this "law-less" book with great action, tension, and danger around every corner.
However, the chapters are staggered between the past and present, so you get pieces of the past events which lead Jacob to his present condition of being exiled to a prison island where the struggle to survive is even more real. Many of the other inhabitants of the island have gone feral and chaos runs rampant, however, Jacob does find a few he feels he may be able to trust, and he starts hatching a plan.
I really enjoy this book focuses on a future which has (scary) potential to become real. With the discussion of the government and powers shifting across the United States to the levels of anarchy which start to threaten even the most quiet of neighborhoods. I feel this story is well-crafted and the author has also created characters which are flawed, real, and multifaceted.
I probably didn't enjoy the level of focus which was placed on firearms but I understand it from the perspective of the book. I'm really glad I got to dive into this "law-less" book with great action, tension, and danger around every corner.
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