The Exiled

by Jordan Lowery

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?

Genres: Fiction, Horror, Survival, Fantasy

378 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

Jordan 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.

Reviews

[Marina ☀️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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.

[Rovin · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[My Dark Romantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[kassbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jordy Rousse · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!

[Joe Liebersbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Montana · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Colton Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 ⭐️

[Chase Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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?

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Matt Amos · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Houston SkyWalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jacob Peterson · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Suzie Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!

[Christopher Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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.

[Leksi Massey]

This 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.

[Wyatt Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read, perfect pacing that tears at your heart. I loved trying to put pieces together. Would recommend 100%

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rachael Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Devin Imbat · Rating 5 out of 5]

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?

[Lychee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like the premise of this book is a lot more interesting than the execution. This book was written like a sandwich, except the bread part is like imperfect toasted brioche buns, and then the middle of the sandwich was a wilted piece of lettuce and a slice of tomato. Not joking, the middle part is just him moping around (as one would expect) in the flashback and then a boring journey. Neither parts were elevated. But the beginning and the end were the actually interesting parts of the book.

All in all, good debut novel, and wouldn't ask for anything more in one. Idk if I could recommend this in good faith, but I'm sure there's an audience for this

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read! I liked the alternating chapters that took place in the present and past that slowly came together toward the end



SPOILERS HERE


The last 100 pages I was speeding through, I was so hooked! I'm just not sure how I feel about the epilogue. I suppose the point of a dystopian book, is it's going to be, well, a dystopian book. But it just sorta ended with no clue how the future of the world (or the island) is going to be. Jacob's arc has a conclusion which I really liked. It makes me hope the author may write something else in this world just so we can see if any changes to society might happen.

But overall, I really enjoyed reading this

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

⁂ARC Review⁂

This dystopian debut shows immense promise with its gripping premise: a brutal island where exiles are sent to die. Lowery creates a compelling protagonist in Jacob Hughes, whose quest for vengeance drives the heart of the story. The world-building is imaginative, and the tension is high throughout much of the novel. However, it is held back by supporting characters who lack depth and a somewhat rushed finale that doesn't feel entirely earned. An enjoyable, but not perfect, read.

[Nicole Carlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super enjoyable and unique story. It definitely was gut wrenching at parts and gave me some John Wick vibes while being a completely different storyline. The ending was great and felt inevitable. We get to see a near future dystopian America that has an emphasis on government control and surveillance as well as gun laws and flaws in the prison system. The surface level story was just overall a really fun read and I think this would actually be a really cool show adaptation.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Ian McCrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received an advanced readers copy from the author) It was a very solid debut book and I really enjoyed reading it! The author does a great job switching between different time periods to really bring flashbacks to life as the story unfolds. Would definitely recommend this book to friends and have already placed my pre-order to make sure the published copy is in my library!

[Megan Valish · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a book hooks you in from the very beginning, you know it’s special. This is easily one of those books. It’s reminiscent to the show Lost - makes you want to reread it over again to catch those little Easter eggs you didn’t pick up the first time through. Truly an impressive novel for this up and coming author. Can’t wait to read what he does next.

[Jake Hoelzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. From the start, this story caught me. In the end, the range of emotions felt should be studied. Jordans writing structure and style are a refreshing. This was an extremely polished debut novel. Definitely in my top 5 favorite books. I will recommend to everyone. Auto-buy author FOR SURE.