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The Rising Dawn Saga #1
The Exodus Gate
The Exodus Gate, by Stephen Zimmer, is a modern fantasy novel that is the first release in the Rising Dawn Saga. The story unfolds around Benedict Darwin, host of a popular late night radio show that deals with the paranormal. Benedict comes into possession of a virtual reality simulator that turns out to be something far greater and more powerful than he ever expected. Meanwhile, supernatural powers from the depths of the Abyss and their human allies are working tirelessly to bring about a One World Government. They are also laboring to bridge the boundaries between time and space to bring back the Nephilim, the monstrous offspring of Fallen Avatars and humans that were destroyed in a Great Flood that occurred long ages ago. An epic tale of courage, hope, and adventure, with fantastical realms and exotic creatures, The Exodus Gate is sure to appeal to a wide range of fantasy readers. The first edition also feature 15 full page illustrations by the artist Matthew Perry.
576 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2009
12 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Zimmer
83 books96 followers Stephen Zimmer is an award-winning author, filmmaker, and publisher of Seventh Star Press who resides in Lexington, Ky with his beloved and an office manager named Dubious the Cat. His literary work includes the epic fantasy Fires in Eden Series, the cross-genre Rising Dawn Saga, the sword and sorcery Rayden Valkyrie Tales, the horror genre Hellscapes short story collections, the cross-genre dystopian Faraway Saga series, and the steampunk Harvey and Solomon tales along with his new novellas featuring Rayden Valkyrie and Ragnar Stormbringer.
His movie credits include short films such as Swordbearer and The Sirens, and the feature Shadows Light. Forthcoming is Rayden Valkyrie: Saga of a Lionheart, a TV pilot project.
Visit Stephen online via his website at http://www.stephenzimmer.com
on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/stephenzimmer7
or twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/sgzimmer
His movie credits include short films such as Swordbearer and The Sirens, and the feature Shadows Light. Forthcoming is Rayden Valkyrie: Saga of a Lionheart, a TV pilot project.
Visit Stephen online via his website at http://www.stephenzimmer.com
on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/stephenzimmer7
or twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/sgzimmer
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 22, 2013
The Exodus Gate is an urban fantasy and I have to say that I really enjoyed the story. Mr. Zimmer uses a formal language style that I found refreshing and interesting. The main characters have access to what they believe is a cool Virtual Reality game which takes them to a world before the Great Flood . . . Noah’s world. There they meet a race of wolf people who are like nothing they have ever encountered before. This is just the beginning. Evil forces have big plans and that is where the story really gets interesting. I loved the characters. I spent a good deal of my reading time wondering what was going to happen next. I stayed interested in what the characters were doing and where they were going. This was a good read and I would recommend that you check it out. I am looking forward to the second book in the series. Mr. Zimmer also has a trilogy that is more a traditional fantasy genre, if that is what you love. Please take a moment and give his books a try!
March 29, 2012
Excellent setup for what surely will be a very epic scale series. Zimmer really makes you care about the characters in this alternate world, as well as the struggles they face in the battle between the forces of good and evil. Furthermore, he does a great job of creating different races of beings on both sides of the arena. I, for one, really enjoyed the sections devoted to the An-Ki and their continuing involvement in the scheme of things. Can't wait to dive into the next one, to see where it takes me.
July 27, 2013
Un-like any other book that I have read, this book took me a little bit to actually get deep in to it. And on that note... I AM SO GLAD I KEPT READING!!
Author Stephen Zimmer writes to the point where there is no doubt what the place, characters, story is all about. The detail with in the pages of this unique amazing book is so vivid you feel....
To read more of my review:
Breath of Life
Author Stephen Zimmer writes to the point where there is no doubt what the place, characters, story is all about. The detail with in the pages of this unique amazing book is so vivid you feel....
To read more of my review:
Breath of Life
July 13, 2016
This has been one of my favorite books to date. The intricate plot and plot twists held my attention span (a difficult task) from beginning to end. I feel as if I've begun an adventure with a whole cast of characters and cannot wait to see where the next book takes them. As an author, I feel inspired by this work. Zimmer does an amazing job in this book, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone that reads the fantasy genre.
February 23, 2011
I loved this book. I love modern fantasy stories. It was a pretty in depth story but Stephen Zimmer did an amazing job of weaving the tell with the right amount of detail and back story as well as the plot progressing. It was the right balance of fantasy, myth, supernatural and contemporary themes.
April 26, 2011
Exodus Gate was truly a joy to read. I am definitely one of those who could not put this book down. This book is a very interesting mix of Science Fiction and Fantasy set in the end times(religion) that draws parallels of current and past events in our time.
Also if you are a regular listener of Coast to Coast AM and enjoy this genre you owe it to yourself to read this book!
Also if you are a regular listener of Coast to Coast AM and enjoy this genre you owe it to yourself to read this book!
July 28, 2015
I really enjoyed The Exodus Gate, it was a good blend of fantasy and sci-fi. It started slowly but as it gets into the story the more enjoyable it is. The writer has a knack for creating characters that I cared about and could relate to. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of the genre and anyone looking for a good long book.
January 21, 2016
Urban fantasy that weaves a dense and rich mythos of nothing less than the battle between cosmic good and evil. It's a long book, and sometimes the pace is slow, but everything contributes to the world building. I liked it well enough to seek out the second book in the series.
February 22, 2017
I wont include spoilers. This is a epic tale of cross genre mixed with apocalyptic attributes. The writing itself is not set to be a fast read through, it is written to really make you think about our parallel world and current state of affairs. The creatures Mr. Zimmer has came up with for this book are fantastical to say the least, they mix supernatural elements with mythological. If you like a book that holds your attention and crosses genres than this is for you, enjoy.
August 6, 2016
The Exodus Gate, by Stephen Zimmer, is a modern fantasy novel that is the first release in the Rising Dawn Saga. The story unfolds around Benedict Darwin, host of a popular late night radio show that deals with the paranormal. Benedict comes into possession of a virtual reality simulator that turns out to be something far greater and more powerful than he ever expected. Meanwhile, supernatural powers from the depths of the Abyss and their human allies are working tirelessly to bring about a One World Government. They are also laboring to bridge the boundaries between time and space to bring back the Nephilim, the monstrous offspring of Fallen Avatars and humans that were destroyed in a Great Flood that occurred long ages ago. An epic tale of courage, hope, and adventure, with fantastical realms and exotic creatures, The Exodus Gate is sure to appeal to a wide range of fantasy readers. The first edition also features 15 full page illustrations by the artist Matthew Perry.
Review:
The Exodus Gate By: Stephen Zimmer
One thing that is important for all to know, this is not the genre I read frequently. That is why it took me a lot longer than it normally takes me to read a book. It is by no means a reflection of the quality or readability of the book. I will read this author again and again because the story really is that good.
The initial chapter titled “The Abyss” introduces you to some characters that made me pause in my reading. I was concerned that the entire book was going to be like it.
Excerpt:
Auras of shrouding blackness encompassed the forms of the towering figures, standing with heads bowed reverently in the midst of the vast, featureless expanse of ebon murk. Girded against light, their appearances were composed of uncountable small flames that never ceased to burn with a dynamic intensity. The Proud Sigils that they often displayed to herald themselves elsewhere in the nether regions had no place at this momentous instance, and they were universally absent among the mighty throng.
The darkness in this initial passage was initially off putting, but once I picked up the book and continued reading I was lost in this world. Time raced by like the wolf creatures depicted later.
Thanks to a virtual reality device, Benedict’s world and the supernatural are about to collide. What is going to happen? We have to ask the writer because this is just Book One.
One of my favorite things in this epic novel is how the author mixes social and political commentary with his supernatural world. Benedict lives in a world where “big brother” is on every corner. He brings a bit of reality to this wonderfully fantastic story.
Excerpt:
He gave a momentary glance up at the camera eye that peered impassively down at him from the top of a nearby street-light. Like the others ubiquitously placed around the city, it was networked with the increasingly invasive Citizen Safety Department. Most people have come to ignore them to the degree that they deftly sank into the fabric of normal life. Benedict never ceased to consciously take note of the monitoring implements. Snickering, he found himself wishing that the wind would blow the intrusive surveillance device right off the light and dash it to the asphalt.
The author has a very distinct, strong voice. His characters resonate with individual personality and emotion. I feel the passion he has put into every single word. Stephen Zimmer takes world building and character development seriously. If you love unique worlds, fascinating creatures and characters, and if you are passionate for epic fantasy novels, you are sure to fall in love with the worlds in The Exodus Gate.
One final thought: I can not forget the artist who created the unique fantasy illustrations and the cover as well, Mathew Perry. They are fitting for the voice of Stephen Zimmer. Kudos to Mr. Perry .
Without further ado… The Exodus Gate receives 5 of 5 stars for this Fantastic book
Another 5 of 5 stars goes to the Artist Matthew Perry for his Illustrations.
http://alexxmomcatgatewaybookblog.blo...
Review:
The Exodus Gate By: Stephen Zimmer
One thing that is important for all to know, this is not the genre I read frequently. That is why it took me a lot longer than it normally takes me to read a book. It is by no means a reflection of the quality or readability of the book. I will read this author again and again because the story really is that good.
The initial chapter titled “The Abyss” introduces you to some characters that made me pause in my reading. I was concerned that the entire book was going to be like it.
Excerpt:
Auras of shrouding blackness encompassed the forms of the towering figures, standing with heads bowed reverently in the midst of the vast, featureless expanse of ebon murk. Girded against light, their appearances were composed of uncountable small flames that never ceased to burn with a dynamic intensity. The Proud Sigils that they often displayed to herald themselves elsewhere in the nether regions had no place at this momentous instance, and they were universally absent among the mighty throng.
The darkness in this initial passage was initially off putting, but once I picked up the book and continued reading I was lost in this world. Time raced by like the wolf creatures depicted later.
Thanks to a virtual reality device, Benedict’s world and the supernatural are about to collide. What is going to happen? We have to ask the writer because this is just Book One.
One of my favorite things in this epic novel is how the author mixes social and political commentary with his supernatural world. Benedict lives in a world where “big brother” is on every corner. He brings a bit of reality to this wonderfully fantastic story.
Excerpt:
He gave a momentary glance up at the camera eye that peered impassively down at him from the top of a nearby street-light. Like the others ubiquitously placed around the city, it was networked with the increasingly invasive Citizen Safety Department. Most people have come to ignore them to the degree that they deftly sank into the fabric of normal life. Benedict never ceased to consciously take note of the monitoring implements. Snickering, he found himself wishing that the wind would blow the intrusive surveillance device right off the light and dash it to the asphalt.
The author has a very distinct, strong voice. His characters resonate with individual personality and emotion. I feel the passion he has put into every single word. Stephen Zimmer takes world building and character development seriously. If you love unique worlds, fascinating creatures and characters, and if you are passionate for epic fantasy novels, you are sure to fall in love with the worlds in The Exodus Gate.
One final thought: I can not forget the artist who created the unique fantasy illustrations and the cover as well, Mathew Perry. They are fitting for the voice of Stephen Zimmer. Kudos to Mr. Perry .
Without further ado… The Exodus Gate receives 5 of 5 stars for this Fantastic book
Another 5 of 5 stars goes to the Artist Matthew Perry for his Illustrations.
http://alexxmomcatgatewaybookblog.blo...
July 28, 2015
Review taken from my blog, The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia
First Sentence:
"Auras of shrouding blackness encompassed the forms of the towering figures, standing with heads bowed reverently in the midst of the vast, featureless expanse of ebon murk"
The Exodus Gate has taken me some time to finish reading and not because it wasn't good or anything bad like that, but mainly because there's just so much going on in the book that it had to be read over many days so that I could fully absorb the complete story.
I'll let you know now that The Exodus Gate is set in an parallel/alternate reality, but one pretty similar to our own....then again completely different in so many ways. That being said, the world that Stephen Zimmer created was both fascinating and eerily creepy in the similarities that one could find between their world and our own.
What makes The Exodus Gate such a unique reads is the various viewpoints that the story is told from and that the bases of the story is also set in two very different time lines, as well as how they all converge to make one completely absorbing read.
One of the things that really helped bring The Exodus Gate to life were the illustrations. I liked them because it made it easier to get into the story with a visual depiction of some of the nightmarish characters that plagued the pre-flood (yes, that flood) age that was mentioned in the book.
Since there are a multitude of characters that the story follows, I think I'll just give my thoughts on the two main ones, Benedict and Arianna.
What I liked most about Benedict's character was how when the time came for him to make a pivotal decision, one that would change his life forever and that wasn't going to lead him down an easy path, he stuck with it. I also liked that he was slightly quirky, host of late night radio show about the paranormal in all. I thought that his eccentricities probably helped him accept the unbelievable.
As for Arianna, Benedict's niece, I like her because she was a well rounded character with a pretty straight forward personality. As with Benedict I enjoyed reading about her as she struggled to make peace with the choice that she was asked to make for the greater good. This might sound weird, but I liked how she knew she did the right thing but still had to deal with the highs and lows of how things were now.
Easily my favorite thing about The Exodus Gate would have to be Stephen Zimmer's writing, especially in the first chapter, because he just had a way with describing everything with such detail (but not so much that you’re like, gah, get on with it already) that pulls you right into the setting of the book.
The one thing I didn't much care for in The Exodus Gate was that there were a couple of spots where the story seemed to lag in the progress department and it felt like it wasn't moving forward much. Even with that one set back (and a lack of reading time) in my reading of The Exodus Gate I really enjoyed what the author put forth in his book.
Final Verdict: The Exodus Gate an excellent book to be savoured.
The Exodus Gate earns 4.5 out of 5 pineapples.
First Sentence:
"Auras of shrouding blackness encompassed the forms of the towering figures, standing with heads bowed reverently in the midst of the vast, featureless expanse of ebon murk"
The Exodus Gate has taken me some time to finish reading and not because it wasn't good or anything bad like that, but mainly because there's just so much going on in the book that it had to be read over many days so that I could fully absorb the complete story.
I'll let you know now that The Exodus Gate is set in an parallel/alternate reality, but one pretty similar to our own....then again completely different in so many ways. That being said, the world that Stephen Zimmer created was both fascinating and eerily creepy in the similarities that one could find between their world and our own.
What makes The Exodus Gate such a unique reads is the various viewpoints that the story is told from and that the bases of the story is also set in two very different time lines, as well as how they all converge to make one completely absorbing read.
One of the things that really helped bring The Exodus Gate to life were the illustrations. I liked them because it made it easier to get into the story with a visual depiction of some of the nightmarish characters that plagued the pre-flood (yes, that flood) age that was mentioned in the book.
Since there are a multitude of characters that the story follows, I think I'll just give my thoughts on the two main ones, Benedict and Arianna.
What I liked most about Benedict's character was how when the time came for him to make a pivotal decision, one that would change his life forever and that wasn't going to lead him down an easy path, he stuck with it. I also liked that he was slightly quirky, host of late night radio show about the paranormal in all. I thought that his eccentricities probably helped him accept the unbelievable.
As for Arianna, Benedict's niece, I like her because she was a well rounded character with a pretty straight forward personality. As with Benedict I enjoyed reading about her as she struggled to make peace with the choice that she was asked to make for the greater good. This might sound weird, but I liked how she knew she did the right thing but still had to deal with the highs and lows of how things were now.
Easily my favorite thing about The Exodus Gate would have to be Stephen Zimmer's writing, especially in the first chapter, because he just had a way with describing everything with such detail (but not so much that you’re like, gah, get on with it already) that pulls you right into the setting of the book.
The one thing I didn't much care for in The Exodus Gate was that there were a couple of spots where the story seemed to lag in the progress department and it felt like it wasn't moving forward much. Even with that one set back (and a lack of reading time) in my reading of The Exodus Gate I really enjoyed what the author put forth in his book.
Final Verdict: The Exodus Gate an excellent book to be savoured.
The Exodus Gate earns 4.5 out of 5 pineapples.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2010
Unfortunately it was not my taste.
The Exodus Gate is a solid start of an end of time story mixed of adventure, history, science, fantasy and an obvious trace of religion. If you like this kind of mix then read it.
Full review
The Exodus Gate is a solid start of an end of time story mixed of adventure, history, science, fantasy and an obvious trace of religion. If you like this kind of mix then read it.
Full review
April 21, 2010
The Exodus Gate is an enjoyable modern fantasy story. In my opinion, the book has its flaws but I can see why a lot of people would like it very much.
For a full review: http://speculativebookreview.blogspot...
For a full review: http://speculativebookreview.blogspot...
October 22, 2011
I was taken on a wonderous journy and introduce to some amazing characters that have enlightened me to the wonders of an alternate realm!
Can"t wait to see how they converge upon each others lives.
Can"t wait to see how they converge upon each others lives.
July 12, 2013
did not hold my attention, stopped reading it
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews