Exodus (Hellgate, London, Book 1) (Bk. 1) by Mel Odom
|
List Price: Our Price: $1.85 You Save: $6.14 (77%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Exodus (Hellgate, London, Book 1) (Bk. 1)
Book Review: Fantastic
Summary: 5 Stars
In the year 2038, London lies in ruins. Demons are invading our world. The Royal Army has been almost totally destroyed. The fate of the world is in the hands of a small group of dedicated warriors.
The Knights Templar were destroyed hundreds of years ago, or so they let the world believe. They have existed in hiding. Leading an underground existence, they have trained and prepared for this moment for generations. But even this outstanding group of warriors was not prepared for the total onslaught of the demons.
Simon Cross grew up training to be a Templar but lost his faith. Simon no longer believed in demons. He turned his back on the Templar path and traditions. Abandoning his father and the only life he has ever known, Simon left the London underground and headed for South Africa. When the demons do invade, he is not there to fight alongside the Knights. He was not there to say goodbye to his father, who died in a desperate attack on the demon hordes.
Simon does everything in his power to get back to London and join the fight. But his former brothers in arms think he is a traitor and may not want him back.
Warren Schimmer has lived his life in misery. Friendless, Warren has learned that the world is his enemy. Warren has lived his life from moment to moment, never giving much of himself, never expecting help or kindness from the world. Warren has been a victim for most of his life, but he has a secret.
Warren is one of the few humans that can use the magic the demons have released into the world. As he grows on power, he is drawn into the world of the Cabalists. The Cabalists have been preparing for the demons to return to our world, but they desire to control the demons and the powers they wield. Soon, Warren is brought into contact with Merihem, a powerful demon with plans to become the most preeminent power on our world.
The two men wind up leading the different groups and soon are in opposition. The Templars seek to find a way to drive the demons from Earth and rescue humanity. The Cabalists seek to gain the demon's powers and rule the world.
Hellgate London: Exodus is based off the the video game Hellgate London. Exodus is an intriguing blend of fantasy and science fiction, with plenty of excitement. I normally do not like books based off of video games, but this one hooked me. You can count on me buying the next two books. Simon Cross is a hero in search of redemption. He has always been a man tilting at his personal windmills and when the demons invade, he comes into his birthright. Simon cross is simply a hero, a paladin on a quest to save humanity. He has a problem with authority and has a habit of going his own way. He is a character that I can identify with, and that is a large part of why I enjoyed the book so much
Book Review: Lots of action with nice characterization, too
Summary: 5 Stars
For centuries, the Templars have hidden underground practiced their warrior techniques, and prepared for the day when demons would once more attack the earth. Simon Cross, once a Templar, had abandoned that order when he lost faith in demons. But when the demons attack, he returns to London--only to find that his father has been killed in a deliberate sacrifice. The Templars are desperate for fighters and are willing to take Simon back--under certain conditions. But can Simon put up with the petty rules and politics at a time when humanity itself is in danger of destruction?
Warren Schimmer has always had a bit of power--enough to manipulate little things. But he's never been able to capitalize on that power--except the one time he saved his own life and forced his stepfather to commit suicide rather than murder. When the demons invade London, he's caught in the middle, hunting for food and water in a city that increasingly is becoming a part of the hellish environment of whatever dimension the demons are crossing from. But the demon invasion is more than just a danger to Warren. Somehow the same powers that allow the demons access to Earth have raised his own magic to higher levels. Warren attracts the attention of the secretive Cabal--and, all too soon, the attention of a demon lord who has his own plans for Warren--and for Earth.
Both Warren and Simon has survived difficult relationships with the father figures in their lives. Both are now orphans, surrounded by supposed allies who have little love for them. Clearly their destinies are somehow linked--but will destiny and the demon invasion bring them together, are they doomed to become enemies?
Author Mel Odom kicks off an exciting video-game-based series with an action-packed thriller. Set in the near future (2020) after a demon invasion, HELLGATE: LONDON: EXODUS provides all the action and fighting detail you'd expect from a video-game-based story, but Odom doesn't neglect character development. Simon might be a bit too perfect, but Odom humanizes him with his past history of recklessness and rebellion. Warren is not exactly anyone you'd want to bring home, but his history goes a long way toward explaining his situation and making him sympathetic even as he grows ever-more creepy.
Odom writes page-turning prose, with new dangers around every corner. Every time Simon or Warren thinks they can finally breathe safely, another threat pops up. If you enjoy solid action, demons, and sword-wielding knights, you'll definitely want to grab a copy of HELLGATE: LONDON: EXODUS.
Book Review: A Whole Lot of Sword Waving Going On
Summary: 5 Stars
Unfortunately, Hellgate is a PC based game, and I'm a Mac based person, because, based on the book it looks a like a ripsnorter of an RPG. Mel Odom's adaptation sparkles with grim battles, evil minions, and dark magic. Welcome to the end of the world for which the Knights Templar were made.
Simon Cross deserted the Templars because he had lost belief in the beliefs that drove their intensive training. Now, in 2038, he's off to be a guide in South Africa, Simon hears news that monsters have invaded London and suddenly he realizes that his father was right and that, welcome or not, every Templar was needed. And unwelcome he was. His re-entry into the hidden Templar underground is met with insults and rejection. But he perseveres. Clad in high tech armor Simon confronts creatures out of horror stories and prevails because he has no other option.
The story is set in a world that will remind you of the World of Darkness, updated into the 21st Century, with the vampires left out (so far). The Templars are committed to the destruction of the hellish creatures that have found entry to this world and intend to use it up and throw it away. Not only are the hellspawn opposed to them, there are Cabalists that want access to the darkspawn for their own reasons - to harness the same power that threatens the world. Just as the Templars have Simon Cross, the Cabalists have Warren Schimmer, a loser who suddenly develops magical powers when the Hellgates are breached.
All these forces chase after magical artifacts that will alter the balance of the battle. And, of course, they fight a lot. I'm not the greatest fan of game based novelizations, but Hellgate: Exodus is a lot of fun and the characters are believable even if they are passing strange. Mel Odom, always competent, outdoes himself. So don your bionic armor and grab your grenade launcher. Time to put some hurt to a few demons.
Book Review: Excellently written, action-packed
Summary: 5 Stars
The Knights Templar are usually linked with the enigmatic Freemasons, but in "Hellgate: London: Exodus," their purpose is clear: to save the citizens of London from demons leaking from the gates of Hell ('Hellgates', if you need more clarification).
You know, everyday stuff.
Author Mel Odom knows how to write a good book. And he more than proves it with Exodus, the first of three in the "Hellgate: London" series, following former Knight Thomas Cross through his struggles with accepting himself and his fate...or completely changing fate altogether.
Meanwhile, Londoner Warren Schimmer deals with the battles of living with roommates that despise him and surviving an attack from one of the Hellgates' demons.
As I said, everyday stuff.
Odom expertly intertwines Cross's and Schimmer's stories very gradually, creating an action-packed tale of good versus evil, or more simply, the changing of powers. As Thomas makes his way from his escape of South Africa to London to search for his father, or what remains of him, Warren staves off death and watches his body slowly transform into a tool for the demons.
The inclusion of characters like Leah Creasey, who holds more secrets than she's willing to tell, and Schimmer's roommate Kelli, whom he is almost unconsciously mind-controlling, helps expand a somewhat restricted storyline and add elements of impending disaster to the most heart-pounding situations. And trust me - there are a lot of 'em.
Now, if I could just find out where to get one of those Knights' cool armour suits....
- T.C. Robson
Book Review: A Wild Romp
Summary: 5 Stars
Mel Odom's Hellgate London: Exodus is an exciting read even if you can't tell a joystick from a swizzel stick.
London has literally turned into Hell-on-earth. Demons have opened a gate between their own burning world and London. In no time at all London and it's surrounding countryside are turned into a charnel house; the military has failed and resistance is futile...death reigns supreme. The only thing that stands between the demons and the rest of the planet are the Templar Knights. Far from being extinct, the Templar in this story have gone underground...literally. Living in the ancient tunnels beneath London they have created a whole society and culture based upon their warrior ethic and the deep belief that demons would one day return. These modern knights' armor makes them faster, stronger and more aware of their surroundings (via HUD etc.), combine this with scientifically and magically enhanced swords and weapons the Templar are a powerful force indeed. However, despite their training, weapons and awareness of the threat the Templar are almost decimated by the sheer numbers and unexpected power of the demons that they face.
Enter Simon Cross prodigal son of the Templar. Having left the Templar society that he was raised in due to what can only be described as a loss of faith, Cross returns from Africa to find his beloved London a scene from Dante's Inferno. Will he return to the armor? What can be done if he does?
This is a fast paced, exciting piece of entertainment that readers can enjoy whether they are "gamers" or not. I am looking forward to the next two books in the trilogy.