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After the Exodus
Amazon #1 New Release Author RJ Zielonka brings you The Hallowed Star Series: Books 1 & 2! After the Exodus and Before the Balance are dystopian sci-fi fantasy books set on planet earth in the 2130's. Follow Fin, the main character, as they make a treacherous several hundred mile journey in the desperate hopes of reconnecting with the love of their life, Auryn, who was forced onto a spaceship years ago in a last ditch effort to colonize another planet.
In this dual POV series, find out what it means that Fin's dreams keep coming true, discover if Auryn ever makes it back to Earth, and keep reading to see if Kian, a young and handsome stranger they meet along the way, is all he's cracked up to be, or if he has some secrets of his own.
The Hallowed Star Series is for you if you care about love, loss, and the most human emotion of all: Hope.
In this dual POV series, find out what it means that Fin's dreams keep coming true, discover if Auryn ever makes it back to Earth, and keep reading to see if Kian, a young and handsome stranger they meet along the way, is all he's cracked up to be, or if he has some secrets of his own.
The Hallowed Star Series is for you if you care about love, loss, and the most human emotion of all: Hope.
- GenresScience Fiction
401 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2024
9 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Zielonka
4 books9 followersAmazon #1 New Release Author (All the Amazing Planets, 2020), and previous kids book author (Ava and blue: A Story of Friendship), author RJ Zielonka has taken his first foray into the Young Adult/New Adult genre with Book 1 of The Hallowed Star Series: After the Exodus. It’s a fast paced, action packed book with love, longing, and betrayal, all set on a dystopian planet earth.
Now in 2025, the second book of the series: Before the Balance, will be coming out in the summer! Grab After the exodus now and be ready to continue this epic adventure.
Now in 2025, the second book of the series: Before the Balance, will be coming out in the summer! Grab After the exodus now and be ready to continue this epic adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 27, 2024
****Review contains spoilers****
****I LOVED this book****
First things first, our NB bisexual main character was everything. Next, I LOVED the dual POV between Auryn & Fin, seeing snippets of life on the ship vs life on Earth was so cool!
Fin was such a relatable character to me and it’s not usually easy to relate to characters in a post apocalyptic universe as they’re generally larger than life & hardened by a world that does not care for them. It was such a different type of main character in this setting.
Esha & Garven were so funny & so supportive every single step of the way, I truly loved them both. If I were hiking hundreds of miles through a barren waste land to hopefully find ANY sort of civilization, I’d absolutely want to be doing it with both of them!
Kian, omg what to say about Kian, literally every time he was on the page I was twirling my hair and giggling like a teenager. He was so charming, so understanding & again SUPPORTIVE & yes I have the biggest crush on him; I am obsessed.
Last but certainly not least **Auryn** some of my favorite parts of this book focused on Auryns journey! She is so brave and I just loved reading about her traveling to the new colony. Truly, I ALSO have a crush on Auryn so I know Fin is going to have a some very real drama when she lands BACK ON EARTH in that ship.
There were honestly *so many* great characters in this book I had so much fun reading it. I’m DYING to see what happens in the next book!!!!!
PS- Screaming, crying, throwing up at that cliff hanger 😭😭😭😭
****I LOVED this book****
First things first, our NB bisexual main character was everything. Next, I LOVED the dual POV between Auryn & Fin, seeing snippets of life on the ship vs life on Earth was so cool!
Fin was such a relatable character to me and it’s not usually easy to relate to characters in a post apocalyptic universe as they’re generally larger than life & hardened by a world that does not care for them. It was such a different type of main character in this setting.
Esha & Garven were so funny & so supportive every single step of the way, I truly loved them both. If I were hiking hundreds of miles through a barren waste land to hopefully find ANY sort of civilization, I’d absolutely want to be doing it with both of them!
Kian, omg what to say about Kian, literally every time he was on the page I was twirling my hair and giggling like a teenager. He was so charming, so understanding & again SUPPORTIVE & yes I have the biggest crush on him; I am obsessed.
Last but certainly not least **Auryn** some of my favorite parts of this book focused on Auryns journey! She is so brave and I just loved reading about her traveling to the new colony. Truly, I ALSO have a crush on Auryn so I know Fin is going to have a some very real drama when she lands BACK ON EARTH in that ship.
There were honestly *so many* great characters in this book I had so much fun reading it. I’m DYING to see what happens in the next book!!!!!
PS- Screaming, crying, throwing up at that cliff hanger 😭😭😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2024
I really loved this book. I don't want to spoil any of the plot, but when I imagine the earth 100 years from now, I feel it would be like this. The author does an excellent job at world building and character development. The pacing of the book is excellent - I never felt bored or like it dragged. I finished it in only two sittings!
My understanding is that this is the author's first novel, which I find incredible. RJ is a hell of a story teller and you could actually see the writing evolving as the book went on.
I am impatiently waiting for the next installation!!!
My understanding is that this is the author's first novel, which I find incredible. RJ is a hell of a story teller and you could actually see the writing evolving as the book went on.
I am impatiently waiting for the next installation!!!
February 12, 2024
This story - and, so it seems, the series - is a great adventure.
The elements of the book all work perfectly together.
First of all, a scenario that feels very realistic, something that might very possibly happen a hundred years from now, maybe earlier. The book doesn't discuss this but I couldn't avoid thinking about the ethical implications of the whole scenario. The predominant theme of the story is survival, long term but also on a daily basis.
Secondly, the characters. The main characters are young, however it's interesting that all generations seem to all work together towards the same goal. The young characters are incredibly mature, raw, as if the innocence of childhood has been roughly stolen from them. As Fin points out towards the end, they have been mainly focusing on survival to the point of forgetting positive, simple, pure emotions. However, the main characters have very distinctive personality traits and they complement each other ensuring also some sort of emotional survival. Fin is strong but vulnerable, Garven is sarcastic and resilient, Esha is a rock, Kian is sweet and mature, and Auryn is assertive, loyal and clever.
The additional element is the romance. It's delicate, sweet. There might or might not be a hint at a love triangle.. we'll see :)
The elements of the book all work perfectly together.
First of all, a scenario that feels very realistic, something that might very possibly happen a hundred years from now, maybe earlier. The book doesn't discuss this but I couldn't avoid thinking about the ethical implications of the whole scenario. The predominant theme of the story is survival, long term but also on a daily basis.
Secondly, the characters. The main characters are young, however it's interesting that all generations seem to all work together towards the same goal. The young characters are incredibly mature, raw, as if the innocence of childhood has been roughly stolen from them. As Fin points out towards the end, they have been mainly focusing on survival to the point of forgetting positive, simple, pure emotions. However, the main characters have very distinctive personality traits and they complement each other ensuring also some sort of emotional survival. Fin is strong but vulnerable, Garven is sarcastic and resilient, Esha is a rock, Kian is sweet and mature, and Auryn is assertive, loyal and clever.
The additional element is the romance. It's delicate, sweet. There might or might not be a hint at a love triangle.. we'll see :)
March 1, 2024
R.J. Zielonka's 'After the Exodus' is a luminous exploration of hope, longing, and the indomitable spirit of love in a world grappling with the aftermath of departure. Awarding this novel a well-deserved 5 stars, I found myself captivated by the resilience and dreams of its characters, set against the backdrop of an Earth struggling to shine in the shadow of past heartbreaks and the promise of celestial salvation.
'After the Exodus' weaves its narrative through the lives of a small, tightly-knit group of characters, offering dual perspectives that enrich the story's depth and complexity. The protagonist's journey, marked by a blend of longing for a lost love and a steadfast belief in reunion, serves as the emotional core of the story. Their unwavering faith, despite the bitterness and challenges that pervade their existence, sets a tone of poignant hopefulness that resonates deeply.
Zielonka's writing style is both elegant and evocative, with each word and sentence contributing to a rich tapestry of emotions and imagery. The descriptions are vivid, painting a world where the beauty of comets streaking across the night sky contrasts sharply with the protagonist's internal turmoil and aspirations. This narrative choice not only highlights the themes of longing and resilience but also subtly questions the nature of faith and human connection in the face of uncertainty.
The pacing of the novel is masterfully handled, striking a balance between reflective introspection and narrative momentum. This ensures that the reader is both engaged and emotionally invested throughout the journey. The use of multiple perspectives enhances the reading experience, providing a comprehensive view of the story's world without leading to confusion.
Recommended for fans of young adult fiction, 'After the Exodus' is a testament to Zielonka's skill in crafting characters that, despite their youth, embody a universal and timeless exploration of love and hope. Their youthfulness adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making their experiences and growth relatable to a wide audience.
In conclusion, 'After the Exodus' is a breathtaking masterpiece that merges eloquent prose with a compelling exploration of the human condition. It invites readers to step into a world where dreams and reality converge, offering a journey that is both introspective and illuminating. R.J. Zielonka has crafted a novel that is not only a pleasure to read but also a profound commentary on the enduring power of love and belief in the face of adversity.
I'd like to thank R.J. Zielonka for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of 'After the Exodus.' This review is based on my honest opinions and insights into the book.
'After the Exodus' weaves its narrative through the lives of a small, tightly-knit group of characters, offering dual perspectives that enrich the story's depth and complexity. The protagonist's journey, marked by a blend of longing for a lost love and a steadfast belief in reunion, serves as the emotional core of the story. Their unwavering faith, despite the bitterness and challenges that pervade their existence, sets a tone of poignant hopefulness that resonates deeply.
Zielonka's writing style is both elegant and evocative, with each word and sentence contributing to a rich tapestry of emotions and imagery. The descriptions are vivid, painting a world where the beauty of comets streaking across the night sky contrasts sharply with the protagonist's internal turmoil and aspirations. This narrative choice not only highlights the themes of longing and resilience but also subtly questions the nature of faith and human connection in the face of uncertainty.
The pacing of the novel is masterfully handled, striking a balance between reflective introspection and narrative momentum. This ensures that the reader is both engaged and emotionally invested throughout the journey. The use of multiple perspectives enhances the reading experience, providing a comprehensive view of the story's world without leading to confusion.
Recommended for fans of young adult fiction, 'After the Exodus' is a testament to Zielonka's skill in crafting characters that, despite their youth, embody a universal and timeless exploration of love and hope. Their youthfulness adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making their experiences and growth relatable to a wide audience.
In conclusion, 'After the Exodus' is a breathtaking masterpiece that merges eloquent prose with a compelling exploration of the human condition. It invites readers to step into a world where dreams and reality converge, offering a journey that is both introspective and illuminating. R.J. Zielonka has crafted a novel that is not only a pleasure to read but also a profound commentary on the enduring power of love and belief in the face of adversity.
I'd like to thank R.J. Zielonka for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of 'After the Exodus.' This review is based on my honest opinions and insights into the book.
April 20, 2025
A thoroughly enjoyable read, and quick page turner. Fans of dystopia and YA sci-fi would really enjoy this one even though I believe this one to be more "New Adult" than "Young Adult." Although a wholly original concept, I spot influences from Dune, Elysium, Mad Max, and Hunger Games. This book about surviving in a post-apocolyptic on a planet dying from global warming and pollution as the rich are colonizing another planet seems especially relatable today.
March 14, 2024
This book was very enjoyable! Great set up for deep characters to develop in the rest of the series. I grew up living near Buffalo and this story was very nostalgic for me. I can vividly see the places these characters are traveling and the Author does a wonderful job pulling you into this not so distant future. After the Exodus leaves you wanting more! Can not wait for the next installment.
April 11, 2024
This was a fun, exciting read on the surface that follows a group of survivors who are trying to walk from Cleveland to Toronto by way of Buffalo in order to rendezvous with friends/family. But, the underlying tones of a grim future due to humanity’s destruction of our environment are the true takeaway for me. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series!
May 20, 2024
R.J. crafts a dystopian science fiction novel that focuses first on the humanity of those involved in a situation that could come to pass. The setting of the story, which takes place along much of the shores of Lake Erie and the Niagara River, plays host to the good, the bad, and ugly of survival. It also stays true to the human condition. I can't wait to see where the next installment goes.
May 8, 2025
This was a really enjoyable reading experience. Characters with depth, environments that draw you in, and a scenario with enough mystery to keep you turning the pages. Cannot recommend this one enough!
January 13, 2024
I enjoyed this book a lot. The characters were likable and easy to get to know. The journey they were on was immersive and exciting. I read it cover to cover in only 2 days!
December 18, 2023
Well, I wrote it, so I tend to think it's pretty good!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews