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Exodia
By 2093 American life is a strange mix of failing technologies, psychic predictions, and radiation induced abilities. Tattoos are mandatory to differentiate two classes, privileged and slave.
Dalton Battista fears that his fading tattoo is a deadly omen. He’s either the heir of the brutal tyrant of the new capital city, Exodia, or he’s its prophesied redeemer. Shy, handsome, smart and in possession of powers he doesn’t yet realize, he escapes an order for his execution by fleeing the city with the help of Lydia, who quickly captures his heart. But can he escape a destiny that will force him to marry another girl and return to Exodia as its liberator?
Based loosely on the ancient story of Moses, this two book dystopian journey (EXODIA and OUT OF EXODIA) crosses genres, combining young adult, new adult, sci-fi, magical realism, and speculative fiction for an adventure full of symbolism, hidden codes, and thematic imagery.
Dalton Battista fears that his fading tattoo is a deadly omen. He’s either the heir of the brutal tyrant of the new capital city, Exodia, or he’s its prophesied redeemer. Shy, handsome, smart and in possession of powers he doesn’t yet realize, he escapes an order for his execution by fleeing the city with the help of Lydia, who quickly captures his heart. But can he escape a destiny that will force him to marry another girl and return to Exodia as its liberator?
Based loosely on the ancient story of Moses, this two book dystopian journey (EXODIA and OUT OF EXODIA) crosses genres, combining young adult, new adult, sci-fi, magical realism, and speculative fiction for an adventure full of symbolism, hidden codes, and thematic imagery.
- GenresDystopia
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2015
224 people want to read
About the author
Debra Chapoton
148 books106 followers With over 100 books to her name, Debra Chapoton is a master at writing Christian fiction and non-fiction. Writing under the pen name Marlisa Kriscott, she crafts heartwarming second-chance teacher romances, while under her own name, she transports readers into swoon-worthy Highlander tales (Loved by a Highlander series) and rugged cowboy love stories (Unbridled Hearts, Faithful Hearts, and Broken Spur Ranch series).
But her imagination doesn’t stop at romance—Debra's young adult novels plunge into the thrilling worlds of sci-fi, paranormal mysteries, time travel, dystopian futures, and parallel realities. She also pens insightful non-fiction works such as Sunday School lessons and delightful children’s books, making her a true literary chameleon.
Raised with a love for codes and intricate puzzles, Debra’s passion for storytelling goes beyond words; she seamlessly weaves secrets and hidden clues into her novels, adding layers of intrigue. With a career as a high school Spanish and English teacher, she draws inspiration from her students’ personalities, bringing authentic voices to her characters.
But her imagination doesn’t stop at romance—Debra's young adult novels plunge into the thrilling worlds of sci-fi, paranormal mysteries, time travel, dystopian futures, and parallel realities. She also pens insightful non-fiction works such as Sunday School lessons and delightful children’s books, making her a true literary chameleon.
Raised with a love for codes and intricate puzzles, Debra’s passion for storytelling goes beyond words; she seamlessly weaves secrets and hidden clues into her novels, adding layers of intrigue. With a career as a high school Spanish and English teacher, she draws inspiration from her students’ personalities, bringing authentic voices to her characters.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 13, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
It is the year 2093 and Dalton Battista lives in a world of technology that hardly works anymore, where prophecies are taken seriously, and some people have radiation induced abilities. Society is split into two classes – the “blues” who are privileged and the “reds” who are poor. Everyone must have an identifying tattoo and there are strict laws to stop intermingling between the classes. Dalton is a descendant of the man in power and hides the fact that his blue tattoo is fading even though he doesn’t know why and starts to question who he really is. An incident sees him fleeing the city of Exodia to avoid his execution and he is helped by the “reds” who believe he is the one in the prophecy who will save them from their miserable slave-like existence. Will Dalton come to accept who he really is and stand up to his responsibilities and lead the rebels to overthrow the “blue” government? Will he have a chance of winning over the breathtaking Lydia of the rebellious “reds” or will he win the heart of another?
Exodia is such a well written book, it exceeded all my expectations. What makes this young adult dystopian story stand out from all the rest is that it contains a few unique touches. At the beginning of each chapter is a quote from a page of a ledger, and although at first it seems cryptic, by the end of the chapter you understand its meaning. Also throughout the story, it makes reference to an ability that some characters have where they see or hear a phrase and quickly rearrange the letters to make it mean something else, again somewhat of a puzzle, but it falls into place as you read through the chapter. And at the end of each chapter, there is a pictograph of each anagram used to show you what the phrase started as and how it was rearranged into different phrases to take on different meanings.
The characters in this story are all very real and believable and I could easily connect with them and empathise with them in their sadness, fear, hurt, anguish, and their happiness. The main characters were well developed and you could see them grow during the story, and even the minor characters were written in such a way that I was affected by their sufferings and emotions as well.
This book is loosely based on the story of Moses, so if you know about Moses you will have an inkling as to what this series is about, and if you don’t know the story of Moses, you will have a great read with lots of surprises throughout the book.
I enjoyed reading Exodia immensely and I look forward to reading the sequel. Ms Chapoton’s writing style is of a high standard and I will be looking into reading her other books.
I highly recommend this book to those who love dystopian stories and enjoy a bit of a challenge with the hidden codes in the anagrams used throughout the story. If you’re after a unique twist on a dystopian novel, this book is for you.
It is the year 2093 and Dalton Battista lives in a world of technology that hardly works anymore, where prophecies are taken seriously, and some people have radiation induced abilities. Society is split into two classes – the “blues” who are privileged and the “reds” who are poor. Everyone must have an identifying tattoo and there are strict laws to stop intermingling between the classes. Dalton is a descendant of the man in power and hides the fact that his blue tattoo is fading even though he doesn’t know why and starts to question who he really is. An incident sees him fleeing the city of Exodia to avoid his execution and he is helped by the “reds” who believe he is the one in the prophecy who will save them from their miserable slave-like existence. Will Dalton come to accept who he really is and stand up to his responsibilities and lead the rebels to overthrow the “blue” government? Will he have a chance of winning over the breathtaking Lydia of the rebellious “reds” or will he win the heart of another?
Exodia is such a well written book, it exceeded all my expectations. What makes this young adult dystopian story stand out from all the rest is that it contains a few unique touches. At the beginning of each chapter is a quote from a page of a ledger, and although at first it seems cryptic, by the end of the chapter you understand its meaning. Also throughout the story, it makes reference to an ability that some characters have where they see or hear a phrase and quickly rearrange the letters to make it mean something else, again somewhat of a puzzle, but it falls into place as you read through the chapter. And at the end of each chapter, there is a pictograph of each anagram used to show you what the phrase started as and how it was rearranged into different phrases to take on different meanings.
The characters in this story are all very real and believable and I could easily connect with them and empathise with them in their sadness, fear, hurt, anguish, and their happiness. The main characters were well developed and you could see them grow during the story, and even the minor characters were written in such a way that I was affected by their sufferings and emotions as well.
This book is loosely based on the story of Moses, so if you know about Moses you will have an inkling as to what this series is about, and if you don’t know the story of Moses, you will have a great read with lots of surprises throughout the book.
I enjoyed reading Exodia immensely and I look forward to reading the sequel. Ms Chapoton’s writing style is of a high standard and I will be looking into reading her other books.
I highly recommend this book to those who love dystopian stories and enjoy a bit of a challenge with the hidden codes in the anagrams used throughout the story. If you’re after a unique twist on a dystopian novel, this book is for you.
May 23, 2016
Plot/Story:
I somehow missed the part of the blurb that this was loosely based on the story of Moses. But reading it, I caught the similarities and it was fantastic. I love the bible stories and I love when people take them and modernize them. After finding out that it was based on the story of Moses I actually enjoyed reading it that much more, not that I had any trouble getting into it to begin with. Actually, I was drawn in from the very beginning. The world was so different and even though there is a little history/background about how the world came to its current stasis, I was never bored of the world building. In my opinion, there was nothing boring about this novel and I almost couldn’t read it fast enough.
Characters:
I would say that the characters are not as well developed as they could be, but it was enough to keep the story going and wasn’t that big of a distraction. We could learn a little more about some of the side characters. Dalton, the main character, was a little dense, as in he could have used a little more development. It was almost as if we only dipped our toe into the big deep ocean of what Dalton could be. Despite that, you can see where Dalton is a strong character.
Romance/Kills:
The romance! Ugh! Killed me. Dalton instantly falls in love with Lydia, basically the first girl he comes across after jumping the fence and exploring the world. Because of circumstances, his path leads him in another direction and he leaves Lydia behind. Of course, he finds another girl, one he doesn’t love, but for some reason marries. But all the while Dalton can’t forget Lydia. It’s not even a love triangle. He marries one woman out of necessity, he never loved her and it’s questionable if she ever loved him.
As far as kills go, the story actually begins with a kill by Dalton. It isn’t bloody, gory, or even that spectacular. It’s very down played. Almost like when a movie implies that there is a dead body, but all you see is the white sheet over a body shaped object.
Writing:
The writing was fantastic. No glaring errors that distract from the story. It’s also very fast paced and I love a fast paced story.
Beginning:
The beginning really draws you in with in the first few minutes of reading. There just seems to be so much going on at the start. There is no build up, just BAM action.
Ending:
Seeing as there is another book following this one, the ending was perfect. It was an ending, but a cliff hanger as well. It made me want to instantly buy the next book so that I could finish Dalton’s story.
Cover Art:
After reading this book, I feel like the cover could be better. But, it was enough to get my attention. It actually gave me a Harry Dresden vibe (series by Jim Butcher).
Blurb: The blurb does enough to really draw in the reader. It also makes the book seem like any other YA dystopian novel, but I feel this book is much more than that and the blurb doesn’t do it justice.
Other Stuff
Opening Line: It’s as if I too am running for my life.
Highlights: Fantastically fast paced and fun.
Lowlights: The cover could be better.
Final Thoughts: This book will stick to my memories for years to come.
More reviews at
For more reviews, check out my blog at: The Reading Bud
I somehow missed the part of the blurb that this was loosely based on the story of Moses. But reading it, I caught the similarities and it was fantastic. I love the bible stories and I love when people take them and modernize them. After finding out that it was based on the story of Moses I actually enjoyed reading it that much more, not that I had any trouble getting into it to begin with. Actually, I was drawn in from the very beginning. The world was so different and even though there is a little history/background about how the world came to its current stasis, I was never bored of the world building. In my opinion, there was nothing boring about this novel and I almost couldn’t read it fast enough.
Characters:
I would say that the characters are not as well developed as they could be, but it was enough to keep the story going and wasn’t that big of a distraction. We could learn a little more about some of the side characters. Dalton, the main character, was a little dense, as in he could have used a little more development. It was almost as if we only dipped our toe into the big deep ocean of what Dalton could be. Despite that, you can see where Dalton is a strong character.
Romance/Kills:
The romance! Ugh! Killed me. Dalton instantly falls in love with Lydia, basically the first girl he comes across after jumping the fence and exploring the world. Because of circumstances, his path leads him in another direction and he leaves Lydia behind. Of course, he finds another girl, one he doesn’t love, but for some reason marries. But all the while Dalton can’t forget Lydia. It’s not even a love triangle. He marries one woman out of necessity, he never loved her and it’s questionable if she ever loved him.
As far as kills go, the story actually begins with a kill by Dalton. It isn’t bloody, gory, or even that spectacular. It’s very down played. Almost like when a movie implies that there is a dead body, but all you see is the white sheet over a body shaped object.
Writing:
The writing was fantastic. No glaring errors that distract from the story. It’s also very fast paced and I love a fast paced story.
Beginning:
The beginning really draws you in with in the first few minutes of reading. There just seems to be so much going on at the start. There is no build up, just BAM action.
Ending:
Seeing as there is another book following this one, the ending was perfect. It was an ending, but a cliff hanger as well. It made me want to instantly buy the next book so that I could finish Dalton’s story.
Cover Art:
After reading this book, I feel like the cover could be better. But, it was enough to get my attention. It actually gave me a Harry Dresden vibe (series by Jim Butcher).
Blurb: The blurb does enough to really draw in the reader. It also makes the book seem like any other YA dystopian novel, but I feel this book is much more than that and the blurb doesn’t do it justice.
Other Stuff
Opening Line: It’s as if I too am running for my life.
Highlights: Fantastically fast paced and fun.
Lowlights: The cover could be better.
Final Thoughts: This book will stick to my memories for years to come.
More reviews at
For more reviews, check out my blog at: The Reading Bud
July 2, 2015
(
I received this ARC free from the Author in exchange for my honest review
)
I'm So-so on this book. The concept and idea was great, but I wasn't drawn into this world like I wanted.
The writing style, for me was flat, monotone. Everything was simply put, as it was. There was no jump, no spark; I didn't feel anything when reading. Well that's not all true at times I did feel anger, and discomfort. There was no depth to the writing, no pulling description on how the characters were feeling. I first took note to this when Dalton kills a man, who was beating on a red child. He processes what he had done a little too robotic. Yes guilt was present, but he only spoke of it, didn't really express it, and nor I did feel it or believe it. From there, the tone got flatter and flatter. I didn't feel the urgency, the rush, or the pain he must have been in. It was all very, forced.
As for the characters themselves, I didn’t have a care for them; why? Well again, they were very one dimensional and frankly put, boring.
There's a two year time skip that threw me, not in a good way. Dalton is on the run, and needs to get to the rebellion’s leader’s camp ASAP. Nope, he detours, marries and has a kid. It’s not always a good idea to listen to Siri. (yes I just pulled an apple joke..ah ha, ha,)
Oh then there’s ther very weird love-not-so-love tringle. I mean you have insta-love, right out of the gate. But sadly they have to part ways so Dalton can save the world. Then there's the, what I like to call, the hangover-love. The poor sap that gets taken in as the replacement until said boy or girl gets back to their one and only insta-love. That's where I got angry, and I believe, were the discomfort started to set in. I didn't want to keep reading, but I did because I did want to know how it all played out.
Towards the end the flatness did, how would you say it, puff, I guess? There was action, acid rain and a last minute rescue. Just enough action and thrill to get this book into a three star spot and enough to compel me to want to read the next book, I’m curious to see how this this adventure ends.
In all I do recommend this book, the plot is good; the overall story is unique in regards to the dystopia genre. As I said, I'm so-so. Though I didn't quite like it like I wanted, by no means did I hate it. As I said, I want to read the next book, I'm inversted and intrigued. Give this book a chance, everyone is different, what I’m indifferent on; you might like and think me a fool.
Happy Reading
-Emily
I'm So-so on this book. The concept and idea was great, but I wasn't drawn into this world like I wanted.
The writing style, for me was flat, monotone. Everything was simply put, as it was. There was no jump, no spark; I didn't feel anything when reading. Well that's not all true at times I did feel anger, and discomfort. There was no depth to the writing, no pulling description on how the characters were feeling. I first took note to this when Dalton kills a man, who was beating on a red child. He processes what he had done a little too robotic. Yes guilt was present, but he only spoke of it, didn't really express it, and nor I did feel it or believe it. From there, the tone got flatter and flatter. I didn't feel the urgency, the rush, or the pain he must have been in. It was all very, forced.
As for the characters themselves, I didn’t have a care for them; why? Well again, they were very one dimensional and frankly put, boring.
There's a two year time skip that threw me, not in a good way. Dalton is on the run, and needs to get to the rebellion’s leader’s camp ASAP. Nope, he detours, marries and has a kid. It’s not always a good idea to listen to Siri. (yes I just pulled an apple joke..ah ha, ha,)
Oh then there’s ther very weird love-not-so-love tringle. I mean you have insta-love, right out of the gate. But sadly they have to part ways so Dalton can save the world. Then there's the, what I like to call, the hangover-love. The poor sap that gets taken in as the replacement until said boy or girl gets back to their one and only insta-love. That's where I got angry, and I believe, were the discomfort started to set in. I didn't want to keep reading, but I did because I did want to know how it all played out.
Towards the end the flatness did, how would you say it, puff, I guess? There was action, acid rain and a last minute rescue. Just enough action and thrill to get this book into a three star spot and enough to compel me to want to read the next book, I’m curious to see how this this adventure ends.
In all I do recommend this book, the plot is good; the overall story is unique in regards to the dystopia genre. As I said, I'm so-so. Though I didn't quite like it like I wanted, by no means did I hate it. As I said, I want to read the next book, I'm inversted and intrigued. Give this book a chance, everyone is different, what I’m indifferent on; you might like and think me a fool.
Happy Reading
-Emily
May 16, 2015
Debra Chapoton has magically worked the story of Moses into a dystopian world. I was honored to do an advanced read for the author and found the story to be intrigueing. The book is a wonderful combination of dystopia, YA, and magic and puzzles. It is fun. The best part is when you finish this book, there will be another to read you will enjoy as well! Start here!! :)
August 15, 2015
I got this book in exchange for an honest review.
I will be honest, I am all about the end of the world, starting over again books. Even when it's really just technology not working and things changing for people. This book is part of this kind of genre for me. It was very well written and definitely was far more then I expected.
It was not hard to empathize with the characters and I felt like I really got to know them. I was able to make myself part of their world through out the book.
Over all I am definitely looking forward to the next one in the series. The ideas for this story were so well thought out that I want to see where she goes with the next book. I love when I can watch a story unfold as I am reading them.
I will not tell too much about the story itself, because if you are anything like me you hate to have spoilers before you read something. That being said, I loved the idea of the tattoos on people, with certain colors meaning certain things. It was different and it really did help you see how the world had been divided after things went downhill. You see things from both sides of the story and have the main character right there in the middle, trying to figure out where he stands, where he comes from.
Pros: The characters are so well written.
Cons: I am not a fan of when a book can be paralleled with s bible story.
Overall rating: I would definitely recommend this one.
I will be honest, I am all about the end of the world, starting over again books. Even when it's really just technology not working and things changing for people. This book is part of this kind of genre for me. It was very well written and definitely was far more then I expected.
It was not hard to empathize with the characters and I felt like I really got to know them. I was able to make myself part of their world through out the book.
Over all I am definitely looking forward to the next one in the series. The ideas for this story were so well thought out that I want to see where she goes with the next book. I love when I can watch a story unfold as I am reading them.
I will not tell too much about the story itself, because if you are anything like me you hate to have spoilers before you read something. That being said, I loved the idea of the tattoos on people, with certain colors meaning certain things. It was different and it really did help you see how the world had been divided after things went downhill. You see things from both sides of the story and have the main character right there in the middle, trying to figure out where he stands, where he comes from.
Pros: The characters are so well written.
Cons: I am not a fan of when a book can be paralleled with s bible story.
Overall rating: I would definitely recommend this one.
July 31, 2015
I really enjoyed Debra Chapoton's book Exodia and her skillful molding of the Biblical story of Moses (whom God requested to set his people free) into a post-apocalyptic fantasy adventure. What I also appreciated was discovering that my two middle school daughters would immensely enjoy this book AND finding that there was nothing in the book that would prevent me from handing it off to one of them next.
In America in 2093 people are tattoed at birth. Either blue (ruling class) or red (slave class), with marriage between strictly prohibited. Dalton is the grandson of the Executive President -- why does it seem like his tattoo is fading to a purple color? As Dalton discovers who he really is, he also learns he will be called upon to assist David Ronel, leader of the Reds, in executing a plan to free the Reds from slavery forever.
I definitely plan to read the second installment, Out of Exodia. And I hope to revise this review to include a Young Adult perspective (if I can convince one of them to!). Oh -- I received this book as part of Goodreads First Reads program.
In America in 2093 people are tattoed at birth. Either blue (ruling class) or red (slave class), with marriage between strictly prohibited. Dalton is the grandson of the Executive President -- why does it seem like his tattoo is fading to a purple color? As Dalton discovers who he really is, he also learns he will be called upon to assist David Ronel, leader of the Reds, in executing a plan to free the Reds from slavery forever.
I definitely plan to read the second installment, Out of Exodia. And I hope to revise this review to include a Young Adult perspective (if I can convince one of them to!). Oh -- I received this book as part of Goodreads First Reads program.
June 25, 2015
Review: EXODIA by Debra Chapoton
[EXODIA LEDGERS #1]
Always a pleasure to welcome well-written, imaginative, New science fiction, apocalyptic, post-apocalyptic, dystopian fiction. Author Debra Chapoton turns her talent to exploring a very ugly dystopian culture, post-nuclear war, a 90-state North America ruled by brutal tyranny and divided by class war. Young Dalton Battista is the tyrant' s grandson, but he is not the elitist "rich boy" one would expect. He is shy, curious, loves history, roots for the underdog. Just possibly, he is more than just Dalton Battista. Just possibly, he may be the redeemer.
If you are reminded of Moses in Egypt, know that this series is loosely based on Moses. I am also reminded, in the character of Joseph, who went from cherished son/envied brother, to slave, to chief official and protector of the Egyptian agricultural economy, back into deep tribulation.
[EXODIA LEDGERS #1]
Always a pleasure to welcome well-written, imaginative, New science fiction, apocalyptic, post-apocalyptic, dystopian fiction. Author Debra Chapoton turns her talent to exploring a very ugly dystopian culture, post-nuclear war, a 90-state North America ruled by brutal tyranny and divided by class war. Young Dalton Battista is the tyrant' s grandson, but he is not the elitist "rich boy" one would expect. He is shy, curious, loves history, roots for the underdog. Just possibly, he is more than just Dalton Battista. Just possibly, he may be the redeemer.
If you are reminded of Moses in Egypt, know that this series is loosely based on Moses. I am also reminded, in the character of Joseph, who went from cherished son/envied brother, to slave, to chief official and protector of the Egyptian agricultural economy, back into deep tribulation.
June 25, 2015
This is a very unique book. It is set in the future which at times was a bit confusing. It is really about a boy who is trying to find his place in the world. He was raised one way, but soon finds out that his life wasn't all it was made out to be and that he wasn't who he thought he was.
The world this book is based in is one that is harsh. This book made me mad and sad and really made me hope for a savior for these people. This being said this is also a book of hope. The people in this new world are hoping for someone to come and save them.
This book was written very well. It makes you feel like you are actually in this world and that makes it hard to ignore all the pain and suffering that the leaders bring to the people who are not of the royal elite class, otherwise known as slaves. The safety and future for all these people is left up to one boy. A boy who along the way finds out who he really is and what he really has to do for himself and for the future of his people.
I can't say I loved this book because it's not my normal read, but it was a good read all the same...Stormi
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The world this book is based in is one that is harsh. This book made me mad and sad and really made me hope for a savior for these people. This being said this is also a book of hope. The people in this new world are hoping for someone to come and save them.
This book was written very well. It makes you feel like you are actually in this world and that makes it hard to ignore all the pain and suffering that the leaders bring to the people who are not of the royal elite class, otherwise known as slaves. The safety and future for all these people is left up to one boy. A boy who along the way finds out who he really is and what he really has to do for himself and for the future of his people.
I can't say I loved this book because it's not my normal read, but it was a good read all the same...Stormi
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