The Exodus Gate [Paperback]

Stephen Zimmer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 5, 2009

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Seventh Star Press, LLC (February 5, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615267475
• ISBN-13: 978-0615267470
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,556,893 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in Denver, Colorado, Stephen Zimmer is an award-winning fantasy author and filmmaker based out of Lexington, Kentucky. Stephen has two series being published through Seventh Star Press.

One is the epic fantasy Fires in Eden Series (which includes Crown of Vengeance, the winner of a 2010 Pluto Award for Best Novel). The series stands at two titles with the third being released in late spring 2012.

The other is an epic-scale urban fantasy series, The Rising Dawn Saga. This series stands at three titles, with the fourth scheduled for release in winter of 2012/2013.

Both series are now affiliated with two growing collections of eBook short stories. The Chronicles of Ave short stories are set in the world revealed in the Fires in Eden Series, while the Annals of the Rising Dawn short stories are set in the world of the Rising Dawn Saga.

His other published short fiction includes the short stories "In the Mountain Skies" and "An Island Sojourn" in the Dreams of Steam I and II steampunk anthologies (edited by Kimberly Richardson), from Kerlak Publishing.

As a filmmaker, Stephen has credits in fantasy and horror, including the supernatural thriller Shadows Light (feature), The Sirens (horror short film), and Swordbearer (fantasy short film featuring a special appearance by former WWE wrestler Al Snow, and based upon the H. David Blalock novel Ascendant.)

Updates and information about Stephen can always be obtained at the following:
Website: www.stephenzimmer.com
Blog: stephenzimmer.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sgzimmer
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sgzimmer
and also on Google+

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Epic for Our Time, September 4, 2010

By 

Scott M. Sandridge "Scott M. Sandridge" (Columbus OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Exodus Gate (Paperback)

Nephilim, a One World Government, events of apocalyptic proportions. Just another "Christian End Times" fiction, you say? Well, not exactly.

In The Exodus Gate, Stephen Zimmer begins a seven-book epic (and secular) saga that combines the myths of Judeao-Christian, Babylonian/Sumerian, and Assyrian apocalyptic texts with an added dash of his own epic dark fantasy twist (and possibly an esoteric sprinkle or two of gnosticism), and weaves a tale that rivals The Lord of the Rings in its scope and The Stand in its characterization depth.

Being the first in the Rising Dawn Saga, this book's primary purpose is to set up the overall world and introduce the large cast of characters (with the main character being Benedict Darwin), each with their own agendas and sometimes even secrets (I, personally, am already rooting for Erishkegal, but that's just me). But there is still plenty of well-paced action and plot to keep you reading. The main downside I had was the sheer size of the book. It's only half the size of The Stand, and I wanted More! Dammit! More!

Some readers might be put off by the size of the book, and if you don't know it's basically a large chapter in a grand sweeping saga then you also might feel lost near the end. But the characters will grow on you, especially the An-Ki-Zimmer's unique take on the werewolf myth-loyal and honorable servants of Adonai.

Overall, it's a fine start to what promises to be an awesome saga that will keep you reading for days (in between a nap or two, of course).

And besides, Erishkegal is awesome!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderfully Great Read, March 19, 2009

By 

Sven (Midwest) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Exodus Gate (The Rising Dawn Saga) (Kindle Edition)

This really is a wildly interesting story. If you like epic fantasy, such as Lord of the Rings, you will love this book. Very detailed story and character development. Immersive and striking.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The New War Between Good & Evil, March 17, 2009

By 

Yellow30 Sci-Fi (VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Exodus Gate (Paperback)

Benedict Darwin deals with the strange, the nut cases and weirdos who chase UFOs and ghost. It gets him ratings that has propelled him to the height of late night talk radio. The stranger the better and he loves every twisted tale that comes his way. But Darwin's world is about to change as well as his views of what really is paranormal. Benedict's friend at Babylon Technologies wants him to try out their latest R&D item: the next generation in virtual reality. Benedict is willing to try anything once and he gets more than he bargains for with this new simulator.

Little does Darwin know that there are other forces at work in the universe in which he will become a prime player. His paranormal late night entertainment is about to become scary real. These supernatural forces from the Abyss and their human counterparts are working relentlessly to establish a one world government. Their goal is pure and simple; bridge the space and time continuum and bring back the Nephilim, those offspring of the Fallen Avatars and humans which were destroyed in the Great Flood.

The war between good and evil has just escalated. This new rising storm is about to cross time and space and splinter planet Earth. In the middle of this clash of titans is the most unlikely of heroes. Benedict Darwin, his niece Arianna, high school student Seth Engel and his friends along with beings from the afterworld rise to the occasion and take on the Forces of Darkness that want to bring down the Most High once and for all eternity.

With The Exodus Gate author Stephen Zimmer sets the stage for an adventurous new science fiction fantasy series that is sure to entertain the reader from beginning to end. Zimmer has weaved a tale of fantastic realms populated with exotic creatures. Keep a sharp eye out for this new series.--Mark Randell, Y-30 Staff