Customer Reviews

Exodus (Hellgate, London, Book 1) (Bk. 1)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

I wasn't familiar with the Hellgate: London video game when I picked up Hellgate: London - Exodus, but I enjoy a good post-apocalyptic tale so I took a chance on this novel, the first in Mel Odom's trilogy. Besides, it has modern day knights battling demons. How could I resist?

It's 2020 and London is in ruins, overrun by demons that came pouring out of the Hellgate, a massive portal to their home dimension. In short order, the demons have destroyed the British military and have turned London into their own personal playground. Only the Templars, an ancient brotherhood of knights now equipped with high-tech battle suits and magic-enhanced weaponry, stand in their way. Further complicating things are the Cabalists, a group of people with special abilities who are trying to use the demons to enhance their own power, and a shadowy CIA-type outfit whose goals are not made clear. The main characters are Simon, a young Templar with his own ideas of how to serve the cause, Warren, a powerful but troubled loner who comes under the thrall/protection of a major demon, and Leah, a member of the secret CIA-type group.

The premise is interesting enough, and left a ton of potential for interesting developments. Unfortunately the book never seemed to take off. First off, key questions like where the Hellgate came from and what the international community's response to the crisis was, were never addressed. At minimum you'd expect a NATO blockade and UN-coordinated relief efforts, but instead the fate of London's citizens was left to privateers, scavengers and a handful of rogue Templars. Speaking of the Templars, they seemed to die at an astronomical rate. Was their order really large enough to sustain such losses? If so, I have a hard time seeing how it could have been kept secret. I suppose asking for logic in a book about magic and demons is pushing it a bit, but it was hard to overlook these omissions.

I also found it hard to get a feel for any of the characters. Simon in particular came across as one of those generic heroes you'd find in a Michael Bay movie. Warren was a bit more interesting, but his development was extremely predictable.

Hellgate: London - Exodus was a fast-paced and entertaining read, but it mostly seemed like a missed opportunity. It could have been a great post-apocalyptic saga, but instead seems like just another action/adventure story. Perhaps it will resonate more with fans of the game. I don't think I'll stick around for the rest of the trilogy.

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

Great read, new ideas, char dev + new tech + the mystic, makes you want to read faster and not put the book down. I hope the series keeps going deeper and deeper and does not crank out a 2nd book just to hold the place between 1 & 3.

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.

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

to me the books start was a little slow, but i stuck with it and it payed off, the book started getting better and better and its ending hooked me on for the 2nd book. if you're the least bit interested in Hellgate London the game, pick this book up it's well worth it and it pumped me up even more for the game

So when I first heard about Hellgate London it was because of the video game and I was intrigued by that. The video game looked like it was going to be cool and was a bit sci fi and a bit fantasy, which I thought was a cool mix. The game itself was so/so not very good, but I still had a lot of interest in the property so when I saw they was a book based on the game I got excited and picked it up right away. Wow am I glad I did and didn't let my feelings of the game keep me from picking this up. This is a really enjoyable read from start to finish. It does a good job of character development and a good job of setting the tone and setting for the scenes. There was enough action throughout to just keep me turning the page and never wanting to put this book down.
I tore through this book and was disappointed when I had to wait so long for the 2nd and 3rd to come out. Only thing I wish now, since the game is dead and gone, that they would let Mel continue on with this series of books and have him write some more. I feel the characters have a lot of life left in them.

Frankly I thought the story line was pretty amazing. all about a world going apocalyptic and what happens after? its been done before, but never have I seen it done like this. I love it! Simply, its a must read for anyone that likes stories involving magic and demons, swords and guns with romance thrown in!

Damn...this book was intense, I played the game quite abit and I have to admit i was quite skeptical about a book. I didn't really see it carrying over to well, but by going back and doing more of a origins and original story angle it actually is starting off very good.

Its a minor complaint but the book pissed me off quite a few times, one of the twists in particular caught me off gaurd and just kinda angers me. But that one is particular is also why I am so excited to keep reading. Lets just say Warren and leave it there.

The story is pretty good, if your familar with the game at all you know what it is. Gates open up around london and demons pour out of them and take the city. The good guys try to fight and hold them back while trying to come up with a way to retake the city. Only thing I don't like is that they take place 14 years before the game....you kinda know how it ends. Demons are in the game, demons don't exactly lose at the end of the books.

Great read, fast paced and well done. Very good book, amazing video game book.