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Exodus

Book 1 in the series:Exodus

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Exodus by Julie Bertagna is a dystopian novel set in the year 2100, where global warming has caused massive flooding due to the melting of the polar ice caps. The story follows Mara, a young girl from an island community facing the threat of being engulfed by rising sea levels. Mara discovers evidence of a new world high above the ocean and convinces her people to embark on a perilous journey to find refuge in the legendary city of New Mungo. As they face numerous challenges and obstacles, including a barrier wall and a refugee camp, Mara must navigate through a world of survival, sacrifice, and ethical dilemmas to ensure the safety of her community.

Exodus unfolds as a lyrical and thought-provoking narrative, focusing on Mara's leadership, determination, and moral compass in the face of a changing world. The novel delves into themes of climate change, societal collapse, and the struggle for survival, offering a richly detailed and vividly described setting that captivates readers with its immersive world-building and complex characters.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed and relatable, particularly the protagonist Mara, who undergoes significant growth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by rich descriptions and a present tense narrative that enhances the immediacy of the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a dystopian future where sea levels have risen significantly, leading the protagonist Mara to lead her community on a perilous journey to find a safe haven.

Setting:

The setting is a future world devastated by climate change, primarily on the island of Wing and the sky city they seek.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slowly but accelerates in the second half, keeping readers engaged.
The people of Wing are gathering in what's left of their village. Downhill, the salty, sea-lashed streets run straight into churning, cold-boiled ocean. The oldest islanders can remember a time when W...

Notes:

The book is set in the year 2100, where the polar ice caps have melted and flooding is widespread.
The protagonist, Mara Bell, lives on an island called Wing that is slowly drowning due to rising sea levels.
Mara discovers a mythical 'New World' through a virtual world called the Weave, which consists of sky cities safe from floods.
The story is not only a fantasy but also touches on themes of history, technology, and poetry.
Throughout her journey, Mara faces guilt and personal growth, realizing her own confidence and leadership potential.
The narrative explores heavy themes like global warming, survival, and human resilience.
Mara separates from her family in the quest to save her community, showcasing the harsh realities of refugee experiences.
The book blends action with socially relevant commentary, making it thought-provoking and engaging.
Readers have noted that the beginning of the book is slow, but the pace picks up significantly in the second half.
Exodus has been described as beautifully written with vivid settings and compelling character development.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Exodus include themes of death, hunger, social injustice, and references to illness, making it potentially heavy for some readers.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance in Exodus, particularly through the relationship between Mara and the character Fox, which adds depth to the story.

From The Publisher:

Less than a hundred years from now, the world as we know it no longer exists. Cities have disappeared beneath the sea, technology no longer functions, and human civilization has reverted to a much more primitive state

On an isolated northern island, the people of Wing are trying to hold onto their way of life-even as the sea continues to claim precious acres and threatens to claim their very lives.

Only fifteen-year-old Mara has the vision and the will to lead her people in search of a new beginning in this harsh, unfamiliar world.

This compelling and powerful story set in the near future will hit home with teens, especially those who are ever more aware of the increasingly controversial climate crisis we face in our world today.

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