Be still, my Space Adventure loving heart

I am so happy that C.J. Hawthorne sent me Exodus, book 1 of The New Covenant Trilogy so that I could read the ARC of book 2. I am absolutely enamored with this world, with her writing. Do not miss out on an unforgettable ride that will warm your heart to no end. 5 stars all the way...

The New Exodus humans have been living on their new home planet for 4 years now. Cloelia wonders about aliens and she sends a signal into deep space. Then someone answers... Events lead to impending conflict and she must solve the problem she unwittingly caused by finding allies. This leads her on an interplanetary adventure, where she joins a ragtag crew that becomes family, and sparks the beginning of a rebellion.

Clo literally crashes into the story and into our hearts. An inquisitive dreamer, she wants to meet aliens (I get it). There is an introspective feel to the 1st person POV as well as an adventurous outlook as we experience life on Promita. Our hero's claustrophobic tension of a world too small for her is conveyed admirably and makes future discoveries, everything she encounters, all the more wondrous.

I love how we feel in awe, but also comfortable in this corner of space. The author has done a wonderful job in building it, in a natural and relatable way, nourishing our imagination so it can soar. Delicious morsels, serving us little mysteries or clues of things to come, pepper the grabs-and-never-lets-you-go writing. We learn what we need alongside the protagonist. I feel the buildup of this story in my bones; that is how immersive and emotionally satisfying it was.

The synopsis says lighthearted, though I must say this tale is full-hearted, as in you feel everything. Gasp-worthy, including nailbiting action, jaw-dropping reveals and a wholesome hug of beautiful relationships. Totally cinematic. This is a journey of becoming a hero, of reaching new heights and your full potential as an individual.

Unfortunately, betrayal and greed are constant across the universe. Under a pretty exterior, you never know what ugliness may be hiding. Themes like equality and freedom are beautifully woven into this narrative. Exodus is comped to Star Wars Rebels x Treasure Planet. I would go further by also mentioning Falling Skies for the sense of urgency, fight against oppression and Resistance vibes. Powerful without shouting, carrying you like a friend instead, this story is not only a spark to a rebellion, but the ignition to a new beloved series.