Review: Exodus of the Phoenix
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 04 10, 2012
As humans began to travel to the outer planets of the solar system, alien space ships are found outside the orbit of Mars that destroy any Earth-built ship attempting to pass, prohibiting the exploration and possible expansion of humanity beyond the inner planets. Flash forward 70 years after the discovery of the alien ship "screen" to an Earth limited not only to travel within the inner solar system but one ruled by the corrupt military organization called TERRA.Now toss in one hot-headed, selfish TERRA cadet who has alienated himself from just about everyone in the TERRA military ranks, an advanced star ship that was secretively built by rebellious members of TERRA and having the capability to breach the alien screen and you have the basic plot of Phoenix Exodus. Despite this interesting set-up, the author delivers an annoying and unbelievable story. Let me clarify my objections: (a) neither of the two lead characters are likeable; (b) the before-mentioned hot-headed cadet main character hasn't served any time aboard space craft but is given command of the Phoenix one day before it sets out on the historic voyage; (c) stretching my credibility even further is the cadet is an unmotivated genius who distrusts anyone in authority and this is offered up as reason he is given command; (d) the main character abruptly switches between self-adulation-boorish-nuts-to-you-all attitude to an awkward depressed-I'm-no-good-to-anyone like a flash-bulb going off; and, finally, (e) the alien space ship screen is surprisingly easy to breach.This would be a one star review but for one reason - the book is cheap so one can't complain too loudly for what you get.