Suvudu Universe

The Exodus Towers by Jason M. Hough

Synopsis:
The sudden appearance of a second space elevator in Brazil only deepens the mystery about the aliens who provided it: the Builders. Scavenger crew captain Skyler Luiken and brilliant scientist Dr. Tania Sharma have formed a colony around the new Elevator’s base, utilizing mobile towers to protect humans from the Builders’ plague. But they are soon under attack from a roving band of plague-immune soldiers. Cut off from the colony, Skyler must wage a one-man war against the new threat as well as murderous subhumans and thugs from Darwin—all while trying to solve the puzzle of the Builders’ master plan . . . before it’s too late for the last vestiges of humanity.

Review:
Following the events in the last novel, Skyler is separated from the rest of his group and teams up with immune survivors in Brazil against a ruthless thug. Tania tries to lead from the new Elevator, but having to trade with the loathsome Russell. And Russell makes a deal with the leader of a religious cult, which he comes to regret. Just when you think you can’t hate anyone more than Russell, we’re introduced to two more characters who are more than a match for his evil.

Once again, Hough has done an exceptional job of character-building and continuing the story with drama, suspense, and intrigue. The Exodus Towers is a solid sequel that continues to tease about the nature and purpose of the alien builders. Meanwhile, the dark and gritty, post-apocalyptic setting is engaging. And the story is even more fast-paced and exciting than the first. I’m looking forward to the third in the impressive Dire Earth Cycle and finally learning the answers teased in these first two novels.