Escaping Exodus: Symbiosis: A Novel

Written by Nicky Drayden

Narrated by Staci Mitchell and James Fouhey

The Compton Crook Award-winning author weaves her trademark blend of science fiction and dark humor in this dazzling story that continues the imaginative saga begun in Escaping Exodus, in which a society lives in the belly of a beast—and an entire civilization's survival depends on a pair of uneasy allies who must come together for one epic battle.

Nearly a thousand years removed from Earth, the remnants of humanity cling to existence inside giant, space faring creatures known as the Zenzee. Abused and exploited by humans for generations, these majestic animals nearly went extinct, but under the command of its newly minted ruler, Doka Kaleigh, life in the Parados I has flourished. Thanks to careful oversight and sacrifice by all of its crew, they are now on the brink of utopia, and yet Doka’s rivals feel threatened by that success.  

The Senate allowed Doka to lead their people believing he’d fail spectacularly—a disaster that would cement the legitimacy of their long-standing matriarchy. Despite vocal opposition and blatant attacks on his authority, Doka has continued to handle his position with grace and intelligence; he knows a single misstep means disaster. When a cataclysmic event on another Zenzee world forces Doka and his people to accept thousands of refugees, a culture clash erupts, revealing secrets from the past that could endanger their future. For Doka, the stakes are bigger and more personal than ever before—and could cost him his reign and his heart. 

He has fallen for the one woman he is forbidden to love: his wife, Seske. 

Doka and Seske must work closely together to sway the other Zenzee worlds to stop their cycles of destruction. But when they stumble upon a discovery that can transform their world, they know they must prepare to fight a battle where there can be no winners, only survivors. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Feb 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9780063034167

Nicky Drayden

Nicky Drayden’s short fiction has appeared in publications such as Shimmer and Space and Time. She is a systems analyst and resides in Austin, Texas, where being weird is highly encouraged, if not required. Her debut novel, The Prey of Gods, was a best of the year pick by Book Riot, Vulture, and RT Book Reviews.

Reviews for Escaping Exodus

[lavaturtle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a super original and different setting! I liked the different cultures within the beast and gradually learning more about what was going on. There's a lot of brutality, and sometimes Seske makes terrible decisions, but the ending was ultimately satisfying.

[needmoreshelves · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

So Nicky Drayden is definitely not going to be for everyone, but she certainly works for me. This third of her novels is just as bonkers as the first two, with its entire society living inside a giant, floating space beast, and its 8-way polyamorous family units. Drayden tackles some serious stuff - class issues, conservation, sexism - and they mostly receive adequate treatment, though to be fully developed I think a second novel would be in order, as the ending did feel quite rushed.The novel's two main female characters are interesting and complex, though one is infinitely easier to root for. I do not understand how Nicky Drayden's brain continues to invent these wild and fantastic worlds, but I hope she keeps giving them to us for many years to come.