| Title | : | Transformers: Exodus: The Official History of the War for Cybertron (Transformers (Del Rey)) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 034551985X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780345519856 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 288 |
| Publication | : | First published June 22, 2010 |
For twenty-five years the colossal battle between Megatron and Optimus Prime has captivated Transformers fans around the world. Yet the full story of the conflict between the two most famous Transformers—everything that happened before Optimus and Megatron arrived on planet Earth—has always been a mystery . . . until now. Here, for the first time told in its entirety, is the thrilling saga of Optimus and Megatron before they were enemies, before they even knew each other.
“Freedom is every Cybertronian’s right!” After Megatron utters these immortal words, the caste-bound planet of Cybertron is rocked to its foundations. Megatron, an undefeated gladiator thug, gives voice to the unspoken longings of the oppressed masses—and opens the mind of an insignificant data clerk to possibilities previously unthinkable.
Long before becoming the honorable Optimus Prime, Orion Pax is a mere office underling, an unlikely candidate to answer an outlaw’s call to revolution. But Orion is determined to meet this defiant enemy of all that Cybertron stands for, no matter what he has to do, or how many laws he has to break.
What happens between Orion Pax and Megatron forever changes the destiny of all Transformers. This gripping, action-packed novel reveals all the loyalties and treacheries, trust and betrayals, deadly violence and shining ideals, as well as the pivotal roles played by other characters, including Starscream, Sentinel Prime, Omega Supreme, and one of the thirteen original Primes, the last link to Cybertron’s glorious Golden Age.
Discover how meek disciple Orion Pax becomes the fearless leader Optimus Prime; follow the tantalizing clues about the lost Matrix of Leadership and the lore surrounding it; find out why the two allies fighting a corrupt regime suddenly turn on each other, and what triggers their epic war. Transformers: Exodus provides everything fans ever wanted to know about one of the fiercest rivalries of all time.
Transformers: Exodus: The Official History of the War for Cybertron (Transformers (Del Rey)) Reviews
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I'm still reading it. But I gave it five stars anyway. It's Transformers, for Prime's sake!!! It's gotta be awesome!!! (For me, at least)
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It was fun but I couldn't help but think it wasn't very complete. It was like a skeleton outline. The material that irvine has could have been told over several books with a little more character development.
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This novel is an attempt to be an "official history" of the War for Cybertron. This is an ambitious project since the Transformers franchise has been rebooted numerous time in its 25+ year history. Nevertheless, this book represents an attempt by Hasbro to create a final relaunch of the brand. All future stories for the forseeable future (with the exception of the live action movies) are expected to have roots in the same universe.
This novel fleshes out the characters of Optimus Prime and Megatron quite nicely. Megatron comes off as quite sympathetic at first----even to Optimus Prime. My one big gripe is the lack of description of the characters. Transformers are necessarily visual in both robot mode and vehicle mode. The author gives very little description of what the characters look like. From early releases, it was assumed that the characters take their visual cues from the "War for Cybertron" video game but that is not explicitly stated.
A sequel to the book is due out later this year and I will read it when it comes out. -
Think of an epic story of a group stagnated, unable to progress beyond their current existence. Now add two opposing characters, brothers in the beginning, working to realize a common idealogy. They are close and recognize the need for change, for testing, for the opportunity to exercise individual will and allow all the chance to discover the power within. As their relationship progresses they realize a vast difference, if not in ideology, but in the methodology. Eventually they come before a ruling body and try to explain that their cause is just.
One, strong and powerful with a magnetic personality, a gift for oration, who speaks of freedom yet behind his words lies secrecy and deceit. The freedom he speaks of is an empty, hollow freedom without law, without growth and guidance. He claims to want equality for all, but to accomplish this he wants the recognition and power and glory for himself. The other, humble, quiet, charasmatic in his gentle strength and honesty, presents a vision for a future filled with promise, with an existence for all based upon respect, understanding, and a clear definition of law to govern--in truth because adherence to a greater higher law of respect for the individual's right is the only true path to freedom--sees his role as a servant to a higher cause and desires no glory. When the second is given the role of leader he does not desire it, but chooses to accept in order to fight for freedom against the threat of tyranny. The first is angered and severes ties, falling from grace, bringing many others down with him into darkness, death, and an everlasting hunger for what he lost. The second picks up the sword to defend the helpless, to lead, to serve as an example, and, if necessary, sacrifice himself to prevent the destruction of his friends and brothers.
Sound familiar?
So begins the epic story between Megatron and he who becomes Optimus Prime, a simple data clerk named Orion Pax who possesses a desire for knowledge beyond his station and a drive to make things better. In the book the decriptions of Cybertronian society are amazing, the detail provided about the pits of Kaon and the soaring towers of Iacon city are vivid. I wish more detail and personal feelings would have been provided to flesh out (so to speak) the depth of the relationship between Megatron and Optimus, for they once called each other brother. I also wish the personalities of some of Prime's closest confidantes could have been expanded. I too, was confused by Sentinel's death as well as some inconsistencies regarding the fates of Bruticus and a few others.
Optimus Prime has always been a favorite character of mine, so reading his beginnings was exciting. He is portrayed in the story quite well, from humble beginning to assuming the mantle of Prime. He is also a little bit human, prone to self-doubt and second guessing. I liked how he is bouyed by his friends and brothers at arms, the Autobots. Jazz's lighthearted sarcasm is a good balance to Prime's melancholy. I also think Prime comes across as almost a father figure for the younger Autobots, like BumbleBee, who have never known the glory of Cybertron before the war.
Megatron at first is quite likeable and sympathetic, like a popular, charming pop star. His ideals are easy to identify with and say "Yes!" when he speaks out before his followers. Eventually he becomes one dimensional in some ways, but I think that is a good illustration on how his jealousy and lust for power consume him to the point he has nothing left but hate. A passage in the book decribes how he has grown to liken killing with power, and thus completes the descent into complete despotism. It is also illustrated as the Nemesis pursues the Ark in the end, how he abandons Cybertron to chase after a personal vendetta. Starscream is appropriately oily, slimy, and nefarious. The dynamic between him and Megatron is nastiness at it's best. The scariest characters to me, however, were the equally icky Soundwave and Shockwave, both chillingly menacing and disturbing. Soundwave is Megatron's lackey to the core, adept in betrayal and sufficiently without conscience. Shockwave is decidedly amoral, brazen in his disrespect of spark (life), and the truest representation of a sadist I've read recently. I think he incites more fear than Megatron.
I enjoyed the book and the glimpse into the universe of a dearly loved childhood memory. I look forward to reading more about the struggle about "robots with feelings...robots who get dizzy...robots who can die"--a phrase that describes the appeal of Tranformers. -
This was a surprisingly good book. I didn't know what to expect, but I did not expect this excellent "history". It starts long before there were any such groups as Autobots or Decepticons. It follows two different characters- one is Orion Pax and the other Megatronus.
In the era of Old Cybertron, ruled by a High Council, dominated by a rigid hierarchical caste system assigned at creation. In this society we are introduced to two different characters of wildly divergent castes and backgrounds. Orion Pax is an archivist from a mid-level caste and Megatronus is a gladiator from the lowest class, a class so lowly that members did not receive names. While Orion works in the Records section slowly making himself a reputation for intelligence, research and wisdom, Megatronus rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial pits to earn his name. Once he becomes undisputed, and unmatchable, champion his name becomes Megatron. The situation on Cybertron is deteriorating as the caste system becomes ossified.
During this turbulent time Orion Pax researching the troubles comes upon the name of Megatron who has become the champion of the disenfranchised and downtrodden. Finding similar ideals both Orion and Megatron meet and formulate plans to change the status quo. It is here that the naive and good hearted Orion begins to diverge from the ruthless Megatron. Orion wants to talk and explain their goals to the High Council, Megatron wants to use rebellion and force.
Upon finally being allowed to address the High Council after a series of terrorist acts shock Cybertron- both Orion Pax and Megatron make their case. Orion makes the case for their movement to be called Autobots. The High Council, impressed with his integrity, nominates him to fill the position of Prime. Thus is born Optimus Prime. Megatron breaks away from Prime and leads his angry, vicious and criminal followers on another path and they call themselves Decepticons. What follows is a history of the war that occurs. Led by Megatron the Decepticons fueled by Dark Energon defeat the Autobots and conquer Cybertron. The Autobots construct the Ark and flee into space closely pursued by Megatron, who has left Shockwave in charge of Cybertron.
This book is not only well written but is a great read for any Transformers fan. It takes you into the minds of Optimus Prime and Megatron and how their views and beliefs have helped to shape who they become. It has a large cast of famous characters from Ironhide and Soundwave to Omega Supreme and Devastator. It was great to read about what motivates the Decepticons and to see the initial rivalry between Starscream and Megatron. All in all a very entertaining book and a must read for any Transformer's fan. Highly Recommend. -
Epic xD
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I loved this book. The history that was created and the way the characters interacted with each other as well as their surroundings. It really painted a very well thoughtout history of how things came to be in the transformer world. The philosophy that each character subscribed to and how it shaped them into who they ended up being was beautiful. I couldn't put it down and it had enough action going to never keep you from being bored while giving you a good insight into already well developed characters. It's a must read for any transformer fan.
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It took me a moment to get adjusted to the writing style that the book had. But it was a really good read.
It was interesting to read how the war played on out on the smaller scales as well as the overall one you usually see. The author included a lot of little things to drove the meanings home. Such as a sentence about a otherwise nameless victim of the war in the early stages. -
Overall a decent read if you are new to the history of Cybertron pre-earth. Being able to read the origins of Megatron and Optimus prime was pretty fun. I felt like the author could have expanded in the origins of Cybertron much more as well as elaborate more of the war as it unfolded.
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This is a novel that purports to retell the story of the "War for Cybertron" video game and give the backstory of Optimus Prime & Megatron from the "Transformers Prime" cartoon.
As with so much Transformers media this results in something of a convoluted tangled continuity that doesn't quite fit together as it should.
The story starts promisingly enough, establishing personal and unexpected connections between characters and mutual goals. Of course, being Transformers it eventually dissolves into a tale of war between Autobots and Decepticons.
This is expected and would even be okay if this book weren't so shoddily edited. Typos abound, including confusion between Constructicons & Combaticons, there's a confusion of chronology perhaps best exemplified by the activation of Bruticus Maximus being described in non-flashback form after we see him in combat action. There are also moments of backstory that seem self-contradictory. Starscream is described as both "spending his life in science labs" and as "having never been a scientist."
With one or two more editing passes this could have been a three, perhaps even four star level book. Alas, as is, it just barely qualifies for a two star review. -
Glorified autobots' propaganda.. nuf said. about ten earlier chapters are promising actually but after that all is go down sliding into trash. I like the way Alex Irvine write it but sadly this book is too fast paced and many part is become only tell not show. And some part of it errrr is become unrelated or not consistent with TFP. Orion and megatron though the book tell that they have a very deep bond but sadly there's lack of events in that book that show if they did have a deep bond and how their friendship strong at first beside they always try to make call to each other and for me it's not the way to show how long they know each other etc. And there's no major event that show how Orion really develop from meek clerk become back boned leader. Another thing that not satisfied me is this book is not giving a more detail culture of cybertron itself except about caste system. It's interesting to read how the writer build the world and culture of a verse but sadly this book provide not more than a glance for it world's building.
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The first few chapters of this book were really well written and enjoyable for me, as it builds the relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron before they become the figures made famous by the various cartoons and movies through the years. However, poor editing and a descent into B-movie-styled, gratuitous action sequences strained my goodwill as I read. It felt as if the later half of the book was rushed, both in writing quality and editorially, especially after the first half went to such pains to build believable and sympathetic characterizations of downtrodden lower-caste members rallying against societal deterioration. I still liked the book overall, but it didn't exactly leave me satisfied with its conclusion, nor did it leave me searching for more from its sequel. It's an easy read, and I found it fun for a jaunt, but it won't likely be making many favorite lists.
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I didn't know why i bother to read this. Fifteen earlier chapter are pretty good the rest are rubbish. Lack character development, personality, plothole, very Michael Bay-ish (seems writer love to show how cool "Good side team" ripping and crushing the villain brutally), One sided, it feels like you watch G1 tv series, children show about Good guy defeating Bad guy, the end, nothing more than that.
This book is been forgotten for 6 months, because i don't find its interesting anymore to read but at last i find my last urge to read what i left and finished what i read and hoping i never read it again. -
Rather entertaining, though a few of the name drop instances were slightly painful. I'm looking at you, "Project Generation One." And though officially a prequel to Transformers Prime, it feels much more akin to G1 instead, probably due to the numerous references and characters who were in G1 and not Prime...though that doesn't stop references to the live-action films and Transformers Animated, too. Much more entertaining when read in the familiar voices of Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, Chris Latta, Corey Burton, Robert Stack, Jeffrey Combs, Leonard Nimoy, and, of course, George Takei as Alpha Trion! (My enjoyment of his scenes went up immensely when I learned that was his voice in Prime!)
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Really GOOD!! But just because it's a Transformers novel, doesn't mean it's connected to the movie novelizations, cuz it's not. It's, like, this super epic, origins story of the war on Cybertron and how it started and it's connected to every Transformers series wrapped up in an origins story that follows most of the main Transformers characters.
I could write pages and pages of how this book is connected to every Transformers series because of the TF geek I am, but I won't. I hope this review was enough. TOTALLY AWESOME!! -
Nice light book. If you are a fan of the Transformers series, you'll probably like this book. It gives an interesting look into who Optimus and Megatron were and became as the war started on Cybertron. It can fit within most of the timelines for the various series.
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Why is it so hard to write interesting fiction about giant transforming robots?
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I am not a hardcore fan of Transformers, but I still dearly love the franchise and the characters. I may not admire all of the fans, or some of the decisions made in the name of fandom, but I can see potential when I see it.
I read this book back in January. Not a long read, and it does give some background to the Aligned Continuity, as well as provide background to the 'Prime' TV series. I actually read this book because of that show. Anyways, the writing is simple and gets the job done, but at the same time, there are some contradictions and some out-of-character characters.
For example, Shockwave. He is described as being a sadistic and mad scientist bent on changing Cybertron into his science lab. Yet it's clear in most continuities - G1, Animated, and Prime - that he isn't sadistic at all. He is dedicated to logic and science. He does things for the sense of practicality, not because he is insane. In 'Prime', he asks Megatron what is the point of ruling two planets when there would be clear issues in their governance; and he doesn't see the point of needlessly torturing people for the sake of torture; he does things because they NEED to be done, as well as see what the limits of their bodies can do. In some cases, Shockwave can even show tenderness. He did with his Predacons pets and those close to him.
The background between Megatron and Optimus Prime can be considered cliched, but it is done in a way that is predictable and original. Megatron is the gladiator that wants to abolish the caste system - like Maximus fighting to avenge his family in 'Gladiator' (and it certainly had that feel) - and Optimus Prime - then Orion Pax - wants a life like that of Golden Age Cybertron where people lived as they pleased. The caste system, like that of India or Mesoamerica, bases and labels people on what they can do and their backgrounds and places them in society on a scale: the fairest and most intelligent are at the top, considered High Caste, and the ugly and stupid and useless are placed in the bottom, ergo, the Untouchables. I really wished the creators could have based the caste system on these a tad bit more so we could have some authenticity, but I guess for the sake of diplomacy it was pushed aside. Fair enough. Not all like that life and refuse to admit that it still exists.
Megatron - then D-16 - is tired of the injustice and wants bots to be judged on what they can DO, not what they ARE. Optimus and him strike up a friendship because of their shared ideals for a better world. When Megatron does some nasty things behind the scenes like bomb an amusement park (No Vangaboys were hurt) and other sites and blames them on the Other Guy, Optimus and Megatron are brought before the High Council - the ultimate High Caste - and they are judged. To make it short, Optimus is made Prime and Megatron is tossed aside.
I've seen some fan explanations and theories on this on tumblr. The Matrix of Leadership doesn't really CARE who or what is Prime. It has a childish and even violent air to it and it can sway the holder to do what it wants and what it wants alone. It's omnipotent and we don't know where it comes from, but obviously it's just as mysterious and tricky as the AllSpark, the source for all life in their universe. Megatron wanted the Matrix as he thought he was worthy, and indeed we can see this: he fought his way to the top, he taught himself everything he needed to know and he knows how bots think. Optimus just happened to come in and get the Matrix. Megatron feels and insane sort of jealousy: 'Why should HE get it and not ME? What has he done?'
And long story short, the war begins.
Decepticons such as Barricade and Lugnut make an appearance, but they're not really expanded upon. I'm fond of the Animated Lugnut, and would have adored seeing him bow down before Megatron in that amazing David Kaye impression, but alas, we don't get it. Barricade was just there. Soundwave and his symbiotes are there: Laserbeak, Ravage, and Frenzy and Rumble, but they are just there. Yes, they do the spying stuff but that's it. Soundwave also speaks, while I am used to his silent, Slenderman-esque attitude in the 'Prime' series. It would have definitely made him stand out. But not all readers would have seen the show and would have been confused. Still, I would have opted to the silent Soundwave.
Starscream is described as being a scientist and not a scientist; this error was on the wiki. He is also described as being someone who can stand up to Megatron, though he is famous for his duplicity and cowardice, and intelligence. When Megatron becomes fancy-pancy with the Dark Energon, Starscream gets a whiff of it and becomes Darkened - ergo, the liquid MacGuffin makes him insanely strong. Yet according to the story, Dark energon burns out quickly and needs twice as much Energon to replenish. Eventually they poison Cybertron's core with Dark Energon, which, in the show, reawakens scores of dead Cybertronians and in the third and final season, Predacons. There are inconsistencies with all of them. I never saw the exact reason why Megatron wanted to poison the core. What's the point of controlling a planet full of zombies, and where you will eventually die from a lack of resources?
Starscream has some moments, especially the ones where he wants to rule instead of Megatron, but true to his character he never has the guts to plunge the knife in his back. Still, the inconsistencies of his character - him not being a scientist or being one - raises some eyebrows.
They use a giant telescope to poison the core (at least what I remember) and then Megatron fights Sentinel Prime. According to these dudes, there can only be one Prime at any given time, so why Sentinel and Optimus are in the same predicament was a continuity error. The civil war wasn't really described in detail; yes, we learn that many cities are bombed to rubble and whatnot, but it didn't really leave a lasting effect.
When the AllSpark is launched into space, there's a big race to go and find it. Before that happens, Cybertron's core is poisoned and it is saved when Bumblebee smashes a nest of crystals. It makes you wonder, again, whether or not Megatron should have seen this coming. I do understand that he DID destroy Cybertron, but at the same time, it was a collective effort of BOTH Autobots and Decepticons. You would have thought the swarms of the dead and Predacons would have roamed free, but as we see in the 'Prime' series, that is not the case.
When Optimus makes the Ark and sets off to space, he takes a ragtag group of Autobots with him. Sometimes when they're in a room talking, a character will suddenly appear out of nowhere. For example, when Prowl, Bumblebee, and Optimus Prime were talking about their situation CLIFFJUMPER was there, even though SIDESWIPE was there. Someone didn't edit their work!
The end event is when the Nemesis and the Ark get separated after a long chase when the Space Bridge explodes. Then our heroes are left stranded, musing that one day they will go home.
Yeah, no. Megatron shot a Senator, one of many unknown Senators we don't really know more about, because of a crass comment, and then Megatron goes (excuse the language): "@#$% this @#$%, I'm outta here." Then he pollutes the core because LOL SORRY. Even Megatron in the Prime series doesn't know much about the Darkened Energon, and wouldn't be so foolish to pollute his own home. He wanted to vanquish the caste system, got deluded doing it, started the Decepticon cause, and caused a war. He is a warlord, but at the same time, the Decepticons cannot be truly at fault. In this book they are the token enemies, but it's clear that they want to be in charge of their own future and want to do things based on reason - in a heavy-handed way, it is still reason - while the Autobots want to do it in a sheltered, non-existent peaceful state.
The other books feature the Quintessons - not sure why - but I haven't read them yet.
I wouldn't say this would be all out the 'official' history of the war for Cybertron, because the battles are, again, described in minute detail. I get there are tons of characters to go after, but if you focus on the more prominent ones, everyone will be happy.
Alpha Trion was a convenient backstory character, giving Orion Pax - and later Optimus - wisdom and telling him of what the Covenant of Primus says in subliminal messages. Alpha Trion stays behind in seclusion so he can record stuff.
Some of the explanations as to why the caste system is evil didn't really resonate with me. It's evil because it's evil? Why? The Primes made the caste system due to some sort of event. I assume it was because people took their freedom for granted or there were errors with the AllSpark. In any case, caste systems are usually not all that diabolical; it's more or less social Darwinism put in practice. We all do it in some way or another. Our abilities and what we are put us in different positions. It can be evaluated as bad or good, but for the most part, it does serve a purpose. In this case, the caste system was there to create order, and it seems that the Untouchables - Megatron and his gladiators included - were not considered useful. The whole 'why?' to this is never explained except that they were considered lesser robots. We learn that the Quintessons put the earliest Cybertronians into slavery, and there of course is the full-circle cliche of the so-called liberators doing the same thing.
The Insecticons make an appearance, though in the show it was said that they were made as patrols to watch the dead planet in the Decepticon's stead. They are eventually forgotten.
Megatron wants to abolish the caste system, yet he doesn't really understand it. I guess that is a character flaw of his, and we do sympathize with him when the Matrix picks Optimus over him. I would have liked to have seen the Matrix have a personality like I described earlier: devious, and not always 'good'. Same with the AllSpark, which is clearly a very powerful device capable of restoring entire worlds - or destroying them. In some cases, the way things are written are sloppy, and you'll probably forget what happens as I do. I have read worse, though.
I give this book three stars. While not perfect, it was still a good read despite some short-comings and some out-of-character interpretations. Shockwave is not a sadist. I would have expected a little more three-dimensional character interpretations, but eh, can't have everything.
The fights didn't really stand out, but were fair enough. I wanted to see more of the Wreckers, the Seekers, and more of Megatron. Maybe even Breakdown? Knock Out? C'mon you gotta have Dr. Sexy in there.
As said before, I didn't like the explanation for the death of the planet by Dark Energon (makes you wonder where they got all of it), the description of the battle scenes, and some of the OOC behaviour. It is not the worst I have seen, and I can deal with it.
If you want a better explanation for the events of Cybertron, I recommend the 'War for Cybertron' games. -
I love Transformers, however, I don't know everything there is to know about, and I haven't seen every movie or every single series out there...yet. One thing I've, personally, never really known about is the great war for Cybertron. It's mentioned plenty of times, but I've never gotten around to really looking into. So when I found this book I figured, why not?
Publication: June 22nd 2010
Synopsis: For twenty-five years the colossal battle between Megatron and Optimus Prime has captivated Transformers fans around the world. Yet the full story of the conflict between the two most famous Transformers—everything that happened before Optimus and Megatron arrived on planet Earth—has always been a mystery . . . until now. Here, for the first time told in its entirety, is the thrilling saga of Optimus and Megatron before they were enemies, before they even knew each other.
“Freedom is every Cybertronian’s right!” After Megatron utters these immortal words, the caste-bound planet of Cybertron is rocked to its foundations. Megatron, an undefeated gladiator thug, gives voice to the unspoken longings of the oppressed masses—and opens the mind of an insignificant data clerk to possibilities previously unthinkable.
Long before becoming the honorable Optimus Prime, Orion Pax is a mere office underling, an unlikely candidate to answer an outlaw’s call to revolution. But Orion is determined to meet this defiant enemy of all that Cybertron stands for, no matter what he has to do, or how many laws he has to break.
What happens between Orion Pax and Megatron forever changes the destiny of all Transformers. This gripping, action-packed novel reveals all the loyalties and treacheries, trust and betrayals, deadly violence and shining ideals, as well as the pivotal roles played by other characters, including Starscream, Sentinel Prime, Omega Supreme, and one of the thirteen original Primes, the last link to Cybertron’s glorious Golden Age.
Discover how meek disciple Orion Pax becomes the fearless leader Optimus Prime; follow the tantalizing clues about the lost Matrix of Leadership and the lore surrounding it; find out why the two allies fighting a corrupt regime suddenly turn on each other, and what triggers their epic war. Transformers: Exodus provides everything fans ever wanted to know about one of the fiercest rivalries of all time.
Review/Thoughts: I started this book back in May of 2018. Yeah, it's been on the 'currently reading' list FAR to long. It's not a thick, intimidating book by any means. For me what made it drag on for the past year and half was how it was written. The style is different than what I'm used to, and for me the first half of the book was painfully slow!
The first half showed you who Optimus Prine and Megatron were before they became enemies. It showed you were they came, and what all happened to turn them into enemies. It showed you their view on things. And that is totally okay, it helps you fully understand them better. The second half did pick up a bit but it was still kinda slow. That's why this book took me so long to read, cause it was slow and a bit boring at times.
The story itself it good, and it gives you an idea of what happened. The thing I noticed is it, in my opinion, better follows the animated series Transformers Prime. I just think this book lines up better with that series than the live action movies. Which I'm slightly disappointed in.
I was curious about was their transformations. Now, I understand that they're Transformers, but what I'm getting at it where did they get the specs for human cars before coming to Earth? To me it sounded like Bee could turn into his car, and I was just slightly curious how he was able to do that if he had never been to Earth before to scan a car and then turn into it? I mean how do you have human car specs on Cybertron? Of course, like I said the first half was slow so maybe it was mentioned that they were in fact using some type of a Cybertronain transportation specs and not human vehicles and I just forgot to mark down a note for later.
"Autobots," he said. "For we seek autonomy, and we see it as our basic right."
One thing that has always intrigued me was; where did the name Autobots come from? Does it have a meaning behind it, or no? This line bring so much meaning to it, and makes me appreciate Autobots all the more. Truly my favorite line out of the whole book!
I don't know when I'll read this book again, because of how slow it was and how it dragged on reading it just once. I don't know if I'll unhaul it, or keep it around. It was a good read and I did enjoy it, even though it took so long to get through and it a slow read. That being said, taking all that into factor I'd give this book a 3.5 to 4 star rating for me personally.
~Till the next Chapter~
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I should have known to go into this book with fairly low expectations -- it's a spinoff novel from a video game which, in turn, is meant to be a spinoff of the "Transformers: Prime" cartoon. But still, as a huge Transformers fan, I wanted to read it. It promised to lay out the background of the infamous war that has been a mainstay of nearly every Transformers series, and show the friendship between Optimus Prime and Megatron... and how it was torn apart. I figured that it would be entertaining and informative at the very least... and honestly, I didn't even get that. This book is absolutely abysmal, to the point where it feels insulting and like the author didn't even try.
"Transformers: Exodus" takes place on a Cybertron that's ruled by a rigid caste system, with Cybertronians being assigned to a function in life the moment they're forged. It's within this caste system that Orion Pax, a humble data clerk, and Megatronus, a gladiator who longs to overthrow the caste system and give Cybertronians the freedom to choose their future, become unlikely friends and plan to reform Cybertron together. But each has their own ideas on how to reform their homeworld -- and their own end goals. And when both of them are called before the Council to proclaim their intentions, it will spark a rift that will tear Cybertron apart.
The writing in this book is, quite honestly, garbage. There are quite a few errors scattered throughout -- both grammatical errors and gaping plot holes, as if this book never saw an editor before going to press. There's very little care taken with descriptions, to the point where it's hard to know what anything or anyone looks like, and the writing is so utterly bland and wooden that it becomes a slog to plow through. The only time the writing livens up is during the battle sequences -- which I suppose makes sense, as Transformers is best known for the fight scenes. Still, it's disappointing.
And for claiming to be "the official history of the War for Cybertron," the book doesn't even do a good job at giving us THAT. We learn very little of the actual history and culture of Cybertron -- and man, Irvine could have been very creative here. Beyond the caste system, however, we don't learn anything new about Cybertron or its people, and any interesting snippets we may have gotten are rendered laughable. (Six Lasers Over Cybertron, anyone?) And it feels like the actually interesting part of the novel -- Optimus Prime/Orion Pax and Megatronus/Megatron's friendship and the actual beginnings of the war -- were quickly gotten over with and thrust aside in favor of a succession of pointless and monotonous fight scenes.
As for characters... admittedly, there have been so many incarnations of many of these characters that it can be tricky nailing down a set personality for some of them. So Irvine takes the easy way out and doesn't give ANYONE any personality. Seriously. Everyone is completely flat, with no effort to give characters personality quirks or unique voices. Prowl sounds just like Jazz who sounds just like Bumblebee (who is repeatedly said to be mute but still gets lines anyhow?) who sounds just like Starscream... Characters who have long had distinctive personalities that set them apart, like Jazz and Soundwave, get absolutely nothing here. Prime and Megatron are even short-changed here, with no attempt to characterize either one beyond "noble hero" and "complete monster of a villian."
Maybe I was spoiled by the recent Transformers comics, but I was hoping for a more compelling story arc for Prime and Megatron. Prime gets some glimmers of actual character development as he transforms from Orion Pax to Optimus Prime, but these glimmers are few and far between... and in between he's just completely bland and uninteresting. Megatron starts out as having a noble goal, but quickly descends into being nothing more than a power-hungry warmonger who just wants Dark Energon and to destroy everything in sight. And after seeing him reimagined as a far more tragic figure in the IDW comics, this is a huge disappointment.
This may be a Hasbro-sanctioned novel, but it's quite frankly a huge disappointment. Transformers fans who want to know the story behind the war won't get anything new here, and casual readers will only be baffled and turned away. I never thought I'd say this, but... I've read fan fiction that's better written and approaches the pre-war days of Cybertron with far more care and talent. -
WARNING: POTENITlAL SPOILERS AHEAD
Transformers:Exodus is the gripping tale of the beginnings of the civil war that the franchise revolves around, and the origins of the compelling characters that inhabit the distant metal world of Cybertron. Alex Irvine has definitely done something right with his storytelling here, and this is a must read for casual and hard-core fans alike.
The story begins in a world where a caste bound society put in place by the corrupt senate has caused the once proud, star exploring race of Cybertronians to become biased and complacent. Those born into the higher castes are awash with luxuries, while those in the working class and lower caste live in poverty, disrepair, and die doing their dangerous jobs. Those in higher castes look down upon the lower, while the lower class look upon the higher’s wealth in envy and hatred. All of this changes one day when two individuals build the courage to speak against the norm. The first was a mere miner who, due to his lower class status, was only granted a serial number(D-16) for means of identification, believed his life just as valuable as the politicians and businessmen of the aristocracy. He began to hone his fighting skills in the illegal underground gladiator battles as a means of honing his anger, and soon left his mining job behind to fight full time. Taking upon himself the name Megatronus, the name one of the thirteen primes of old, and he soon shortens his name so that his will be a name never before uttered. Megatron. He soon began to speak publicly against the senate, and soon gathers a large following. One of these followers is a middle class data clerk by the name of Orion Pax. After hearing the words of this gladiator activist, Pax soon begins to realize that many of the beliefs Megaton preaches; those of freedom and choice, are also his own. Soon the two start to protest together, and become close friends in the process, even going so far as to call each other “brother.” After their followers slowly grow to include nearly the entire populace of Cybertron, several terrorist attacks are initiated in the name of the movement, killing thousands. The senate knows something must be done. Soon hearings begin,and the senate allows both Orion Pax and Megatron to voice their opinions on the matter, to which Orion gives an arousing speech to which the council believes is proof that he is the destined “Last Prime” who would one day come and free all Cybertronians. Realizing the error of their ways, the senate names him Optimus Prime, and commands him to seek the legendary Matrix of Leadership. Enraged, believing he should be the one named Prime, Megatron and his supporters cut all ties with Pax, and there emerges a great divide between the Cybertonian people. Optimus Prime and his Autobots, versus Megatron and his malevolent Decepticons. The caste system is gone. But the war has begun in earnest.
While this book is a little bit heavy on politics, the action picks up at about one third into the book, so it's definitely not boring by any means. Taking place in the current “Aligned Continuity” while also taking cues from the original 1984 Transformers Generation One, this book should please fans both old and new. Rich in characterization, action, and some surprisingly deep philisophical debate on equality, this book is a MUST READ!!!
10/10 IGN XD -
I gave this book three stars mostly on account its one of the few pieces of transformers media I feel explores some of Megatron and Optimus personalities and values beyond ''evil robot'' and ''good robot''.
A problem a lot of transformers media has is catering to the Gee-oners( for those of you not deeply ingrained in the transformers community drama and coming across this review, they're like the gatekeeper part of the community who want G1 accurate designs and little else and their influence is EVERYWHERE) and While fan service is incredible sometimes, It also can be something of a hindrance to stories like this. Which is why I think this story feels so bare bones, and lackluster. Even the council meeting scene I felt there could've been more rawness to akin to Roberts interpretation of the scene. (which I only know in passing)
While I don't know Alex Irvine himself and I'm thankful to his contribution, I really do think This story could've been so much more emotionally charged and fun. (Granted civil war is not 'fun' but if we're adhering strictly to the Gee-One standard.
Another Issue with transformers media that I personally think should have some more consideration and weight is common terms in yes, the fanfiction. I feel like if authors were allowed/allowed themselves to connect more with what is more accessible to fans it might help bridge the lack of heart in most TF media.
However that being said, I'm fond of this book for trying, And that's half the battle. -
Alright where do I start? There will be some spoilers so I do apologize. Okay, I’m a pretty big fan of transformers, been watching shows as a child. This book happens to be the “prequel” to how Optimus and Megatron met. Basically before the whole cybertronian war. I do think the author really portrayed the characters really well, we have gladiator megatron showing compassion to the lower caste (as he is one of them), and Optimus as the naive peace making librarian dude lol. The way their friendship started and how it progressed to its ultimate sad demise is just well paced I feel. How the decpticon and autobot factions formed is very grounded. The book really fit well with the aligned continuity canon. It even is considered canon to the continuity! The little bits of comedy really lighten things a bit and showed that cybertron was once somewhat of a prosper planet (disregarding the caste system which was VERY MUCH HORRIBLE LIKE MY GOODNESS WHY HASNT SENTINAL PRIME DO ANYTHING ABOUT HOW THESE CYBERTRONIANS HAVE BEEN TREATED????) all in all, very well paced, gave what the fans need for the history of cybertron, and gave us great insight into the relationship between Meg and op. I’ll stop there, since I don’t want to spoil too much. I just wanna give some appreciation to a book I find fun!
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Cybertron had a Six Flags
Cybertron had a freaking Six Flags and it was called Six Lasers. This is buck wild!
In addition to that it had casinos and stand-up comedians. There's no economy, what's the point of gambling? And the idea of a giant robot designed for warfare on a stage with a mic in its hands telling jokes is the funniest mental image for me. Like what are their routines even about? I have to know.
Goofy world building aside, and I know Transformers was never trying to be hard sci-fi, I do think the politics and the friendship between Orion and Megatron are well done and compelling. Irvine does a good job of capturing their voices but just altering them slightly to seem younger. -
As someone who's been a fan of Transformers Prime for years, I should've read this book ages ago. I enjoyed seeing how Orion Pax and Megatron's relationship evolved and how Cybertron was destroyed prior to TFP.
What I love the most are not just the lines that I could connect to ones in TFP, but also how the book allows the reader to get into the thoughts of the characters, especially Soundwave, whom I've learned to know as a silent character who shows absolutely no emotions nor thoughts.
A must-read for any fan of Transformers Prime!
