Title: Exiles’ Escape: Book 2 of 3: Old Men and Infidels
Author: W. Clark Boutwell
Publisher: Indigo River Publishing
ISBN: 9781948080002
Pages: 366
Genre: Dystopian Fiction / Science Fiction / Political Fiction
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda

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Exiles’ Escape: Book 2 of 3: Old Men and Infidels is an ambitious dystopian novel by author W. Clark Boutwell. Being the second installment in the trilogy, I highly recommend readers to read the first book, Outland Exile, to get the flow of the story and meld with the characters herein. Also, the events in the debut set the pace for this sequel.

Following the collapse of the U.S, two states emerge, the Restructured States and The Unity. With tensions rising, it’s clear that war is imminent and every side is determined to win it. Middle-aged seventeen-year-old Lieutenant Malila Chiu finds out that her General had plotted against her and ends up faking her death, hoping to stay undercover in the Outlands, where she learned her survival lessons.

Elsewhere, Will Butler, a spy of the Restructured States, makes covert operations upon the Unity, hoping to gather the information which will prove crucial in the future. On the other hand, Jesse Johnson, an old and eccentric man, is on a special mission for the Restructured States amid numerous efforts to eliminate him. In a possible war likely to breed opportunity and danger, each state and faction is determined to gather as much information about their enemies at any cost. As the politics of the day play out, readers are plunged into a world of intrigue, revelations, betrayal, mistrust, action, and unexpected psychological tension.

Clark Boutwell has written a blisteringly smart novel that is buoyed with vibrant prose and thoughtful images bringing to light a speculative world with complex concepts. Imbued with sci-fi elements and AI intelligence settings, Clark manages to satisfy readers with innovative imagery which contributes to poignant ideas about the force of politics in determining peoples’ livelihood. The fast pacing and neat ending hint at a sequel will be worthwhile for readers who hang in for all the 366 pages.

Overall, Exiles’ Escape: Book 2 of 3: Old Men and Infidels is a thoughtfully revolutionary exploration of the efferent pathways of the human soul. From the simulating book cover to well-choreographed battle scenes, Clark creates a great atmosphere in the writing and lexical choices that paint the futuristic world with a remarkable brush.

Clark Boutwell has just roped in a new fan. Well stocked with surprises, Exiles’ Escape: Book 2 of 3: Old Men and Infidels is indeed custom-made for human consumption.