Escape from Melridion is the second novel in the Rebalancing the Cosmos series by Alex Galassi. The story unfolds in the enigmatic Volgash Desert, where a secret compound owned by the cunning Lord Foxaire holds mysteries that intertwine the fates of Ànifa’s companions from the first book—Theodore, Cecil, Dasch, Tyrona, and Druder. Professor Navacus Clums, a pivotal character, uncovers unsettling truths about the compound's underground facilities. Aided by the cryptic insights of West Kilinder and a mysterious Light Being, Navacus faces an ethical and physical battle to discover secrets, protect his team, and orchestrate an escape. The novel brims with suspense, ethical dilemmas, and moments of profound revelation.

Complex and entertaining, Escape from Melridion was everything I hoped it would be and more. Although I haven’t read the previous novel in the series, I had no issues catching up and loving the story. Author Alex Galassi masterfully builds the narrative, blending complex character development arcs with intricate world-building. The pacing is fast, which creates tension as Navacus delves deeper into the compound’s hidden horrors. The moral struggles faced by the characters (particularly Navacus) make the story more entertaining. The descriptions of the vivid settings and emotional turmoil of the characters are fantastic. I loved Navacus’s dilemma and how he fought with his moral obligations! I enjoyed Theodore (his determination and his sarcastic words), and of course, Anifa was fantastic. Escape from Melridion seamlessly combines elements of science fiction, mystery, and action. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will now read the first novel in the series and revisit Escape from Melridion once again.

Escape From Melridion by Alex Galassi is an epic science fiction novel and the second book in the Rebalancing the Cosmos series, preceded by book one, Battle for Eklatros. The series begins on Eklatros, a peaceful planet that finds itself facing destruction by the alien Gnusar horde. Their leader corrupts animals and gods, while humans, softened by centuries of peace, are powerless. Ànifa, a memoryless elvish woman, must recover her identity and awaken the fading planet to survive. Now in this installment, in the Volgash Desert on Melridion, Lord Foxaire’s secret compound conceals travelers from Eklatros and dangerous secrets. Professor Navacus Clums uncovers hidden horrors underground but is barred from returning. With help from a test subject and a Light Being, Navacus prepares his team to leave the compound safely.

Escape From Melridion by Alex Galassi is more than just straightforward science fiction; it is also a philosophical exploration of advanced metaphysical concepts. The Light Being, named Sterg, transcends physical limitations and introduces phenomena beyond human experience, like the idea of consciousness being separate from the soul. What I love most is that Galassi drives home the desire of all beings to rebel against the crushing of freedom. The standout to me is the Titans, who are bred specifically to serve Foxaire’s goals and are born into a system that defines them by their utility. When West begins to rebel against the facility, the act of rebellion becomes a personal act of reclaiming humanity. The battle scenes are fast-paced and exciting, particularly in an escape attempt that employs both hand-to-hand tactical combat and supernatural ability, from Navacus' surprising knife skills, an Ancilsan with spiked metal knuckles, and Kaytrona’s electric energy. Overall, with exceptional world-building, tight writing, and plenty of layers, Galassi delivers a solid series continuation and a brilliant read. Very highly recommended.

Escape From Melridion by Alex Galassi is the second book in the Rebalancing the Cosmos series. Professor Navacus Clums leads a team of life-saving scientists in a Melridion desert facility run by the elusive Lord Foxaire. His team has created mechanical wonders that allow a man who lost his legs, Norman, to walk again, and even West, a headless alien, to continue living through a portable life support system. The problems start for Navacus' sense of ethics when one day he is privy to the secret of the facility. Underneath the compound is a laboratory where monstrosities are made, imprisoned, and tortured through experiments. Several characters from the first book are also prisoners in this underground facility. As in the first book, Gnusaramnii continues to be the bad guy, and his followers are trying to bring about his return so he can control sentient beings across the galaxies. Professor Navacus and his team must find a way to escape from the facility and assuage their consciences by bringing some of the captives with them to foil the plans of the Gnusaramnii followers.

Escape from Melridion can be read as a stand-alone, without reading the first book. Alex Galassi does a noteworthy job of weaving together a pantheon of characters and keeping the plot comprehensive for the reader. He has also added a glossary that includes descriptions of all the alien beings readers might encounter in the plot. His characters enticed me enough to start reading the first book in the series. The plot keeps the reader on the edge of their seat because one never knows if Navacus and his team will be discovered and imprisoned or if they will escape until the final pages. One of the major themes is loyalty, and it is examined from all sides through new situations many have not considered. Characters must decide if they will do something unethical out of loyalty to their mentor and if disobeying a direct order is unloyal. The characters address these ethical dilemmas and some choose different paths for the same problem. It ends on a cliffhanger so we can look forward to Book 3.

In Escape From Melridion by Alex Galassi, Professor Navacus Clums, a birdlike humanoid, finds himself at the center of chaos and a conspiracy. His work entails refining experimental technology for cyborg enhancements, known as the Titans, but he then learns that all is not as it seems. He starts suspecting that his colleagues Professors Durrist and Randall are not being upfront about the experiments or the Titans and that they will be used as tools for destruction. Professor Clums comes into contact with a Light Being and their souls intertwine - the professor becomes sharper, clearer, and better at everything he undertakes. He becomes allied with the human travelers that appear at the underground compound and together they take on the fight for justice in a cosmos that is on the brink of chaos.

Escape From Melridion is an extremely well-written book with strong characters, authentic dialogue, suspense, intrigue, and powerful themes. These themes include one's definition of freedom, ethics, balance, and identity. The theme of identity is deeply interwoven in the narrative and explores how characters adapt amid extraordinary circumstances. The Titans, especially, grapple with their identities as they are artificially made beings. The theme of ethics has merit in today's world of creating artificial intelligence to serve mankind. The presence of strong and meaningful themes sets Alex Galassi's Escape from Melridion apart from other science fiction titles. It is an intriguing and suspenseful book that also had me questioning or rethinking the values of ethics and identity in today's technology-driven society.