Customer Reviews

Starfall (Deathlands, 45)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The fact is that "Deathlands" is first and foremost and action/adventure series. All the nit-picking comes a very definate second. In this book, they get back to the action big time and, while I suspect that some of the series purists will find things to criticize, it was a real page turner, as opposed to the latest "Outlands" offering which read much like a text on physics, with the same level of excitement. I suspect that the purists will rate this as "So-so" but the action types will love it and hope for more.

Starfall isn't a good read as the other 'Deathland' books in the series. I'm finding that since Laurence James aka: James Axler left the series in the hands of ghost writers, the series has lost a good deal in substance. The Encounter on the other hand brought much back into the Deathland fold, but Starfall I felt left many questions as well as an empty feeling when finishing the book.

Unfortunately the Deathlands saga continues its downward spiral with this tale which, with its attempts to expand the mythology, fails pretty miserably. The attempted explanation of the origins of Krysty's mutie powers, particularly with the introduction of The Chosen, is both unneccessary and clumsy. Ryan hears of a rumor that maybe aliens caused the nukecaust, an attempt maybe to start to bring the two series together? Either way it seems forced and superfluous. The Heimdall Foundation rather than coming across as a shadowy group seeking predark tech and truths instead seem like more of an obscure nonsense. By trying to widen the scope of the series, this book not only takes some of the mystery away it replaces that mystery with ill-conceived notions which only sour the Deathlands mythology. After an abrupt and confusing start the book does read better the further you get into it, but I found many occasions where situations just didn't read well at all. Still, if you're not a picky purist like myself, there's a chance you'll enjoy it. Otherwise avoid, there's aways the future...

Another great adventure in the Deathlands world. This new chapter in the saga of post-holocaust america is one of the most savage written so far. Its been awhile since Ryan and his warrior-survivalists have finally roughed-it in the wild. The story and action are excellent! The only weakness is at the very end, and how it ends sooo suddenly. But it is still the best adventure reading out there today, with its great blend of sci-fi/action/adventure, mixed in with some great sex scenes - wow!!!