Customer Reviews

Vengeance Trail (Deathlands)

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

 

 

I have been reading Deathlands and Outlanders from the beginning. Like others, I lament the old days when we had good strong characterization and plots that not only made sense but hung together. I'm afraid this book isn't one of them. It isn't the worst in the series, but sadly it is lacking. The basic plot is Ok, but wouldn't Kristy look over the cliff and see Ryan? Without this major error there is no reason for the plot. Also "the little ones" what the heck is that about? Some psychic rats who heal Ryan for no apparent reason? A little Deux de machina, if you ask me--the sure sign of the author not knowing how to get himself out of a hole he put himself into. It would have been a more interesting book to watch Ryan deal with his fate by himself. The other companions are presented fairly well, but the characterization of Ryan and THE STUPID LINES given to him in dialog is painful to read. So other than the plot and poor characterization, this is a tolerable read.

Victor Milan's newest and greatest piece of writing - Deathland's Vengeance Trail - takes the reader on a cinematic event reading experience.

Where obviously his Shaking Earth was just a warm-up, Vengeance Trail knocks this series right out of the ball park for a sure-fire home run.

If I could give this one an A+ or a 100 + - I would. Its just that great.
Not only is the storyline totally awesome in scope, but Milan delivers the goods in a myriad of ways.

From fleshing-out and furthering our DL companions, to showing us the Deathlands in illustrious - if not bloody - color. Not in a long time have i read the Deathlands being this well drawn in a long, long, time.

And what is even more wonderful, is the fact that the bad guys are plentiful enough for several books all rolled into one. And even they are far from cookie cut-outs. Well fleshed-out with very interesting and intriguing characterizations all of their own.

The muties are bloody awesome as well. Plentiful and wonderfully written. With fresh new ones introduced that will leave an impression on the readers.

This is a writer who obviously listens to his reading audience. Well, insofar as DL goes.
Not only does he stay true to Laurence Jame's versions of the past Deathlands companions, but he furthers it to show their loyalty and love for one another. Something that has been ignored for far too long.

I loved the way in which Milan shows how the surviving companions show their differing kinds of grief over Ryan's supposed death. It was wonderful and refreshing, to say the least.

Especially when it came to Jak and Krysty.

Some new hints of new storylines and characters are shown in this novel, and I hope they are further explored in future editions of this series.
What is so wonderful about this latest DL novel is the fact that Milan pays attention to detail. He utilizes and brings out the sheer beauty and danger that the Deathlands has to offer.

Something most writers seem to ignore. From acid rain to mutie plants and animals, to how to survive in the hottest hot spots.
Another thing that is usually ignored by other writers.

I also loved the new group introduced here called the Tech-Nomads. They were cool and very interesting.

I'm not the kind of reviewer that will give key points away in any novel, but suffice it to say, this one will most definately please the masses.
And not even the 'Outlanders Only Club' can deny that this one was extremely well written in a number of ways.

Way to go, Victor!

Thanks for cementing the fact that you are tailored made for this thing we call - the Axlerverse.

I for one cannot wait for your next Outlander novel. But the way he writes Deathlands is by far superior. Please, keep 'em comin' Mr. Milan!

As a female reader, I found this particular novel extremely delicious and very richly detailed in a myriad of ways.

I liked the fact that Krysty took center stage here, and that Victor Milan managed to finally bring this series a storyline that is both compelling, and exciting to read into the wee hours of the night.

The only reason I even know of the many author's names to this series now, is because of the excellent reviews given by the couple here.

This is one to purchase folks.

After the somewhat lackluster last issue, this one blew the series out of the proverbial ballpark!

This writer is exceptional. I totally agree with Ms. Goodwin's review, this writer, and this particular storyline, was absolutely fabtastic to read.

I tend to watch and read the website of this series and the Outlander series - which I like, too! - and find that I totally agree with the person who calls himself One Eye Chills. That person knows a solid read.

The pinheads on that website that state that Deathlands is finished and old outta take a gander at the sales rankings between the series.

Deathlands sells better than Outlanders. And with great action and post-holocaust writers such as this one taking the helm, Deathlands is far from jumping the shark. Outlanders only club, you're a cadre of losers.

Deathlands forever!!

Looking forward to the next one.