Vengeance Trail starts off with a bang and runs full blast right to the end. First of all the book scored big points with me for actually being an original story idea instead of the usual rehashed "group enters ville, defeats evil baron" storyline. Ryan's apparent death in the opening chapter is done well, and splitting up the group for the majority of the book allows for each person to have their own key solo moments throughout the story. Everyone, including the bad guys, are played with at least some complexity and nuance, which is a very nice change from the previous book (which was absolutely wretched). If Milan were to become the full-time writer for Deathlands I would be very pleased. Unfortunately that just isn't going to happen.

I really enjoyed Vengeance Trail. Some of the recent books have left me kind of cold. I think the addition of the Tech Nomads is a nice idea. Future writers can use them or not. If they used them too much it would kill the idea. This book had it all. You cared about the characters and it wasn't the same old "go to the Ville. Kill everybody. Leave" scenario. The whole MAGOG thing was a great idea. My wife just thinks I like redheads with guns. My answer is "I married you,didn't I? Good book. 4 Stars.

An amazing story that intertwines trains, the west and individual tenacity that answers the question, can the group function without Ryan? I truly enjoyed this tale set in New Mexico. I loved the train and at times felt I was onboard manning a weapons pod. The General is genuinely mad, and his aide hides a secret that is perfectly sprung. By far my favorite Deathlands read. Vengeance Trail was hard to put down!

Finally, a decently written and well thought out DL novel. The tech nomads are a nice add to the background. The only real weak spot is Krysty and 'Paul's' pedaling across half the country - a bit of a stretch. The fuzzy wuzzies were shaky, too. But, all in all, one of the best in too long a time.

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!

Wow! What a great story. It had the right combination of story-line, guts, gore, glory, and greatness. The book is truly outstanding.

Great lines:
"...through his heart and, as an added bonus, knocked a ..."

"That is something one does not see every day." When the train goes over the edge.

And, "Lookit, Krysty! I really did catch the last train for the coast!"

I hope this author writes all the rest of the books. He's really got it together. YEA!!!!