The legacy of the twentieth century was the world-wasting nuclear firestorm that destroyed a way of life forever, leaving humanity without hope. But in a hidden valley Ryan Cawdor an his warrior survivalists encounter an awesome force, a power that can heal or destroy.
In the Deathlands life is locked in mortal combat, and the only way out is the future.
The legacy of the twentieth century was the world-wasting nuclear firestorm that destroyed a way of life forever. Civilization is in ruins, its pitiful remnants perverted by brute force, and mankind is less at home on the planet than ever before. Yet in the desolation that is the Deathlands, an intrepid group of wayfarers continues the determined fight for survival and a better future.
Leaving a western ville besieged by desert pirates in search of the legendary cities of the Spanish conquistadors, Ryan Cawdor and his warrior survivalists enter a hidden valley untouched by civilization. Here the descendants of the First People are at one with Nature, following their sacred and mystical traditions. But deep in the valley is an awesome force, a power that can freely heal...or wantonly destroy.
Mr. Eliis did a very nice job of blending "The Magnificent Seven/ Garden of Evil/ McKenna's Gold" westerns into a post apocalypse western. While the story line may not be a new one, it made for a very good DL read and a refreshing change of pace. I wonder if Mose Autry is a descendent of Gene Autry? Being part Cherokee I found the Indian mysticism interesting though a bit over done for my taste, but thats just me. The only other complaint I have with an otherwise fine read is that I thought the characterizations of the companions to be a little out of sync, especially Ryan's. I didn't care for Mr.Ellis' interpretation of Ryan's character as much as Mr.James'. All in all it still ranks as one of the better DL books.
Demons of Eden is the second Deathlands book by Mark Ellis and it's another indication of what the series could have been if he had either stayed with it or other writers had followed the kind of stories he told.
A very rich story, the book felt almost like a big epic western movie. There was great stuff about American indian legends and lore that showed up in the Outlanders series.
I thought the Cavern of Creation premise was brilliant.
A great book and coming from somebody who really doesn't care anything about the DL series, that's quite the testament to the quality!