Shadowfall [Dramatized Adaptation]

Deathlands #26

by James Axler, Richard Rohan (Reader), Cate Torre (Reader)

The nuclear conflagration that had nearly consumed the world generations ago stripped away most of its bounty, throwing survivors back to more savage ways of existence. Amid the ruins, Ryan Cawdor leads the daring few who wage a grim battle in a quest for a better future. As elsewhere in the Deathlands, what remains of the Sunshine State is ruled by tooth and claw and unbridled instinct. It's an alien, inhospitable terrain of sulphur pits and lethal geysers, inhabited by mutated life-forms. Here Ryan finds that survival demands hard and fast choices and unexpected alliances. To hold his band of warrior survivalists together, he comes to an agonizing crossroads, torn by a debt to the past and loyalty to the present. Hope died in the Deathlands, but the will to live goes on.

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Adventure, Science Fiction, Fiction, Action, Dystopia

1 pages, Audio CD

First published May 1, 1995

About the author

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Reviews

[Jim Dunlop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cawdor and his band of survivors end up in a redoubt in the remains of California in this Deathlands tale. Cali itself is more or less gone by this time, in its place is a harsh coast of sulfur springs and radiation, dotted with islands.

The band run into scabbies, mutie hogs, and a group of vagabonds led by the memorable Straub, who are intent on taking over a ville led by a dying Baron.

Typical Deathlands tale here, I felt like a bit more time and development could have been spent on the Baron, but the action moves at a good pace, with some interesting twists and turns along the way.

The story ends with Trader and Abe sacrificing themselves to help Ryan and the rest, a sort of surprise ending, as I thought for sure a confrontation was coming between Cawdor and Trader. A decent read in general.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second disappointment out of two. Yet I can't be sure my dislike for the series thus far isn't due to the atrocious narration by Nanette Savard. She has one voice: strident woman, but she changes it to suit the character: strident crone, strident ape, strident screeching bad guys, etc. What a range, huh?

So how much damage does a narrator who reminds you of everybody's nightmare mother-in-law do to the story?

Can't be sure. I'm going to give Lord of the Isles one more try in a few months.

Oops. Next two were also narrated by Savard. Sigh. I'll try again.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little more environmentally focused with giant mutant pigs. Still the typical ville and formula but enough changes to be interesting. Ends with Trader separating from the group, which I'm glad for the removal of bad inner conflict.

[Ralph McEwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the better Deathland stories. Lots of action and a fair amount of plot.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An average apocalyptic adventure story. This one takes a century after the last war and now there are mutants running around the earth. Recommended