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Deathlands #27
Ground Zero
Ground Zero by James Axler released on May 25, 1995 is available now for purchase.
Paperback
First published June 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 21, 2014
Deathlands is an acquired taste; when I was younger, I loved these books. It simply seemed to be the only fiction on the market aimed at men (read: angst-ridden teenagers) that included the trifecta: sex, violence, cool horror/sci-fi themes.
I recently picked up a few handfuls of these books from a secondhand vendor and must report I was disappointed. This is not to say anything about taste, but rather, after returning to the books as an adult I can see the glaring faults in the series. In this particular title (nearly a prediction of Fallout 3), the gang heads to and thru post-fallout DC.
The series are all written with the design that any reader at any time can pick up the series. Admirable, but the fault lies here. The constant catalog of weapons, character descriptions, character quirks, character backgrounds, ad nausea grows so tiresome. How many times would you like to hear about "fiery" redhead and LeMat revolvers? Well, you are going to hear about them. Again and again.
If scripted as an action film or a TV series Deathlands could thrive with the right direction. As fiction, you really have to be willing to overlook the nearly impassable trail of adverbs, dialogue attribution tags, sex scenes with two filthy, absolutely makes-no-sense-at-the-moment characters, and the like.
I gave the title two stars for creativity and world-building, along with a nostalgic nod to the past. I've skimmed some of the new titles which are still being published and was disappointed to see much hasn't changed. For those of you who love the series, please understand this is a literary criticism, not a content criticism (ok, well, a little).
I recently picked up a few handfuls of these books from a secondhand vendor and must report I was disappointed. This is not to say anything about taste, but rather, after returning to the books as an adult I can see the glaring faults in the series. In this particular title (nearly a prediction of Fallout 3), the gang heads to and thru post-fallout DC.
The series are all written with the design that any reader at any time can pick up the series. Admirable, but the fault lies here. The constant catalog of weapons, character descriptions, character quirks, character backgrounds, ad nausea grows so tiresome. How many times would you like to hear about "fiery" redhead and LeMat revolvers? Well, you are going to hear about them. Again and again.
If scripted as an action film or a TV series Deathlands could thrive with the right direction. As fiction, you really have to be willing to overlook the nearly impassable trail of adverbs, dialogue attribution tags, sex scenes with two filthy, absolutely makes-no-sense-at-the-moment characters, and the like.
I gave the title two stars for creativity and world-building, along with a nostalgic nod to the past. I've skimmed some of the new titles which are still being published and was disappointed to see much hasn't changed. For those of you who love the series, please understand this is a literary criticism, not a content criticism (ok, well, a little).
May 29, 2026
Another redoubt, another gaudy pesthole ville, and another crazy baron who wants something he can’t have: members of Cawdor’s group of survivors for his deranged menagerie.
It’s another day in the Deathlands, this time in the remains of the nations capitol, or Washington Hole as it’s known (not a bad name for now). A sort of run of the mill Deathlands, but with a few highlights.
One being the samurai warriors the group faces off against early in the book, obviously building towards a confrontation between these strange out of time visitors. Another was the doomie Emma, who Jak takes a liking too, but unfortunately the psychotic Baron Sharpe also wants her for his twisted and depraved mutie zoo. And the final highlight was the freak tornado, excellently portrayed in Herrings cover, which rips through friend and foe alike with devastating results.
Overall just an average Deathlands, but entertaining nonetheless.
It’s another day in the Deathlands, this time in the remains of the nations capitol, or Washington Hole as it’s known (not a bad name for now). A sort of run of the mill Deathlands, but with a few highlights.
One being the samurai warriors the group faces off against early in the book, obviously building towards a confrontation between these strange out of time visitors. Another was the doomie Emma, who Jak takes a liking too, but unfortunately the psychotic Baron Sharpe also wants her for his twisted and depraved mutie zoo. And the final highlight was the freak tornado, excellently portrayed in Herrings cover, which rips through friend and foe alike with devastating results.
Overall just an average Deathlands, but entertaining nonetheless.
July 6, 2021
3.5.
Not bad, but not great either.
Ryan acted like a bit of a dumb dumb and poor leader in this one. It was pretty obvious what the baron was up to.
No suprising twists or turns, and not much interesting world building.
Wouldn't recommend, but would say it should be actively avoided either.
Not bad, but not great either.
Ryan acted like a bit of a dumb dumb and poor leader in this one. It was pretty obvious what the baron was up to.
No suprising twists or turns, and not much interesting world building.
Wouldn't recommend, but would say it should be actively avoided either.
October 28, 2019
Some missed opportunities - I feel like this story could have been expanded a great deal further. Excellent antagonist.
April 3, 2012
"I could have easily soiled my best linen"
January 21, 2015
Mais um nas Deathlands...e vão 27
January 26, 2016
An average apocalyptic adventure story. This one takes a century after the last war and now there are mutants running around the earth. Recommended
February 25, 2011
Ah yes, their trip to Washington D.C. (otherwise known as Washington Hole)
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews