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Deathlands #3
Neutron Solstice
THE WAR FOR SURVIVAL CONTINUES...
A generation after a global nuclear war, Louisiana is a fetid, sullen landscape of impenetrable swamps and grotesquely mutated wildlife. Above the gnarled bayous, radioactive red dust clouds race across the sky on nuclear winds; below, thick mud sucks at a man's boots. Now and then a biting acid rain falls, swept in on the boiling winds from the Gulf.
In the reeking swampland that was the Mississippi basin, neutron bombs have left barren cityscapes the territories of small groups of bitterly opposed survivors. Ryan Cawdor and his companions Krysty Wroth and J.B. Dix come upon one such group who are striving to revive life on earth the way it was before the bombs fell. But they're up against a postholocaust feudal lord who's just as determined to wipe them out.
In the Deathlands, the world blew out in 2001.
A generation after a global nuclear war, Louisiana is a fetid, sullen landscape of impenetrable swamps and grotesquely mutated wildlife. Above the gnarled bayous, radioactive red dust clouds race across the sky on nuclear winds; below, thick mud sucks at a man's boots. Now and then a biting acid rain falls, swept in on the boiling winds from the Gulf.
In the reeking swampland that was the Mississippi basin, neutron bombs have left barren cityscapes the territories of small groups of bitterly opposed survivors. Ryan Cawdor and his companions Krysty Wroth and J.B. Dix come upon one such group who are striving to revive life on earth the way it was before the bombs fell. But they're up against a postholocaust feudal lord who's just as determined to wipe them out.
In the Deathlands, the world blew out in 2001.
250 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1987
19 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 3, 2013
The Baron characted along with his lead Sec Man Mephisto add a depth of darkness and vileness that have not yet been reached until now. Although it's for adult audiances, this descriptive account of capture, torture, and abuse is entertaining to say the least.
June 4, 2015
Another great book by James Axler. I have read a lot of the newer books, but decided that I would like to start at the beginning to read this series. For those who enjoy a very explicitly detailed and graphic accounting of events that occur, then this book is for you.
September 11, 2013
Good production quality. Not something to listen to while the kids are in the car though.
October 15, 2018
More of the same pulpy goodness. These are my guilty pleasure. The audio presentation is what makes it a fun quick listen. Some of the gory parts were pretty cringe worthy. Very fast paced.
May 28, 2025
Condition: Good. Mild corner tear at spine, otherwise nothing significant.
If Red Holocaust was so far the best entry I’ve read in this series, Neutron Solstice is so far the worst. The setup is promising: the gang now finds themselves outside Lafayette, Louisiana, relatively well preserved due to the usage of neutron bombs rather than nukes to decimate the region. The constituent elements are predictable but satisfying: a local populace with a penchant for obscure voodoo rituals, giant mutated alligators, and Baron Tourment, the immensely sadistic (and sadistically immense) giant who rules the land with a depraved vigor in keeping with the series’ in-house style. Against him: a ragtag group of rebels led by Jak Lauren, the albino knife-wielding teenager who will, at book’s end, become the newest member of the team. The stage is set for this to be a strong entry, with memorable characters, a distinct setting, and appropriately high stakes established with the abduction of Krysty and Lori.
Why doesn’t it work, then? It’s hard to pinpoint. Pacing is a large part of it- glacially slow, in my estimation. Far slower than it should be for the circumstances. Ryan and company seem rather nonchalant about their rescue mission, and an inordinate amount of time is spent in the early exploratory sections of the book familiarizing the reader with the landscape of Lafayette. Furthermore, Baron Tourment, who seems like such a promising villain at the outset, ends up being kind of a dud- while the character is inherently memorable (seven feet tall but partially crippled with a penchant for raping women, literally, to death) but little is done to flesh out his character beyond his immediate bad-guy aesthetics. Jak, also, is not a particularly interesting member of the crew- perhaps this changes in the future, but as it stands, he seems to exist mostly for the novelty of having a child on the team. The most interesting aspects of the novel- the strange voodoo rituals, the oddball local populace, the further expansion on the psychic phenomena in some mutated humans- are mentioned largely in passing, abandoning these fascinating features for, of course, more descriptions of rifle-cleaning and the rapidly exhausting slow unveiling of Doc Tanner’s history. Neutron Solstice isn’t a MISERABLE read, and it does seem to set important things in motion for oncoming books, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that this one seems to be largely playing for time in a way the others I’ve read in this series aren’t.
https://hideousrecollection.substack.com
If Red Holocaust was so far the best entry I’ve read in this series, Neutron Solstice is so far the worst. The setup is promising: the gang now finds themselves outside Lafayette, Louisiana, relatively well preserved due to the usage of neutron bombs rather than nukes to decimate the region. The constituent elements are predictable but satisfying: a local populace with a penchant for obscure voodoo rituals, giant mutated alligators, and Baron Tourment, the immensely sadistic (and sadistically immense) giant who rules the land with a depraved vigor in keeping with the series’ in-house style. Against him: a ragtag group of rebels led by Jak Lauren, the albino knife-wielding teenager who will, at book’s end, become the newest member of the team. The stage is set for this to be a strong entry, with memorable characters, a distinct setting, and appropriately high stakes established with the abduction of Krysty and Lori.
Why doesn’t it work, then? It’s hard to pinpoint. Pacing is a large part of it- glacially slow, in my estimation. Far slower than it should be for the circumstances. Ryan and company seem rather nonchalant about their rescue mission, and an inordinate amount of time is spent in the early exploratory sections of the book familiarizing the reader with the landscape of Lafayette. Furthermore, Baron Tourment, who seems like such a promising villain at the outset, ends up being kind of a dud- while the character is inherently memorable (seven feet tall but partially crippled with a penchant for raping women, literally, to death) but little is done to flesh out his character beyond his immediate bad-guy aesthetics. Jak, also, is not a particularly interesting member of the crew- perhaps this changes in the future, but as it stands, he seems to exist mostly for the novelty of having a child on the team. The most interesting aspects of the novel- the strange voodoo rituals, the oddball local populace, the further expansion on the psychic phenomena in some mutated humans- are mentioned largely in passing, abandoning these fascinating features for, of course, more descriptions of rifle-cleaning and the rapidly exhausting slow unveiling of Doc Tanner’s history. Neutron Solstice isn’t a MISERABLE read, and it does seem to set important things in motion for oncoming books, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that this one seems to be largely playing for time in a way the others I’ve read in this series aren’t.
https://hideousrecollection.substack.com
June 28, 2018
Neutron Solstice should come prepackaged with the moniker “If you’ve read one, you’ve read them all”, because, like the previous 2 books in Deathlands series, there’s nothing new or game changing here. 3 books in and it’s more of the same dreary, deadly, post apocalyptic wasteland of America, full of mutants and killers and raping and sex and more gore than you can shake the proverbial stick at.
Usually, I’d be totally fine with that (and I was with the first 2), but it now seems we are stuck in the law of diminishing returns. We know there is going to be a crazy dictator/warlord. We know Ryan and his gang will overthrow them. After 3 books we know Ryan and Krysty will screw each other’s brains out, complete with just the right amount of cheaply written description of their movements and climaxes. I mean, I get it. And I’m not complaining since this is, along with horror, is the genre i grownup reading and the Deathlands is the quintessential series I wish I would picked up sooner. Like all the Star Wars books I had to take a hiatus from, I think I’m just ready for something new.
Don’t let me average review keep you from reading this series, however. I did give it a respectable 3 stars, and in a genre saturated with sub-par writing, Axler isn’t half bad. Plus, this series never pretends to be anything it’s not: a (sort of) modern day pulp novel, written by a dude for dudes who don’t want to meddle with long, overwrought and overwritten dramas.
I’m not abandoning this series. I’ll be back for Crater Lake after I give my brain some time with some more “learned” and “intelligent” books.
Usually, I’d be totally fine with that (and I was with the first 2), but it now seems we are stuck in the law of diminishing returns. We know there is going to be a crazy dictator/warlord. We know Ryan and his gang will overthrow them. After 3 books we know Ryan and Krysty will screw each other’s brains out, complete with just the right amount of cheaply written description of their movements and climaxes. I mean, I get it. And I’m not complaining since this is, along with horror, is the genre i grownup reading and the Deathlands is the quintessential series I wish I would picked up sooner. Like all the Star Wars books I had to take a hiatus from, I think I’m just ready for something new.
Don’t let me average review keep you from reading this series, however. I did give it a respectable 3 stars, and in a genre saturated with sub-par writing, Axler isn’t half bad. Plus, this series never pretends to be anything it’s not: a (sort of) modern day pulp novel, written by a dude for dudes who don’t want to meddle with long, overwrought and overwritten dramas.
I’m not abandoning this series. I’ll be back for Crater Lake after I give my brain some time with some more “learned” and “intelligent” books.
September 26, 2021
The vagaries of the redoubt transmats land Cawdor and crew in a hot humid south that has seen the waters rise, pushing inland and creating swamps that are home to radiated creatures and mutated humans alike. Leaving the safety of concrete and solid steel, the team stumble across swamp people who are determined to take their lives, muties who won't die, and eventually a town unbelievably untouched by the nuclear holocaust of the past. But, the universe gives and the universe takes away. Family gained and family lost and soon the team is fighting for the lives of not only themselves but for those who can't fight alone.
Book 3 in the long running DEATHLANDS series. Pretty standard fare as series co-creator Laurence James keeps to the reoccurring elements that are part and parcel of each book in the series. Locations change...names change...but the stories continues in the same vein as the author moves his characters from place to place while introducing travelling the team across a devastated North America. James would write and co-write the first 33 books in the series.
Book 3 in the long running DEATHLANDS series. Pretty standard fare as series co-creator Laurence James keeps to the reoccurring elements that are part and parcel of each book in the series. Locations change...names change...but the stories continues in the same vein as the author moves his characters from place to place while introducing travelling the team across a devastated North America. James would write and co-write the first 33 books in the series.
July 18, 2022
Enter Jak Lauren to replace ...someone from the group.
Yes, they have started killing off recurring protagonists. It makes for an interesting read and actually helps to give that sense of danger as not everyone is really safe. Not everyone will make it.
This was my first book that I read in the series, many years ago. Having re-read it recently, I do find it stands up better than the first couple of titles. I like the villain, setting, conflict, and mutations introduced in the story.
The baron even helps the book go from action sci-fi to bordering on the horror genre. There are eerie, supernatural moments and the author gives a not-too-subtle nod to Stephen King.
I particularly like the fact that the antagonist was flawed yet still very evil. When the odds against winning are too insurmountable, it tends to require too much suspension of belief when victory is attained. In creating weakness, there is better conflict. I think that was done well in this title.
Yes, they have started killing off recurring protagonists. It makes for an interesting read and actually helps to give that sense of danger as not everyone is really safe. Not everyone will make it.
This was my first book that I read in the series, many years ago. Having re-read it recently, I do find it stands up better than the first couple of titles. I like the villain, setting, conflict, and mutations introduced in the story.
The baron even helps the book go from action sci-fi to bordering on the horror genre. There are eerie, supernatural moments and the author gives a not-too-subtle nod to Stephen King.
I particularly like the fact that the antagonist was flawed yet still very evil. When the odds against winning are too insurmountable, it tends to require too much suspension of belief when victory is attained. In creating weakness, there is better conflict. I think that was done well in this title.
August 4, 2022
I think I will say the same thing about every Deathlands book until I find one that is either better or worse than all the others...
They are an insane (inane?) ride through a post apocalyptic version of the movie Hobbs and Shaw on ketamine with mutants and portals through time and space.
If you're interested in the above description, you will more than likely find something you enjoy in the Deathlands series. They are INCREDIBLY formulaic but I thoroughly enjoy the characters, and most story arcs are interesting enough for me to pick up the next one eventually.
The Graphic Audio versions are superbly made.
I'd probably give most Deathlands books a 3.5/5. Since Goodreads doesn't allow that, I'll give them a 4/5.
They are an insane (inane?) ride through a post apocalyptic version of the movie Hobbs and Shaw on ketamine with mutants and portals through time and space.
If you're interested in the above description, you will more than likely find something you enjoy in the Deathlands series. They are INCREDIBLY formulaic but I thoroughly enjoy the characters, and most story arcs are interesting enough for me to pick up the next one eventually.
The Graphic Audio versions are superbly made.
I'd probably give most Deathlands books a 3.5/5. Since Goodreads doesn't allow that, I'll give them a 4/5.
February 12, 2023
The cheesiness that is the over the top sex (three thrusts for orgasm and making love three times) is one of the funny and weak accomplishments of this series. That and the constant reassurances of what gun models are being carried as well as the technical features of said weapon.
It’s a solid entry into the series, I find that the video tape diary in the second half of the story to be one of fine past glimpses of the time before. The setting as well was hot and sticky enough to render a vivid imagining of the bayou and its many creatures and people, not sure about the monster cock descriptions though, but hey that’s just me.
Otherwise, it’s action packed and fun going. Not as interesting as the second book, in my opinion. Nevertheless a good read for our action heroes.
Copies of this can be found for e-book readers on the Internet Archive. Enjoy!
It’s a solid entry into the series, I find that the video tape diary in the second half of the story to be one of fine past glimpses of the time before. The setting as well was hot and sticky enough to render a vivid imagining of the bayou and its many creatures and people, not sure about the monster cock descriptions though, but hey that’s just me.
Otherwise, it’s action packed and fun going. Not as interesting as the second book, in my opinion. Nevertheless a good read for our action heroes.
Copies of this can be found for e-book readers on the Internet Archive. Enjoy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2024
Read nearly a quarter of century ago, this was a wonderful dystopian tale. I discovered and rescued this book from a massive mound of paper meant for making pulp for a paper mill, impressed by the cover.
The story was worth the effort. Great tale by Axler and as I later found that it was a part of a long series with several books based on the Deathlands universe that he has created, the badlands, a difficult era where survival is a struggle everyday.
The story was worth the effort. Great tale by Axler and as I later found that it was a part of a long series with several books based on the Deathlands universe that he has created, the badlands, a difficult era where survival is a struggle everyday.
December 4, 2018
This one felt really quick. And bloody, as usual. Not so much on the oddities side as they end up in an area that was hit with neutron bombs, thus killing people and animals, but leaving buildings intact. Learn a bit more about Ryan, and hints of Doc's past.
August 29, 2017
Great series of books and fantastic in audio
March 16, 2021
3.5
Interesting to read the origin of Jak Lauren, but overall not that great/interesting
Interesting to read the origin of Jak Lauren, but overall not that great/interesting
December 8, 2021
La. is the exit portal where this takes place.
June 13, 2023
Fun pulp fiction. Great narration, characters and writing. Definitely recommend to this series to post apocalyptic fans.
September 5, 2023
great reading still
Still enjoying this series! Even the new characters that come into the story line are great! I will warn those with a squeamish tummy - it is quite gruesome.
Still enjoying this series! Even the new characters that come into the story line are great! I will warn those with a squeamish tummy - it is quite gruesome.
September 9, 2011
My ratings system is as follows. One star is GOOD. The book is entertaining, easy to read and you don't want to stop reading because something about the book is compelling you not to. Two stars is GREAT! This time the story is not only entertaining, but highly creative, unique, easy to read and hard to put down. Three stars is EXCELLENT. Here the book has all aspects of one and two stars, but now the book is thought and emotionally provoking. Four is AWESOME. This is the read that is not only creative, original and emotionally and utterly captivating, but you are overwhelmed at how talented and skilled the author is in telling you their story. Literary brilliance. Five is PHENOMENAL. This is the book that has all the components of the previous four ratings but leaves that lasting impression. It's the book that changes dramatically your point of view and your interpretation of experiences you or others around you endure.
August 31, 2010
This was the first James Axler--it's a house owned name with multiple authors writing the series--that I ever read. Bought it used because it looked interesting and it was. Lots of action in a post Apocalyptic world setting which is one of my favorite futuristic themes.
If you like 'men's fiction' with lots of fights and freaky mutants, dangerous warlords and down right bug nuts crazy stuff going on, I highly recommend reading this series.
If you like 'men's fiction' with lots of fights and freaky mutants, dangerous warlords and down right bug nuts crazy stuff going on, I highly recommend reading this series.
November 23, 2013
Possibly the best Deathlands book I've read yet. A well written pulp adventure with some revolting villains and a growing sense of heroism amongst the protagonists. Quite a few significant details are added to the mythos. Jak joins the team and we find out more about Ryan's secret past. Shockingly violent in places and a fast pace. A good one to sample the series with.
October 27, 2010
I don't think of myself as particularly squeemish or prudish, but I thought this books was just gross and offensive. I gave it a shot, but didn't feel it necessary to finish.
Read
July 30, 2011Yep, I'm a glutton for punishment... He's getting better though. Once again too much unneeded detail, at least the stories don't suck...yet.
April 29, 2012
See my reviews for the first 2 books in the series... this is just more of the same.
Read
March 14, 2015 This was the first Death Lands book I bought. I was hooked immediately. Now have every book in the series.
February 6, 2019
An average apocalyptic adventure story. This one takes place a century after the last war and now there are mutants running around the earth. Recommended
January 2, 2016
Set formula to this series! Explore somewhere, someone dies, someone's captured, escape somehow, kill someone, repeat......
November 30, 2009
Yay, Jack!!!
August 14, 2013
decent
April 11, 2017
It is what it is. Rougher read - this one put the "mature" in "mature readers only".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews