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Trevor Lawson #2
Last Train from Perdition
Ever on the hunt for LaRouge, Lawson still travels by night, but no longer alone. Crack-shot, whip-smart Ann has become his companion, on her own search for her vampire-taken father and sister. Lawson has been summoned from New Orleans and the Hotel Sanctuaire to Omaha by a wealthy man who needs his son retrieved from a band of outlaws. Lawson and Ann agree to take the case and travel to the town of Perdition where they find their prey—but things get complicated fast when a saloon shootout leaves an innocent girl badly injured.
On a night train from Perdition to Helena to find medical help, it soon becomes clear that Lawson and Ann’s enemies may also be looking to prey upon them. As they struggle against those forces of darkness with a trainload of their most unlikely allies yet, Lawson also wages battle with the darkness LaRouge left within him.
On a night train from Perdition to Helena to find medical help, it soon becomes clear that Lawson and Ann’s enemies may also be looking to prey upon them. As they struggle against those forces of darkness with a trainload of their most unlikely allies yet, Lawson also wages battle with the darkness LaRouge left within him.
184 pages, Hardcover
First published October 31, 2016
38 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
About the author
Robert McCammon
167 books5,751 followersPseudonyms: Robert R. McCammon; Robert Rick McCammon
Robert McCammon was a full-time horror writer for many years. Among his many popular novels were the classics Boy's Life and Swan Song. After taking a hiatus for his family, he returned to writing with an interest in historical fiction.
His newest book, Leviathan, is the tenth and final book in the Matthew Corbett series. It was published in trade hardcover (Lividian Publications), ebook (Open Road), and audiobook (Audible) formats on December 3, 2024.
McCammon resides in Birmingham, Alabama.
Robert McCammon was a full-time horror writer for many years. Among his many popular novels were the classics Boy's Life and Swan Song. After taking a hiatus for his family, he returned to writing with an interest in historical fiction.
His newest book, Leviathan, is the tenth and final book in the Matthew Corbett series. It was published in trade hardcover (Lividian Publications), ebook (Open Road), and audiobook (Audible) formats on December 3, 2024.
McCammon resides in Birmingham, Alabama.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
May 24, 2018
”From a pocket inside his suit jacket he brought forth a small red bottle, a Japanese antique purchased in New Orleans. He uncorked it and wafted it back and forth under his nostrils. It was a heady scent that made iridescent colors bloom behind his eyes. Usually a spool of the thick crimson liquid would go into his favorite libation of rye whiskey, simple syrup and orange bitters, but tonight….
He drank just a sip, just enough to get a taste, just enough…”
Trevor Lawson had an unfortunate experience at the battle of Shiloh during the American Civil War. Not only was he wounded and left for dead, but a creature of the night, a diabolical woman, came upon him and drank his blood.
He woke ravenous with hunger.
Not for meat or asparagus or an omelet, but for red blood, human blood.
He discovered that the only way he could return to normal was to hunt down that bitch who turned him and drink her blood dry.
Every time he drank a person’s blood, he felt a little farther removed from being human. He decided to drink cow’s blood and did a decent job of not falling off the wagon. Animal blood didn't revive him the same way human blood did. He was much stronger than the average person, but not as strong as vampires were who regularly feast on human blood. He had to be smarter, less feral, and figure out a way to find that woman known as LaRouge.
You couldn't hunt for vampires, but the thing of it was once vampires knew you were on their trail they wouldn't stop running. They had no reason to fear anyone. He took jobs as a private investigator, and his latest case took him to Montana in search of a rich lad led astray by unseemly elements. With his human sidekick, Ann, a gunslinger par excellent, he ended up finding a lot more wrong in Montana besides a gang of outlaws who had the boy he was looking for. In fact, there was another boy who might quite possibly reside in your nightmares for the rest of your life.
”He had been taken and turned young, that was for sure. The boy wore a white shirt with ruffled collar and ruffles down the front; at least it had been white once, before it had become matted with dried blood. He wore gray short pants and cream-colored leggings, with old-fashioned buckled shoes. Above the pallid and grinning face the mass of curls, tousled hair was straw-colored, and the boy’s eyes were light. Except now they held centers of crimson, and they were aimed at Trevor Lawson with not only malicious intent but a touch of true merriment.”
As Lawson tried to leave town on the train to Helena with his quarry in hand and a hooker bleeding out from a bullet wound, the vampires attacked.
This has turned out to be yet another fantastic series by Robert McCammon. The first in the series I Travel By Night is equally as entertaining as this one. I would start with the first one. In fact, since they are both novellas, just read them back to back if possible. I’m not a huge fan of vampire stories, but the Old West twist adds some unusual flavors to an old myth. Hardboiled Vampire Western Noir.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
He drank just a sip, just enough to get a taste, just enough…”
Trevor Lawson had an unfortunate experience at the battle of Shiloh during the American Civil War. Not only was he wounded and left for dead, but a creature of the night, a diabolical woman, came upon him and drank his blood.
He woke ravenous with hunger.
Not for meat or asparagus or an omelet, but for red blood, human blood.
He discovered that the only way he could return to normal was to hunt down that bitch who turned him and drink her blood dry.
Every time he drank a person’s blood, he felt a little farther removed from being human. He decided to drink cow’s blood and did a decent job of not falling off the wagon. Animal blood didn't revive him the same way human blood did. He was much stronger than the average person, but not as strong as vampires were who regularly feast on human blood. He had to be smarter, less feral, and figure out a way to find that woman known as LaRouge.
You couldn't hunt for vampires, but the thing of it was once vampires knew you were on their trail they wouldn't stop running. They had no reason to fear anyone. He took jobs as a private investigator, and his latest case took him to Montana in search of a rich lad led astray by unseemly elements. With his human sidekick, Ann, a gunslinger par excellent, he ended up finding a lot more wrong in Montana besides a gang of outlaws who had the boy he was looking for. In fact, there was another boy who might quite possibly reside in your nightmares for the rest of your life.
”He had been taken and turned young, that was for sure. The boy wore a white shirt with ruffled collar and ruffles down the front; at least it had been white once, before it had become matted with dried blood. He wore gray short pants and cream-colored leggings, with old-fashioned buckled shoes. Above the pallid and grinning face the mass of curls, tousled hair was straw-colored, and the boy’s eyes were light. Except now they held centers of crimson, and they were aimed at Trevor Lawson with not only malicious intent but a touch of true merriment.”
As Lawson tried to leave town on the train to Helena with his quarry in hand and a hooker bleeding out from a bullet wound, the vampires attacked.
This has turned out to be yet another fantastic series by Robert McCammon. The first in the series I Travel By Night is equally as entertaining as this one. I would start with the first one. In fact, since they are both novellas, just read them back to back if possible. I’m not a huge fan of vampire stories, but the Old West twist adds some unusual flavors to an old myth. Hardboiled Vampire Western Noir.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
September 5, 2022
What an ending!
Robert McCammon must add to this series one day. He must!
Last Train from Perdition ends with a cliffhanger for our main character, Trevor Lawson.
This book is full on action, vampires and gore!
Lawson is a vampire and also hunts vampires. He doesn’t want to be a vampire so he’s tracking the Dark Society with his companion, Ann Kingsley. They're looking for the vampire queen that turned him years ago.
Ann, his companion is a sharpshooter with a gun and has a stake in this hunt after the events of the first book in the series, I Travel by Night.
Lawson & Ann get a summon to Omaha where they decide to take a job from a wealthy father looking for his wayward son. He believes his son is with a band of outlaws in Montana and wants his son to be rescued and brought home.
When Lawson & Ann get to Perdition, the action doesn’t let up until the very end of the book.
If you are looking for a great mishmash of a western, horror and vampires, look no further then checking out this series!
McCammon’s writing and characters makes this an entertaining, action packed and fun read!
Robert McCammon must add to this series one day. He must!
Last Train from Perdition ends with a cliffhanger for our main character, Trevor Lawson.
This book is full on action, vampires and gore!
Lawson is a vampire and also hunts vampires. He doesn’t want to be a vampire so he’s tracking the Dark Society with his companion, Ann Kingsley. They're looking for the vampire queen that turned him years ago.
Ann, his companion is a sharpshooter with a gun and has a stake in this hunt after the events of the first book in the series, I Travel by Night.
Lawson & Ann get a summon to Omaha where they decide to take a job from a wealthy father looking for his wayward son. He believes his son is with a band of outlaws in Montana and wants his son to be rescued and brought home.
When Lawson & Ann get to Perdition, the action doesn’t let up until the very end of the book.
If you are looking for a great mishmash of a western, horror and vampires, look no further then checking out this series!
McCammon’s writing and characters makes this an entertaining, action packed and fun read!
October 18, 2016
Trevor Lawson. His business card reads:
All Matters Handled
I Travel by Night
A civil war veteran, wounded during the battle of Shiloh, he is made into a vampire against his will. Trevor tries to make the best of things and becomes something of a private investigator, operating out of the Hotel Sanctuaire in 1886 New Orleans.
In the first story of this trilogy, I Travel By Night, we learn that Trevor wants out of the vampire way of life. As such, he refuses to drink the blood of humans unless it's absolutely necessary. He constantly battles the urges within his own body-the urges that makes his jaw want to unhinge and his fangs to come out. He searches for the Dark Society and his maker, LaRouge, for he's been told that if he drinks the ichor of the one that made him, he can return to a life of humanity. Trevor is a strong, noble man and he's VERY good with guns.
In Last Train From Perdition, Trevor is summoned to Omaha for a possible job. His trusty assistant and fellow gunslinger, Ann, travels with him. "Hers were the eyes that could bear the steely heat of the sun. They were as black as charcoal and fixed with an intense purpose that could frighten even a vampire." Together Trevor and Ann make a formidable team.
In Omaha, they are tasked with finding the son of a prominent member of society-a young man who went to Montana to search for gold, threw in his lot with a bunch of low-life thieves and killers and now cannot escape. So begins Trevor's latest adventure. Together with Ann, he travels to the Montana Territory, turning this narrative into a true horror western with all the greatness that entails.
Some of the scenes in Montana, most especially once Trevor and Ann are on the return train to Helena, are among the most intense I've EVER read. This is where Robert McCammon's writing really shines. With a cast of characters that all stand out in my mind, (most especially a young boy that will haunt my nightmares for the rest of my life), Mr. McCammon draws the reader into that train car, and then unleashes all of hell upon them. Ann and Trevor find their man, but will they be able to return him to his father safely? You'll have to read this book to find out!
Last Train From Perdition earns my highest recommendation! A vampire gunslinger, fighting to retain and fully return to his humanity is an entirely new concept, and a fascinating one; Robert McCammon tackles it head on and WINS all the stars!
Available on Halloween 2016, here: Last Train from Perdition
*Huge thanks to Net Galley and Subterranean Press for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This is it!*
All Matters Handled
I Travel by Night
A civil war veteran, wounded during the battle of Shiloh, he is made into a vampire against his will. Trevor tries to make the best of things and becomes something of a private investigator, operating out of the Hotel Sanctuaire in 1886 New Orleans.
In the first story of this trilogy, I Travel By Night, we learn that Trevor wants out of the vampire way of life. As such, he refuses to drink the blood of humans unless it's absolutely necessary. He constantly battles the urges within his own body-the urges that makes his jaw want to unhinge and his fangs to come out. He searches for the Dark Society and his maker, LaRouge, for he's been told that if he drinks the ichor of the one that made him, he can return to a life of humanity. Trevor is a strong, noble man and he's VERY good with guns.
In Last Train From Perdition, Trevor is summoned to Omaha for a possible job. His trusty assistant and fellow gunslinger, Ann, travels with him. "Hers were the eyes that could bear the steely heat of the sun. They were as black as charcoal and fixed with an intense purpose that could frighten even a vampire." Together Trevor and Ann make a formidable team.
In Omaha, they are tasked with finding the son of a prominent member of society-a young man who went to Montana to search for gold, threw in his lot with a bunch of low-life thieves and killers and now cannot escape. So begins Trevor's latest adventure. Together with Ann, he travels to the Montana Territory, turning this narrative into a true horror western with all the greatness that entails.
Some of the scenes in Montana, most especially once Trevor and Ann are on the return train to Helena, are among the most intense I've EVER read. This is where Robert McCammon's writing really shines. With a cast of characters that all stand out in my mind, (most especially a young boy that will haunt my nightmares for the rest of my life), Mr. McCammon draws the reader into that train car, and then unleashes all of hell upon them. Ann and Trevor find their man, but will they be able to return him to his father safely? You'll have to read this book to find out!
Last Train From Perdition earns my highest recommendation! A vampire gunslinger, fighting to retain and fully return to his humanity is an entirely new concept, and a fascinating one; Robert McCammon tackles it head on and WINS all the stars!
Available on Halloween 2016, here: Last Train from Perdition
*Huge thanks to Net Galley and Subterranean Press for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This is it!*
January 29, 2018
From the steamy swamps of Louisiana to the bitter cold valleys of the Rockies, Trevor Lawson travels by night, in search of LaRouge – the ancient beast that transformed him into a bloodsucking fiend. Along the way, to make ends meet, Trevor hires out his guns to people in need of a discreet and deadly private investigator.
In this second episode, Trevor and his sidekick Ann are sent to Montana in winter to extract the son of a wealthy Omaha businessman from the clutches of a gang of bank robbers. Perdition is the kind of town in the middle of nowhere that every good western movie needs. Its social center is the bar room, filled with familiar icons (gamblers, drunks, floozies, horse doctor, shady pastor, outlaws, piano player, etc). McCammon does a great job introducing these stock characters in a way that quickly established them as real people.
Despite its novella format the narrative is filled with bloody action, colorful characters and emotional torment, proof that the amazing talent of Mr. McCammon as a storyteller is firing from all cylinders, either with lead or with silver-tipped bullets. My only complaint about this ongoing vampire/hardboiled saga is that I wished it was designed from the start as a novel, with more time spent on character and plot development. For example, a new group of important actors in future novellas is introduced rather abruptly here, and I really wanted to know more about them
Needless to say, I am waiting impatiently for the next installment.
August 5, 2016
Unquestionably FIVE STARS!
LAST TRAIN FROM PERDITION, by Robert McCammon is the second book to feature Trevor Lawson, a man turned vampire in the 1800's, still retaining control of his humanity. Now accompanied by his human assistant, Ann Kingsley, Lawson continues to exist by solving problems for others, while all the while keeping an eye open for the Dark Society--the vampires that openly embrace their newfound killing prowess. It is rumored that there may be a way to turn oneself back into a human again--a rumor that Lawson fervently wishes to be true.
Once more, I am in awe of McCammon's supreme skill and imagination. He has created characters so real, that you'll never forget them. This tale was a very fast paced, bloody, and dangerous mission. Despite the many new characters encountered, I felt they were all completely fleshed out, with realistic desires and motivations.
I may have actually held my breath in some parts of the action, as I was completely immersed in this story! I didn't feel it was possible to improve upon the first book featuring Trevor Lawson, I TRAVEL BY NIGHT, but McCammon has proven that he is up to the task. The ending on this one I would have NEVER predicted! After I had finished, the first thought I had was, "I want to read more....."
Highest recommendation!!
*I received an advance e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
LAST TRAIN FROM PERDITION, by Robert McCammon is the second book to feature Trevor Lawson, a man turned vampire in the 1800's, still retaining control of his humanity. Now accompanied by his human assistant, Ann Kingsley, Lawson continues to exist by solving problems for others, while all the while keeping an eye open for the Dark Society--the vampires that openly embrace their newfound killing prowess. It is rumored that there may be a way to turn oneself back into a human again--a rumor that Lawson fervently wishes to be true.
Once more, I am in awe of McCammon's supreme skill and imagination. He has created characters so real, that you'll never forget them. This tale was a very fast paced, bloody, and dangerous mission. Despite the many new characters encountered, I felt they were all completely fleshed out, with realistic desires and motivations.
I may have actually held my breath in some parts of the action, as I was completely immersed in this story! I didn't feel it was possible to improve upon the first book featuring Trevor Lawson, I TRAVEL BY NIGHT, but McCammon has proven that he is up to the task. The ending on this one I would have NEVER predicted! After I had finished, the first thought I had was, "I want to read more....."
Highest recommendation!!
*I received an advance e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
August 5, 2016
The saga of Trevor Lawson continues. After the battle in Louisiana , LaRouge escapes and Lawson is forced to continue the search for her once more. This time, he has a sidekick. Ann's father was taken by LaRouge and now she joins Trevor to travel by night in search of answers. Their search is sidetracked when a wealthy business man hires them to go to Perdition, Montana to find and bring back his son who is running with an outlaw gang. When Trevor and Ann find his son, a shootout in the saloon erupts and innocent girl is severely injured. Knowing that the last train out of Perdition that heads to Helena where there is a hospital is her only shot at survival, the duo accompany her and their outlaw adversaries. But there is evil waiting for them along the way.
Last Train of Perdition is an absolute blast to read. I'm so glad McCammon is blending the two genres that he's so good at (horror and historical fiction). The writing is crisp. The characters are memorable. The pacing is nothing less than superb. The bleak Montana winter landscape in the middle of the night is a perfect setting for this masterpiece. McCammon is clicking on all cylinders and here's to hoping he never stops!
5 frigid fangs out of 5
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
Last Train of Perdition is an absolute blast to read. I'm so glad McCammon is blending the two genres that he's so good at (horror and historical fiction). The writing is crisp. The characters are memorable. The pacing is nothing less than superb. The bleak Montana winter landscape in the middle of the night is a perfect setting for this masterpiece. McCammon is clicking on all cylinders and here's to hoping he never stops!
5 frigid fangs out of 5
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
July 27, 2016
A rollicking Western vampire adventure!
The sequel to I Travel by Night, this one was even more nail-bitingly intense. Our vampire gunslinger Trevor Lawson has a new human sidekick, a new rescue mission for pay, and LESS control over his transformation into a heartless killbeast than ever before.
My only problems are that this is such a short tale, and that there's no more for me to sink my (ahem) teeth into!
The sequel to I Travel by Night, this one was even more nail-bitingly intense. Our vampire gunslinger Trevor Lawson has a new human sidekick, a new rescue mission for pay, and LESS control over his transformation into a heartless killbeast than ever before.
My only problems are that this is such a short tale, and that there's no more for me to sink my (ahem) teeth into!
September 12, 2016
An excellent second installment in the I Travel By Night series. Trevor Lawson is a classic character and this one did exactly what it was supposed to do - Fill in some backstory, introduce some new and exciting characters and make you chomp at the bit for the next one. Check, check and check! I have a feeling that this series is about to get crazy in a big way. Can’t wait for the next one! No, seriously. I can’t wait. I want it now! Heeelllooo…Mr. McCammon?? Is this thing on? Hello…..? You can shoot me a copy on the sly. I won’t tell anyone, I promise. Pinky swear.
*I received an advance review copy of this release from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and this was it.
*I received an advance review copy of this release from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and this was it.
August 4, 2024
Better in every way to it's predecessor and gives us classic McCammon! Every single thing I had a problem with in "I Travel At Night" was improved in this one. Our lead, Trevor Lawson shows emotion, there's a little more violence, better descriptions and you truly can't stop after just reading Book I, as that's only half the story!
If you loved the first or were hoping for something bigger after reading it, I would highly recommend this one. There's more action, horror and story to tell. Oh, and in classic western fashion, there is a bar scene.
Check it out!
If you loved the first or were hoping for something bigger after reading it, I would highly recommend this one. There's more action, horror and story to tell. Oh, and in classic western fashion, there is a bar scene.
Check it out!
September 1, 2016
I received an advance copy of this novella from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the first installment in this series. With the introduction of two fascinating main characters and a whole entourage of evil vampires, this story started off with a bang. How can you go wrong with a vampire gunslinger? You can't. The whole premise is just great.
Now we reach the second installment in the series and a great story line just blossomed into what clearly is going to be a fantastic series with the introduction of fascinating new characters and an overarching story line rich enough for an old west vampire epic. And the great thing is that Robert McCammon is just the writer to pull it off.
5 stars with probable more 5 star novels to come in this great series.
I enjoyed the first installment in this series. With the introduction of two fascinating main characters and a whole entourage of evil vampires, this story started off with a bang. How can you go wrong with a vampire gunslinger? You can't. The whole premise is just great.
Now we reach the second installment in the series and a great story line just blossomed into what clearly is going to be a fantastic series with the introduction of fascinating new characters and an overarching story line rich enough for an old west vampire epic. And the great thing is that Robert McCammon is just the writer to pull it off.
5 stars with probable more 5 star novels to come in this great series.
March 8, 2021
Revenge is a dish best eaten bloody...
The sequel novella to the spectacular vampire western "I Travel by Night," Last Train from Perdition is the second outing for vampire hero Trevor Lawson in his hunt for the Dark Society (a bad ass coven of blood sucking fiends) and the the lady in red who turned him. McCammon delivers on all fronts, more blood, action and redemption while progressing the story down a fantastic path. That I won't spoil for you.
The narrative starts right after the conclusion of the first novella, so this would work really well as a back to back read. With them being so short it basically is the size of one small novel. Our hero Lawson finds himself on a mission to find a wealthy client's son that leads him to an isolated town called Perdition. Guess what, there's a train in the station and it's the last one. Blood, violence and mayhem ensue. Trust me you're not going to be disappointed.
McCammon's writing is not at it's very best, but even still it's mind blowing how good this guy can fling the ink on a page. This is primarily an action novel and boy is it good. But McCammon flavours it with the heartfelt nature of the hero's plight and those around him. Like with any good stories there's layers here and multiple facets to enjoy.
As with any good story you need some brilliant characters and Last Train has them. Particularly our main characters Trevor and Annie Remington (yes it's an alias). McCammon is really developing them nicely and I found myself really starting to care and root for them.
To wrap things up, this is a series I'm starting to love and I hope Mr Robert R McCammon is going to continue with it for as long as possible. This could be one epic saga and if you love horror, vampires or westerns get on board the choo choo and prepare for one thrilling ride. But be warned...
...there will be blood.
The sequel novella to the spectacular vampire western "I Travel by Night," Last Train from Perdition is the second outing for vampire hero Trevor Lawson in his hunt for the Dark Society (a bad ass coven of blood sucking fiends) and the the lady in red who turned him. McCammon delivers on all fronts, more blood, action and redemption while progressing the story down a fantastic path. That I won't spoil for you.
The narrative starts right after the conclusion of the first novella, so this would work really well as a back to back read. With them being so short it basically is the size of one small novel. Our hero Lawson finds himself on a mission to find a wealthy client's son that leads him to an isolated town called Perdition. Guess what, there's a train in the station and it's the last one. Blood, violence and mayhem ensue. Trust me you're not going to be disappointed.
McCammon's writing is not at it's very best, but even still it's mind blowing how good this guy can fling the ink on a page. This is primarily an action novel and boy is it good. But McCammon flavours it with the heartfelt nature of the hero's plight and those around him. Like with any good stories there's layers here and multiple facets to enjoy.
As with any good story you need some brilliant characters and Last Train has them. Particularly our main characters Trevor and Annie Remington (yes it's an alias). McCammon is really developing them nicely and I found myself really starting to care and root for them.
To wrap things up, this is a series I'm starting to love and I hope Mr Robert R McCammon is going to continue with it for as long as possible. This could be one epic saga and if you love horror, vampires or westerns get on board the choo choo and prepare for one thrilling ride. But be warned...
...there will be blood.
April 18, 2024
**** 3.9 STARS ****
Last Train from Perdition is a slightly better book than the previous one, I Travel By Night.
It feels much more structured and complete, and it would make for a great movie. I particularly liked the train setting. Whereas, I Travel By Night feels like a series of short stories tied together to make, a very good, but slightly disjointed tale, Last Train to Perdition feels much more a complete narrative. As is usual for a Robert McCammon book, I really enjoyed this one.
It's been a while, but here's hoping for more adventures of, Trevor Lawson.
Last Train from Perdition is a slightly better book than the previous one, I Travel By Night.
It feels much more structured and complete, and it would make for a great movie. I particularly liked the train setting. Whereas, I Travel By Night feels like a series of short stories tied together to make, a very good, but slightly disjointed tale, Last Train to Perdition feels much more a complete narrative. As is usual for a Robert McCammon book, I really enjoyed this one.
It's been a while, but here's hoping for more adventures of, Trevor Lawson.
August 21, 2022
Yes I am proud to say that I read one after the other and the sequel to I Travel By Night does not disappoint. The dialogue, action and setting as just as powerful and vivid as before - with the final scene being real tour-de-force.
But I get ahead of myself - the story now continues both directly and various subplots - you have here the starting of a potential series where the perceived wider world really does exist and that there are other forces at play. In short there is so much more potential here than you first think.
The characters as a real pleasure to read even when they are at the most despicable and I think that just adds to the charm of this book.
I guess for me the question if and when we will be able to return to this world as it seems each book the stakes are set higher and higher and you just know there is so much more to come
But I get ahead of myself - the story now continues both directly and various subplots - you have here the starting of a potential series where the perceived wider world really does exist and that there are other forces at play. In short there is so much more potential here than you first think.
The characters as a real pleasure to read even when they are at the most despicable and I think that just adds to the charm of this book.
I guess for me the question if and when we will be able to return to this world as it seems each book the stakes are set higher and higher and you just know there is so much more to come
March 8, 2022
Elegant
October 22, 2016
Robert McCammon’s name is familiar to me and he is a prolific author of horror.
Last Train from Perdition is the second novella in the I Travel By Night series. I don’t feel like it made any difference in the reading by not having read the first novella, but I sure do want to now.
Trevor is a vampire, but not the vicious, human killing kind, though he does have a mighty thirst for blood…he drinks cattle blood, but it is a constant struggle to keep to that. He takes on a “job” to recover a man’s errant son, who wants to come home, from a gang of Wild West killers and teams up with Ann to do it. Just think of having a sidekick like Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane. Together they must fight the Dark Society to accomplish their mission. The battle is vicious, savage, and lethal for humans and vampires alike. These are not your run of the mill vampires and Robert McCammon has many surprises in store for us in this original storyline that makes me love Trevor and see why Ann will sacrifice her life to help him. If you need another gun you guys…I’m in. Last Train from Perdition by Robert McCammon left me SCREAMING for more.
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Last Train from Perdition is the second novella in the I Travel By Night series. I don’t feel like it made any difference in the reading by not having read the first novella, but I sure do want to now.
Trevor is a vampire, but not the vicious, human killing kind, though he does have a mighty thirst for blood…he drinks cattle blood, but it is a constant struggle to keep to that. He takes on a “job” to recover a man’s errant son, who wants to come home, from a gang of Wild West killers and teams up with Ann to do it. Just think of having a sidekick like Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane. Together they must fight the Dark Society to accomplish their mission. The battle is vicious, savage, and lethal for humans and vampires alike. These are not your run of the mill vampires and Robert McCammon has many surprises in store for us in this original storyline that makes me love Trevor and see why Ann will sacrifice her life to help him. If you need another gun you guys…I’m in. Last Train from Perdition by Robert McCammon left me SCREAMING for more.
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July 8, 2016
Trevor Lawson was a soldier at the Battle of Shiloh when he was killed and turned into a vampire. This series is his story. LAST TRAIN FROM PERDITION is book two and begins with author Robert McCammon summarizing the first book for the reader. I appreciated this method as it gave the reader the option to read - or not, the summary. If you just read the first book, you could jump right in. Nice!
McCammon's writing as always is easy to read and flawless. He does not rely on the same old vampire tropes, but twists them and makes the vampire story his own. To be clear, this is a vampire western. It takes place in the American South and West around the 1880's.
While this book is clearly a stand alone novella, you're going to want to read Book 1, I TRAVEL BY NIGHT, at some point. I have to admit though, that I liked this book better. It's like McCammon is getting to know his characters and hitting his stride. The words seemed to flow freely.
I received my copy of LAST TRAIN FROM PERDITION from Subterranean Press.
McCammon's writing as always is easy to read and flawless. He does not rely on the same old vampire tropes, but twists them and makes the vampire story his own. To be clear, this is a vampire western. It takes place in the American South and West around the 1880's.
While this book is clearly a stand alone novella, you're going to want to read Book 1, I TRAVEL BY NIGHT, at some point. I have to admit though, that I liked this book better. It's like McCammon is getting to know his characters and hitting his stride. The words seemed to flow freely.
I received my copy of LAST TRAIN FROM PERDITION from Subterranean Press.
January 20, 2020
As sequels sometimes go, not AS tight and/or as engaging as the first novella, I Travel By Night. However, the hokeyness is offset by more frightening vampiric gore reminiscent of Tarantino’s From Dusk ‘Til Dawn, a B movie set to print. Trevor Lawson, a Civil War soldier turned vampire, is now a hired bounty hunter. His quarry this time is a wealthy Nebraskan’s son, mixed up in a gang of ruffians. Bring him home and get paid handsomely. But as things tend to do, they go awry. Trevor and his slick-shoot in’ sidekick, Annie Kingsley, end up on a train bound for Helena, Montana. Plans become derailed though when the shape-changing vampires, the ones who want Trevor Lawson dead for not joining their ranks, head him off at the pass. Entertaining but not riveting.
June 28, 2017
Review to come... :D
November 1, 2023
Vampires with guns!
It seems unnecessary for a vampire of the Old West to need a gun, or be a gunslinger, but there you have it. McCammon's attempt at writing a "different" kind of vamp works well, in my opinion. McCammon is a master of writing about the forces of Good vs the forces of evil (Swan Song for instance) and it shows in this story. His writing is so descriptive and embracing; it just makes you want to read on. You don't have to try hard to imagine the characters or the scenes, such is the quality of the author's work; and NO typos or grammos or plot holes.
If you like the occasional Western, or even if you don't, this book is a little pearler and well worth spending a few hours reading. Get your eyes into it.
It seems unnecessary for a vampire of the Old West to need a gun, or be a gunslinger, but there you have it. McCammon's attempt at writing a "different" kind of vamp works well, in my opinion. McCammon is a master of writing about the forces of Good vs the forces of evil (Swan Song for instance) and it shows in this story. His writing is so descriptive and embracing; it just makes you want to read on. You don't have to try hard to imagine the characters or the scenes, such is the quality of the author's work; and NO typos or grammos or plot holes.
If you like the occasional Western, or even if you don't, this book is a little pearler and well worth spending a few hours reading. Get your eyes into it.
Read
October 12, 2024“The vampire gunfighter stood alone. But he was not alone for very long. He sensed rather than saw the movement behind him, and in a blur he whirled around with the Colt full of silver angels ready to fire.”
I Travel by Night, Book Two.
Trevor Lawson, the vampire gunslinger, continues his search for his maker, LaRouge, in hope of becoming a human once more. From old New Orleans to the untamed frontier of 1886, this bloody, action packed vampire western was a great sequel novella.
If you like vampires, horror, and westerns then I strongly recommend giving this series a try. I REALLY hope that Mr. McCammon continues the adventures of Trevor Lawson, because the way this one ended, we need more.
I Travel by Night, Book Two.
Trevor Lawson, the vampire gunslinger, continues his search for his maker, LaRouge, in hope of becoming a human once more. From old New Orleans to the untamed frontier of 1886, this bloody, action packed vampire western was a great sequel novella.
If you like vampires, horror, and westerns then I strongly recommend giving this series a try. I REALLY hope that Mr. McCammon continues the adventures of Trevor Lawson, because the way this one ended, we need more.
January 26, 2017
Once again McCammon drew me into his story of Trevor Lawson, a vampire with a mission! I can't say enough about Robert's writing style. He will have you feeling snowy cold mountain air blowing through your hair on a hot summer day. You will feel the teeth of a city rat bite into your skin. Besides all that...you have a wonderful story to read and enjoy.
Open your mind to a new genre. You'll be glad you did.
Recommended to anyone who appreciates top quality writing and a good story from the old west! Yes, did I mention it's a western?
Open your mind to a new genre. You'll be glad you did.
Recommended to anyone who appreciates top quality writing and a good story from the old west! Yes, did I mention it's a western?
March 20, 2019
Not as good as the first book in this series. Disappointing.
November 11, 2016
Last Train from Perdition by Robert McCammon is the sequel and second book in the ongoing series that began with I Travel By Night. It is the tale of adventurer, gun for hire and reluctant vampire, Trevor Lawson. Now accompanied by Ann Kingsley, the woman whose father and sister were taken by the vampires in the first installment. Together they travel to find the vampire known as LaRouge in hopes of freeing Lawson from his curse.
Lawson is summoned to New Orleans by R. Robert Cavanaugh, a wealthy mine and investment owner. Cavanaugh's youngest son had fallen in with bank robbers and murderers and needed to be saved from his own deeds. He wants Lawson to travel to a small town called Perdition, to rescue his son and free him from his outlaw life. But to do so, Lawson may have to take on the outlaw gang itself.
Lawson and Ann agree to the job, but it is one that turns wrong very quickly and now, after a shootout in a saloon, they have not only young Eric Cavanaugh to save, but a dying and bleeding young woman. Taking the remaining live gang members with them in custody, Lawson and Ann book themselves aboard the night train from Perdition, to take the young woman to a doctor who may save her.
But the night is long and full of danger. What awaits Lawson is far worse than anything the outlaws could do to him and his charges.
"...Ease yourself,' said Junior. 'We want to be gracious.'
'Grace from one of you? I doubt you understand the concept.'
The thing that looked like a boy laughed. A black tongue that might have been forked slid out from the mouth and caught some snowflakes before it withdrew.
'Your situation,' the creature said, 'is hopeless. You do realize that..."
Trapped in a railway car, in the dark and snowy mountains, Lawson and Ann must find a way to survive the horde of vampiric monsters that lay in wait for them.
I will begin this review with the confession that I am a huge Robert McCammon fan. From his early works to his current foray into early American mysteries, I have loved almost all of his work. His genius novel, A Boy's Life, will always stand out as one of my favorite novels of all times. So it is with some pain and disappointment that I must say Last Train from Perdition falls short. Very short. It is second rate horror at best and the pacing and story telling put it on par with a graphic novel that you flip the pages through, not really paying attention until something actually grabs your attention. In Last Train from Perdition those are too few and too weak.
It is though, a sequel, perhaps if read along with Travel By Night, the chapters that comprise Last Train would not seem so pale, but as a book on its own; Last Train would not be enough to compel a reader to go in search of the next in the series or even back track to read the first book.
A poor showing by a great writer.
Lawson is summoned to New Orleans by R. Robert Cavanaugh, a wealthy mine and investment owner. Cavanaugh's youngest son had fallen in with bank robbers and murderers and needed to be saved from his own deeds. He wants Lawson to travel to a small town called Perdition, to rescue his son and free him from his outlaw life. But to do so, Lawson may have to take on the outlaw gang itself.
Lawson and Ann agree to the job, but it is one that turns wrong very quickly and now, after a shootout in a saloon, they have not only young Eric Cavanaugh to save, but a dying and bleeding young woman. Taking the remaining live gang members with them in custody, Lawson and Ann book themselves aboard the night train from Perdition, to take the young woman to a doctor who may save her.
But the night is long and full of danger. What awaits Lawson is far worse than anything the outlaws could do to him and his charges.
"...Ease yourself,' said Junior. 'We want to be gracious.'
'Grace from one of you? I doubt you understand the concept.'
The thing that looked like a boy laughed. A black tongue that might have been forked slid out from the mouth and caught some snowflakes before it withdrew.
'Your situation,' the creature said, 'is hopeless. You do realize that..."
Trapped in a railway car, in the dark and snowy mountains, Lawson and Ann must find a way to survive the horde of vampiric monsters that lay in wait for them.
I will begin this review with the confession that I am a huge Robert McCammon fan. From his early works to his current foray into early American mysteries, I have loved almost all of his work. His genius novel, A Boy's Life, will always stand out as one of my favorite novels of all times. So it is with some pain and disappointment that I must say Last Train from Perdition falls short. Very short. It is second rate horror at best and the pacing and story telling put it on par with a graphic novel that you flip the pages through, not really paying attention until something actually grabs your attention. In Last Train from Perdition those are too few and too weak.
It is though, a sequel, perhaps if read along with Travel By Night, the chapters that comprise Last Train would not seem so pale, but as a book on its own; Last Train would not be enough to compel a reader to go in search of the next in the series or even back track to read the first book.
A poor showing by a great writer.
July 21, 2016
Trevor Lawson, the vampire gunslinger for hire, is back and he gets a new assignment: bring back the 'black sheep' son of a wealthy man. So Trevor and Ann travel to the town of Perdition, where they hope to find lost Eric. But in order to get him home, first they have to take on his new 'family' of gangsters - little do they now that this will be the easier part of their mission...
Of course, Trevor is also still searching for La Rouge, the vampire who turned him, in hopes of regaining his humanity. I love this torn character with his constant fight against his dark urge. Every night he seems to lose more of his humanity, most evident in his changing bodily appearance, but still he clings to what is left of it, hoping to regain everything one day. Will he be able to win the battle against time and his constantly growing inner demon?
'Last Train from Perdition' is the perfect sequel to 'I Travel by Night' - maybe too perfect at times. The writing is flawless and the action plenty, though the characters are mostly predictable. It's hard to explain - I really enjoyed this story very much, but somehow it kept its distance instead of 'sucking me in'. I felt perfectly entertained but not exactly thrilled. Does that make sense?
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
Of course, Trevor is also still searching for La Rouge, the vampire who turned him, in hopes of regaining his humanity. I love this torn character with his constant fight against his dark urge. Every night he seems to lose more of his humanity, most evident in his changing bodily appearance, but still he clings to what is left of it, hoping to regain everything one day. Will he be able to win the battle against time and his constantly growing inner demon?
'Last Train from Perdition' is the perfect sequel to 'I Travel by Night' - maybe too perfect at times. The writing is flawless and the action plenty, though the characters are mostly predictable. It's hard to explain - I really enjoyed this story very much, but somehow it kept its distance instead of 'sucking me in'. I felt perfectly entertained but not exactly thrilled. Does that make sense?
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
May 29, 2017
McCammon.
June 28, 2020
Bigger, better and more badass ... this is how you do a sequel! What a wild ride. This novella does all the things that made the first one great, while also giving us a bit more backstory, introducing excellent new characters, significantly raising the stakes for our vampire hunter heroes, and setting the stage for what could be a very interesting third book. Loved every second of this!
October 25, 2024
“Don’t worry, I’m not a bad vampire (slurp)”
This series definitely feels unfinished as is. Found a recent interview where he says he plans to write two more so I guess I wait. Listened to the Graphic Audio version free on Audible Plus, but it expires next Monday so you only have this weekend to read/listen to it without paying
This series definitely feels unfinished as is. Found a recent interview where he says he plans to write two more so I guess I wait. Listened to the Graphic Audio version free on Audible Plus, but it expires next Monday so you only have this weekend to read/listen to it without paying
June 8, 2022
A decent vampire western, though it takes a long while to get going. The action is fantastic, but some questionable choices and flat characters do this no favors. Enjoyable enough, I might read the next installment if/when it releases.
February 21, 2017
Enjoying this series a lot. The action sequences are great and the wild West setting interesting. Short and worth the time. Can't wait for the next.
July 22, 2016
Last Train From Perdition by Robert McCammon- A novella sequel to "I Travel By Night" finds the vampire-for-hire Trevor Lawson, a former officer of the Confederate States of America, in 1886, tasked to bring home a wayward son to an important Oklahoma businessman. With sharpshooter Ann Kingsley by his side, Lawson is still in search of and wary of the Dark Society and the evil LaRouge, who turned him to what he has now become. He wants desperately to confront his maker and undo the terrible change she has wrought. But first he must save this young man from his own undoing. He and Ann go to Perdition, and after a confrontation are set to travel on the last train out of the station into the dark desolate Wyoming hills, when a tickling in his senses tells him they may never reach the next station. McCammon's storytelling is great, as usual, and the struggle of his protagonist with the changes to his body and soul that he must fight to overcome are vivid and hard fought. If you haven't read the first book, that's no problem as the beginning of this story includes a detailed account of what occurred in the first book, but for your own enjoyment, I recommend reading both stories in tandem for a richer experience.
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