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Earthblood #1
Earth Blood
The Earth is laid waste by a devastating blight that destroys the world's food supply. Mass starvation wipes out millions almost overnight. Society collapses, and those who survive must contend with renegade groups striving for naked power. A new currency comes into existence -- precious food, and the force of arms that helps get it at any cost.
Returning from a deep space mission, the crew of the Aquila crash lands in the Nevada desert and finds that the world they knew no longer exists. Ten months ago they had friends, wives and children. Now they set out on an uncertain odyssey to find the survivors, an odyssey that uncovers a secret trail left by a man called General Zelig. But in this ravaged new world, no one knows who is friend or foe... and their quest will test the limits of endurance and the will to live.
Returning from a deep space mission, the crew of the Aquila crash lands in the Nevada desert and finds that the world they knew no longer exists. Ten months ago they had friends, wives and children. Now they set out on an uncertain odyssey to find the survivors, an odyssey that uncovers a secret trail left by a man called General Zelig. But in this ravaged new world, no one knows who is friend or foe... and their quest will test the limits of endurance and the will to live.
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First published October 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 18, 2024
"A Bleak Odyssey: Reviewing 'Earth Blood' by James Axler"
"Earth Blood," the first installment of James Axler's Earthblood series, immerses readers in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by environmental catastrophe and societal collapse. While the novel presents a compelling vision of a dystopian future, it falls short of achieving greatness due to its derivative plot and lackluster character development.
The plot of "Earth Blood" follows a band of survivors led by Kane, a rugged and resourceful protagonist, as they navigate the desolate landscape in search of safety and salvation. Along the way, they encounter a variety of dangers, from marauding gangs to mutated creatures, as they struggle to survive in a world devoid of civilization.
Unfortunately, the plot of "Earth Blood" feels like a rehash of familiar post-apocalyptic tropes, lacking the originality and depth needed to truly captivate readers. While Axler's prose is serviceable and he effectively builds tension in certain scenes, the overall narrative fails to offer anything new or innovative to the genre.
Moreover, the character development in "Earth Blood" leaves much to be desired. While Kane is a competent and charismatic protagonist, the supporting cast feels underdeveloped and one-dimensional. Readers are given little insight into their motivations or backstories, making it difficult to become emotionally invested in their fates.
In comparison to its contemporaries in the post-apocalyptic genre, "Earth Blood" struggles to distinguish itself. Works such as Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" or Emily St. John Mandel's "Station Eleven" offer profound meditations on the human condition in the face of cataclysmic events, exploring themes of survival, resilience, and hope. In contrast, Axler's novel feels shallow and superficial, lacking the thematic richness and emotional depth of these acclaimed works.
Despite its shortcomings, "Earth Blood" does have its merits. Axler's vivid descriptions of the barren landscape and the horrors that lurk within it create a sense of atmosphere and tension that keeps readers engaged. Additionally, the novel's fast-paced action sequences provide moments of excitement and adrenaline amidst the bleakness of the world.
In conclusion, "Earth Blood" offers a bleak but ultimately uninspired vision of a post-apocalyptic future. While it succeeds in creating a vivid and immersive world, its derivative plot and lack of character development prevent it from reaching its full potential. Fans of the genre may find enjoyment in its action-packed scenes and atmospheric setting, but those seeking a more profound exploration of humanity's resilience in the face of adversity may be left wanting.
"Earth Blood," the first installment of James Axler's Earthblood series, immerses readers in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by environmental catastrophe and societal collapse. While the novel presents a compelling vision of a dystopian future, it falls short of achieving greatness due to its derivative plot and lackluster character development.
The plot of "Earth Blood" follows a band of survivors led by Kane, a rugged and resourceful protagonist, as they navigate the desolate landscape in search of safety and salvation. Along the way, they encounter a variety of dangers, from marauding gangs to mutated creatures, as they struggle to survive in a world devoid of civilization.
Unfortunately, the plot of "Earth Blood" feels like a rehash of familiar post-apocalyptic tropes, lacking the originality and depth needed to truly captivate readers. While Axler's prose is serviceable and he effectively builds tension in certain scenes, the overall narrative fails to offer anything new or innovative to the genre.
Moreover, the character development in "Earth Blood" leaves much to be desired. While Kane is a competent and charismatic protagonist, the supporting cast feels underdeveloped and one-dimensional. Readers are given little insight into their motivations or backstories, making it difficult to become emotionally invested in their fates.
In comparison to its contemporaries in the post-apocalyptic genre, "Earth Blood" struggles to distinguish itself. Works such as Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" or Emily St. John Mandel's "Station Eleven" offer profound meditations on the human condition in the face of cataclysmic events, exploring themes of survival, resilience, and hope. In contrast, Axler's novel feels shallow and superficial, lacking the thematic richness and emotional depth of these acclaimed works.
Despite its shortcomings, "Earth Blood" does have its merits. Axler's vivid descriptions of the barren landscape and the horrors that lurk within it create a sense of atmosphere and tension that keeps readers engaged. Additionally, the novel's fast-paced action sequences provide moments of excitement and adrenaline amidst the bleakness of the world.
In conclusion, "Earth Blood" offers a bleak but ultimately uninspired vision of a post-apocalyptic future. While it succeeds in creating a vivid and immersive world, its derivative plot and lack of character development prevent it from reaching its full potential. Fans of the genre may find enjoyment in its action-packed scenes and atmospheric setting, but those seeking a more profound exploration of humanity's resilience in the face of adversity may be left wanting.
January 17, 2018
A group of returning astronauts see from space that the water of the earth is still blue, but the land mass has turned from green to a strange shade of red. They get a cryptic message from their radio about Earthblood. They can't get anyone to answer from the ground so they have to make a manual landing. After some fatalities, the survivors try to come to grips of the world around them. Deserted towns. A land that has been laid to waste. Roving bands of maniacs looking for food. There is some hope. The group discovers that a General Zelig has set up a date and place to meet. Will this be a new beginning, or has the General and his team been killed? They split up and promise to try to get back to the meeting. From there they have their own personal journeys to find loved ones, if the are still alive.
This book makes use of the Road Warrior genre to good use. But it's just not a cut and dried clone. While there is violence and carnage, there is more character development and personal trials and tribulations. The knowing that the world has dissolved into anarchy and chaos and not knowing where your loved ones are. If they are even still alive. It's a nice change to have a little more than generic bloodshed from cover to cover. Although that and the action is first class. Looking forward to books two and three.
This book makes use of the Road Warrior genre to good use. But it's just not a cut and dried clone. While there is violence and carnage, there is more character development and personal trials and tribulations. The knowing that the world has dissolved into anarchy and chaos and not knowing where your loved ones are. If they are even still alive. It's a nice change to have a little more than generic bloodshed from cover to cover. Although that and the action is first class. Looking forward to books two and three.
April 7, 2023
The first entry of a post-apocalyptic trilogy from the house-pseudonym author of the Deathlands series. I haven't yet read that more popular series, but this one feels a bit tacked together. It's a string of some typical survivor-tropes that never quite come together. Read in quick succession, it's hard not to notice that the trilogy doesn't really go anywhere. The characters split up, they fall into danger, then they miraculously meet back up somehow as if the United States were the size of college campus.
With these type of in-and-out action novels, I feel like the success hinges on the audacity of the ideas. When the Traveler series promises me car-human hybrids, I'm sold immediately. Sell me an idea. This series sells the idea of astronauts returning to a desolate earth, but the astronaut concept never develops into a sci-fi angle and the earth never feels desolate as much as it feels like it's crawling with people for our heroes to first trust then be inevitably burned by. It's thinking a bit small.
With these type of in-and-out action novels, I feel like the success hinges on the audacity of the ideas. When the Traveler series promises me car-human hybrids, I'm sold immediately. Sell me an idea. This series sells the idea of astronauts returning to a desolate earth, but the astronaut concept never develops into a sci-fi angle and the earth never feels desolate as much as it feels like it's crawling with people for our heroes to first trust then be inevitably burned by. It's thinking a bit small.
December 11, 2019
I picked up this book because it was by the same author who wrote the Deathlands series. Any reader who is familiar with that series will pick up on the similarities in the writing styles immediately. This story is about a group of astronauts who come back to earth after a 2-year mission only to find out that society has completely broken down. Unlike a lot of other stories like this and the movie Planet of the Apes, it is not a nuclear war that causes it but rather a plague on all plant life which when you think about it is worse than a nuclear war in a lot of ways. More predictably, all social norms have broken down and people who were friendly productive members of society are now raving lunatic murders whose primary mission in life is to loot rape and torture. This is especially true of people in the cities. Conservative white suburban fantasies of the end of the world aside, this is an entertaining if not the most believable book. if you are a fan of the Deathlands or the Outlanders series, you will like this book.
May 26, 2024
Earthblood offers a mishmash of familiar post-apocalyptic tropes (even for when it was written in the 90s) that ultimately delivers a pedestrian experience. Although amidst the mediocrity it is a decent time-waster. Particularly if you are listening to Graphic Audio's full cast audio drama.
The crew of space mission Aquila return to an Earth ravaged by a plague that has wiped out almost all plant life. Thrusting them into desperate survival circumstances as they attempt to find family and loved ones across the nation. The characters are barebones and there isn't overly much development for them in this first installment. The world itself does come to life nicely. I also commend the horrors of a starved population described within. I just wish there was more meat of a story to go along with it.
Earthblood is a 2 out of 5 star experience for any pulp fan who has read other series in this genre.
The crew of space mission Aquila return to an Earth ravaged by a plague that has wiped out almost all plant life. Thrusting them into desperate survival circumstances as they attempt to find family and loved ones across the nation. The characters are barebones and there isn't overly much development for them in this first installment. The world itself does come to life nicely. I also commend the horrors of a starved population described within. I just wish there was more meat of a story to go along with it.
Earthblood is a 2 out of 5 star experience for any pulp fan who has read other series in this genre.
April 29, 2018
Where was this book hiding all those years I toiled for a satisfying "end of the world" novel to fill in the gaps between my heavier reading choices?
Earth Blood is post apocalyptic fiction at its finest. The quintessential schlocky "men's adventure" type novel from the late 80's and early 90's. Just like "Spaghetti Westerns", the fact that Earth Blood is cheaply written, cheaply produced, and pencils in every single known cliche in this genre only makes it that much better.
Rather than the new form of post apocalyptic fiction these days, This book never sets out to be the next best thing in literary fiction, nor does it ever pretend to be something deeper or more meaningful than it is. And I love that fact.
Cant wait for Aurora Quest and Deep Trek
Earth Blood is post apocalyptic fiction at its finest. The quintessential schlocky "men's adventure" type novel from the late 80's and early 90's. Just like "Spaghetti Westerns", the fact that Earth Blood is cheaply written, cheaply produced, and pencils in every single known cliche in this genre only makes it that much better.
Rather than the new form of post apocalyptic fiction these days, This book never sets out to be the next best thing in literary fiction, nor does it ever pretend to be something deeper or more meaningful than it is. And I love that fact.
Cant wait for Aurora Quest and Deep Trek
August 5, 2021
This was a re-release from GA, so figured I'd give it a try. This is an 'end of the world' novel. Kind of depressing to be honest, so not sure I'll finish the series. Was a decent try.
April 24, 2022
Good start to the series. If you like this kind of 80s men's adventure post apocalypse book, you'll most likely enjoy this.
January 17, 2025
This is the first book in a trilogy, so that may be why this book was not very exciting.
I listened to the Graphic Audio version on Spotify. Most of the book is spent on developing the main characters' (who are astronauts) backgrounds, personalities, and relationships.
The book also spent time explaining what happened to the astronauts' families as well as the Earth and civilization during the two years the astronauts spent in deep space.
The book also set up the next two books in the trilogy, which I will begin listening to.
I listened to the Graphic Audio version on Spotify. Most of the book is spent on developing the main characters' (who are astronauts) backgrounds, personalities, and relationships.
The book also spent time explaining what happened to the astronauts' families as well as the Earth and civilization during the two years the astronauts spent in deep space.
The book also set up the next two books in the trilogy, which I will begin listening to.
June 4, 2021
This book is pretty much what you might expect from the summary and the cover. It's a post-apocalyptic story about the main characters traversing a desolate, dead world, surviving and remembering what once was. If you're looking for extensive action, look elsewhere. The action is around 10-15% of the book and it's okay, nothing special. Instead, the book is mostly focused on the character's journey through the now mostly desolate US with some character development here and there. At times it kinda reminded me of Last of Us segments.
None of the characters stand out too much but there's a good amount of focus on each so you'll get to like/dislike them more as you continue the book. The one thing this book has is a couple of unexpected twists and turns that gave some life to the story. Not all of them resonated well but I still like the unpredictability.
I've read my fair share of post-apocalyptic books and this one doesn't rise to the top of the genre nor does it sink to the worst, instead, it's right down the middle. Enjoyable, if a bit empty.
3.5
P.S.: The characters seem to have this funny tendency to repeat the title of the book. It stops being cool around the 3rd time they say it.
None of the characters stand out too much but there's a good amount of focus on each so you'll get to like/dislike them more as you continue the book. The one thing this book has is a couple of unexpected twists and turns that gave some life to the story. Not all of them resonated well but I still like the unpredictability.
I've read my fair share of post-apocalyptic books and this one doesn't rise to the top of the genre nor does it sink to the worst, instead, it's right down the middle. Enjoyable, if a bit empty.
3.5
P.S.: The characters seem to have this funny tendency to repeat the title of the book. It stops being cool around the 3rd time they say it.
October 3, 2012
Loaded with many of the expected cliches and tired tropes of the 'Men's Adventure' genre, but surprisingly well done. I had meant to skim it and scoff at it, perhaps picking the worst passages out to hold up for public mockery on Facebook, but then I got sucked into it big time. The story MOVES and is actually an interesting take on the post-apocalyptic thing, doing an especially good job of conveying the idea of survival in such a world being harder and more 'personal' than some books and films have done. I'm actually in the midst of finding the sequels now -- and am still a bit stunned at that! :)
March 12, 2011
Enjoyable romp through the end of the world. Very pulpy but it moves quick which is nice. Nothing overly deep. The setup is the best part of this...a group of astronauts returning from a 2 year deep space mission to find that humanity is in pretty big trouble.
In many ways...this feels like a good graphic novel/comic book plot arc. I dig it.
Looking forward to the other two in the books!
In many ways...this feels like a good graphic novel/comic book plot arc. I dig it.
Looking forward to the other two in the books!
December 30, 2014
I read this at age 12 in the 90's during lunch breaks at school. If you took Stephen King's The Stand, added a Mad Max feel, and maybe threw in an extra dose of sci-fi, you then would have Earth Blood. I have read it several times since I was a kid and always enjoy this series.
May 23, 2012
I listened to it on Graphic Audio so that may have tainted my perception of the book. Not the most intelligent of series'. But had an interesting twist on life after the Apocalypse.
May 27, 2015
Set in the same world as the Deathlands series. These books follow another set of adventures in the post holocaust world. Good men's adventure series. Recommended
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews