Since the nukecaust, the American dream has been reduced to a daily fight for survival. In the hellish landscape of Deathlands, few dare to dream of a better tomorrow. But Ryan Cawdor and his companions press on, driven by the need for a future less treacherous than the present.
CAUGHT IN THE CROSS FIRE
Pulling sec duty aboard a steamboat on the mighty Sippi is a welcome reprieve for Ryan and his friends - until armored warships reduce their vessel to a burning husk. Abruptly stranded in a nightmarish, poisonous swamp, fighting off crocodiles and muties, the companions and their crew of allies get to work building rafts. Their escape route, however, is swiftly intercepted, and they learn they've sailed into the middle of a fierce conflict between two villes fighting over the iron trade. The companions don't seem to stand a chance against the fleets of ironclad gunboats. But in Deathlands, even the underdog can bite back...
I admit it, I really like the Deathlands series, and Iron Rage is no exception. I own, and have read, between 90 and 100 of the books. I'm always on the lookout for the ones I am missing.
Iron Rage fulfills all the requirements for a Deathlands junkie. Action, action,and more, action. Graphic violence of the kind that, I think, discourages people from relying on vilence to solve their problems. The companions, as usual, try to avoid conflict, but surprise, they aren't allowed to. So in true Deathlands fashion they kick ass and don't bother with names.
Speaking of names, Iron Rage contains one of the great character names ever: Ermintrude Strank. Awesome name. Iron Rage takes place mainly aboard various ships. I tend to prefer when the companions are set in predark cities. But not every book can do this I guess.
Although I don't believe the Deathlands books are meant to be social commentary, they do promote the virtues of loyalty, friendship and integrity.
So, no these books are not great literature, but they are a lot of fun to read. If you are an action fan you will like Iron Rage. If you haven't read a Deathlands book yet, be prepared to be hooked. Of course you have 120+ books to catch up on. Be of good cheer however, because most of the books are stand alone stories so you can read them as you find them. Enjoy!
I love the Deathland series, but I can't say I liked this one... With no real plot and not even memorable characters (apart from the main crew) this little adventure is a non-stop stream of fight, after fight, after fight, after tedious fight...