Rating: 
Summary: Outlanders in the classic mode!
Review: I'll get the inevitible comparision to Awakening, the previous book in the series out of the way first--I think the author of it, Victor Milan, is good but Mark Ellis writes with a vivid flourish, an edge-of-your seat pace that's rare in this genre. His character development is second-to-none, and it's easy to believe that he cares for each one of the cast. A lot of writers fall back on giving their characters hokey catch-phrases (as in Deathlands) to define them but the OL cast isn't treated that cheaply or superficially. There are a few humorous sequences throughout the book. I had to laugh when Kane, ordered to lie to Brigid and Grant by Pit Boss Breeze Castigelone objected on the grounds his pants would catch on fire. Unlike Awakening, the focus here has been returned to the heroic triad of Kane, Brigid and Grant. But Lakesh and Domi are given their chance to shine, in some ways brighter than they ever have. It's great to see the "new and improved" Lakesh handling a major crisis in Cerberus, a violent incursion, something that has never happened before. It was almost painful to read. It's no spoiler to state that Maccan, the insane prince of the Tuatha De Danaan makes his savage return and he doesn't come alone. He also brings an ancient, legendary weapon of his people, the Silver Hand of Nuadhu. He is a vicious and ruthless enemy but majestic almost. He's like a combination of Khan from Wrath of Khan and Magneto from X-Men United. Team Phoenix would last maybe twenty seconds against Maccan. He would have either fried them while they were checking their loads of they would've dropped to their knees and begged to join him. Sky Dog's Indian band he and his group are NOT. There are a lot of different kinds of action in Mad God's Wrath from a chase through a marina full of half-sunken ships to a really wild running gun-battle on the plains of Mars. And of course, the assault on Cerberus is described so vividly you can almost hear the ricochets. All the main characters are firmly back the way they should be--caring about one other, dealing with each other in a mature fashion (no foot-stomping temper tantrums ) and a respect for one another's abilities. The plot with Maccan stealing the interphaser so he can "walk through the looking glass" is very interesting and original. The true origin of his people was unexpected. I don't want to give away too much except to say that this book is Outlanders in the classic mode as established years ago by series creator Mark Ellis. There is none of the cliched macho postnuke crap, no posturing, no paragraphs on paragraphs wasted on describing muzzle velocties, and all the female characters particularly Domi are back to acting the way they're supposed to. The heroes show off their intelligence as well as their expertise in good old fashioned hell raising! Mad God's Wrath is a great adventure story showcasing everything that has made this series so popular for so long--three-dimensional heroes, intelligent plots, exotic settings, colorful bad guys with major schemes, a connection to ancient mythology and vivid action! Action! Action! This book would make a fabulous movie epic! So don't miss it when it comes to a bookstore near you!
Rating:
Summary: Abundant action!
Review: I'm a fan of military science-fiction like the Demon Tech and Spec Ops Squad series but I think Outlanders is better most of the time. The stories are almost always exciting and written so vividly they're like movies inside the reader's heads! Mad God's Wrath has abundant action and drama with fascinating characters and settings. The Cerberus crew return to a long abandoned Mars base which I liked a lot since I missed the first novel where they went there. All the material about Maccan and his race was fascinating. I think fans of military science fiction will like this book and should read the previous books in this exciting series. The main writer of Outlanders has created heroes who are brave, resourceful and refreshingly humorous and the villains are unforgetable too, the classic bad guys "you love to hate".
Rating:
Summary: Welcome back!
Review: If nothing else Mad God's Wrath proves conclusively that the descriptive prose and scene-setting of other contributors to the Outlanders series can't hold a candle to those penned by Mark Ellis.
Since the main characters are the heroes of an action-adventure series it goes without saying they're larger than life but they are developed well enough to be believable, especially in the subtle personality growth they have all undergone over the course of the series. They seem to come alive on the page as you read about them. The touches of satirical humor give Outlanders an individuality that can't be easily imitated by other writers and gives it a unique status. Like the best of past Outlanders adventures, Mr. Ellis uses his vivid characterizations masterfully to build you up, then unexpectedly cut you brutally down as with the graphic assault on Cerberus. This novel concerns Maccan, the last prince of the Tuatha De Danaan, the "mad god" of the title. Colorful and even a little over the top, he is a strangely sympathetic villain, despite his allegiance to no one but himself. His desire to walk "through the looking glass" is not just a mad delusion but based on a very interesting scientific principle about the mirror matter theory(which I only pretend to really understand!). The scenes set on Mars are very interesting and exciting, particularly the wild train chase across the plains. I could picture every moment of it as if I were watching a movie. What a great film epic this book-most of them in fact-would make! The best thing about the whole book for me was that the characters I have come to know and love over the last five or so years are back in fine form, and not the travesties of the previous book, Awakening. Brigid, Kane, Grant, Domi, Lakesh, et. al-welcome back! A lot of us missed you! At any rate, even though Mad God's Wrath contains plenty of action, violence and even sex , I don't think this is the sort of book that will appeal to young Deathlands only fans (or old Deathlands only fans for that matter) for whom quality of prose or characterization takes a backseat to descriptions of guns, blood-letting and rape. This is high adventure, pulpish even, but presented maturely and intelligently. For anyone who likes their action heroes resourceful and witty and plots a bit more highbrow than shooting the straw man bad guy, this is the kind of book you're likely to appreciate.
Rating:
Summary: Science Fiction With An Adventurous Edge
Review: In a time when too many science fiction authors spend 700 pages to tell one 10th of their great big story arc (coughcoughrobertjordancoughcough) it's nice to know that a Science Fiction novel, with fantasy underpinnings, can deliver the goods quickly, sharply and efficiently. Unlike the deathlands fan from oveido, florida, I didn't think the pace of the novel was at all harmed by the inclusion of backstory. For someone who has missed the books, or are reading them out of sequence (Amazon truly is a boon in regards to finding Outlanders books - you just can't find them used!), it was something vital. Maccan and David were only menaces that were referred to in passing, if at all in other books, but this novel definitely profited from the much-needed backstory, otherwise people who've missed the Devil In the Moon/Dragonseye two-parter, or the Outlanders' first visit to Mars would have been lost. This is a series that contains continuity, but it is gentle to the readers by providing that backstory, then getting back to the business to adventure in a heroic age. A great book with a masterful villain and a slam-bang opening.
Rating:
Summary: Well worth the wait!
Review: It feels like a long time since I last read a "real" Outlanders novel (Awakening by a fill-in writer doesn't count) and Mad God's Wrath was well worth the wait! This book has all the tradtional elements of a "Classic Outlanders", from the different kinds action sequences, a science-fictional plot and the return of one of the most fascinating characters in the entire series, Maccan, the last of the Tuatha De Danaan. Last seen a couple of years ago in Dragoneye, I've been hoping he would come back. Considering how important he is to the background mythology of the series, it seems only natural Mark Ellis would bring Maccan back to bedevil our heroes again. Mad God's Wrath reveals the origin of the Tuatha De Danaan as well as the real purpose of the huge pyramid on Mars and both were unexpected and original. It's interesting how this book with the last quarter of it set on Mars comes out when exploration of the Red Planet is back in the news for the first time in years. A case of precognition on the part of the writer? There are varied action scenes in Mad God's Wrath, all of them thrilling although there is a long violent sequence that I found a little too graphic. But it was gratifying to see the heroism from the other Cerberus warriors besides Kane, Brigid and Grant. There are so many high points to cover in this novel: a great villain, heightened motivation, excellent characterizations, a super-fast-paced plot, and incredibly exciting action sequences. Mad God's Wrath is superior on every level, and a must-read for any serious Outlanders fan. I'm proud to say I'm one!
Rating:
Summary: Well worth the wait!
Review: It feels like a long time since I last read a "real" Outlanders novel (Awakening by a fill-in writer doesn't count) and Mad God's Wrath was well worth the wait! This book has all the tradtional elements of a "Classic Outlanders", from the different kinds action sequences, a science-fictional plot and the return of one of the most fascinating characters in the entire series, Maccan, the last of the Tuatha De Danaan. Last seen a couple of years ago in Dragoneye, I've been hoping he would come back. Considering how important he is to the background mythology of the series, it seems only natural Mark Ellis would bring Maccan back to bedevil our heroes again. Mad God's Wrath reveals the origin of the Tuatha De Danaan as well as the real purpose of the huge pyramid on Mars and both were unexpected and original. It's interesting how this book with the last quarter of it set on Mars comes out when exploration of the Red Planet is back in the news for the first time in years. A case of precognition on the part of the writer? There are varied action scenes in Mad God's Wrath, all of them thrilling although there is a long violent sequence that I found a little too graphic. But it was gratifying to see the heroism from the other Cerberus warriors besides Kane, Brigid and Grant. There are so many high points to cover in this novel: a great villain, heightened motivation, excellent characterizations, a super-fast-paced plot, and incredibly exciting action sequences. Mad God's Wrath is superior on every level, and a must-read for any serious Outlanders fan. I'm proud to say I'm one!
Rating:
Summary: What a comeback !!
Review: Mad God' Wrath by Mark Ellis is a nice return to the Outlanders series. Lately the flair was missing but this book has brought a nice return to the popular series' magic. Thanks !!
Rating:
Summary: A solid familiar story
Review: Mad God's Wrath is the return of Mark Ellis to the Outlanders series with a solid, lucid story that rolls along smoothly with no missteps. He gets all the characters and conventions of this series exactly right, from the interactions between the lead characters to the tie-ins with mythology. Even though there's nothing terribly new in this book except for the assault on the Cerberus redoubt, the story is familiar and comfortable, like a TV series you love but haven't seen in a while. The science-fiction elements which were noticeably absent in the last book are back in full force, at least. Mad God's Wrath puts the trinity of Kane, Brigid and Grant on center stage again but Lakesh has a large part to play too. The most interesting thing about the book is the villain, Maccan, returning from the Dragon Kings two-parter of a couple of years ago. He's a much nastier in this one --with the Silver Hand of Nuadhu he splits open heads and tears apart chests like the wrappers off candy bars. Able to murder at will but seeming to be immune to retaliation, Maccan is an effectively menacing and frightening enemy. His final fate is grimly appropriate...but I have a feeling he could return in the future. The real joy comes with visiting our old friends at Cerberus again, feeling a part of their interactions and their on-the-edge lives. It's too bad Domi doesn't have a larger part to play (she gets graphically tortured). For that matter, a number of Cerberus personnel are either wounded or killed. Despite scenes like that sort, there are a lot of enjoyable details thrown into the story, like the return of the vicious little David from Parallax Red or the uber-bizarre Tasha who comes off as a player in an S&M Kabuki play. One of the great delights of this series is its unpredictable quality-- you never know just what you're going to encounter. Mad God's Wrath may have a familiar feel to it, but it is in no way as hidebound or locked into a by-the-numbers formula as other series of this ilk are, like the predictable monotony of most entries in the Executioner or Deathlands series. A very enjoyable book all the way around.
Rating:
Summary: A lot of fun
Review: Mad God's Wrath was only the fourth book I've read in this series and like all the others it was a lot of fun. I never read the other books with Mars or Maccan but I'll be trying to order them soon. I've very pleased I found the Outlanders series.
Rating:
Summary: Return to the Red Planet
Review: Return to Mars
What is the sign of a good writer? Someone who can take an old, tried and worn out storyline and add enough twists and exotic locations to make it not only worthwhile reading, but memorable too boot. The novel begins on the Manitius base, located on the moon. Here the survivors who have not yet made their way to Cerberus are guarding over the body of the last of the Tuatha Du Danaan, Maccan. The reader quickly discovers that not all the base personnel are what they seem. There are still a number of men and women loyal to Maccan, and are simply waiting for the right time to revive him. Now is better than never. Grant, Kane and Brigid are off on the East coast, attempting to make a deal with a Pit Boss for weapons and ordinance he smuggled out of the Tartarus pits. As one can imagine, it turned out to be a trap, but one which ended up costing the lives and even more Deathbirds, while Kane and his companions made it away with nary a scratch. In Cerberus, Lakesh is spending time with Domi, and most of the base personnel are just relaxing and living their lives. Their peaceful little world came crashing down around them incredibly fast. Maccan invades the redoubt, his people causing extensive damage and killing a large number of the refugees from the Manitius base. He has two demands, one being that Lakesh accompany him, the other that the scientists bring along his interphaser. Maccan has some interesting plans for the device. At first, Lakesh has no desire to help the Mad God, but after he tortures Domi, and puts her in a coma from which it is uncertain if she will awaken or not, Lakesh gives in. Not so much as to save more lives, as he couldn't stand to lose Domi. He, as well as the Interphaser, are taken and the surviving members of Maccan's invading force use the gateway and leave the base. When Kane and his friend return to the base, they quickly discover the extent of the damage, and are able to track the jump location, where Maccan took Lakesh and the device. He has made a trip to Mars. None of them are all that eager to return to the red, barren planet, as they have no idea what sort of trap, if any - Maccan has left behind for them. However, the safe return of their friend is far more important, and they push any doubt and fear they have to the backgrounds of their minds and make the jump. Upon returning to Mars, they briefly encounter more Transadapts, but they're more of an annoyance than an actual danger. They find out that Maccan has taken Lakesh to the monument pyramid, and take the Martian bullet train to the huge monolith. The fight on the train against Maccan's people is very well written, and one could see the Cerberus warriors exchanging weapons fire against the fast moving sleds, piloted by Maccan's loyalists. But, compared to the interior of the great pyramid itself, that is nothing more than a walk in the park. It was as if one was actually inside the huge structure, feeling not only the immeasurable weight of the stone the pyramid was built out of pushing down on you, but the weight of the passage of time as well. Inside the monument, Maccan's forces capture Kane and his friends and they are taken to Lakesh. A short period of time later, they're all taken deep into the pyramid, where they learn Maccan's plans, and even more fascinating, what happened to the Tuatha and their origins. Maccan plans on using the Interphaser in conjunction with the Pyramid to cross the dimensions and return to his peoples own universe and world, and he intends on taking the Cerberus warriors with him. Brigid sabotages his plans however, and in doing so, quite literally brings down the house around the Mad god. As I stated at the beginning of my review, the story is as old as time, but when you mix characters you actually care about, locate them in exotic settings and throw in an insane alien who considers himself to be a god - you have the makings of a hell of a read. The recapping of material wasn't quite as overbearing as it has been over the past couple of years, although it is still annoying, and it could potentially turn older readers away. But, to be honest, that would be the reader's loss. It is necessary from time to time to have recapping, as to fill in the newcomers to the series. Once again the author has proven that he knows his science. The theories and technology mentioned in the novel are not just random bits of fluff pulled out of the air, but actual theories put forth in the scientific community, backed by research. This is what sets Outlanders apart from many other novels, and the original series that spawned it. Combine that with written descriptions that could stimulate even the most obtuse and un-imaginative minds, you have a winner, and once again, the author has proven that he is more than just your average writer. Many authors making a great deal more for their work could learn a thing or two from this author.
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