Rating: 
Summary: Ellis is back in fine form!
Review: Sure Mark Ellis is back - and he also is the master manipulator of the overall OUTLANDERS concept, design, and characterization, but this book was not his best.But nor was it his worst. The info-dumping and rehashing that seems to pollute each and every book now, is not so bad in this one. That in and of itself, is a blessing. But the problems I spotted were the unlikelyhood of the characters surviving a battle with Deathbirds right on top of them. Come on, no way! How could the pilots be so dim and slow witted? And the cliche ending has been overdone! Mark Ellis IS a superlative writer, don't get me wrong. But this particular storyline could have been much better if Maccan would have taken them through the mirror. But alas, it was not to be, and this was still a most enjoyable novel in the series. I totally disagree with the female reviewer: I am an avid fan of both Deathlands and Outlanders, and I like them both, thank you very much! Sure they are within the same universe, but are going in somewhat different directions. Sure the Deathland's characters should be ever-changing and developing - but it is still great, fun, and exciting action/adventure reading!! Hell, it used to be labelled - Action/Adventure back in the day. And ultimately, that's what they are. Mark Ellis is definately creating his characters to develop as the series goes on - and that's a good thing - something the author's and editors of Gold Eagle books needs to seriously consider to do more of in the Deathlands series. But I am the ultimate fan of these series. I have been reading them religiously since their inceptions - some I've read 2 or 3 times! Despite what others say, I believe for the most part - both Mel Odom and Victor Milan have written some fresh, infused blood into both series - and I hope they continue to. Mark needs a vacation from time to time, does he not? And coming from a writers POV, (of which I have recieved good reviews from my work all over the world), despite the direction that Mr. Ellis decided to take this particular storyline, it was still a fun and exciting read. Just not one of his best. Whether you are a fan or not of this series, this novel is worth checking out.
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