The Dead Lands
A Novel
Book - 2015
"In Benjamin Percy's new thriller, a post-apocalyptic reimagining of the Lewis and Clark saga, a super flu and nuclear fallout have made a husk of the world we know. A few humans carry on, living in outposts such as the Sanctuary-the remains of St. Louis-a shielded community that owes its survival to its militant defense and fear-mongering leaders. Then a rider comes from the wasteland beyond its walls. She reports on the outside world: west of the Cascades, rain falls, crops grow, civilization thrives. But there is danger too: the rising power of an army that pillages and enslaves every community they happen upon. Against the wishes of the Sanctuary, a small group sets out in secrecy. Led by Lewis Meriwether and Mina Clark, they hope to expand their infant nation, and to reunite the States. But the Sanctuary will not allow them to escape without a fight."--
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Publisher:
New York : Grand Central Publishing, ©2015.
ISBN:
9781455528240
Characteristics:
403 pages ;,24 cm.
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Add a CommentThe book premise had the potential to achieve equal footing with King's "The Stand". But there is a difference between a storyteller, author and writer. A storyteller draws the reader in, an author can aspire to have written something of note, and a writer puts pen to paper. This book started off with much promise, but failed to deliver.
Post viral epidemic nuclear meltdown apocalypse, yet still somehow quite fun!, re-imagining of Lewis and Clark's expedition with great villains and great heroes and great action. Sometimes silly and cartoonish (giant bats? why not?) but always vividly described and easy to see in your head while reading. A fun story for a fun reader.
Entertaining but no surprises. Many unanswered questions, and a silly ending. The parody of the Lewis and Clarke expedition is what forced the ending and feels completely tacked on and unsatisfying. An easy read if you want to coast along.