OK, just got this book nearly a week ago, and had to say that after just finishing the first 4 chapters, around 40 pages, this one is already better than the last book.

Personal views by me are because the writing style of Victor Milan is much more in line with the original author, Laurence James, and this book so far in particular thus far as reminded me strongly of those early books.

The argument and break-up of the companions here makes much more sense, and comes off feeling much more like how the companions would act and feel. In fact, in the last chapter i just read, the companions are running away from a ville through some major thorn bushes, and Mildred is pissed at the recent break-up of Jak and the group, and they are running through harsh weather and environment, so her mind wanders through the recent break-up, along with her feelings toward their overall plight. Milan proves right here, once again, that he KNOWS these characters. I really enjoyed this harsh look at themselves through her clinical mind.

This is the problem with the two Outlanders writers. They have turned the Cerberus team into a bunch of do-gooders to the extreme. They now help out obvious and well known enemies that have tried to kill them. Just plain stupid. This DL chapter I just read had Mildred, a doctor from our time, admit that J. B. and Ryan were chilling machines, cold and efficient, but only when they have to be. Leave no enemies left behind you to make trouble for you later. Uh, yeah! 

Thank the God/s that there is a decent one in the pipeline.

Now 70 pages in, and it just gets better.

Nice to read a back to basics mutie-infested and purely survival type book. And the sec men posse are hardcore coldhearts, old-school type.

Looking forward to what you guys think.

Well, I just finished Deathlands Hanging Judge, and I don't know where to start to tell you just how classic and awesome this upcoming title was. From cover to cover it was never dull nor boring, and just proves - yet again - just how talented a writer this Victor Milan is.

I haven't read a DL book that tapped into the original author's writing style and feel that creators and original authors Jack Adrian and Laurence James did since this series's inception back in '86.

Hanging Judge harkens back to the days of old, reminding me of such titles as Pony Soldiers and Trader Redux. That is to say that Hanging Judge had no fancy storyline, such as finding aliens or a huge redoubt in space or whitecoats with a super weapon. No, just an awesome 'back to basics' approach of sheer survival, with one of the most colorful bad guys since Cort Strasser and Zimyanin. Cutter Dan and his U. S. Marshal sec men are truly some of the most brutal coldheart sec men Ryan and companions have run into in a long, long time.

And even though author Victor Milan has proven time and again that he knows his Deathlands models, and the companions inside out, he showcases it here with even more dramatic flair. For you Jak Lauren fans out there, you are really in for a treat. But ALL of the companions are showcased here at their best, both in dramatic dialogue to their actions, with such flair and greatness, that hard core fans such as myself had a grin from ear to ear from beginning to end. There is never a dull moment, and the action scenes are some of the very best this series has ever showcased. And that is saying something!

 I have to digest this book some more before I give an official review. But suffice it to say, Victor Milan really outdone himself with this one. Classic DL in every sense of the word. Thanks for caring enough to not rest on your already hefty laurels, Mr. Milan, and continuing to write DL the way it is supposed to be written.

 

 

Is it as good as Nemesis? Fingers crossed. Victor Milan is probably my #2 Author of DL at the moment.

Overall, I would say hanging judge is better, and quite possibly Milan 's best book. There was just so many awesome things in it, from fantastic dialogue, tons of dark humor, very colorful and memorable new duties and bad guys. Also loads of expertly written action sequences of different varieties.

I wrote and sent in a review a few days ago of the all-new DL, Hanging Judge.

But I don't see it posted. I guess Ron is busy.

 Anywho, I've been praising the hell out of it since I got it early copy and read it in just a couple of days. 

Milan really knocked it out of the ball park - again!

I've read the first 10 pages on the amazon look inside feature and it looks pretty good. Fed up having to wait a month more than you guy's in North America.

Hanging judge is tons better than the last two books, in my humble opinion.

Hanging judge is tons better than the last two books, in my humble opinion.

I just started Hanging Judge yesterday. I knew I was going to love it by the end of the first paragraph.

I'm still reading this great book but I wanted to see if anyone else noticed that this author mentions things from one of Chuck's books . The bit about the giant hogs from Hell Road Warriors .

Liking this book lots .

Um, er, the editor might have added that tiny bit of text for continuity.

I think Victor Milan is a savvy enough author to keep continuity.

If I recall correctly, I believe there is a reason why I added that line.

Got my copy today and I'm 3/4 through already and it is easily the best book in the last seven and 2nd or 3rd in the last fifteen. Victor Milan is fast becoming one of the best current DL novel's.

I wish he would drop the whole "Wheel gun" thing. It really bugs me.

Jim

Why? Wheeling is proper naming. Nick Polatta started that.

I have no idea why it just does. I guess its a bit like marmite toe either like it or not.

Jim