Rating: 
Summary: Addictive!
Review: "Devil In The Moon" is the 21st Outlanders book in the series I'm almost compulsive about. Outlanders appeals to me the way the sci-fi adventure books like Commodore Grimes, Tarl Cabot of Gor and the early Star Trek novels appealed to me when I was growing up in the late 1960s and early 70s. The Outlanders tales are filled with derring-do, wild action and adventure and with people battling not only an implacable foe but also their own personal demons - and doing it all so wonderfully well. I have read all the Outlanders books, and they all grace my bookshelves. "Devil In The Moon" is a welcome addition to the continuing saga after the somewhat unsatisfactory previous entry into the series (apparently not written by the regular author). "Devil In The Moon" sports new cover art and I'm very impressed by the work...it's not as pulpish as all the previous covers. It has a mood and dignity that this series definitely deserves. The plot itself is somewhat different than the last few offerings as well, with a new technology in use and new relationships between a couple of the established characters--this is almost shocking but fascinating all the same. I'm looking forward to see how it develops over the next few books. As the title suggests, most of the book is set on the moon, in an abandoned base first mentioned way back in "Parallax Red". But there is apparently more than one devil--one IN the moon and one above it. The historical and legendary background provided by the writer is fascinating. He very skillfully weaves myth and scientific reality into a whole while never losing sight of telling a compelling story. This particular book combines heroic adventure, interplanetary peril and the in-depth depiction of an alien culture. And of course, like most of the Outlanders novels, it has plenty of sharp characterization and nice bits of humor sprinkled throughout. This book also seems to be a conscious effort to move as far beyond its companion series Deathlands as it can, with its new cover, new logo and new technology. This is a wise move, to avoid further confusion and contamination. For anyone who has yet to read an Outlanders novel, "Devil In the Moon" would be a good place to start. But be warnedÂÂthey are addictive!
Rating:
Summary: Can't read just one!
Review: For sci-fi and adventure fans, the Outlanders novels are the literary equivalent of potato chips: you can't read just one. Of all the writers of adventure and science-fiction, Mark Ellis has by far the most inspired take on the conventions of the genre. Not only do the titles of his Outlanders novels suggest mystery, action and adventure they definitely deliver! Unfortunately, readers of "serious" sci-fi might be inclined to take Outlanders less seriously than it warrants because of its unfortunate association with the moronic Deathlands series due to the house pseudonym of James Axler. That would be a shame as Outlanders in general and "Devil In The Moon" in particular is, in my opinion, as good if not better than many "legitimate" military sci-fi or adventure novels. But for long-time readers of Outlanders, the 21st novel in the series is definitely a treat for a variety of reasons. One of which is the new cover design and logo. I think they do the series justice, even though I like the former title logo a bit more than the new one. Although I liked many of the covers done by the former artist, I haven't been too happy with the last couple, particularly "Prodigal Chalice." The new cover strikes the right balance between mood and suggested action. Of course, Mark Ellis is back at the writing helm which makes the book worth reading regardless of anything else. "Devil" is the first of a two-part storyline called the "Dragon Kings" and it appears that finally, after five years, we'll get to learn the secrets of the Annunaki, the alien race of reptilians who were not only involved in Mankind's development but were the parent race of the Archons. The solution to the mystery lies on the Moon, as the title of the book suggests--but true to Outlanders form, there's more going on than meets the eye. A lot goes on this novel...the mystery of Megaera and her faceless Furies, introduced in "Tomb of Time" is solved...there is some technology put into use which appears to make the standard old "mat-trans" obsolete (another carryover from Deathlands hopefully expunged)...the situation regarding Baron Cobalt is at last spelled out--he's gone from his ville and Erica Van Sloan, the Imperator's mother has taken over, even though she has her own problems...a predark Moonbase that is anything BUT uninhabited, crawling with not only human enemies, but non-human ones...some of the most disgusting robots ever to appear in sci-fi. There's also a grave threat looming to the very existence of humanity. The long-term fans will be happy to know that Kane, Brigid, Grant, Domi and all the rest are back up to speed, far more witty, interesting and complex than the one dimensional gun-wielding action figures they were portrayed as being in the last book by a fill-in author. And there are some major surprises from a couple of the established characters as well as the re-introduction of one from the past. The scenes set on and in the Moon are very vividly written, adequately conveying a sense of isolation and foreboding. The mythological background of the Annunaki is particularly well conveyed. And of course, the action scenes crackle and fly off the page. While there's action in spades, "Devil" is very realistic in its details especially in the scientific and technological areas. "Devil In the Moon" is a first-rate entry in the ongoing Outlanders saga, one which will please established fans and new readers alike. And like a potato chip that I've just eaten, it's going to be very hard to wait to read the next one!
Rating:
Summary: A brand new beginning
Review: I must admit that Devil in the Moon is a radical change for the Outlanders series. Not only has the cover art changed, but many other factors as well. First and foremost is that the Cerberus Exiles now have a new means of getting around the Outlands. Instead of relying almost exclusively on the Mat-trans unit, using technology developed in Savage Sun. It is an Interphaser, using the earth's natural jump points to get around. Secondly, for the most part the old Magistrate armour has been given up and instead they're using the Shadowsuits that were introduced in Tomb of Time. Thirdly, something happens between Lakesh and Domi, but I won't go into details because it would give too much away. Now, the novel has what most people would consider being a great deal of filler. It had to be included though, as essentially the series has, in some aspects, started over again. So, many of the long-term readers might find it repetitive, but in reality, it is NEEDED for all the new readers that are joining with each and every novel. There is also the fact that the continuity had been broken between Purgatory Road with Sargasso Plunder, then between Tomb of Time and Prodical Chalice. Both Sargasso and Chalice were written by a different author, and there was very little in background information provided in either. Thus, the need to not only explain things to new readers, but to 'refresh' the memories of long term fans. The story begins with the Cerberus Exiles arriving on the outskirts of a isolated community, one that started out as an insane asylum. They're promptly forced to return to the colony, where, in only a matter of a few minutes, change it forever. It isn't long after they return to Cerberus that they discover something un-usual happening on the Moon, and it's something that they have to investigate, after they accidentally bring Megaera (introduced in Tomb of Time) during their tests of the Interphaser. After viewing the video of the base, they see something that chills their blood. Another Annunaki. Using the Interphaser, they arrive on the moon, meet up with a group of four survivors who were stationed at the base during the Skydark, and learn more about Megaera and her Furies, and one item that could quite easily destroy the earth that has been stationed in Earth's orbit since the time of the Skyark. The exiles have to travel over the surface of the moon to an ancient moonbase, and there they meet a new menace to humanity. Meanwhile, back at Cerberus redoubt, a VERY unexpected visitor arrives with shocking news. The next novel in the series can't arrive soon enough for my taste.
Rating:
Summary: Devil in the Moon
Review: It was a great book, showing a lot of promise, bla bla bla, I can't keep saying this about every book but it's true because we're spoiled by these terrific books and it get's old always saying they are great. I will say, I like how it has ascended even higher than it's standard excellant performance, the series doesn't only thrive, it grows, changes and adapts, which is more than can be said for the other JA series which nothing has changed since 1986 but I won't get into that. The whole Eljay thing was totally hilarious in terms of fiction resembling reality. The moon station was very interesting because I enjoy the intergalatic exploration more than any other type of location a story can be set at. The mere idea of being stuck on the moon sends a chill down anyone's back and the whole setting was interesting. I like the way the series is going, it's dropping its "dead lands" roots and is going all out Sci-fi, sci being the key element because it's believable sci-fi and not three-headed monster sci-fi. I enjoyed the Eduardo character tremendously, if Mark decides to keep him around, you'll see the reason why I enjoy him. I like the idea of Quavall's involvement in the series more-so than anyone else because she is a very interesting character and would be a tremendous addition to the Cerberus exiles. I really cannot think of what else to write or how to demonstrate how much I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to getting the next one. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would gave it a 15, because it has acrued past it's former success and shows nothing other than promise.
Rating:
Summary: Outlanders on the Moon
Review: Kane and his fellow outcasts have found a secret base on the moon(again). I really liked this book, it is a breath of fresh air compared to the rather lack-luster performances of the recent deathlands books. The whole concept while it has been done before is still orginal in many respects. If you like good plup and a good story, go ahead and read this.
Rating:
Summary: Outlanders on the Moon
Review: Kane and his fellow outcasts have found a secret base on the moon(again). I really liked this book, it is a breath of fresh air compared to the rather lack-luster performances of the recent deathlands books. The whole concept while it has been done before is still orginal in many respects. If you like good plup and a good story, go ahead and read this.
Rating:
Summary: A definite epic!
Review: The back cover of "Devil In the Moon" uses the word "epic" to describe the plot of the book and this entry in the Outlanders series certainly is that, in a series already marked by a number of epic adventures. I looked forward eagerly to Book One of the "Dragon Kings" and I wasn't disappointed. A lot of major events are on the horizon with this novel, from the beautiful new cover art to the new technology and cutting edge weapons introduced in the book itself. Actually, the interphaser isn't exactly new, but it's a new way to use the device. It's a lot more efficient way to get around than the old mat-trans units. There are also new and even shocking slants on established characters not to mention old mysteries finally revealed. Like most of the Outlanders books written by Mark Ellis, the pace is at the speed of light, the writing snappy, the background thorough and believable. The dialogue is snappy, witty and as other reviewers pointed out, the characters are back to being themselves instead of the cardboard cut-outs as they were protrayed by the fill-in writer in the previous book. There is action, adventure and old-fashioned heroics aplenty with genuine cliff-hangers scattered throughout. The scenes on and in the Moon are very ominous and even spooky...and you can't get any more epic than your heroes crossing the face of the Moon and finding the ruins of a long-lost civilization in a crater! A threat hanging above the Moon that menaces all of humanity is a much more epic and frightening menace than a machine that might make food out of the air as in the the last book. "Devil In the Moon" earns extra points from me for finally explaining the faceless Furies from "Tomb of Time" and introducing the inventive concept of meat-eating robots. The way the carnobots are explained seems technlogically sound even if they seem like something out of a horror movie. Once I started reading "Devil In The Moon" I did not want to be interrupted by anything. I couldn't put it down. The ending of the novel was a new kind of cliff-hanger and left me frantic to read the next book! "Devil In The Moon' is as satisfying as a wide-screen Hollywood summer blocksbuster. This is a wonderful book to celebrate Outlanders fifth year and I just hope I can wait for "Dragoneye"!
Rating:
Summary: A definite epic!
Review: The back cover of "Devil In the Moon" uses the word "epic" to describe the plot of the book and this entry in the Outlanders series certainly is that, in a series already marked by a number of epic adventures. I looked forward eagerly to Book One of the "Dragon Kings" and I wasn't disappointed. A lot of major events are on the horizon with this novel, from the beautiful new cover art to the new technology and cutting edge weapons introduced in the book itself. Actually, the interphaser isn't exactly new, but it's a new way to use the device. It's a lot more efficient way to get around than the old mat-trans units. There are also new and even shocking slants on established characters not to mention old mysteries finally revealed. Like most of the Outlanders books written by Mark Ellis, the pace is at the speed of light, the writing snappy, the background thorough and believable. The dialogue is snappy, witty and as other reviewers pointed out, the characters are back to being themselves instead of the cardboard cut-outs as they were protrayed by the fill-in writer in the previous book. There is action, adventure and old-fashioned heroics aplenty with genuine cliff-hangers scattered throughout. The scenes on and in the Moon are very ominous and even spooky...and you can't get any more epic than your heroes crossing the face of the Moon and finding the ruins of a long-lost civilization in a crater! A threat hanging above the Moon that menaces all of humanity is a much more epic and frightening menace than a machine that might make food out of the air as in the the last book. "Devil In the Moon" earns extra points from me for finally explaining the faceless Furies from "Tomb of Time" and introducing the inventive concept of meat-eating robots. The way the carnobots are explained seems technlogically sound even if they seem like something out of a horror movie. Once I started reading "Devil In The Moon" I did not want to be interrupted by anything. I couldn't put it down. The ending of the novel was a new kind of cliff-hanger and left me frantic to read the next book! "Devil In The Moon' is as satisfying as a wide-screen Hollywood summer blocksbuster. This is a wonderful book to celebrate Outlanders fifth year and I just hope I can wait for "Dragoneye"!
Rating: 
Summary: Devil in the Moon
Review: The story line kept up with the better of the Outlanders series. The action is fairly fast passed but the characterization falled to flow on from the previous issue "Prodigal Chalice". The Domi - Grant - Lakesh interactions have taken a big step change. Although the storyline for this new mini series was strong, I felt the author dedicated too much ink to recovering background information and history for other issues. I guess all these ghost writers use the cut and paste function alot.
Rating:
Summary: Devil in the Moon.
Review: This book for me was good but it was a long shot from being Mark Ellis' best contribution to the OL series. It is a far different approach to the OL universe than loyal readers have grown to know over the last five plus years. First off I was quite peeved that the first 200 or so pages of this book where for the most part more or less a rehash of past events and mythology that had already been established. I didn't pay $6 to read things I've already read before!! Once Kane, Brigid, and Grant got on the Moon the novel took on the old OL feeling thats made this series into something that is growing in leaps and bounds with the release of each new book. I also felt this book was too bogged down with what I'll dube as "Techno Babble" most of it surrounding the "DEVIL" project run by NASA. There was so much Emphasis on the technical side of how "DEVIL" worked and what it was suppose to do before its purpose was warped that it made my head hurt and my teeth ach. It had its place but it was overly explained and in trying to absorb it all I began to loose interest in the book. I was so busy trying to puzzle out what all the info meant that I no longer really enjoying what I was reading. This book did have some great character and plot twists that left me wanting to know more. But I did not enjoy this particular Outlanders offering as much as I have past offerings. Its the far cry from previous novels that did not have Mark Ellis at the helm and it is worth reading, especially if you are new to the Outlanders universe.
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