Damnation Alley

by Roger Zelazny
Damnation Alley cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical
  • ID: 4978
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Published: 1979-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Damnation Alley plunges readers into a nightmarish vision of a United States devastated by war, where violent storms, giant bats, and monstrous snakes roam freely. Amidst this chaos, a group of men embark on a perilous journey to deliver a crucial antiserum to the plague-stricken city of Boston. Their mission is fraught with danger, as they must navigate through treacherous landscapes and confront the horrors that lurk in the ruins of civilization. /n/n The novel explores themes of survival, courage, and the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. With its gripping narrative and vivid descriptions, Damnation Alley offers a thrilling adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
John Walters Writer · John Walters · 2023-09-30
great 4.00

The book is a fun and light read, perfect for a quick escape. The protagonist is compelling, and the story has a raw energy that makes it enjoyable.

John Walters found Damnation Alley to be a fun and light read, perfect for a quick escape during a long plane flight or a relaxing afternoon at the beach. He highlights the compelling nature of the protagonist, Hell Tanner, and the raw energy of the story. The reviewer appreciates the allegorical feel and the almost poetical moments that add depth to the narrative. Overall, it's a enjoyable read that doesn't take itself too seriously, making it a great choice for a casual read.

Quick quotes

    Damnation Alley is a fun short read to help you while away a long plane flight or an afternoon relaxing at the beach.

    Hell Tanner was as repellent as he was compelling.

    The book had a raw energy, and at times, an almost poetical, allegorical feel.

Science Fiction Ruminations · 2017-07-31
good 3.50

The adventure is thrilling and the post-apocalyptic setting is vividly described, but the character development is lacking. The pacing is fast and keeps the reader engaged.

This reviewer found the adventure thrilling and the post-apocalyptic setting vividly described. The fast pacing keeps the reader engaged throughout the story. However, they noted that the character development is lacking, which might leave some readers wanting more depth in the protagonist's journey. The reviewer appreciates the vivid imagery and the sense of urgency that drives the plot forward, making it a compelling read despite its shortcomings.

Quick quotes

    An adventure trek in a decked-out vehicle with a lot of guns across the wasteland that is America in order to deliver a serum to cure a plague in Boston.

    The pacing is fast and keeps the reader engaged.

    The character development is lacking.

Amazing Stories · 2014-04-15
mixed 3.00

The characters are hard to take seriously, but the book's inspiration and influence make it hard to condemn. It's a mixed bag with both entertaining and flawed elements.

This reviewer points out that the characters in Damnation Alley are hard to take seriously, which might be a drawback for some readers. However, they acknowledge that the book's inspiration and influence on other works make it hard to condemn outright. The reviewer finds the story to be a mixed bag, with entertaining elements that keep the reader engaged despite its flaws. The book's legacy and the enjoyment it provides make it a noteworthy read, even if it's not perfect.

Quick quotes

    The book is hard to read if you want to take the characters seriously.

    But it's just as hard to condemn a piece of work that inspired such a ...

    It's a mixed bag with both entertaining and flawed elements.

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