The Amtrak Wars

by Patrick Tilley
The Amtrak Wars cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical
  • ID: 5002
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9781448212514
  • Publisher: A&C Black
  • Published: 2013-08-06
  • Reviews: 3

Hundreds of years after a nuclear war devastates civilization, the Earth is divided between the subterranean Amtrak Federation and the radiation-resistant Mutes. The Plainfolk, the last Mute resistance, face the expanding Federation and the powerful Iron Masters, who wield samurai traditions. Steve Brickman, a Tracker with divided loyalties, is promoted within the First Family but remains spiritually tied to the Mute clan M'Call and his love, Clearwater. When Clearwater gives birth to their child during the eruption of Mount Saint Helens, it aligns with a Mute prophecy, marking the child as the Talisman, a messiah figure. Meanwhile, Roz and Cadillac embark on a perilous journey to the Iron Masters' lands, entangling themselves in a foreign civil war. As the First Family seeks to exploit the prophesied child for their own gain, the stage is set for a climactic confrontation.

Reviews
Reddit - Fantasy · 2019-01-01
compelling 4.00

The book is not high art but is highly readable and compelling with meticulous plotting. The reviewer appreciates the intricate political maneuvering and world-building.

The reviewer acknowledges that this book may not be considered high art, but they find it to be a ferociously readable and compelling series. The meticulous plotting and intricate political maneuvering are particularly praised, making the book oddly compelling. The reviewer also appreciates the interesting world-building and the engaging narrative that keeps them invested in the story.

Quick quotes

    The Amtrak Wars is certainly not high art, but it is a ferociously readable, meticulously-plotted and oddly compelling.

    It's a tribute to Tilley's vivid and well-conceived (if somewhat barmy) story, characters and setting that the book overcomes these problems and ...

    Whilst not exactly great literature, it was a tremendously fun series with interesting worldbuilding, intricate political maneuvering and an ...

The Wertzone · 2008-07-31
fun 4.25

The series is described as fun and engaging, with interesting world-building and intricate political maneuvering. The reviewer appreciates the foreshadowing and the potential for future conflicts.

The reviewer finds the Amtrak Wars series to be tremendously fun and engaging, despite not being considered great literature. They appreciate the interesting world-building and the intricate political maneuvering that keeps the narrative compelling. The reviewer also highlights the excellent foreshadowing, which sets the stage for future conflicts and adds depth to the story. The series is praised for its ability to entertain and captivate readers, making it a enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    Whilst not exactly great literature, it was a tremendously fun series with interesting worldbuilding, intricate political maneuvering and an ...

    Great series. I like where he left it, with the great wars still to come a generation later. Excellent foreshadowing throughout.

    It's a tribute to Tilley's vivid and well-conceived (if somewhat barmy) story, characters and setting that the book overcomes these problems and ...

Cloud - WordPress.com · 1998-10-08
excellent 4.50

This saga is one of the most enjoyable science fiction series, ranking among the reviewer's favorites. The book's engaging narrative and well-developed universe make it a standout.

The reviewer finds this series to be incredibly enjoyable and engaging, placing it among their top picks in the science fiction genre. They appreciate the intricate world-building and the compelling narrative that keeps them coming back. The characters and setting are vividly described, making the universe feel alive and immersive. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the series is evident, as they highlight the book's ability to captivate and entertain.

Quick quotes

    This is one of the most enjoyable sagas I've read and read again over the past few years, and joins my list of favourite science fiction.

    It's a tribute to Tilley's vivid and well-conceived (if somewhat barmy) story, characters and setting that the book overcomes these problems and ...

    Whilst not exactly great literature, it was a tremendously fun series with interesting worldbuilding, intricate political maneuvering and an ...

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