I have always been interested in science fiction in all it's forms, from books & magazines to popular television programs & films. The title of this page comes from a series of books by Patrick Tilley called "The Amtrak Wars" set in a post-apocalyptic North America & as they are one of my favourite series of books I have listed them below along with a brief outline, hopefully without spoiling them for anyone else who wishes to read them.
"Cloud Warrior" the first in the series of books sets the scene & introduces the main characters of Steve Brickman, a wingman from the Amtrak Federation, & his kin sister Roz. The second story line follows the Plainfolk or "Northern Mutes" side of the story with the main characters of Cadillac, Clearwater & my favourite character Mr. Snow
In "First Family", the second book in the series, Steve Brickman finds himself back within the Amtrak Federation after escaping from the clan McCall but treated as a deserter & sentenced to death.
The third book, "Iron Master", covers Steve's journey into the homeland of the mysterious Iron Masters. He has been sent by both his friend Mr. Snow & the secretive Mexicans, the secret police of the Amtrak federation under the control of the President General's Brother.
"Blood River" book 4 & the journey home continues.
"Death-Bringer" Steve  

Earth-Thunder the final book in the series which attempts to tie up all the loose ends, but seems to have a rushed feel to it as if the author had had enough & wanted to finish the story, even though the ending seemed as if it was left open for a second series of books.

A good background book, unfortunately no longer in print, which covers the first 4 books is Dark Visions:-An Illustrated Guide to the Amtrak Wars with illustrations by Fernando Fernandez who has caught the essence of the books & his idea's of what the characters look like is remarkable, with the exception of the President-General, George Washington Jefferson the 31st who bears too close a likeness to Lou Carpenter from that Australian Soap Neighbours for my liking, see for yourself & let me know. As a reference book it is invaluable with the extra illustrations an added bonus as it takes all the facts & collates them together so that you can find out everything about a certain character, race etc at a glance such as the Fog People who are listed as "Unidentified race of people who live beyond the northern most domains of Ne-issan. That part of northern & Eastern Canada lying beyond the St. Lawrence River"

Forth coming attractions to this site include A FAQ section & with your help a section on the different version's of the covers so if anyone wants to send scans in Gif format approx 100x150 I'll put them on the page along with a mention of the person who sent them come to think of it if anyone's interested how about a contact section of other fan's. Have just added a basic links page with a link to the official Patrick Tilley page.
If you're interested in science fiction too, email me at Amtrak@me-sheegun.demon.co.uk

You are visitor No:-  since 1st April 98

last revision Mon August 6, 2001

Head Back to my Home page