Published by Daw, 1989, 253 pages
ISBN 0-88677-396-2
$3.95

What a post-apocalyptic mess. Two incoming asteroids hit North America, setting off the Star Wars defense network and triggering nuclear exchanges around the globe. And between the nuclear winter and various mutations--helped by last-ditch efforts at gene manipulation-- the population is essentially a bunch of mutants. Did I mention the gene plagues which cause more mutations?

"Humanity," such as it is, survives in spots, including the LA area. A small group of "people" try to breed out the mutations from humans while battling a bevy of monsters with powers physical and psychic. Fortunately, the humans are not defenseless either, and turn to their Protectors for, well, protection. Thomas Blade, Protector of Protectors, stands guard as the last defense against the super mutant Denethan, who would like nothing more than to execute these remnants of humanity.

Ingrid's grim setting is about as depressing as you can get without putting this book away. His prose tumbles along, bringing his imaginative plot to life. In some ways, the prose stumbles, while in others, it races. Overall, despite the ups and downs, the events draw you onward, rewarding you with bits and pieces of imagery and action. The ending is a treat, as aspects foreshadowed coalesce into a gripping finale.

Marked Man #2: The Last Recall