Release Date: 20/06/13
Publisher: Black Library
SYNOPSIS:
Hammer and Bolter is Black Library's digital magazine, bringing you the best in Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000 short fiction every month. Now, for the first time in print, the editors are proud to present the best stories from the second year of issues, with contributions from Black Library veterans like Graham McNeill, Nick Kyme and Rob Sanders, through to some rising stars and a host of new talent. Featuring stories from across the Warhammer World and the grim darkness of the far future, The Best of Hammer and Bolter: Volume Two is an essential collection of sci-fi and fantasy shorts from the dark vaults of the Black Library.
REVIEW:
A selection of titles that have previously appeared in the Digital Magazine Hammer and Bolter and whilst a lot of fans won’t be buying the book as they own the material already, I for one couldn’t wait to get it as I love the sheer talent that is so tightly wrapped within the electrons of this offering.
Whilst I don’t receive this absolutely mega magazine this title really does make me wish that I did as each story not only left a deep impression upon me but also gave me something pretty unique with each turn of the page. Add to this the opportunity to try some of the various talents that are now at the forefront of this publisher all round makes this more than value for money as well as a great way to fill up your travel time or lunch break. Magic.
Release Date: 27/09/12
SYNOPSIS:
The Space Marines of the Adeptus Astartes are the defenders of mankind, the ultimate superhuman brotherhood standing against the evils of the galaxy. But even among their hallowed ranks, there are those who would turn their backs on their brothers and follow the path of the traitor. Gathered within these pages, you will find tales from the dark side of the Imperium – remember, that which can defend, can also betray...
REVIEW:
Short stories with cracking combat, bloody swathes and of course more writing talent that you can shake a stick at. Ideal for short journeys or someone who just wants to dip in time and again makes this a book that has a whole lot of bolter fire for its buck. Add to this the chance to try different authors from the catalogue for a low price to see if you like their writing style and all in it’s a solid book that will generate a lot of interest.
Finally throw into the mix a whole host of heroes for each of the relevant chapters and all in the reader will be aching to take to the battlefield to re-enact the combat within. Great stuff.
Release Date: 27/09/12
SYNOPSIS:
From the battlefields of Phall and Isstvan, to the haunted shadows of Terra itself – the greatest war in the history of mankind rages on. While the traitor Legions continue their campaign of terror across the galaxy, preparations are made for the defence of the Imperial Palace and the final, inevitable reckoning that must yet come between Horus and the Emperor...
REVIEW:
To be honest this book is one that you might want to watch picking up if you’ve been pretty up to date with buying a number of the E-books as well as the audio titles from the Black Library as quite a few of them have been about before. Don’t get me wrong if you’ve not purchased either it’s a book that you’ll love especially with the rich writing talent within but if you’ve already got a lot of the addition mediums, the odds are you’ll feel a little short changed.
That said, the writing is crisp, the short stories a wonderful diversion for journeys and when backed with a whole host to dip into all taking part during mankinds galactic civil war makes this a book that would be wonderful for a Christmas Gift. All in pretty reasonable but check what the person you’re buying it for already has as otherwise you may find it hardly touched.
Release Date: 24/05/12
SYNOPSIS:
Created in the Emperor’s own image, the primarchs had long thought themselves to be princes of the universe and masters of their own destiny – they led the Space Marine Legions in glorious conquest of the galaxy, and no enemy of the Imperium could stand against them. However, even amongst this legendary brotherhood, the seeds of dissent had been sown long before the treacherous Warmaster Horus declared his grand heresy.
REVIEW:
I’m a massive reader of the Warhammer 40K titles so when I had the chance to get to know the originators and Primarchs of the Emperor’s Legions I really couldn’t wait to get my hands on the book. What unfurls within is a series of four short stories written by some of the top talent at Black Library, Each has their own benefits and strengths and also their weaknesses within the text.
Whilst I did enjoy the tales, I wanted something that separated these venerable warriors from the masses that were to follow in their name, I wanted tales of inspirational history that demonstrated why the Space Marines would each lay down their lives in the battle for the Emperor and of course I wanted something that really grabbed firmly from start to finish without giving you chance to breath.
What I got did do this to a certain degree but in my opinion I feel that the writers had to hold something back purely for the fact that these warriors were the originators, and whilst I felt that they did fulfil their brief I think that for me the fear of filling these boots of the Astates “God” were mighty big to fill.
All in it was a solid read and I did enjoy it despite my niggles. But for me, the best tale was saga of Alpharius and Omegon. Great stuff.
Release Date: 07/05/12
SYNOPSIS:
The Space Marines stand against the darkness, and yet on countless battlefields they play unwitting roles in the schemes of Fateweaver. From the doomed world of Ilissus, through the embattled corridors of the Endeavour of Will, to the borders of the Eye of Terror itself – friend and foe alike follow the great plan that he set in motion many thousands of years ago. But not even the Architect of Fate himself can foresee the destiny that lies in wait for him...
REVIEW:
Fans of the Warhammer 40K Universe will be in for a treat with this compendium of tales that bring elements from throughout the worlds within them. Its wonderfully woven, with the various elements all touching on a greater truth that only unveils itself after the final page is turned.
Each author has worked well in conjunction with the others yet managed to bring their own styles and storytelling skills to the piece. Its dark, its brooding and as usual there is the sheer exhilaration of combat that’s both shocking in its bloody conflict as well as brutally blunt as it unveils. All in definitely something a little different but wonderful at the same time and it’ll be interesting to see how many other books come together in this successful format.
Release Date: 02/04/12
SYNOPSIS:
Gotrek and Felix: unsung heroes of the Empire, or nothing more than common thieves and murderers? The truth perhaps lies somewhere in between, and depends entirely upon whom you ask... Within these pages you will find the untold tales of the adventuring duo, some of which undoubtedly even they would rather remain a secret. From the wastelands of the north to the mystical cities of Araby, and from the orcs of Karak Azgal to the ogres of Skabrand – their exploits are recalled and their legend grows.
Featuring the brand new novella-length tale Slayer’s Honour by Nathan Long, this anthology also contains a swashbuckling selection of great stories including a previously unpublished tale by renowned SF writer John Brunner.
Slayer’s Honour Nathan Long
A Cask of Wynters Josh Reynolds
A Place of Quiet Assembly John Brunner
Kineater Jordan Ellinger
Prophecy Ben McCallum
The Tilean’s Talisman David Guymer
Last Orders Andy Smillie
Mind-stealer C.L. Werner
The Two Crowns of Ras Karim Nathan Long
The Funeral of Gotrek Gurnisson Richard Salter
REVIEW:
OK, it is not secret that I love Felix and Gotrek’s adventures, the epic battles, the character interaction and when mixed with classic action sequences alongside cracking pace, it’s a treat all round as far as I’m concerned. Add to this now the chance for other Black Library Authors to play with the duo’s fates and overall it’s a series of stories that really does deliver for the majority (although the odd one sadly missed for me as a reader.)
All in, this is fun and of course a great way to grab a few minutes away from the real world to enjoy the duo’s escapades as visited by other writers, its wonderfully edited, the readers in for a treat and as far as I’m concerned it was a set of tales that helped get deeper into the Warhammer world, more in keeping with Bill King’s humble origins for these two characters as portrayed in the book Trollslayer.
Release Date: 02/01/12
SYNOPSIS:
The dark origins of the Warhammer World are soaked in blood. Epic wars between kindred races reshaped the continents, vase civilisations rose and fell, the dead walked the earth in legions. This is an age of mighty heroes who like will never be seen again, such as the man-god Sigmar and Caledor, the Phoenix King of the elves. It is also an era of dread villains like the Witch-King Malekith and Nagash, the Lord of the undead. In these troubled times, dragons still flock the skies and magic exists that can doom or save the world.
It is an age of legend.
REVIEW:
I love a short story compendium and for me, the Black Library really pulls out the stops with these titles as it allows the reader to try an author that they may not have had chance to see before. It’s a great way to launch new talent such as Sarah Cawkwell, whose previous Warhammer 40K novel, The Gildar Rift (out last month) was a real triumph.
Not only do you get new names but established hands of the Star War’s Universe like Paul S Kemp who writes a mean fantasy tale. Back that up with the old hands to the Warhammer world like Gav Thorpe and Clint Werner which guarantee’s some old favourites return. All in, this is a cracking release and one that I had a lot of fun with which is a cracking way to begin the New Year.
Release Date: 12/05/11
SYNOPSIS:
After the betrayal at Isstvan, Horus begins his campaign against the Emperor, a galaxy-wide war that can lead only to Terra. But the road to the final confrontation between father and son is a long one - seven years filled with secrecy and silence, plans and foundations being formed across distant stars. An unknown history is about to be unveiled as light is shed on the darkest years of the Horus Heresy, and revelations will surface that will shake the Imperium to its very foundation...Age of Darkness enters a new chapter of the epic Horus Heresy story, and features stories from some of the Black Library's best-known authors, including Dan Abnett, Graham McNeill, James Swallow and Aaron-Dembski Bowden.
REVIEW:
There are times when as a reader I want a title that I can dip into as and when I feel the need or I get a break from the everyday world. Add to this the chance to journey amongst the stars with great companions and a wide selection of authors and you pretty much have a book that will entertain as well as please. What Christian has brought together in this title is a whole selection of Horus Heresy side stories and additions that not only delve into some of the smaller aspects of the overall struggle but also add extra flavour and depths that would otherwise have been missed by so many. All in this is a great title and one that will also allow readers to pay out for one book to decide if they feel like indulging in the overall arc of the most infamous civil war of the 40th Century.
Release Date: 14/04/11
SYNOPSIS:
From planet to planet, the enemies of mankind will stop at nothing to expand their dominion. Worlds are shattered, and their citizens face a desperate fight for survival. There is a hope - superhuman warriors serving the glory of the Emperor, standing proudly in defiance of inhuman foes. These metal-clad giants lay waste to the relentless hordes of xenos invaders and defend humanity against the insidious forces of Chaos. In the remains of their enemies, they stand triumphant. They are the Space Marines. These are their victories.
REVIEW:
A book of short stories is always a delight for a reader, especially when they’re looking for something just to dip into either on their lunch break or for train journey’s so it’s always good when a quality writing universe does this. Here in the latest instalment of the Space Marine Chronicles is a set of tales that will enthuse as well as entertain the reader throughout although to be honest I did feel a little cheated when I saw Heart of Rage by James Swallow which had previously been released as an audio book.
It is a book full of great stories, it is also a book that has a whole selection of descent authors as well as a great way for readers to try new authors that they haven’t previously had either the time or the finances for, but perhaps best of all its sheer value for money for the reader to get such great quality. However my only real criticism is that should they decide to rerelease audio books into these volumes then perhaps it would be best to have a separate one for just that purpose as those who’ve already paid for the audio book may feel a little cheated.
