Showing posts with label Warhammer 40k. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Warhammer 40k. Show all posts

Wednesday, 29 November 2017

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Horus Heresy: The Crimson King - Graham McNeill

Release Date: 30/11/17
Publisher: Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

After the razing of Prospero, Magnus the Red spirited the Thousand Sons away to the Planet of the Sorcerers, deep within the Eye of Terra. Removed from the concerns of the galaxy at large and regarding the Warmaster’s unfolding Heresy with cold detachment, Magnus has dedicated his hollow existence to the preservation of all the knowledge once held in the great libraries of Tizca, should mankind ever seek such enlightenment again. But his sons can see the change in their primarch – he is a broken soul, whose mind and memories are slipping away into the tumult of the warp. Only by returning to the scenes of his greatest triumphs and tragedies can they hope to restore him, and allow the Crimson King to be crowned anew by the Ruinous Powers.


REVIEW:

OK, lets get the basic business done first. Are you a fan of the Thousand Sons? Have you read the Thousand Sons as well as Prospero Burns? If the answer is no, stop right here now. Read those books first to get the full flavour as well as a good bit of background to this story.

Right up to date? Ready to roll? Magic. This book by Graham is an epic outing as we learn how the chapter deals with thier seperation from the Throne into the realms of chaos as the primarch seeks to preserve their knowledge should mankind ever need it again. Its a dark tale, it has some magical twists and with the way that its woven makes this a book that I had a hell of a time putting down. Back this up with good action sequences alongside a brotherhood uniting to help return thier Master and all round its a book that I'll be rereading again.

Friday, 17 November 2017

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: The Eye of Medusa - David Guymer

Release Date: 16/11/17
Publisher: Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

Ever since the dark days of the Great Heresy, the Iron Hands have a long and tortured history. Their years of suffering and war has left them hardened and believing in a brutal tenet: the flesh is weak. Heavily cybernetic, their flesh extensively altered, these warriors of the Imperium are more machine than man, cold in aspect as well as demeanour. Their methods of recruitment are harsh, their rituals arcane, their pride unshakable. So when a world under the protection of the Chapter falls foul of insurrection, the Iron Hands answer with fire and cold retribution. It matters not that Thennos is considered sovereign territory by the Adeptus Mechanicus - the Iron Hands' campaign is one of extermination. But there is something dark lurking within Thennos, a horror that defies the purity of cold logic and the machine, and threatens something more, something ruinous...


REVIEW:

A tale of the Iron Hands, which takes the reader into their chapter as they seek to exterminate sedition from within a world that the Adeptus Mechanicus consider theirs. Its wonderfully dark and rich as our heroes seek to purefy the world and discover what lays behind it.

Back this up with top notch action, cybernised principle characters alongside a plot with plenty of twists and turns and all round its a book that will not only entertain but also have the reader questioning how much of man must remain to be human. Cracking.

Thursday, 21 September 2017

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Mephiston: Blood of Sanguinus - Darius Hinks

Release Date: 21/09/17
Publisher: Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

The shrine world of Divinatus Prime has become lost to the light of the Astronomican and no ship can piece its veil. Only the Lord of Death himself, Blood Angels Chief Librarian Mephiston, has any hope of discerning the fate of this once pious world. After enacting a powerful blood ritual, Mephiston and an honour guard of his fellow Blood Angels reach the stricken shrine world to find it seized by a religious civil war. Each faction fights for dominance of a potent artefact, the Blade Petrific, said to be wrought by the Emperor Himself. Yet there is more at work here than a mere ideological schism, for Mephiston believes Divinatus Prime could offer answers to how he became the Lord of Death by resisting the Black Rage, and possibly even a way to end the curse of ‘the Flaw’ in all Blood Angels.


REVIEW:

I've loved Darius' writing for a number of years and for me, he's an author who really helps the reader get into the mindset of the characters within his stories. Here in thei 40K offering, the reader spends time with Blood Angels Chief Librarian Mephiston. As befitting the world into which its set, the story is dark, has some cracking twists and when added to choices made by the principle character reflect events and change, its a tale that really helps demonstrate that all choices have consequences.

All round a top notch story which when backed with top notch pose and dialogue that just skips off the page, all round makes this a title to really get behind. Cracking.

Thursday, 7 September 2017

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Space Marine Battles: The Eye of Ezekiel - C Z Dunn


Release Date: 07/09/17
Publisher: Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

In the grim future of the 41st millennium, the Imperium is beset by alien races that wish nothing more than to defeat, enslave or devour humankind. Most numerous among these foes are the orks, inhuman brutes that cannot be underestimated. When the Adeptus Mechanicus invokes an ancient pact with the Dark Angels, Ezekiel, Grand Master of the Librarians, must lead the 5th Company to liberate the planet of Honoria from a vast ork army. Even reinforced by the regiments of the Astra Militarum, the Dark Angels face a tremendous challenge, and the Adeptus Mechanicus appear to have their own reasons for becoming involved in this conflict…


REVIEW:

I love a story where two seperate enforcers of humankind fight together on a world against a common foe as well as each other as hidden agenda's rear thier ugly heads. This tale from the Black Library brings it all to the reader with cracking characters, top notch action sequences and maneuvers not only on the battlefield that seek to turn the tide but also politically as our human defenders seek to out do each other.

Its well written and I loved the way that Mr Dunn brought the double dealing to the fore despite the devastation that warring amongst themselves could bring should they divide and fall to the greenskin menace. Finally throw into the mix a good variety of twists and all round I was a more than happy reader.

Wednesday, 6 September 2017

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Vaults of Terra: The Carrion Throne - Chris Wraight

Release Date: 18/05/17
Publisher: Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

In the hellish sprawl of Imperial Terra, Ordo Hereticus Inquisitor Erasmus serves as a stalwart and vigilant protector, for even the Throneworld is not immune to the predations of its enemies. In the course of his Emperor-sworn duty, Erasmus becomes embroiled in a dark conspiracy, one that leads all the way to the halls of the Imperial Palace. As he plunges deeper in the shadowy underbelly of the many palace districts, his investigation attracts the attention of hidden forces, and soon Erasmus and his acolyte Spinoza are being hunted – by heretics, xenos, servants of the Dark Powers, or perhaps even rival elements of the Inquisition itself. They eventually discover a terrible truth, one that if allowed to get out could undermine the very fabric of the Imperium itself.


REVIEW:

A cracking novel set on throne world from Chris Wraight which goes to show that whilst the rest of the Imperium think that its a shining beacon of the Emperors might, that the reality for those who live there is that its a dog eats dog world where death is cheap and human life even cheaper.

Its well written, has great prose and as we get to follow the principle characters get to see how thier life experiences not only changes thier points of view and actions but helps give strength where the other is weaker. Back this up with a seriously kick ass plot, top notch dialogue alongside being characters that the reader can associate with all round makes this a book that is a pure joy to read. Can't wait for more of this duo's adventures.

Tuesday, 5 September 2017

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Space Marine Legends: Shrike - George Mann

Release Date: 23/03/17
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

Vaunted warrior of the Raven Guard, Shrike has ascended the ranks of this most mysterious and deadly brotherhood all the way to Chapter Master. He is a legend amongst his battle-brothers, one that began humbly enough in the wilds of Kiavahr. Shrike has fought and bested many foes, but one in particular, the Ork Warlord Gorkrusha, dogged him throughout many campaigns. From veteran to Shadow Captain, Shrike clashed with his old nemesis time and again, determined to bring about a final reckoning and bloody vengeance to the greenskin.


REVIEW:

Another Space Marine Legends novel that takes the reader through the vaulted ranks of the Raven Guard from Novice through to Chapter Master and whilst it had potential to give the reader something pretty epic to enjoy, I felt more than a little let down as I really couldn't get to grips with the principle character.

Yes the story had some cracking elements, the battles against mankinds foes enticing but for me, when I can't get to grips with a character I tend to feel that I don't really care for thier fate.

All round a bit of a loss for me and a book I won't be returning to at any time soon especailly with other better Legends books out there.

Monday, 4 September 2017

SCIENCE FICTION AUDIO BOOK REVIEWS: Warhammer 40K: Champions of the Eternal War - David Guymer, Ian St Martin, Josh Reynolds and Scions of Elysia - Chris Dows

Release Date:   2017
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

A Warhammer 40,000 audio drama collection Enjoy three full-cast audio tales of heroes and villains from the Dark Millennium: the doughty Iron Hands warleader Kardan Stronos, the sinister blademaster Lucius the Eternal, and the mischevious Space Wolf Lukas the Trickster. This is the first time on CD for these three tales of adventure, mayhem and (with Lukas) mischief from some of Black Library's finest authors - and all are full-cast dramas, with music and sound effects for a truly immersive experience. Heed now three tales of the Champions of the Eternal War... The Calculus of Battle by David Guymer As the defenders of Varasine battle a tyranid invasion, Warleader Kardan Stronos and the Iron Hands come to their aid, measuring the Chapter's cold logic and strategy against the cost in human lives. The Embrace of Pain by Ian St Martin When blademaster Lucius the Eternal is challenged by a champion of the Death Guard, he accepts without hesitation... but could a daemonhost of Nurgle, or the voices inside his own head, be the undoing of his Slaaneshi curse? The Art of Provocation by Josh Reynolds When orks amass on Polix Tertius, Lukas the Trickster decides to play a dangerous game. Risking the ire of the Wolf Lords, he turns his attentions to the planetary vox, and begins to broadcast... Running time approx. 60 minutes. Performed by John Banks, Antonia Beamish, Robin Bowerman, Cliff Chapman, Steve Conlin, Jonathan Keeble, Toby Longworth and Luis Soto.


REVIEW:

If you have a journey to do, whether its for work or for pleasure, there are times when you either can't take a book to read with you or you tend to feel ill whilst looking at the page. Well for me, this is where I love to have my MP3 player loaded with not only music but audio books and for me I love the way that Black Library brings these titles to life in such a way that they transport you to that time and place.

As with the other tales from the publisher, this one blends top notch story telling alongside magical voice acting and when added to the library of what has gone before really makes it something unique to sit back and savour. All round another cracking addition and one that will get quite a lot of use from as I'm being sneaky and introducing my nephews to these titles with a lot of positive results.




Release Date: 2017
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

An Astra Militarum audio drama The 158th Elysian regiment of the Imperial Guard make one of their infamous drop assaults - in their home system. But when disaster strikes, it falls to Sergeant Zachariah to save the campaign from failure. The Elysian Drop Troops are a unique force within the Astra Militarum, and Chris Dows captures the dizzying, vertiginous nature of the way they fight so well, it'll make your head spin. The Elysian Drop Troops are famed throughout the Astra Militarum for their rapid deployment tactics, utter fearlessness and expertise at grav-chute assaults. The 158th Elysian are once such regiment, ordered to pacify piratical warbands at large in their native system. But as the campaign commences, disaster strikes, the regiment's inexperienced and arrogant captain the cause. Only through the ingenuity of Sergeant Zachariah is a victory salvaged, but at a terrible cost. Running time 57minutes Written by Chris Dows Narrated by John Banks


REVIEW:

Another cracking MP3 story from the Black Library that transports you into the bleak 40th Millenium as mankind struggles to survive against its many foes. Beautifully written with cracking vocal talent alongside an arc that just keeps giving all round makes this a wonderful piece of narrative audio that will more than entertain.

Finally throw into the mix a cast that you want to spend time around and for me, its a title that will more than entertain on other future journeys. Cracking.

Sunday, 3 September 2017

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Horus Heresy: Sons of the Forge - Nick Kyme

Release Date: 18/11/16
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

Charged with a solemn duty by the primarch himself, Forgefather T’kell of the Salamanders prepares for what may well be his final journey. Along with a chosen few of the Legion’s elite Firedrakes, he must bear the last seven of Vulkan’s greatest weapons away to the secret vault known as the Wrought, putting them forever beyond the reach of treacherous enemy and well-intentioned ally alike. But word has already spread of these legendary artefacts, and there are many who would see T’kell’s endeavour fail for their own gain – the Salamanders must remain true, no matter what horrors they might face...


REVIEW:

Getting to see an origin story is one of the things I love about diving back into the Horus Heresy and to be honest its one of the reasons you have to read Nick Kyme's Sons of the Forge as the reader accompanies Forgefather T'Kell on his journey to hide the artifacts of the Salamander Chapter that future generations will attempt to reunite.

Its a cracking story, high octane action, top notch prose and of course the reader gets to the see the effects of this mission play out amongst his unit. Add to this a story arc that works wonderfully well for the misfortunes of 40K and all round I was a more than happy reader. Another cracker and a must for Salamander fans.

Saturday, 2 September 2017

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Dante - Guy Haley

Release Date: 23/03/17
Publisher: Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

Dante is Chapter Master of one of the noblest but most troubled Chapters of Space Marines in the Imperium: the Blood Angels. From the time of his birth in the rad-scarred wastes of Baal Secundus, he was destined for glory and strife. From his apotheosis to Scout, to the hive cities of Armageddon and the alien menace of the Cryptas system, Dante has waged war against all the enemies of the Imperium. He has witnessed the divine, and struggled against the darkness within all sons of Sanguinius. Longer lived than any other Chapter Master, this is his chronicle, his great and storied legend.


REVIEW:

As a fan of the Warhammer 40K universe I love spending time with the primarchs and learning of how they elevated to thier positions and whilst I've just enjoyed Azrael, I found this one by Guy to be richer for me. I loved the way that we danced through the heroes history, as battles took their toll alongside the curse of the Blood Angel line.

Its wonderfully rich, brings a great sense of history to the fore and when added to top notch battle sequences alongside cracking lulls to allow you to gather your breath all round makes this a book that will remain a firm favourite of mine for quite some time to come.

A magical outing and one that I hope is followed up upon as I really can't wait to see what happens for not only Dante but the Blood Angels chapter.

Friday, 1 September 2017

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Space Marine Legends: Azrael - Gav Thorpe

Release Date: 18/05/17
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

The Dark Angels Chapter sprang from the First Legion of Space Marines to fight and die at the Emperor's side. But over ten thousand years, even the most staunchly loyal warriors of the Imperium can fall from grace, and the Dark Angels guard their own murky secrets most carefully - only Supreme Grand Master Azrael knows them all. A legend among Space Marines, he has fought for centuries and ever at the forefront of battle. Now, with the enigmatically alien eldar as his uneasy and unlikely allies, he must tread the fine line once more between the pursuit of victory, and keeping the Chapter's past safely buried...


REVIEW:

I love a story that takes readers on a journey with the legendary heroes of the Space Marines, however for me, this short tale could have been extended wonderfully by enriching the heroes past with exploits that helped make him a stand out candidate for the post of Supreme Grand Master.

Yes we had some solid flashbacks to him as a normal human but for me, its the choices made and heroism demonstrated as a space marine that should have been the key for this book. Thats ot to say its a bad book, far from it, the writing is crisp, the prose sharp and the battle sequences work wonderfully well. However for me, I really wanted a bigger build up to his elevation and hope that subsequent titles will do that.

All round cracking fun.

Tuesday, 7 April 2015

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Yarrick: Sarcophagus - David Annadale

Release Date: Out Now
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

Trapped in an overturned tank after being caught in a bombing run on Armageddon, Commissar Sebastian Yarrick fights to escape and return to his forces, but as he emerges, he finds himself surrounded by greenskin foes. Can the Old Man of Armageddon survive the onslaught with power claw and Evil Eye, or will he finally fall to the servants of the Great Beast Ghazghkull Thraka?


REVIEW:

Recently I’ve had a thing for short story fiction, so I’ve spent quite a bit of time diving from the far future to the distant past and somewhere in between. What you get in this title in the ever popular Yarrick series is a short story of a hard fought war of attrition against the Greenskins and as usual the reader isn’t let down as we not only find our principle hero in a tight squeeze (literally) but also get to see him power his way through.

As you’d expect with a short story, the prose is hard hitting, to the point and when added to a character that you love to spend time around generates a tale that not only gives you hardcore action but also generates a tale that fits in exceedingly well for the characters traits. All round a lot of fun and a tale that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Sunday, 7 September 2014

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Commissar Yarrick: Imperial Creed - David Annadale

Release Date: 18/04/14
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

Yarrick: the very name carries the weight of legend, of great deeds and of wars won for the Imperium. But Sebastian Yarrick, who fought on Armageddon, who Space Marine Chapter Masters show their fealty to on bended knee, was not always Lord Commissar. He was once just a man, a newly minted officer from the ranks of the schola progenium.

His first mission under the tutelage of Lord Commissar Rasp was on Mistral. Here, an uprising of barons had upset the delicate balance of power. But, as Yarrick was soon forced to learn, Mistral and Imperial politics are often murky, the truth seldom clear cut. As war engulfs the world, a plot unravels that pits old friends against one another and fashions unusual alliances. Chaos cults, the fanatical Adepta Sororitas and clandestine inquisitors all stand between Yarrick and his mission. Here is where the legend began. In this crucible was Lord Commissar Sebastian Yarrick forged in blood.


REVIEW:

I’m a huge fan of the 40K world and whilst its been a while since I dipped into it, I thought that it was about time I returned with, in my opinion, one of the best Commissar’s out there, Commissar Yarrick. As you’d expect from a Yarrick story, it hits hard, has some great action sequences and douses the pages with Imperial Zeal washing planets clean in the blood of their foes.

It’s a great piece of writing and for me, one of my highlights of Sci-Fi for the year, although the one thing that always niggles me with prequel stories is that you know damn well that there’s never any serious threat to the principle character as their timeline is already written. Don’t get me wrong, it does what you want, but when you know that there’s no real threat of death, it’s the subsequent supporting characters within that really become the ones you care about.

All round, it’s a great piece of 40K fiction and whilst some of the danger was missing for me on a personal level, I did love the whole arc with the politics carefully balanced against the action. A great piece of writing and I really can’t wait to embark again with Yarrick on his next adventure.



Friday, 20 December 2013

SCIENCE FICTION AUDIO REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: The Horus Heresy: Censure - Nick Kyme

Release Date: 24/10/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

In the depths of Calth's arcology network, the Underworld War has raged for years. Aeonid Thiel, previously an honoured sergeant of the Ultramarines, once again finds himself in trouble - pitted against the daemonic forces of the Word Bearers, he has no choice but to venture back to the ravaged surface and brave the deadly solar flares that have scoured all life from this world. With a lowly Imperial Army trooper as his only companion, it falls to him to drive the maniacal Dark Apostle Kurtha Sedd and his warband from the overrun XIII Legion stronghold.


REVIEW:

A cracking new audio book from the Black Library that will not only come across to the listener wonderfully with top notch audio effects and a storyteller that knows how to weave for his audience. With a cracking lead character and an outing that will keep the listener not only glued but entertained all round makes this a top notch offering.

Back this up with solid narration, some cracking twists and all round I was a more than happy viewer.

Monday, 11 November 2013

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Iron Guard - Mark Clapham

Release Date: 26/09/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

The 114th Mordian Iron Guard, pride of their world, renowned for their heroic actions at the Siege of Defure, are deployed to the mining world of Belmos VII, unaware that a terrible affliction plagues the local populace. As the Guardsmen attempt to track down the source of the corruption, panic spreads and the brave men of Mordian soon find themselves surrounded by enemies, both from within the Belmosian population and from without...


REVIEW:

The Imperial Guard fight a war against not only an unknown foe but also have to face off against the Dark Eldar who see an ancient device of truly evil proportions. As usual with the Black Library, the story is key and whilt a lot of people thoroughly enjoy the hardened tales of the elite fighting units such as the Space Marines, I’ve always had a soft spot for the everyday man who whilst not as hardy, gives, in my opnion, a greater sacrifice to the Imperium.

What Mark brings to the fore is a story of human suffering, of the human struggle and for me really does revitalise the 40k world with this cracking story. Back that up with the chance for the Unbreakables to return in a future outing and all round I was a more than happy reader.

Sunday, 15 September 2013

SCIENCE FICTION AUDIO BOOK REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: The Horus Heresy: Honour to the Dead - Gav Thorpe


Release Date: 29/08/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

As Calth burns, the Battle Titans of the Fire Masters legion take to the streets of the city of Ithraca, ready to massacre the fleeing civilian population in the name of their new, dark masters. But the remaining loyalist engines of the Legio Praesagius - the True Messengers - still stand ready to defend the Imperium, even in the face of almost certain death. With the nearby Ultramarines forces scattered and lost, the people of Ithraca must fend for themselves as gigantic war machines unleash apocalyptic weaponry across the ravaged skyline...


REVIEW:

The audio books from the Black Library are always good fun to listen to and whilst they usually are told from a quite small point of view of huge epic battles, bloodshed as well as wonderfully acted by the talent, this one is a little different as we get the story partly from a civilian point of view.

Its wonderfully descriptive, the dialogue works wonderfully and the sound effects generate a story that will have the listener on tenterhooks as it slowly unveils itself, told from multiple points of view including Space Marines, Chaos, civilians as well as from the War Machine Gods that stride the Battlefield of death. Its definitely different and Gav Thrope really has captured the terrible confusion of a war being fought. All round a great piece of Audio fiction and one that I’ll be listening to again in the near future. Magic

Sunday, 11 August 2013

SCIENCE FICTION EBOOK SHORT STORY REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Engine of Mork - Guy Haley

Release Date: 18/07/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

Deep in the jungles of Garbax World stands an idol of rust-streaked steel, a mighty effigy of the greatest of all gods, Mork (or is it Gork?). Worshipped by the local greenskins, under the guidance of Boss Grabskab, it is a mighty symbol of what it means to be an ork. Of course, it would be even more mighty if it worked… Grabskab is determined to fix the idol and conquer all the tribes of Garbax World. That’s what Stompas are for, after all…


REVIEW:

WWWWAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Da Orks are on da march and whats better than a bit of a scrap to get not only revenge for those sneaky thieveses than handing out a lesson or two with a big cannon? All round a great short story and one that was a nice bit of fun to embark upon to break up the usual type of book I sit down with. It doesn’t require thinking and is a title that is about as subtle as a brick (which for Ork’s is quite appropriate. LOL) Definitely a title to get if you want a little bit of fun and levity and something that the Ork Nobz should be promoting.



Monday, 1 July 2013

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Ahriman: Exile - John French

Release Date: 20/06/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

All is dust...Spurned by his former brothers and his father Magnus the Red, Ahriman is a wanderer, a sorcerer of Tzeentch whose actions condemned an entire Legion to an eternity of damnation. Once a vaunted servant of the Thousand Sons, he is now an outcast, a renegade who resides in the Eye of Terror. Ever scheming, he plots his return to power and the destruction of his enemies, an architect of fate and master of the warp.


REVIEW:

Whilst there are readers out there that feel that the Fantasy and 40K worlds are just one convoluted Boy story warfare this title by John French goes to prove that there are so many other things out there for the readers to not only discover but demonstrates that the universe can be stranger than even they can imagine.

The story is beautifully written, the prose wonderfully diverse and when added to an overall arc that keeps you guessing at what is to come (even though the characters know the history of some events) the reader is presented with a book that really will leave you gasping at what the author has to unveil. Its unlike anything that’s gone before and definitely a debut that will have readers demanding more by the author. Great stuff all round and I really can’t wait to see what John will bring for the second part of this trilogy.




Friday, 21 June 2013

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Down Amongst the Dead Men - Steve Lyons

Release Date: 14/03/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

On the nightmare world of Krieg, the elite Death Korps practise their killing arts against the only enemy they have available: those among the population unsuitable to join the regiments of the Imperial Guard. In the midst of a live-fire exercise, one of these human targets disobeys orders and follows the trail of a mysterious alien beast, one that could spell doom for all of Krieg if it is not stopped...


REVIEW:

I love a 40K story that takes the reader deep into the human side of the eternal wars of Mankind in the name of the Emperor and for me as a reader that’s exactly what this tale by Steve Lyons does well. Whilst this title has been out for a while, its great that some of the amazing back catalogue is being brought to the reader through their e-reader.

It’s solid, has a cracking pace and when added to characters that keep you not only grounded but moving towards the goal all round makes this a book that really helps bring the Imperial Guard to the fore. Great stuff.



SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Warhammer 40K: Fire Caste - Peter Fehervari

Release Date: 14/03/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

In the jungles of the Dolorosa Coil, a coalition of alien tau and human deserters have waged war upon the Imperium for countless years. Fresh Imperial Guard forces from the Arkhan Confederates are sent in to break the stalemate and annihilate the xenos. But greater forces are at work, and the Confederates soon find themselves broken and scattered. As they fight a desperate guerrilla war, their only hope may lie in the hands of a disgraced commissar, hell-bent on revenge.


REVIEW:

A lot of the time when you sit back to read a war story it’s a straight forward man vs xenos type of affair. Yet here within this title we get to see a force dispatched to destroy human traitors who sided with the Tau only to have their own military force smashed asunder forced to fight a war using hit and run tactics alongside Guerilla warfare. It’s definitely a story that I found not only intriguing but different to the norm and when you see the Imperial Guard standing up to be counted, goes to show how the Emperor’s forces have stood so against what the darkness of space has had to throw at them.

As usual with the Warhammer worlds the prose is sharp, very crisp pace and when added to an author who takes you on the journey trekking side by side with the soldiers, all round makes this a book that will be savoured for quite some time. All round a great read and I really can’t wait for Peter’s next title as he really does hit the spot for me.


Wednesday, 19 June 2013

SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY REVIEW: The Best of Hammer and Bolter Volume 2 - Ed. Christian Dunn

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.