Showing posts with label Warhammer Fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Warhammer Fantasy. Show all posts

Thursday, 30 November 2017

FANTASY REVIEW: Age of Sigmar: Hallowed Knights: Plague Garden - Josh Reynolds

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

SYNOPSIS:

As the War for the Realm of Life continues, Lord-Castellant Lorrus Grymn leads the battered remnants of the Steel Souls warrior chamber against the sargasso-citadels of the Verdant Bay. The Hallowed Knights claim victory, but at a terrible cost – Grymn is lost to Realm of Chaos. Now Gardus, newly-reforged and fresh from the destruction of the Scabrous Sprawl, must lead his warriors into the foetid heart of Nurgle's realm in search of the Lord-Castellant, where they must once more brave the horrors of the Realm of Decay...


REVIEW:

Whilst many love to spend time within the Horus Heresy subsection of the Warhammer 40K, so I love to go back to the Age of Sigmar in the epic stories coming out from the Black Library as part of their Warhammer Fantasy series.

Here in this title, we get to spend time in a full length novel featuring the Hallowed Knights, an order that is helping to forge the realm of mankind within the chaotic time as they face off against other races. Travelling to the face off against the plague lord Nurgle, takes our heroes into a situation that will have dire consequences in the choices that they make with each character bringing their own strengths alongside weaknesses to this quest.

As usual it is engaging, has great combat and when added to a full range of emotional turmoil really helps flesh the world out by allowing readers to form connections making deaths not only a number but a personal loss. Cracking.

Saturday, 14 February 2015

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Gotrek and Felix: Kinslayer - David Guymer

Release Date: 07/10/14
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

Once heroes and companions on the greatest of adventures, Gotrek Gurnisson and Felix Jaeger have long since gone their separate ways. Felix, married and working for the family business in Altdorf, embarks on a journey north to Kislev when he hears that an old comrade has been captured by the forces of Chaos. Reunited with Gotrek, and otherol friends, Felix begins to suspect that he has embarked on his final adventure. And in the cold north, Gotrek's doom awaits him...


REVIEW:

Firstly, I’m a huge fan of Felix and Gotrek so I was more than looking forward to this, the latest outing for the duo but as I read the book, I found myself falling out with the characters. I didn’t like the way that they were coming across, hated the way that some of their actions went against what has happened before and when added to the ending, left me feeling more than flat as I felt a lot of the companionship and humour from earlier outings had been lost.

It didn’t move along with its usual zing and when added to an overall overly complex arc backed up with some heavy fighting that felt more like a “quick get some blood splashed” about to keep readers going all round left me feeling very cheated. I hope that the final book in the series doesn’t let it go to pot however I get a horrible feeling that its either going to be something super impressive or lead to a certain slayer not just wondering the wastes but perhaps even the pathways fo the chaos gods themselves.

Saturday, 8 November 2014

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Wolf of Sigmar - CL Werner

Release Date: 30/01/14
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

The Black Plague has done its work, and the ravaged Empire is ripe for the picking. As the dread armies of the skaven sweep across Sigmar's realm, each of the great cities looks to its own defence - except Middenheim. As he gathers warriors to his banner and liberates towns and villages from the verminous menace, Graf Mandred begins to embrace his destiny as the future leader of a united Empire - if he can survive the trials to come.


REVIEW:

A title that I’ve been meaning to get round to for quite some time as I’ve been enjoying the tale around the Ratkin and how they almost brought the empire down with the plague. As with Clint’s other work, he knows how to get to the meat of the matter, carefully blending high octane action with political double dealing keeping both in equal measure so that one doesn’t overpower the other.

It’s a tricky balance to maintain and when added to solid prose and a pace that really keeps you glued, all round allows the reader to have a cracking story well told. Great stuff.

Saturday, 30 November 2013

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Skarsnik - Guy Haley

Release Date: 30/06/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

The goblin chieftain Skarsnik's name is known and feared throughout the Old World. When a greenskin horde threatens the borders of the Empire, the greatest military minds in Altdorf seek assistance from a most unlikely source - the disgraced poet Jeremiah Bickenstadt. Though long since consumed by madness, he claims to have spent a great deal of time in the company of the feared Warlord of the Eight Peaks, and can offer a unique insight into what it is that drives and motivates him. From humble beginnings, a monstrous legend is born.


REVIEW:

Ah the sneaky git finally gets his own book and to be honest I’m a huge fan of this guy. After all if you want a rampaging mob of greenskins, there’s really nothing better than having it all led by a Night Goblin with brains. As usual with Guy Haley, the book is well written, he gets around the difficultly of the language by using an intermediary and when you add great action sequences alongside a few shocking twists, it all works rather well.

Back this up with some wonderful turn of phrases, some crackingly imaginative sequences and all round I was a more than happy reader. Great to see one told from this point of view and here’s hoping that a few more non-human races get a crack at telling their tales. Magic.

Sunday, 10 November 2013

FANTASY EBOOK SHORT STORY REVIEWS: Tomb of the Golden Idol 1 & 2 - Andy Hoare


Release Date: 14/08/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

A band of intrepid adventurers led by the mighty dwarf Khargrim Khargrimsson delves into the jungles of Lustria in search of ancient treasure. Facing fiendish traps and the reptilian guardians of lost and hidden temples, they have their ultimate prize clear in their minds - the golden idol in the legendary Tomb of Destiny. But will they turn on one another before the fearsome lizardmen lay even a single claw upon them?


REVIEW:

Two short Warhammer Fantasy stories that feel part of a Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay game rather than a pure story on its own merits. Don’t get me wrong it will entertain, it will give readers a bit of light hearted entertainment but it feels pretty linear and simplistic with it appearing more obvious in some places rather than others.

In short, OK but don’t expect anything mind blowing from these stories. A great shame.

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Time of Legends: The War of Vengeance 2: Master of Dragons - Chris Wraight


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

SYNOPSIS:

For millennia, the elves of Ulthuan and the dwarfs of the mountain realm have been friends and allies. Now that time is over and the War of Vengeance has begun. Prince Imladrik, master of dragons and Ulthuan's finest warrior, is ordered to leave his beloved homeland and lead his host in a war he does not believe in. Facing the fury of the dwarfs, the jealousy of his brother and the ever-present threat of Malekith's dark elves, Imladrik must balance his love for his wife and home with the thrill of battle.


REVIEW:

The second book in the War of Vengeance series that this time takes the point of view of the Elves, from a hero who’s fighting a war he doesn’t believe in. Its tragic, it brings the a believability to the fore and also the chance to bring the strength of character through due to the struggles on both personal and for the culture to which he battles for their survival.

It’s a great read and really does work well on so many levels. The action is solid, the prose cracking and when added to an overall arc that furthers the series to a wonderful level all round gives a story that will have many readers demanding the third part.

Wednesday, 23 October 2013

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Gotrek and Felix 14: City of the Damned - David Guymer

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

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...Legend tells of the City of the Damned - a dark and forbidding place destroyed in a previous age by the wrath of Sigmar. Long have its fallen towers remained undisturbed by the people of Ostermark, but now an ancient evil stirs in the depths, gathering its strength once more. Gotrek and Felix are swept up in the crusade of Baron Gotz von Kiel to cleanse the city, and as the ruins are torn from the passage of time itself, the Slayer's doom appears to be approaching more quickly than either of them would like.


REVIEW:

OK, I hate to say this but as a huge fan of Felix and Gotrek I feel more than a little cheated with this outing. Why? Well the characters have changed drastically; Gotrek isn’t up to his usual dourness and with Felix feeling a little more wishy-washy than he has done before all round left me feeling more than a little chilled.

Throw into this a story where the pace seemed to just drag a lot of the time alongside supporting cast members who felt more than a little flat and all round it wasn’t a story worthy of the duo. Back that up with no real camaraderie within the dialogue and all round it’s a book perhaps best left for now whilst you reread and enjoy previous outings.

Saturday, 7 September 2013

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Orion 2: Tears of Isha - Darius Hinks

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

SYNOPSIS:

Winter approaches, and Orion leads the wild hunt one last time before he returns to his slumber. But a dark power is rising in the groves of Athel Loren, corrupting beasts and elves alike. As Orion's servants hunt for a new host for the forest king's spirit, the daemon Alkhor's plan comes to fruition, threatening not only the wood elves but the forest realm itself.


REVIEW:

OK, I’m still not a huge fan of this series surrounding the Warhammer Elves however I keep reading as I love the way that the author writes. Its fresh, it has great prose and when you throw into it the intrigue alongside action it works on a lot of levels. Yet for me, I just don’t like the characters, it’s not the author at fault here, everything else has been done right, I just can’t form an attachment to them so much so that I really don’t care about their fates.

All round, there will be quite a lot of readers who will love this novel but for me, it’s a middle of the road title that whilst not the worst there is to offer, is certainly not the best in my opinion. (I suppose it must be my Stunty affinity in action here. LOL)

Wednesday, 21 August 2013

FANTASY SHORT STORY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Wind of Change - CL Werner

Release Date: 30/05/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

The dark elf land of Naggaroth is bitter and inhospitable, and the distant north even more so. Belithi – a beastmistress of Karond Kar – and her hunting party venture into this frozen wasteland, the border of the dread Chaos wastes. But unimaginable dangers wait in these northern climes, and even the power of the druchii may not be enough to resist the power of the Wind of Change.


REVIEW:

A cracking short story that readers of the Warhammer world will last as things that you expect are twisted beyond your imagination as this title brings all sorts of wonders to the reader as the dark elves learn to deal with things beyond their normal beliefs. Its quirky, it has some great twists and with solid action alongside top prose really makes this a short story that you can get behind. Add to the mix a wonderful turn of phrase with an author who really likes to deliver a killer punchline all round gave me something to make me smile with its final line.

Monday, 12 August 2013

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Gotrek and Felix: The Lost Tales - Ed. Laurie Goulding and The Bloody Handed - Gav Thorpe

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

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... A collection of timeless tales featuring the Slayer Gotrek Gurnisson and his human companion Felix Jaeger. From the undead-ridden marshes of Hel Fenn, where an ancient evil lurks, to the court of a skaven lord in the depths of a dwarf hold, the duo face excitement, danger and intrigue at every turn.


REVIEW:

OK, this compendium is a set of stories that have previously been released in other forms (including as individual E-books.) It is a great item to have if you haven’t stepped into the E-Book world yet but if you already purchased them separately you may want to give this a miss. Don’t get me wrong the stories were a lot of fun to reread, but part of getting a new book is receiving an adventure you’ve yet to embark upon where every twist keeps you gripped. As a huge fan of Felix and Gotrek I tend to remember what has gone before. All round a solid enough book and a great one to own if you like to keep your paperback collection complete.



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

SYNOPSIS:

Life as a princess in the colony of Athel Toralien is a constant struggle for recognition and purpose. When Hellebron, daughter of the city’s ruler, is snubbed by Queen Morathi, she vows to make a name for herself and claim her rightful place in the court at the capital, Anlec. Her ambition takes her into a life of battles against foul creatures, sectarian war, betrayal and gruesome sacrifice in a dangerous grab for power, as Hellebron seeks to become high priestess of the cult of Khaine, the Lord of Murder, The Bloody-handed God.


REVIEW:

This is a book that, for me, took quite a bit of time to get into. It wasn’t a badly written novel but the titles beginning was not only very slow but felt more of a filler than any real substance to add to the tale. Don’t get me wrong, when you get past this beginning piece and into the action it really does pick up with great combat sequences, a wonderful turn of phrase alongside bringing the Khaine Cult alongside Witch Elves into their own, but getting past that start is going to be something that quite a few regular readers will have problems with.

All round it is a solid enough story and the fact that it concentrated on two Witch Elves make this a title that’s worth sticking with. However if you’re buying this because of the usual assurance of the quality of Gav’s wrting this isn’t his best in my opinion.



Saturday, 3 August 2013

EBOOK FANTASY SHORT STORIES REVIEW: Deathmasque - Graham McNeill, Golgfag's Revenge - Justin D Hill, The Karag Durak Grudge - David Guymer, Into the Valley of Death - Frank Cavallo

Release Date: 30/04/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:
For one night of the year, the elven citizens of Tor Yvresse put aside their woes and celebrate the Festival of Masques - a carnival of laughter and merrymaking where they are free to indulge their every whim and desire. This year, the renowned travelling minstrel Narentir plans to regale them with the epic tale of their own tragic past, and word has spread to the farthest corners of Ulthuan that this will be a performance not to be missed. However, a grim and solitary figure stalks the shadows of the city, intent on silencing the irreverent bard. Though spirits may be high and the revelry in full swing, death's messenger awaits his moment to strike...


REVIEW:
A short story from Graham that whilst celebrating the Festival of Masques on Tor Yvresse goes to show that the darkside of the Elves can be just as frightening as those of their darker Naggaroth kin. Its witty, brings the lighter side to the fore and shows a sensitive side to the culture that helps show the reader another side to them. It has solid storytelling a few twists and something that goes to show that the final choice of all can be not only measured in seconds where their lighter side prevails over their darker.

All round a reasonable enough story that whilst its been released previously gives new readers the chance to enjoy something a little different.



Release Date: 30/05/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:
The legend of Golgfag Maneater begins! Trapped in a sinister castle, prisoner of an insane creature of the night, Golgfag, ogre of the Sabreskins tribe, is in trouble. As death draws ever nearer and he recalls the events the conflict with his fellow ogres that brought him to this precarious situation, Golgfag must call upon all of his might and cunning if he is to escape and embrace his destiny as the greatest mercenary in the Old World.


REVIEW:
A short story from Graham that whilst celebrating the Festival of Masques on Tor Yvresse goes to show that the darkside of the Elves can be just as frightening as those of their darker Naggaroth kin. Its witty, brings the lighter side to the fore and shows a sensitive side to the culture that helps show the reader another side to them. It has solid storytelling a few twists and something that goes to show that the final choice of all can be not only measured in seconds where their lighter side prevails over their darker.

All round a reasonable enough story that whilst its been released previously gives new readers the chance to enjoy something a little different.



Release Date: 30/05/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:
Grimnar Halfhand, survivor of a massacre at the dwarf watchpost of Karag Durak, wants revenge on the fiend who killed his warriors and took his hand.


REVIEW:
A Dark Day has come to the fore as the Dwarves seek to strike out a grudge against the Skaven for not only a successful raid (at least for the Ratkin) but also for an injury to one of their leaders. As with all battles where vengeance is at the centre, its hard core, the prose is incredibly sharp and for fans of Queek Headtaker, this tale is to be an epic one in the telling.

Add to this great combat, some wonderful dialogue and all round a story that will more than entertain to the last word. Great all round.



Release Date: 30/05/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:
Before he ever met Gotrek Gurnisson, Felix Jaeger had a knack for getting into trouble... Risking his life to save a band of travellers from certain death, Felix finds himself drawn into a quest to retireve a dangerous artefact from the mystical lair of a long-dead necromancer. But as danger presses in, Felix finds that he may not be able to trust his new companions. Just what is the secret of the Valley of Death, and how can Felix possibly survive it?


REVIEW:
An early tale set from the point of view of Felix before he has met the infamous Troll Slayer and yet, its one that goes to show just how capable a warrior he is in not only his own right but also how he can utilise the skills he already has to find ways out of situations that arise within this book.

As with the other Felix and Gotrek tales its well written, the characters come across wonderfully and when you get down to the nitty gritty, whilst Felix may not always be the sharpest tool in the box, he does figure things out in his own time, usually at a huge cost. All round a great piece of fun fiction and one that I’ll be enjoying again soon.



Friday, 2 August 2013

CLINT WERNER DAY/SKAVEN NIGHT: Plague Doktor, Plague Priest, Dead Winter, Blighted Empire - CL Werner

Release Date: 30/06/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:
As the black death sweeps across the Empire, indiscriminately killing rich and poor alike, the people cling to any hope of deliverance. When a ragged group of scavengers, on the run from Imperial authorities, enter the town of Amorbach, one of them is mistaken for a plague doktor – a sinister figure, but one who brings hope. Can he maintain the deception long enough to escape from the town, or will the truth be discovered?


REVIEW:
If you’re looking for a tale (or perhaps tail) featuring everyones favourite plague spreaders, then Clint has done a cracking short story as those within the Empire start to learn not only the deviousness of the Horned Rat’s followers but also get to see how easy mankind falls apart when the pestilence hits.

The prose as usual is sharp, the characters interesting to be around and whilst you may not be quite sure whats happening throughout, Clint really does deliver giving the reader a story that hits the mark wonderfully. All round a great short story and one that I had a lot of fun reading. Can’t wait to get on with Plague Priest.



Release Date: 30/06/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:
As skaven Clan Filch plots to deliver a deadly plague to the lands of men, one of the ratmen discovers a counterplot that puts him and his clan in deadly peril. While the Black Plague comes closer to completion, Skritsch finds that the plague priests of Clan Pestilens – the evil geniuses behind the monstrous disease – want to increase their power by releasing the infection in Skavenblight and destroying their rivals in one fell swoop. Can the humble clanrat stop this dastardly plot, or will Clan Pestilens reign supreme over all skavendom?


REVIEW:
The second short story by Clint featuring those downright dirty double dealing skaven as the political machinations of inner skaven council policies come to the fore in this release. Its cunning, it has some great twists in the “tail” and of course fans of the ratkin will absolutely love this release. All round, it currently feels like its Skaven month at Black Library and I for one will be high pawing with the best of them. LOL



Release Date: 30/06/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:
More than a thousand years after the Age of Sigmar, the Empire he struggled to create rests on the edge of destruction – the reign of the greedy and incompetent Emperor Boris Goldgather has shaken down the great and prosperous edifice of his erstwhile realm. Without warning, a terrible and deadly plague strikes, wiping out entire villages and leaving towns eerily silent through the long frozen months. As the survivors struggle to maintain order and a worthy military presence, vermin pour up from the sewers and caverns beneath the cities, heralding a new and unspeakable threat – the insidious skaven!


REVIEW:
This week, it really does feel like all I’ve been reading are tales of the Ratkin, yet what makes this title even better is that its set during the rain of Emperorer Boris, a lowdown double dealing self serving penny pincher who not only sets the ruling elite against each other but leaves the populace to fend for itself during the outbreak of “The Black Plague.”

As usual with these types of book its mainly based around the politics involved and when the action happens its thick, its fast and of course it works extremely well with the finality as well as brutality involved. The outline works very well and when you look at how the Skaven manipulate each other as well as trying to further their own cause, it’s a book that’s been a pure delight to read. Yes its different to the normal BL titles out there but that makes it all the more delicious.




Release Date: 30/06/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:
The Black Plague spreads across the Empire, followed by a tide of monsters from legend: the skaven. In Altdorf, Emperor Boris’s troops valiantly hold off the ratmen while the corrupt Emperor escapes to safety. In Middenheim, Graf Gunthar and his son Mandred defend their city against a horde of the vile invaders. And in Sylvania, the skaven find more than they had expected in the form of the necromancer Vanhal and his army of the dead... an army that gets larger as the plague worsens.


REVIEW:
The second book in the Black Plague series and one that not only sets this up for a pivitol point in the history of the Empire but one that really goes to show how the best laid plans of Rats and Men can go Awry. As with the first outing the book is full with intrigue, has political machinations and also cracking bloodthirsty combat that leaves a high bodycount on both sides.

Add to the mix that the story is set to play for keeps and its taking a high toll on all around all makes this a book that will keep you glued whilst you pray that your favourites live through. Great stuff.



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.


FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Gilead's Blood - Dan Abnett, Nik Vincent

Release Date: 11/04/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

Gilead Lothain, shadowfast warrior and last of the line of Tor Anrok, travels the land slaking his thirst for vengeance on the dark creatures that stalk the forests and mountains of the Old World. With his faithful retainer Fithvael at his side, the doom-laden Gilead battles corrupt humans, beastmen, warriors of the Dark Gods and more in this collection of action-packed tales.


REVIEW:

Another early cracker from the Black Library brought from the past to the reader which demonstrates why Abnett is such a huge talent in the industry. Add to this great storytelling, a crackingly polished lead character that the reader will just want to spend time around which when added to solid prose, great pace and of course enough combat to keep all readers sated all round makes this a cracking release. A great read and one that I was more than pleased to enjoy again.


Saturday, 6 April 2013

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Gotrek and Felix Short Story: The Reckoning - Jordan Ellinger

Release Date: 30/03/13
Publisher:  Black Library

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... Summoned back to Barak Varr by the outraged King Grundadrakk, the pair discover that a terrible crime has been committed – the dwarfen hold’s Book of Grudges has been stolen, right out of its sealed vault. Given that his own name appears upon its fading pages, Gotrek is honour-bound to join an expedition to recover the ancient tome. How far will the trail lead, and just what manner of individual would seek to rob the dwarfs of their vengeful legacy?


REVIEW:

A cracking short story that takes the Warhammer Worlds strangest companions on a journey to clear Gotrek’s name for a perceived slight from his mysterious past. It has top notch action, cracking pace and when added to solid story telling that gives the reader what they want (a high body count, dwarven ingenuity and some subtle twists) all round will give the reader a tale to enjoy whilst not only travelling but will raise the odd chuckle as it evolves within the readers imagination.

Back this up with an author who clearly loves the pair, has put a lot of time into making sure that the story works well into their already huge mythos all round gives you something that works wonders for the Warhammer World. A great tale all round and one that I’ll recommend to any fan of the duo.



Friday, 1 March 2013

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Short Story Ebook: Picking the Bones - Mike Lee

Release Date: 17/01/13
Publisher:  Black Library

SYNOPSIS:

In the wake of the Great Necromancer’s death, Arkhan the Black races to Nagashizzar to retrieve his old master’s tomes of knowledge. But Arkhan is not the only former pupil of Nagash seeking to usurp the fallen king’s power... As armies of the dead converge, the scene is set for a mighty showdown between old foes.


REVIEW:

Double dealing necromantic storytelling by the chronicler of the undead for the Black Library. Its quirky, really brings the paranoia to a head and works wonderfully well for fans of the walking bones. Add to this some wonderfully descriptive prose to set the scene, some solid storytelling and backed up with characters that you really want to get out onto the battlefield to see how they perform.

Finally throw into the mix careful manipulation of the reader alongside the foes and a short story that is a real treat to dip into which all round makes this a cracking read.



Sunday, 17 February 2013

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Gotrek and Felix: Road of Skulls - Josh Reynolds

Release Date: 17/01/13
SYNOPSIS:

Gotrek and Felix race to the dwarf hold at Karak Kadrin, finding it besieged by one of the grand armies of Chaos under the command of Warlord Garmr. When King Ungrim Ironfist speaks of the legendary 'Road of Skulls' and of the hated foe's attempts to open a portal into the Realm of Chaos, Gotrek senses that a great doom awaits him - though it may not be the one he would choose for himself. As the king's own son leads his army of Slayers to fulfil an ancient prophecy, it seems that Garmr's hour of victory may be at hand...


REVIEW:

The Slayer Fortress faces a battle for their races very survival with Gotrek and Felix at the heart of it all. It’s got high octane action, some solid twists and to be honest a lot of this for me was very reminiscent of David Gemmell’s Legend. The prose works extremely well and when you add to the mix characters that really shape the world that they inhabit you know damn well that it’s going to be anything but a walk in the park.

Whilst this is Josh’ s first full book featuring perhaps Warhammer’s most famous duo he brings the character to the fore in a larger than life style. It works wonderfully well and when you add to the mix a story that really is going to shape the fates you know all round that its going to be a long wait for the next outing.

Sunday, 10 February 2013

FANTASY REVIEW: Gotrek and Felix Short Story: Berthold's Beard - Josh Reynolds

Release Date: 21/01/13

SYNOPSIS:

When Gotrek and Felix agree to help an impoverished nobleman reclaim his birthright, they are thrown into a battle for survival against a creature from their darkest nightmares.


REVIEW:

Whilst there are stories that you just love to devour in single sittings there are quite a few that really need more attention that your journey time can give, which is why Black Library’s short stories are so wonderful. Here in this one readers get to spend time with the unstoppable combination of Felix and Gotrek as they seek to aid an Heir come into his fortune. Its quirky, it’s short and to the point but when added with a writing style that works wonderfully to get to the meat of the story it all round works. Back that up with a feeling of nostalgia as you return to the original format for these heroes (as written by Bill King) and all round you’re in for a treat.

Thursday, 13 December 2012

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Time of Legends: The Rise of Nagash (Compendium) - Mike Lee

Release Date: 11/12/12

SYNOPSIS:

Nagash is the first necromancer and the supreme lord of undeath. He wrested the secrets of dark magic from the elves and perverted them to suit his ends. When the priest-kings of Nehekhara stood united against him, he broke their armies and sacked their cities. He raised the largest army of the dead the world has ever known and became an immortal dark god. His deeds are legend. This is his story.


REVIEW:

Whilst this book is a compendium of the three Nagash books that have come before (Nagash the Sorcerer, Nagash the Unbroken, Nagash the Immortal) it’s a great way for you to pick up the series for a very reasonable price leaving the recipient of this with a huge volume to savour without having to wait between books.

The prose within is reasonable and whilst in places I did have difficulty with the series, it is never the less a huge accomplishment to get the events alongside story right for one of the most reviled villains of the Old World. Add to the mix, some solid twists, an author who knows where he’s going and likes to lead you (torch in hand) and all round it’s a great addition for any fan of the undead or the Warhammer Fantasy World. Great stuff.



Thursday, 6 December 2012

FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Fantasy: Time of Legends: Blood of Nagash 1: Neferata - Josh Reynolds

Release Date: 06/12/12

SYNOPSIS:

Neferata is a queen without a kingdom. Lahmia has fallen, her vampire children have scattered and she is reduced to draining blood from the beasts of the mountains. After a chance encounter with a party of dwarfs, she sets her sights on a capital for her new empire – the stronghold of Silver Pinnacle. She calls her allies to battle – but can she truly trust Ushoran, Lord of Masks, and his bestial Strigoi vampires?


REVIEW:

The Queen of the Vampires comes into her own in this, her part of the Time of Legends Series that is not only wonderfully written but also delightfully complex as she plays a game of cat and mouse with the infamous Nagash. It’s full of horror, bloody combat and of course a whole section on her discoveries during the years when the Great Sorcerer slumbered.

Throw into the mix some cracking sleight of hand, personal goals alongside defiance and all in fans of the Vampires will more than enjoy spending their time within the pages. Finally back it all up with a wonderful storytelling style, solid prose and a lead character that’s deliciously complex and all round it’s a great addition to the growing series.