Regarding the desperate need for non-human novels:
Aliens being difficult to write about, since the author is in every case human.
I thoroughly enjoyed Blood & Thunder. Though it was written from the POV of the human captive, it had a good flavor for Orks in it. More like that would be welcome, if that's what it takes to have xenos books.
That's also the issue with female characters, probably (Lindsey Priestly is their only credited female author... who has is credited for only a single story in a compilation book. They have another female author apparently... who's not given credit for contributions to any BL or GW books).
At least that particular problem can be fixed, I doubt they could convince an Eldar to write for them even if they could find one. And an Ork is right out.
Regarding the desperate need for non-human novels: Go read Path of the Warrior by Gav, it is good.
Really? Better than the Last Chancers stuff, I hope?
quite. the last chancers stuff was only one of two books in the 40k universe that i had to put down and stop reading due to literary disgust (the other being the SOB/IG book about the guy who couldn't feel any pain). his DA stuff was mediocre at best so i was very surprised that i enjoyed the eldar book.
Melissia wrote:That's also the issue with female characters, probably (Lindsey Priestly is their only credited female author... who has is credited for only a single story in a compilation book. They have another female author apparently... who's not given credit for contributions to any BL or GW books).
Wait, what?
(Check out Primary Instinct in the first issue of Hammer & Bolter. Most assuredly by a female author).
And this might sound daft, because most of the things I say have a tendency to - but... why would a female author necessarily equate to writing about female characters? I am the confused. Matthew Farrer's Enforcer books have a female protagonist too - and he's most definitely not female.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Ah,now I've had a caffeine injection, it occurs to me that you mean a female author has a unique perspective they could bring to female characters.
Having spent much of my life as a tomboy, I find the workings of the female of the species largely incomprehensible. And I'm one of them.
Then said authors aren't credited with their work on the BL website.
I only saw two listed period, and one of them had no books listed to her credit... or even any hints that she really actually produced anything for BL (there was a hint that she worked on some Batman stuff, but it didn't say she did anything as a writer for GW).
Maybe their author page is incomplete, but that's rather telling, too in a completely different sense
I never said men couldn't write a believable female character, just that people tend to write what they know, just like people said about writing a book about a Xenos character. I tend to write female characters when I roleplay, for example, or when I create a backstory for my armies.
I'm pretty sure only published novel authors/editors appear on the author page. They'd run out of space if all the short story contributors were added as well.
Strange coincidence - nearly all my tabletop RP characters are male. It's nice to know it's not just me!
A Thousand Sons Audio - Available Now
Today’s the day – A Thousand Sons Audio is now available for download. This is the first time we’ve ever released an unabridged audio book and what better title to have chosen than Graham McNeill’s New York Times bestselling A Thousand Sons novel. Owing to author privileges, Graham received his copy of the audio book last Friday (you can listen to an extract of it here) and spent the weekend immersed in the Horus Heresy. Here’s what he thought to hearing his novel for the first time:
“It’s a funny thing writing a book, as it has many iterations along the way to becoming something I can see on a bookshelf. When the words are in front of me, they’re fluid, always changing, and I can chop and change them at will. They don’t feel like the words of a book, not yet. Then I print it out and read them, and it still feels like I’m back reading an essay at university or school (not that we had fancy things like printers when I was at school…). Then I read it at the manuscript stage, and it starts to feel real, like a proper book. It’s laid out in the proper font, with the chapter headings in place, page numbers and ISBNs. Even now, I can still make changes to it, and wield the Red Pen of Doom, so it’s still not quite there.
And up until now, it was only when I held the printed book in my hand that if was real, was a book that I had to send out into the world and hope people liked. Words read on a page have a special kind of magic, a magic that allows you to picture the scene, hear the dialogue and create your own imaginary vision space for it to come to life. That’s something special, that only books can do, but what about when you hear it read to you?
I listened to A Thousand Sons on audio book over the weekend, and that’s a whole other way to experience a novel. Martyn Ellis does a fantastic job of plunging you straight into the Heresy mindset with his rumbling tones that immediately had me feeling the heat and dust of Aghoru, and gave me chills when I heard my dialogue being spoken aloud by Ahriman, Phosis T’kar and Hathor Maat. It’s a different way to get into a story, more passive, but in some ways more immersive, as you can let the actor’s voice take you places you might not otherwise have reached on your own.
As I listened to the confrontation between Magnus and Leman Russ on Shrike, I kept picturing the scene as those two titans squared off. I could feel the tension like I was there watching two tough guys getting ready for a fight, and knowing there was nothing I could do to stop it. There’s a wonderful pressure when a professional actor reads a scene that I don’t get when I read a book myself. That’s something special, and even though I know how it all ends (obviously) I found myself thinking, just another chapter, just to see how that cool bit coming up sounds…
If you can be dragged along by a story, even when you know exactly how it’s going to play out, then you’ve got something pretty special. Even if you’ve read the book, you’ll learn something new, feel a different way about a scene and have your perceptions twisted by the new experience. And isn’t that exactly what should happen with a book about a Legion whose fate is woven by the Architect of Fate…?”
USA eBook pricing should come to us in early 2011 per an email from BL. Slow and strange as to why not done prior to release but coming none the less. Current exchange rate is 1.6143 which prices an eBook at $10.50 excluding foreign transaction fee in comparison to $8.99 at full retail price at Barnes and Noble ($8.09 if purchased online from them).
I still don't get why the US market was ingnored to this degree - isn't it a tad big?
fullheadofhair wrote:USA eBook pricing should come to us in early 2011 per an email from BL. Slow and strange as to why not done prior to release but coming none the less. Current exchange rate is 1.6143 which prices an eBook at $10.50 excluding foreign transaction fee in comparison to $8.99 at full retail price at Barnes and Noble ($8.09 if purchased online from them).
I still don't get why the US market was ingnored to this degree - isn't it a tad big?
What do they mean by that? Do they really mean that they will have a price relative to the internal US economy or are they just going to slap a dollar sign on it?
As for the US market... Dear US, we don't care about you. Signed the rest of the world. I don't mean that in a harsh of flaming way. It's just a normal fact of life. The US is not at the forethought of all our thoughts.
fullheadofhair wrote:USA eBook pricing should come to us in early 2011 per an email from BL. Slow and strange as to why not done prior to release but coming none the less. Current exchange rate is 1.6143 which prices an eBook at $10.50 excluding foreign transaction fee in comparison to $8.99 at full retail price at Barnes and Noble ($8.09 if purchased online from them).
I still don't get why the US market was ingnored to this degree - isn't it a tad big?
What do they mean by that? Do they really mean that they will have a price relative to the internal US economy or are they just going to slap a dollar sign on it?
As for the US market... Dear US, we don't care about you. Signed the rest of the world. I don't mean that in a harsh of flaming way. It's just a normal fact of life. The US is not at the forethought of all our thoughts.
Seriously? The fact that one of the largest book markets is the US shouldn't be factored into a company's business decisions? What do you do for a living coz please tell me it isn't business related.
And yes, a price relative to the US internal economy. You seriously think it is smart to do otherwise - i.e price eBooks 25% higher than it cost to by a paperback
p.s new HH novel is on the NYT best seller list I believe, as posted earlier in this thread. Just rechecked - currently number 28 for mass market paperbacks.
Pyroriffic wrote:Strange coincidence - nearly all my tabletop RP characters are male. It's nice to know it's not just me!
Many of mine are female. But, on-topic, Melissa's opinion is at least somewhat based on the perceived ill-treatment that Sisters of Battle have received at the hands of several male authors. I share her perception on that topic, mostly.
@Melissa: As for female authors published by BL, there are a few besides Lindsey Priestly (who Kanluwen has suggested has something to do with managing their IP, something I thought Alan Merret handled). For example, Melissa, Sarah Cawkwell wrote Primary Instinct, which features the Silver Skulls chapter. She also has a Space Marine Battles novel on deck, also featuring the Silver Skulls, called Gildar Rift.
My understanding was that Lindsey Priestly doesn't handle their IP, persay, but she does handle the Horus Heresy as a whole and trying to make it all "fit" together since C.S. Goto butchered the fluff earlier on.
Nick Ellingworth wrote:It is a completely unabridged version, so about 16 hours long. I think that price is fairly justifiable.
So? At audible I can buy 17 hours of unabridged Star Wars goodness for 10€. At the current exchange rate, the BL book would cost me 23.26€.
Now, that price isnt halfbad though. Its right up there with other audiobooks (even abridged versions) so the price is alright. YMMV though. Harry Potter audiobooks are 35-65€ even on amazon.
Manchu reminds you that this thread is not for discussing BL pricing strategies.
BrookM wrote:Miss Priestley is one of the main editors of BL first and foremost.
And very nice she is too. She's been at GW , in one way or another now, for over two decades.
In certain circles there is talk with regards to a certain pair of trousers but there are things mortal man is not supposed to speak of in daylight hours.
From what I understand miss Priestley is the head honcho of Black Library really. She is behind most of the stuff happening there and she's the one you pitch your stories to, deciding whether or not you can go ahead with it.
Can't speak to Thousand Sons but Throne of Lies and Heart of Rage had worthy production values. Is the Thousand Sons audio a drama like those or just a reading?
No, I meant that the actors/narrators are working with what they have. This kind of overblown space mythology requires a certain degree of overacting. At least this is true of the two BL audio . . . plays? I have read.
I hope Thousand Sons trailblazes digital release of previous BL audio content. I don't live close to a GW store and hate the idea of sending away to the UK for a CD.
I personally like the audio dramas. All the ones I've listened to so far have been highly enjoyable. I think Oath of Moment and Throne of Lies currently hold joint favourite position.
I've never listened to an unabridged (or indeed abridged) audio book before though, so this will be something new.
Alpharius wrote:Talos' voice in THRONE OF LIES doesn't sound a bit over the top to you?
I loved the quality of this drama and hope future ones are as good. I'm esepcially interested to see what kind of proto-Inquisitory trouble ole Garro gets himself into across two dramas.
The Alphas are a bit of a difficult to handle Chapter ever since Dan dropped those bombs in Legion. He really needs to write a second novel on them to fully clarify the how and why they became what they are now.
See I'm not sure about that Brook. I completely agree, they most certainly are a difficult Legion to handle and I'd probably like another book - Legion is possibly my favourite HH book so far - however, I'm not sure whether I'd like the current reasoning and overall structure of the Alpha Legion to be detailed, or for it to be left up to our imaginations.
What I find to be one of the great things about the Alpha Legion is that even the omniscient narrator and reader don't know their current motivations and structure (although I haven't read their recent appearance in Voldorius). This true mystery really suits the Alpha Legion and - for example - should a new CSM Codex come out some time (not anytime soon of course) i'm unsure whether I'd like the Alpha Legion as they are atm to be fleshed out or whether I'd like it to stay a mystery...
As I said, one of the great appeals about the Alpha Legion is their mystery, something which they maintain even to the reader. Which I love...
Any idea when I'll be able to buy First Heretic in digital format? It bugs me that it's sold enough copies to be on the New York Times Bestsellers list and yet I still don't have it. I'm not going back to paper though.
Are Black Library going to do a big unveil or is it just going to be the trickle that has come so far? I love audiobooks, but I prefer to read beyond a certain length. How can they have A Thousand Sons available as a gargantuan audiobook before the ebook? I already have it in paper format, but I'm eagerly awaiting The First Heretic and Prospero Burns, and I hope they are released in a reasonable timeframe. Prospero Burns is confirmed for release as an audiobook next month, but I want my ebooks!
Nice little piece from the latest New York Times bestselling author.... bet that sounds really strange to be able to say to oneself..anyway..
Wednesday 10th of November, 2010
Aaron Dembski-Bowden talks about The First Heretic
The First Heretic’s a New York Times Best Seller, but you probably knew that already. So what’s it like to be the man behind such a successful book? Over to The First Heretic author (and excitable chap), Aaron Dembski-Bowden to fill you in.
Aaron: The folks at BL Towers asked me if I had anything to say about The First Heretic, now the novel’s been unleashed upon the slavering hordes everywhere across the world.
Well, sure, I have some stuff to say, but I’ll try to keep this brief. You’re busy people, right? I can respect that. You don’t want to listen to me harp on about how “it’s such an honour to do a Horus Heresy novel” and fill your screen with the same kind of thing you always see when a writer gets asked to say a few generic words about his or her latest release.
So I’ll spare you all of that, and cut right to the chase. I didn’t feel backslapping pride in myself. I felt raw, blood-chilling terror.
Last week was straight-up one of the most insane weeks of my life. The First Heretic nailed #1 bestselling sci-fi novel in the States, and #2 in the UK (just behind Iain M. Banks, no less – a writer I freaking adore). It sold out in the UK almost immediately, and dived into its second printing. Then it crashed onto the New York Times Bestseller List, and that’s the kind of thing that can change an author’s career completely.
It’d be a lie to say I was completely thrilled and proud; to tell you the truth, I was mostly stunned and overwhelmed. On the day TFH cracked the chart, the phone rang about 800 times. My blog went crazy. My email inbox exploded. For a guy that moved to the middle of nowhere to hide from civilisation, everyone suddenly wanting to talk to me was a frightening prospect. At one point I even pulled the ethernet cable out of my PC’s dusty spine, hiding myself from the internet.
Scary stuff.
TFH’s reviews and forum feedback have been insane, too. The reactions to Lorgar, the architect of Chaos, have been especially awesome – how he was the one primarch who never wanted to be a warrior, and how he walked the darkest paths always seeking the truth. To some, he’s a failure, a weakling, a coward. To others, Lorgar is a philosopher, a visionary, a soul that stares into the truth behind the universe and says – just as Rorschach said – “Never compromise, not even in the face of Armageddon.” Like all visionaries, he stood by the courage of his convictions, whether they were destined to damn the human race or save it.
I love that dichotomy at the heart of the novel, and at the core of the Legion’s fall. It’s immensely gratifying to see so many others pick up on it, too. Love or hate the Word Bearers; respect or loathe Lorgar, people have really sympathised with their struggles and identified with (or at least understood the reasons for) their betrayal.
I should probably end this now, which means getting to the point.
So... to briefly answer a few of the questions that keep hurling themselves at me: Yes, we’ll see more of Argel Tal and the Word Bearers in future Horus Heresy novels; Yes, I’ll be writing more for the Horus Heresy series in the future (thanks for asking, by the way) about other events and the Legions; and yes, I’m aware of how lucky I’ve been to steal a spot on the HH team so quickly.
Lastly, I just wanted to say a sincere thanks to everyone who bought and enjoyed the novel, because the insane and terrifying week I just had is pretty much your fault. That’s right, you’re to blame.
Thanks, gang.
-Aaron.
Aaron will be attending Black Library Live! 2011, so if you want to find out more about what makes him tick, or have your copy of The First Heretic signed, then pop along to Warhammer World on Saturday 5th March. Tickets for the event are now on sale, and are limited to 350 (though we sold 50 at UK Games Day) –order early to avoid missing out. You can find out more about the event, including which authors and artists will be there, and order your ticket on the Black Library Live! ticket page. Be sure to check back often as we’ll be posting more information as authors are confirmed.
Completely agree. What I love about the Horus Heresy is that you see the Emperor really isn't a perfect being at all.
However, the line that really stood out for me is the one quoted in my signature and that's why I can't agree with the traitors. The Emperor was a prick, no doubt about that. Chaos gods aren't exactly the care bears though...
The thing is, the Emperor was extremely busy with something important. Dunno if its a spoiler or not so there:
Spoiler:
The Emperor was sitting on the Golden Throne, which was built over a defunct webway portal that led straight into the Warp. His Custodes and Sisters of Silence were first exploring it but quickly fighting for their lives when a certain cyclopean Primarch sent a distress signal to Terra, breaking the seals the Emperor put there and letting the Warp flood in.
Anyone got any ideas when the whole back (yes, I do mean back, not black) library comes in eBook format. There are multiple books I wish to purchase in eBook format (assuming they finally sort out the US pricing).
Automatically Appended Next Post: And some news from Mr. Thorpe with regrads to a forthcoming release, looking forwards to this....played the original campaign through a few times.... oh god I'm old
The lovely postie dropped an unxpected package through the door yesterday – an advance copy of The Purging Of Kadillus. Part of the Space Marine Battles series, The Purging of Kadillus recounts the war first revealed in the Storm of Vengeance campaign pack in the distant history of 2nd edition Warhammer 40,000.
The story revolves around the Dark Angels of the 3rd Company under Master Belial, who face an unexpected Ork invasion whilst recruiting in the Piscina system. These events take place before Angels of Darkness and those who have read that book will find some familiar faces in unfmailiar roles – Kadillus shows the likes of Boreas and Nestor as they were before being left to their own devices… The star is undoubtedly Sergant Naaman of the 10th Company though, and writing his scenes was immensely enjoyable.
Kadillus has given me an ideal opportunity to go back to the Space Marines and present a story that I feel does them justice. The structure is a bit different from the other books in the series (I can’t help myself, I just have to mess about with format!). I’ve taken inspiration from the Band of Brothers tv series and the novel is broken down into separate stories that focus on a single character at a time, while the arc of the narrative links all of them together.
This approach has allowed me to bring in a wide cast of characters and take a good look at Space Marines doing what they do best – kicking alien bottoms and not bothering to take names. We get to live inside the skin of a Chaplain, fix up wounded Space Marines with the Apothecary, see a battle through the eyes of a Commander and go on missions behind enemy lines with the Scouts. It feels… complete. It’s a great story for introducing Space Marines to new readers, but adds plenty of depth for those who have been around the Adeptus Astartes block a few times.
I've just got to part 2 of First Heretic and I have to say that this book is fantastic so far. I am absoloutely loving it, to me its up there with Fulgrim as my favourite of the series. It really make you feel for the traitors in what drove them down that path in the first place.
AD-B: "I've been really lucky. I've been really fortunate with my feedback so far."
You know, for a writer he seems to have spelt 'deserved' as 'lucky' which is a stupid mistake.
Dang modesty.
Cheers for that though Red, good listen.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Oh God I Hope he doesn't cover the World Eaters! I hate that Legion too much for them to be fleshed out and - god forbid - likeable...
I have to say that First Herectic was probably one of the very, very few 40k books I've read that didn't feel like a trashy sci-fi book. It felt like a geniune novel. I mean I even kept waiting for a certain someone to shrug off a certain influence. And I love the idea of Lorger (Sp?) being such a wuss. Just plain loved it. Oh and the Lion is even more my favorite after that tiny exerpt.
Tiernen crafted 40 images for the book and his incredibly detailed Gustave Doré-style drawings have a twisted beauty that perfectly suit this sinister tale of sacrifice and murder.
- Gav Thorpe
And Bl have also posted their Xmas shipping dates
Christmas sighted.
Christmas Shipping Dates
The nights are getting darker, the music cheesier and the amount of chocolate on the shelves growing – yup, it’s almost Christmas. And while on the one hand, you’re likely to get lots of great gifts, it does mean that your postman is about to have some time off. So, to make sure you awake to a pile of Black Library books under the tree, here’s a list of the last shipping dates – miss these and you might have to spend Boxing Day reading the back of a gravy packet.
Standard Shipping: last shipping dates
December 7th - Outside the United Kingdom
December 20th - Inside the United Kingdom
UPS Express Delivery: last shipping dates
December 13th - Outside the United Kingdom
December 20th - Inside the United Kingdom
Alpharius wrote:The are some VERY interesting revelations in there, actually...
For those who don't care about spoilers, please spoil us.
OK!
Spoiler:
Basically, some Word Bearers comment on how the Ultramarines suddenly and mysteriously grew their ranks by a LOT when the 2nd and the 11th were [Imperial Records Deleted - We Must Never Speak Of This Specifically, Only In Veiled Hints And Frustrating Snippets!]. They mention this while looking at the leader of the Ultramarines 19th (I think) Chapter, who is given way more autonomy than others with equivalent rank, and he's often off on his own, doing his own thing, etc. etc. The implication here, clearly, is that the Ultramarines absorbed the Marines from the II and XI Legions after their respective Primarchs did their Super Naughty Whatevers. Of course, part of the joke is that II plus XI equals XIII too...
It is stuff like this that really makes me want them to JUST TELL US ALREADY.
I mean, they kind of already are, aren't they? Mostly?
Alpharius wrote:The are some VERY interesting revelations in there, actually...
For those who don't care about spoilers, please spoil us.
OK!
Spoiler:
Basically, some Word Bearers comment on how the Ultramarines suddenly and mysteriously grew their ranks by a LOT when the 2nd and the 11th were [Imperial Records Deleted - We Must Never Speak Of This Specifically, Only In Veiled Hints And Frustrating Snippets!]. They mention this while looking at the leader of the Ultramarines 19th (I think) Chapter, who is given way more autonomy than others with equivalent rank, and he's often off on his own, doing his own thing, etc. etc. The implication here, clearly, is that the Ultramarines absorbed the Marines from the II and XI Legions after their respective Primarchs did their Super Naughty Whatevers. Of course, part of the joke is that II plus XI equals XIII too...
It is stuff like this that really makes me want them to JUST TELL US ALREADY.
I mean, they kind of already are, aren't they? Mostly?
You left out:
Spoiler:
That the Lion was one of the Primarchs that was suppose to fall to chaos. His landing was one they took a hand in. Also that what horus sees in his "dreamwalk" is a direct result of what the wordbearers do. That the Wordbearers Primarch was a weak little girl and even more easily manipulated by his "daddy" and people around him than the Lion who is renowned for just not understanding people now due to the last book (which I liked a lot more than the first DA Heresy Novel). Also the years that the primarch spent in the warp compared to the others was interesting.
I thought it was a great read and a nice change of pace from most 40k books. Now if all the marines would just man up in the pressence of primarchs it would be perfect.
It had to be moderately true. At least the WB Captains since his swords went bye bye and he heard Horus screaming. Why put that in there if it wasn't binding what had happened closer together. And maybe the defenses were holding until that last little thrust by the WB guy and Horus simply misunderstood (very likely). Just because it's a vision doesn't mean it's false. It's the way it's spun and viewed which chaos is a master of.
Time is relative in the warp my friend. I don't believe all of it. But there are aspects of the truth there. And they had to break the gellar field somehow and the bad man showing the WB's things never touched anything. He might have only been able to get there thru something that could slip thru the field, like hitching a ride on a human.
And nope, The emperor collusion thing I don't buy for a second. Though again, kernals of truth. He does truly understand the warp and is trying to protect humanity by pushing them away from things that strengthen the other realm. Hence what the daemons call him. But how did he get that knowledge? The Emprah isn't as pure as the driven snow
whoever that artist is should be hired to redo the blood angels "tiny head mode" cover to the codex. that audiobook art is absolutely awesome. is there a black library screensaver version without the giant text block or a wallpaper?
The artist is either Neil Roberts (who did Oath of Moment) or that South Korean artist who does the Warhammer Heroes cover art along with some other choice covers.
Maybe he goes in alone each and every time? Gathering them and putting them on his ship until further notice. Or the title could refer to Loken being the sole survivor of the Istvann massacre, being the only (not really of course, we've got Iacton(sp?) the Half-Heard as well) Luna Wolf to not side with the Warmaster.
Each audio gives us another one joining the team then? May take some time until we get to know the mission of those gathered Marines.
Malcador said every Legion didn't he? Would hope for at least a group of 5-10.
Almost seems like the beginnings of a deathwatch approach that could split later to do the GK's and normal inquisition. Like the gathered ones become the first GK's but the selection process is kinda set in stone for future space marine recruitment for xenos?
Got to agree there, it took me several times listening to take it all in, something I had no trouble with when listening to their first audio-book based on two short HH novellas that I've read before.
BrookM wrote:Got to agree there, it took me several times listening to take it all in, something I had no trouble with when listening to their first audio-book based on two short HH novellas that I've read before.
Extremely true. I'm having a hard time with Throne of Lies. Though I must say his writing style does do well with audiobooks. I think it is just the format, and the way I think - I listen to music, not specific lyrics - so I'm not used to having to pay attention the entire time.
Cannot stand mp3 for books. Just not my thing. I am also sure (even tho a guess) that they also aren't as big a seller as a book - so bloody well release the back catalogue and new books in eBook format a little quicker please.
Generalstoner wrote:Has the Garro audiobook released yet in the US?
Yes it is out in the US.
Dead Men Walking was pretty damn good. The krieg come off as more inhuman then the necrons, oddly (but fittingly, I guess) enough. Definitely worth a read if you are a fan of Imperial Guard of the Krieg variety, although there is a pretty grounded commissar and PDF to root for, as well as even out the emotionless Krieg and Necrons . One of the better Imperial Guard books imo.
I'm not sure if this has been covered yet and apologies if it has (I went back a few pages and didn't see it) I was picking up the new Cain novel in GW today and the store manager was bouncing like a little girl as he has been told by HO that he can confirm that Prospero Burns will be available in stores on the 18th December...
Sounds like the manager of my local GW, he's been getting giddier by the day since the December release was confirmed. The revelations in First Heretic haven't helped either.
I'm looking forward to Prospero Burns reading the SW's side of the story will be very interesting. Although it will take a lot to convince me that the Wolves are more than a bunch of savages.
Wow.... that Battle of the Fang cover..... So i would think Bjorn is making an appearance (could it be the that this is the battle where he leads the defense?).
In a recent interview on 40kRadio Dan Abnett, when asked what he was working on said he is doing a third Inquisition trilogy that will start being released next year. The subject? (And I quote) "Eisenhorn v. Ravenor"
O.O AWESOME!
(I couldn't see if anyone mentioned this already, if it was and I missed it, sorry about the double-post).
Alpharius wrote:Would it KILL Mr. Abnett to write SOMETHING more about the Legion?
Really?!?
Even a short story in a short story collection would be OK at this point!
In one of the videos he talks about Legion and how he really wants to write more about them. He joked about how the ultimate new Legion novel would be one in which you're half-way through the novel before you realize it's actually about the Alpha Legion.
QuestionableStrategy wrote:In a recent interview on 40kRadio Dan Abnett, when asked what he was working on said he is doing a third Inquisition trilogy that will start being released next year. The subject? (And I quote) "Eisenhorn v. Ravenor"
O.O AWESOME!
(I couldn't see if anyone mentioned this already, if it was and I missed it, sorry about the double-post).
It was, but it also was a while ago, so it probably bears repeating - I know I am REALLY looking forward to it, but do we have any timeframe on this at all yet?
Death By Monkeys wrote:
Alpharius wrote:Would it KILL Mr. Abnett to write SOMETHING more about the Legion?
Really?!?
Even a short story in a short story collection would be OK at this point!
In one of the videos he talks about Legion and how he really wants to write more about them. He joked about how the ultimate new Legion novel would be one in which you're half-way through the novel before you realize it's actually about the Alpha Legion.
That would be amusing, and really, I'll take anything!
Grarg wrote:Wow.... that Battle of the Fang cover..... So i would think Bjorn is making an appearance (could it be the that this is the battle where he leads the defense?).
Yes, that's exactly what this book is about.
but do we have any timeframe on this at all yet?
He wants to start work on it next year, he mentions it in one of the above vids.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Kanluwen wrote:
Thus, Dan Abnett is writing the Raven Guard story and you can't dissuade me!
Kanluwen, you are wrong. So wrong. Stop being stupid about it.
Stuff has been edited out, like the word count of Dan, certain legions have been blanked out and one author name has been blanked out. The two blanked out legions would have short names, otherwise it wouldn't fit in. Swallow could be writing about the Blood Angels, seeing as they are his forte.
BrookM wrote:Kanluwen, you are wrong. So wrong. Stop being stupid about it.
First off, we don't know I'm wrong yet. I'll get to that in a second.
Second off, I'm allowed to joke with Alph and Red about the "wrong count". There's no "being stupid" involved.
In short: Get Over It.
Stuff has been edited out, like the word count of Dan, certain legions have been blanked out and one author name has been blanked out. The two blanked out legions would have short names, otherwise it wouldn't fit in. Swallow could be writing about the Blood Angels, seeing as they are his forte.
Some things have been "blanked out", yes.
Not everything though.
You'd see tell-tale marks of things being blanked out. Either the cell would be completely clean from the cell's entry being deleted(like cells A4, D7, the bottom half of D8, and cell C10) or you'd see a graphical error like in the border between cells D5+D6, or in B10(which I do, incidentally, think had something blanked out). I'm not sure about D12 though.
Cell A9, however, just has a '.' in it.
Thing I'm curious about: who is John French?
Likely a new author. He's not listed under the "View All", and the only Google hits I could find were for a drummer from Australia, a "First Earl", and the manager of a planetarium.
And damnit, Red beat me to that about the Night Lords/Dark Angels bit
I think ADB said something about it being the Shield Worlds campaign?
eBook friday: The First Heretic; A Thousand Sons; Horus Rising
eBook Friday is back, and with no less than three Horus Heresy titles: Horus Rising, A Thousand Sons and The First Heretic.
We’ll be making more titles available as eBooks over the coming weeks, so make sure you check back often. In the meantime, if there’s a particular title you’d like as an eBook, then drop us an email to Digitalbooks@games-workshop.co.uk and we’ll see what we can do.
...You have to pay for these ones, before you get too excited.
And..
.Don't tell Christian but we've taken a cheeky screengrab from his iPad. Some of these books are already available from blacklibrary.com and the others should be available in the next few weeks.
Going through Wulfrik now, only just past the Chaos Dwarves and I must say, mister Werner is in top shape! I like to think that this novel is a preview of the upcoming Chaos Dwarves, much like how Firedrake was a preview of the revised Dark Eldar fluff.
BrookM wrote:Going through Wulfrik now, only just past the Chaos Dwarves and I must say, mister Werner is in top shape! I like to think that this novel is a preview of the upcoming Chaos Dwarves, much like how Firedrake was a preview of the revised Dark Eldar fluff.
Mr Morden wrote:I am still hoping for a Horus Heresy novel by Sandy Mitchell -I do enjoy his unique takes on the Warhammer universes
Seconded!
That would be nice...
BrookM wrote:Going through Wulfrik now, only just past the Chaos Dwarves and I must say, mister Werner is in top shape! I like to think that this novel is a preview of the upcoming Chaos Dwarves, much like how Firedrake was a preview of the revised Dark Eldar fluff.
I don't read a lot of BL's Fantasy stuff, and I usually avoid the 'bad guy'-centric things too... But dammit, you've now gone and made me want to pick this up, due to the Chaos Dwarf connection!
BrookM wrote:Going through Wulfrik now, only just past the Chaos Dwarves and I must say, mister Werner is in top shape! I like to think that this novel is a preview of the upcoming Chaos Dwarves, much like how Firedrake was a preview of the revised Dark Eldar fluff.
How have those Heroes books been anyways?
I enjoyed Sword of Justice, was a top notch WHFB novel. Equal amounts of intrigue, action and dark grittiness. Wish the sequel would come sooner, as its kind of a cliff hanger.
Part way through Wulfrik and I'm liking it so far. They keep up this standard of quality and the Heroe's books could be a truly great series, imo.
I am finding Wulfrik a real improvement over the rather boring Palace of the Plague Lord, which made me skip the second Chaos novel by mister Werner. The thing with Wulfrik is, the way he is written and what he does makes him a most satisfying character to follow. Sure he's a bad guy, but one I can root for, even though the outcome is quite obvious. Why? His insults are fun and the way he finishes off his opponents in some cases is again, most satisfying and dare I say, cinematic.
Was almost excited enough to buy A Thousand Sons as a digital book until I remembered the exchange rate and realized it costs 25% more as a digital book than a paperback.....
Yay! The First Heretic is available as an ebook. Strangely it's not listed under the digital section yet but can be purchased through the blog link on the main page along with Horus Rising and A Thousand Sons.
It's perfect timing since I've just finished Dead Men Walking, which was awesome. The ending was
Spoiler:
the most depressing imaginable. I don't know whether the planet's fate or our hero's broken heart was worse. It feels like the author must have gone through a really bad break up as he was writing the final battle at the generator and just decided to let everyone burn.
Hulksmash wrote:Was almost excited enough to buy A Thousand Sons as a digital book until I remembered the exchange rate and realized it costs 25% more as a digital book than a paperback.....
same here. $10.13 (exc. bank fee) v's $8.99 or $8 if bought online.
Come on BL, get you ass in gear and get the US pricing mechanism sorted out. Not buying any more BL books until then.
don't know why they don't let B&N sell them electronically - that way RotW won't get upset at the dual pricing mechanism that will be clearly visible on the BL website. Only GW could bugger up something as simple as selling books. The current reasons for why we don't have a US price mechanism are pretty lame.
I must say I have now become a huge fan of Mr Dembski-Bowden, I though the bok was absoloutely fantastic and I literally have been struggling to put it down during my lunch breaks.
This has definately made me want to check out his other stuff
MunkeyKungFu wrote:I've just finished First Heretic at lunchtime.
I must say I have now become a huge fan of Mr Dembski-Bowden, I though the bok was absoloutely fantastic and I literally have been struggling to put it down during my lunch breaks.
This has definately made me want to check out his other stuff
I must agree, when it got to Isstvan....
Spoiler:
and ADB's description of Corax fighting was absolutely brilliant. I would've had like a fight between Corax and Curze rather than Lorgar. I was also quite surprise that Kor Phaeron wasn't an "Astartes" i've always thought he was
I really liked the idea that the Primarchs all embodied some aspect of the Emperor. And to have the one who embodied his trust, hope and optimism be the first to turn to Chaos was good story-telling, IMO.
I did think Lorgar's question about allowing them to worship the Emperor for a hundred years before being punished was a good point.
First Heretic was very good, but it doesn't seem like A.D.B. is as comfortable writing for 30k as he is for the grimdark of the 40th m.
Still one of the better HH novels.
Spoiler:
I particularly LOVED Curze calling Lorgar a coward. A.D.B.'s take on the Night Lords and Curze is so refreshing, I really, really hope they get some ink in the HH series. If the DA can get a trilogy about Lion'elToolson, his upbringing, and general tool-like demeanor, then how much more does the Night Haunter deserve!
We originally thought Neil Roberts was just incredibly talented, but his recent covers have been so insanely detailed and lifelike that we started to get suspicious. Turns out that he’s got a magic wardrobe. It leads straight to the 41st Millennium and each time we ask him for a new cover he just sneaks in there with his digital camera and snaps away. I’m not sure it’s totally ethical, but as long as he keeps coming up with gems like this his secret is safe with us.
Neil’s artwork will appear on the cover of Path of the Seer, the second book in Gav Thorpe’s Eldar series. If you haven’t read Path of the Warrior (the first book in the series), then we’d recommend giving it a go. It’s a cracking read which, as well as being bursting with action, really explores Eldar society. It’s also got some great cover-art (again by Neil) that's well worth a look.
Oh, and if you fancy having a cover or two signed by Neil, then make sure you pick up a ticket for Black Library Live.
Wow. I knew Eldar were my favourite face for a reason. Actually many, but none-the-less I've always loved their appearance and this doesn't change that at-all...
On the plus side, the snow has put us in a festive mood. Every day, from now until Christmas (well, weekdays – we like to sleep and eat cake at the weekend), we’ll be posting a little treat for you here on the blog; starting today with a selection of wallpapers for December.
As an extra treat, we’ve just made Brain Craig’s Pawns of Chaos available as a Print on Demand title. It’s been out of print for aaages, but at long last, those of you who have been pestering us to reprint this warped view of the Warhammer 40,000 universe can now stop sending us emails and go order a copy.
MunkeyKungFu wrote:I must say I have now become a huge fan of Mr Dembski-Bowden, I though the bok was absoloutely fantastic and I literally have been struggling to put it down during my lunch breaks.
This has definately made me want to check out his other stuff
Likely a new author. He's not listed under the "View All", and the only Google hits I could find were for a drummer from Australia, a "First Earl", and the manager of a planetarium.
Jeez, you guys need to work on your public datacore manipulation skills. None of you will ever make Interrogator rank at this rate. Lemme query my ancient caffeine-powered data servitor. QiNCy224-beta, get over here!
{bzzzzt CLANK CLANK CLANK bzzzt}
"Searching for John. L. French, scriptor-minoris, Munitorum entertainment division. Please hold. Though of the Day: The Emperor protects, But You had Probably Better watch your Own Ass Anyways. Searching. Accessing Munitorum crystalline data stacks. Accessing Mechanicum haptic data web. Accessing misplaced parchment reports bin. Accessing side of cereal box... Data located in multiple sources, multiple formats. Composing report. Intiating scribe device. Report printing. Blessed is the Mind too Small for Heresy or Useless Mathhammer. Report Complete."
{bzzzzzzt whirrrrr CLANK whirrr BANG! whiirrrr...}
--BEGIN REPORT--
John French, associated with Games Workshop or Black Library:
"John French is a freelance writer and games designer who has written for Dark Heresy since 2006. Working in collaboration with Alan Bligh and alongside many other talented writers and developers, his work can be found in the Dark Heresy Rulebook, Inquisitor’s Handbook, Games Master’s Screen, Disciples of the Dark Gods and the forthcoming Haarlock Legacy series of books that begins with Tattered Fates. In times past and days remote he also contributed to Necromunda Magazine, Town Cryer and Fanatic and has been involved in table top wargaming and roleplaying games since the beginning of the nineties. When he is not thinking of ways that dark and corrupting beings can destroy realty and space, John enjoys talking about why it would be a good idea, and making it so with his own traitor legions on the gaming table …that and drinking good wine."
"John French sits only a few feet from me and he's recently spent a lot of time painting things red in preparation for the forthcoming Codex: Blood Angels. John has a very particular style of painting and likes his models to look gritty, gothic and battle-worn. After undercoating the model with Skull White, he used the Spray Gun to basecoat it with Red Gore. To weather the Dreadnought he used a Stippling Brush to apply patches of Scorched Brown and Chainmail. Finally, he washed the model with Devlan Mud. Notice the scorched effect on the assault cannon that John achieved by stippling Chaos Black over Chainmail."
Link: http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/content/blogPost.jsp?aId=9200017a
There also seems to be a John L. French who writes crime stories and is interested in crime scene investigation. He may or may not be the same person. It would certianly seems complementary interest to have if one were writing Dark Heresy.
Followed that up with a "Padwolf Publishing" search and found a blog (http://damcphail.livejournal.com/tag/new blood) mentioning a John L. French appearing at a fantasy/sci-fi convention called Balticon, apparently as a presenting author. He also apparently did some sort of CSI-style presentation there, involving the blog poster as a corpse in his presentation.
Last Chance for free eBooks; Atlas Inferno Cover Art
Today is your last chance to download some free Ebooks. So if you haven't downladed all five of them yet, go get them before they disappear. We’ve just finalised the cover for the forthcoming Inquisitor Czevak novel, Atlas Inferno*, and we thought you should be the first ones to see it. Click on the image for a closer look at Stef Kopinski's artwork.
Oh, and make sure you don't miss tomorrow's post - we've something extra-special in store for you.
*Does anyone else think it’s an ironic time of year to be featuring the cover art from a book with’ ‘inferno’ in the title?
I'm not a fan of the author so far, sorry. I still need to finish the "ultra hardcore balls hard" Redemption Corps, which is frankly, hard to get through.
I am hoping that the Inferno thing implies something good for the old mag.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Right, they've removed the Inferno! references from their blog post..
The way he was described I always imagined him more as a pimp with his feathered fedora. But it could be that Czevak wears such a coat as a mark of honour from the Harlequin. Zephro wore something similar outlandish.
Inquisitor Bronislaw Czevak is a hunted man. Escaping from the Black Library of the eldar, Czevak steals the Atlas Infernal – a living map of the Webway. With this fabled artefact and his supreme intellect, Czevak foils the predations of the Harlequins sent to apprehend him and thwarts his enemies within the Inquisition who want to kill him. Czevak’s deadliest foe, however, is Ahriman – arch-sorcerer of the Thousand Sons. He desires the knowledge within the Black Library, knowledge that can exalt him to godhood, and is willing to destroy the inquisitor to obtain it. A desperate chase that will bend the fabric of reality ensues, where Czevak’s only hope of survival is to outwit the chosen of Tzeentch, Lord of Chaos and Architect of Fate. Failure is unconscionable, the very cost to the Imperium unimaginable.
If his intellect was as supreme as he claims he would have made committed the book to memory. And I really hope that 'Atlas Infernal' is the Imperial name for the book, because the Eldar naming their 'Atlas' after a part of Greek mythology makes no sense...
And the coat he's wearing is quite reminiscent of the cloaks the Adeptus Astra Telepathica models GW made a million years ago.
Heh, come to think of it, the novel reminds me a bit of the 13th Black Crusade, where the Thousand Sons had the hunt for the Black Library as their interest in the conflict. By then they had already captured Czevak though. How was this resolved at the end of the conflict?
As promised yesterday, weve something extra-special for you today - an extract from the forthcoming Prospero Burns audio book.
On the subject of Dan, he and Graham have just confirmed that theyll be touring the UK, signing copies of Propsero Burns and God King respectively. So, whatever plans you had for January, cancel them. Well post the full details of the tour on Monday, so make sure you check back then.
Remember last week when we asked to you to tell us which novels youd like as eBooks? Well, we listened, and have added two more Horus Heresy titles (Nemesis and False Gods), and two Time of Legends titles (Heldenhammer and Empire), to our eBook range. Enjoy.
Dan mentions that he's already mentioned the title of his next HH series book... but he won't do it again, for fear of doing something he wasn't supposed to!
Even though he already has!
Anyone know what he's talking about?
He also mentions that it is going to be unexpected, surprising and, yes, Awesomesauce!
I do love all the references to WANTING to write another Alpha Legion book, as well as books better (fully?) explaining the Emperor's plans and motivations, as well as the Lost Legions, and... all that!
New Horus Heresy Book – let the speculation begin.
Here's a look at Neil Roberts’ rough sketch of the cover for Graham McNeill’s forthcoming Horus Heresy title. If you're the first person to guess the title, we'll send you a signed copy of the book well before it's official release date. We might even thrown in a couple of extras. Post your answer by commenting on this post* or on our Facebook page.
I don't think this book goes backwards, timeline wise.... Prospero Burns is more your baby there, there's quite big chunks about the crusade era Imperium really.. but that's a whol other conversation and I haven't finsihed it yet either so..
Could be a Navigator I guess, I suggest it's an astropath as IIRC the author in question stated a while back he had plans to do a book about them and Astartes of uncertain/undecided loyalties on Terra.
And it looks kind of greenish to me in regards to it's robes.
reds8n wrote: I don't think this book goes backwards, timeline wise.... Prospero Burns is more your baby there, there's quite big chunks about the crusade era Imperium really.. but that's a whol other conversation and I haven't finsihed it yet either so..
Awesome news there!
It isn't out until 12/28 here, but I cannot wait now!
I love anything we can get about the Crusade Era stuff... I'd kill for some Unification War stories!
New Horus Heresy Book – let the speculation begin.
Here's a look at Neil Roberts’ rough sketch of the cover for Graham McNeill’s forthcoming Horus Heresy title. If you're the first person to guess the title, we'll send you a signed copy of the book well before it's official release date. We might even thrown in a couple of extras. Post your answer by commenting on this post* or on our Facebook page.
More storming Space Marine artwork for you, courtesy of Mr Hardy Fowler. This mean-looking character will be gracing the cover of The Madness Within – an audio drama from Steve Lyons, released next summer. None of us here can remember exactly what a ‘summer’ is, but we’re sure it’s the perfect time to read about Crimson Fists, daemons and lunatic Librarians.
info about that...
Desperate and isolated, Sergeant Estabann and Brother Cordoba of the Crimson Fists Space Marines are hunting the daemon that destroyed their battle-brothers. Their only hope remains with a Librarian on the edge of sanity, a potentially tainted Astartes who they are forced to trust. His psychic abilities can lead them to the daemon, where Estabann and Cordoba can avenge their brothers’ deaths. But is the greatest threat a foul denizen of the warp, or the power contained within a psyker’s mind?
Man, I hope it's better than Rynn's World. Being a long-time CF fan, I picked it up to help motivate me to finish painting my CF army. Instead, it was pretty de-motivational. By the time I finished, not only was I not interested in painting my CF, I was ready to start playing Warmachine.
Dan mentions that he's already mentioned the title of his next HH series book... but he won't do it again, for fear of doing something he wasn't supposed to!
Even though he already has!
Anyone know what he's talking about?
He also mentions that it is going to be unexpected, surprising and, yes, Awesomesauce!
Death By Monkeys wrote:Man, I hope it's better than Rynn's World. Being a long-time CF fan, I picked it up to help motivate me to finish painting my CF army. Instead, it was pretty de-motivational. By the time I finished, not only was I not interested in painting my CF, I was ready to start playing Warmachine.
Ditto that for The Hunt for Voldorious, and moreso. My wish to play White Scars pretty much disappeared after reading it. That's also why I've been holding off from Path of the Warrior: must paint 11 tanks this month and cannot slack off due to ennui over crappy fluff! The reviews of Path here have been good, but then some folks said they liked Voldorious too...
Just finished Dead Men Walking and meh, just meh. For a book about the Death Korps there is quite a lack of Death Korps. While sure, they are made to be distant and inhuman, this was going a bit too far by hardly mentioning them.
I also got Aenarion and Throne of Lies at long last. Aenarion is nice but the ending is rather, ehhhh? I was perhaps hoping for a bit more. Only listened to half of Throne so far, but good stuff.
What did you think of the Necrons in Dead Man Walking ?
I liked the stuff about how the DKoK and co. were ordered to try and throw away their weapons when they got shot,a s they're harder to replace/more valuable than the men.
If anything, DMW was a story about the locals. What a sad pile that was, depressing to say at the very least. The Necrons were very much overpowered, turning them into something of a cliché in my eyes. But it was interesting to see that they weren't actively hunting down everybody they came across.
Still waiting for Warrior Priest to arrive, postal services be damned. Well, even if I get it this week, I'll still have to wait until Christmas.
reds8n wrote:
...Wulfrik and Warrior Priest both great.
I've read Warrior Priest and agree, great book, most of the empire series has been good so far, I still have to read Iron Company and Reiksguard.
Haven't gotten to Wulfrik, though it's on the list (kind of far down at the moment)
I made the mistake of reading Sword of Justice, and now have to wait the 2-3 months for Sword of Vengeance to come out!
Reiksguard, narrowly, edges Warrior Priest as the best in this series IMo, if only for the lengths the author went to when writing it, especially with regards to the sword fights.
I find the Empire novel series so-so so far. Reiksguard is the best in the bunch so far, period. Much like the Guard novel series, which is also so-so except for two novels: Fifteen Hours and Cadian Blood.
BrookM wrote:Just finished Dead Men Walking and meh, just meh. For a book about the Death Korps there is quite a lack of Death Korps. While sure, they are made to be distant and inhuman, this was going a bit too far by hardly mentioning them.
reds8n wrote:I liked the stuff about how the DKoK and co. were ordered to try and throw away their weapons when they got shot,a s they're harder to replace/more valuable than the men.
BrookM wrote:If anything, DMW was a story about the locals. What a sad pile that was, depressing to say at the very least. The Necrons were very much overpowered, turning them into something of a cliché in my eyes. But it was interesting to see that they weren't actively hunting down everybody they came across.
I loved Dead Man Walking, but I agree it was very much a novel about the dehumanisation inherent in war and the effect of the war on the locals. A great book set in the 40k universe rather than a book about the 40k universe, which is in most cases exactly how it should be. I think the DKOK got some great chracterisation (irony intented) towards the end, but I can understand being disappointed if you went in purely for the DKOK element. Still, I rate it as one of the better BL books I've ever read, particularly given the great ending. I wasn't really interested in the Necrons as the villains of the book, but I don't think it did them any disservice.
As for my current reading I'm tentatively getting into the Sigmar series. It's not really a series I imagined myself reading, but I've enjoyed it so far. The quality of the writing has been a pleasant surprise. I hope the latter half of the book doesn't disappoint and I'll very likely pick up the second book in the series when I finish this one.
Excusive Age of Darkness Extract; God King Tour Dates
For today’s treat, we’ve an extract from Rob Sanders’ Iron Within, which features in the forthcoming Horus Heresy anthology, Age of Darkness.
I was there. On that tiny world, in a forgotten system, in a distant corner of the galaxy: where a mighty blow was struck against the renegade Warmaster and his alliance of the lost and damned. There, on Lesser Damantyne. I was among the few, who stood against many. The brother who spilled his brothers’ blood. The son who betrayed his wayward father’s word. And that word was… heresy.
For a bloody day, beyond an Ancient Terran year we fought. Olympians all. Iron Warriors answering the call of their Primarch and Emperor. The cold eyes of both watching from afar. Judging. Expecting. Willing their Iron Warriors on like absentee gods drawn to mortal plight by the reek of battle: the unmistakable stench of blood and burning.
I was there when Warsmith Krendl visited upon us a swarm of Stormbirds. Disgorged from the fat cruiser Benthos and heavily-laden with troops and ordnance, the aircraft blotted out the stars and fell upon our world like a flock of winged thunderbolts. Blasting through the thick cloud of Damantyne’s hostile surface, the Stormbirds would have rocketed through the cave systems and disgorged their own brand of horror on our readying position. Warsmith Dantioch had ordered the Orphic Gate collapsed mere hours before, however, and all the flock found there was rock and destruction, as, one after another, they struck the planet surface.
I was there when the mighty god machines of the Legio Argentum, denied entrance to the gate also, had to stride through the acid hellstorms of Lesser Damantyne. Like blind, tormented behemoths they tumbled and crashed through the squalls and cyclones, their armoured shells rust-riddled and giant automotive systems eaten away. The infamous Omnia Victrum, the sunder of a hundred worlds, was one of three flash-flayed war machines that managed to stumble to a sinkhole colossal enough to admit their dimensions. And there the screaming hordes that crewed the god machines were confronted with the unfathomable labyrinth of the planet’s gargantuan cave system and the reality that they might be lost for eternity in the deep and the dark.
I was there when Warsmith Dantioch ordered the giant ground-pumps to life and the lake of crude promethium burst its banks, flooding the floor of our huge cavern-home with a raging, black ichor. I watched as the Nadir-Maru 4th Juntarians and more bombardment cannon than a man could count were drowned in a deluge of oil and death. I roared my dismay as columns of my traitor brethren marched on the pumps through the settling shallows, to sabotage the great machinery. I roared my delight when my Warsmith ordered the slick surface of the crude promethium ignited about them. A blaze so bright that it not only roasted the Iron Warriors within their plate but brought light to the cavern the depths had never known.
I was on the Schadenhold’s battlements as our own cannon and artillery placements reduced Warsmith Krendl’s reserve Stormbirds to fireballs of wreckage. I saw the small armies they landed on our keeps and towers fall to their deaths like rain from our inverse architecture. I fought with the Sons of Dantioch – genebred hulks of monstrous proportion – as they tore 4th Juntarians limb from limb in the killzones and courtyards. I walked amongst Colonel Kruishank’s Ninth–Ward Angeloi Adamantiphracts as their disciplined lasfire lit up the ramparts and cut their traitor opposites to smouldering shreds. I looked down on a fortress swamped in carnage, where you could not walk for bodies and could not breathe for blood that lay hanging in the air like a murderous fog.
Finally, I fought in the tight corridors and dread architecture of the Warsmith’s design. Took life on an obscene scale, face to face with my Iron Warrior brethren. Murdered in the Emperor’s name and matched the cold certainty of my brothers’ desire. Killed with the same chill logic and fire in my belly as my enemy had for me. Measured my might in the blood of traitors whose might should have measured my own. I was there. In the Schadenhold. On Lesser Damantyne. Where few stood against many and, amongst the fratricidal nightmare of battle, brothers bled and heresy found its form.
We announced last week that Graham McNeill will be touring the UK with his latest release, God King, in January. Here’s a breakdown of where and when Graham will be.
Date Time Location
Saturday 8th January
11am - 2pm
Games Workshop Glasgow
Sunday 9th January
1pm - 4pm
Games Workshop Edinburgh
Saturday 22nd January
10am - Noon
Games Workshop Manchester
Saturday 22nd January
3pm - 5pm
Games Workshop Birmingham
Good to see the premier, and overall bestest traitor Legion, the undisputed masters of siege warfare get a chance to shine.
Received my copy of "The Bloody Handed God" by Gav Thorpe.
Just finished it. Loved it. Want more!
It's also nice that it includes a text copy of "Aenarion" and some awesome illustrations, including Khainites hauling a kidnapped Beastman for a sacrifice.
Just finished listening to Throne of Lies for the fourth time. All I can say is.. yes! Best audio drama to date.
One question though, Throne of Lies comes right after Soul Hunter, where does the short story The Core fit into this? Is this a sequel to the yet to be released Blood Reaver?
Read Nemesis and First Heretic this week... Nemesis was average for me but enjoyable, First Heretic I actually enjoyed quite a bit! Thought it was in the top 3 Heresy books for me so far!
BrookM wrote:Just finished listening to Throne of Lies for the fourth time. All I can say is.. yes! Best audio drama to date.
One question though, Throne of Lies comes right after Soul Hunter, where does the short story The Core fit into this? Is this a sequel to the yet to be released Blood Reaver?
BrookM wrote:Just finished listening to Throne of Lies for the fourth time. All I can say is.. yes! Best audio drama to date.
One question though, Throne of Lies comes right after Soul Hunter, where does the short story The Core fit into this? Is this a sequel to the yet to be released Blood Reaver?
Wasn't Blood Reaver done at the time he wrote The Core?
I thought the experiment aspect was that he knew that the short story would come out before the novel.
My thoughts:
If I am a writer and stories are done, in my mind the timeline has moved on, whether anyone has read it yet or not.
So it wouldn't be odd at all to write a short story that, to me, is in order. Its the publishing side that makes it out of order.
First Look: Hammer & Anvil Cover Art
Here’s a first look at Hardy Fowler’s artwork for Hammer & Anvil. The detail in the face (check out those eyes) and on the armour is phenomenal. Hammer & Anvil is James Swallow’s follow up to Faith & Fire.
eBooks?; Imperial Glory Cover Art; Prospero Tour Dates; Pre-signed God King
Regular readers will have noticed that there are no new eBooks to download today. I’m going to blame it on the snow because I’ve no idea what the phrase ‘invalid data-packet’ means. Anyway, we’ll have a bunch of new eBooks for you to download on Monday. Normal eBook service will be resumed next Friday.
Right then, on with the cool stuff - Clint Langley’s fantastic piece of artwork for Richard Williams’ Imperial Glory.
In other news, Dan Abnett will be out and about in January to celebrate the launch of his latest Horus Heresy title, Prospero Burns. He’ll be in Games Workshop Hobby Centres up and down the UK, ready and waiting to sign your books and chat about all things Heresy. Though, he probably won’t mind if you want to talk about Gaunt’s Ghosts or any of his other books either. You’ll find a list of where and when he’ll be signing below.
Date Time Location
Saturday 8th January
10am - Noon
Games Workshop Nottingham
Saturday 8th January
2pm - 4pm
Games Workshop Meadow Hall
Sunday 9th January
11am - 1pm
Games Workshop Leeds
Saturday 22nd January
11am - 1pm
Games Workshop Thurrock
Saturday 22nd January
3pm - 5pm
Games Workshop Bluewater
Yesterday, we shackled Graham McNeill to a desk and ‘convinced’ him to sign a stack of God King. So, as an extra treat, there will be a limited amount of signed copies of God King available from the Hobby Centres that Dan is signing at.
Yeah, Relentless was cracking and I loved Reiksguard
Tired and broken by war, the men of the Brimlock Eleventh Imperial Guard are a force on the verge of collapse. Having been stretched across the galaxy by their loyalty to the Emperor, they are presented with one final battle that will allow them reward they all seek: to colonise the distant world of Voor and live out the rest of their days in peace. All that stands in their way is a force of savages – a plague of feral orks that has spread across the planet. But can the Brimlock’s battered bodies and minds hold up to this greenskin invasion?
reds8n wrote:Yeah, Relentless was cracking and I loved Reiksguard
Tired and broken by war, the men of the Brimlock Eleventh Imperial Guard are a force on the verge of collapse. Having been stretched across the galaxy by their loyalty to the Emperor, they are presented with one final battle that will allow them reward they all seek: to colonise the distant world of Voor and live out the rest of their days in peace. All that stands in their way is a force of savages – a plague of feral orks that has spread across the planet. But can the Brimlock’s battered bodies and minds hold up to this greenskin invasion?
Sounds good to me.
You know what makes me curious...
Brimlock 11th is more (in)famous for being among the forces that stalled Shadowsun.
Prospero Burns and Godking hit the shelves -- in the Uk anyway, not sure about overseas, sorry folks -- this coming weekend. Haven't got round to the latter yet, but was sufficiently blown away, impressed, and puzzled by the former that it can safely be chalked up as a solid win. Closer to "Legion" than "A Thousand Sons" IMO. Not quite what I'd been expecting from the initial pitch of the books, but satisfied nevertheless.
Now if my poxy copy of "The Bloody Handed" has the decency to turn up I will be happy.
Hmm I am somewhat confused Amazon is saying that Prospero burns will not be dispatched until the 6th January whereas BL are saying it will be shipped on the 6th of December. Amazon are also selling it for £3.99 whereas it is costing £7.99 in BL. I placed my order with Amazon a year ago so think I'll just wait for whenever they decide to deliver it.
yikes. I actually thought I did. Maybe I passed out after that weirdo pic including Carnelian Shouldve known that that I wouldnt be able to ninja you lol
New eBooks; Graham McNeill on BL TV; High Elf Artwork
As promised on Friday, we’ve some new eBooks for you to download today. And not just any eBooks but a fine selection of firsts. There’s Gaunt’s Ghosts: First and Only, the first book Black Library ever printed; Bill King’s Trollslayer, the first book in the Gotrek and Felix series; and The Daemon’s Curse by Dan Abnett and Mike Lee, which is the first book in the Dark Blade series.
Also today, episode 16 of Black Library TV. This time we catch up with Graham McNeill as he reminisces about 2010, a year in which he won the David Gemmell Legend award and featured on the New York Times best-seller list. He also talks a bit about his forthcoming High Elves novel, Sons of Ellyrion, and drops some hints about his next Horus Heresy novel.
Spoiler:
An astropath eh ? Who'd have thought or mentioned that eh ?
Speaking of Sons of Ellyrion, check out this great picture by Marek Okon, which will feature on the book’s cover.
As Graham mentioned in the interview, Defenders of Ulthuan (the prequel to Sons of Ellyrion) is getting re-released with a new cover.
And here’s both covers as they were initially drawn – as one fantastic piece of art.
His next HH novel sounds really quite interesting and appealing, I remember a conversation earlier in this thread about the appeal of narrative over constant fighting and this novel seems to entail just that as well as a much more mysterious plot and ending...
Lovely.
Chris Wright's Sketches for 'Battle of the Fang'
Our studio manager Darius was sifting through his drawer today and came across Chris Wraight’s sketches for Battle of the Fang. Here, take a look.
Space Marine Battles books are different from our other books in that they contain force diagrams, maps and such. Normally what happens is that the author will sketch (in some cases doodle) roughly what they envisage going into the book and then our art department turns them into what eventually appears in the book. The drawings also provide the author with a handy resource, helping them to visualise the story.
Battle of the Fang is out net summer, while the latest addition to the Space Marine Battles series, Gav Thorpe’s The Purging of Kadillus, can be pre-ordered now.
From the short story ‘Forgotten Sons’, by Nick Kyme:
Heka’tan was naked but for a pair of training fatigues. He had prepared the ash and the brazier. He had observed the rites and warmed the branding iron. The flame was born in the cradle, and within its blazing grasp he found purity and a sense of truth. Repressed memory came with it…
The dropship was taking fire from all sides. Much of its armour plating was punched through by lascannon blasts and several of its heavy bolter armaments were destroyed. Heat emanated from the interior. Shadows lurked there, of broken bodies silhouetted a visceral red from the incendiary fires inside. The guts of the ship lay strewn across the Isstvan plane where a cloying fug of smoke roiled. Hot tracer whickered through air screaming with the discharge of bolters and heavy cannon. Somewhere in the distance, by a shrouded ridgeline, an explosion blossomed.
‘Ta… king… vy… ire…’ The broken vox report crackled in Heka’tan’s ear.
‘Gravius! Is that you, brother?’
‘Affir… mative, brother… aptain…’
‘Fall back immediately and assume defensive postures.’
Around him, the fight was intensifying. Gunfire, scores of overlapping bolter bursts, rose to a deafening frenzy. Enemy cohorts were massing from the east and west, and advancing on their position.
Enemy cohorts.
The notion was insane, a crazed nightmare brought to life on a dead world with only the dead to witness it. For surely, that’s what they all were.
‘Brother… aptain…’ There was a pause not caused by the static interference.
Figures were resolving through the artificial fog. Their hulking forms wore the colour of hard steel, of grey unyielding metal. Iron.
The Urgall Depression was no place for a last stand. The ravine resembled a charnel field and not a place about which great deeds were sung. There would be no glory face down in the blood-drenched tundra slain by one’s own brothers.
Gravius continued and for once the link was clean. ‘What’s happening?’
Heka’tan had three hundred and sixty-two Astartes left in his command. They had forged a ring around the shattered dropship. Over half that number again was forever entombed inside their vessel, lost before the fight had even begun, a fight the brother-captain didn’t understand.
‘Assume defensive postures,’ he answered, for want of something better, something that made sense.
The line of iron opened up its weapons. Fusillade met fusillade as both sides engaged, hundreds of muzzle flares ripping up the smoke like jagged knives of hot light.
It was but a skirmish in a maelstrom of death. This was a battle like no other. It was a reckoning. It was a show of force. But above all else it was fratricide on an epic scale.
Heka’tan’s words to Gravius sounded hollow even to him. ‘Hold out as long as you can.’
It was over. Even before he’d seen the armoured column advancing behind the infantry, Heka’tan knew it. He took a round to the shoulder, the explosive impact nearly tearing off the pad and spinning him. A second struck him in the chest and he staggered.
One of his own, Ikon he thought, died to a throat wound. More followed, too numerous and rapid to count. Apothecaries were a pointless luxury during this nascent massacre. The air shimmered with the heat of shells passing so close that some struck one another and deviated from their original targets. Above, Thunderhawks and Stormbirds tried to affect an escape. Heka’tan saw several in the livery of the Raven Guard and Iron Hands plunge from the smoke-blackened sky like fire-wreathed comets. Distant explosions announced their destruction.
Bleak was not the word for their chances.
Fatalism, yes, but capitulation was not amongst Heka’tan’s emotional vocabulary. Sons of Nocturne were born of sterner stock. They came from the earth and its fiery heart-blood. They would not go to Mount Deathfire with the foe unbloodied.
Hammer and Bolter #1 was great, and would be well worth picking up even if you missed it when it was free. #2 wasn't nearly as consistent, but it's a collection of short stories that vary widely in subject matter and quality, and I think it just depends on how this format appeals to you. If you are stuck with your obsolete paper books I wouldn't worry too much about it - I certainly wouldn't upgrade to an e-reader just for this (though I'd wholeheartedly recommend ditching paper at the earliest opportunity anyway).
I just picked up the 3rd issue, along with Prospero Burns, Empire, God King, Skavenslayer and Ghostmaker. Should keep me occupied during the holidays.
While I will defend Inferno! until death, it too suffered from a varying quality of entries every issue, but still good stuff, I treasure them like something that should be treasured. Anyway, varying quality comes with the mag sadly, seeing as they are doing these monthly, so they need to keep up a steady stream of entries.
It’s all go here in the Black Library office today. We’ve just eBooked: Bloodstorm, which is book two in the Darkblade series; Skaven Slayer, the second book in the Gotrek and Felix series; Gaunts Ghosts: Ghostmaker, the second book in Dan’s illustrious Imperial Guard series; and Tales of Heresy, the first Horus Heresy short story anthology.
Christian has just finished Hammer & Bolter issue 3, and Ragnar’s updated the ‘Coming Soon’ section to include all of the covers through to September 2011, including the cracking cover for Nagash Immortal.
As if that wasn't enough both Prospero Burns and God King have been given the star-treatment: now available as eBooks and full, unabridged audio books (that’s 16 hours a piece!).
Over the weekend we’ll be finalising what books we’re releasing in 2011 – check back then to find out.
Borders/Barnes and Noble don't get it until the 28th.
Black Library started shipping it on December 6th.
My FLGS, who I asked about it on the 6th, can't get it until after January 6th or so.
This is one of the few times I actually want to have an "official" GW shop around
Black Library wrote:Pre-order February's Releases; 2011 Titles Revealed
As promised on Friday, you can now find a full list of all the titles we’re releasing up until January 2012, in the Coming Soon section.
Here in the BL office we’ve been busy discussing the new the titles that we’re most looking forward to. Ragnar (our web guy) is a big fan of the Space Marine Battles series and can’t wait for Gildar Rift. Darius (our art guy) is itching to read The Red Duke and saying, ‘The Red Duke! Vampire knights, as written by BL’s master of the macabre, C L Werner. It’s gonna be more sinister than Béla Lugosi dressed as a clown, carrying lots of Victorian china dolls.’ Quite. Chris (our telesales guy) is most excited about Atlas Infernal, which introduces Inquisitor Czevak and features the mysterious Eldar Harlequins. ‘I can’t wait to find out more about them [Harlequins],’ said Chris. And Neil (our ‘everything else’ guy) is frothing about The Outcast Dead, ‘I can't wait for 'The Outcast Dead'! The fate of those Space Marines from the traitorous legions who chose to remain loyal is one of the most interesting facets of the heresy to me. I loved ‘Flight of the Eisenstein’ and ‘Garro: Oath of Moment’, so with a group of loyalists from the various traitor legions escaping from incarceration on Terra as its main characters this is set to be my new favourite Heresy book.’
What title are you most excited about? Post a comment and let us know.
Back in the now, things are pretty exciting too – you can now pre-order Purging of Callidus, Gav Thorpe’s tense Dark Angels novel; Chris Wraight’s Sword of Vengeance, the sequel to Sword of Justice; Thunder & Steel, a collection of Dan Abnett’s finest Warhammer novels (including Gilead’s Blood!); and George Mann’s first audio drama Helion Rain, check out this review.
Big stuff happening! I can't wait for The Outcast Dead!
Kanluwen wrote:If it makes you feel better Brook, I'm refusing to read "A Thousand Sons" until I have "Prospero Burns" in my possession too.
: )
Spoiler:
the space wolves win.
my FLGS has prospero burns but the local big box stores don't usually get them until 2-3 weeks after the games store (same with emperor protects for deathwatch). it might be annoying seeing as how the games store is 25 miles further and i only get there once every week or two but i do applaud FFG/BL for releasing it that way to support the little guys.
I thought it was, too, at first. But looking more closely at it, I think it's a tattoo. Could be scarring, though, considering what he went through.
Lint wrote:I thought the ink was from the Gerunhivers?
The hivers might have had some, and considerable mention was made in the books about them getting some, but it was so that they could have tattoos to match the Tanith's woad-like markings.
The Vervunhivers for the most part are untattoooed. The ones who have them mostly had them prior to the whole influx post-Necropolis.
The more recent influx of non-Tanith(the Belladon First Recon from "His Last Command") are professional military, through and through, and have very little tattooing(at least facially) in their ranks.
Anyways, it's definitely scarring. Notice that there's raised flesh to either side of it, casting a shadow in between. That doesn't happen with tattoos
Just some feedback after reading Prospero Burns. TBH, the book had several interesting revelations but nothing earth shattering.
Disappointly, most of the book is written from the standpoint of a very human "remembrancer". On the positive side, you get to feel his awe and surprise as he learns more & more about the culture and practices of the wolves. However, a large part of the book is devoted to his memories and experiences as a normal academic which was fairly boring (my point of view).
I finished the book in 2 sittings not because it was very good, but because I wanted to see where I could start reading about the more interesting characters and dialogue. Infuriatingly, Russ and the earth shaking Prospero related events are only found in the last quarter of the book. Those expecting hot SM vs SM action will be left wanting.
In summary:
- slow build-up (first 3/4 of the book)
- several somewhat interesting twists to established lore
- good finish
Overall score: 6.5/10
Additionally, those of us hankering for more Primarch vs Primarch action will not get what we desire.
[spoiler]Quite literally, the description goes like: "The description of the conflict between Primarchs can be found in other accounts. We focus our efforts on a side story that happened at around the same time instead."
Santa works in mysterious ways... Literally just through the door, before Nick’s last day in the office, is the first draft of Blood Reaver. Aaron’s been working like a booze-swilling, coffee-slurping, biscuit-eating hack to get this one finished before old Santy comes a-callin’. Truly the spirit of Christmas is alive and well. With matchsticks holding his eyelids open, Nick finished reading the manuscript a few hours ago and after issuing an emphatic two-thumbs up, we have this choice morsel of giftiness to offer. Enjoy – it’s the season of giving after all...
Bear in mind, these are Aaron’s pure, mad, undiluted thoughts about the Night Lords Legion; untouched by a copy editor or massaged by a proof reader. Insanity lies within.
A CRUCIFIED ANGEL
THE WARRIOR TURNED his helm over in his hands. Gauntleted fingertips stroked along the dents and scratches marring the midnight ceramite. The faceplate was painted white with an artisan’s care, in stylised mimicry of a human skull. One scarlet eye lens was ruined, cobwebbed by cracks. The other stared, dispassionate in deactivation, reflecting the darkening sky above.
He told himself that this wasn’t symbolic. His helm’s ruination didn’t reflect the damage done to his Legion. Even as he quenched the notion, he wondered from whence it came. The war had a proven and profane habit of fanning the embers of melancholy, but still. There were limits.
The warrior took a breath, seeing inhuman creatures dance and bleed behind his closed eyes. He’d been dreaming of the eldar lately, for months before setting foot on this desolate world. Thousands of them: spindly things with gaunt faces and hollow eyes, aboard a burning ship of black sails and false bone.
‘Soul Hunter,’ someone called. His brother’s voice, making the name somewhere between a joke and a title of respect.
The warrior replaced his helm. One eye lens flickered live, bathing the vista in the killing-red of his targeting vision. The other showed angry grey static and the distracting afterimages of visual input lag. It still echoed with a grainy and colourless view of the setting sun a few moments after he’d turned away from it.
‘What?’ the warrior asked.
‘The Angel is breaking.’
The warrior smiled as he drew the gladius sheathed at his shin. Fading sunlight flashed off the blade’s edge as the steel met cold air.
New Horus Heresy Book – let the speculation begin.
Here's a look at Neil Roberts’ rough sketch of the cover for Graham McNeill’s forthcoming Horus Heresy title. If you're the first person to guess the title, we'll send you a signed copy of the book well before it's official release date. We might even thrown in a couple of extras. Post your answer by commenting on this post* or on our Facebook page.
..hmm.. ideas then folks ? Looks to me like some scouts, some one in some old, old OLD armour.... and an Astropath.
from earlier in the month...
..seems this tome is entitled " The Outcast Dead" .... a title I will be amazed if anyone guessed. Due, apparently, around November next year, so should well be the UKGD special release.
Just for the record, so to speak : the artwork we're seeing on the next Nagash book isn't the finished item, it's really little more than a hurried off placeholder piece.
God King is very satisfying as a book, I think MacNeill pulls this off remarkably well.
Thanks for the reminder about GOD-KING - I totally forgot about that book!
This thread rocks for many, many reasons - that being a big one!
Also, my local Barnes and Noble FINALLY has PROSPERO BURNS in stock, but there is NO way I'm going near it now - I'd be in traffic for about 2 hours + if I so dared...
BL recently tossed up all their releases until January 2012, including two reprints: Faith & Fire and Defenders of Ulthuan. These are to coincide with their sequels being released alongside them.
Alpharius wrote:Thanks for the reminder about GOD-KING - I totally forgot about that book!
This thread rocks for many, many reasons - that being a big one!
Also, my local Barnes and Noble FINALLY has PROSPERO BURNS in stock, but there is NO way I'm going near it now - I'd be in traffic for about 2 hours + if I so dared...
Monday it is then!
Or you could buy it, or indeed any and all of the HH books as an ebook RIGHT THIS VERY SECOND !
I enjoyed God King, was a good read from start to finish. Its got me pumped for Nagash the Immortal, wish it was coming faster!
The interview at the end was pretty neat too. Although I was strangely weary that they are going to continue the Sigmar series... I'd personally like to see them move the Time of Legends books into the War of Vengeance/War of the Beard. Dwarves got some love in Malekith and some solid spots in Sigmars books, but a true showcase of the dwarf empire at war in their prime would be awesome.
Alpharius wrote:Thanks for the reminder about GOD-KING - I totally forgot about that book!
This thread rocks for many, many reasons - that being a big one!
Also, my local Barnes and Noble FINALLY has PROSPERO BURNS in stock, but there is NO way I'm going near it now - I'd be in traffic for about 2 hours + if I so dared...
Monday it is then!
Or you could buy it, or indeed any and all of the HH books as an ebook RIGHT THIS VERY SECOND !
I like how a bit of old fluff has been subtly changed: Back then, Nagash cursed the vampires for abandoning him when he was defeated by Sigmar, forever making them fear his name. Now we have Sigmar himself cursing the vampires, much better really!
Just finished Prospero Burns and I have to admit that I never had much love for the Space Wolves but it makes me see them in a different light. While still portraiting the wolves as feral through Leman Russ Abnett shows a more sophisticated side that belongs to them. When compared to the William King novels Abnett just does so much better in his portrayal of the Wolves.
Have to agree with BrookM here, I find his forced use of terminology and language with little explanation in the first quarter of the book very annoying and unneccesary. It really made for a confusing and uncomfortable read. Jumping around with little explanation of what is going on with the character, and barely touching on the SW themselves also sucks a bit.
I am over halfway through now, and although it get's better once he finally starts explaining the terminology and what's going on is being explained and expanded a bit more, it is more enjoyable. The thing is, the way he is writing them, they just don't feel very space-wolfy to me.
As I said I do think the title is somewhat misleading, but overall I think it's a great tome, ther's a fair old bit to discuss, some cool revelaltions -- see Russ' comments at the end !
All the jumping back and forth and cuts is deliberate and, IMO, is a good technique to help convey the atmosphere of the story.
Oh,
New eBooks available today - Necropolis by Dan Abnett, Daemonslayer by William King and Darkblade: Reaper of Souls by Mike Lee & Dan Abnett
I wonder if Prospero Burns might get a similar reaction to Legion, a book which upset the applecart somewhat, and not everyone is comfortable with that.
Many people would prefer the 'Legends of the Space Marine' type stuff, which while enjoyable, just trots out the same old stuff and breaks no new boundaries.
Personally, although I think there should be some restraint, I am glad for people like Abnett, and more lately Dembski-Bowden. They are introducing new concepts and imagination, keeping things fresh, into a universe which might well become stagnant if the storytellers of Black Library are shackled too much.
Very true. I actually felt 'a thousand sons' was very slow in the middle, and not quite as good as I'd heard. But when I finished it, I needed more and knew all the reviews were correct.
yes! Best audio drama to date.
