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2014/08/14 05:50:52
Subject: The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
It's like they don't even want people to read what they publish any more.
Well, not people like you. Or me. Or any of those dirty, beard-be-necked poors leeching their stores of precious oxygen.
Frankly, GW has always been aiming to sell to the only two confirmed Warhammer fans worthy and rich enough for the brand. Oops, one now.
On an totally related topic, leaving Black Library's sandbox has really given me time to catch up on the classics of tie-in literature. R. A. Salvatore's got some free ebooks out now. And Star Trek's really cutting loose in their non-JJ lit-verse; the Destiny series really shook things up with war, intrigue, multiple genocides, pathos, and a whole lot of space battles. Oh yeah, and we're entering a new silver age of original Sci Fi and Fantasy fiction, so there's that.
I never buy the super duper collector's issue books. and by time they make it avaliable for us plebs I've useally just pirated the god damned thing. BL if it insists on this approuch needs to borrow from Games workshop (can;'t belvie I said that) and release a collector's edition along side a basic edition. funny thing is the same people who buy the limited collectors editions would be inclined to buy both anyway so as not to devalue the CE by reading it.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/08/14 06:46:58
Opinions are not facts please don't confuse the two
2014/08/14 07:31:43
Subject: Re:The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
"This will be the first book to be launched as a sumptuously glorious Black Library First Edition. As well as being the best-looking book your shelves will ever have the luxury to hold, this First Edition contains exclusive content that will never again be printed."
Really? Whoop-de-effing-do. As ever, I shall be waiting for the paperback edition, although I bet it'll be in the ridiculous 'Trade' format, you know, the one with lots of blank paper, slightly larger font and too big to be able to slip into your jacket pocket...yeah, way to go publishers.
Taking bets on whether the HH series will have reached its conclusion by the time I retire (I'm 44...). Probably not...
"Bloody typical, they've gone back to metric without telling us."
"As the days go by, we face the increasing inevitability that we are alone in a godless, uninhabited, hostile and meaningless universe. Still, you've got to laugh haven't you?"
"We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!"
"Mind the oranges Marlon!"
2014/08/14 07:44:38
Subject: Re:The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
"boss, boss! Volume of sales are falling!" "quick, lets counter that by increasing our profit margin by making more expensive product and ignoring the real problem!" "ohhkay"
2014/08/14 12:06:23
Subject: The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
It's like they don't even want people to read what they publish any more.
Well, not people like you. Or me. Or any of those dirty, beard-be-necked poors leeching their stores of precious oxygen.
Frankly, GW has always been aiming to sell to the only two confirmed Warhammer fans worthy and rich enough for the brand. Oops, one now.
On an totally related topic, leaving Black Library's sandbox has really given me time to catch up on the classics of tie-in literature. R. A. Salvatore's got some free ebooks out now. And Star Trek's really cutting loose in their non-JJ lit-verse; the Destiny series really shook things up with war, intrigue, multiple genocides, pathos, and a whole lot of space battles. Oh yeah, and we're entering a new silver age of original Sci Fi and Fantasy fiction, so there's that.
Hmm, the new 'Trek novels have been a mixed bag IMO. I quite enjoyed some of the Typhon Pact series, and the Voyager Relaunch series picked up after a couple of books, but the original Destiny books and the various tie-ins to their "Borgocalypse" story were atrocious, the premise was a bit daft from the outset but the conclusion was perhaps the biggest overwrought and contrived deus ex machina in a franchise famous for contrived deus ex machinae.
"Your society's broken, so who should we blame? Should we blame the rich, powerful people who caused it? No, lets blame the people with no power and no money and those immigrants who don't even have the vote. Yea, it must be their fething fault." - Iain M Banks
-----
"The language of modern British politics is meant to sound benign. But words do not mean what they seem to mean. 'Reform' actually means 'cut' or 'end'. 'Flexibility' really means 'exploit'. 'Prudence' really means 'don't invest'. And 'efficient'? That means whatever you want it to mean, usually 'cut'. All really mean 'keep wages low for the masses, taxes low for the rich, profits high for the corporations, and accept the decline in public services and amenities this will cause'." - Robin McAlpine from Common Weal
2014/08/14 12:07:21
Subject: Re:The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
Looky Likey wrote: I thought Damnation of Pythos was the best HH book in years, its a bit bleak as it covers the changes to the soul of the Iron Hands, but very good IMO, your mileage may vary.
Without spoilering it too much, when you talk about changes, does that mean them becoming more bitter and filled with suppressed rage & hatred as they used to be in 40K, or does it mean they're using the "beep-boop, emotions are illogical Jim" Borg-Vulcan daddy-issues crap from the new codex?
That one. "The flesh is weak. The flesh is weak. The flesh is weak. Did we mention the flesh is weak yet?" It's a pretty medi-afwul book. There's quite literally a scene where an Iron Hands Marine wrestles with the idea of hating the flesh versus saving it. He's talking about a group of regular humans. Yes, the beats the trope that far to death. This is another book like Vulkan Lives, Promethean Sun, or Unremembered Novel where if you skipped it, you'd probably not have missed much of anything.
Marneus Calgar is referred to as "one of the Imperium's greatest tacticians" and he treats the Codex like it's the War Bible. If the Codex is garbage, then how bad is everyone else?
I agree wholeheartedly that the Black Library's "limited collectible edition OMG shiny never-to-see-print-again buy-it-now" nonsense is extremely annoying. And I, too, have lost then energy to figure out which book is coming out when in which format.
Still, I imagine that when I notice the trace paperback edition in a bookstore I'll probably pick it up. After all, it's Aaron. And Aaabadon....
I find that when it comes to Black Library these days, it's pointless--no, make that infuriating-- to follow their convoluted release schedule. I hardly ever visit their website these days. Too much expensive gimmickry, too many empty marketing shenanigans. Not enough story-telling and book-making.
Hmm, the new 'Trek novels have been a mixed bag IMO. I quite enjoyed some of the Typhon Pact series, and the Voyager Relaunch series picked up after a couple of books, but the original Destiny books and the various tie-ins to their "Borgocalypse" story were atrocious, the premise was a bit daft from the outset but the conclusion was perhaps the biggest overwrought and contrived deus ex machina in a franchise famous for contrived deus ex machinae.
Maybe it's because I read Watching the Clock (which ruled) first, but knowing the spoilers going in, I found the trilogy to be fun. I like how it altered the setting permanently, something we just won't see in 40k these days. I also enjoy a lot of the other recent stories, which feel far more fresh than, say, the last few Imperial Guard novels I've read. My point is that even flagging, ancient tie-in series can make themselves relevant and keep a healthy readership so long as they try to appeal to their customers. Instead of whatever BL is doing. It was a sad day when I realized I'd rather read a Star Trek book than a Horus Heresy book.
This boxed set contains the first twelve novels in the New York Times bestselling Horus Heresy series. Also included is Whispers of Heresy, an exclusive anthology of stories previously only available as Black Library audio dramas or eBook downloads.
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 other old friends, Felix begins to suspect that he has embarked upon his final adventure. And in the cold north, Gotrek’s doom awaits him…
The latest book in the popular Time of Legends series
War with the elves has ended in bloody stalemate, great quakes have broken the peaks, and the enemies of the dwarfs are rising in vast numbers. Far removed from this grief, however, are the dwarfs of Ekrund, great underground city of the Dragonback Mountains, convinced that no foe will ever breach their walls. Amongst them, the Angbok clan continues to mine their gold, until war threatens Dragonback and decisions must be made that could change their way of life forever. Whether by exile or extinction, a great doom is coming...
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2014/08/15 08:48:32
Subject: The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
So, are they killing Gotrek, then? Why do they need another time jump in that series, especially one that sounds terribly depressing?
Damn, I remember when I was excited about that series. Now I just have a feeling of dread about it. I guess I'll stick to the William King books from now on.
Dan Abnett
There's still time to ask me questions for my next YouTube Q&A. Send questions to info@danabnett.com
Ask anything
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2014/08/15 15:01:49
Subject: The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
Veteran Sergeant wrote: That one. "The flesh is weak. The flesh is weak. The flesh is weak. Did we mention the flesh is weak yet?" It's a pretty medi-afwul book. There's quite literally a scene where an Iron Hands Marine wrestles with the idea of hating the flesh versus saving it. He's talking about a group of regular humans. Yes, the beats the trope that far to death. This is another book like Vulkan Lives, Promethean Sun, or Unremembered Novel where if you skipped it, you'd probably not have missed much of anything.
I think what we want is different out of a HH book, I want a good story that grips me, I am not bothered about advancement of the overall plot as I already know how it ends so the journey is far more important to me. Take the Ravenlord limited edition as an example, its £30 and a lot happens in its short story arc plus it sets up a future betrayal. However it took me just over an hour to read, poorly edited (lots of awful dialogue that nobody would actually say) and was predictable. I would take Damnation over Ravenlord every day of the week.
I would also suggest that there is a lot more to deciding to save the humans or not as they deliberately engineered the situation that put them there in the first place.
Edit: Read the Purge last night, another limited edition pamphlet finished in about an hour. Like Ravenlord sets up a future betrayal but is much better written. Can't say I like this trend of sticking plot developments in the limited editions, especially as they are so short.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/08/18 06:19:48
2014/08/21 07:30:16
Subject: Re:The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
The Tranzia Rebellion is a new type of Black Library audio, our first ever radio play.
What sets this apart from our audiobooks and audio dramas is that there is no narration at all; the whole story is told through a cast of voice actors and complimented by atmospheric sound effects for an incredibly immersive audio experience.
The story itself follows the Doom Eagles Space Marines and their allies in the Adepta Sororitas as they battle an uprising instigated by the insidious ideology of the Tau Empire. Expect plenty of tension, drama, and of course visceral close-up action.
Episode One is free to our newsletter subscribers.
The Tranzia Rebellion radio play will be released in a series of instalments, and begins this Monday.
No need to wait though, as we're giving you, our loyal newsletter subscribers, the chance to download Episode One of the Tranzia Rebellion completely free, today.
and on sale -- for £40 -- at 13;00 GMT this Friday
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2014/08/21 07:46:21
Subject: The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
Death and Defiance will be available for the first time at Warhammer Fest, months before it will be available in stores, at the Coventry Ricoh Arena on the 11th and 12th of October. This anthology will also be available to order from blacklibrary.com the Monday after Warhammer Fest. Set your reminder today, and we'll drop you an email the day it goes on sale.
READ IT BECAUSE:
This anthology contains five exclusive stories from across the battlefields of the Horus Heresy. Each tale ties into one of the major arcs of the series so far.
IN THIS ANTHOLOGY
Imperfect by Nick Kyme - A simple game of Regicide between Fulgrim and Ferrus Manus is far more than it seems...
Howl of the Hearthworld by Aaron Dembski-Bowden - A Space Wolves pack rails at being sent back to Terra to watch over Rogal Dorn.
A Safe And Shadowed Place by Guy Haley - Seeking refuge, the remnants of the Night Lords fleet stumble across Imperium Secundus.
Virtues of the Sons by Andy Smillie - Amit duels Khârn and Azkaellon faces Lucius as Sanguinius's chosen sons explore the twin aspects of their nature.
Gunsight by James Swallow - An Assassin lurks on board the Vengeful Spirit. His target? Warmaster Horus himself.
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2014/08/21 19:39:37
Subject: The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition P11 latest novella
Hulksmash wrote: ^^Same. I don't mind all of one being type being in a single format (like the Garro stuff). But the shotgun approach means I'm probably missing some good stories out there that I'll never really run down outside of them putting them into compelations.
I hate, with the passion of a templar, the e short stories. They ruin my Mondays. I'm not keen on ebooks generally and lied the heresys approach, providing great quality books. I know they are overly expensive, but im keen on quality books. It does enhance my reading experience.
EAT - SLEEP - FARM - REPEAT
2014/08/27 16:51:21
Subject: Re:The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
It seems that following on from the quick to sell out Talon of Horus in First Edition format we'll be seeing the Salamanders getting the same treatment.
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2014/08/27 21:28:32
Subject: Re:The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
reds8n wrote: It seems that following on from the quick to sell out Talon of Horus in First Edition format we'll be seeing the Salamanders getting the same treatment.
Another one! That's crazy, they do look pretty gggoooooddd though. Are these editions leather bound? ADB says they are on his blog but no mention of leather on the BL site which is odd.
EAT - SLEEP - FARM - REPEAT
2014/09/03 10:19:12
Subject: Re:The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2014/09/09 10:07:18
Subject: Re:The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
Guy Haley -- ex WD editor and Bl writer ( whose tales have all been an absolute delight IMO. Both his 40k and fantasy work, seriously Skarsnik is great -- is offering up copies of one of his ( no BL) books , read it, is very good and well worth picking up -- especially for free !
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2014/09/09 14:46:28
Subject: The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
keas66 wrote: Yes , BL are really a bit of a puzzle . I used to be addicted to the HH series and ready for my next fix . Now I only notice new releases accidentally on Amazon several months after initial release . As a result my interest in the series is waning . It all seems like a marketing idea gone haywire but the original folks who are responsible for it are either not willing to acknowledge they have made a mistake ... or they really are't seeing much of an impact to sales .
Heh, the fact that I've seen your post so late sums up my long-waned interest in the HHBL books. As you said, I used to be picking up the little paperbacks on release date without hesitation until the change to the larger trade backs appeared (and the limited edition hardback super shiny glowing lights singing dancing editions). It's a real shame as a book series had not gripped me in such a manner for quite some time, and they were accessible enough to take my mind of university work for an hour or so each day. Now? The last one I purchased was Betrayer and that was last year, I have no idea where the series is now and really have little care to find out.
Gash!
2014/09/09 16:04:17
Subject: Re:The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
I find it cute how the two latest Space Marine books have the sisters of battle as allies to the Doom Eagles and Salamanders. You'd think GW would take a hint...
2014/09/09 22:17:32
Subject: Re:The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
Looky Likey wrote: Is anybody genuinely pleased about the introduction of the trade, hardback and limited editions?
Only Games Workshop I suspect.
You forgot those bloody e-books...
"Bloody typical, they've gone back to metric without telling us."
"As the days go by, we face the increasing inevitability that we are alone in a godless, uninhabited, hostile and meaningless universe. Still, you've got to laugh haven't you?"
"We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!"
"Mind the oranges Marlon!"
2014/09/10 07:09:54
Subject: Re:The Ongoing Black Library News and Rumours Thread: 2014 edition
EAT - SLEEP - FARM - REPEAT 
great 
-- is offering up copies of one of his ( no 
