"To beat Nagash, one must give what he wants. No more, no less". Neferata

So another book in the growing Time of Legends range, Neferata is about to be re-released with a striking new cover picturing the lady herself in action.

This, the first in the Blood of Nagash series, as you might expect, tells the story of the Vampire Queen herself.In an interesting narrative device, the book both purports to be a tale told by Neferata herself to the lieutenant of dread Nagash - Arkhan the Black. It also acts as a bridge between two trilogies about perhaps the biggest names in Warhammer - Nagash and Sigmar. Whilst Neferata does not deal directly with either of these two forces of destiny, she is far too canny for that, her actions set in motion the clash between the two demi-gods
The primary story she tells revolves around Mourkain and Silver Pinnacle, but there are many interesting vignettes that tell of her flight from her burning city, Lahmia through Cathay, Araby, Sartosa and hence to the Vampire city and its Dwarven neighbour.

She forges alliances with Dark Elves and Dwarves, whilst also attempting to manipulate the twisted W'sorn and the king of Mourkain, Ushoran - a very dangerous and difficult task. The book builds to a dramatic climax with the battle for control over the dwarf hold of Silver Pinnacle. Throughout the story, the dread presence and influence of Nagash is felt by the undead participants as a reminder that this is but a tale in a greater story.

Along the way we are introduced to her blood children, Naaimia, her devoted handmaiden from Cathay, Rasha, child of the desert raiders, Lupa, barbarian warrior, Anmar, Arabyan princess and the single male vampire in her service, who readers of the Sigmar trilogy will recognise.... Each is well crafted and has an important part to play in this story and perhaps others.....

Neferata herself is both intelligent and manipulative, proud and vain, loyal and capricious and her journey is as compelling as her motivations, The intrigue mounts as the book progresses and the final acts are played out with some excellent twists and turns along the way.

There are plenty of other good characters from the insane and depraved W'sorn to the steadfast dwarf King Borri and his adventurous son, Razek. There is also plenty of action to counter point the machinations and manoeuvrings of the key players, from vampiric single combats to the clash of great armies as the Vampires and their human followers join with the Dwarves to fight a great Ork horde.

The book provides a great insight into what drives the vampires and their blood descendants its a must read for Vampire Count players who want to personalise their armies and perhaps include some of the participants in them. Dwarf players may enjoy the depiction of the doomed hold, its traditions, characters and defences and perhaps set them on the path to avenge this ancient Grudge.

From a gaming point of view, there are opportunities for scenarios recreating the events of the novels from the storming of the main gate of Silver Pinnacle to fighting Druchii raiders attacking Sartosa, whilst ambitious players may even wish to try and compile whole themed army lists for the Time of Legends.

So to be clear, the Blood of Nagash Trilogy links to the Sigmar v Nagash books?

"Neferata" Khalida of Lybaras said in a voice like the rustling of ancient silk. Her slim form was bound tight by the ceremonial wrappings and her proud head still wore her funerary head-dress and the mortuary mask that hid the ravages hat death had made upon her once beautiful face.

"I dreamed of you as well, little hawk" Neferata said rising slowly to face her cousin