Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.

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**kitch102**

Alpharius wrote:
I think this whole limited thing is more damaging then anything else for BL, especially when it comes to them including HH stuff in them.

I completely agree - I nearly didn't get a copy of Promethean Sun last year thanks to some ass wipe buying 5 copies (1 per friend, despite these friends not wanting them). Though thankfully they seem to be turning it around; with the new Khan book they're not doing a limited number of copies, they're putting it on sale for a limited time of just 1 week, so everyone that wants one has the chance to get a copy. Potentially they could do a million million copies which is great for the reader and for BL.

The only slight draw back is that they're printing them after the orders have been finalised, so the lead time will be longer, though I think that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make to ensure I don't have to pay double or triple the price to some ass on ebay that bought multiple copies, stopping me from picking one up.

Here's hoping that BL stick to this format as it's a great deal fairer imo

**kronk**

Alpharius wrote:
I think this whole limited thing is more damaging then anything else for BL, especially when it comes to them including HH stuff in them.

Maybe. I have the 2011/2012 Event only Black Library Anthology. The HH story did not advance, or even add to the story at all.

Spoiler:

**Mr. Balloon Hands**

I really enjoy some of the exclusive collector novellas but I mean, there is no way I am going to buy one about a legion I dont enjoy that much. I feel they make some of the Novellas to promote the sale and story of Legions that are less liked by the whole wider population. White Scars, Raven Guard, I mean, really?? Not many people are going to be head over heals out to grab those books. But, since they are collect books, I am still a tad interested in grabbing them. Now think of this. If they had a collectors edition book about Alpha Legion vs Space Wolves written by ADB with killer art by Neil Robert and signed by both. I would prob spend upwards of 100 wampum on that. No doubt.

About 140 pages into FtT and really really liking the book. Quick spoiler below about a part I really liked but was such a small aspect in the book.

Spoiler:

**Temujin**

I'd rather they stuck to the format where they sold the bloody books for a fair price without arbitrary limits on availability. Can't we all just club together and agree to buy none at all until they stop these irritating anti-customer schemes. It's not like we're getting anything much in return for paying double or triple the price - we're getting a shorter story and paying vastly more for the privilege of being let through the barriers that they've artificially put in place. If I'm forced to make do with a paper format only, shorter length, slow delivery, weekday only delivery, restricted purchase window, and lack of reviews prior to purchase, the price I'm willing to pay goes down, not up. A few bits of artwork I've already seen elsewhere and a fancy cover don't begin to make up for the downsides, especially when the downsides were all artificially put in place as a backwards excuse to massively increase the price. I used to have the urge to have the complete series of books, but that has been squashed by the realisation that these downgrade-for-a-premium editions are going to keep getting churned out, plus the fact that half the most recent books have been dire.

While I'm being negative, they released The Crimson Fist a while ago for 3.50GBP, and now the complete set of stories is out in Shadows of Treachery for the usual 6.50GBP, but the other stories are not available individually. So people are supposed to buy the whole ebook just to get the one lone short story that hasn't been previously released?

**kryczek**

Hi all,

Just finished FtT and I enjoyed it immensely.

A decent read and it also has a little nudge to his other BA stuff flung in.

He may not be the best author in the stable* but this is a worthy read and then some for BA fans.

*His audio dramas on the other hand rock, I cant wait for Sword of Truth and Sigillite.

Cheers, K

**Theophony**

Anybody receive the grey angel audio drama, and was it ny good?

**reds8n**

BL have released the timetable for their BL : weekender which takes place in November, sounding good indeed.

**Alpharius**

I wonder what the "Top Secret Horus Heresy Announcement" is?

And, is it really something we haven't already heard about?

**Hulksmash**

The Grey Angel audio book is pretty good. It's Garro/Loken and Dark Angels, can't really go wrong on that one.

**tinfoil**

Temujin wrote:
I'd rather they stuck to the format where they sold the bloody books for a fair price without arbitrary limits on availability. Can't we all just club together and agree to buy none at all until they stop these irritating anti-customer schemes. It's not like we're getting anything much in return for paying double or triple the price - we're getting a shorter story and paying vastly more for the privilege of being let through the barriers that they've artificially put in place.

This! This one hundred percent!

**reds8n**

http://www.blacklibrary.com/Blog/The-Horde-of-Chogoris.html

THE HORDE OF CHOGORIS

On today’s blog, Chris Wraight, author of the upcoming limited edition novella Brotherhood of the Storm, takes over to talk about portraying the White Scars Legion in the age of the Great Crusade.

Take it away Chris.

Chris: The White Scars are the elusive Legion. They move fast, striking out of the glare of the rising sun and departing before it sets again. Their livery – ivory, gold, red – blazes briefly before they disappear, as vivid and fleeting as the downstrike of a tulwar. They leave nothing behind. They do not build, they do not civilise, they do not linger. They are weapons built for speed, for ferocity, for the sudden attack that comes from nowhere and returns to nowhere.

The teeming multitudes of the galaxy do not fear them as they fear the Wolves of Fenris or the Night Lords, nor do they idolise them as they do the glorious Blood Angels or the noble Ultramarines. All they know of the White Scars comes from snatched rumours, some half-true, many little more than myths.

It is said by some that the facial scars that give them their name are self-inflicted on initiation, a rite carried over from the days when the Talskar roamed the seas of grass on Chogoris. Their scorn for heavy weaponry is better known, as is their uncanny, almost preternatural,l skill with the jetbike. Only a few outsiders have seen the mysterious Stormseers riding alongside them, wild shamans of prodigious power and savagery.

But for those fortunate enough to witness it, the Vth Legion at war is one of the truly magnificent sights of the galaxy: a breaking tide of bone-whitespeeders tearing across open ground, pennants snapping, riders whooping for the unalloyed joy of the chase. Across the entire Imperium there is nothing so vivid, so pure, so elemental as the horde of Chogoris on the massed charge.

And what of their gene-father, the Great Khan himself? Even his brother primarchs understand little of him. His prowess with the blade earns him their respect even as his waywardness causes them concern. Guilliman has never trusted him. Russ is exasperated by him. Lorgar despises him for an untutored savage. Only Horus sees him for what he truly is. They are kindred souls, those two: warrior archetypes, bound by shared codes of martial honour and impatient with the heavy fetters of empire.

When the canker of treachery is birthed and loyalties put to the test, the White Scars are alone, battling the remnants of Ullanor, ignorant of the fires spreading throughout the Imperium. Their allegiance is unknown, their intentions hidden. No one, neither the strategeos of Terra nor the sorcerers of Lupercal, knows what the Khan will choose to do.
Only one thing is certain: the White Scars will not remain hidden forever. For good or ill, they will make their choice. They will emerge from the shadows, and when they do the course of the Heresy will change forever.

As the destiny of mankind hangs in the balance, the Khan will ride to war.

Thanks Chris.

To get your copy of the first Horus Heresy book to feature the White Scars, Brotherhood of the Storm will be on sale from the 21st to the 28th of this month. Set a reminder here and we’ll drop you an email when it goes on sale.

If you’d like to meet Chris in person, he is just one of twenty Black Library authors who will be attending the Black Library Weekender this November.
We’ve just announced the full timetable of seminars and signings, so to see what’s on over the two days, and to pick up your ticket for the Ultimate Black library experience, head over to the Weekender page now.

Loved his other 40k books, both his space marine battles books especially. Looking forwards to his space wolf book as well.

{i]Finally[/i] got my hands on a copy of "Pariah" .. guess that's my Saturday AM sorted out then !

**Compel**

Hmm, I'm now unsure about this, I've just finished the Battle of The Fang and found it pretty dire.

The only way I could describe it was as bad fan fiction. - "Hey, lets chuck in as many references to 1000 Sons and Prospero Burns as possible." When it just ended up highlighting just how bad it was compared to them - and I wasn't even that huge a fan of Prospero Burns.

**BrookM**

I like his fantasy work, not sure about his 40k works.

Also, to prepare for the upcoming White Scars novella I decided to re-read Aurellian, good stuff.

**Pilau Rice**

reds8n wrote:

And what of their gene-father, the Great Khan himself? Even his brother primarchs understand little of him. His prowess with the blade earns him their respect even as his waywardness causes them concern. Guilliman has never trusted him. Russ is exasperated by him. Lorgar despises him for an untutored savage. Only Horus sees him for what he truly is. They are kindred souls, those two: warrior archetypes, bound by shared codes of martial honour and impatient with the heavy fetters of empire.

Interesting indeed. I never would have thought there was this relationship between Horus and the Khan, although Horus does believe that the Khan will side with him in the CCG Visions series, this also seems to paint a different picture between the Lion and the Khan as well. Perhaps it's jealousy on Russ behalf that the Khan is the true wolf amongst his brothers.

Does Guilliman mention his opinion towards the Khan in Know no Fear?

**BrookM**

But doesn't Horus share a special bond between all his brothers, one way or the other?

**Alpharius**

BrookM wrote:
But doesn't Horus share a special bond between all his brothers, one way or the other?

He does - which is why is betrayal was that much more awful in its scope!

And... I have to admit, I rather liked BATTLE OF THE FANG, so...

**BrookM**

Granted, come to think of it, Horus admitted that Sanguinius was his favourite brother and the one he wanted to see as Warmaster himself.

**Pilau Rice**

BrookM wrote:
But doesn't Horus share a special bond between all his brothers, one way or the other?

Yeah, I meant an extra special sooper dooper bestest fwiends relationship. It's not entirely true of Corax though.

BrookM wrote:
Granted, come to think of it, Horus admitted that Sanguinius was his favourite brother and the one he wanted to see as Warmaster himself.

Which is why I ask the question, he's also supposed to be almost as close to Fulgrim, so does the Khan squeeze in the middle.

**BrookM**

Well, Horus is the best and brightest, or so they say, he could just be a big fat liar who chums it up as best he can with all his brothers to get them to do their extra best when called upon.

**Pilau Rice**

BrookM wrote:
Well, Horus is the best and brightest, or so they say, he could just be a big fat liar who chums it up as best he can with all his brothers to get them to do their extra best when called upon.

The IA article says as much.

Just seems an unlikely pairing of buddies to me.

**ithilmere**

Alpharius wrote:
I'm not a big fan of this particular change to the Blood Angels' history or cause behind the Black Rage either. It was not good back when it first appeared in the HH card game/background books, and it hasn't gotten any better with age...

If I'm not mistaken the black rage is entirely distinct to the red thirst.

The black rage resulted from the psychological impact on the Blood Angels of the death of Sanguinius and manifests itself as a battle fury where the afflicted Blood Angel finds himself experiencing Sanguinius' last moments as his own. Such marines are identified prior to battle by chaplains and are oganised into the Death Company. There is no reference to this in Fear to Tread as far as I can remember except a couple of references to a 'company of death' and black armour with red patches being experienced in a prescient vision. To be clear I don't think the black rage exists at the time of Fear to Tread and is not therefore referred to. The red thirst is an entirely distinct affliction and until now has not been explained other than as a fall to vampirism. Death Company marines are not those that have fallen to the Red Thirst.

It is the red thirst that is said to give the Blood Angels their nobility as they have to constantly strive to keep their blood lust in check. The only recorded instance of a Blood Angel experiencing the red thirst and overcoming it is Mephiston. The Black Rage on the other hand leads to death in battle, execution at the hands of Astaroth or internment in the Tower of the Lost (where it implied that they also succomb to the red thirst). The only instance of a marine falling to the black rage and escaping this fate is Lemartes.

Forgive me if I'm wrong on the above; it's easy to confuse the two conditions but I'm pretty sure Fear to Tread doesn't contradict any existing Blood Angels lore...

**kronk**

Pilau Rice wrote:

The IA article says as much.

Just seems an unlikely pairing of buddies to me.

Only Horus sees him for what he truly is. They are kindred souls, those two: warrior archetypes, bound by shared codes of martial honour and impatient with the heavy fetters of empire.

I could be reading this wrong, but I don't read that to mean they are BFFs, but that they both feel their place is to lead warriors into battle and not be tied down with the burden of governing. I think they both understand and respect that about each other, but that doesn't mean they are close friends, if that makes any sense.

**JazzGB**

I thought FtT was a bit naff to be honest. I found the Blood Angels terribly dour, which was odd as I thought that would be the case with the Ultramarines but it was quite the opposite. I found it a chore to finish FtT.

**Pilau Rice**

kronk wrote:
Pilau Rice wrote:

The IA article says as much.

Just seems an unlikely pairing of buddies to me.

Only Horus sees him for what he truly is. They are kindred souls, those two: warrior archetypes, bound by shared codes of martial honour and impatient with the heavy fetters of empire.

I could be reading this wrong, but I don't read that to mean they are BFFs, but that they both feel their place is to lead warriors into battle and not be tied down with the burden of governing. I think they both understand and respect that about each other, but that doesn't mean they are close friends, if that makes any sense.

Yup, I am going over the top intentionally here though

. It's never struck me from what detail we have had on the Primarchs before that Horus ever had any major respect for the Khan. He is worried about Guilliman, Dorn, Sanguinius, Russ and the Lion, but never seems to be bothered about the White Scars. I guess this is why though, because of this suddenly mentioned bond that they share.

Basically, it had never been hinted at before and they seem to be different types of character entirely, the only notion that Horus isn't for Empire seems to be when the Adeptus Terra starts turning up demanding tithes be introduced. Otherwise he seems all for it if you ask me, isn't that half the reason of what the Heresy is about, that he is the rightful heir to the Imperium and more deserving than his father. If he doesn't like Empires, why not just disappear.

I can believe that the Khan has such codes of honour, but Horus, he's the guy that get's the job done with what tools he has at hand.

**Eiríkr**

The British magazine SFX features a multiple page interview with various BL authors in this month's issue. Didn't have time to read it off the shelf, unfortunately had a scan read. Looked to be some interesting material, including a little more on the White Scars novel.

**reds8n**

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W267hHkKbKg&feature=em-uploademail

a wee bit more info about the HH White Scars book.

Automatically Appended Next Post:
.. and another nice Q & A with Mr. Abnett :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EowX6eOrFc

Only a few pages into "Pariah" currently... am very happy already.

**d-usa**

Still reading Priests of Mars" and I like it so far. I did have to laugh a little at one piece of writing in the book that reminded me too much of real-life Games Workshop.

Captain is talking about traveling beyond the known Empire because "He wants to see something that isn't covered in skulls".

**KamikazeCanuck**

d-usa wrote:
Still reading Priests of Mars" and I like it so far. I did have to laugh a little at one piece of writing in the book that reminded me too much of real-life Games Workshop.

Captain is talking about traveling beyond the known Empire because "He wants to see something that isn't covered in skulls".

Heresy! How dare he want to see something not completely covered top to bottom in skulls!

**reds8n**

I did chortle a bit at that myself.

.. finished "Pariah", which is ( IMO of course) pant wettingly good.

squealed out loud like an excited teenage girl on a couple of occasions I must confess.

Spoiler:

anyway, from Facebook

What could this be about? Guess you'll just have to check out the Black Library stand at Games Day UK on Sunday to find out.

Top of my head guess.... some sort of reprint/special edition of the early HH books perhaps ?

**Bulkoth**

Browsing Amazon I saw this listing for Betrayer. I saw some mention of it earlier as a teaser but now with cover art and a potential release date: April 2, 2013

Spoiler:

Cover shot:

Spoiler:

Edit: a few more not on the BL site, audio books this time all with cover art

Spoiler: