Necron Warriors Painted plus lore.

"Wit is not required in my vassals: they need only the ability to fight and die in the furtherance of my boundless glory. Only the most merciful and beneficent of rulers would spare their subjects from the burden of independence, do you not agree?"

— Thaszar the Invincible, Phaeron of the Sarnekh Dynasty, Supreme Warbringer of the Crownworld of Zapennec

Necron Warriors are the primary infantry troops of the soulless, undying mechanical monstrosities known as the Necrons. They were created from most ancient humanoid Necrontyr species who agreed to be bound to the will of their Star Gods, the terrible entities known as the C'tan. The Necrontyr's consciousnesses were transferred into robotic bodies made of the living metal called necrodermis. Over time, the new unliving bodies dulled the Necrontyr's minds and abilities to feel emotion or pleasure. Over many millennia, the ultimate outcome of this process of gradual desensitization was that the Necron Warriors became little more than soulless automatons, the warrior-slaves of the still-sentient Necron royalty and military elite who sought to rebuild their star-spanning empires across the portions of the galaxy now controlled by the "lesser races."

Hundreds of thousands of Necron Warriors form the cold heart of a Tomb World's armies. They are implacable, emotionless and terrifying soldiers -- the inexorable emissaries of death itself. Yet on closer inspection of a Necron Warrior, aberrant details become visible that act against the image of the inevitable reaper. Its reactions, though precise, are slow. Its limbs, though solid and sleek, are pitted and corroded, covered with an oily fluid seeping from aged joints. Its movements are jerky; every so often, it struggles as corroded and eons-old engrammic synapses misfire. In truth, the Necron Warrior would almost be pitiable were it not for the merciless gleam flickering in its eyes and the pervasive sense that it is less a sentient creature than one of the walking dead.

Grim and remorseless machine-creatures, each Necron Warrior carries the dimly echoed remains of a living mind bound into eternal servitude. They are implacable and ruthless killers, largely ignorant of their nightmarish condition. But despite their shambolic gait, they are all but unstoppable; their bodies able to repair almost any harm done to them and compelled by the will of their lords, they are tireless as agents of destruction.

Book Review 197 // Lair of the Skaven by Tom Huddleston

Hot on the heels of the City of Lifestone comes book two in the Warhammer Adventure series, The Lair of the Skaven. A little fact about me is that a picture of a Skaven got me into Games Workshop. I fell in love with the furry little creatures, and I always wanted an army of them (though it has never happened!).

Title: Lair of the Skaven (Realm Quest #2)

Author: Tom Huddleston

Blurb: Book 2 of the Realm Quest series

Determined to rescue their master, Elio, Kiri, Alish, Thanis, and Kaspar find themselves in danger as they venture into the lair of the Skaven.

READ IT BECAUSE

The realm-marked heroes are back and facing off against sinister ratmen in their own lair… How will they get out of this?

THE STORY

When their master, Vertigan, is kidnapped, Elio and his friends are determined to try and rescue him. Using a powerful artifact, they forge a magical doorway into a forbidding underground world teeming with Skaven ratmen! Hopelessly outnumbered, Elio, Kiri, Alish, Thanis and Kaspar must use all of their cunnings if they are to find Vertigan and escape alive…

Format: Paperback, 220 pages

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Review

Of course, this book continues the action of the first title, and we plunge into the terrifying world of the Skaven. Straight away, I like this book more than the first. The characters and the plot are established, so more time can be spent on the action and adventure. I enjoyed that we swapped the viewpoint focus to a different character, swapping from Kiri to Elio for this one as he attempts to deal with his insecurities while trying to set himself as a leader.

With less time needed on introductions and world-building, we actually get some good character development which impressed me. I genuinely hope this continues throughout the stories and that we hopefully get a book for each of the kids. This is something that is missing from the 40k versions.

The villain Kreech is most likely the standout for me, and he alone carries me through this title with joy. In my opinion, he overshadows the main plot, which isn't a bad thing, as we end up with a very neatly presented quest with a beginning and an end. Speaking of endings, the cliffhanger is well created and has me ready to move into the next book, well played Tom Huddleston.

Overall a well-written and achieved dungeon adventure. I am more excited for this series than the 40k version, and I can't help but feel the draw to paint Skaven growing within me....now to just find some cheese.

As always, thanks for stopping by and reading!

Book Review 196 // City of Lifestone by Tom Huddleston

As regular readers will know, I have enjoyed the Warhammer Adventure series. They are aimed at a younger audience, but if you are looking for a light, quick-to-finish read, I would say try it and see if you like it. While searching the local library, I discovered this one tucked away on the shelf and due I had to try it. Could this be the first book to get me to like AOS?

Title: City of Lifestone (Realm Quest #1)

Author: Tom Huddleston

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Fluff: Far from home and free from slavery, Kiri embarks on an epic adventure across the Mortal Realms, accompanied by a group of special friends. But dark forces gather to stop them…

READ IT BECAUSE

It's a brand-new and exciting way to experience the Age of Sigmar – and it's designed to be the perfect starting point for younger readers. Read it with your children to introduce them to your favourite universe!

THE STORY

Raised as a slave in the Darkoath camps of Aqshy, Kiri dreams of a better life. Of a city of wonders, the place of her birth… Lifestone! She despairs of ever reaching it until a fateful day arrives when her barbarian captors are attacked by Sigmar's noblest warriors, the Stormcast Eternals. Seizing her chance, Kiri flees through a mysterious realmgate that takes her far from the fiery lands of Aqshy. She arrives in the realm of Ghyran and finds the city of Lifestone. But a curse lies on this place, withering its noble spirit. Her path leads her to a special group of children who, like her, are realm-marked – the prophecised saviours of Lifestone. There's Thanis, the fighter; Alish, the inventor; Kaspar; the sneak and Elio, the healer. But dark forces are allying against the children and will do anything to stop them achieving their destiny.

Format: Paperback, 208 pages

Review

The opening story follows Kiri, whose story beings with her being liberated by the Stormcast Eternals as they wage war against the Darkoath Chaos Warbands. Remembering a tale her mother had told her, she seeks out the City of Lifestone in hopes of a peaceful life. However, like many locations in the realms, the city has seen better days, and soon Kiri is swept up in a new adventure.

Kiri herself is a significant lead, a strong-willed, natural leader with a real stubborn streak. I can see how this persona will work well with young readers. We then get slowly introduced to more kids like Alish, the inventor; Thanis, the fighter; Kaspar, a sneaky thief and Elio, the healer (which feels like a D&D group). This rage tag grouping is, of course, led by a mysterious older character seeking out children with special marks; the reason is unknown and, if not a little creepy. Is he a good guy?

If this wasn't enough plot hook for you, we get everyone's favourite villain, the Skaven, popping up. They, too, seem to be interested in the city, and soon the children are neck-deep in trouble. This is a children's book, so many darker topics are avoided or quickly skimmed over. Similar to the 40k version of the book. The ending comes rather promptly, ending on a cliffhanger with the kids heading into the Lair of the Skaven.

Overall an enjoyable afternoon read; the illustrations were excellent, the encyclopedia section is always fun to read, and I can see this being popular with a younger audience. Definitely now seeking out book two.

Have you read it? Let me know in the comments. It is making me want to paint a Skaven or two, ha.

Book Review 192 // Gloomspite by Andy Clark

I am attempting some more Age of Sigmar stories this summer. My reason is that I want to start collecting a small force. I will probably never play, but I want something a little different to paint, and with me dipping my toes into Slaine, I have developed a fantasy urge. I have narrowed that down to a couple of races, one of which is the theme of this book. So let's dive in.

Title: Warhammer Age of Sigmar -Gloomspite

Author: Andy Clark

Publisher: Black Library

Fluff: The Bad Moon looms over the city of Dracothium, and Watch Captain Helena Morthan knows it bodes ill for the town. Can she and grieving warrior Hendrick Saul defeat the plans of the Gloomspite Loonking and save their people?

In the dark corners of the Mortal Realms, the mysterious Gloomspite Gitz go to war, following the trail of their abominable deity. Nowhere is beyond the sight of the Bad Moon, not even those places under Sigmar's protection, like the city of Draconium, sweltering beneath the scalding rain of Aqshy. In this boiling pot of tension, the regent prays to Sigmar for guidance while Captain Helena Morthan puts out fires: blades drawn in the streets, heretical doomsayers preaching the end of days, and insects eating watchmen alive.

When the grieving warrior Hendrick and his warband arrive at the gates with a prophetic warning, Captain Morthan sees a way to save her people. But with Skragrott the Loonking plotting underneath Draconium, and the Bad Moon looming in the sky above, will there be a city left to save?

Buy Now on Amazon

REVIEW

Okay. That was a fun story. I straight up enjoyed this one from start to finish. It was well written, with a creepy nursery rhyme opening every act of the story. This helped set the scene perfectly and raised the creeped-out level by no end as you are left guessing how or what the rhyme is hinting at.

The story's primary focus is based on adventurers for hire, a roving band of characters who wouldn't be out of place in a D & D adventure. Following the death of their leader and his death throw warning, the group heads to Draconium to issue a warning of a dire threat heading towards the city. Beyond saying it involves grots would ruin the surprise, so I will stay quiet on that.

In unsurprising Black Library style, everything starts going wrong. Events start going from bad to worst, and soon the city is in utter chaos. There is fighting in the streets and the palace, and it would seem even nature is against them. There is so much happening in the story, yet I was confused at no point.

This was a joy to read. More so than any other tale I have read of late. The characters were at no point safe and could be killed off quickly, which had you fearing for their action and heartbroken at their losses. No epic deed heroes here and definitely no over-the-top epic boss fights. Instead, we get gritty, grim, dangerous, run-in fears adventure, and I loved it!

I highly recommend this title. Just go buy it!

Book Review 188 // The Reaper's Gift by Ray Cluley

Continuing my short reads with what, in my opinion, is one of the strongest Age Sigmar tales out there. Unfortunately, this title is actually a part of the anthology titled the Accursed and as such doesn't have it's own cover or much info on it.

Title: The Reaper's Gift

Author: Ray Cluley

Disclaimer: This title actually appears in the anthology titled the Accursed; as I haven't read the whole book yet, I will not be sharing any amazon links at this time.

Review

Well, I said it in the opening line, for me is one of the best Age of Sigmar stories out there. Ray Cluley has created such a depressing and bleak world that could fit almost any fantasy setting. He has done such a great job; with minimal tweaking, this could be made into a real-world story.

In this tale, we join a soldier who has deserted the front lines, and as he flees the forces of death, he finds himself in a farming community that is a little too quiet. Seemingly suffering from a harsh famine, the soldier holds up with a family and discovers the tale of the Reaper's Gift and how far a people will go to survive. It is haunting and addictive to read and captivates me until the end. This is genuinely a standout. 

The only problem I have is that Cluley only has one more tale in the Black Library catalogue. I really hope this changes soon as I want more!

Book Review 126 // Azrael by Gav Thorpe

Welcome back to another Dark Angel novel. This time we delve into the Chapter Master himself and his rise into the role of Chapter Master. Azrael is 192 pages long and written by a favourite author of mine by Gav Thorpe.

The Dark Angels Chapter sprang from the First Legion of Space Marines to fight and die at the Emperor's side. But over ten thousand years, even the most staunchly loyal warriors of the Imperium can fall from grace, and the Dark Angels guard their own murky secrets most carefully - only Supreme Grand Master Azrael knows them all. A legend among Space Marines, he has fought for centuries and ever at the forefront of battle. Now, with the enigmatically alien eldar as his uneasy and unlikely allies, he must tread the fine line once more between the pursuit of victory, and keeping the Chapter's past safely buried...

Author: Gav Thorpe

Page Count: 192

Publisher: Black Library

Unsurprisingly Azrael is all about the Chapter Master of the Dark Angels. We go back in time to watch him be promoted into the position of Chapter Master. During this time we will see him as the leader of the First Company aka the Deathwing. In this opening act, we have the Dark Angels facing off against a traitorous World, corrupted by the Night Lords. In this action, the previous Grandmaster is slain and Azrael steps forwards as his replacement. He is then put to the test within the Rock to see if he is worthy enough to lead.

There is plenty of action, which I have come to expect of any Space Marine novel. A surprise twist for me is the inclusion of Eldar in the final battle, but it would seem they had a common enemy in the form of the Painted Count. But overall this book should be viewed as a lore filler, it shows how the new commanders are chosen and the role the Watchers in the Dark still play within the chapter. I do find it intriguing that they should show Azrael his past as a way for himself to decide if he deserves to lead or not.

Overall a solid read and I enjoyed it, so it's a win for me. Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed it and use the links provided to support me and the blog.

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Audio Book 19 // Soul Wars by Joshua Reynolds

After the trip down memory lane with Trollslayer, I felt I needed to try some of the newer lore of Age of Sigmar. I know very little about Age of Sigmar and had heard good things about Soul Wars so here we are. Let us start with the commercial info:

It is said that all who live to belong ultimately to the Undying King. In the shadowy lands of Shyish, Nagash, God of Death, calls forth his soulless legions to reassert his dominion. His dread advance begins with the free city of Glymmsforge, a bastion of Azyr in the Realm of Death. Standing between Nagash and his prize are the brooding Anvils of the Heldenhammer, an ancient host of Stormcast Eternals, and LordCastellant Pharus Thaum, guardian of the Ten Thousand Tombs. As battles between the living and the dead rage throughout the Mortal Realms, the War of Heaven and Death begins anew. But even Sigmar’s chosen may not be enough to cease the onslaught. For how does one destroy what is already dead?

Read by Andrew Wincott.

Where to begin? I will start with the good parts, the good and the bad guys. Up first the God-King of Sigmar and his Stormcast Eternals, these characters call Glymmsforge their home. This city is a rare bastion in the lands of Death and is protected by Stormcasts known as the Anvils of Heldenhammer. These glorious heroes are reborn time and time again and this angers Nagash the villain of the piece. Nagash wants these souls for his growing army of undead and hopes to march his legions of the dead across the realms of the living to claim the souls of everyone. Here ends the positive part of the story.

Ultimately this book was lacking throughout. Examples include, Characters not progressing or evolving, leaving you not caring what happens to them. The story also seems to continually repeat itself or lean into the same themes, which slowly becomes repetitive and dull. Now I know what the issue is, the author wasn't planning to make this book, he didn't have a story to write and wasn't given much to work with. He was put into a corner to create a tale that would help sell the starter set. This ultimately leads to a story that goes nowhere, no winners, no losers and an open-ended tale that is decided by the players when they play the game.

The story is sadly a miss for me. Have you listen to or read this story? Let me know your thoughts below in the comments or if you have the chance give me a follow. Thank you for stopping by, show support and feel free to use these links to start your own adventures. I get a kickback if you use the Amazon link, so thank you in advance.

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Audio Book 18 // Trollslayer by William King

As I looked for inspiration on what to listen to next, I remembered fondly, my Warhammer Quest adventure days as a teenager (20+ years ago). Wanting to reignite that excitement, I searched for a classic Warhammer story, which of course lead me to William King's Trollslayer. Trollslayer is a collection of short stories designed to introduce the reader to the main characters: Felix a human bard/warrior and Gortek a shamed Dwarf warrior seeking his doom.

Diving into the short stories we start with a creepy human sacrifice story involving the Chaos Gods, setting the tome for the work. This is going to be a gory, battle filled trip. We follow the pair as they move through tales and the realm of men starting within the Border Princes region and then up into the Empire heading to Nuln. Throughout this, we get to view the world through two very different sets of eyes, and it is a rewarding experience. We have Felix, who still sees the chance of a real life, he falls in love, he loses love, but ultimately due to his honour aways stays besides Gotrek. Whilst Gotrek, seems to be a one dwarf wrecking ball on a suicidal quest, but he isn't one dimensional in the slightest and even has a soft side, as he struggles to admit he enjoys the comradeship of Felix. It is these two playing off against each other, that really makes the stories. It is through these small very realistic moments of brotherhood, that King is able to bring the Warhammer World to life, reminding me why I loved it so much back in the day.

This has definitely sparked my interest in listening to more of the series, which I believe moves away from the short story format into a more rounded fuller stories. This excites me as I want to delve into the characters more, which you can't do with a short story. You are just expected to assume things about the characters and except that they aren't completely formed individuals. We will see where this take us moving into 2021.

Solid opening novel that was lacking in parts, the voice acting was great and for the time it was written this was the height of Warhammer Lore. I have to give this a 3.5 out of 5. Solid piece but I need more character info to want to commit to loving it. As always drop me a comment, or sign up for email notifications of posts. Using any of these links provided also helps to support my blogging adventures. Cheers!

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Trollslayer by William King

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Comic Review 111 // Warhammer 40,000: Marneus Calgar Issue 2

It's been two weeks since issue 1 of Marneus Calgar (Check this link) and I am actually excited to see what issue two gives us. Straight away the cover is so much more exciting than the original one, showcasing Marneus front and centre carving his way through some filthy traitors. It even has a cherub!

Genres: Sci-Fi

Publisher: Marvel

Writer: Kieron Gillen

Artist: Jacen Burrows

Publication date: November 2020 (Not sure of the official date).

Unsurprisingly issue one set up the story nicely for us. We are in the Ultmar system on a world called Nova Thulium. The actual birthplace of Marneus, now under siege by Black Legions following the opening of the warp storms. Whilst set in the present timeline we are also treated to some pre-space marine flashbacks as Marneus relives his childhood memories. The last issue finished with Marneus's troops slaughtering their foes on the planet, whilst in flashbacks younger Marneus was starting his training to be able to become a marine and with his friends was left facing off against an Ambull!

Okay, first issue NO Ambull! WTF Marvel, you just breeze past such a cool thing, shame on you. On a more positive note, we do get to visit the Calgar Estates as Marneus travels home to fortify the estate to aid in the battle against the Black Legion. It is like an over top roman castle, fall of statues of the Chapter Master and other family members who have gone on to become space marines. The main focus of this issue is the flashbacks and I warn you now MASSIVE SPOILER!

Still, reading? Spoiler incoming...

The training is brutal and we start to witness the once-friendly group split in two. Severan and Kato, gain strength and aggression not matched by Marneus and Tacitan, and Crixus continues to push Marneus and Tacitan hard. One night Marneus and Tacitan discover the boys gone and realize they have travelled into the forbidden caves. Following their tracks, the young boys discover a terrible secret. Crixus is, in fact, a follower of the Blood God and discovered a shrine in the caves, where he sends young recruits to spill blood. Soon the battle is joined and the two lads give a good account of themselves against the other boys, that is until Crixus stabs Marnues through the back and into his heart. Tacitan fearing for his friend grabs Marneus and the pair plunge into a chasm. Fall into an underground lake Tactin watches Marneus die!

Yep, Marneus is dead. Tacitan decides to honour his friend by taking on his name and seeking vengeance. Here ends the flashback. The story ends in the current timeline with the now Marneus staring at the statue of his dead friend.

What a great plot twist! I wasn't expecting to discover. Personally, I loved it, but there are definitely going to be some fanboy rages on the internet so watch out!

Have you read the comic? What are your thoughts on it? Let me know in the comments and please support the blog by following or clicking on some of these links:

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Miniature Monday // Oriosamure - Stars Death - Wraithknight

Welcome to a long-overdue Aeldari post! It's been an age since I last posted Aeldari models. Something I hope to improve on in the upcoming weeks. This last week I have been left in a home alone scenario, so I figured I might as well try and finish up some models. The first and easiest model to finish up is this wraithknight, left to collect dust due to high points the base had been sorely lacking a finishing coat of paint. As I attempted to do just that I decided it would be easier just to chop it off the base, get it all painted and reattach.

Like a lot of my models, it is purely tabletop ready only ie. looks good from three feet away. The base is simple but effective and sits well with the rest of the army. So here is my first Super Heavy completely finished:

Oriosamure - Stars Death

Twins are such a rare breed on Iyanden and even rarer in the current age, so when the House of Ulthanash was blessed with Isentara and Madera there was much celebration. The twin sisters were inseparable throughout childhood and it was known to the House Elders that the twins were destined to pilot a Wraithsuit sooner or later. Unfortunately, it was sooner and Isentara died during the Battle of Iyanden in 999.M41 fighting a Nurgle Plaguemarine. Fearing a slowing fading death in mourning Madera volunteered to be inturned into a Wraithknight suit as the Elders had seen so long ago, and with this Oriosamure was born. The Knight soon gained a reputation for risk-taking, fighting on when others would have fled. This has led to the still-living sister being chastised for recklessness but none can deny their kill count with the relic Suncannon.

Traditionally armed with the aforementioned Suncannon, alongside the Scatter shield and Scatter Lasers. The Oriosamure is a true infantry killer and rightly feared when they ride to war. Always the last to leave a battle, House Ulthanash fear they may one day push their fate too far. But for now, the Craftworld rejoices at the slight of twins aboard in the wider conflicts.

As always let me know your thoughts in the comments and please take a moment to either like or subscribe to this blog. Cheers!

Aeldari - Words // H

My Eldar Encyclopedia is becoming a bit bloated and over complicated so I am attempting to fix this. Starting with the A-Z of Aeldari words I have over there. Whenever I have the urge I will post a section of that page, create a link to this page and see if it tidies up the page and makes me feel happy once more.

H

"We have made battle in this place before. We have fought and won. Fought because we knew that we must. We won, and brought upon ourselves glory that will not fade as long as Ulthwé thrives. Now we are called to battle again. Must we perform a duty which we have already accomplished? If we fight and fail, are our former victories tarnished?" - Farseer Caerys of Ulthwé

Hara/Harai: Vital fluids

Haras: Blood

Hasoi: Inside or Within

Hekatarii: Wyches

Hela: Penetrate (Aggressive)

Herethuin: Minimalist art form.

Hesh: Surrounding (aggressive)

Hish: Around

Wow shortlist for H. Know of any other words? Drop me a comment and let me know.

Original Materials

This is a project that has been worked on for a while and mainly for my own needs so I never thought of recording page numbers etc. as I never thought it would leave my notebook but for those interested, it has been collected from the following locations:

Rogue Trader (1987), Warhammer 2nd/3rd/4th/5th Editions, Eldar codex (2nd ed/3rd ed/4th ed), Codex Dark Eldar, Citadel Journal #17, White Dwarf #127 (original Eldar army list), Codex: Titanicus, Codex Necrons, Warhammer 40,000 compendium, Warhammer 40k Wargear (2nd ed). Battletome Sylvaneth. Battletome Daughters of Khaine. Battletome Idoneth Deepkin.

Black Library Novels: Shadow Point, Harlequin, Chaos Child, Farseer, Tales from the Dark Millennium, Warrior Coven, Path of the Warrior, Path of the Seer, Eldar Prophecy, Valedor, Asurmen, Jain Zar, Rise of Ynnead: Ghost Warrior, Rise of Ynnead: Wildrider.

**Also there is this web version of an Eldar dictionary that turns out has been around since 1990. It's more complete than what I have collected and better organized. This link was requested to be added by David Grophland: Eldar Language

Book review 85 // Lord of Ruin by Dan Abnett and Mike Lee

I failed so terribly at completing my Malus Darkblade story reviews. I had a lofty goal of reading these in order and blogging in a timely fashion. The first tale The Daemon's Curse was posted way back in Feb 2019, this was followed by Bloodstorm in March 2019, then Reaper of Souls in March 2019 and finally Warpsword also in March 2019. Then I got distracted for fifteen months and finally remembered during my Thousand Sons month that I had this unread book on my to-read shelf still. I couldn't believe it, I had completely forgotten about this book. I even searched the blog as there was no way I would have not posted about it. Well, I was wrong, I had forgotten so I curled up and read the story and delved back into the Malus Darkblade timeline and what an adventure.

Book Details

Title: Lord of Ruin

Author: Dan Abnett & Mike Lee

Publisher: Black Library

Type: Paperback

Page Count: 413

Commercial Fluff: In the world of Warhammer, no race is as cruel and treacherous as the dark elves, and no member of this race is more infamous than Malus Darkblade. Now that he has retrieved the five missing artefacts, Darkblade must return them to the daemon before the year is up. But can Tz'arkan be trusted to honour his part of the bargain or will he try to trick Darkblade one last time?

Review

And here we hit the final epic tale of Malus (not counting Deathblade written by a different author). Malus is once again in the middle of trouble. He finds himself in the court of Malekith the Witch King and is appointed commander of his armies. Now Malus has to face his first true test as a commander and defeat his sister Nagaira now a full devotee to Slaanesh and her chaos hoard of beastmen and barbarians. All this whilst attempting to regain his soul from Tz'arkan!

This book took Warpsword and ramped up the action even more. We are treated to almost over the top bloody battles and otherworldly dark magic. Into this backdrop, we have surprising plot twists and unsurprising twists. This is the perfect Warhammer story and truly had me gripped to the end and sad this series had to end. Is this the true reason I hadn't read this book?

Do yourselves a favour and pick up the collection and have an enjoyable read.

Book Review 46 // Warpsword by Dan Abnett and Mike Lee

I'm really hitting my stride at the moment with my reading, averaging 50 pages a night. What this does mean is that my book collection is finally starting to shrink and I am greedy looking at what I should get into next! But before that can happen it is time to head back into the world that was and join Malus once more as he searches for the fourth artifact. Have you read the earlier reviews.....no. Well follow this link.

Book Details

Title: Warpsword
Author: Dan Abnett & Mike Lee
Publisher: Black Library
Type: Paperback
Page Count: 407
Commercial Fluff: In the world of Warhammer, no race is as cruel and treacherous as the dark elves, and no member of this race is more infamous than Malus Darkblade. His soul taken forfeit by a daemon, Darkblade must now seek the legendary Warpsword of Khaine or be forever damned.

Review

Here we are, the fourth tale in the Malus Darkblade series. It also means we are at the second to last adventure. First up I have to say there was a real twist in the story telling, it felt darker, meaner and scarier. Malus is slowly succumbing to the Daemon and you can feel that time is running out. To make things hard the next artifact the Warpsword of Khaine is located in designed for murder and bloodshed, that also happens to be suffering a Holy Civil War!

This was an exciting tale as we got to visit the City of Executioners, the capital city of Khaine's Worship! Add to this the fact that we finally get the Malus and Urial showdown we have been waiting for and you can't help but feel giddy.

This was a bloody tale. I'm pretty sure not a single chapter passed without bloodshed. Like the other tales in series, we are treated to twists and turns through out, we discover the cult of Khaine is built on lies, we have political intrigue, sibling rivalry and a daemon that I just find comical with his perfectly timed wit. I found the Chaos Waste section slightly rushed and I do wish some more time was spent on the temple and it's inhabitants. But overall another great read.

Now onto the final novel - Lord of Ruin. As always I love to get feedback so drop me comment.

Book Review 44 // Reaper of Souls by Dan Abnett and Mike Lee

Coming in fast from last weeks Bloodstorm review comes Book three of the Malus Series. I can't believe how quickly I am devouring these books. They are so different and fun, maybe I should try reading more anti-hero books. Here is the review for Reaper of Souls.

Book Details

Title: Reaper of Souls
Author: Dan Abnett & Mike Lee
Publisher: Black Library
Type: Paperback
Page Count: 416
Commercial Fluff: A member of the dark elf race, Darkblade's reputation as a warrior is beyond compare and his cruelty is legendary - even by the standards of the dark elves. Having been possessed by the foul daemon Tz'arkan, Malus undertakes a perilous quest to regain five magical artefacts that will free his soul or damn him forever!

Review

We join Malus as he is heading home to the port of Kar Karond, here in the flesh houses Malus uncovers the location in the third relic. The Dagger of Torxus is located in the city's necropolis, this long black dagger is meant to have been forged from the Outer Darkness itself and seems to absorb a victims souls! The crypt of bearer is known as Eleuril the Damned - kin killer (sounds a bit like Malus).

Upon reaching the resting place Malus is shocked to discover another group of Elves plundering the tomb. Here everything starts going wrong and an evil spirit is awoken almost killing Malus! When Malus regains his wits he discovers the guardian dead and the dagger gone. Here the novel becomes a chase as Malus must discover who has taken the dagger and get it back before it enters the city of Hag Graef. Finally catching up Malus sneaks into the camp and confronts the enemies warlord. As plan commences Malus realises it is Lurhan his father!

Having slain his father and recovered the dagger Malus is now on the run for committing patricide. Being chased by Lurhan retainers Malus has to race to the Black Ark of Naggor and hope his Uncle Balneth Bale will protect him. As always nothing really goes to plan. Heavily wounded and weaken Malus is almost sold into slavery, before it is finally revealed who he is. Seemingly accepted into the Naggor court Malus is given a military title and joins an army headed to claim Hag Graef. Here we see more sibling rivalry and the return of Nigaira.

The rest of the book is one big military action, that sees Malus ultimately leading the army in a failed action to take the city. Malus also disrupts Nigaira's plans along with pissing off two cities (Hag Graef and Naggor) and has started blood fued with the Witch King. Surrounded by enemies and dangers Malus has to sneak off into the wildness in order to survive. This is a complete flip on how the last book ended. 

This is by far my favorite book of the series so far. I'm excited to see how Malus can regain his status from such a low standard. I'm also amazed how much Malus sucks at killing his siblings, so far only one has died and every time they reappear they seem stronger every time whilst Malus seems weaker. I am excited for the next book.

I am going to take a small break from the series and read Gav Thorpes Jain Zar story. Then I will go back to the series.

Book Review 42 // The Daemon's Curse by Dan Anett and Mike Lee

Welcome back to the bookshelf, here we are at book five of 2019. If you have been a follower of mine over my blogging attempts either on here, Instagram or Facebook, you would know I love Sci-fi, but especially 40k Sci-fi. Most of my readings have been in this dark, grim future so I have a treat for you all. This time we get to hangout in the World that was, Warhammer fantasy.

But were to start? The answer for me seemed quite simple in the end. I love Dan Abnett, I love Elves and I love an anti-hero. Here proudly steps in Malus Darkblade - the most infamous of the Dark Elves of the World that was. With about six titles to his name this will definitely become a series of reviews. I managed to pick the main books and so we will begin with Book 1- The Daemon's Curse.

Book Details

Title: The Daemon's Curse
Author: Dan Abnett & Mike Lee
Publisher: Black Library
Type: Paperback
Page Count: 414
Commercial Fluff: Ambitious dark elf warrior Malus Darkblade learns the location of a powerful relic and decides he wants it for himself. Malus leads an expedition into the dangerous Chaos Wastes in search of it but finds far more than he had bargained for. Possessed by a powerful daemon, he must undertake an epic quest to save his very soul.

Review

First up I remember the tale from my teenage years reading the short lived comic series. I remember an anti hero, processed by a Daemon and having to collect artifacts to free himself. I remember loving the artwork and having an evil character to enjoy in my comic reading. With such fond memories it is quite shocking it has took me this long to adventure into this series.

Let's cut to the chase this book involves the Druchii (aka Dark Elves), it is also set in the Warhammer Fantasy era. These are going to be dark, very dark books. This darkness is portrayed perfectly in this opening title as we follow the ruling highborns of the Hag through ambitious political plots, treacherous ploys and just plain torture!

The opening scene shows how yearly all the Highborns of the Hag must present the Lord of the Hag some form of gift. If they ultimately fail to prove loyalty or are lacking in the right gift, the Lord is allowed to torture them or in some cases kill them. Unlucky for Malus he has neither loyalty or gifts and is tortured to the extreme. The only thing saving him is the fact that he is a bastard son of the lord.

The character of Malus is a fun one to follow and is extremely easy to like, which is weird as he is an evil villain. Born as a bastard into the ruling household Malus got the nickname Darkblade as he is seen as a flaw. Barely viewed as a Highborn, Malus has struggled throughout life. Everytime something seems to be going well one of his older siblings betray him and take the glory for themselves or revel in Malus' failures.

Soon Malus is left with very few options socially and has to team up with one of his older siblings to raid one of his other siblings (Family intrigue). After a daring raid on one of his brothers towers, Malus is on the run and being chased by warriors filled with mystical powers. His goal lays in the Chaos Wastes, here Malus will search for treasure and unknown power. From here on it becomes a book of betrayal, brutal warfare, challenges and ultimately failure and the loss of his soul to a deamon.

I really enjoyed this book. I'm a big fan of Elves in general and haven't really explored Dark Elves or Wood Elves or any Elves outside of the 40k setting (something I will try to fix). A highlight of this book is feeling the conflict within Malus. His need to take big risks in attempt to gain bigger rewards and his pure stubbornness born for the hatred for his siblings. You can't help but wish Malus would succeed for once and when he does it still seems to go wrong for him. This makes Malus a very likeable character and you end up forgiving his faults as you end up hating those around him more.

I highly recommend reading this tale. As you read this I am now starting the second book so come and check back in a week or two for an update.