Book Review 211 // Tomb of the Necrons by Cavan Scott

It's with a heavy heart that we say farewell to the Warhammer Adventures series. The last book is now complete, and I do feel a hole has been left that may not be filled easily.

Title: Tomb of the Necron (Warped Galaxies #6)

Author: Cavan Scott

Blurb: Book 6 in the Warped Galaxies Series. Fantastic Sci-Fi books for children aged 9-12.

Guided by the vision of a mysterious psyker, Zelia finally finds her mother on a distant world, far from Terra. But even now, are the friends really safe while they carry the ancient relic that led to the destruction of Talen’s home planet? A family is reunited, but a world will be ripped apart as the unstoppable Necrons close in on their prize. Warped Galaxies reaches its exciting conclusion as loyalties are tested, destinies are set and the Space Marines arrive in force!

Format: 272 pages, Paperback

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Review

It feels like a closing of a chapter holding this last Cavan Scott title in my hand. When first announced it caused an uproar from a certain aspect of the community, I am glad they shut up for the most part and that Games Workshop gave the series time to grow. It has also been a joy to read these to my kids, who are growing more and more intrigued by Dad's toys. Now to the story itself.

The tale starts with the group visiting an unsanctioned psyker, who after absorbing some of Zelia's life force divulges the where about of the Emperor's Seat, and the location of Zelia's mother and other refugees from book 1. Soon it becomes clear that the Necrons have had agents seeded on this world and a dramatic finale finishes off the season (I can't say too much as I don't wish to ruin the plot).

Most major series plot points are completed and closed and sadly a few never truly deliver their worth. The kids themselves have faced down the worst foes of Mankind and learnt that maybe the Imperium is the worst of them all. Though it seems like most of these issues are completely forgotten about in this final tale, could be a good example of Systematic brainwashing. The epic conclusion sees the arrival of the Space Marines to save the day and kick Necron's tinny arses. Whilst everything else is wrapped up nicely into a fitting conclusion. The kids all go their separate ways in a manner that makes perfect sense and I am left feeling content with the story. I also feel the tale has been left a little open to allow for further adventures maybe?

It is a very good attempt at exploring the 40k verse for a younger audience and I can truly see myself re-reading these in a year or two. Quick, fun and lighthearted would be my final description of the series. Go in open-minded and you shouldn't be disappointed.

Now I just need to find Secrets of the Tau and War of the Orks as physical books and I will then be happy!

Book Review 210 // Plague of the Nurglings by Cavan Scott

Back on the Warped Galaxies train and catching up with all the fun these kids are getting into! So far, this book series has been rather impressive, and I am sad to think it is ending.

Title: Plague of the Nurglings (Warped Galaxies #5)

Author: Cavan Scott

Blurb: The fifth book in the Warped Galaxies series. An exciting new series of sci-fi books for middle-grade readers from Black Library. Brave champions and the forces of the Imperium battle alien beasts and mechanical tyrants across the gulf of space.

Zelia, Talen and Mekki arrive at Aparitus, a planet of powerful industrial machines and the cybernetic race called the Mechanicus. Now under the protection of the mysterious Inquisitor Jeremias, they still search for a way to reach Zelia's mother, but all is not what it seems in the forge world. A strange plague spreads, infecting technology and unleashing a host of gribbly monsters – the Nurglings!

Format: 224 pages, Paperback Buy now on Amazon

Review

We pick up the story following on from Zelia, Talen and Mekki being rescued from the Orks by the mysterious Inquisitor Jeremias. If the inquisitor is to be believed, Rogue Trader Captian Amity and Fleapit have tricked the children in an attempt to steal the Necron Diadem, and they have now fled into deep space. After vowing to help the children track down the thieves, the Inquisitor leads the kids to Forge World Aparitus, which acts as Jeremias' base of operation.

Turns out the inquisitor, like most things in 40k, is definitely not a good guy! And through accidental misuse of his warp powers, Jeremias releases a plague on the Forge World, opening the gates for Papa Nurgle to send forth his servants!

This is a pretty scary book for a middle schooler, in my opinion. It sways strongly into the horror aspect of the setting, with daemons, body horror and torture all happening in this title! I caution you to read this through with your kid to assess if it is too scary. It also really highlights the callousness.

For the first time, the young adventurers face off against the forces of chaos in the form of daemons in the service of the plague god Nurgle. It's also the first time they really get to deal with the corruption and callousness that is the Imperium. As well as starting to showcase the darker aspects of the lore. This is an unusual step for the series, but one I feel they can't do justice to without traumatizing the kids!

Overall a very dark twist to the series full of action and adventure. I really enjoy it!

Book Review 208 // War of the Orks Cavan Scottt

Continuing the youth adventure series Warhammer Adventures with War of the Orks. I'm slightly disappointed by using an "S" over a "Z."

Title: War of the Orks (Warped Galaxies #4)

Author: Cavan Scott

Blurb: The fourth book in the Warped Galaxies series. An exciting new series of sci-fi books for middle-grade readers from Black Library. Brave champions and the forces of the Imperium battle alien beasts and mechanical tyrants across the gulf of space.

Still searching for the Emperor’s Seat, Zelia, Talen, and Mekki arrive on the jungle planet of Weald. Accompanied by the ingenious Fleapit and the dashing Rogue Trader Amity, Zelia and her friends become embroiled in a war between two brutish tribes of green-skinned orks! Only by using their wits can they hope to survive this savage encounter…

Format: Paperback, 224 pages

Review

Having barely survived the Tau attack, the children fled with Rogue Trader Amity to continue their search for the Emperor's Seat. Turns out it might be located in a nearby Jungle world. The only problem is it is home to two warring tribes of Orks!

Probably the most comical book so far. The Orks are well played as a for-laughs foe. Scary in a way, a psycho is, one minute happy, the next moment killing those around them. It's a solid entry to the series and continues to push the story along at a good pace. I'm a little sad there are only two books left! I don't want it to end.

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!