Book Review 243 // Jewels of Gwahlur By Robert E. Howard

I keep discovering more Conan adventures; just when I think I am done, I get pulled back in. This week's short story is The Jewels of Gwahlur, which weirdly didn't have a cover, so I just grabbed one I liked the look of. So with this intro complete, let's dive in.

Title: Jewels of Gwahlur by Robert E. Howard

Author: Robert E. Howard

Blurb: "The Jewels of Gwahlur" is a classic short story by Robert E. Howard, the creator of the iconic Conan the Barbarian character. The story was first published in March 1935, in the magazine Weird Tales, and it features a character named Conan. Conan is a fierce and powerful warrior who travels the world in search of adventure and treasure. In "The Jewels of Gwahlur," he comes across a city of ancient ruins, rumored to contain a treasure beyond the fabled jewels of the goddess Yelaya. Conan joins forces with a woman named Muriela, who claims to know the location of the jewels. Together, they journey deep into the jungle, facing countless dangers and obstacles along the way. They encounter hostile tribes, giant snakes, and even a man-eating plant before finally reaching their destination. But when they arrive, they discover that the jewels are guarded by a fierce creature known as the "Garden of Fear," which kills any who attempt to take the jewels. Conan and Muriela must use all their wits and skill to overcome the Garden of Fear and claim the jewels for themselves. "The Jewels of Gwahlur" is a classic adventure story, full of action, danger, and suspense. Howard's writing is vivid and evocative, transporting the reader to a world of ancient ruins, lost treasures, and deadly creatures. The story has been adapted into various forms, including comics and movies, and it remains a beloved work of fantasy fiction. Some possible themes of "The Jewels of Gwahlur" include the allure of treasure, the dangers of greed, the importance of teamwork, and the triumph of courage and cunning over brute force.

Format: 73 pages, Kindle Edition

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Review

Hmmm. Something is wrong here when the blurb is longer than the review... Maybe because of the way I am reading these stories back to back, I am finding this one very by the numbers. Conan hears of treasure and searches, finds a pretty girl, fights a monster and rides off into the sunset. Rather straightforward, if I'm honest.

At the same time, the setting is great. A classic Hack and Slash adventure. Conan seeks jewels and his greed is riding high, only to be left empty-handed. Like many of these short stories, it feels like it would be the beginning of a grander adventure rather than the end of the story. We got great action and fighting, and Conan even escaped with a girl who may be a goddess? One of the saddest parts of these shorts is the feeling of not being fully finished. It is a shame we never got a true full-length adventure from Howard.

So how, to sum up. It was okay. It was definitely a weaker tale in the set, with it all feeling a bit oh, he's done this before. But that is always bound to happen with characters written again and again. I hope you will join me again next week for more Conan, as we near the end with only four more titles to go!

Let's Play: Warhammer 40K Tacticus - Spyder Boss Fight

Let's Play is Warhammer 40K Tacticus - Spyder Boss Fight.

I appreciated the game much more as we entered the second boss fight. Some tactics are involved as the levels get more challenging, and as characters unlock more potent abilities, you must start watching out for friendly fire!

My opinions on the game have improved; it is still a straightforward mechanic of moving here, using power, wait your turn again, and I am okay with that.

Is anyone else playing this? Let me know, and we can start a guild. 

Or at least friend-code me! THE-87-PEW

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Book Review 242 //A Witch Shall be Born by Robert E. Howard

Really starting to rattle through these titles and reviews. After this one, there are only five tales left! What will I do without Conan? The fear and dread are building. Let us dive into this week's short.

Title: A Witch Shall Be Born

Author: Robert E. Howard

Blurb: Robert Ervin Howard (1906-1936) was an American pulp writer of fantasy, horror, historical adventure, boxing, western, and detective fiction. He is well known for having created the character Conan the Cimmerian, a literary icon whose pop-culture imprint can be compared to such icons as Tarzan of the Apes, Sherlock Holmes, and James Bond. Voracious reading, along with a natural talent for prose writing and the encouragement of teachers, conspired to create in Howard an interest in becoming a professional writer. One by one he discovered the authors that would influence his later Jack London and Rudyard Kipling. It's clear from Howard's earliest writings and the recollections of his friends that he suffered from severe depression from an early age. Friends recall him defending the act of suicide as a valid alternative as early as eighteen years old. At the same time, many of his stories and poems have a suicidal gloom and intensity that seem prescient in hindsight, describing such an end not as a tragedy but as a release from hell on earth.

Format: 56 pages, E-book

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Review

What a great story that was focused on something other than Conan, for a large part. The story starts with twin sisters, the first a Queen and the other a witch. The witch has ideas of grandeur and soon removes her sister from power and assumes the throne in her name. While the ousted sister is left wandering the desert, seeking aid to reclaim her throne. A simple enough sword and sorcery tale, but where is Conan?

Well, it turns out Conan is Crucified in the desert. In fact, it takes a whole chapter for him to be finally rescued. It is strange reading about him in this manner because though I know he will survive, I can't help but worry that Howard will just kill him for the sake of the story. This leads to a rather tense read early on. But now Conan is free, and we all know how it will end.

As the story unfolds, you can't help but feel for the witch. Due to a birthmark, the young child is thrown into the desert to survive on her own, ultimately leading her to hatred and magic. A self-fulfilling act, I assume. And though you can't condone deception and the overthrow of power, you can at least understand the reasons behind it. 

As long-time blog readers will know by now, I love a good villain, especially a believable one, and this story has it. I really enjoyed this adventure and highly recommend it.

Audio Review 137 // Prophets of Waaagh! by Guy Haley

Time to get some ork action going on this blog! It's been a while since we had some good comedy action from everyone's second favourite green-skin creatures (let's be honest Hulk always wins).

Title: Prophets of Waaagh!

Author: Guy Haley

Blurb: Dumped on a nowhere world by the opening of the Cicatrix Maledictum, the Red Sunz Mek mob is struggling to survive. When a call to Waaagh! Rings out across the planet, the chance at survival, as well as some shooty-fun, beckons. But all is not what it seems. Only an ork with real dorky know-wots can hope to overcome the False Waaagh…!

Contents

The End of Daze

Bozgat's Big Adventure

The Waaagh! Faker

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Review

As you can see above, the story is divided into three parts. Which, over an hour, takes you on a thrilling adventure through Ork Kulture.

Part One: The End of Daze. This actually surprised me as we are reintroduced to a group of Mekboyz from an earlier Haley story. The purpose of this story is to get us caught up on the characters whilst they search for Talker the Mobz Weirdboy. It is what it is, in no way is this a stunning piece of storytelling but more of a stage setter for what is to come.

From here we move into Part Two: Bozgat's Big Adventure. Obviously focused on Bozgat as he searches for the missing Weirdboy. His grot companion on this adventure is Frikk and he is such a character and brings great energy to the tale. We also get to see a Grot Revolution and Kommittee in action which is something I have dreamed about since the days of GorkaMorka.

The Final Part is Waaagh! Faker. The story is ramping to the finale and now all the action starts to smash together. With rival Ork Bands fighting each confusion reigns, but to this mix also comes the Adeptus Mechanicus and Space Marines. Soon rival sciences and engineering is battling against each other. Turns out the Mechanicus have a cunning plan and our Mob of Evil Sunz Meks are the only ones who can stop them. It is a fun and awesome listen.

Can't really fault it, it is a very good listen. Great acting, great sound effects, everything you expect from a Black Library production. Would it benefit from more time? Sure. Did it need Space Marines in there? Nope. But these are small issues that I really have to dig out to complain about.

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How to Paint a Tabletop Ready Ryza Magos Dominus - Warhammer 40K

 

How to Paint a Tabletop Ready Ryza Magos Dominus. Here's a quick, straightforward how-to-paint video showing how I painted a Ryza Magos Dominus. The technique is straightforward and designed to make models look good from 3ft away (i.e. on the tabletop).

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Comic Book 245 // Batman - Reptile Rampage

Time for a quick, fun read with the kid. Visiting a classic match-up of The Batman vs. Killer Croc.

Title: Batman Classic: Reptile Rampage

Author: Katharine Turner

Illustrator: Eric A. Gordon & Steven E. Gordon

Blurb: A Gotham City hospital is being terrorized by Killer Croc, and it's up to Batman to save the day! Can the Caped Crusader clean the city sewers of this rotten reptile?

Format: 32 pages, Paperback

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Review

Surprisingly enjoyable. It's a young reader-friendly adventure, meaning it used other ways to solve the problem than straight-up violence. The piece's villain is Killer Croc, who, as you may well know, is looking for a way to reverse his affliction and cure himself. This has led to him stealing from a local hospital and gaining the attention of Batman and Robin.

Throughout the story, the duo faces dangers and problems to solve, keeping younger readers excited and on the edge of their seats. It is good to see the duo using compassion when dealing with Croc and offering to aid him (which is refused) before resorting to a more physical answer.

It was an enjoyable read, and my son had a blast. Recommend.

Book Review 241 // The People of the Black Circle by Robert E. Howard

I must be closing in on the end of the Conan Adventures? How many otherworldly adventures of swords and magic can our hero go through?

Title: The People Of the Black Circle

Author: Robert E. Howard

Blurb:

The People of the Black Circle" is a gripping tale of adventure and intrigue, written by the legendary pulp fiction writer Robert E. Howard. Set in the mystical world of Conan the Barbarian, the story takes the reader on a thrilling journey through the mountains of Vendhya and the dark, foreboding forests of Afghulistan. The story centers around Conan, a mighty warrior who is hired by the queen of Vendhya to rescue her brother, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious cult known as the Black Circle. Along the way, Conan encounters a wide array of fascinating characters, including the beautiful Yasmina, who is also seeking the help of the Black Circle to achieve her own goals. As Conan makes his way through the treacherous terrain, he discovers that the Black Circle is much more than just a simple cult. Its members possess powerful magic, and they are willing to use it to achieve their own ends, no matter what the cost. Conan must use all of his strength, cunning, and courage to outwit the Black Circle and rescue the prince before it is too late. "The People of the Black Circle" is a classic tale of adventure and heroism, filled with exotic locations, vivid characters, and thrilling action sequences. Howard's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions bring the world of Conan to life, immersing the reader in a rich and detailed universe that is as fascinating as it is dangerous. This book is a must-read for fans of fantasy, adventure, and sword and sorcery fiction, as well as anyone who loves a good old-fashioned tale of daring and heroism. It is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time, and remains just as thrilling and exciting today as it was when it was first published nearly a century ago.

Format: 131 pages, Kindle Edition

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Review

Well, it's definitely a Conan adventure! We start the adventure with the passing of King. Unfortunately, his death is due to an evil, mustache-twirling Wizard. Now it falls upon the ousted King's sister to seek revenge and free her kingdom. Here enters Conan rather conveniently, and through a series of errors and misjudgements, he kidnaps the ousted sister! Now thrown into the middle of a civil war, Conan must face off against the wizard and end the tyranny.

Overall a very standardized Conan adventure, which I so enjoyed. You just know what to expect from a Conan adventure, and it is nice to let yourself go and just fall into a tale of fantasy.

Audio Review 136 // Heirs of the Laughing God: Death's Mercy by Gav Thorpe

For once, I am listening to a series in order! Just look at the cover art for Heirs of the Laughing God. It is so cool seeing a Death Jester take centre stage.

Title: Heirs of the Laughing God #2 - Death's Mercy

Author: Gav Thorpe

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Blurb: Following the whim of the Laughing God, the Masque of the Fading Dawn conduct an audacious attack against mon-keigh invaders. Battling to secure their legacy, the troupe put on a performance worthy of remembrance against a backdrop of acerbic remarks from their Death Jester, Adroniel. Intent on a spectacular finale, Adroniel becomes hell-bent on obliterating their unremarkable human foe with deadly artistry, until a strange encounter challenges her role in the final act…

Review

It's going to be a tale of two halves. Up first, the pros. It's a Black Library adventure meaning it sounds terrific. The actors sound like they are having fun with the script, the sound effects suck you into the action and in just an hour, you have time to enjoy the piece.

But for me, this story missed the mark. It was my own fault. I went in expecting lore/background on the Death Jesters. I wanted to learn more about the harlequins. But instead, we got a story that, for a large part, seemed instead focused on the weapons of the space clowns. Which is fine, but less of an attraction for me. I am sure for the right listener this would hit the mark well.

Imperium Magazine Issue 25 - Defensive Perimeter - Review & Battle Report

Imperium Magazine Issue 25 - Defensive Perimeter is the next installment as I run all 80 Battle Reports from the Warhammer 40,000 Imperium collection from Hachette Partworks and Games Workshop.

This will all be a part of the Imperium playlist: YouTube. Hit the subscribe button to not miss out.

For each issue, I will bring you a fully painted battle report. Using that issues figures/terrain (if they have some) and rules. As well as a quick overview of the magazine. Got any questions, please do ask!

Imperium Magazine Issue 25 - Defensive Perimeter. Has us learning all about Necron Immortals, the Royal Courts of both the Imperium and Necrons, before visiting the realms of Ultamar and the Forgeworlds. We then build and paint the Immortals before heading into the bat reps.

The Battle Report will see us pit Ten Necrons, 5 Immortals and a Royal Warden against a Lieutenant and 10 Assault Intercessors. Who will win?

The series is currently at 18-10 to the Necrons.

Thank you for reading and watching. Remember to subscribe; it means the world to me.

How to paint Necron Immortals

Comic Review 244 // Rocket Raccoon and Groot - Tall Tails

Diving into a new book for me. I truly know very little about Groot and Rocket, I haven't watched a Guardian of the Galaxy film either, so I am going in completely blind. Wish me luck!

Title: Rocket Raccoon & Groot: Tall Tails

Writing Team: Skottie Young & Nick Kocher

Illustrator: Filipe Andrade

Blurb: There’s a new criminal mastermind in the galaxy, and it’s - Rocket Raccoon?! How did this happen? Groot knows, but he’s not talking! Well, he is talking, but all he’s saying is - Oh, you know. Diabolical danger, madcap mysteries and astonishing adventure abound in tall tales of everyone’s favorite cosmic double act! Then, Rocket and Groot put the “fun” in “funeral” — but any mirth is only hiding a certain raccoon-like critter’s grief at the death of his mentor in con-artistry. And when Captain Marvel enlists her Guardians of the Galaxy pals to fight in CIVIL WAR II, surely it won’t divide these BFFs. After all, they are Groot, right? All that, plus the unbelievable Gwenpool! If you love adventure, animals, outer space and just about anything in between, this is the book for you!

COLLECTING: ROCKET RACCOON & GROOT (2016) #1-10

Format: 232 pages, Paperback

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Review

Well, I am surprised. I enjoyed this book more than expected which surprised me. The comic is split into two parts by the author, the first is written by Skottie Young, whilst the second is by Nick Kocher.

The Skottie half was light-hearted, cartoon focused. The jokes landed well enough but overall were average. I definitely preferred the Nick Kocher three-issue run. The artwork was more detailed and the story arc was a lot more interesting for me.

I am left interested in learning more, but it hasn't helped push the duo higher into my to-be-read list.

If you are Rocket and Groot fan let me know what I should read, to really get me hooked.

Book Review 240 // The Devil in Iron by Robert E. Howard

 

"The Devil in Iron" is one of the original stories by Robert E. Howard about Conan the Cimmerian, first published in Weird Tales in August 1934. Howard earned $115 for the publication of this story.

Title: The Devil in Iron

Author: Robert E. Howard

Blurb: The plot concerns the resurrection of a mythical demon, the theft of a sacred dagger, and an unrelated trap that lures Conan to the island fortress roamed by the demon. The story's plot loopholes and borrowed elements from "Iron Shadows in the Moon" lead some Howard scholars to call this story the weakest of the early Conan tales.

Review

We join Conan as a leader of a raider band, which is raiding within the kingdom of Turan. Conan and his forces are a true thorn on the side of Agha, the leader within the coastal realm. Running out of pride and patience, Agha turns to his counsellor Ghaznavi for help. His advice, get Conan drunk and offer him, beautiful women. Our "villains" chose a slave girl as bait, chosen due to her "Vitality and Substantial Figure." Soon a trap is formed, and Conan is alone with the slave girl on an Island covered in ruins which also plays host to a creature just as old as the ruins.

The story seems rushed and, at times, painful to read. The ending saves it, but in a short read, that seems rather pointless. Unless you need to complete all, I recommend skipping this one.